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DAWN: The Series
1x04 "Burn"
Written By
Kungfubear
Created By
Kungfubear & Skinless
Based on characters created by Joss Whedon
TEASER
INT. BAR - NIGHT
A typical, college themed watering hole. It's loud, loose and crowded. A petite girl with a short, pixie haircut sits at the bar. This is JENNA. She's staring down at an empty glass and playing with the straw. A lit cigarette rests comfortably between her lips. The BARTENDER, a big, beefy guy slides a freshly poured drink her way.
JENNA
I didn't order this.
BARTENDER
Compliments of the guy at the end of the bar.
He points to the far end of the bar at a well dressed, Asian American. This is BRANDON. He smiles at Jenna and raises his beer in her direction. Jenna looks worried.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKING LOT - LATER
Exiting the bar, Jenna makes her way through the parking lot. She stops in her tracks just before reaching her car.
JENNA
You shouldn't be here.
We see Brandon standing by Jenna's car.
BRANDON
What else am I supposed to do, Jenna? You won't return my phone calls.
JENNA
That's because I'm avoiding you, Brandon.
BRANDON
Can't we talk about this?
JENNA
Talk about what? I told you, I don't love you.
BRANDON
Then why did you sleep with me?
JENNA
Because I liked you. There's a difference. Just because I invite you into my bed does not invite you into my life. You have got to understand. Coming here, making a scene. Certain people might see you. If you don't stop--
A tall, intimidating man approaches. This is TROY.
TROY
Jenna? Babe? Is this guy hassling you?
JENNA
Troy. No, I'm fine. It's just a misunderstanding. He thinks I'm someone else.
BRANDON
Jenna, who's this?
TROY
(to Brandon)
I'm her husband, buddy. If you don't back off, I'm gonna be the guy who kicked your ass.
Jenna can see Troy is getting angry. She puts her hand on his chest.
JENNA
Leave him alone, okay? I think he's just drunk or something.
BRANDON
I am not drunk! Jenna, I thought what we shared was special.
TROY
(to Jenna)
Special?! You know this creep?
Jenna looks over at Brandon. She warned him.
JENNA
(cool)
I've never seen him before in my life.
Troy advances on Brandon. Brandon holds up his hands in defense while backing away.
TROY
(angry)
That's it, nut bar. I'm about to share my fist with your face. How's that for special?
Troy grabs Brandon with both hands. Brandon wraps his fingers around Troy's wrists. Without warning, Troy's hands burst into flames! Brandon falls to the ground as Troy starts screaming. He begins running around as more of him is engulfed in flames. Brandon and Jenna look on in frozen shock as Troy eventually burns to death.
BLACK OUT.
END OF TEASER
CUE MUSIC AND OPENING: "Tomorrow" by SR-71
ACT ONE
INT. LOGAN'S DINER - EVENING
It's late. The diner is more or less closed. CAT is behind the counter, counting out the till from the register. DAWN is seated in a booth, typing away on a laptop. The dull sounds of fingers hitting keys and money being calculated fill the air. Abruptly, QUINN enters. He flips the closed sign over in its proper position and locks the front door. A newspaper is folded under his arm.
DAWN & CAT
(in unison)
Thank God!
QUINN
It's pronounced Quinn. I keep telling you that. What's up?
CAT
That's just it. Not a damn thing. It's Saturday night and we're bored to tears. Another minute of this monotony and I was about to French kiss the deep fryer, just to be doing something remotely interesting.
DAWN
Hey, just be thankful you're not trying to write a three-page paper on the topic of consciousness. Why don't they just ask for the meaning of life, too?
QUINN
That's easy. Two words: Blue Bell.
CAT
What's with the newspaper, did you mark your territory before you came in here?
QUINN
Tempting, but no.
Quinn slaps the paper down, right on top of the till.
CAT
(annoyed)
Hey! I'm doing math here!
QUINN
I'll save you the trouble. The answer is zero. Read that.
CAT
(scanning the headline)
"Local Linebacker Burned Alive"?
QUINN
Troy Whitaker. Supposed to be the next Troy Aikman.
CAT
Aikman was a quarterback.
QUINN
Whatever. Point is, the kid had a golden arm. Of course, now it's more of a golden brown.
Dawn gets up and approaches the counter.
DAWN
Is he a big guy? Blond hair, kind of baby-faced?
CAT
You knew him?
