Buffy: The Shadow Menace
EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Buffy, Xander, and Willow stroll through the courtyard, catching up after summer break.
BUFFY
(sighing)
Guys, I swear, if senior year is anything like last year, I'm gonna need a vacation from my vacation.
WILLOW
(smiling)
Oh come on, Buffy! It can't be that bad. You've managed to keep the forces of darkness at bay all this time.
XANDER
Yeah, Buff, besides, how many more vampires can there be in Sunnydale? You practically slayed the entire roost!
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE LIBRARY - DAY
The Scooby Gang reconvenes with Giles in the library, where he informs them of a new evil brewing beneath their town.
GILES
(somber)
I'm afraid that Buffy's duties as a Slayer are far from over. I have discovered a prophecy that speaks of a powerful demon known as 'The Shadow Menace', which is due to rise in just a week's time.
WILLOW
(shocked)
A week? That's not much time to prepare.
XANDER
(nervous chuckle)
Yeah, how are we supposed to stop a Shadow 'Big Scary' Menace in a week?
BUFFY
(resolute)
We'll figure it out. Like always.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Buffy and the gang walk through the halls, discussing their plan of action.
BUFFY
Giles, we need any and all information about this demon. Legends, myths, strengths, weaknesses, take-out preferences - I don't care, we need it all.
GILES
Of course. Willow, perhaps you can search the darker corners of the Internet for similar prophecies or demonic mentions?
WILLOW
(nods)
On it, research mode activated.
XANDER
(grins)
And I can help by... getting more snacks? We can't save the world on an empty stomach, am I right?
BUFFY
(smiling)
Xander, you always know how to keep us going. But, I'm going to need backup when it comes to facing this demon. Any info on potential allies would be great too.
The gang splits up to gather more information and resources for their upcoming battle.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE LIBRARY - DAY
Buffy, Giles, and the gang reconvene as they lay out what they've uncovered.
BUFFY
So, this Shadow Menace is stronger than any demon we've fought. Great. Well, if we work together like we always do, we can take it down.
WILLOW
Wait Buffy, there’s something else. I found mention of an ancient artifact called the 'Rune of Unbinding' that could weaken its powers.
GILES
This changes everything. We absolutely must locate the Rune before attempting to confront the Menace. Our lives depend on it.
The gang begins to plan their search for the ancient artifact, knowing that the fate of their town and the world hangs in the balance.
TO BE CONTINUED
Buffy: Curse of the Shadow Realm
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - LIBRARY - DAY
Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Giles are in the library discussing a mysterious journal, which Willow found on the school grounds.
BUFFY
So, what do we know about this journal?
WILLOW
Well, according to the inscription, it belonged to a powerful witch named Serena. It's full of magical spells and dark rituals, some of which we've never seen before.
GILES
Ah, yes. It seems she dabbled in multiple magical realms, some previously thought to be mere myth.
XANDER
Speaking of myths, could this journal have anything to do with that creepy-looking gate we found in the woods last week?
BUFFY
It might. Maybe there's a spell to open it?
GILES
It's possible. We must examine the journal in detail and try to discern its purpose.
EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - COURTYARD - DAY
As Buffy, Xander, and Willow walk through the courtyard, they encounter a new transfer student: JESSICA, shy and introverted, struggling with her orientation map.
XANDER
Looks like another lost kid.
WILLOW
We should try to help her.
The trio approaches Jessica.
BUFFY
(introducing herself)
Hey, are you new here? I'm Buffy, and these are my friends Willow and Xander.
JESSICA
(nervous)
Hi. I'm Jessica. I got transferred here and I think I'm a bit lost.
WILLOW
We'll help you out. Where's your next class?
JESSICA
Um, it's history. Mr. Dellson's class?
XANDER
We're just the Sunnydale High tour guides you needed. Let's go!
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - HALLWAY - DAY
As they lead Jessica towards her class, they come across a small group of STUDENTS murmuring and pointing at a locker covered in an eerie, dark ooze.
BUFFY
What's that?
Willow inspects the ooze.
WILLOW
It looks like a magical residue. It's probably meant to summon something from the Shadow Realm. Oh, and it smells terrible.
XANDER
All right, so what's trying to come through? And why use a locker?
GILES
(joining the group)
The journal mentioned summoning entities from the Shadow Realm. We must find a way to prevent anything from crossing over.
