Surprise (Part 1)

Take me over, I'm lying down / I'm giving in to you She finds Willow sitting at a table with a large cup of cappuccino and an organ grinder's monkey.

Willow

(to the monkey) L'hippo a pique' ses pantalons.

The hippo stole his pants.

I'm a hurricane The monkey on the table with her squeaks. Buffy walks up to the table and looks at Willow curiously. Willow smiles at her and waves. Buffy raises her hand back, but remains confused about the monkey.

Do you really think you're ready, Buffy?

Buffy

What? Joyce drops the saucer. Buffy watches it fall. It shatters on the floor. Joyce just turns and slowly walks away.

I'll do anything for you Buffy watches her go, then looks around the room again.

Buffy

ANGEL!

...this love They reach out for each other. Before she can touch him his hand begins to disintegrate. The rings on his fingers fall to the floor. His body doesn't explode like most vampires', but just crumbles to dust. Drusilla lowers the stake and takes the few steps over to Buffy.

Happy Birthday, Buffy. Cut to Buffy's room. She wakes from her nightmare and quickly sits up, surprised and confused. Opening credits roll. Buffy's theme plays. ~~~~~~~~~~ Part 1 ~~~~~~~~~~ Angel's apartment. There's a knock at the door.

Angel

Hold on. He reaches for the knob and opens it. Buffy is standing there with a worried look on her face.

Buffy

That's what I was gonna ask you. You're okay, right?

Angel

Sure. I-I'm fine. (gestures for her to come in) What's up? She comes in and puts her bag down. He swings the door partially closed and walks over to grab a shirt.

Buffy

Um... I-I had this... dream that Drusilla was alive.

Angel

(pulls on the shirt) What happened?

Buffy

She killed you. Right in front of me.

Angel

It was just a dream. It wasn't real.

Buffy

But it felt so real.

Angel

(puts his hand to her cheek) It wasn't. I'm right here.

Buffy

Angel, th-this happened before. The dreams that I had about the Master, they came true.

Angel

(reassuringly) Still, not every dream you have comes true. I mean, what else did you dream last night? Can you remember?

Buffy

(looks down) I dreamt... I dreamt that Giles and I opened an office supply warehouse in Vegas.

Angel

See my point?

Buffy

(exhales) Yeah, I-I do, but... what if Drusilla is alive? We never saw her body.

Angel

(reassures) She's not. But even if she was, we'd deal.

Buffy

W-w-what if she is... He grabs and kisses her, and she responds. A couple of kisses later they break off and look at each other.

Angel

What if what?

Buffy

(whispers) I'm sorry. Were we talking? Angel leans over to kiss her again. They put their arms around each other and hold each other closely as they kiss. Buffy suddenly breaks off and looks down.

Angel

I know. He follows her, takes her arm, turns her around and kisses her again passionately. They take hold of each other again. They stop kissing a moment later but keep touching foreheads.

Buffy

Oh, God, you feel...

Angel

You have to go to school. (guides her to the door) Buffy: Right. I know. This is me. (backs into and shuts the door) I'm going. They begin kissing passionately again. After a while they stop and look at each other.

Buffy

(smiles) Surprise me.

Angel

(smiles) Okay. I will. They kiss.

Buffy

(smiles) This is nice. I like seeing you first thing in the morning.

Angel

It's bedtime for me.

Buffy

Well, then I like seeing you at bedtime. Um... Um, heh... Y-you know what I mean.

Angel

I think so. What do you mean?

Buffy

I like seeing you. The part at the end of the night where we say good-bye... It's getting harder.

Angel

Yeah. It is.

Willow

'I like you at bedtime?' Cut to the lawn under the trees at Sunnydale High. Willow and Buffy are walking.

Buffy

I know, I know.

Willow

Man, that's like... I-I dunno, that's moxie or something.

Buffy

Totally unplanned. It just... came out.

Willow

(giggles) And he was into it? I mean, he wants to see you at bedtime, too?

Buffy

Yeah, I, I, I think he does. Well, I, I mean he-he's cool about it.

Willow

Well, of course he is. 'Cause he's cool. I mean, he would never... you know...

Buffy

Push.

Willow

Right. H-he's not the type.

Buffy

Will, what am I gonna do?

Willow

What do you wanna do?

Buffy

I don't know. I... I mean, (they sit on a bench) 'want' isn't always the right thing *to* do. To act on want can be wrong.

Willow

True.

Buffy

But... to *not* act on want... What if I never feel this way again?

Willow

Carpe diem. You told me that once.

Buffy

'Fish of the day'?