DAWN
A little. He's in my Art class.
QUINN
Not anymore, he's not.
CAT
(disgusted)
How droll. Why are you showing us this?
QUINN
What I want to show you isn't here. It's downtown.
Cat knows what's coming.
CAT
Exactly where, downtown?
CUT TO:
INT. CITY MORGUE - LATER
Cat, Quinn and Dawn are in the morgue. They're gathered together around one of the metal gurneys. A body bag rests on top of it.
CAT
You know Quinn, I'm beginning to grow weary of you and these little adventures.
DAWN
At least we're doing something.
QUINN
Why can't your attitude be more like hers?
CAT
Because, I know what's coming next.
DAWN
(puzzled)
Huh?
Quinn grabs the zipper on the body bag and looks over his shoulder to Dawn.
QUINN
Hey, do you like Hot Pockets?
DAWN
Sure.
Quinn unzips the bag and opens it to reveal the charred remains of Troy Whitaker. He's completely unrecognizable.
QUINN
How about now?
CAT
Sick!
DAWN
Eeww, gross!
Quinn is all smiles.
CAT
Oh, you're just loving this, aren't-- Oh God!
The smell hits them. Cat coils back. Dawn pulls the front collar of her shirt up, covering her nose.
DAWN
How can any one thing smell so bad?
QUINN
Exhibit A. Crispy Critter, Troy Whitaker. Admitted to the county morgue by campus police last night, after he reportedly spontaneously burst into flames. His body suffered third degree burns which were eventually fatal, due to the inhalation of smoke and heat, cooking his lungs within.
CAT
Wait, I thought spontaneous combustion was just a myth.
QUINN
Then it's a good thing that's not what this is.
DAWN
Oh! Maybe a witch did it. My sister, back in high school, there was this girl named Amy--
QUINN
Also incorrect, but thanks for playing. Nice to know somebody's thinking outside the box.
CAT
(leaning in)
Then just what the hell are we supposed to be looking at?
QUINN
The idea is to forget about the tender-flaky-crispy-crunchy-crust, and take note of the part of him that isn't a flame broiled Whopper.
Dawn also leans in at this point. She pulls her shirt back down, the stench having dissolved away for the most part.
DAWN
(pointing)
His wrists.
INSERT: Four stripes around each wrist where the flesh is not scarred or burned at all, while the rest of Troy's corpse looks like blackened, Cajun cuisine.
DAWN
(squinting)
What are those?
Quinn holds up a file.
QUINN
Fingerprints, belonging to a Brandon Kim.
He hands the file to Cat, who starts reading it.
QUINN
I ran his prints and came across a very curious pattern in his criminal records. This guy has been linked before to two other fire-related deaths, four years ago in Utah, and then again two years later in Arizona.
CAT
(reading)
Never convicted due to lack of evidence.
(to Quinn)
What about the handprints?
QUINN
While it is peculiar, it doesn't prove anything.
CAT
But how come that's not fried like the rest of Troy's body?
QUINN
Good question, one you should probably ask Brandon Kim.
A beat. Cat's intrigued and Quinn knows she can't resist looking into it.
QUINN
Still feel like getting frisky with the deep fryer?
Cat looks at Dawn. The Summers girl is beaming with glee. She misses this.
CUT TO:
EXT. TOWNHOUSE - ESTABLISHING - LATER
CAT
(V.O.)
Is now the best time to be doing this?
CUT TO:
EXT. FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
Dawn, Cat and Quinn are standing at the front door of a two-bedroom Townhouse. Dawn knocks.
QUINN
No time like the present.
CAT
Tomorrow morning can be just as present. It's all relative, anyhow.
QUINN
Don't go all philosophical on me now, Buzz Kill.
The door opens a moment later. Brandon Kim pokes his head out. He only notices the two girls, at first.
BRANDON
Yes?
DAWN
Hi. I'm Dawn, and this is Cat.
Cat waves, nervously.
DAWN
We were wondering--
BRANDON
I'm sorry. Whatever you're selling, I'm not interested.
QUINN
This late at night, do you really think we're peddling Girl Scout cookies?
Quinn glares at Brandon. He turns on a dime, getting serious, almost scary.
QUINN
Let us in. Now.
Brandon is stiff, but obedient. He lets them in. Dawn and Cat are taken aback. As they're entering, Cat turns to Quinn.
