Episode 19: "Aid and Abet"

Teaser

Slayer Central. We follow Hazel down the hallway. She receives several greetings from various Slayers and Watchers as she moves, and she returns each with a big smile, but when they move away, she frowns a little. There's clearly something on her mind. She finally reaches her target, a door in the dormitories. She knocks. A voice calls out from inside.

FAITH
S'open.

Hazel opens the door. Inside we see Faith sitting in front of a laptop on her small desk, frowning at it like she want she really wants to do is pop it across the jaw – if it somehow manifested a jaw that was within easy popping distance. Hazel enters the room and smirks in amusement.

HAZEL
Bill Gates-ing it, huh?

FAITH
Gettin' ready to Mike Tyson it, this thing don't stop givin' me crap. (Frustrated, Faith shoves away from the desk, throwing her hands in the air.) It's out to get me, I know it. Stupid sonnova—

HAZEL
Computers don't know how to be spiteful.

FAITH
Well this one's super smart. Look for it to start launchin' nukes in a second.

HAZEL
Right, and then we can all look forward to an army of Arnolds coming to kill us. (She grins and goes to look at the computer) What are you trying to do?

FAITH
I wanted to find some parts for my bike, really sup it up, y'know? I went to Will, but she just sorta got this glassy stare when I started talkin' specs, so she told me t' get a computer and check online.

HAZEL
So you went out and bought a computer?

FAITH
Nah, I just took hers.

Hazel's eyes get wide.

FAITH
What? I'll give it back. (She glares at the computer) With a few minor adjustments.

HAZEL
No, okay, you can't kill Willow's computer.

FAITH
Actually, I'm pretty good at killin' stuff, I'm pretty sure I can.

HAZEL
(Leaning over to help) Why don't you show me what you're trying to do and—

FAITH
(Slapping the computer closed) I think I've had about enough'a these things for today. I'll just harass Red until she looks for me. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you're irritating enough.

HAZEL
...nice motto.

FAITH
It's one'a several.

She spins around in her seat to face Hazel straight on.

FAITH
So, what's up with you? Why the house call?

Hazel starts wandering around the room. We can see that there's precious little there. A few well-worn paperbacks, clothes strewn about the floor, the couple of posters on the wall from 8x03, but nothing much in the way of personal effects.

HAZEL
(Re: the room) It's almost like it could be anyone's.

FAITH
Huh?

HAZEL
You've been here for months and months now, but you still look like you're ready to move out in a second. Most of the girls ... within about five minutes, they've personalized their room. But not you. Why not?

FAITH
So you came here to, what? Review my room for Better Homes and Gardens?

Hazel just gives Faith a look, and Faith sighs.

FAITH
I dunno. Before this, closest thing I had to a home was a 4x5 cell. Before that it was a hospital bed. Comparatively speaking, this place is a freakin' Martha Stewart wet dream.

HAZEL
(Sort of despondent) I suppose.

FAITH
Okay, what's up? You obviously didn't come here for decorating tips.

HAZEL
No. Actually ... I need your help.

FAITH
Shoot.

Hazel sits down on the bed and sighs.

HAZEL
It's my parents. They—

She's interrupted by a heavy knock on the door, and it swings open almost immediately. Buffy's head pokes in.

BUFFY
Faith – meeting time.

FAITH
What?

BUFFY
Big meeting? Big bad? Big sharing of information?

FAITH
Oh, yeah, the Giles thing.

BUFFY
Yeah, the Giles thing that he swears is more substantial than 'We have no idea'. You know me, Substance Girl – so let's get a move on before Xander snags all the good chairs.

Faith turns to Hazel looking very apologetic, but Hazel cuts her off before she can say anything.

HAZEL
This'll keep.

FAITH
You sure?

HAZEL
(Smile) Yup. Find me when you're free?

FAITH
Will do.

With that, Faith gets up and follows Buffy out of the room.

BUFFY
She okay?

FAITH
Think so. She wasn't cryin' or nothin'.

BUFFY
Ahh, with your sensitive side, it's no wonder she came to you.

FAITH
Bite me.

BUFFY
See? Sensitive.

GILES
His name is Robespierre. He is the leader and founder of a group known as 'The Assemblage of Merodach'.

We're in the library. Our roll call: Buffy, Willow, Xander, Tara, Dawn, Faith, Kennedy, Hannah, Wood, a few other Watchers of no particular consequence) and, of course, Giles.

XANDER
These evil groups, always with the wordy names. Just once I'd like to meet a group called 'The Evil-Os' or something. Three syllables, four max.

WILLOW
Maybe they're overcompensating.

GILES
(Continuing) Ever since Tara gave us his name, I've been trying to remember where I heard it before. Last week, I finally remembered: Robespierre was once a member of the Council of Watchers.

KENNEDY
Used to be?

GILES
He was thrown out for his rather ... overbearing attitudes.

BUFFY
Wait, the guys who wrote the book on how to be a control freak thought THIS GUY was too much?

GILES
Yes. Rather puts things in perspective, doesn't it? You see, Robespierre believes very strongly in one thing and one thing only, and that is order. The Council has, for centuries, devoted itself to combating evil and protecting the world. However to Robespierre, this is short sighted. He believes that the world needs protecting from itself as much as from outside sources.

DAWN
I can kinda see his point. (Everyone turns to her) Flip on the news sometime. We don't need help from demons and stuff, people are pretty close to their very own homemade apocalypse.

GILES
Be that as it may, Robespierre's vision is nothing less than a totalitarian society of- of Orwellian proportions. Every aspect of life would be precisely controlled, from what you hear and what you see to where you live, what job you hold, who you marry ... Free action, free thought – these things destroy order and cannot be permitted.

FAITH
Sounds like a real charmer. Anyone actually listen to this nutjob?

GILES
Yes, actually. His family had been part of the Council ... well, almost since its inception. His name carried with it considerable clout and power. For years, he pressed the Council toward what he called, "realizing and channeling the full power of the Slayer." He believed that the Slayer should not simply be a tool for combating evil, but the chief instrument through which the Council wrested control over ... well, the world.

TARA
Could they even do that? I-I mean, I know Buffy's real strong and everything, but ... she's just Buffy.

GILES
Given the deep bureaucratic ties already at the Council's disposal and adding a little strong-arming ... Well, it wouldn't necessarily be a guaranteed victory for either side. And Robespierre was convinced that they could do it. But no matter how much pressure he applied, the Council's top members refused to even entertain the idea.

WILLOW
Well yay for the old Council! (Beat) That'll probably be the only time I ever get to say that.

GILES
Feeling he had little other choice, Robespierre staged a coup. It failed, of course, and he and his primary followers were expelled from the Council.

XANDER
When office politics go horribly wrong.

GILES
Robespierre quickly formed The Assemblage of Merodach. The Council kept a close eye on them for a time, but then the group seemed unable to amass sufficient power to be a true threat, and eventually Robespierre simply disappeared, and the group with him. With other, more pressing matters at hand, the Council were happy to let the rather embarrassing matter die.

KENNEDY
You'd figure the Council'd know better than anyone that dead things don't stay dead.

GILES
Indeed, which is what brings us to now.

HANNAH
And a situation considerably more dangerous.

BUFFY
Way to kill the mood, Hannah.

HANNAH
Sorry, but it's important that you all realize what it is we're likely facing.

FAITH
Guessin' it's not a bunch'a geriatrics bitchin' about the price of Depends.

HANNAH
As Rupert suggested, it's not inconceivable that the Council could have, at any point, wrested control of the world's governments. And that was with one Slayer.

The room quiets as cold realization begins to sink in.

BUFFY
The missing Slayers.

GILES
Precisely. I believe that Robespierre has been anything but lax during his years of silence. I believe the Assemblage is still very much alive, and what's more, have now become a seriously grave threat. When we awakened the potential Slayers, we provided Robespierre with his foot soldiers.

HANNAH
But there's more.

XANDER
Now how much would you pay?

HANNAH
We don't believe he's working alone.

TARA
The girl, right? The one who attacked? You think she was a Slayer.

GILES
Yes. But she was ... (He shakes his head) ...enhanced, somehow. She was more than simply a Slayer, she was ...

XANDER
A Super Slayer. (They all look at him.) Yeah, it sounds comic booky, but if the clichéd shoe fits ... (He shrugs)

GILES
I can only think that there are magicks at work here, and over the past few days, I've been in almost constant contact with the Covens—

WILLOW
Hey! You're outsourcing? Witches sitting right here!

GILES
Absolutely, but as they were already assisting me with research our mystery symbol, I thought the coordinated efforts would be best. I promise, I have every intention of thoroughly using you both later.

WILLOW
Good! See that you do, mister! (She finally seems to be paying attention to their exchange and frowns, but Giles has already moved on.)

GILES
At any rate, the Covens have been unable to locate Robespierre or the Assemblage at all. According to their findings, in fact, he simply doesn't exist. This, coupled with the obvious enhancement to our attacker, keeps suggesting powerful magicks. Before we could pursue the matter much further, however, someone contacted me.

XANDER
Someone actually got your phone number? (He nudges Dawn) See? I told you that 'unlisted number' stuff was all a scam.

GILES
Magickally, actually. She joined a mental link Miss Harkness and I had established for private conversations.

Willow whistles low, impressed.

WILLOW
Wow. That takes some juice.

TARA
Some knowledge, too. Pre-forged psychic links? They're really tricky. Just busting through one is hard enough, but to actually synch up to everyone involved ... Wow. And she was a stranger?

GILES
Completely. To us, at any rate. (He chuckles, not really sounding amused) She seems to know more than enough about us, however.

Everyone looks at him questioningly.

GILES
She's offered to help us, and frankly, she does seem at the moment to be our strongest lead to getting information. But there's something of a snag.

FAITH
I knew it. Here it comes ...

GILES
She's quite old, and insists that we arrange for transportation.

BUFFY
Okay, so we send her Greyhound ticket, what's the big?

GILES
She wants us to come and get her. Or, well, actually, just one of us. Requested by name, no less. And she was quite insistent.

His eyes rest on Tara, much to her surprise. Everyone also turns to look.

TARA
...me?

Act One

Back to the library. The group is up in arms for the most part, with Willow being the most vocal.

WILLOW
Tara? Going off, alone, to who knows where to face who knows what and get who knows who? There are two many 'who's in that sentence! I demand full disclosure!

TARA
Willow, I'm perfectly capable of—

BUFFY
Bad idea. Bad, BAD idea.

XANDER
Oh yeah. On the top ten list of bad ideas, I'd say this is at least a seven or eight. Right up there with Crystal Pepsi.

TARA
But I think that—

FAITH
Kinda gotta agree. Seems pretty convenient, this chick popping up just when we need her, an' then wantin' us to split up?

WILLOW
No splitting! I'm putting my foot down on the split issue! We need to—

TARA
HEY!!

Well, that doesn't happen often. Everyone falls silent and turns to Tara. She looks a little flushed at her outburst, but just for a split second.

TARA
I appreciate everyone's concern, but ... (She trails off, then turns to Giles) Who is she?

GILES
Well ... I'm not altogether certain.

Willow immediately looks like she's going to start raving again, but Tara senses it before she can talk and shoots her a warning look. Willow doesn't say it, but is clearly under protest for having to hold her tongue.

GILES
She didn't give us a name, per se. She simply insisted that we needed her help, then gave me her conditions. However Miss Harkness recognized her energy signature almost immediately. She called her [TITLE].

TARA
(Frowning a little, like she's tasting the words) [TITLE] ...

GILES
Does that mean anything to you?

TARA
No ...? (More firmly) No. But it sounds ... impressive?

BUFFY
Or really pompous.

WILLOW
Giles, you can't— (She looks to Tara) I-I know you can handle yourself and everything, but ... some woman just saying, 'Come find me, I know stuff'? Are we really that desperate?

Giles does immediately respond. He sighs heavily and takes a seat. Hannah glances to him and picks up.

HANNAH
Yes and no. We're sure that, eventually, we'll be able to find Robespierre. But can we do that before his Slayers become more powerful, or before he begins his insurgency, or attacks us again? (She shrugs) The bottom line is, the sooner we find him, the sooner we stop him.

XANDER
But there's gotta be some other way, right? Some way where we DON'T have to play chauffer to freaky old ladies?

GILES
We can, and will, continue our research of course. Now that we suspect we know what's happened to the missing Slayers, perhaps Willow can draw some correlation between that data that will give us a clue as to their whereabouts.

FAITH
Say we find him. Then what? Just one'a them girls nearly ripped us a new one, an' I'm guessin' there's more where she came from.

No one has an answer.

TARA
What did she say? This [TITLE] woman?

GILES
She said she had information. Vital information that would help us in our upcoming battles. She offered it, willingly, with no strings. Her only requirements were that we would have to provide her transportation. I offered to have one of our jets sent and arrange for a car to bring her to the airport, but she was most insistent. (He chuckles a little despite himself.) She said she'd lived far too many years on the ground to start leaving it now, and that she wanted someone sent to bring her to Trillium – Tara Maclay.

DAWN
That's just so freaky. I mean ... How does she even know you're here?

Tara shakes her head, her brow furrowed. She doesn't have the answers.

WILLOW
So that's it, we just ... we're taking her word for it? La la la, I know something you don't know, now come find me? I can't believe we're trusting this demented unknown lady! She- She's demanding, a-a-and aviophobic ... and she butts into private conversations, which is just rude!

GILES
She's not entirely unknown. According to Miss Harkness, [TITLE] was once a-a very powerful and respected witch. One of the most powerful in the Americas, in fact. But one day, many years ago, she completely severed all ties with the Covens and refused to have any further contact with them. She's remained in self-imposed isolation ever since. Also, I doubt very much that she's demented.

WILLOW
Ah-HA! That's just what she WANTS you to think!

GILES
What?

BUFFY
C'mon Giles, you gotta admit it sounds super suspicious. This powerful witch just suddenly deciding to pull out of her Greta Garbo when we need her?

