OLDER AND FAR AWAY

FROM LEOFFONLINE

 

 

Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

 

Dawn swipes an item from the Magic Box, Dawn's speech to Buffy about her leaving, Buffy watches Spike play "Kitten Poker", Appearance of Halfrak, Willow and Tara talk outside the Magic Box, Buffy's admissions to Tara.

 

Buffy apologizes to Dawn for leaving in the middle of dinner as she packs a slaying combat bag with stakes, etc. Dawn acts as if she's ok but she's clearly uncomfortable as Buffy gets ready to leave. Dawn then asks about them preparing for Buffy's Birthday party, but Buffy said Willow's got a hold of it, so all is good. Giving last minute instructions (dinner, homework, don't stay up late), Buffy leaves Dawn alone... again.

 

In the graveyard, Buffy patrols with a battle axe as a sword-wielding demon comes up behind her and attacks! Just as she starts to get the better of it, it disappears! Looking around for a moment, Buffy then senses it reappearing near and kicks the sword out of it's hand, sending the blade flying into her hand. The demon charges as Buffy thrusts the blade into it's chest and the demon "dissolves" into liquid and gets sucked into the sword, it's image a reflection on the blade. But Buffy doesn't notice the demon's disappearance, thinking it ran off. She then notices the sword sticking in the ground and smiling, grabs it "oooo... Shiny!"

 

Opening Credits: Nothing new

 

At the Magic Box, Willow and Xander are doing paperwork at the main table while Anya dusts in the background. Talk turns from slugs to Buffy's party as Xander tentatively approaches Willow about the subject of inviting Tara. Xander says that Buffy really wants her there, as Willow agrees with a sort of excited apprehension. Dawn then walks in as Xander asks if any news of Warren and the nerd heard, but nothing is known. Dawn asks if anyone wants to go to the mall with her to Birthday shop, but all three have plans: Willow is going to a "Spellcaster's Anonymous" meeting, Anya's doing the books, and Xander is busy making out the shift schedule for his work crew. Willow sees Dawn is disappointed and asks if she'll be ok going alone? With a hint of sarcasm she answers "Yeah, somehow I'll manage to pull it off."

 

Night in Sunnydale and Dawn arrives to an empty home. She calls for Buffy, but no answer. Alone she walks into her room, pulling pieces of jewelry out of her pockets with tags still attached. She then takes off a big red coat to reveal a leather jacket underneath which she uneasily models in a dresser mirror.

 

Dawn works in class, taking notes as the teacher is handed a note requesting Dawn go to the guidance office.

Talking with a guidance counselor, Dawn is gently questioned about her grades slipping, which Dawn says is simply harder classes. The female counselor is genuinely concerned and offers Dawn a chance to talk about whatever, but Dawn says she's ok. The counselor says she knows Dawn has lost a lot, and Dawn starts to open up, saying that she's tired of people leaving all the time, and that she wishes they would stop leaving.

 

Anya prepares a ton of snacks in the Summers kitchen as Xander asks who Buffy invited to the party. Just the usual, she says "oh, and Sophie from work." Buffy says they "bonded" instantly, but when Anya asks what Sophie's last name is, Buffy is uneasily stumped. Xander and Anya smile as they admit that they invited someone, too, a cute, single guy, hint hint. Anya goes way overboard with the imagining Buffy and cute guy will get along, get married, make babies, etc.

 

Buffy smiles wide as she greets and embraces Tara at the front door. Tara asks how she's doing, to which she says she's getting along, preferring to "stay in" a lot more. We see a brief shot of Willow nervously adjusting her top in a mirror upstairs. Buffy asks how Tara's doing just as Willow walks down the stairs (and Buffy then makes a hasty exit). The two Wiccans nervously greet each other, exchanging pleasantries, commenting on each other's dress, etc... before Tara needs a drink.

 

In the kitchen, Buffy starts to offer Tara a drink but can't even finish before the cup is in her hand and she's gulping (no, I think it's only water, folks). Spike knocks on the back kitchen door, saying that Willow mentioned something about a party. Tara and Buffy glance at each other as Spike walks in with a six pack under his arm and a demon friend by his side! "Clem" is introduced. We (as well as Buffy) remember him from the Kitten Poker game in a previous show. He's pleasant and talkative, saying hi to all. Xander then walks in with "Richard", the handsome guy, who is unceremoniously pushed towards Buffy. Xander wants Buffy to show Richard where he can park his car. Spike and Buffy exchange glances as Buffy walks out with Richard, who question's Clem's looks. "Skin condition" she says.