BUFFY
Well, we better do it quickly. This looks like it's been here long enough to get summoned already.
They all look at each other with concern.
TO BE CONTINUED
Buffy: The Forgotten Ghost
EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
A bright and sunny day at Sunnydale High School. Students are walking around, chatting amongst themselves, as Willow and Xander make their way to Buffy, who's waiting by her locker.
WILLOW: So, have you guys heard about that abandoned house off Crawford Street?
XANDER: Yeah, isn't that where people hear, like, strange noises and see weird lights?
BUFFY: (nonchalantly) Sounds like just another haunted house story to me.
WILLOW: Except that some kids went in there last night, and when they came out, their faces were all pale and sickly... like they'd seen a ghost.
XANDER: (gulp) That's terrifying.
BUFFY: (smirking) I guess we'll have to investigate then, won't we?
INT. GILES' LIBRARY - A LITTLE LATER
Buffy, Willow, and Xander have gathered with Giles in his library, who is paging through old books and looking concerned.
GILES: Hm, the house was built in 1890, belonged to a family called the Millers. It says here that their daughter Emily disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and the family eventually moved away, leaving the house abandoned.
WILLOW: Maybe Emily is still there in spirit...or something worse?
GILES: There is definitely dark energy at work. I'm not entirely sure about its origin, but I can feel it. It's possible a rather malevolent spirit is tormenting those who dare to enter the premises.
BUFFY: (leaning forward, intrigued) So, what's the game plan? Go in, kick some ghost butt, and get out?
GILES: (serious tone) Buffy, this isn't like your normal foes. This is a spirit we're dealing with, and you can't just punch it away. Let's first find out more about the Millers and try to locate the source of power.
EXT. ABANDONED MILLER HOUSE - NIGHT
The gang defies Giles' orders and walks up to the abandoned house. It's a lot creepier at night than they imagined.
WILLOW: (whispers) Are we sure this is the place?
XANDER: (panicking) Buffy, do you hear that? It's like whispers and footsteps.
BUFFY: Yeah, and look at those lights upstairs. There's definitely something going on. Let's find out.
INT. ABANDONED MILLER HOUSE - NIGHT
The house is dusty and rundown. Xander, Willow, and Buffy explore, listening to the eerie sounds and looking for the source.
BUFFY: (whispering) Split up. We'll cover more ground that way.
As they split up, Buffy finds a small hidden room. She enters cautiously.
INT. HIDDEN ROOM - NIGHT
Inside the small room is a dusty old portrait of a sad and scared young girl - Emily. She feels a chill.
BUFFY: (softly to herself) What happened to you, Emily?
Suddenly, Emily's eyes seem to glance into hers, as if alive. Buffy jumps back in shock and loses balance.
BUFFY: (gasping) This place is giving me the creeps.
TO BE CONTINUED
Nightmare at the Carnival
INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
BUFFY is lounging on the couch, lazily flipping through channels on the TV. Her friends, XANDER and WILLOW, are sitting on the floor, playing a card game. GILES, the Watcher and a father figure to the group, is reading an ancient book at the table.
BUFFY: Ugh, there's nothing good on TV tonight.
XANDER: (playfully) There's never anything on when the world is safe from certain destruction, Buff.
WILLOW: (lifting a card) Just as well. Gives us time to relax and recharge.
GILES: (looking up from his book) Yes, it's a fortunate rarity.
The PHONE RINGS. BUFFY answers it, expecting a call about school or family matters.
BUFFY: (into phone) Hello?
VOICE: (faint, scared) Buffy... It's CORDY. Please, I need your help. It's like a nightmare... at the carnival.
The line goes dead. BUFFY, concerned, shares the news with the group.
BUFFY: That was Cordy, something's wrong at the Summer's End Carnival.
WILLOW: Everyone's there for the closing night.
XANDER: Danger followed by a shooting gallery and fried treats. Typical Sunnydale.
GILES: (closing his book) Right, we better head there and make sure nothing too serious is going on. Stay alert, everyone.
INT. SUMMER'S END CARNIVAL - NIGHT
The gang arrives at the CARNIVAL, on edge, ready for whatever evil they might encounter. They walk through the crowded fairgrounds, observing games and food stands.
WILLOW: Everything seems normal... so far.
BUFFY: Let's split up and look around. Meet back here in fifteen.
GILES: Good idea, search for any signs of demonic activity or magical disturbances.