Willow

Not carp. (smiles) Carpe. It means 'seize the day.' Buffy: Right. I... I think we're going to. Seize it. Once you get to a certain point, then seizing is sort of inevitable.

Buffy

(smiles) Yeah.

Willow

Wow... The school bell rings.

Buffy

Oh... (gets up and goes) Willow: (gets up and follows) Wow! Cut to them still walking. Willow stares at Buffy.

Willow

Wow.

Buffy

(smiles) Yeah. She looks over to the side and sees Oz sitting at a bench with his guitar.

Willow

(smiles) He's nice. Hey, I like his hands.

Buffy

Mm. A fixation on insignificant detail is a definite crush sign.

Willow

Oh, I don't know, though. I mean, he is a senior.

Buffy

(stops) You think he's too old 'cause he's a senior? Please. My boyfriend had a bicentennial.

Willow

That's true. (unsure) Uh... I guess... I just...

Buffy

You can't spend the rest of your life waiting for Xander to wake up and smell the hottie. Make a move. Do the talking thing.

Willow

Well, what if the talking thing becomes the awkward-silence thing?

Buffy

Well, you won't know until you try. She walks off leaving Willow to consider her next action. She looks at Oz, at Buffy walking away and back at Oz. Cut to Oz on the bench. He's practicing with his guitar. Willow walks around the bench and stands next to him.

Willow

Hey.

Oz

(looks up) Hey. (gives her his attention) Willow: Do you guys, uh, have a gig tonight?

Willow

(smiles) I think you guys sound good.

Oz

Thanks.

Willow

I bet you have a lot of groupies.

Oz

(nods) It happens. Now, I'm living groupie-free nowadays. I'm clean.

Willow

(smiles) Oh. (begins to feel awkward) Oz: I'm gonna ask you to go out with me tomorrow night. And I'm kinda nervous about it, actually. It's interesting.

Oz

Yeah, it helps. It-it creates a comfort zone. (Willow smiles) Do you wanna go out with me tomorrow night?

Willow

(cringes and slaps her hand to her forehead) Oh! I can't!

Oz

Well, see, I like that you're unpredictable.

Willow

Oh, it's just it's Buffy's birthday, and we're throwing her a surprise party.

Oz

It's okay.

Willow

But you could come. If you want to.

Oz

Well, I don't wanna crash.

Willow

No, it's fine! Well, you could be m... my date.

Oz

(nods) All right. I'm in. (smiles) Willow smiles back, and after a moment indicates she has to go. Oz nods to give her leave. She starts away, smiling widely.

Willow

(to herself) I said 'date'. Cut to Cordelia's locker. The camera is inside looking out. Cordelia swings the door open. Xander is standing behind her.

Xander

So... Buffy's party. Manana.

Cordelia

Well, just because she's Miss Save-The-World and everything, you have to make a big deal? I have to cook! And everything.

Xander

You're cooking?

Cordelia

Well, I'm chips and dips girl.

Xander

(gasps) Horrors! All that opening and stirring.

Cordelia

And shopping and carrying.

Xander

Well, then you should have a person who does such things for you.

Cordelia

Well, that's what I've been saying to my father, but does he listen?

Xander

Um, so, uh... You're going, and, and, and I'm going. Should... we maybe... go? Cut outside the locker.

Cordelia

Why?

Xander

I dunno. This... thing with us, despite our better judgment, it keeps happening. Maybe we should just admit that we're dating.

Cordelia

Groping in a broom closet isn't dating. You don't call it a date until the guy spends money.

Xander

Fine. I'll spend, then we'll grope. Whatever. I just think it's some kind of whacked that we feel we have to hide it from all our friends.

Cordelia

Well, of course *you* wanna tell everybody. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I, on the other hand, have *everything* to be ashamed of.

Xander

You know what? 'Nuff said. Forget it. It must've been my multiple-personality guy talking. I call him Idiot Jed, glutton for punishment. He looks at her and exhales, then turns and walks off. Cut further down the hall. Giles comes walking out of the lounge and sees Xander.

Giles

Oh, good morning. (quietly) Is everything in order for the party?

Xander

Absolutely. You ready to get down, you funky party weasel? Giles looks at the stairs and sees Jenny and Buffy coming down.

Giles

Here comes Buffy. (to Xander) Now remember: discretion is the better part of valor.

Xander

You coulda just said, 'shh!' God, are all you Brits such drama queens? (to Buffy) Buffy, I feel a pre-birthday spanking coming on.

I'd curb that impulse if I were you, Xander. She and Buffy sit at a table in the lounge.