 

"I don't know... I think he looked cute. Don't you think he looked cute?" she asks Spike and Clem, but looks directly at Spike, who glances back in mild surprise. "I think he seems cute" Clem quips.

Dawn asks excitedly when Buffy will open presents, but Xander and Anya say Buffy's busy making a new "friend." Dawn says she understands what they mean, but Anya keeps nodding and smiling, saying "of course you do", talking down to her, clearly not understanding that Dawn isn't a girl anymore.

 

In the hallway, Spike confronts Buffy, trying to stir the sexual wordplay, but Buffy won't have any of it. Spike makes comments about Richard, who Buffy says is "sweet." "Maybe he's not the jealous one?" "Jealous my ass" says the vamp, but it's clear it bugs him.

 

The presents are opened as Willow gives Buffy a battery operated back massager for patrol. "It's like, instant gratification for all your little achys!" Willow says, as Spike and Buffy exchange a weird glance. Dawn's present is next. It's the leather jacket, which Buffy is a bit surprised at. Buffy then notices the security tag still on the sleeve, which Dawn nervously says is weird.

 

Xander and Anya roll in a large wooden chest. A new weapons chest which Xander made (and which Anya helped with by making helpful suggestions from a distance). Buffy quickly discards and ignores Dawn's gift as she goes to check out the chest. Buffy is overjoyed at the gift as the doorbell rings and Tara lets in Sophie, who immediately, awkwardly gives a list of things she can't eat (chocolate, etc...). So now the whole gang is gathered: Buffy, Xander, Anya, Willow, Tara, Dawn, Spike, Sophie, Richard, and a happily waving Clem. Dawn goes and closes the front door as the female guidance counselor walks up on the porch and morphs into Halfrek. "Wish granted." Says the vengeance demon.

 

Commercial Break: The US Postal Service. E-mail hasn't killed us yet!

 

Clem and Sophie dance, Willow and Xander talk, as Dawn sits on the couch, a little smile comes on her face at everyone being near and she's happy.

 

Richard offers to get Buffy a drink, which she declines. He remarks that everyone's having such a good time, it's hard to leave. He excuses himself as Spike then jokingly offers to get Buffy a soda pop. Spike corners Buffy by the hallway stairs and just a hint of sexual tension is released before Tara walks up, silently saving the day. Buffy walks away in a hurry as Spike stands uneasily with Tara staring and smirking at him. "I had a muscle cramp. Buffy was helping me." Spike tries to explain. Tara laughs to herself "A muscle cramp? In your pants?" "What?!? It's a... thing!" Spike says, embarrassed.

 

In the kitchen, Xander and Anya are playing lovey-dovey, saying "you go, no you go" as Sophie and Willow look on. Willow shuts them both up, saying she'll go on the beer run, but instead she just lays her head on the table as if to sleep (I kinda didn't understand that last bit, but I'm dense so...)

 

In the living room, one group plays Monopoly as Spike, Tara, Clem, and Xander play cards. Clem still thinks it's weird without the kittens, to which Buffy yells "no kittens!" They've been playing for hours and hints are made that it's getting late, but then everyone backpedals and makes plans to stay longer. "There must be some late night activities to keep us busy till morning" Spike quips as he shoots a look towards a disgusted Buffy. "How's that cramp, Spike? Still bothering ya?" Tara asks. "What? Oh... oh yeah" Spike answers. "Maybe you outta put some ice on it?" Tara suggests. Dawn looks at the entire scene and smiles, very happy at the togetherness.

 

Daybreak and all are still in the living room, mesmerized by a cartoon on the television. Richard says he's gotta go, but he just stands there. Spike suggests he's gotta go so he doesn't miss breakfast, then goes on a tangent on how "hungry" he is and how he oughta munch on whatever's around, suggesting Richard might be a good meal. Buffy grabs Spike and drags him to the front hall, saying they don't joke about eating people in this house! The two squabble as both talk about the other leaving.

 

Tara prepares breakfast as Willow approaches. Both think it's funny how they both have places to be, yet neither wishes to leave yet.

 

Buffy and Spike squabble some more about who will leave as it slowly dawns on the Slayer that nobody is leaving, even when they want to.

 

Gathered in the living room, everyone stands around wondering what to do. They now know something's wrong, thinking something is keeping them there. Richard says he's got to go to work. Sophie, Anya, and Xander all remark the same. Clem seems quite happy where he is, though. Buffy says the first priority is to find a way out, which gets Dawn upset. "Sure, of course you'll want to leave, because being stuck in here with me would really suck" she rants and then takes off up to her bedroom.