CAT
You two know each other or something?
QUINN
(back to normal)
Oh yeah, me and Short Round go way back.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Brandon's home is well furnished, neat and tasteful. It looks like too much space for just one guy.
BRANDON
Can I get you something to drink?
QUINN
We won't be here that long. Troy Whitaker. What happened?
BRANDON
I already told the police about it.
QUINN
Right, now you get to tell us.
BRANDON
Not much to tell, really.
QUINN
You don't find a guy pulling his own personal Burning Man in the middle of a parking lot, unusual?
BRANDON
Of course. I was freaked out, so I took off.
CAT
The police report says you guys were arguing.
BRANDON
I had a little too much to drink. I saw my ex-girlfriend, I tried to win her back. I didn't know she wasn't alone. It was an error in judgment.
QUINN
(dry)
That's funny. Looked more like arson to me.
Quinn moves past Brandon, more interested in the fireplace for some reason.
DAWN
Why did you two break up?
BRANDON
Jenna said I was smothering her.
Quinn is staring intently at a row of a dozen crimson-colored candles, all presently lit, sitting on the mantle. He inhales through the nose, trying to smell something.
DAWN
(O.S.)
Can you explain the other two cases in Utah and Arizona?
BRANDON
(O.S.)
How do you know about that?
CAT
(O.S.)
We like to read.
Quinn notices a shroud of parchment hanging on the wall, above the fireplace. A series of foreign characters are inked on it. Meanwhile, Brandon is getting defensive.
BRANDON
Who are you people?
DAWN
(calming)
We're just concerned about what happened to Troy. I had classes with him.
BRANDON
Look, I didn't know him from Adam. I'm just as confused about this whole thing as you are. Those past instances were just a very unfortunate coincidence.
CAT
(skeptical)
Both of them?
BRANDON
I get how this sounds. You know why I was never convicted? It wasn't me! Circumstantial evidence, the whole thing. Wrong place and time kind of situation.
DAWN
Can you think of anyone who might have it in for you, maybe trying to pin something on you?
BRANDON
Aside from that Jock the other night looking to play Picasso with my face, no. I keep to myself. I'm too busy studying and paying the bills to make trouble. Look, I'm real sorry about your friend, but I can't help you. I'd appreciate it if you would leave now.
A beat. Dawn looks at Cat. Cat shrugs.
DAWN
Thanks for your time.
(to Quinn)
Quinn?
Quinn turns around.
DAWN
It's time to go.
QUINN
(quick and easy)
Okay.
Brandon opens the door for them. They file out, one by one. Quinn is the last to leave. He stares Brandon down as he passes by. Brandon closes the door behind them and locks it. He closes his eyes and breathes a sigh of relief.
BRANDON
(to himself)
I can't do this anymore.
A door from under the stairs opens. JENNA steps out and approaches Brandon. She comes up behind him and wraps her arms around his waist.
JENNA
Come on, of course you can.
BRANDON
No, it's too risky. We get too greedy, people are going to catch on.
JENNA
It's gotten us this far.
BRANDON
Only because we've split town afterwards. I'm tired of moving, Jenna.
Jenna moves around Brandon so she can face him.
JENNA
Not too tired, I hope. What about me?
They kiss passionately. In the background, the flames on the candles grow dangerously wild for a moment.
BRANDON
I'm never too tired for you, Jenna.
JENNA
Good boy. Now, are you coming to bed?
BRANDON
What do we do about those people? Did you see who was with them?
JENNA
I did, but don't worry. If they get too close, we'll make sure they burn for it.
BLACK OUT.
ACT TWO
INT. CITY MORGUE - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Quinn walks confidently down the hallway, with Dawn and Cat reluctantly in tow.
DAWN
Do you enjoy torturing us, Quinn?
QUINN
It gives me a happy. What of it?
CAT
We went over there for nothing. We still don't know how Brandon Kim managed to set fire to Troy Whitaker.
QUINN
Well, maybe you don't. I know exactly how he did it. Watch your step.
The girls follow him down some stairs. They stop at a door marked "Storage". Beside the door is a keypad and a small, red light.
DAWN
So, what are we doing back here, and what's with the security? Do people around here steal bodies or something?
Quinn makes sure the girls can't see his hand as he punches in a series of numbers. The Keypad BEEPS and the light turns green.
QUINN
Yeah, mostly so a couple of pledges can dump the body in front of a rival fraternity.