They nod in agreement and go in separate directions. BUFFY, strolling through the carnival, is approached by a CREEPY CLOWN who seems off.
BUFFY: (noticing the clown, sighs) Why does it always have to be clowns?
She sees a strange MARK on the clown's face, and decides to follow him. Meanwhile, XANDER and WILLOW encounter a GAMEKEEPER who becomes angry when they ask about anything unusual.
GAMEKEEPER: (smirking) Around here, people have fun. They just wanna forget. But you'll remember me.
The carousel nearby starts running in reverse, the lights flicker, and the CARNIVAL GOERS begin to panic.
BUFFY: (seeing the chaos, determined) Come on, guys. It's demon hunting time.
As the SCOOBIE GANG regroups, they now have to face off against evil forces that have taken over the carnival. In the midst of battling CLOWNS and other creatures, they learn that a powerful DEMON has entered Sunnydale...
TO BE CONTINUED.
Buffy: Darkness in Sunnydale
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - LIBRARY - DAY
Buffy (16) is training intensely with her mentor, Giles (40s), while Xander (16) and Willow (16) watch nearby, between their open books on occult and demons.
GILES
Buffy, be sure to block with your left.
BUFFY
Got it, Giles. Don't let my guard down, but also block with my left. I swear, I should start taking notes.
Giles, slightly amused, continues to press on. Buffy manages to parry most of his attacks impressively.
XANDER
Hey Buffy, did you see the news? They found weird footprints in the cemetery last night.
WILLOW
Yeah, and they are not from your regular vampire. I mean, we can definitely rule out vampires and werewolves.
Giles stops training and heads over to the table where Xander and Willow are seated.
BUFFY
Great, just what we need. Another mystical creature in town.
GILES
That's our job, isn't it? To keep Sunnydale safe.
(searching through a book)
We should be prepared for whatever it is.
Suddenly, the bell rings.
BUFFY
Well, talk about a way to interrupt our fight club. See you guys later!
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Buffy walks down the hallway with Xander and Willow, discussing their plans for the evening.
WILLOW
You guys want to come to The Bronze later? I heard there's a new band playing.
XANDER
Sounds like a plan. As long as the creature of the week doesn't crash the party.
BUFFY
Fingers crossed.
CUT TO:
INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT
The gang hangs out at The Bronze. They're near the stage where the new band is playing. Cordelia (16) joins them, passing out flyers for a fashion show.
CORDELIA
Hey guys! So we're having a fashion show tomorrow night, and you all better be there.
BUFFY
That sounds... interesting.
WILLOW
Um, Cordelia, we don't know anything about fashion.
CORDELIA
(laughs)
Of course you don't, Willow. But still, it's for charity.
Xander looks outside and sees something strange.
XANDER
Uh, guys? I think we've got our creature of the week.
Everyone turns to look outside - a LARGE, SCALY DEMON emerges from the back alley.
BUFFY
This never gets old, does it?
(rolls her eyes)
Fine, let's deal with this thing.
The gang looks determined, as they exit The Bronze to confront the demon.
TO BE CONTINUED
Buffy: The Vanishing Act
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - DAY
Buffy, Willow and Xander stand by the lockers, talking while Dawn makes her way towards them.
BUFFY
Any bad vibes in the air today?
WILLOW
No more than usual.
XANDER
(sarcastic)
Now there's a glowing endorsement of our school.
Dawn arrives, looking uneasy.
DAWN
Have you guys heard about that new place in town, The Enchanted Showcase?
WILLOW
(Puzzled)
Isn't that the magic shop that just opened?
DAWN
(Seriously)
Yeah, apparently there's talk about people disappearing there.
Xander scoffs.
XANDER
(dismissive)
Probably just a sales gimmick to get customers.
Buffy looks concerned.
BUFFY
(Intensely)
We'll check it out tonight, just to be safe.
Willow and Xander nod in agreement.
INT. THE ENCHANTED SHOWCASE - NIGHT
The gang, including Giles, cautiously enter the shop. Mysterious artefacts and magical items fill the shelves, as a peculiar scent lingers in the air.
BUFFY
(Cautiously)
Have a look around, but let's try not to break anything magic-y.
Everyone begins to inspect the shop. Giles picks up an ancient-looking book, while Xander inadvertently knocks over a small sculpture.
XANDER
(Surprised)
Oops.
WILLOW
(anxiously)
Xander! Be careful!