Xander

(into his shirt) Check, cancel spanking.

Giles

(sits also) You alright, Buffy? You seem a little fatigued.

Buffy

Rough night. I had a dream that Drusilla was alive and she killed Angel. I-it just really freaked me out.

Giles

You fear it was more of a, a... a portent?

Buffy

See, I don't know. I don't wanna start a big freakout over nothing.

Giles

Still, best to be, uh, on the alert. If Drusilla is alive, i-i- it could be a fairly... cataclysmic state of affairs.

Xander

Again, so many words! Couldn't you just say, 'we'd be in trouble'?

Giles

(gives Xander a look) Go to class, Xander.

Xander

Gone. (gets up and starts away, but stops) Notice the economy of phrasing: 'gone.' Simple. Direct. (points at Giles and leaves) Buffy: Maybe I should get 'gone', too. (stands up) Giles: (stands up) Uh, don't worry unduly, Buffy. I-I-I'm sure it's nothing.

Buffy

I know. I should keep my Slayer cool, but... it's Angel, which automatically equals maxi-wig.

Giles

Hmm. He gives her a smile as she goes. Cut to Spike's warehouse. Dalton comes in carrying a large wooden box.

I have your package.

Spike

Just put it on the table... near the other gifts. Dalton walks past the camera to the table as Spike rolls into view in a wheelchair. Drusilla follows him, guiding the chair.

But the invitations are sent.

Spike

Yeah. It's just I've had it with this place. Nothing ever comes off like it's supposed to.

(leans in and puts her hands on his chest) My gatherings are always perfect. Remember Spain? (crouches next to him) Hey... The bulls? (walks her fingers up his arm) Spike: I remember, sweet. But Sunnydale's cursed for us. Angel and the Slayer see to that.

Spike

Just a peek, love. She excitedly reaches for the latch on one of them.

It reeks of death. Cut outside the box. She sighs and kneels in front of Spike.

Spike

Why is that?

Because... She stands back up and leans toward the box. Cut inside the box.

Mall trip for your birthday on Saturday. Don't forget.

Buffy

Space on a mom-sponsored shopping opportunity? Not likely.

Hmm. So, does, um, 17 feel any different than 16?

Buffy

It's funny you should ask that. (gets Joyce's attention) You know, I woke up feeling more responsible, mature and levelheaded.

Really? Tch. It's uncanny.

Buffy

I now possess the qualities one looks for in a... licensed driver. (looks at her mom hopefully) Joyce: Buffy...

Do you really think you're ready, Buffy? She gives her mom a surprised look. Joyce drops her plate. Buffy watches it fall and sees it shatter on the floor. Cut to Ms. Calendar's classroom. She walks to her desk with an arm full of papers. She sets down her mug and a couple of other things and begins to go through them. Behind her a man in a dark suit and hat approaches her. He stops and looks at her.

Jenny Calendar. Jenny spins around, startled. She stares at him in surprise.

You startled me.

You look well. (steps up to her desk) Jenny: Yes, I'm fine. (goes around her desk) I know I haven't written as much lately. I've been busy.

Well, I've been working and...

(interrupts) The elder woman has been reading signs. Something is different.

Nothing has changed. The curse still holds.

The elder woman is never wrong. She says his pain is lessening. She can feel it.

(looks down) There is...

There is what?

(looks up) A girl.

(exhales in disgust) What? How could you let this happen?

I promise you. Angel still suffers. And he makes amends for his evil. He even saved my life.

So you just forget that he destroyed the most beloved daughter of your tribe?! That he *killed* every man, woman and child that touched her life?! Vengeance demands that his pain be eternal as ours is! If this, this girl gives him one *minute* of happiness, it is one minute too much!

I'm sorry. I thought...

You thought what?! You thought you are Jenny Calendar now?! You are still Janna, of the Kalderash people! A Gypsy.

I know... Uncle. I know.

Then prove it. Your time for watching is past. The girl and him, it ends now! Do what you must to take her from him!

I will see to it. Cut to the library. Buffy is sitting at the table while Giles paces behind her.

Buffy

...and then my mom broke the plate. It was just like my dream. Every gesture, every word. (looks up at him) It was so creepy.

Giles

Yes, well, I-I-I'd imagine it would be... fairly unnerving. He sits on the end of the table. Xander and Willow come bounding in.

Xander

Hey! It's the woman of the hour.

Willow

It's Happy Birthday Buffy! She jumps over to the table, hugs Buffy's shoulders and gives her a big smile. She lets go and goes around to the other side of the table with Xander. Buffy just looks down and pulls her hair behind her ear.