 

Xander, Spike, Willow, Tara, and Buffy all lightly confront Dawn about the possibility that she cast a spell to keep them here, but Dawn says she didn't do anything and is hurt that they instantly blamed her. They still try to question her, but she's now growing more upset, saying she didn't do anything "But I'm glad your trapped, it's the only way to get any of you to do anything with me!" Dawn shrieks for them to get out.

 

Downstairs, Tara has checked the phones, but they're all out of commission. Buffy is worried about Dawn and wonders how she didn't see the problem, but Xander says they've all been a little busy lately. Spike brings them back to the real problem; getting out of the house. Buffy says there's only one thing that can help: Magic. A small spell just to release whatever this is. Willow looks nervous, as Tara agrees to do the spell, but Tara can't because she doesn't have the right supplies. Buffy says they don't have any in the house, either. "Actually... not everything. I might have kept... one or two things... just in case" a VERY nervous, uneasy, scared Willow admits as both Buffy and Tara look at her in disbelief. Xander shouts "that's great! In a very bad way." Tara orders Willow to bring her what she has announces that she's doing this spell alone and that Willow has to stay away from it.

 

Tara lights a brazier full of ingredients in the kitchen as Richard wonders what the hell is going on. Trapped in a house by an unseen force, wondering what Tara's doing in the kitchen, and "I gotta tell ya, I don't think that's a skin condition" he says, pointing at Clem. Smoke rises from the bowl and drifts into the living room as Tara utters "release." The smoke drifts over to the sword that Buffy brought home with her from the demon fight the previous night! Standing by the front door, Spike and the others try to walk out but can't move. All look disappointed at still being trapped as the sword wielding demon appears in the next room next to his weapon.

 

Commercial Break: Eat at KFC! Today's specials: Popcorn Chicken and Turkey Doritos!

 

All are surprised at the sword wielding demon and run for cover and combat. The demon manages to slash Richard in the chest with the sword before Buffy knocks the bad guy down and he disappears into thin air! Appearing behind her, the demon and Buffy struggle for a few seconds before it throws her to the ground and disappears again! Tara and Xander help a wounded Richard as Tara says they've gotta get him to a doctor soon. Buffy promises they'll all be out of there soon.

 

But night has come again and all are still trapped in the Summers home. Sophie stares out a window in shock as Spike says to Buffy "You ever think about not celebrating your Birthday? Just to try it, I mean..." Buffy heads upstairs to check things out as Dawn hears a noise in the walls.

 

Tara and Willow tend to a scared, wounded Richard up in a bedroom as all three look around nervously, hearing creaking, groaning, and growling coming from the walls. In the hall, Buffy is startled by an anxious Clem.

 

Anya and Xander sit in another bedroom upstairs as Anya begins to freak out, saying that she's too hot and showing signs of claustrophobia. She says they need to do something and begins to panic, but Xander clams her down and says they'll come up with a plan as the walls creak again. Xander goes off to get Anya a glass of water.

On the stares, Xander creeps down quietly but is attacked from behind by the demon! Spike and Buffy rush to his aid, and after a fierce battle, Buffy kicks the demon back and it disappears again. But Xander was slashed badly in the arm before the demon's disappearance and Anya walks in, close to a state of shock.

 

Buffy asks Dawn if she's ok, but Dawn is cold. Buffy doesn't want to deal with it and orders Dawn to stay with Spike, but Dawn says she never wanted this to happen. She tells her Slayer sister that she'll never understand what it's like to be alone. Buffy says she's not alone, but Dawn asks why she then feels like she is?

 

In the dining room, the group searches for options. Tara suggests another spell, but thinks they've tried everything. Anya says that's not entirely true, glancing at Willow. Anya is now looking coldly at Willow and the group, saying that they have a powerful witch who has the means to get them out and she should use magic, but Willow is scared and doesn't wish to be tempted by magic use again. Anya doesn't buy it and wants her to try, to which Xander reluctantly agrees, saying they brought her back to help once, they can do it again after this one little use, but Willow does not want to go that path and says she might not be able to stop.

 

"Well who's fault is that?!?" Anya growls at Willow. "you know if you wouldn't have gotten so much of this in your system in the first place..."

 

"Hey!" Tara yells, placing herself in front of Willow. "You're gonna back off! She said no, that's it, and you're not gonna make her do something she doesn't want to, and if you try, you're gonna have to go through me first, understood?"

 

Anya looks coldly at Tara and says "fine. If you all aren't willing to get us out of this then I'm going to do it myself!" as she retreats angrily upstairs.