GILES
I admit the timing is convenient, but I've Miss Harkness's complete faith that this woman is indeed who she claims to be, and that she has never been a champion of dark forces.

DAWN
Let her go get the woman, then! Why does it have to be Tara?

GILES
I'm not sure, but we can—

TARA
I'll go. (The room quiets. She looks to Giles.) It'll help, right? I mean, we need to learn everything we can, and if she says she knows something ...

GILES
I believe that she does. And yes, this will help. But Tara, this is your decision. I'm sorry if I've put any undue pressure on you, but please know you don't have to do this. We'll find out what we need to, with or without this woman. Your safety is much more important than anything she could possibly tell us.

Tara smiles and nods her understanding

TARA
Good, then since it's all my decision, I'll go and you won't feel guilty about it. (Giles smiles at that.) Besides, I've never been to the east coast. Well, I mean, I'm here NOW, obviously, but I was sort of ... you know, teleported here, so I missed the whole sight seeing migration thing.

WILLOW
You don't even know where you're going yet.

TARA
(Smiling) Wherever it is, I've probably never been there before.

XANDER
Great then. But Greta wants to see Tara, she gets the package deal and we all come with. We load up the cars, we caravan to wherever she is, and if she's not legit, we kick her wrinkly butt and stop off for cheeseburgers on the way home.

GILES
Yes, well, that's part of the problem with that, you see. She insisted Tara come alone.

The protests start anew, but this time Buffy is the more dominant.

BUFFY
No. A thousand points of no. Giles, I won't let—

GILES
(Raising his voice to be heard) And I was equally insistent that this was not going to happen. So she has agreed that one other person may come with Tara. I assume—

KENNEDY
Me.

Everyone turns to her, surprised. This is the first time that Kennedy's spoken since Giles announced that the woman wanted to see Tara, and it's like they forgot she was there.

KENNEDY
I'll go with her.

WILLOW
Kennedy, what ...?

BUFFY
It should be me. I can keep Tara safe.

KENNEDY
You saying I can't?

BUFFY
What? No. I just—

KENNEDY
Good. Then I'll go.

Tara frowns at Kennedy in some confusion. Kennedy catches the look and winks.

KENNEDY
Should be fun.

WILLOW
But you ... I can ...

KENNEDY
Please, you two can hardly be together in a crowd of people without one of you almost imploding, you think you can stand being alone in a car together for however long?

Willow looks like she's going to protest, but there's truth in Kennedy's words, however much Willow doesn't want to admit it. She doesn't speak, but again, she doesn't look happy about her silence.

KENNEDY
Any other objections I can shoot holes in?

TARA
What if I don't want you to come with me?

Long pause. Kennedy considers Tara carefully.

KENNEDY
Then I guess you can tell me not to come.

Another pause. Tara is studying Kennedy, who waits expectantly. After a moment:

GILES
Tara?

Tara looks over at Giles, then at Kennedy for another second or two before turning back to Giles.

TARA
When do we leave?

Hazel's room. The door's open, and Faith appears in the doorway. We see that the room, like Faith's, is much like how we last saw it (8x07). The half of the room that belonged to Judith is still bare. Hazel's side has obviously seen some redecoration, however. There's still some pictures of her friends and family from home, but there are new pictures as well, including a push-board covered with Trillium stuff and various snapshots of girls around Hazel's age. Some locations are easily recognizable as Slayer Central, there are still others out at night, in cemeteries ... groups of girls with stakes and such, mugging for the camera – Slayers. Hazel's new friends, now with as prominent a place as the old.

Hazel's lying on her bed on her stomach, with Willow's laptop (from Faith's room) in front of her. She looks up as Faith enters and smiles.

HAZEL
Found some parts for you.

FAITH
(A little surprised) Hey, thanks.

HAZEL
No big. I have some time to kill before classes start. So, you're all done?

FAITH
(Sitting down on Judith's old bed) Yup. (She looks around the bare side of the room curiously)

HAZEL
How'd it go? Everyone gearing up to beat the bad guys and save the world?

FAITH
You think the world needs saving?

HAZEL
I've heard the stories. It seems like it's pretty much always needing a save or two.

FAITH
True that. (She shrugs) Went okay. Glinda and the Brat get to go road trippin'.

HAZEL
(Giggling) 'Glinda and the Brat'. Sounds like a bad cartoon show.

FAITH
Might turn into one. Not sure I'd wanna be in the car for all that.

HAZEL
I'm sure it'll be okay. (Like it's irrefutable) You guys'll find out what you need and save the day.

FAITH
(Grinning) Just gotta have faith?

HAZEL
(Also grinning) You just need to know the score. You guys are heroes. Heroes always win.

FAITH
I'll remember that next time I blow off training with Oxford. Sure he won't mind, seein' as how us winnin' in the end is a given an' all.

HAZEL
You know what I mean.

FAITH
Yeah. (She frowns and gestures to her half of the room) So what's up with this?

HAZEL
(Sitting up) What's up with what?

Faith gestures again to the bare side of the room.

HAZEL
Oh! (She looks at the room, seeing to really see it) I dunno, actually. Just never seemed right to put anything there, I guess. Like it's not really mine, you know? (She snorts) Not that I miss Judith or anything. Definitely NOT with the hero vibe. (She shakes her head) Anyway, I didn't really wanna talk about her.

FAITH
'Kay then.

Hazel looks like she's about to speak, but again, this is hard for her. Faith gets an odd expression – compassion. As the seconds tick by, Hazel's looking more and more upset, and Faith's getting really antsy now.

FAITH
Whoa, hey, what is it? What's wrong?

HAZEL
It's my parents.

FAITH
Something happen to 'em? (Hazel nods) Are they...?

HAZEL
No, no, they're okay. I mean, kinda okay, I guess. They're— (She sighs heavily) They're getting divorced.

FAITH
Is that all? Christ, I figured it was somethin' really bad.

Hazel looks at Faith, wounded. Faith immediately looks regretful for saying that.

FAITH
No, I ... I mean, that's ... That sucks, sure, but on the grand scale of things that COULDA been bad, you gotta admit, this is pretty low.

Hazel looks even more wounded and Faith is flailing badly by now.

FAITH
Or not. I just ... (Sigh) Look, you obviously think this is a big thing, an' that's all that matters, right? So, okay, let's start there. Why's that upset you so much?

Long pause.

HAZEL
I think it's my fault.

FAITH
How can it be your fault, you haven't been there in over six months.

HAZEL
Exactly! It's just been my parents and my little sister, and believe me, she's irritating enough to make saints start hating each other. But seriously, I just keep thinking that if I'd been there, I could've ... I dunno, maybe seen what was happening? Tried to fix it?

Faith looks like she wants to help, she really does. But she's totally lost.

HAZEL
(Self-recriminating) You think this is stupid.

FAITH
No, I don't. Just ... I got no clue what to say. It's new ground for me, y'know? Wasn't no 'divorce' in my place. My old man just up and left one day. An' frankly, if they HAD gotten a divorce first, can't say I woulda cared much.

Hazel looks even more dejected. Faith is sitting on the edge of the bed now, fidgeting, wanting desperately to make Hazel feel better.

FAITH
But you DO care, an' that's great. You SHOULD. I'm not the standard here on what's normal feelin', trust me.

This is clearly not working.

FAITH
(Earnestly) What can I do?

HAZEL
Nothing, I guess. (She smiles, though sadly) That's okay, though. (Faith doesn't seem to agree. She's looking angry at herself.) Fiver, for real – it's okay. This is really my thing.

Hazel turns back to the laptop and closes it. She rips off the top page from the pad that was next to her and hands it to Faith.

HAZEL
I wrote down the names and phone numbers of some places you can get cool parts. (She shrugs and smirks) At least I think they're cool parts. They said they were on the web site.

Faith stands and takes the paper. She looks even worse that Hazel has been able to help her, while she's done nothing at all for Hazel. Hazel also hands her the laptop.

HAZEL
And make sure you put this back, or Willow'll ... I dunno, turn you into a newt or something.

FAITH
(A little distant, obviously plagued with thoughts) A newt?

HAZEL
(Smirking) You'll get better.

Faith looks really confused now and, but Hazel's back to putting on a happy face.

HAZEL
(Without a grudge) I'm okay. Really. Now go on – don't you have a world to save?

Faith nods and, laptop under her arm, heads for the door. Hazel watches her go, smiling all the while. Near the entrance, Faith turns back, like she's about to say something else, but Hazel makes a 'shoo!' gesture. Faith glances at the paper in her hand one more time, then leaves, looking very regretful and more than a little angry at herself.

Family car. Xander's driving, with Dawn at shotgun. The backseat has Will behind Xander, Tara behind Dawn, and Buffy in the middle.

BUFFY
You have everything?

DAWN
Ye-es.

BUFFY
Toothbrush? Socks?

DAWN
I swear, if you ask about my underwear? I'm getting emancipated.

WILLOW
Pretty exciting trip, Dawnie. Philadelphia for the night? Birthplace of liberty, home of large Benjamin Franklin statues ...

XANDER
Hear they got a bell too. Kinda cracked. They should get that fixed. Get some caulk, a little bronzer ...

DAWN
(Laughing) Dork. Anyway, it's for school, so fun will be limited. But it's still way cooler than being in class. (She turns around to try and see Tara over the headrest.) Will you be back before me?

TARA
It'd probably help me answer that if I knew where I was going. Mr. Giles said that [TITLE] would contact him with the directions and stuff once she was sure I'd agreed to come.

There's a pause in the car.

BUFFY
And she'd know this how?

TARA
That's a good question, isn't it?

WILLOW
(Very huffy) I don't like this.

XANDER
For real, Will? An' here I figured all that complaining was just a token protest.

Willow pokes him in the back of the head.

WILLOW
There will be silence from you, Mr. Harris.

TARA
(Leaning around Buffy to see Willow) I'll be fine. And this'll be good. Good for me. To get away.

Tara turns away from Willow at this point, consequently she misses the flash of pain from Will at that statement.

DAWN
I hear you. 'Getting away' was one of the biggest selling points for this trip! That, and then we come back to the whole 'no school' thing.

BUFFY
I'm still not sure. There's your headaches, and—

DAWN
My headaches, which have pulled a complete no-show for, like, a month.

BUFFY
Still.

DAWN
AND you've already talked to each of the chaperones.

BUFFY
I know.

DAWN
AND I'm rooming with Brenda, who has sworn that if I so much as LOOK like I'm getting a headache, she's calling 911.

BUFFY
Good. Smart girl, Brenda. Always liked her.

DAWN
So stop worrying. I'll only be gone one night, and look – school's just up the street so it's too late to back out now.

Xander pulls up to the front of the school.

XANDER
Service AND smile. See, if it weren't for this complete lack of depth perception, I could totally be a chauffer.

DAWN
But since you're not, I don't have to tip you!

Xander glowers, so Dawn rolls her eyes and kisses his cheek. Xander beams.

XANDER
I'm easily placated.

Dawn grins and grabs her overnight back from near her feet and hops out with both that bag and her backpack.

TARA
Have a nice time, Dawnie.

WILLOW
Take lots of pictures! And don't break my digital camera, or I'll be forced to sabotage all your future college essays!

Dawn eeps and nods her head in quick agreement. Buffy meanwhile clamors into the front seat from the back, probably harming Xander in the process.

BUFFY
Have fun. If you start to feel—

DAWN
—feel light-headed or any pain of any kind whatsoever, tell someone. I got it the first fifty thousand times. Wanna write it on a note and pin it to my shirt?

Buffy's eyes widen like this is a fabulous idea.

BUFFY
Anyone got a pen?

DAWN
Okay, I'm leaving now.

She closes the passenger-side door. Buffy leans her cheek out expectantly, and Dawn kisses it as well with an eye-roll. She waves to everyone (who wave back) as the car pulls away.

BUFFY
Do you think we embarrassed her enough?

WILLOW
(Shaking her head) I think we could've done better. I rate us a 6.5 at best.

TARA
I thought you should've gotten out of the car and made her hug you.

XANDER
I can always drive back, an' you can yell out the window about her having clean underwear. I'm sure she was kidding about the thing from before. (He considers) Pretty sure.

Buffy seems to seriously contemplate this for a moment, then shakes her head.

BUFFY
Nah. I'll just save it all up and chaperone her prom. That should do it. Besides, we need to be getting back. Tara still has to pack and stuff.

XANDER
Yup. Better get used to the car environment – it's gonna be your close personal friend real soon.

Giles walks into his office with a set of car keys, some maps and assorted other papers. Hannah is sitting at his desk on the phone as he enters.

HANNAH
Excellent, thanks very much.

She hangs up and turns to him.

HANNAH
That was Lamark. He's going to make a few phone calls, so the girls shouldn't have any trouble at the border.

GILES
(Waving a small book in his hand) I got Tara a passport, just in case.

HANNAH
Wise move.

Giles puts the stack of things in his hand on the desk, the keys on top. He sighs heavily and slumps into one of the chairs in front of his desk. Hannah smirks at him.

HANNAH
Rough day at the office?

GILES
Don't be cute.

HANNAH
It's inherent, I can't help it.

Giles simply sighs. Hannah gets up and goes behind his chair. She tousles his hair on her way around him, earning her a glare she doesn't particularly care about, then sits in the chair next to him.

HANNAH
This is a good thing. You said it yourself, the information in the old Watcher's Council diaries about Robespierre's movements was minimal at best.

GILES
No, I know.

HANNAH
But you're still worried. Tara seems to be a remarkably levelheaded girl, and you know how impressed you've been with Kennedy's capabilities.

GILES
I just wish we didn't have to keep sending children to fight our battles.

HANNAH
I think they stopped being children some time ago, Rupert. (Giles doesn't respond.) Do you really think they're in danger?

GILES
Kennedy and Tara? Only slightly more than usual. I have confidence in the Covens that this is indeed the woman they claim, but ... why her? Why now? It only raises more questions.

HANNAH
And you're grouchy because she just blasted into your head.