Giles

I-it's just that, um, part of the nightmare that Buffy had the other night actually transpired.

Buffy

Which means Drusilla might still be alive. Giles, in my dream, I couldn't stop her. She blindsided me. A-Angel was gone before I knew what happened.

Giles

Even if she is alive, uh, we can still protect Angel. Dreams aren't prophecies, Buffy. Y-y-y-you dreamt that the Master had risen, but you stopped it from happening.

Xander

You ground his bones to make your bread.

Buffy

That's true. Except for the bread part. (to Giles) Okay, so, fine. We're one step ahead, but I wanna stay that way.

Giles

Absolutely. (stands up) Let me read up on Drusilla, uh, see if she has any particular patterns. (starts toward his office) Why don't you meet me here at 7:00? We'll map out a strategy.

Buffy

What am I supposed to do until then?

Giles

Go to classes, do your homework, have supper...

Buffy

Right. Be *that* Buffy. She gets up from the table, grabs her bag and heads out of the library.

Xander

(pointing) Well, that's not a perky birthday puppy.

Willow

So much for our surprise party. I bought little hats and everything.

Xander

Mm-hm.

Willow

Oh, well. I guess I'll tell Cordelia. (starts to go) Giles: No, you won't. (Willow and Xander stop) We're having a party tonight.

Xander

(stares at Giles) Looks like Mr. Caution Man, but the sound he makes is funny. Willow frowns and nods in agreement.

Giles

Buffy's surprise party will go ahead as we planned. Except I won't be wearing the little hat.

Willow

But Buffy and Angel...

Giles

May well be in danger... as they have been before, and, I imagine, will be again. One thing I've learned in my tenure here on the Hellmouth is that there is no good time to relax. And Buffy's turning 17 just this once, and she deserves a party.

Xander

You're a great man of our time.

Willow

(smiles) And anyway, Angel's coming. So she'll be able to protect him *and* have cake.

Giles

Precisely. He goes into his office. Willow and Xander leave with a happy bounce in their step. Cut to the school that night. Cut to a hall. Buffy comes walking down. Jenny sees her.

Buffy.

Buffy

(startled) Oh, my God, I didn't see you there.

Sorry. Um, Giles wanted me to tell you that there's been a change of plans. Uh, he wants to meet you someplace near his house 'cause he had to run home and get a book or something.

Buffy

'Cause heaven knows there aren't enough books in the library.

Uh, he's... very thorough.

Buffy

Oh, which is not to bag. It's kind of manly in an obsessive- compulsive kind of way, don't you think?

Mm-hm. Um, you know, my car's here. Why don't I drive you?

Buffy

Okay. She starts out to the parking lot. Jenny watches her go a few steps and then follows. Cut to the alley outside the Bronze. Jenny's Beetle rolls slowly along.

I'm not sure. Giles gave me an address. I'm just following his directions. They round a corner, and Buffy sees something going on.

Buffy

This looks funky. Stop for a sec. A truck is parked in an adjacent loading area. A man jumps off of the truck bed while another walks across the loading dock.

No, Buffy, maybe you shouldn't.

Buffy

Sorry. Sacred duty, yada yada yada. She gets out of the car and goes to investigate.

(sighs) What is this? (leans her head on her hand) Cut to the truck. Buffy walks up and stops by the cab. She sees Dalton carrying a wooden box.

Buffy

Every time I see you, you're stealing something. (Dalton growls) You really should speak with someone about this klepto issue. The truck's engine starts. Buffy turns and reaches for the door handle. Dalton makes a hasty escape. The truck door swings open before Buffy can reach it, and a vampire kicks out at her, hitting her in the arm, but not hard. She grabs for him and pulls him out of the cab and onto the ground. Dalton lifts the box onto the back of the truck. The vampire gets up from the pavement, and Buffy punches him, knocking him back down again. She backs up toward the truck to get around him, but a third vampire standing in the bed grabs her by the jacket and lifts her up. He gets her in a full Nelson hold. She pushes him back into a large box. He is stunned and lets go of his hold. She snaps her head back and butts him hard. The other vampire has climbed onto the truck bed also and comes at her. She punches him, turns and punches the one behind her, turns and punches the other one again, then kicks him in the chest, making him fall and roll over a crate. She blocks a swing from the one behind her, grabs his arm and shoves his head into the crate. Cut inside the Bronze. Angel peeks out from behind a pillar and looks around.

Angel

Where is she? The others peek out from behind the pool table and look up at him.