 

Upstairs in a Bedroom, Buffy and Dawn are talking about Dawn's loneliness. Dawn mentions the fact that Buffy sounds like that guidance counselor she talked to at school, which Buffy questions. Dawn says she never met her before and Buffy now knows it's odd. Buffy asks somewhat jokingly if she happened to make a "wish" during their conversation, to which Dawn admits "maybe?" Rustling is heard nearby as the two rush off to investigate.

 

Anya rifles through the bookshelves and boxes of Dawn's room, saying "she knows something... there has to be something." Xander tries to calm Anya down as Buffy and Dawn enter. Anya then picks up a box which gets Dawn VERY nervous. Anya opens it and the contents spill out on the floor. Anya recognizes a lot of items from the Magic Box! Anya's anger turns to pain as she looks at Dawn. Dawn rushes downstairs with Anya following.

 

Downstairs, Anya stops Dawn and asks how she could do this to her, stealing from her, even after she took care of her? Buffy tells Dawn to say it was a mistake, not wanting to believe Dawn could do it, but then she glances over at the leather jacket with the security tag still on it. Anya and Buffy are hurt and disappointed, but Buffy tells Anya that it's not entirely Dawn's fault and mentions the wish to the guidance counselor. Anya then questions Dawn if the guidance counselor had a pendant with a dark blue stone? Dawn nods yes. "Oh, for crying out loud HALFREK!" Dawn made a wish to a vengeance demon, and only that demon can remove the spell! Anya then demands Halfrek show her face! "Hally, get your ass down here!"

 

"You rang?" Halfrek appears, but then a sword pierces out from her stomach. The demon had reappeared and stabbed Halfrek, who slumps to the ground!

 

Commercial Break: Windex makes it SHINE!

 

Another Battle insures as Buffy, Spike, and even Anya attack the sword wielding demon. Knocked to the floor, it disappears again, leaving it's sword behind. It immediately appears again, attacking Spike, but Buffy goes after the demon with it's own sword. It runs and tries to merge with a wall, but Buffy STABS the wall and the demon is absorbed back into the sword, which is then quickly broken by the Slayer. The demon is gone!

 

Halfrek lays on the ground as Anya grabs for her pendant. Halfrek suddenly bolts up and sends Anya flying back "there will be no touching of the pendant!" Seems as if a little thing like a sword stabbing won't slow Halfrek down. She gets up, laughs, and straightens her dress out. Anya asks Halfrek how she could curse them, but Halfrek says she was in town on other business, not just the wedding. Just then Halfrek spots Spike and says "William?" Spike looks at Halfrek with a similar curiosity, but the two shake it off.

 

Tara asks why this curse was done when there was no man to be punished, but Halfrek explains that was just Anyanka's little "twist" on things. "And just FYI, we prefer to be called Justice demons, ok?" It seems Halfrek's duty is more to protect children, making parents suffer. Halfrek then goes on to verbally scorn all involved for ignoring Dawn and her feelings, saying she has heard her pain for quite a while. She feels they all should be cursed, but now they should go on and try harder, cause all they have is time with each other. Halfrek then makes a grand exiting gesture and... doesn't exit! She tries again as all look on in confusion, but doesn't disappear. "It's the curse, Hally" Anya reminds her, rolling her eyes. Halfrek just kinda "lifts" the curse, then does the grand gesture again, this time disappearing in a puff of smoke! All in the room breathe a BIG sigh of relief!

 

Tara cleans up the remnants of the spell in the kitchen as Willow thanks her for standing by her. Tara is mostly silent, still hurt at the fact that Willow had some spell supplies in her possession. Willow then goes on to apologize for having them, saying that she needed to have them as a "safety net" in case things did get bad. Tara turns and smiles, saying she does understand, but "it's time to work without the net, Will." She was so proud of Willow for saying no to the magic use, even after things got really bad. Willow smiles at her lover.

 

Anya and Xander help the wounded Richard downstairs, saying they're gonna get him to the emergency room. Anya looks at Dawn and says that they'll work off a payment schedule, and that she has two words she wants Dawn to remember: Punitive Damages.

 

Spike looks around and says "there's only one thing left to do..." and he goes to slowly try the door. It opens easily as the partygoers slowly file out into the night air (Xander acts as if he hasn't been outside in months). All leave with Buffy slowly walking towards the open doorway. Dawn looks at her hesitantly, worried that she's leaving again, but Buffy looks at her sister, smiles, and closes the door without going through.

 

Grrr... Arrrg...