GILES
Well it's very intrusive! (Muttering) She might learn to use the bloody phone. (More serious) This could be crucial. Honestly, I don't know how much more luck we're going to have in finding them at this point. And we must find them. With an army of enhanced Slayers behind him, I'm afraid that nothing short of nuclear weaponry will be able to stop them. That's a theory I'm not particularly eager to test.

The Tara Room. Tara's inside, packing an overnight bag. Willow approaches and hovers in the doorway.

WILLOW
Got'cher toothbrush?

Tara turns around at the sound of Willow's voice, then smirks and holds it up.

TARA
Check.

WILLOW
Socks?

TARA
Okay, Buffy.

Willow grins. Tara continues to pack as this conversation progresses.

WILLOW
So ... Canada, huh?

TARA
Mm-hm. Very cool. I've never been out of the country before.

WILLOW
Me neither. Well that's a lie. I mean, I went to England, but most of that was, you know ... big blur. Big, gray, rainy blur. With horses.

TARA
I'm expecting this to mostly be a big, cold, snowy blur. Less horses. Which is a shame, because I wouldn't mind a horse or two.

WILLOW
(Smirking) Never did understand that.

TARA
Maybe you would have if you'd ever let me teach you. (She turns to Willow, wagging an admonishing finger) You know you still owe me that ... (She trails off now, feeling embarrassed. In a smaller voice:) ...riding date.

She returns to packing, her back once again to Willow, who looks unhappy.

WILLOW
Tara?

Tara doesn't turn around, she keeps packing.

TARA
Uh-huh?

WILLOW
Why don't you ...

She trails off, then steps further into the room, looking more determined now.

WILLOW
What's wrong with us?

TARA
I don't know what you mean.

WILLOW
Yeah, you do.

Tara's grabbed something off of her bed and is putting it into the bag, but Willow grabs her hand and stops her. Tara looks up as Willow takes the whatever-it-is away, puts it back on the bed, and then holds Tara's hand in both of hers.

WILLOW
Last week, at the club, you said we were gonna talk. But here we are, a week later, and I've been waiting for the talk, but we're all talk-free a-and now you're running away to Canada, and—

TARA
I'm not 'running away' to Canada, Will. I'm on a ... a mission. I'm Mission Girl.

WILLOW
Yeah, you are, but if you weren't, you'd still be here not-talking. I just want us to ... (She sighs and lets Tara's hands go) I know there's stuff. Lots of stuff, and it's important, and I want us to deal with it.

TARA
I AM dealing with it.

WILLOW
No! No, you're not! You keep ... acting like everything's okay, but Tara—

TARA
I know.

WILLOW
Tara, you were DEAD.

TARA
I know that!

That's two snaps for Tara today, and she's pretty surprised by this one as well. Willow's taking it all in stride though.

WILLOW
Well then let us help you! Let ME help you!

Tara looks away and Willow's obvious very emotional.

WILLOW
That's all I want. I just ... I don't know how.

For a long moment, Tara doesn't say anything.

TARA
You can let me go.

WILLOW
(Sounding scared) Go?

TARA
Just let me do this. Let me ... I need to think. To be away for a while.

WILLOW
You mean away from me.

Tara doesn't reply to that either, doesn't refute it. Willow (being Willow) is getting teary now – not falling apart or anything, but clearly upset and a little afraid.

WILLOW
You're not gonna come back, are you?

TARA
(Smirking a little, trying to lighten the moment) 'Course I'm gonna come back. I've got a witch to deliver. If I don't get her here within two days, then she's free.

WILLOW
Okay, so you'll come back, but then after. You're thinking about ... about leaving. Not like, 'new apartment' leaving, but 'new zip code' leaving. 'New country' leaving.

TARA
I don't know. Maybe. This isn't ... I've been here for a month now and I'm not ... It's getting worse. And seeing you every day is—

She cuts herself off and looks away, finishing up her packing. Willow just stands there, hugging herself, clearly fighting the urge to cry as she watches. Neither says anything else, then we hear the faint sound of a car horn honking. Seconds later, a voice calls out from downstairs.

BUFFY
Tara! Kennedy's here!

Both glance toward the door, then back to each other. Tara puts one more item in the bag and zips it up. She's ready to go. She looks to Willow, but again, neither say anything. Tara hefts her bag and starts to leave. She's almost out of the room when Willow speaks.

WILLOW
I don't want you to go.

Tara turns back.

WILLOW
I don't mean now, I mean after. But if you ... If going away will help you ... then you should go. I'll understand.

Tara and Willow stare at each other for a long moment, then Tara drops her eyes and walks out of the door.

Act Two

In the car. It's an SUV, pretty well decked out. Kennedy's behind the wheel, Tara in the seat next to her. Both are wearing sunglasses. Tara is pouring over a map.

TARA
We'll stay on I-86 north for about 25 miles ...

KENNEDY
(Sounding bored) Uh-huh.

TARA
... then I-390 north for about 60 ...

KENNEDY
Uh-huh.

TARA
... then I-90 west for—

KENNEDY
At what point do you stop that?

TARA
What?

Kennedy rips the map out of Tara's hands and throws it in the backseat. As an afterthought, she grabs the other maps out of Tara's lap and throws them in the backseat too. Tara frowns.

TARA
You could've just asked me to stop.

KENNEDY
Less gratifying in the end.

TARA
That's a matter of opinion.

KENNEDY
Look, as you so generously pointed out, we're driving THIS way— (she makes a cutting motion in front of her toward the road) —for at least an hour. So right now, I'm just gonna worry about this way. We'll worry about THAT way when it's that way's turn.

TARA
Fine.

KENNEDY
Fine.

Tara turns to look out the window and an uncomfortable silence falls. Kennedy keeps glancing over, staring at Tara, clearly studying her.

TARA
Now who's being irritating?

KENNEDY
I'm just trying to figure out your deal.

TARA
My ... 'deal'?

KENNEDY
Yeah. We haven't really made the time to hang out.

TARA
Imagine that.

KENNEDY
So now we're both here and I've got nothing better to do for the next 16 hours ...

TARA
You can NOT stare at me for the next 16 hours.

KENNEDY
(Innuendo-laden) Oh I SO could.

Tara simply raises an eyebrow and looks at Kennedy from over the top of her sunglasses.

KENNEDY
What can I say? I'm a sucker for a pretty face.

Tara smirks at that, Kennedy's brazenness breaking through the barriers a little. Kennedy grins in response. It's just a little moment, but it's something.

KENNEDY
So yeah. Your deal. What's with it?

TARA
How do you even answer a question like that?

KENNEDY
Damned if I know. Seriously, though. I heard a lot about you when you were dead and stuff.

TARA
You ... You heard about me? What about me?

KENNEDY
Oh, you know ... 'Tara's was just the kindest, sweetest, bestest, generousested—"

TARA
I'm pretty sure those last two aren't words.

KENNEDY
Yeah, well, I paraphrase.

TARA
(A little embarrassed) Willow talked about me?

KENNEDY
Oh, no, not Will. (That stung. Kennedy catches it.) I didn't mean it like that. She just ... whenever your name came up, she'd change the subject. I guess it hurt too much.

Tara nods a little. Makes sense, though still stings.

KENNEDY
But Dawn, Buffy, Dawn, Xander, Dawn ...

Tara laughs. Kennedy stares again.

KENNEDY
Your smile is gorgeous. You should do that more often.

Tara flushes and looks away. Kennedy watches her do it, but says nothing, turning back to the road. After a moment:

TARA
I-I'm not that great. I guess it's just easier to only remember the good stuff when someone ... leaves. The bad stuff suddenly seems less important, you know?

Kennedy considers that.

KENNEDY
I guess that makes sense.

TARA
So what's your 'deal'?

KENNEDY
I'm pretty deal-less.

TARA
I find that hard to believe. You were with ... with Willow for almost a year, right? So there's gotta be a deal.

KENNEDY
If there was, it obviously wasn't enough, was it? (Beat.) Okay, that came out more bitter than I meant. (She glances to Tara, who's frowning. She explains.) You won. So obviously whatever there might've been about me, it wasn't enough. I still lost.

TARA
This hasn't been about winning and losing.

KENNEDY
That's easy to say when you're sleeping with the prize every night.

Tara's frowning even more now.

TARA
We're not— (Topic change) And anyway, Willow's not just some- some cupie doll you win at a carnival.

KENNEDY
You're right, she's the big-ass stuffed animal that costs three bucks to produce and you spend forty to win.

Beat.

TARA
That sounds ... really insulting.

KENNEDY
(Furrowed brow) Yeah, it does, doesn't it?

TARA
Anyway, I didn't 'beat' you, Kennedy. It wasn't a contest.

KENNEDY
(Getting angry) No, see, it was. And that's what gets me, because you won and you didn't even want to play.

Tara frowns darkly.

TARA
You have no idea what I want.

With that, she turns back toward the window. The conversation is clearly now over. Kennedy sighs.

KENNEDY
Oh yeah, this is gonna be REAL fun. Good job, Kenn.

FAITH
B! Hey, B!

Buffy's walking down the street (a fairly non-crowded suburban neighborhood-type street, not downtown). When she hears Faith call out, she turns to see Faith jogging across from the other side of the street. Buffy nods in greeting.

BUFFY
Hey Faith. What's up?

FAITH
Just on my way over to see you.

BUFFY
Oh, cool. Well ... here I am! Heading to Slayer Central, actually. I've got a class in ... (checks watch) ... about twenty minutes. Walk with me?

Faith nods and falls into step next to Buffy.

BUFFY
So, why the sudden urge to see lil' ol' me? Besides the mere presence of lil' ol' me, that is.

FAITH
I wanted to ask you something. I got this little problem.

BUFFY
Buffy Summers, Problem Solver, reporting for duty.

FAITH
Well, it's not me so much. It's Haze.

BUFFY
That's okay, I freelance. This about the thing from earlier...?

FAITH
Yeah. She just found out her parents are gettin' divorced.

BUFFY
Oh, wow. Ouch.

FAITH
Yeah, apparently so. She's really bummed about it.

BUFFY
(Understanding) It's not easy. She's ... sixteen? (At Faith's nod:) Déjà vu.

FAITH
See, that's why I figured you could help. She's thinking it's her fault.

BUFFY
Very much not the surprise.

FAITH
But that's crap, right?

BUFFY
Pretty much. It's never just one thing. To get to that point, it's a lot of stuff over time.

FAITH
Okay, so how do I get her to figure that out too?

BUFFY
Feel free to quote me. Plagiarize away.

FAITH
Not like that. They're just words, they don't mean crap.

BUFFY
Thanks so much.

FAITH
No, I mean ... I'm not so good with words, y'know?

BUFFY
You're talking to me okay.

FAITH
Haze is different. She's just a kid. I can be straight with you.

BUFFY
You can't be straight with Hazel?

FAITH
Tried that, ended up with my foot in my mouth.

BUFFY
Huh. (Thinks for a second, frowning) I wonder where they came up with that. Putting your foot in your mouth. Besides the incredible flexibility necessary, I can't imagine it'd taste very good. (She glances to Faith, who's giving her a 'what the hell are you talking about?' look.) Sorry. Mind. Wonder. Wander. Anyway, yes?

FAITH
So what can I do? What did you do?

BUFFY
Mostly cried a lot. Killed a few things. On reflection, neither was very satisfying.

FAITH
Okay, so what'd you do for Kid Sis?

Buffy thinks about this.

BUFFY
Told her to stay the hell out of my room. But that was pretty much normal. Uhm ... Oh! One night we had a 'Friends' marathon.

FAITH
I hate 'Friends'.

BUFFY
You probably shouldn't do that, then.

The two have arrived at Slayer Central now. They come to a stop on the front steps. Buffy glances at her watch and looks apologetically at Faith.

BUFFY
I gotta run. I wish there was some sort of magic phrase I could tell you that makes everything better, but the truth is, there isn't anything.

FAITH
(Flat) Feelin' much better now, thanks, B.

BUFFY
The only thing that helped me was time. That, and an increasing feeling of abandonment by and resentment for my father. (Contemplative) I think hatred and anger is the best medicine for being sad.

FAITH
Nice. And what's your lesson about today?

BUFFY
(Proud of herself) Emotional clarity in the face of hardship. Which I must now get to. I'll catch you later!

Faith watches Buffy run off.

FAITH
(To herself) I don't even really know what irony IS, but I'm pretty sure that was it.

She shakes her head and walks back the way she came.

We're downtown now, Xander and Willow walking along. She's listening intently to Xander as he complains.

XANDER
Underbid. UNDERBID. I think that's my new least favourite word in the entire English language. And possibly some foreign languages too. You know 'eunoia' and 'farfignugen'? 'Underbid' sucks more'n BOTH of those. Stupid companies.

WILLOW
Yeah, how dare they go with someone who was gonna charge 'em less?

XANDER
What do they think this is, a capitalist society?

WILLOW
What were you gonna build for 'em, anyway?

XANDER
Oh, it was some basic renovations. Any monkey can do it, really.

WILLOW
And apparently cheaper.

XANDER
It wasn't even so much that I wanted to job as I wanted the money that came WITH the job.

WILLOW
How much more do you have to save?

XANDER
A bit. Not a big bit, but a bit. There's only so much going on in Trillium though, you know? My wells are dryin' up.

WILLOW
The Internet's the way to go, I've been tellin' you that for months.

XANDER
I know, I know. But then there's all the scariness of legal documents and tax laws and my god, I still collect COMIC BOOKS. I'm not ready to be an ADULT, let alone a business owner.

WILLOW
Pshaw! Phooey!

XANDER
And my arguments completely crumble under the weight of your decisive retorts.

WILLOW
It's your fear talking.

XANDER
It's not talking to much as yelling. Screaming aloud. Hollering, if you will.

WILLOW
You're just a ... a big fraidy cat!

XANDER
Oh, and YOU'RE one to talk.

WILLOW
(Sniffing indignantly) We're not talking about me.

XANDER
Wouldja like to?

WILLOW
No, not especially.

XANDER
Okay then. Ix-nay on the aidycat-fray.

WILLOW
What if she never comes back?