Giles overhears Willow's remark and glares at Xander.
GILES
(seriously)
Caution, Xander, is of utmost importance in a magic shop.
Suddenly, the store owner, a middle-aged woman with a friendly smile, MARLENE, appears from the back room.
MARLENE
Cheerfully)
Ah, new customers! How may I assist you?
Buffy approaches her.
BUFFY
We were just, um, doing some browsing. But while we're here, have you heard anything about... people disappearing?
Marlene's smile fades.
MARLENE
(somber)
I've heard rumors, yes.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Buffy: When Shadows Awaken
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Buffy (studying a book): There has to be some clue in the here somewhere...
Willow (looking at a laptop): I've also been scanning through different websites on mystical events, but nothing so far.
Xander (eating popcorn): Maybe it's time for a break, guys. We've been searching for hours.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - MORNING
Buffy, Willow, and Xander walk together towards the library.
Willow (yawning): I can't believe we were up all night searching.
Xander (looking proud): We return as heroes! The crime-fighting, sleep-impaired trio!
Buffy (smirking): Xander, we didn’t actually fight anything last night. We just researched.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - LIBRARY
As the trio enters, they find Giles reading a book.
Giles (focused): Ah! Excellent timing! I found quite an interesting piece of information last night...
Buffy (rolls her eyes): That makes one of us...
Giles (ignoring Buffy's sarcasm): You see, it appears that every millennium, shadows come alive and terrorize the town for one night.
Xander (uneasy): So, like a shadow uprising?
Willow (excited): That sounds intriguing! When is that supposed to happen?
Giles (looking serious): Tonight...
CUT TO:
EXT. MAIN STREET - SUNNYDALE - DUSK
The sun slowly sets as people hurry home, feeling the eerie tension in the air. Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles gather in the street.
Buffy (determined): We need a plan.
Giles: I suggest that we patrol popular areas, where the shadows will likely become active as the sun sets.
Xander (nervous): All those nights watching cartoons have prepared me for this moment.
Willow (curious): But what do we do when we find them? How can we fight shadows?
Giles: From what I've read, it seems that intense light can stun the shadows, giving us enough time to force them to leave the town.
Buffy: Well, guess it's time for a little game of shadow boxing.
CUT TO:
EXT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND SUNNYDALE - NIGHT
Montage of the team moving through Sunnydale, encountering and defeating various shadows.
CUT TO:
EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT
The team comes face-to-face with a GIANT SHADOW. They are in shock, as this creature towers over them.
Buffy (in awe): Whoa... that's new.
Giles (panicking): This-this wasn't in the books!
Xander (scared): We've handled some pretty sizable opponents before, but this... this is on another level.
Willow (holding a flashlight): Guys, get ready. It's showtime.
TO BE CONTINUED
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Morpheus Mirror
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
The school bell RINGS as Buffy, Willow, and Xander walk through the busy halls talking about their weekend.
BUFFY
Can you believe it? My mom tried to set me up with that creepy vampire guy again.
XANDER
Maybe she has a thing for pale, broody types.
WILLOW
(exaggerated sigh)
Don't we all?
They all share a LAUGH.
INT. GILES' LIBRARY - DAY
The Scoobies enter the library, continuing their conversation.
BUFFY
Well, in other news, I definitely need some training after that mess.
GILES
I'm glad you brought that up, Buffy. I recently acquired a new artifact that I thought might help with your training.
Giles pulls out an ornate HAND MIRROR with intricate designs from a box.
BUFFY
A mirror? As in, check-my-makeup mirror?
GILES
Not quite. This mirror, known as the Morpheus Mirror, allows the user to enter their subconscious and seek out suppressed fears and desires. By confronting them directly, we can better our mental and emotional resilience.
WILLOW
That sounds cool...and incredibly scary at the same time!
XANDER
So, wait, we just look into the mirror and...bam!? Deep-diving into our own personal horror shows?
GILES
It's a bit more complicated than that, Xander.
BUFFY
Well, what do we have to lose?
Giles hesitates, then decides to go through with it.
GILES
Alright. Buffy, stand in front of the mirror and take a deep breath. Look deeply into your own reflection and focus your intention to explore your subconscious. Now, hold up your hand and repeat after me...
Buffy does so, looking determined and a bit anxious.
GILES (CONT'D)
Morpheus, noctis veho me ad profundum meum pulsare anticipata, ultimas tradendo...