DAWN
Mostly?
Quinn opens the door and is about to head inside.
QUINN
Sometimes, guys get lonely.
Quinn goes into the Storage Room. Cat obediently follows.
CAT
(passing Dawn)
You had to ask.
A beat. Dawn is left with her thoughts, but quickly figures it out.
DAWN
Oh, that's disgusting!
INT. STORAGE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
We're in the room with the wall of portable vacuums. This is the first thing Dawn notices. She steps to the center of the room and glares at the wall.
DAWN
What's with all the Dust Busters? Wouldn't it make more sense to invest in one, big wet-dry vac?
Getting no response from either of them, Dawn turns to see Cat and Quinn standing on the other side of the room. They look as though they're waiting for something, all the while staring intently at Dawn.
DAWN
What?
CAT
You're standing on the rug.
Dawn looks down at her feet and notices she is in fact standing on a large rug placed in the middle of the floor.
DAWN
Oh! Sorry.
She steps aside as Quinn squats down and folds the rug over to reveal a trap door, hidden in the floor. He then produces a key from his pocket and inserts it into a small padlock. After turning the key, the lock snaps open and Quinn lifts up the hatch, revealing another set of stairs.
DAWN
(worried)
You're not planning to chop me up for dinner, are you?
QUINN
Don't be stupid. You're just skin and bones. Maybe for brunch. Dinner requires a girl with meatier portions.
(to Cat)
After you, Cathryn.
CAT
(not amused)
Very funny, Jackass.
Cat heads down the stairs.
INT. STORAGE ROOM "B" - CONTINUOUS
When the three of them come down the stairs, the lights are already on. An African American is seated on a stool, reading an Astonishing X-Men comic book. This is LAURENCE, 29.
LAURENCE
(to Quinn)
Hey, Martin. What's the rumpus?
QUINN
What happened, Laurence? I thought you went on vacation.
LAURENCE
I tried. The higher ups didn't like that idea. They said it was important for me to be here for the first two weeks of the new semester. Apparently, there's always an "increase of activity during this time".
QUINN
Bob changed his mind?
LAURENCE
Bob changed his mind.
QUINN
(to Dawn)
This is my partner on the graveyard shift, Laurence Hayes. He likes to tell women that Isaac Hayes is his Uncle.
DAWN
(interested)
Is he?
QUINN
No.
(to Laurence)
This is Dawn Summers. Her big Sister is The Slayer.
DAWN
(surprised)
Oh, just tell the world while you're at it.
LAURENCE
So what? Aren't they like all over the globe now? I'm pretty sure my cousin Precious is a Slayer.
DAWN
You mean you're not sure?
LAURENCE
She's either that, or a dog catcher. I forget which.
DAWN
(annoyed)
Her name is Precious?
CAT
Hey Dawn, how is "Buffy" doing these days?
DAWN
(defeated)
I'll shut up now.
QUINN
We need to see The Conduit.
A beat.
LAURENCE
Are you sure you wanna do that?
QUINN
Wanting to and needing to are completely different. You know that.
LAURENCE
Okay, but she ain't gonna be happy.
QUINN
She never is.
LAURENCE
(to the group)
Follow me.
Everyone moves past the seemingly endless rows of deposit boxes.
LAURENCE
As you know, this is our hall of records--
DAWN
I didn't know that.
LAURENCE
As most of you know, this is our hall of records, where we catalogue and categorize as many different species and types of demons that we come in contact with. On occasion, we encounter a special kind of nasty that's new to us, and therefore not in our records. When in doubt, we ask The Conduit. She sees all. She knows all. Knowledge is power--
CAT
Then you must be weak as a kitten.
LAURENCE
Never interrupt a man who handles your body after you die. As I was saying, knowledge is power, which naturally makes her a force to be reckoned with, although I wouldn't recommend it.
DAWN
(to Cat)
Have you ever seen this Conduit person?
CAT
Nope. First time. Never even heard of her until just now.
DAWN
How long have you and Quinn known each other?
CAT
About a year, but I don't come down here much. Dead bodies give me the wiggins.
They finally come to the other end of the room. There's nothing but a wall; a plain, barren unpainted wall.
CAT
(to Laurence)
Okay, it's a wall. We've hit a dead end.
LAURENCE
Are you sure?