XANDER
(Blinking at the very abrupt topic change) I thought you didn't wanna talk about it?

WILLOW
I don't.

XANDER
Okay.

WILLOW
But what if she doesn't?

XANDER
Will, Tara's gonna come back. She has to. All her stuff's here.

WILLOW
(Trying to puff herself up) A-And besides. She'll come back because ... because yeah, okay, things are kinda hard right now, but there's her, and there's me, and there's her and me, and if you put her and me together, you get an 'us', and there's the goodness of us. Which, yes, was interrupted there, briefly, by some badness of us, but ... uhm ...

XANDER
(Prompting) You're a very attractive woman.

WILLOW
I'm a very attractive woman!

XANDER
With oodles of love in her heart.

WILLOW
Overflowing with love!

XANDER
And anyone would be lucky to have you.

WILLOW
So lucky to have me! Super lucky! Powerball lucky!

XANDER
Well there you go, see?

WILLOW
(All puffing up immediately disappearing) But what if she doesn't come back?

Xander sighs and throws his arm around Willow's shoulders, hugging her tight as they walk along.

XANDER
How could she resist this craziness?

Willow hugs him back, and they continue down the street, walking away. We can hear the rest of their conversation coming back to us.

XANDER
You know what you need? Some feeling better.

WILLOW
Not really likely.

We're moving up now. Toward the rooftops of the building surrounding the street.

XANDER
I bet I can do it.

WILLOW
Yeah? How?

To one particular building, across from where Will and Xander are walking. A figure is there, unseen by either. Standing and watching. Listening. Observing.

XANDER
It'll be a surprise.

We see the figure: it's Judith.

WILLOW
Ooo, I like surprises.

Judith grins. It's not friendly.

Scoobies' house. The front door opens, and Faith sticks her head in, somewhat tentative. We hear a voice from the living room:

WILLOW
Xander?

Faith enters the house more fully, goes to stand in the entrance to the living room.

FAITH
S'me.

We see now that Willow is on her hands and knees in front of the couch, looking up expectantly.

WILLOW
Oh. Hey. This is a surprise.

FAITH
(Indicating Willow's position) I interrupting somethin'?

WILLOW
What? (Suddenly realizes where she is) Oh! No. I was just looking for my laptop.

Faith's eyes twitch just a little, but she's smooth.

FAITH
Gone missing?

Willow's on her knees now, sitting back on her ankles. She frowns.

WILLOW
Yeah. It's weird. I know I had it last night. Remember?

FAITH
Ahh, yeah.

WILLOW
But now I can't find it. I've looked everywhere. (Her eyes widen a little) I bet someone took it!

She seems to be considering this possibility seriously. Faith opens her mouth as though to say something, but before she can, Willow thrusts an accusing finger at her.

WILLOW
I bet it was Dawn! Oo, she just can't keep her hands off my precious.

FAITH
Dawn? Oh, yeah, I totally bet it was her. She has that whole klepto thing goin', right?

WILLOW
(Considering) Though I guess Tara might've taken it.

FAITH
I'm sure it was someone like that. Probably turn up tomorrow or somethin', right where you left it.

WILLOW
(Grouchy) It better, or someone's gonna find themselves with a nasty curse. I'll give them a ... a big blemish that's REALLY hard to cover up. (She shakes her head, dispelling her foul temper, and gets to her feet) Anyway, what's up?

FAITH
I can't just come visit?

WILLOW
Well, I suppose you CAN, but why start now?

She smirks and Faith gives an 'okay, point' nod and shrug. Willow heads into the kitchen, gesturing with her head that Faith should follow, and she does. Will heads for the fridge.

FAITH
I wanted to ask you something.

Willow emerges from the fridge with two Cokes. She hands one to Faith, smirking.

WILLOW
No, I won't shop for your motorcycle parts.

FAITH
Nothin' like that. (Faith hops up on the island counter) Hazel's really bummed out about some family stuff, an' I don't know how to make her feel better.

WILLOW
Is everything okay?

FAITH
Sorta. She's upset an' all, though, an' I'm comin' up empty for what I can do. I figure, most of the crap I went through ain't too typical, so none'a my ideas are gonna count for much. But you .. (She gestures to Willow) You were like Pollyanna at her age, so you've gotta have some ideas that're better adjusted than mine.

WILLOW
I can't tell if you KNEW you were insulting me at the same time you gave me a compliment, or not.

FAITH
One'a life's great mysteries. C'mon Red, spill. Sixteen – what'd you to do stop feelin' less crappy?

WILLOW
(Thinking) Whew, okay. Let's see ... (Thinking very hard) Hm. I didn't much— Oh! O-Okay. So when I was back in high school and in a blechy mood ... Xander ignoring me again, Cordelia picking on me, Xander not noticing I was alive, Harmony picking on me, Xander only calling me for help on homew—

Faith very pointedly clears her throat.

WILLOW
Right, anyway. I guess I had more of my fair share of less-than sunny moods in the privacy of my own room. So what I used to do, when I was REALLY upset?

She leans over to Faith, like she's about to tell a secret. Faith leans over as well.

WILLOW
(Confidentially) I used to see how far I could calculate pi.

Willow pulls back, leaving a very confused Faith. She very obviously doesn't get it.

FAITH
Pie. Like ...? (She doesn't want to say this, knowing it's wrong, and luckily Willow steps in.)

WILLOW
(Smiling) Not like coconut cream. This is the pi you use to figure out the circumference of a circle. In math?

FAITH
Oh.

WILLOW
I'd keep a mental note of how far I'd gotten, and whenever I got upset and just didn't want to deal with whatever, I'd start all over again and see if I could get any higher.

FAITH
(Very dubious) An' that helped?

WILLOW
Oh, yeah! That's the great thing about numbers, you know. When you're dealing with people, you never know what you'll get; it could change from second to second. But a number, that's something you can count on. (She stops for just a second to grin at her own bad joke, but then keeps going.) Three is always three, it's not sometimes a- a seven or a fifty-one, and it doesn't make you pass notes to Susie Glasmeyer in English Lit.

FAITH
Uh-huh.

WILLOW
(Shrug) Well it's what I used to do.

FAITH
(Sigh) Yeah. Thanks. I don't think that'll really work for Haze, though. (She hops off the counter, draining her Coke quickly.)

WILLOW
No, probably not. Sorry.

FAITH
Not your fault. I'll just have to keep lookin'. (She heads for the door.) Thanks for the drink.

WILLOW
No problem. Good luck!

Faith exits, leaving Willow in the kitchen. She's thinking, a pout appearing on her features.

WILLOW
Damn, now I really want a coconut cream pie.

TARA
You know if you'd let me—

KENNEDY
No.

We're by the side of the road. It's gray and overcast, looking like it may snow soon. There's already a great deal of snow on the ground and it's obviously cold out. The stretch of highway they're on is very lonely, no traffic in either direction.

Kennedy is kneeling by the right rear tire. The SUV is jacked up and there are tools around her. They have a flat tire. Tara is standing nearby, using her mittened hands to rub her arms. She's watching Kennedy, who is trying to get a bolt off of the tire.

TARA
I just think that—

KENNEDY
No.

Tara sighs in aggravation, but Kennedy doesn't care. She's straining, but clearly not putting all of her strength into getting the bolt loose. After a moment, she swears, and throws the cross tool thingie to the ground angrily. She gets up and kicks the tire savagely.

TARA
That should help.

KENNEDY
Makes me feel better, okay? Instead of color commentary, why don't YOU fix the damned thing?

TARA
I've been TRYING to help, you keep saying—

KENNEDY
No!

TARA
Yes, exactly.

KENNEDY
No, I mean ... No! It's ... I can do it myself!

With that, Kennedy kneels again and snatches up the cross-thingie, preparing to try again.

TARA
Kennedy, wait. (Kennedy glares) Just ... calm down first, okay? In this cold, if you use all your Slayer strength, you'll—

KENNEDY
Strip the bolt or break it off. Yeah, I know. (Muttering to herself, though loudly so Tara can easily hear) 'Course I know that. I'm the one that SAID it.

TARA
You know if you'd just let me—

Kennedy shoots her a sharp look, and Tara throws her hands in the air.

TARA
Fine. You just go right ahead and do it your way. (Muttering herself) God help us if we have to actually ask for directions.

KENNEDY
I heard that.

Tara hardly looks repentant, however, and Kennedy tries again to use just the right amount of strength to get the bolt loosened. Tara meanwhile has wandered back further down the road they've come. She squints her eyes and looks at an object far back in the distance on the road.

TARA
(Frowning) What is that?

Kennedy meanwhile keeps trying little bursts to nudge it along, but it's obviously far more strain to limit herself like this, and she quickly loses her temper again and throws the tool down one more time.

KENNEDY
Dammit!

TARA
(Calling back) Hey, can you tell what happened to the tire?

KENNEDY
(Sarcastic) Yeah. It lost all its air. Turned into a big rubber pancake.

TARA
(Sighing, heading back) I mean, can you tell why it's flat?

KENNEDY
(Very slowly, clearly in a pissy mood) Because it doesn't have any air.

Tara shoots Kennedy a look, but squats down by the tire and begins to examine it. As she does so, she doesn't notice Kennedy stiffen suddenly. She suddenly looks like a whole 'nother person, sort of foggy and detached. Mechanically, and unseen by Tara, she leans down and picks up the discarded cross-tool thing.

TARA
(Almost to herself) Look at these punctures in the tire. They way they're so evenly spaced apart?

She stands and steps back, still looking at the tire. She doesn't see Kennedy next to her, still looking dazed and unfocused.

TARA
I-I don't think this is natural. I think someone meant for us to pull over here.

Still studying the tire, she waits for a response. When she receives none ...

TARA
(Looking over) What do you—?

Tara is taken completely off-guard by Kennedy raising the tire iron over her head, looming over Tara and ready to strike.

Act Three

Where we left off. Tara is frozen, wide-eyed as Kennedy raises her arm back to strike. Tara is stunned, but raises her hand as if to ward off the blow.

TARA
Proté—

But before she can finish the incantation, Kennedy's arm snaps forward and she hurls the tire iron. It whizzes just past Tara's head, making her hair whip in the draft. Spinning end over end, it imbeds in the chest of a squat, long-armed, viciously clawed, gray demon that was leaping in midair, straight for Tara. The demon grunts with the impact and lands heavily on the ground, instantly dead. Tara whirls around to see the demon on the ground. She blinks, surprised, then wrinkles her nose.

TARA
I-I don't think we're gonna want to use that again. Ever.

Kennedy goes over to the demon, looking down at it.

KENNEDY
Dammit. That was my only one of those. Stupid demon.

TARA
Huh. That was pretty clever. I'm guessing it set out the tire trap, kinda ... catching prey.

KENNEDY
Canada's certainly got some new breeds of nasty.

TARA
(Looking around at the desolate stretch of highway.) I wonder how many people it's killed out here.

KENNEDY
Well it won't be killing any more, so score one for the good guys – defender of traveling families and innocent tires everywhere. Unfortunately ...

She turns away from the demon and stares balefully at the tire. Tara follows her gaze and smirks.

TARA
Curatio ventulus.

A breeze suddenly picks up. Kennedy turns to Tara with some surprise, but Tara's busily concentrating on the tire. She stares at it, and Kennedy turns back. The tire then begins to inflate itself. When it becomes approximately tire-sized:

TARA
Clausus.

The areas of the tire that are damaged begin to glow brightly for several seconds, then fade away. The tire is whole again. The breeze dissipates and Kennedy goes over to the tire. She runs her hand across it, checking it over.

KENNEDY
Handy.

TARA
I've got a hundred and one uses.

Kennedy arches an eyebrow at that, but Tara's already turned away and is looking back to the demon.

TARA
I think we should probably move him. Back into the woods? So he's not just ... lying here on the side of the road and everything.

KENNEDY
Don't suppose you have a spell for that too, huh?

Tara is studying the demon, trying to find the best angle. She finally settles on simply grabbing one of its arms. She doesn't look particularly thrilled to be doing so, but it has to be done, so she buckles down.

TARA
Why use magick when you can do something yourself?

KENNEDY
(Joining her) So you don't have to actually touch stuff like this?

Kennedy grabs the other arm and drags, increasing their progress significantly.

TARA
(Obviously finding this very distasteful) I'm really not in an objective frame of mind at the moment. Ask me again in about ten minutes.

Kennedy snickers. The girls reach the edge of the woods and drag the body inside.

KENNEDY
So the tire mojo. You couldn't have done that half an hour ago?

TARA
Maybe next time I say I can help, you'll actually listen to me.

Beat.

KENNEDY
Nahh.

Scoobies' house. Buffy and Willow are on the couch, lying on opposite ends. Buffy's leaning back against the armrest closest to the entrance, Willow on the other end. They're both stretched out.

BUFFY
It's so quiet.

WILLOW
Which is good.

BUFFY
Absolutely. Quality Scooby time. (She frowns) As soon as Xander gets here. Where was he going?

WILLOW
He wouldn't say. He just told me knew how to make the night a good one. He seems to be under the impression that we are in need of cheering.

BUFFY
Silly Xander.

WILLOW
Totally. I mean, me? Full of cheer.

BUFFY
Mirth, even.

WILLOW
And why shouldn't I be? Tara and Kennedy going off alone into the wilderness because they received some psychic summons from a person we've never heard of before who has an unexplained need to see Tara? That would have no impact on my mood whatsoever.

BUFFY
None at all. And as for myself, I'm not even remotely overprotective to the point of scary about my little sister, recently plagued by a series of disturbingly Mom-like headaches which have now disappeared as suddenly as they arrived. Why would that bother me?

WILLOW
It wouldn't.

BUFFY
Not at all.

WILLOW
Silly Xander.

BUFFY
Silly Xander who is, himself, devoid of mope.

WILLOW
He and mope aren't even on speaking terms.

BUFFY
Despite not getting as much work as he wants ...

WILLOW
... and being lonely ...

BUFFY
... and having to deal with us. Not that we have anything in need of dealing.

WILLOW
Because we don't. And neither does he.