Willow

Shhh! I think I hear her coming. Cut outside. Buffy punches one of the wooden bed retainers and breaks off a piece. She jams it into one of the vampires' chests, and he bursts into ashes. The other grabs her from behind, lifts her up and carries her onto the loading dock. He throws her at a door. She hits it and rolls away. Cut inside. The gang hears the fighting going on outside and looks toward a window. Cut to the window. Buffy and the vampire come crashing through and hit the floor. Everyone gets up to look. Buffy scrambles to her feet and kicks the vampire as he comes for her. He stumbles back a few steps. The others come closer to see. Buffy grabs a drumstick from a drum set, spins around with it, thrusts it into the vampire's chest and pulls it back out. The vampire explodes into ashes. Oz watches in astonishment. Cordelia jumps up from behind the pool table with her arms raised high.

Cordelia

Surprise! The others all look back at her.

Oz

That pretty much sums it up. Xander shakes his head at Cordelia.

Xander

Tch. Buffy hops down from the stage. Angel goes over to her. Cordelia lowers her arms.

Angel

Buffy, are you okay?

Giles

Yes. W-what happened?

Buffy

(points behind her) Uh, there were these vamps outs... (looks around) W-what's going on?

Giles

Oh, um... A surprise party. (blows on a party favor) Cordelia: Happy Birthday.

Buffy

(smiles) You guys did all this for me? (to Angel) That is so sweet.

Angel

You sure you're okay?

Buffy

Yes, I'm fine.

Willow

(to Oz) Are you okay?

Oz

Yeah. Hey, did everybody see that guy just turn to dust?

Willow

Uh, well, uh... sort of.

Xander

Yep. Vampires are real. A lot of them live in Sunnydale. (gestures between Willow and Oz) Willow will fill you in. (walks off) Willow: I know it's hard to accept at first.

Oz

Actually, it explains a *lot*. Jenny comes into the Bronze carrying Dalton's box.

Hey, can somebody give me a hand here? Angel and Giles take it from her and set it on a table.

Buffy

What is it?

Giles

I have no idea. Can, can it be opened?

Buffy

Yeah. This looks like a release right here. She works the latch and opens the box. Inside is an arm clad in armor. Buffy looks over at Giles in disgust. Suddenly the arm raises up, grabs Buffy by the throat and begins choking her. ~~~~~~~~~~ Part 3 ~~~~~~~~~~ The Bronze. Buffy struggles with the arm. Angel tries to pull it off of her. Between them they get it off, and Angel stuffs it back into the box while Buffy steps back and tries to catch her breath. Giles slams the lid shut. Buffy coughs as Angel helps her aside.

Xander

Well, clearly the Hellmouth's answer to 'what do you get the Slayer who has everything?' Giles: Good heavens. Buffy, are you all right?

Buffy

Man, that thing had major grip.

Willow

W-what was that?

Oz

It looked like an arm.

Angel

It can't be. She wouldn't.

Xander

What, uh, vamp's version of 'snakes in a can', or do you care to share?

Buffy

Angel?

Angel

It-it's a legend... (Giles looks at the box) way before my time... of a demon brought forth to rid the Earth of the plague of humanity... separate the righteous from the wicked... and to burn the righteous down. They call him the Judge.

Giles

The Judge? This is he?

Angel

Not all of him.

Buffy

(raising her hand) Um, still needing backstory here.

Giles

Um... He, he, he couldn't be killed, yes? Um, a-an army was sent against him. Most of them died... but, uh, finally they were able to dismember him, but, uh... not kill him.

Angel

The pieces were scattered... buried in every corner of the Earth.

So all these parts are being brought here.

Buffy

By Drusilla. The vamps outside were Spike's men.

Angel

She's just crazy enough to do it.

Willow

Do what, reassemble the Judge?

Angel

And bring forth Armageddon.

Cordelia

Is anybody else gonna have cake? (goes to the pool table) Giles: We need to get this out of town.

Angel.

Buffy

What?

(to Angel) You have to do it. You're the only one that can protect this thing.

Buffy

What about me?

What, you're just gonna skip town for a few months?

Buffy

'Months'?

Angel

She's right. I gotta get this to the remotest region possible. (goes to Buffy) Buffy: But that's not months.

Buffy

You know, those newfangled flying machines really are much safer than they used to be.

Angel

I can't fly. There's no sure way to guard against the daylight. I-I-I don't like this any more than you do, Buffy. But there's no other choice.

Buffy

When?

Angel

Tonight. As soon as possible.

Buffy

But it's my birthday.

(comes over) I'll drive you to the docks. Cut to Spike's warehouse. Drusilla is confronting Dalton. He has his eyes lowered.