CAT
Pretty definitely, unless we're supposed to bust through it. Last time I checked, nobody here is big and green, or wearing purple pants.
Laurence points upward, above his head. Looking up, Dawn and Cat see a door on the ceiling, next to a glass skylight.
DAWN
How the hell are we supposed to get up there?
LAURENCE
You don't. We bring the door down here.
(to Quinn)
You wanna give me a hand with this? I've never been able to do it by myself.
Quinn and Laurence step up to the wall. They each put one foot up on the wall, while the other stays planted firmly on the ground.
QUINN
We go on three. Ready? One, two, three.
They begin to push against the wall, as if they're trying to move it. At first, nothing happens. Then, seconds later, the entire room starts to shift. A rumbling can be heard from within the walls, as if they're moving the earth itself, breaking the laws of physics and gravity. Dawn and Cat brace themselves, expecting to fall. It doesn't happen. Instead, the room has turned over on its side, by way of some unseen axis. The ceiling with the door on it, has now become the wall with the door on it, the skylight becoming your basic window. The unpainted wall, has now become the unpainted floor. Most importantly, Dawn and Cat are now standing on the wall, defying gravity, while Laurence and Quinn are on the new ground, by the door.
If you were able to follow that maze of logic without your head exploding, give yourself a cookie.
QUINN
You can come down here now.
Cautiously, the two girls step down off the wall and onto the ground. They join the guys at the door.
CAT
Seriously, how about a heads up before you do that next time?
Looking at it up close, the door knob appears to also be a combination lock. Laurence twists and turns the knob in different directions, as if cracking a safe. The knob CLICKS, and Laurence pushes inward and the door opens just a crack, revealing only darkness inside.
LAURENCE
One more thing. Nobody knows what The Conduit really looks like. When you look at her, you'll only see someone close to you, probably dead. She likes to pull images from your subconscious. No two people will ever see the same thing. It's different for everybody.
DAWN
Really? What do you see?
Suddenly, an OLD WOMAN'S voice calls out through the darkness, from the other side of the door.
CONDUIT
(O.S.)
Laurence? Is that you out there, baby?
LAURENCE
(to Dawn)
My Gramma Ella. I just go with it.
Laurence pokes his head in for a moment.
LAURENCE
(to The Conduit)
Yeah Gramma, it's me. I got some friends out here who wanna talk to you.
CONDUIT
(O.S.)
Well don't be rude, Sugar. Let ?em in. I ain't got all day.
LAURENCE
(to The Conduit)
Yes ma'am.
Laurence searches his pockets. He eventually pulls out an individually wrapped Hershey's Kiss. He hands it to Dawn.
LAURENCE
I almost forgot. Here.
DAWN
Aw, thank you.
LAURENCE
That's not for you. It's for her. Conduit's got a major jones for chocolate. Give her that, and she'll tell you whatever you wanna know.
DAWN
Aren't you coming in with us?
LAURENCE
Hell no. If you knew Big Mama, you'd understand.
Cat is the first one to go through the door.
INT. VOID - CONTINUOUS
Cat takes a couple of steps inside and freezes. Her face turns pale. She's afraid of something. We don't see what it is, but we hear a MAN'S DEEP VOICE.
CONDUIT
(O.S.)
Morning, Sunbeam.
INT. STORAGE ROOM "B" - CONTINUOUS
Dawn is about to follow, when Cat promptly turns on a dime and comes back into the Storage Room.
DAWN
Cat, what's wrong?
CAT
You go ahead. I'm just gonna stay out here.
DAWN
Why? Did you see something?
CAT
I don't wanna talk about it, okay?
A beat. Dawn can see how shaken up Cat is, but she doesn't pry. Dawn and Quinn are the only ones who go through the doorway.
INT. VOID - CONTINUOUS
Once inside the darkness, Laurence closes the door behind them. Dawn is startled and turns to open it, but there is no knob on this side of the door.
DAWN
Hey!
QUINN
Don't worry, Dawn. Everything's fine.
A WOMAN'S VOICE speaks to Dawn in a reassuring tone. It sounds familiar.
CONDUIT
(O.S.)
Be still now. I am with you. I am deep within you. You are at peace.
Dawn turns back around and is immediately calm and at ease. Standing before her, we see TARA MACLAY. She stands in the center of a small pool of light.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
You cannot be harmed. Your friend left before I could tell her the same.
A beat. It takes a moment for Dawn to remember how to speak.