BUFFY
He's very silly.

As if on cue, the front door opens. Buffy leans her head all the way back over the arm of the couch, looking upside down at the living room entrance.

XANDER
(O.S.) I have returned.

BUFFY
Cool. We were just talking about how we're all doing so well.

We can hear Xander in the foyer, taking his coat and shoes and stuff off.

XANDER
(O.S.) You two sure about that?

WILLOW
Absolutely. My good friend Buffy and I have thoroughly analyzed the situation and determined that we are both in excellent spirits.

We can now hear Xander moving around things that appear to fairly bulky.

XANDER
(O.S.) Sure you're sure?

Willow and Buffy share a look. They both sigh heavily.

BUFFY/WILLOW
(Petulant) No.

XANDER
(O.S.) Good.

BUFFY
Good? (To Willow) Did he just say 'good'?

WILLOW
I think he did. We can punish him for that, right?

BUFFY
Yeah. (Screwing up her nose) But he may like it.

WILLOW
(Also distasteful) Oh, yeah.

Xander enters at that point. He has a big box in his arms and a big grin on his face. He walks into the living room and puts the box on the table, then stands back and waits expectantly. Willow and Buffy give the box and then him a dubious look.

WILLOW
A box?

XANDER
Box make better.

BUFFY
What's in it?

XANDER
Well that's the better part.

They still look unsure, but he simply waits, looking very proud of himself. As one, the girls uncurl from the couch and lean over to the box. They peer inside and gasp.

WILLOW
(Delighted) Xander!

BUFFY
I DO feel better! (Hastily adding) Not that I was bad.

XANDER
Do I know my girls or do I know my girls?

Both reach into the box and pull out something. In Buffy's hands are two tubs of ice cream: one Half Baked, the other Karamel Sutra. Willow hugs her super-sized bag of Doritos. Xander also reaches in and pulls out a box of Twinkies so large it could only have been bought at one of those warehouse food places.

XANDER
I hereby declare this Scooby Pig Out Night. We will feast like the Romans, only with hopefully less vomiting. I have pizza on the way, and two 24-packs of soda in the car. DVDs are in the box.

WILLOW
(Hopefully) Did you get a pie?

XANDER
(Smiling and fishing out his car keys) I'll be right back.

Willow beams and Xander jogs out of the house. Buffy is peering in the box, looking at the goodies, then she turns back to Willow.

BUFFY
Think this'll help?

Willow pulls open the bag of Doritos and snags a chip.

WILLOW
No. But at least we won't be miserable AND hungry.

One of the dormitory rooms. It's a decent-sized one, but quite bare, no decoration at all. Giles is in there, making up the bed. Faith appears in the doorway and knocks. Giles turns around, sheet in hand.

GILES
Oh, Faith, good evening.

FAITH
Hey. (Indicating with her chin) What's all this?

GILES
Oh, I'm making up a room for our guest.

FAITH
Figured she'd make like Samantha an' just do it up herself.

GILES
Samantha?

FAITH
You know ... Samantha, Darrin, Tabitha ... 'Bewitched'. Had the whole nose wiggle thing goin'.

GILES
Yes? How charming.

FAITH
Come in at 3, 4 in the mornin' from patrol, you take what the TV gives you.

GILES
(Holding up the sheet) Would you mind...?

FAITH
Oh, yeah, sure.

Faith comes into the room, on the other side of the bed. She and Giles proceed to make it (the bed, that is) while they talk.

FAITH
Hey Oxford, can I ask you something?

GILES
I'm fairly certain you just did.

FAITH
(Smirking) Man, I hate that crap.

GILES
I do too, actually, it's just such a rare occasion I get to use it on someone else. (Back on topic) Yes, Faith, you may ask me whatever you like. Answering is, of course, another matter entirely.

FAITH
It's nothin' bad. I'm just tryin' to help someone, an' I'm not sure how to do it.

GILES
Oh? Help them how?

FAITH
One'a my girls. She's kinda bummed about family stuff back home. I wanna make her feel better, but nothin' I can think of is really gonna do the trick.

GILES
(Smiling at her) Faith, I think that's marvelous. You wanting to help out one of your charges. (He goes back to making the bed, which gives Faith a chance to look all embarrassed without him staring at her.) That's very selfless of you.

FAITH
(Blowing it off) Not really. If she's walks around like someone killed her puppy then it's just gonna rub off on all the other troops. Bad for morale. (Defensive) I ain't soft or nothin'.

GILES
(Still smiling) No, of course not. Heaven forbid.

FAITH
...okay. Long as that's clear.

GILES
Quite.

FAITH
So ... what should I do?

GILES
Unfortunately, despite all appearances, I'm actually NOT the leading authority on young teenage girls.

FAITH
You're kiddin' me. You're, like ... the big dad. B, an' Red ... Xan ...

GILES
I am the 'big dad', mostly by virtue of the fact that I have been the only consistent older male presence in their lives for some time. This comes with no sudden bursts of insight or knowledge, however.

FAITH
(Disappointed) Oh.

GILES
(Trying to make it better) But- But I HAVE made several observations over the years, and I may have one suggestion.

FAITH
I'm all ears.

GILES
I believe that ingesting copious amounts of confection has some sort of recuperative powers. I find that something frozen, containing several thoroughly unappetizing dollops of raw dough is a popular selection.

FAITH
(Thoroughly confused) What?

GILES
Try chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

FAITH
That's your big advice? Ice cream?

GILES
I've heard it's quite tasty.

Scoob's house. Buffy takes a luxurious bite of – you guessed it – chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream from the pint in her hand.

BUFFY
SO good.

We see that the place is a mess ... a mostly-empty pizza box sits there amidst balled up taco wrappers, open bags of chips, several cellophane wrappers, bowls of various candies, etc. ... But still, the three Scoobs show little sign of stopping. Indeed, they appear to just be getting started. Buffy and Willow are still on the couch, Xander's sitting on the floor just to the side (closest to Willow).

WILLOW
Okay, I bet you ... (she casts her eyes around the piles of food, searching. She spies something.) I bet you can't drink a whole can of Coke in five seconds.

XANDER
Oh please. Think of something challenging. That's beneath me.

WILLOW
(Triumphant) So you refuse then?

XANDER
And give you the satisfaction of putting an incriminating red tick mark by my name? You wish.

Willow smugly hands Xander a can of Coke.

WILLOW
Come on then, tough guy.

Xander snatches the Coke and pops it open at Willow, shooting her a look – appearing very fierce and competitive, but it's all in fun. He turns to Buffy.

XANDER
Ready, O Mistress of the Time?

Buffy holds up her wrist, where a watch is quite prevalent.

BUFFY
Okay, ready and ... (Xander is poised, drink at the ready) Go!

Xander gets to guzzling, drinking furiously. Buffy counts out the seconds.

BUFFY
One ... Two ... Three ... Four ... Fi—

With a very loud, demonstrative, manly belch, Xander announces that he's done. Buffy and Willow start laughing, both looking thoroughly – yet amusedly – disgusted as Xander grins with pride and slams the empty Coke can on the coffee table.

BUFFY
God, don't ever ask him to do that again.

WILLOW
Ew, I promise.

XANDER
C'mon now, I met my challenge, so let's make with the black ticky.

From the end table by the couch, Willow grabs the small white board that usually hangs on the fridge. We see that it's been divided up into three sections, one for each of them. There are several black marks under each person's name, as well as several red ones. Willow gets the black marker and puts a tick mark under Xander's name, as he peers up, trying to see the score.

WILLOW
(Reading from the board) Ms. Summers has five completions, four pass/fail ... (Buffy looks moderately pleased) Mr. Harris, you have seven completions and only two pass/fail ...

XANDER
Victory!

WILLOW
(Rather hurriedly) ...aaaaand I've got one to eight.

Both Buffy and Xander start booing. Willow gives them a cranky look.

WILLOW
Well sorry, some of us just aren't so ... piggy.

XANDER
Did she just insult us?

BUFFY
I know MY ego is all bruised.

XANDER
You know what this calls for.

Willow at this point is starting to edge away from the others, who are starting to sit up straighter and lean closer ... but, of course, she's on the couch, so where can she go?

BUFFY
It's harsh and brutal, but she's left us no other choice.

They're getting closer.

WILLOW
Don't you dare! Don't you dare!

XANDER/BUFFY
WILLOW-PILE!!

And with that, both Xander and Buffy launch themselves at Willow, tickling and noogying and making Willow basically squeal.

WILLOW
Ahh! Stop it! I know spells! Lots of spells! I'll get Hecate down and you'll both be so whammied!

Both Xander and Buffy pause, but they're poised and ready to begin again at a moments notice. Willow is panting, trying to catch her breath.

XANDER
Promise to stop being so pouty?

WILLOW
I'm not pouty, I just didn't want to eat fifteen Twinkies without stopping. I like my stomach contents ... you know, IN my stomach.

BUFFY
Just saying. Cuz if I can let all my worries go ...

WILLOW
Let them go? You've been checking your cell phone for missed calls every five minutes, I've clocked you.

Buffy looks ready to attack again, but Willow holds up her hands in defense.

WILLOW
I'm just saying! It's not only me.

BUFFY
Bleah.

She sits back with a pout. Xander looks at both, senses he's losing them.

XANDER
Ohhh no you don't. YOU— (he thrusts his finger at Buffy) —are going to let your little sister grow up and stop freaking whenever she gets a canker sore.

BUFFY
(Eyes widening) I'm not—

XANDER
And YOU— (Willow's turn) —will stop letting your love life, or lack thereof, turn you into a gloomy guts.

WILLOW
But I—

XANDER
(Doesn't want to hear it) So I have said, so it shall be. Now. (He thrusts a package at each woman) Eat a Ding Dong.

WILLOW
You're very bossy.

XANDER
It's all the sugar. I think it's rotting my brain from the inside.

Xander watches with a school marm eye until both girls start to unwrap their snack cake. Satisfied, Xander grabs one for himself, ripping it open and eating it before the others have taken more than one bite.

WILLOW
(Mostly to herself) I wonder if they're there yet.

Two Ding Dong wrappers are thrown at her.

WILLOW
Okay! Geez. (She takes a savage bite out of the cake. From around it, she says:) Any Funyuns left?

KENNEDY
Take a right.

Tara's driving now. It's snowing out, and they're clearly well off the beaten path. It's starting to get dark, so the sunglasses are off. She leans forward, trying to see better.

TARA
Where? I don't see any roads. Just trees. Lots of trees. And some snow. Which would be pretty if we weren't, you know ... lost.

KENNEDY
(Snapping) We're not lost.

TARA
So we know where to go, then.

KENNEDY
We'd be going right, if you'd listen to me.

Tara flushes with anger for a second, but takes a deep breath instead.

TARA
I'll take the first right that won't require us to cut down the forest first, okay?

KENNEDY
Can't you just ... (she wiggles her fingers) ...and find the way there?

TARA
I could maybe help us find the way out if we get too turned around. But without knowing exactly where we're going or who we're looking for, I-I won't be able to find the [TITLE]. (She frowns) She's here somewhere, though. There's ... Magick is everywhere in here. I-It's a little overwhelming.

Kennedy huffs and sinks down in the seat, glaring at the hand-written directions in her hand. Tara glances over.

TARA
I'm sure we'll find it soon. You're just tired.

KENNEDY
You think? I knew there was a reason I hated taking family trips.

TARA
(Also clearly tired) Well why did you come then?

KENNEDY
Someone had to.

TARA
Buffy would have.

KENNEDY
Oh yeah, Buffy the perfect. I just wanted to, okay? I thought maybe it'd help me ... I dunno. Learn something.

TARA
And did you?

KENNEDY
Mostly that you're more repressed than then entire British royal family.

TARA
What?

KENNEDY
I mean look at you. (Tara does indeed look down at herself in confusion) You're so damned busy not dealing with stuff that you're stuck. You can't handle the back, so you can't move forward.

TARA
I'm not—

KENNEDY
You know what pisses me off?

TARA
(Grumbling) I'm guessing you'll tell me.

KENNEDY
You could have it all, and it's like you don't even want it. I mean, you got a second chance at life! You got a do-over, but with all the good stuff still in place! The friends, the respect ...

TARA
(Withdrawing) It's not just good stuff.

KENNEDY
(Gesturing) But instead you do that! You just fold up and push it away and don't deal with CRAP. What the hell?

TARA
It's not that simple.

KENNEDY
Yeah, you know what? It is. You went through some bad stuff, and that sucks, but it's life. If you're not gonna face that and deal with it, you might as well be back in the ground. You've got people around you who'd drop EVERYTHING to help you. They want to help you so much they can taste it.

TARA
This is ... They're my problems. They shouldn't have to—

KENNEDY
I knew it! (Tara looks at Kennedy, clearly feeling irritated at the note of triumph.) I knew it! You're doing this whole suffer-in-silence martyr thing! You think it, what? Makes you more noble? Keeps everybody good and sympathetic? Oh, poor Tara, always so giving, can't burden everyone else with her pain. God, do you always have to be so perfect?

TARA
Do you always have to be such a bitch?

As soon as the words are out of her mouth, Tara looks mortified. Kennedy blinks in surprise, then grins.

KENNEDY
You've been wanting to say that for hours, haven't you?

TARA
Oh my god, I'm ... I didn't mean ...

KENNEDY
(Almost smug) Oh no, you meant it.

TARA
(Sounding irritated again) Why do you do that? That stubborn, superior thing. I-It's like the tire, you just HAD to do it all yourself. I mean it's obviously defensive, but—

KENNEDY
Sorry Mrs. Freud, but there's room for only ONE psychoanalysis in this vehicle, and trust me on this – you are by FAR the more screwed up of us.

TARA
See, you did it again.

KENNEDY
Do you even want her?

The abrupt nonsequitur brings Tara up short and she's immediately back on the defensive.

TARA
(Confused) What?

KENNEDY
Willow. Do you even want her? Because you've got to know that she wants you.

TARA
What ... What does that have to do with anything?