BUFFY
Morpheus, noctis veho me ad... profundum meum pulsare... anticipata, ultimas tradendo...
The mirror starts to GLOW BRIGHT BLUE, and Buffy's eyes close. The others look worried.
INT. MORPHEUS REALM - CONTINUOUS
Buffy finds herself in an infinitely DARK ROOM with numerous MIRRORS floating about. As Buffy sees her reflection warped in the mirrors, NIGHTMARE CREATURES leap out to attack her.
INT. GILES' LIBRARY - SAME TIME
Xander, Willow, and Giles watch Buffy's lifeless body slump to the ground.
WILLOW
Wait, she's still here!?
GILES
Her physical body remains here while her consciousness is in the mirror realm.
XANDER
Can we help her?
GILES
The mirror is powerful, but unpredictable. We must trust in Buffy's strength, and let this play out.
INT. MORPHEUS REALM - CONTINUOUS
Buffy FIGHTS the nightmare creatures and narrowly escapes.
BUFFY
(to herself)
This is just the warm-up. The main event must be close.
Buffy moves forward in the dark room, stepping over shattered mirrors and broken fragments.
Suddenly, a GIANT SNAKE appears, cornering Buffy and blocking her path.
SNAKE
Face me, Slayer, and I'll reveal what you truly fear!
As Buffy hesitates, the mirror in the library glows brighter, giving off a sense of urgency.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Buffy - The Night of Shadows
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH LIBRARY - DAY
Establishing shot of the high school library where Buffy, Willow, and Xander are gathered, researching a new creature that has made its presence known in town. Giles, the school librarian and Buffy's Watcher, is collecting books at his desk.
WILLOW
I don't get it, are these werewolves just regular folks during the day?
BUFFY
(sarcastic)
Yeah, they go shopping, catch a movie, and turn into Mr. Hairy-Wolf at night.
XANDER
(fascinated)
Cool! You could be best friends with a werewolf and not even know it.
Giles walks over to the study table and drops an ancient book with worn-out pages.
GILES
This ancient text describes a group of werewolves known as Shadow Pack. Unlike most werewolves, they retain their human personalities even when transformed.
WILLOW
(confused)
So, they look like werewolves but act human? This seems... very different.
BUFFY
(serious)
Maybe that's what makes them more dangerous. And why they're in town.
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - HALLWAY - DAY
Buffy, Willow, and Xander walk to class, discussing their plan for after school.
XANDER
So we'll meet at the Bronze, eat some jalapeño poppers and figure out how to stop these humany-wolf things.
WILLOW
(nervous)
Do we have any idea how to stop them?
BUFFY
(smiling)
I'll figure it out, I always do. Plus, I'm a quick learner.
INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT
Buffy, Willow, and Xander have gathered around a table with snacks.
XANDER
I'll tell you how to stop them, lots of wolfsbane, silver and a catchy line about full moons.
WILLOW
(frowning)
I couldn't find any information on how to defeat them, their history really ends on some sort of cliffhanger.
As the gang watches the Bronze fill with people, Cordelia enters the scene.
CORDELIA
(to Buffy)
Saving the world again? Are you done? Because I have plans tonight, and I'd like to keep them monster-free.
BUFFY
(rolls her eyes)
I'm on it, Cordelia. Right now, I just need to-
A deep growl echoes through the room. The Shadow Pack enters the bronze. Buffy notices quickly and pulls out her stakes.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
(sighs)
Looks like this will be a night of shadows.
TO BE CONTINUED
Buffy: The Shadows of Freedom High
EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Buffy, Willow, and Xander walk out of the school, still under construction, and stand outside munching on their lunches.
BUFFY
(phone)
Hey Giles, any progress on the Hellmouth research?
GILES
(phone, British accent)
Ah, yes. It's coming along. I expect to know more in a few hours. In the meantime, patrol as usual, Buffy.
BUFFY
You got it, Watcher mine. Be safe. Bye.
The three friends exchange glances.
WILLOW
I miss old Sunnydale High. This place still gives me the creeps.
XANDER
Well, at least the cafeteria food hasn't changed: it's still... well, barely edible.
BUFFY
Call me crazy, but I kind of like having a fresh start here at Sunn-Whoa, what is that?
ANGLE ON: A SMALL FLYER stuck to a tree, announcing a Halloween festival at the local middle school –- FREEDOM HIGH.