DAWN
Uh, hi. She saw something that wasn't fun, I'm guessing.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
Yes, my apologies. These things happen. It would appear she has some unresolved issues with him.
DAWN
With who?
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
It is of no concern to others. My visage lies in the eye of the beholder, and is only for those individuals alone.
DAWN
Quinn doesn't see what I see?
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
Correct.
Dawn looks over at Quinn. He says nothing, but his expression is very sad and distant.
ANGLE ON: QUINN'S POV.
We see a SMALL BOY. He looks bright and inquisitive. He's probably no more than eleven years old.
CONDUIT
(as Small Boy)
Do you have any chocolate?
QUINN
(flat)
I'm sorry.
DAWN
(confident)
I have some.
Dawn unwraps the Hershey's kiss and hands it to The Conduit. She smiles and carefully consumes the sinfully delicious treat.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
Thank you.
(a beat)
Your generosity shall be rewarded. I have the answers you seek. You are welcome to ask of me whatever you wish.
DAWN
Well, we've got this problem with some guy who may or may not be setting people on fire just by touching them.
QUINN
I saw a makeshift shrine in his home. Twelve candles. They smelled like sulfur. There was also a parchment, with some Mandarin on it.
DAWN
You can read Mandarin?
QUINN
No, but I was gonna get a tattoo of a Chinese character on my arm once. I only recognized the symbol for fire.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
The creature you speak of is from Charuvash descent; a fire demon. They are an ancient cult who serve in the year of the dragon. Within this time of the Chinese calendar, a human sacrifice is offered in exchange for continued immortality.
DAWN
Immortality? How long have these guys been around?
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
The Charuvash have lived for well over three millennia.
DAWN
Wow, that's an awful lot of roasted bodies.
QUINN
How do we kill it? Since they're immortal, I'm guessing it's easy? Please say it's easy.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
The dragon's essence gives everlasting life, and only this essence can take it away.
CUT TO:
INT. QUINN'S CAR - LATER
Dawn, Cat and Laurence are crammed into a maroon, 1977 Plymouth Barracuda. Quinn is driving.
CAT
On the plus side, Brandon Kim won't be barbecuing again anytime soon. It's only once a year, right?
QUINN
It doesn't matter. For all we know, he could've developed a taste for it.
LAURENCE
I think he's right. What's to stop the guy from going on a kill crazy rampage?
CAT
What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you had work to do.
LAURENCE
What? You expect me to sit up there and miss out on all the action? I don't think so. Besides, it was dead in there tonight.
CAT
(rolls eyes)
You work in a morgue!
LAURENCE
Exactly!
DAWN
If you guys don't mind, we're trying really hard to prevent anymore potential fires here.
Quinn keeps his eyes on the road. He seems to be distracted by something up ahead.
QUINN
I don't think we're gonna make it.
DAWN
Come on, Quinn. Try to be a little more positive.
QUINN
Okay, I'm positive we're not gonna make it.
Cat notices what Quinn is looking at.
CAT
Oh my God.
EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - CONTINUOUS
The car comes to a stop before a massive crowd. The group gets out of the car and makes their way through the throng of neighbors and onlookers. We CRANE UP past the crowd. Up ahead, the local fire department is attempting to extinguish the flames swarming all over Brandon Kim's townhouse. Dawn and her friends arrive at the police barricade just in time to see an intimidating OFFICER escorting APRYL back into the crowd. She keeps trying to pull away, but it's no use.
APRYL
Let go of me, you Sasquatch!
OFFICER
(irritated)
Please stay behind the line, ma'am. It's for your own safety. I'm not going to tell you again.
APRYL
My father is a very powerful man with big name connections in this town!
OFFICER
(sarcastic)
I care!
The Officer finally manages to get Apryl behind the barricade.
OFFICER
(stern)
Stay put, or I'm hauling you in.
He walks away. Apryl dangles her foot out and waves her hands past the barricade in childish defiance.
DAWN
Apryl?
Apryl stands at attention, embarrassed by her actions. She tries to play it off like nothing happened.
APRYL
Oh! Hi, Dawn. How's school?
DAWN
(confused)
Super. What are you doing here?
Apryl's busted. She drops the fa?ade.
APRYL
I'm looking to get a job with the university paper. It's a long story. I was supposed to interview Brandon Kim, but when I got here his place was on fire. I wanted to take some pictures of the body, but I keep getting shot-blocked by the Missing Link over there.