KENNEDY
Please. It has everything to do with EVERYTHING. (Tara still doesn't get it) Look, I'll make it real simple: If you don't want her, then have the decency to let her go.

TARA
I'm not HOLDING her.

KENNEDY
Which, incidentally, isn't doing much to prove to me that you're not an idiot. (Tara frowns at that, but Kennedy's on a roll and not stopping.) And by the way? Yeah, you are.

TARA
(Snippy) I thought you were going to make this simple.

KENNEDY
(Sighing and rolling her eyes) She's been waiting for you since the second she saw you across the street. Probably longer, if I wanna sacrifice my ego. I think fifty years from now, some part of her will STILL be waiting. The bottom line is: that's not right. Not if you don't want her. Not when there are people out there who do. (She stares at Tara hard) So. Tell me right now that you don't still love Willow and want to be with her.

Tara meets Kennedy's gaze, but looks away first and doesn't say anything.

KENNEDY
And there we go. Which brings us to the next point: What the hell are you waiting for?

TARA
Why are you ... (She smirks, realizing something.) You're trying to get us back together.

KENNEDY
(Automatic response) No way.

TARA
You are! (She frowns) Why are you?

KENNEDY
(Sighing) I love Willow. That's not news. But I'm realistic. While she's yours, she can never be mine. If she thinks there's the slightest chance, I don't even have a shot. Hence the questions. I knew what she wanted but I wasn't sure about you. (She shrugs) Now I'm sure.

TARA
Sooo you're playing matchmaker because...?

KENNEDY
Because I want Willow to be happy.

Tara nods – that makes sense.

KENNEDY
And because it's pretty damned clear that if someone doesn't step in and kick you in the ass, you'll both keep circling around each other until one of you crashes and burns. (She tsks in frustration) This is SO not hard. Why the hell you have to make it into this big drama is beyond me. It's freaking irritating.

TARA
See, you were sounding nice up until that point.

KENNEDY
Well, can't go giving you false impressions, can I?

They lapse into a silence, both in thought. Tara considers Kennedy.

TARA
You're so different. (Kennedy quirks an eyebrow) From how I thought you'd be. When Willow first mentioned she'd ... she'd found someone, I thought ... I dunno. I thought you'd be kinda like ... me.

Kennedy snorts a laugh at that one. Tara grins too.

TARA
I-I guess that's kinda self-centered.

KENNEDY
Maybe a little. But no. I think the last thing Will needed was someone to remind her of you every second of every day. So she traded up.

Kennedy grins as she says it, though, and Tara chuckles.

KENNEDY
I'm the anti-Tara.

TARA
I'm surprised we can exist in the same space without canceling each other out. Do we even have anything in common? At all?

KENNEDY
Willow.

Beat.

TARA
Well there's that.

Kennedy lifts an eyebrow and gives a leering grin.

TARA
A-And that too.

The tension between them has eased quite a bit now. Tara peers through the windshield.

TARA
Hey, look – a right.

KENNEDY
About time. Take that bad boy.

Tara does so and Kennedy refers to the handwritten directions.

KENNEDY
It says we keep straight for a couple miles.

TARA
Boy, when Mr. Giles said she was living somewhere remote, he wasn't kidding.

KENNEDY
Chapleau so far – not that impressive.

Kennedy starts digging around under the seat. She grabs an unlabled CD and waves it.

KENNEDY
Feel like some tunes? The radio hasn't picked up anything for hours. (She frowns at the CD) Though I have no idea what's on this.

TARA
Oh, that's one of mine.

Kennedy considers it warily now, with a little disdain.

KENNEDY
It's not easy listening crap, is it?

Tara smirks and takes the CD. She pops it in the CD player. Within moments, music fills the air. A strong beat, a woman singing notes in the background. Then a man's voice comes in, speaking the following:

Unconditional love, talking about the stuff that don't wear off. It don't fade, it'll last for all these crazy days ...

Kennedy looks downright shocked and turns to Tara – and it's her turn to look a little smug. Kennedy just gapes.

KENNEDY
Tupac Shakur?

TARA
He was a great poet.

KENNEDY
Yeah, but what the hell do you have in common with a black male rapper who grew up on the streets of New York?

TARA
Nothing. Amazing, isn't it?

Kennedy shakes her head, obviously still surprised. Tara grins, clearly pleased that she was able to take Kennedy so by surprise. She turns back to the road, just in time to see something huge leap in front of the car.

KENNEDY
Look out!!

Tara swerves the car off to the side of the 'road' (which is more like a wide trail), heading straight for the dense trees that line either side.

Act Four

Back to the SUV. It's beginning to fishtail in the snow, but Tara handles the vehicle like a pro and manages bring it to a screeching halt, without killing the both of them. They're both a little shaken.

KENNEDY
Nice moves.

TARA
Thanks. I always knew driving my father's truck in the middle of winter would come in handy one day. Actually, I didn't, but anyway. (She looks back down the road, which is empty.) What was that?

KENNEDY
I don't know.

Suddenly there's a booming roar that causes both girls to jump and look around wildly, but they can't see anything.

KENNEDY
... but if we find that? I'm guessing we'll have our answer.

TARA
(Nervous laugh) Ignorance is bliss?

KENNEDY
So's kicking ass.

She pulls a crossbow from behind the backseat, quickly setting it.

KENNEDY
Wait here.

TARA
But I—

KENNEDY
Wait. Here.

She grabs a handful of arrows as well, and cautiously gets out of the car. There's nothing but silence in all direction. The snow is lightly falling, and Kennedy's boots crunch in the snow. Her eyes never stop moving, constantly scanning for signs of danger. She sees nothing, hears nothing. Then:

TARA
(Now outside the SUV) Behind you!

Kennedy whirls around and only barely manages to duck as a HUGE fist attached to a hairy arm swings right where her head was just moments before. Kennedy immediately counterattacks with a kick to where the thing's midsection would be, but she hits only air. She straightens instantly, scanning around but sees nothing.

KENNEDY
What the— (To Tara) Where did it go?

TARA
I don't ... It's like it just vanished.

KENNEDY
Something that big? Doubtful. It's probably just—

She quickly whirls and fires a crossbow bolt at a thicket of trees, but she obviously misses as here comes the monster. It's a huge creature, think yeti. It's coming right at her. FAST. Kennedy remains calm, however, reloading her crossbow for another shot. Tara obviously isn't comfortable with her speed, however and begins to run toward her.

TARA
Kennedy!

She's now attracted the thing's attention, and it starts toward her instead. Kennedy sees it change targets and swears.

KENNEDY
Dammit, I said stay in the car!

Tara stops short as the huge beast is coming toward her. She stops, a puzzled frown crossing her features and she tilts her head at the monster, which isn't stopping. It's Kennedy's turn to be worried now, and she dashes between them. She swings, but the monster, despite his bulk, is able to evade the blow. Kennedy quickly follows up with another swing, keeping the monster off balance. She spares a glance to Tara, who isn't moving.

KENNEDY
What part of 'stay in the car' is confusing? I can't fight this thing if I gotta worry about you too!

TARA
There's something weird about—

KENNEDY
(Still swinging, still trying to keep it busy) We can do the National Geographic bit later!

The monster has apparently had enough of this and roars again. He dashes back into the woods and almost immediately vanishes from sight. There's no sight or sound of him at all. Tara approaches Kennedy, searching for it.

TARA
It's got this sort of ... weird emptiness around it, like—

KENNEDY
DOWN!

A small tree (or really huge log) comes hurtling toward the girls from the woods behind them (the opposite side of where the monster disappeared). It's coming toward them with startling speed and accuracy. Kennedy grabs Tara and throws them both to the ground. The tree only barely misses them, crashing back into the other side, taking down several trees with it. Tara and Kennedy land on the ground in a jumbled heap. They don't immediately move, with Kennedy almost stark still, her head cocked and eyes narrowed in concentration. Tara, being the one pinned, isn't paying so much attention to that. She's more paying attention to the fact that Kennedy is all up in her personal space and not moving.

TARA
Uhm ...

But Kennedy puts a finger on Tara's lips.

KENNEDY
(Sharply) Shh.

Tara blinks in confusion, but doesn't move, barely breathing, not making a sound. Kennedy keeps looking, listening ... then almost faster than the eye can follow, she brings the crossbow (still clutched in her hand) around and fires. The bolt hits the creature square between the eyes – but goes straight through it. The monster roars all the same, however, and quickly jumps back into the safety of the trees.

KENNEDY
Did you see that?

Tara, still quite pinned, can't see much of anything, a condition she would like very much to point out to Kennedy.

TARA
(A little more forcibly) UHM ...

Kennedy looks down, seems for the first time to realize what's going on.

KENNEDY
Oh! Oh. Sorry.

She smoothly rolls to her feet and holds out her hand to help Tara up. Tara begins dusting herself off.

KENNEDY
I hit it. Or, well, I SHOULD'VE hit it, but nothing.

TARA
Do you maybe get the feeling we're being kinda ... tested?

KENNEDY
Starting to. I'm not much appreciating it either.

TARA
I didn't think so. You know, I HAVE actually been doing the monster fighting thing for a little while. I can help.

KENNEDY
(Still scanning) You're the important one here. I'm your protection. (She shrugs) Besides, this is my first big solo mission. How's it gonna look if I get you all killed?

TARA
That works then, I'm not much in the mood to die. Again. (She shakes her head) I've got a plan. Can you keep it busy?

Suddenly a loud roar bursts through the area and the monster appears behind them.

KENNEDY
Shouldn't be a problem.

She rushes forward to meet the monster. Tara dashes to the car, throws open the door and begins rummaging around through the bags back there. Meanwhile, Kennedy is throwing punches and kicks at the monster, who is dodging them all.

KENNEDY
C'mon, lemme land at least one. It'll help my fragile ego.

The monster responds by throwing a punch that Kennedy easily ducks.

KENNEDY
By the way, the Hair Club for Men called – they'd like you to be their poster child success story.

The monster doesn't react outside of the swing-and-miss exchange he and Kenn have been in now. She tsks in disappointment.

KENNEDY
Oh come on, I was a good two minutes thinking that one up, you could at least PRETEND to be a LITTLE pissed.

Suddenly a high-pitched whistle sounds, causing both the monster and Kennedy to swing around. Tara's standing there, a powdered mixture of some sort on her outstretched palm.

TARA
I think maybe you have reality issues. We can help.

She blows the powder at him. Kennedy takes an involuntary step backwards as it swirls around the monster. He's looking at it with confusion as Tara incants the following:

TARA
Mother of dreams
From the depths of night
Remove the veil
Bring truth to my sight

The powder swirls faster now, and the monster starts batting at it, trying to make it go away, but he has no effect. The powder then BLASTS the monster, sandstorm-like. It erodes the illusion of a yeti-like monster, leaving only a very svelte, slender creature, about two, maybe three-foot tall, flying approximately eye-level with Kennedy.

CREATURE
Crap.

He tries to fly away, and he IS very fast, but Kennedy's ready for him. She snags him by the wing.

CREATURE
OW! (He glares at Kennedy) Do you MIND?

KENNEDY
Not so much.

Tara walks forward now, joining Kennedy. She looks curiously at the creature, who is busy trying, quite unsuccessfully, to pull his wing free.

TARA
Who are you?

CREATURE
(Still yanking ineffectually) I am (yank) Quinstharyn (yank) of the—

He yanks one final time but can't get free. He sighs and leans on Kennedy's outstretched arm.

QUINN
Besides being tremendously undignified, this is, in fact, rather painful. Please let go. I promise not to run.

KENNEDY
Right, and you've obviously proven yourself to be so trustworthy so far.

He turns to Tara, sighing heavily. He appears to be appealing to her for support on his behalf.

TARA
I-I think you can let him go.

KENNEDY
Sure, so he can play dress-up some more. (To Quinn) What's next on the creature feature, going to turn into Mothra or something?

QUINN
(Leering) Only if you two lovelies will be my Cosmos twins.

KENNEDY
(Sneer) Oh, so no.

TARA
Really, you can let him go. I can cast a spell on him if I need to. He won't be going anywhere.

Kennedy releases Quinn's wing. As nonchalant as possible, he rubs it painfully, then releases it, fluffing them out and smoothing his hair back into place. While he's preening, Kennedy casts a dubious look at Tara, who shakes her head, but seems at least mildly amused.

TARA
Mr. Quinstharyn—

QUINN
Just 'Quinn', sweetie. Since we're all such good friends now.

TARA
...Quinn. What are you ... I mean, what was with all the ... (She waves her hand abstractly around the faerie)

QUINN
Oh, that? (He waves dismissively) Just a little diversionary protection. Got to keep the nasties away, don't we? (He considers first Tara and then Kennedy) Mm, but no nasties here.

KENNEDY
(Rolling her eyes) So it was all illusions?

QUINN
Every bit. Sight, sound ... (Proudly) I've been working on them for years. They're some of my best.

TARA
Very impressive.

QUINN
(Beaming) Thank you, love! Aren't you just the sweetest thing? You should see my one-fae presentation of Rent, it's to die for.

KENNEDY
(To herself) God, I hate magic.

QUINN
(Not having heard) Better to be safe than sorry, especially these days. But congratulations to you two! (He claps his hands.) We can go as soon as you're ready.

Kennedy and Tara exchange a look.

TARA
Go?

QUINN
To see [TITLE], of course. Didn't come all this way just for the scenery, did you?

Faith and Hazel are out in a graveyard. They're obviously on patrol. As they talk, they stalk through the graveyard, not looking at each other very much, their eyes focused on their surroundings. They move together for several minutes, neither saying anything.

FAITH
How you doing?

HAZEL
Little chilly. I should've worn a thicker jacket.

FAITH
No, I meant about the, y'know. Parents.

HAZEL
Oh. (She shrugs) Okay, I guess. I talked to my dad this afternoon. I got the after school special speech, about how this is about them and not me. I actually sort of was thinking it would help, since it always seems to make the kids on TV feel better. No go, though. It was all sort of anticlimactic. Just as well I've never used drugs, cuz I don't see their generic intervention stuff doing much better.