You lost it? You... lost my present.

I know. I'm sorry.

Spike

It was a bad turn, man. She can't have her fun without the box.

The Slayer. She came out of nowhere. I didn't even see her. She... Drusilla cuts him off by putting her finger to his lips. She stares into his eyes. She lifts off his glasses and drops them to the floor. She stomps on them and grinds them into the concrete. She lifts her head with her eyes closed.

Make a wish.

What? She holds two fingers up to his eyes.

I'm going to blow out the candles.

Spike

You might give him a chance to find your lost treasure. He is a wanker, but he's the only one we've got with half a brain. If he fails, you can eat his eyes out of the sockets for all I care.

I'll get it. Please. I swear. Drusilla thrusts both hands at him and pulls them back at the last instant and up into raised fists, and smiles at him evilly. She bends down and picks up his glasses.

Okay. She unfolds them and sets them back on his nose.

Angel

I should go the rest of the way alone.

Buffy

Okay.

Angel

But I'll be back. I will.

Buffy

When? Six months, a year? You don't know how long it's gonna take or if we'll even... (looks down) Angel: Hey... (raises her chin) If we'll even what?

Angel

Don't say that. We'll be fine.

Buffy

We don't know that.

Angel

We can't know, Buffy. Nobody can. That's just the deal. (reaches into his pocket) I have something for you. For your birthday. I... I was gonna give it to you earlier, but... (shows her a ring with an intricate design) Buffy: It's beautiful.

Buffy

(sobs) I don't wanna do this.

Angel

Me either.

Buffy

So don't go. They kiss. She puts her arms around him. After several kisses they stop and look at each other.

Angel

Buffy... I... Two vampires suddenly jump at them from some cargo netting. One pulls Buffy off of Angel and throws her back. The other begins to fight with Angel. Buffy rolls to her feet. The vampire swings at her, but misses. She grabs him and starts pummeling his gut. Angel flips the other one over onto his back. He gets up, and Angel swings at him three times, but he blocks all of them. Angel's next punch lands on the vampire's face. Buffy ducks a swing, lifts herself up on the dock railing and kicks her assailant in the chest with both feet, sending him staggering back into the gangplank. She gives chase and grabs him by the back of the shirt and hair. He growls. Dalton drops out of the cargo netting now, too, runs over to the box, grabs it and starts to run.

Buffy

Angel! The box! Angel ducks a roundhouse kick, grabs the vampire's arm and flips him over onto his back. He runs after Dalton and tackles him to the deck. Buffy's attacker shakes free of her and shoves her into a stack of crates. He follows up with a roundhouse kick, but she ducks it and he just hits the crates. She makes a grab for him, but he punches her in the face. Angel gets ready to punch Dalton but gets distracted when the vampire he was fighting before grabs the box and makes a run for it. Buffy's opponent grabs her by the jacket and roars as he swings her around, over the railing and into the water. Angel sees her go flying.

Angel

Buffy! He jumps over the railing and into the water after her. Cut to the library. Giles is researching the Judge. He looks up from his books.

Giles

They should be back by now.

Willow

Maybe Buffy needed a few minutes to pull herself together. Poor Buffy, on her birthday and everything.

Xander

Hmm, it's sad, granted. But let's look at the upside for a moment. (gets up) I mean, what kind of a future would she've really had with him? (Willow looks sadly up at him) She's got 2 jobs -- Denny's waitress by day, (Giles looks up, too) Slayer by night -- and Angel's always in front of the TV with a big blood belly, and he's dreamin' of the glory days when Buffy still thought this whole creature of the night routine was a big turnon.

Willow

You've thought way too much about this.

Xander

No, no. That's just the beginning. Have I told you the part where I fly into town in my private jet and take Buffy out for prime rib?

Willow

(sees Buffy come in) Xander...

Xander

And she cries?

Giles

(stands up) What happened? (Xander sits) Buffy: Dru's guys ambushed us. They got the box.

Buffy

Uh, she took Angel to get clothing. I, I had some here.

Xander

And we needed clothes because...

Buffy

We got wet. Giles, what do we know?

Giles

The more I study the Judge, the less I like him. His touch can literally burn the humanity out of you. A true creature of evil can survive the process. No human ever has.

Xander

What's the problem? We send Cordy to fight this guy, and we go for pizza. (smiles) Buffy: Can this guy be stopped? Without an army?

Giles

Um, (reads) 'no weapon forged can kill him.' Not very encouraging. If we could only stop them from assembling him.