(screaming at Officer)
My Dad can buy and sell your ass, pal!
DAWN
Apryl, what body? Did Brandon die in there?
APRYL
Not just that. It was suicide. The guy blew himself up. Who still uses a gas stove, anyhow? It's so stupid.
(a beat)
So much for that interview.
As Apryl mutters that last line, we DOLLY LEFT past the crowd and end on a single tree in a stranger's front yard. It's too far away from the lights, making it difficult to see much of anything. A dark figure is leaning against the trunk. Suddenly, a match is struck, lighting a thin cigarette. The flame allows us to see that there is in fact no match at all. The cigarette sparked to life all by itself, resting comfortably between the smiling lips of Jenna.
BLACK OUT.
ACT THREE
INT. LOGAN'S DINER - MORNING
Dawn and Apryl are sitting in a booth, by the door. The morning sunlight sneaks in through the window blinds. Cat enters from the kitchen, carrying a pot of coffee in one hand, and three mugs in the other. She joins Dawn and Apryl at the booth.
APRYL
You know, I used to live in Sunnydale, so I'm used to the weird and the scary. This is just sad and unsatisfying.
DAWN
I'm not so sure we're done here. Something's missing.
APRYL
How do you figure? The guy was killing people to stay alive. He couldn't live with what he'd been doing all these years, so he decided to off himself. Case closed. I know I couldn't live forever. Where's the finality? It's like watching a movie that has no end. I'd go bonkers.
CAT
Dawn's right. It doesn't add up. For starters, why commit suicide all of a sudden? If he really wanted out, couldn't he just stop cold turkey with the ritual sacrificing?
DAWN
What I don't get is how he's able to kill himself in the first place.
Quinn enters, again with a newspaper.
QUINN
Good morning, ladies.
APRYL
Hey, did you get those photos for me?
QUINN
Yes and no.
Quinn reaches in between the folds of the newspaper and pulls out a few eight by ten, black and white photos. He hands them to Apryl.
CAT
Keep in mind, I'm just now having my morning coffee.
APRYL
(scanning photos)
These are just shots of the house after the fire. Where's the body?
DAWN
I knew it! There's no body because he's not dead. The Conduit said only a dragon can kill a Charuvash demon.
CAT
Ooo, maybe a dragon set the house on fire!
QUINN
Interesting theories, and you're both wrong.
DAWN
What? It could happen.
QUINN
(skeptical)
A dragon? Really?
DAWN
I saw one in Sunnydale once.
APRYL
When was this?
DAWN
Long after your time. There was a God, some monks, a crappy tower and a swirling vortex. It was a whole big thing. I'm just saying. A Dragon did it.
CAT
Actually, I believe I just said it.
QUINN
You're still wrong, both of you.
APRYL
How do you know?
Quinn slaps the newspaper down on the table. The paper is already folded in a way that exposes the Obituaries section. One particular obituary is circled in red. Below it, a paperclip holds a computer print-out of added information. The three girls lean in to read it. They look up at each other, all wearing the same shocked expression.
DAWN, CAT & APRYL
(in unison)
Oh my God.
CUT TO:
INT. QUINN'S CAR - LATER
Quinn is driving, his eyes fixed on the road. Dawn sits next to him in the passenger seat, her hands bracing the dashboard. Apryl, Cat and Laurence are squeezed into the backseat. The car is at full capacity.
QUINN
Brandon Kim was telling the truth. He didn't murder anyone. He's not the Charuvash demon. His ex-girlfriend is. She's a con woman. She preyed on men with deep pockets. She'd get whatever she needed and then fry them, while making Brandon out to appear as the prime suspect. No convictions due to lack of hard evidence, so the two of them would move on to another state and do it again. Brandon wanted out of the arrangement, and now he's bacon bits. His obituary this morning led me to do some not-so-legal background checking online. Brandon Kim is survived by his Sister, Aida Kim who apparently had her name changed in ?03 to Jenna Lin.
APRYL
If they're related, why aren't they both demons?
QUINN
Brandon and Jenna share the same father, but not the same mother. Turns out, Mom number two was a in fact a fire demon. Brandon and Jenna were inseparable, and not in the normal brother-sister fashion, either. They were lovers.
CAT
You got all that information off the internet?