Silence falls again. Then:

FAITH
You like ice cream?

HAZEL
Isn't it physically impossible to NOT like ice cream? (Thinking) Though I guess if you're lactose intolerant ...

FAITH
Yeah, then?

HAZEL
(Spelling it out plainly) Yes, Fiver, I like ice cream. Why?

FAITH
Cuz I bought some for you. It's back at the base.

Hazel stops and looks at Faith.

HAZEL
You bought me ice cream?

Suddenly, a vampire leaps out of the shadows and does a flying tackle at Hazel, sending her rolling to the ground. Faith stands back and watches, making no move to intercede. The scuffle is amazingly short-lived – Hazel manages to kick the vamp off of her relatively easily. She then rolls back onto her shoulders and leaps to her feet, just as the vampire comes at her again. She glances over to Faith expectantly, who tosses Hazel a stake. Hazel catches it easily and smoothly stakes the vampire. He dusts and she looks down at it the new ashes without paying them much mind otherwise. She casually flips the stake back to Faith.

FAITH
Nice.

HAZEL
Thanks. It's amazing how much better fighting evil can make you feel. Sort of puts everything else in perspective you know?

FAITH
I'll take your word for it.

HAZEL
That ice cream is sounding REALLY good now, though. What kind did you get?

FAITH
Chocolate chip cookie dough. I thought maybe it'd ... I dunno, make you feel better.

Hazel frowns a little, and Faith immediately attacks her own idea.

FAITH
I know, dumb. (Pissed at herself) I knew I shouldn't'a listened to Oxford. It's just that ... See, I really wanted to try and make you feel better, right? But I ain't built for that sorta thing, so I scoped out B an' her little gang. Figured they're pretty much the group that INVENTED the warm fuzzy. Hangin' around 'em can make ya a little sick sometimes, but they're all big on the group hugs an' gold stars, so seemed easy money. But all I basically got was 'Friends', some number thing, an' food. Food came up twice, but wasn't no way I was gonna bring you a week's worth'a Ho Hos. (Hazel raises an eyebrow) Xander. He was on some Hostess kick, I didn't stick around to figure it out. Ice cream seemed okay though, so ... (She looks the angry side of embarrassed) But yeah, stupid idea. Sorry.

HAZEL
Wait, so you spent all day, running around town, tracking people down, asking them for ideas on how to make me feel better?

FAITH
Uh-huh.

HAZEL
And you got me ice cream?

FAITH
It was the best I could come up with. I know it's lame, but—

Hazel throwing her arms around Faith cuts her off. Faith's eyes widen in shock. She tries to step away automatically, but Hazel has her held fast.

HAZEL
Oh my god, that's probably the sweetest thing anyone's done for me. Ever!

FAITH
It's just ice cream, yo.

HAZEL
No! It's ... (Hazel breaks the hug.) You spent the entire day trying to come up with some way to cheer me up. It doesn't matter that you 'only' got ice cream – which I happen to love, by the way. But you cared that much.

Faith considers this.

FAITH
Yeah?

HAZEL
Yeah.

Nodding, Faith smiles a little, then resumes patrolling. Hazel happily goes along.

FAITH
You tell anyone about this an' I kick your ass.

HAZEL
Your secret dies with me.

Faith elbows Hazel playfully, and the two continue on their merry way.

Outside of a quaint but nice cabin. The SUV pulls up. The area around is very beautiful, the light of the sun on its last legs for the day casting it all in oranges and pinks. The snow has stopped falling. On the porch is an old woman, sitting there despite the cold. She's wrapped up in some blankets and all, though. The SUV pulls to a stop and the doors open. Quinn immediate flies out, zipping past Kennedy, who doesn't appear all that happy about him doing so, but she doesn't say anything. Tara is on the driver's side. Quinn heads toward the cabin, calling out as he does so in a singsong voice.

QUINN
Here they are.

He hovers by the old woman, whose eyes are closed, ostensibly asleep. He glowers.

QUINN
I know you felt them coming. Time to get up now and play hostess.

The old women grumbles a bit, but doesn't open her eyes. Quinn looks very disgusted, and calls over his shoulder to Kenn and Tara.

QUINN
Up this way, loves. You'll probably find it all very anti-climactic. (Back to the women) You couldn't at least make a showing? Honestly, after all my hard work on the yeti ...

Tara and Kennedy approach the cabin. Kennedy is checking out the entire area, obviously getting a lay of the land. Tara steps onto the porch, looking down at the old woman.

TARA
Ma'am...?

For the first time, the old woman cracks an eye open. From her POV we see Tara – only due to the brilliantly setting sun just behind her, she appears almost entirely in silhouette with the colours streaming out behind her.

WOMAN
(Whispered) The Curat ...

TARA
I'm sorry?

Tara's stepped closer now, her features visible. The old woman blinks and smiles.

WOMAN
Oh, nothing dear.

Quinn suddenly floats into view. He's reclining back in his invisible chair again, this time working on his nails with a little Quinn-sized file.

QUINN
You'll have to excuse her – she's senile.

The women turns a dark glare to Quinn, who seems thoroughly unimpressed and not in the least bit intimidated.

WOMAN
I am NOT senile, you irritating little gnat.

QUINN
Please. (To Tara) Just wait until you see her housecoats, sweetness. If she's not senile, then she's just given up the most flattering excuse I had.

Kennedy steps onto the porch now. The woman studies Kennedy intently, but doesn't seem to make any immediate connection. Neither Kennedy nor Tara catch the scrutiny.

KENNEDY
Nice place. Looks pretty secure.

WOMAN
(Chuckling) I'd certainly hope so. I haven't spent the last 20 years or so building up the area for nothing.

Now it's Kennedy's turn. She looks the woman up and down. The woman, for her part, just looks amused and bears it all without comment. Kennedy seems to come to the conclusion that the woman is nothing special and she scoffs a little bit.

KENNEDY
So you're [TITLE], huh?

The old woman looks quite proud and draws herself up straighter in the chair. She opens her mouth to respond, but is cut off by the sound of derisive chuckling from Quinn. He gets another dark look.

QUINN
(Mockingly) Ooo, '[TITLE]'. (He scoffs and waves his hand) Her name's Ruth.

The old woman winces.

RUTH
Was that really necessary?

QUINN
Well if you think I'M going to listen to them fawn all over you with this '[TITLE]' nonsense for the next few days ...

RUTH
But honestly. 'Ruth'. It ruins all the atmosphere. Where's the mystery in 'Ruth'?

QUINN
Oh don't worry, there'll be mystery enough. (He turns a cautioning eye to Tara and Kennedy. In a loud whisper:) She made meatloaf.

Kenn and Tara exchange a look. This was clearly not at they were expecting. Tara shakes it off and makes an effort to get things back to some sort of semblance of order.

TARA
Mr. Giles said you had information for us? That you could help us figure out what's going on.

Ruth turns to Tara, looking at her seriously. We can see that this is not your standard confused, addled old lady. There's a brain in there, and it's as sharp as any other.

RUTH
Indeed I can, Tara. I can help you figure out a great many things.

Tara frowns a little at the further implication in that sentence.

KENNEDY
Well great. Let's get you all bundled up in the car and—

RUTH
My dear, we shall do no such thing. (Kennedy looks ready to go on the offensive but Ruth continues.) Not tonight, at any rate. What we are going to do—

Groaning, Ruth begins to get out of her chair. She's slow and it's painful. Quinn automatically rushes behind her and helps push her up, as both Tara and Kennedy take one hand each and help pull. On her feet, Ruth smiles her thanks at Tara and pats Kennedy's hand, starting toward the house. Kennedy allows her arm to be used as a brace, and thus is helpless but to go along with her.

RUTH
What we are going to do is have a nice dinner, and then you girls are going to get a good night's rest.

KENNEDY
But we—

RUTH
Ah-ah! (Kennedy's mouth immediately closes – you don't argue with grandma.) Dinner. Sleep. Possibly some 'Wheel of Fortune'.

QUINN
Be still my heart.

RUTH
Quinn will get your bags, won't you, Quinn. (It's not a question.)

TARA
Oh, I can—

RUTH
You can come help me get dinner ready. Thank you, dear.

She directs them into the house, pushing them ahead.

RUTH
Now why don't you two freshen up first. The washroom is right upstairs, second door on your left.

They look unsure, but she nods encouragingly and waits expectantly. Sharing a look, Kenn and Tara head up the stairs. Once they're out of sight, Ruth sighs heavily, showing her age. Quinn hovers nearby, watching where the girls have gone.

QUINN
She's young.

RUTH
And yet, so old.

Quinn looks over to Ruth.

QUINN
She's not what you expected, is she?

Ruth sighs again.

RUTH
No, she's exactly what I expected. That's the trouble.

A brief moment of quiet thought.

QUINN
You're not really going to make them eat that dreadful loaf-thing of yours, are you?

RUTH
(Glaringly) The bags, Quinn?

Quinn rolls his eyes but flies off toward the car. Ruth continues to stare sadly after Kennedy and Tara.

Scoobies' house. We're still in the living room. There are a great many additional messes, and it's clear that the evening is winding down. There's a DVD playing on the TV, but it goes ignored. The lights are down for the most part. There are a great deal many wrappers and such around the living room. But that's not the most prominent bit. That would be Willow on the couch, not just asleep but passed out. She looks like a puppet whose strings were cut, arms and legs all akimbo. Buffy and Xander are both leaning over her.

BUFFY
I think it was the Super Fudgey Fudge Chunk Cookies that finally did it.

XANDER
I gotta say, I'm actually kinda glad it came to this.

BUFFY
You had to know this would happen. All that sugar, all that caffeine ...

XANDER
The girl was a walking spaz attack. Did you even get what she was talking about in the end?

BUFFY
I caught something about water and potassium, snakes, ladders, and Tara and Kennedy running off together. (Beat) I guess the last one's technically true. (She turns to Xander) Still, I guess she showed you in the end, huh?

She gestures to the little whiteboard, which we now see is loaded with hash marks. It's clear that Willow has less red and more black than Xander.

BUFFY
Rosenberg comes from behind to scoop out the Xan-Man.

XANDER
Nah. This wasn't the real deal. (Buffy looks surprised.) Earlier today, I bet Will I could make her forget all about the stuff that's gettin' her down. (He gestures to a prone Willow.) I'd say for the past couple hours, there wasn't much on her mind but scarfin' back more junk than me. Ergo, she had forgotten about everything else; ergo, mission accomplished.

BUFFY
(Approvingly) I'm impressed. And also very bloated and uncomfortable.

XANDER
I echo all of these things, and more.

BUFFY
Help me get her to bed?

Xander nods and begins to get up, then pales very suddenly. He doesn't look well.

XANDER
Sure ... Just let me ... (His stomach is obviously lurching) Oh god.

His hand flies to his mouth and he runs off, pounding upstairs. Buffy watches him go, shaking her head. Then she turns back to the still passed out Willow.

BUFFY
At least some of us will have a night of peaceful rest.

KENNEDY
Tara?

TARA
Yeah?

KENNEDY
You awake?

TARA
No.

KENNEDY
Me too.

We're in the spare bedroom at the cabin. It's late, and the room is almost completely pitch black. It's a fairly small room, though not obnoxiously so ... pretty much room for the bed and that's about it. Speaking of said bed, we've got a queen-sized. Just the one. And Tara and Kennedy are sharing it. "Sharing" is meant in the loosest possible term here – Tara is occupying approximately one-quarter of her side. Less, if she could manage it. Kennedy's taking up fairly close to the normal amount of room, though there's very obviously a 'line' in the center that she's staying well on the side of. Neither woman seems inclined at the moment to point out or draw attention to their situation and the discomfort that comes with it.

KENNEDY
I just keep thinking about everything. I can't figure this woman out.

TARA
She's very ... unusual.

KENNEDY
Unusual? She's freaking weird. And that brownie thing of hers—

TARA
Faerie.

KENNEDY
What?

TARA
He's a faerie. I think. Brownies are more sort of ... terrestrial. No wings. And they like housework.

KENNEDY
Whatever. I'm just saying, it all seems pretty out there to me.

TARA
Yeah, it is. She's powerful, though. Very powerful. I really think she can help us.

KENNEDY
And no negavibes?

TARA
Nope. I'm not sure what it is exactly that I'm getting from her, but it's not bad.

KENNEDY
Hm.

TARA
(Amused) You sound almost disappointed.

KENNEDY
Maybe a little, on a purely selfish level. It would've given me a chance to actually DO something, you know? I've been pretty useless on this trip so far.

Tara turns her head to look at Kennedy.

TARA
You haven't been useless. (Kennedy just shrugs.) You haven't been.

KENNEDY
Sure. I was big help against the thing-that-wasn't-really-there.

TARA
You saved me from that tire-killing demon.

KENNEDY
Sure, but if I'd just let you fix the tire in the first place, we wouldn't have been there long enough for it to even attack. It's just like ... I'm a Slayer, right? I'm supposed to be the big defender. Kill the baddies, protect the innocents. But when the innocents stop needing protecting, then what's my point?

TARA
You're a good Slayer, Kennedy. I-I mean I know I haven't really known you very long, but ... you're good at what you do.

KENNEDY
Oh, sure. Because when you think 'Slayer', the name that leaps IMMEDIATELY to mind is 'Kennedy'.

TARA
Maybe you need better PR. (Kennedy snorts a laugh.) So you HAVE to be ... THE Slayer?

KENNEDY
No, of course not. But I'll be honest – it'd be nice. I spent I don't know how many years hearing about Slayers, actually thinking maybe I'd get to be one. It was everything to me. You know, you start buying into the whole mess ... The Chosen One, the lonely life you'll lead. Just you, alone, protecting the world.

TARA
That sounds horrible. I think I'd be glad I didn't have to be alone.

KENNEDY
Oh, no, totally. It's great to know the girls' got your back. But at the same time, there's something about it. Knowing that the world gets to keep turning just because of you. (Beat) At least it was something in my head.