Buffy

We need to find his weak spots, and we need to figure out where they'd be keeping him.

Giles

This could take time.

Willow

Better do a round robin. Xander, you go first.

Buffy

Good call. Xander heads for the phone.

Giles

Round robin?

Willow

It's when everybody calls everybody else's mom and tells them they're staying at everyone's house.

Buffy

Thus freeing us up for world saveage.

Willow

(smiles) And all-night keggers! (gets looks from Buffy and Giles) What, only Xander gets to make dumb jokes?

Xander

(on the phone) Mom, hi. Xander. Yeah, uh, Willow and I are gonna be studying all night long, so I'm not gonna be coming home. Cut to later. The research is going hot and heavy. Xander walks over to Willow at the counter with another open book.

Willow

I can't get over how cool Oz was about all this.

Xander

Gee, I'm over it.

Willow

(smugly) You're just jealous 'cause you didn't have a date for the party.

Xander

No, I sure didn't.

Giles

(comes out into the main room) Angel? Any luck? Angel comes down out of the stacks. Giles sees Buffy asleep in his office and holds up his hand to silence Angel. He follows Giles' gaze into the office.

Angel

Yeah. She hasn't been sleeping well. Tossing and turning. (everyone looks at him) She told me. Because of her dreams? They all go back to their tasks. The camera closes in on Buffy and loses its focus. Cut to Spike's warehouse. Buffy walks in, looking at the party decorations. All around candles on tall sticks have burned way down. She goes to the table and walks around it. On the other side she sees Jenny walking the other way. She's confused about that, but gets distracted by several boxes sitting on the floor and goes over to them.

Now, now. Buffy spins around to see her on the upper level holding Angel in front of her.

Buffy

No! Cut to Giles' office. Buffy wakes from her nightmare with a start.

Angel

Buffy, it's okay. (she turns to him) I'm here. (she hugs him close) I'm right here. Cut to Spike's warehouse. Drusilla stands at the top of the spiral staircase and claps her hands.

More music! She bobs her head to the gothic beat as she descends the steps. The party is going well. She makes her way to the head of the table and begins to dance there. "Transylvanian Concubine", performed by Rasputina, plays.

If you want to know how / To fly high then go now / To the place where all the concubines... / Meet and converse with them / Marvel at their pale skin / Wonder how they chew on their pointy... / Teeth and hair are beauty / They know it's their duty / To be Countess in their hearts and their... Spike comes rolling in with a large box in his lap.

Spike

Look what I have for you, ducks. Drusilla looks over at him.

Minds that have to whisper / See in them a sister / Look into their eyes and you'll become / Transylvanian Concubine Drusilla smiles and steps over to him.

Ahh... The best is saved for last. She takes the box from him and hands it to two vampires.

You know what flows there like wine / Sorrow is their master / Cackling with laughter / Now he's having just one piece of... The two vampires take it over to where the other boxes have been assembled into the shape of a body. They raise the box and set the head in place.

(smiles) Hmm. The front of the now unified boxes opens like a pair of twin gates to allow the Judge to step out. His skin is blue, and he has small horns on his forehead. He opens his eyes.

You!

Spike

(rolls over to him in Dru's defense) Ho, ho, ho. What's that, mate?

You two stink of humanity. You share affection and jealousy.

Spike

Yeah. What of it? (taps his armor) Do I have to remind you that we're the ones who brought you here?

(smiles) Would you like a party favor? (indicates her guests) The Judge looks at the party guests. His gaze settles on Dalton.

This one is full of feeling. He reads. Bring him to me. Another vampire grabs Dalton and keeps him from running away.

Spike

What's with the bringing? I thought you could just zap people.

My full strength will return in time. Until then... I need contact. The Judge steps over to Dalton.

No. No! NO! The Judge puts his hand on Dalton's chest, and he begins to smoke. Drusilla watches excitedly. The Judge's hand begins to burn into Dalton, who quickly combusts, disappearing in a flash of flame and smoke.

(gasps) (gleefully) Do it again! Do it again! She smiles down at Spike. The Judge smiles as he feels his power begin to return. Cut to the library. Buffy comes striding out of the cage. Angel follows her out. Giles looks down at them from the stacks.

Giles

Buffy, what's happening?

Angel

She had another dream.

Buffy

I think I know where Spike and Drusilla are.

Giles

(comes down the stairs) That's very good, however, you, you do need a plan. I-I know you're concerned, Buffy, but you can't just go off half-cocked.

Buffy

I have a plan. Angel and I go to the factory and do recon, figure out how far they've gotten assembling the Judge. You guys check any places the boxes could be coming into town. Shipping yards, airports, anything. We need to stop them from getting all the boxes in one place.