WILLOW
(attentive)
A Halloween festival? Can you say 'irony'?
XANDER
I'm pretty sure you just did.
BUFFY
I doubt any real demons or vampires would be roaming there. They're probably scared of cheap costumes and fake blood as much as we're scared of them.
XANDER
So… are we going?
BUFFY
(patrolling voice)
I guess I'll swing by, just in case any trick-or-treaters need protecting.
CUT TO:
EXT. FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL - NIGHT
ANGLE ON: BUFFY, WILLOW, and XANDER. Arriving at the carnival, they notice a CREEPY CLOWN wandering around. WILLOW and XANDER are visibly apprehensive.
BUFFY
(smirking)
Aw, you guys afraid of a little clown?
XANDER
Normally? No. Clown at a place built on top of the Hellmouth? Very different story.
WILLOW
I'm with Xander on this one.
Their PHONE RINGS. Buffy picks up.
BUFFY
(phone)
Hello, Giles.
GILES
(phone)
Buffy, I've discovered that a coven of witches gathered at Freedom High last night. They performed a ritual, but its purpose remains unclear. Be on guard.
BUFFY
Thanks, Giles. We'll keep our eyes open.
Buffy hangs up as the CREEPY CLOWN approaches them.
CREEPY CLOWN
Hey, kids! Who wants a balloon animal?
BUFFY
(confident)
No thanks. We have our hands full.
The CREEPY CLOWN wanders away. BUFFY, WILLOW, and XANDER cautiously watch as people laugh and scream around them.
WILLOW
I hope it's not another vengeance-seeking demon or anything.
XANDER
Well, whatever it is, we can handle it. Been there, done that.
Suddenly, a shrill SCREAM is heard, coming from the HALL OF MIRRORS. A group of frightened teenagers run out of the building.
BUFFY
(serious)
I guess our night just got interesting. Come on!
CUT TO:
INT. HALL OF MIRRORS - NIGHT
XANDER
(groaning)
You have got to be kidding me. Mirrors? I hate mirrors.
BUFFY
We'll make it quick. Let's split up and find whatever's causing the commotion.
WILLOW
Be careful, guys.
TO BE CONTINUED
Buffy: Shadow Over Sunnydale
INT. BRONZE - NIGHT
The gang - BUFFY, WILLOW, XANDER, GILES, and CORDELIA - are gathered at the Bronze, enjoying a live band and casual conversation.
BUFFY
(sighs)
It’s nice to just have a normal night at the Bronze with no demons or vampires to worry about.
XANDER
I know, right? I could get used to this peace and quiet.
WILLOW
(smiling)
Definitely enjoying the no-monster life.
CORDELIA
(sarcastic)
Yeah, there's something new: a peaceful night in Sunnydale.
GILES
(reassuring)
Well, we might as well enjoy it while it lasts.
INT. BRONZE - LATER THAT NIGHT
The gang is still enjoying the night when an eerie feeling seems to creep into the club. People start leaving, leaving the gang alone.
BUFFY
(suspicious)
Way too quiet…
WILLOW
(nervous)
Are we alone in here?
GILES
Everyone suddenly felt a need to leave… Unsettling.
XANDER
(comical dread)
The calm before the storm, right?
CORDELIA
(scared)
This is not normal. I don’t like this.
INT. BRONZE - MOMENTS LATER
BUFFY’s Slayer senses kick in. A dark figure appears at the entrance, revealing itself as SPIKE.
SPIKE
(evil grin)
Well, well, well... Long time, no see, Slayer.
BUFFY
(irritated)
What do you want, Spike?
SPIKE
You know, just the usual. To mess with you and your little friends.
WILLOW
(whispers)
No more peace and quiet.
BUFFY
And let me guess. You’re back in Sunnydale because something else is here to help balance the chaos?
SPIKE
(sarcastic)
Ever the sharp one, aren’t you, Slayer? I’m just the messenger this time. Something big is coming.
GILES
(worried)
What do you mean 'something big'?
XANDER
He’s just playing games with us, right?
SPIKE
(laughs)
Oh, this is no game, kids. Just a heads up. Ta-ta for now.
Spike disappears into the shadows, leaving the gang to wonder at his meaning.
BUFFY
(frustrated)
Great, more trouble. So much for the quiet night.
WILLOW
(panicked)
What could be coming?
GILES
(determined)
We’ll start researching immediately.
TO BE CONTINUED