TARA
But you DID save the world.

KENNEDY
No, BUFFY saved the world. WILLOW saved the world. *I* got to deliver an oversized letter opener.

TARA
Well Buffy's had a lot of practice.

KENNEDY
Exactly. Which is why Buffy's The Slayer. Capital 'T'. I'm *a* Slayer. That'd be a little 'a'.

TARA
You're your own person, Kennedy. You're not in Buffy's shadow.

KENNEDY
No, I am. Faith's too. I mean, they're the real deal. The rest of us ... we're the by-product. I'll always be 'the other one'. No matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, I can never be the Slayer that they are.

TARA
Well no, probably not. (Kennedy swallows hard. She believes what she's saying, but it still hurts to have it confirmed. But Tara's not done.) Because you're Kennedy the Vampire Slayer. You're brave and you're resourceful. You're an incredible fighter and a good teacher. And I'm gonna hazard a guess and say you kick demon butt just as much as the next girl. Probably better. So if you can be all that, why would you want to be them? I dunno, if it were me? I'd probably just worry about being Kennedy the Vampire Slayer. (Beat.) O-Or, well, I guess 'Tara the Vampire Slayer'. But that doesn't sound as cool.

Kennedy turns to look at Tara. Tara grins a little in embarrassment and shrugs herself.

TARA
If it were me.

Kennedy smiles now, gratefully. She doesn't actually say 'thank you', but the look on her face says it all.

KENNEDY
That was the other thing I wanted to learn.

TARA
What's that?

KENNEDY
Why you. Now I know.

Tara looks very embarrassed now and turns away. Kennedy looks resolute. She rolls over onto her side, propping her head up on her hand.

KENNEDY
So, what's the biggie?

TARA
(Not understanding) What's the...?

KENNEDY
The biggie. The biggest reason why you're so ... well, pretty much so miserable all the time.

TARA
I really don't think now is the time.

KENNEDY
No, now's the perfect time. Cuz see, I know I'm tired and I know YOU'RE tired, but I'm not letting this drop until I get at least one big thing out in the open. So in the interests of actually getting some sleep tonight, you'll tell me.

Tara seems to view this as a challenge – one that she has every intention of meeting head-on. She sets her jaw and faces Kennedy. The message here is clear: 'No syllables shall escape these lips'. Kennedy simply grins in response.

KENNEDY
For real. See, Slayers? We can function on forty-five minutes, an hour of sleep tops. I'm pretty sure witches need more recharge time. I can go all night and still be fine tomorrow.

This seems to only strengthen Tara's resolve to not succumb. Which makes Kennedy's grin turn slightly evil.

KENNEDY
Though laying here in silence, I'd probably start getting bored. You never know what I'd have to do keep the monotony at bay. I might even have to sing. (Tara quirks an eyebrow now.) But not just any old song, oh no. I'm thinking something really ... catchy. The sort of song that burrows into your brain and nests there for two or three weeks, you know the kind. Something like ... 'Copacabana'.

TARA
(Horrified) You WOULDN'T.

KENNEDY
So what was that big thing?

Tara bears down. She won't give in to the threat of torture.

KENNEDY
(Singing) Her name was Lo-la. She was a show-girl.

Tara starts laughing and buries her head under the covers. Kennedy is relentless, however, and simply leans further over and sings somewhat louder.

KENNEDY
(Singing) With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down there, she would mer-en-gue—

TARA
(Throwing the covers back) Okay, okay!

KENNEDY
Oh, good. You did NOT want to let me hit the chorus.

She settles back to her side as Tara rearranges the covers. A few moments of this pass – Tara's clearly stalling.

KENNEDY
(Warningly) ...and do the cha-cha...

TARA
(More seriously) Okay.

She inhales deeply, holds it for a moment, then lets it out slowly. Kennedy is waiting patiently this time. Tara takes another deep breath.

TARA
I would have killed her.

KENNEDY
Willow.

Tara nods.

TARA
I had the knife in my hand. I could see myself doing it. I was GOING to do it.

She falls silent. Kennedy frowns.

KENNEDY
Okaaay ... So that's—

TARA
(Because Kennedy clearly doesn't understand) I was going to KILL WILLOW.

KENNEDY
(Gently) Yeah, I got that part.

TARA
Don't you—? (Trying again) I was taught to respect life. That life is sacred, and precious. And my whole life, growing up? I was terrified that I'd become something horrible. Something evil that would ... would kill without hesitation. Something that would hu-hurt the people I love most. When I found out that was all a lie? It was probably the best day of my life.

She's getting upset now, tearing up. She turns toward Kennedy, who's looking at her with a soft, patient expression.

TARA
But now, I'm not so sure it WAS a lie. I would have killed her. The most incredible person I've ever— (She cuts off that line, speaking more forcibly) I would've taken the knife, and I would've s-stabbed her, and stabbed her, and I wouldn't have stopped until she was dead. And ... (She's pretty well upset now – this isn't easy. She turns away again, staring at the ceiling.) And if I hadn't found out she was okay ... I know I'd make the same choice.

Tara lays there, fighting with only marginal success against tears.

TARA
God, what kind of person does that make me?

KENNEDY
A damned courageous one.

Tara looks over, surprised.

KENNEDY
You would've killed her. Yeah, murder is pretty high up on the 'damning' meter. Things aren't always so black and white, though. When you knew you could do it, when you got ready to ... What were you thinking?

TARA
That ... That I had to stop her.

KENNEDY
Why? Specifically. Tooo ... help Buffy? To save the world? (Tara just shakes her head.) To save Willow, right? (Tara nods, but still looks miserable.) I get that.

TARA
No, you don't. I would've—

KENNEDY
(Insisting) I get that, because I almost did too.

That's stunned Tara a little bit, and she looks to Kennedy with surprise.

KENNEDY
The night before we went into the Hellmouth, to face off against the First ... Willow was petrified of the spell she'd have to do. The magic stuff had been giving her wiggins pretty much since ... (She gestures towards Tara, earning a nod of understanding) ...and she already knew the First could get to her like that. So she asked me – she BEGGED me that if there was a hint, even the slightest suggestion that she was going evil again, she wanted me to kill her. She gave me a dagger and told me to stab her in the heart.

Tara's still a little shocked.

KENNEDY
And I denied it, and I argued, and I swore a whole lot, but she made me see that it wasn't all about what I wanted or what I needed. It was about what Willow needed. I loved her enough to give her what she needed, regardless of what it'd do to me. I still would. So (shrug) sorry, if you were looking for me to give you more fuel to hate yourself; you've come to the wrong place.

Tara turns and stares up at the ceiling, locked in her own world. Kennedy watches her for a moment, then also rolls onto her back. Neither speaks for a time.

TARA
Everything's so screwed up.

KENNEDY
(Agreeing) Pretty much the only guarantee you get with life is that it'll suck.

Silence falls again. This is a long stretch, to the point where it's entirely possible that they've both fallen asleep. But Tara eventually breaks it.

TARA
Kennedy?

KENNEDY
(Not sounding sleepy) Yeah?

TARA
Copacabana?

KENNEDY
My parents are good people, but their music tastes? What's the word...? SUCK.

Another silence falls. Then:

KENNEDY
Tara?

TARA
(Starting to sound sleepy now) Yeah?

KENNEDY
I'm thinking we shouldn't mention this whole single-bed thing to Willow.

TARA
Uhmmm ... no. That's probably a good idea. (Beat. A little evilly:) Though I almost want to, just for the look she'll get on her face.

KENNEDY
Oh my god, wouldn't that be something? Her face would go all red ...

TARA
Her eyes would get wide enough to practically engulf her entire head.

KENNEDY
(Chuckling) That's our Will. The girl of a million facial expressions, and every one of 'em adorable.

Cut to Willow's room. She sits up in bed, obviously having just woken up. Her hair is as jumbled a mess as her bedclothes. Her face is slack and she wipes a boneless hand across her drooly mouth. The key adjective here is NOT "adorable". After blinking stupidly for a few moments, Willow falls back into her pillow.

It's early morning at Ruth's as well. Kennedy and Tara, looking moderately refreshed, are loading up the SUV, moving bags and such so that Ruth will have plenty of room. Ruth comes out of the house, a large chest floating behind her. She glances at the chest, and it moves off to the side on the porch. She turns back around and calls inside:

RUTH
Quinn!

Both Kennedy and Tara jump, but quickly return to packing the vehicle. Quinn isn't emerging from the house. Ruth takes a very deep breath.

RUTH
QUI—!

Quinn suddenly appears right next to her, tugging on his boots.

QUINN
I'm right here, no need to shout. We're not all as deaf as you.

RUTH
Are you ready?

Quinn straightens and smoothes out his shirt. Then he smoothes out his hair. Then he smoothes out his shirt again. Ruth flicks him in the wing, causing him to yelp indignantly.

RUTH
You're ready.

QUINN
Honestly, that's VERY rude. I suppose you born BEFORE they invented manners, hm?

Ruth doesn't answer and Quinn – with a small trail of luggage behind him – moves to the car. Ruth pulls the door shut and locks it with her key. Then places it carefully in her pocket, then steps back and waves her hand. The entire house shimmers and disappears, leaving only the porch. She turns and looks at the chest, which begins to float up. Then Quinn is there.

QUINN
(Rolling his eyes) Let me. If you strain anything, we'll hear nothing but you complaining about it all the way there.

He gestures and the chest rises off the ground. He points toward the car imperiously, and the chest dutifully floats over to the SUV. From off-screen we hear Kennedy's irritated voice:

KENNEDY
A CHEST?

Kennedy proceeds to complain bitterly about limited space issues and old ladies who over pack. Quinn flies off to, presumably, assist. Ruth doesn't seem to care much, as she makes her way stiffly down the porch. As soon as she's off the last step, the porch, too, fades out of existence and trees appear, completely hiding even the space the cabin occupies. She makes her way toward the car. Tara appears and takes her arm, earning her a smile of gratitude. Ruth reaches up and cups one of Tara's cheeks affectionately.

RUTH
Such a sweet child.

It's genuine, but said sadly, earning her a look of confusion from Tara. Ruth doesn't elaborate. They reach the car, and Tara hands Ruth off to Kennedy.

RUTH
Shotgun!

KENNEDY
What?

RUTH
I call shotgun.

KENNEDY
What? But ... but I'm sitting the front.

RUTH
Did you call it, dear?

KENNEDY
Well no, but I thought—

RUTH
Then it's the back seat for you. You can keep Quinn company.

Kennedy looks toward the backseat with some horror. Quinn has stretched out absolutely as much as his two-foot frame will allow. He waggles his eyebrows at Kennedy invitingly. Kennedy looks dumbfounded, then just irritated.

KENNEDY
(To Tara) Next time you take your own damned road trips.

Grumbling, Kennedy does indeed get in the back. Ruth turns to Tara with a wink, and Tara grins as she fishes out the car keys. Ruth casts an eye toward the sky, then all traces of humour evaporate.

RUTH
We must hurry. There isn't much time left. Not much time at all.

For the first time in a long time, we're in the conference room where the Assemblage meet (see final scenes, 8x05). Robespierre and Madrigan are walking out of the room. Seneca trails behind, a pad an pencil floating in front of him. He appears to be deeply concentrating on the conversation between Robby and Mads, and his pencil is rarely still.

ROBESPIERRE
I want no further delays.

MADRIGAN
Really? And here I thought that patience was one of your few remaining virtues.

ROBESPIERRE
There is patience and then there is procrastination. Fortunately, I'm aware of the difference.

MADRIGAN
(To Seneca over his shoulder) Oo, that was good. Write that one down.

The pencil continues to fly and Seneca nods sagely, as though he would do no less than note down every nugget of wisdom from Robespierre's lips.

ROBESPIERRE
The Council was once a proud society. (Wistful) So noble. (Back to normal) A little shortsighted, perhaps, but I truly believed it was the gateway to a better world, one that brought forth sense from the senseless.

Madrigan cocks an eyebrow at the melodrama and drops back to look at Seneca's writings. We see the notepad is covered with little stick figure drawings; very crude and largely unflattering renditions of Robespierre – tiny little stick body, HUGE head, big arse scar – doing things such as spouting fire and waving a little circle-fist attached to a stick-arm. I see one of the sketches as a giant, 50-foot tall Robespierre towering over a city very Godzilla-like, as little stick people run away from him saying "Eek! It is Robespierre!" "Run, or he will talk at you!" But you don't have to include that in the description ... I may just doodle it up and scan it for bonus features or something.

Anywhoo, so Madrigan sees the notepad and he and Seneca grin at each other. Madrigan moves forward again, adopting an overly interested expression at Robespierre's words.

ROBESPIERRE
(Oblivious to everything else) But this ... FARCE that DARES call itself the Council of Watchers. They have no focus, no defining purpose besides this impossibly nebulous idea of protection. (Disgusted) Slayers giving orders instead of following them. Children commanding the world's greatest forces. That laughable excuse for a Watcher overseeing them all like a benevolent Alexander.

MADRIGAN
Plus I hear they get cable.

Robespierre shoots Madrigan a withering look. They round the corner and come to a huge training complex, full to the brim with Super Slayers. I really want a good scope of this thing – without mentioning specific numbers, we should get the impression that there are enough of them to really be a serious problem. (I'm thinking fifty to a hundred, but again, we don't want to give specific numbers.) Some (few, say a fifth or less) have blue eyes and symbols glowing (these are Judith-level in power), but they all have the symbol. They're all working out here ... sparring, exercising ... training. Preparing. Robespierre stands in the doorway, looking at them proudly. They all notice he's there and stop whatever they're doing, raising their hands in salute. He nods, and they return to their work.

Off to the side, a huge mirror glows. The three men turn toward it, just in time to see Judith emerge. She spies Robespierre almost immediately and grins, then salutes him. Robespierre looks very pleased.

ROBESPIERRE
They cannot be allowed to interfere.

Madrigan looks over at Seneca, then turns to the room of Super Slayers.

MADRIGAN
Then stick around. You won't wanna miss this.

CUT TO BLACK