Giles

Yes. Yes, well, um, actually, that's quite a good plan.

Buffy

This thing is nasty, and it's real, Giles. We can't wait for it to come get us.

Giles

Right. Buffy grabs her bag, and she and Angel make tracks for the door. Cut to outside Spike's warehouse. The camera pans up to a second floor window. Cut inside. Buffy and Angel sneak quietly along the upper level. They look down at the party going on below. They walk to the railing.

Buffy

I saw this. (whispers) The party. They see the Judge walk into view flanked by Spike with Drusilla following. The Judge stops and senses something.

Spike

What? What is it? The Judge looks around, then up at Buffy and Angel and growls.

Angel

We gotta get outta here. They try to make a run for it, but there are vampires heading them off on both sides. They are captured. Cut below. Buffy and Angel are brought before Spike, Drusilla and the Judge.

Spike

Well, well. Look what we have here. Crashers.

Buffy

I'm sure our invitations just got lost in the mail.

It's delicious. (licks her fingers) (to Angel) I only dreamed you'd come. Rrrr.

Angel

(struggles) Leave her alone.

Spike

Yeah, that'll work. Now say 'pretty please'. (smiles) Judge: The girl.

Chilling, isn't it? She's so full of good intention. Angel gets himself between the Judge and Buffy.

Angel

Take me!

Buffy

No!

Angel

Take me instead of her!

Spike

(raises his hand) Uh, you're not clear on the concept, pal. There is no instead. Just first and second.

And if you go first, you don't get to watch the Slayer die. Angel's captors pull him back. The Judge reaches for Buffy. Angel looks up and around for a way out of this. Drusilla wraps her arms around Spike and smiles. Angel sees the chains holding up Spike's video monitors. Then he sees Buffy getting ready to defend herself.

Angel

Don't touch him! Buffy kicks the Judge in the chest and knocks him back. Angel shakes off his captors and lunges for the chains. The Judge comes to a stop beneath the monitors, and Angel releases them. They crash to the floor on top of the Judge, hard enough to knock a hole in the floor. Buffy struggles free also, and runs to Angel. She sees the hole in the floor.

Buffy

This way! They go to the hole, and Buffy jumps down into the sewers below. Cut to the sewers. Buffy rolls away from the hole, and Angel drops down behind her. They get to their feet and start down the tunnels. Cut inside the warehouse. Drusilla gives the order to pursue.

Go! Two vampires rush to give chase. Cut to the sewers. Buffy and Angel pull a door closed behind them as their two pursuers drop through the hole and start after them. They look around to see where they went, but don't see anyone. They start down the tunnel, checking the side tunnels as they go, and continue past the door. When they've gone by Buffy opens the door and checks if the coast is clear. Seeing no one she steps over to a ladder and starts up. Cut to the surface. She lifts a manhole cover up, pushes it aside and quickly climbs out into the pouring rain. Angel follows right behind.

Angel

Come on. We need to get inside. Cut to Angel's apartment. He opens the door, and they come in. He turns on the light. Buffy closes the door behind them. He takes off his heavy coat and lays it aside. Buffy is soaked through to her skin without a coat or jacket.

Buffy

Cold.

Angel

Let me get you something. He gets some things from his armoire and hands them to her.

Buffy

Oh, um... It's okay. I just have a cut or something.

Angel

Can I... Lemme see. Buffy clutches her shirt to her chest.

Buffy

(whispers) Okay. Angel turns around and sits down on the bed behind her. He gently touches her back and looks at the cut.

Angel

It's already closed. You're fine. Buffy leans back into him and cuddles her face to his. He puts his arms around her.

Buffy

You almost went away today.

Angel

We both did.

Buffy

(sobs) Angel... (sniffles) I feel like I lost you... (sniffles) You're right, though. We can't be sure of anything.

Angel

Shhh. I... She turns around to look at him.

Buffy

You what?

Angel

I love you. I try not to, but I can't stop.

Buffy

Me, me, too. I can't either. They start to kiss. After a moment Angel breaks off.

Angel

Buffy, maybe we shouldn't...

Buffy

(stops him) Don't. Just kiss me. Cut to later. They are both in bed asleep. Outside lightning strikes, and Angel wakes with a start and gasps for air as he sits up.

Angel

Ahh! He gets up from the bed and hurries off. Cut outside to an alley. Angel has dressed and crashes through the door into the rain. He stumbles over some trashcans and falls to the pavement. He cries out in pain and fear.