QUINN
Just the related stuff. I got the incest angle after talking some more with The Conduit. He really, really loves chocolate.
LAURENCE
(sarcastic)
Have I mentioned how damn glad I am to be in this car, right at this very moment?
QUINN
You're the one who wanted to get out and do something.
LAURENCE
Quinn, I work around rotting corpses all day, but this is just nasty.
CAT
I'm almost afraid to ask, but it can't just be wondering, what is that smell?
DAWN
Thank you! God, it totally reeks of ass in here.
QUINN
I think you mean ash.
DAWN
Huh?
QUINN
See that trash bag down by your feet?
DAWN
Yeah.
QUINN
That's what's left of the late, Brandon Kim.
The others start freaking out. Cat rolls her eyes at Quinn's typical behavior. Apryl sits back and covers her mouth as if she's going to throw up. Laurence is frantically rolling down the window. Dawn gets her feet off the floorboard and away from the bag. She brings her knees up to her chest.
DAWN
Is this going to be a recurring thing with you, ever grossing me out?
QUINN
Calm down, alright? I'm taking the remains to a cemetery. We scatter the ashes on consecrated ground, which renders them useless for Jenna's ritual.
APRYL
What ritual?
DAWN
(to Quinn)
Please don't answer that!
A beat. Quinn can't keep it to himself.
QUINN
She drinks tea made from the ashes.
DAWN
I'm really starting to miss Sunnydale. Throw a rock in any direction, you'd hit a cemetery.
QUINN
Look, Troy Whitaker apparently came from a deeply religious family. They wouldn't even let us examine the body until after their priest had blessed it first. We make sure Jenna doesn't get her hands on Brandon, and her streak is broken.
LAURENCE
Unless she kills one of us.
QUINN
Right, unless she kills-- Wait. What?
LAURENCE
(pointing)
Look out!
Quinn looks ahead just in time to see Jenna Lin, standing in the middle of the intersection, in front of the cemetery. A wall of fire is blazing behind her, blocking entrance to the cemetery. Quinn slams on his brakes, but it's too late. He still manages to hit Jenna, knocking her off her feet and sending her body soaring through the wall of fire. A beat. The tires are no longer screeching and the car has finally stopped, just a few yards away from the wall of fire.
APRYL
Wow, that was close.
Quinn turns to look at Apryl as if she's lost her mind. Suddenly, the car's front end bursts into flames.
QUINN
Everybody out!
The doors quickly swing open from all sides. Everyone flees from the car. Dawn is carrying the bag of ashes. Just after they get away, the car explodes into a fireball of burning wreckage. Debris from the explosion is all over the place. The rest of the group runs over to join Quinn, who is lying on the ground, knocked unconscious from the blast. Jenna comes walking casually through the wall of fire. Her eyes and hands are ablaze. Her voice is deep, demonic and intimidating.
JENNA
(angry)
I want my Brother!
DAWN
Forget it! You've had plenty of your Brother already, in ways I don't even wanna think about!
JENNA
Give him to me, or one of you will die in his place.
Jenna takes a few steps in Dawn's direction. Without thinking, Dawn tosses the bag as an impromptu form of keep away. Cat is closest to Dawn, and ends up catching the bag.
CAT
(to Dawn)
Oh, thanks a lot!
Jenna makes her way towards Cat, slowly. Cat is walking backwards, in an effort to keep her distance.
CAT
Yeah, my ashes are no good. I'm all about the holy water, can't get enough of the stuff. In fact, I bathe in it every day, sometimes twice.
Just before Jenna can get close enough to reach it, Cat lets out a squeak, flings the bag of ashes up in the air and behind her. Laurence steps in between the two women.
LAURENCE
You're not gonna touch her!
JENNA
(smiling)
I don't have to.
Suddenly, Laurence's shirt catches on fire.
LAURENCE
Damn!
Cat tackles Laurence. Once he's on the ground, Laurence quickly rolls around in the dirt, trying desperately to put out the fire. Jenna is face to face with Apryl. Apryl doesn't appear to have the bag. Instead, she's talking on her cell phone while all this is going on.
APRYL
(into phone)
Uh huh. Right now would be great.
Jenna opens her mouth wide. It's brimming with fire. She's about to strike. Apryl couldn't be bothered. Suddenly, a thunderous roar cracks across the sky. Jenna looks up. All fire effects disappear from her eyes, mouth and hands. She looks the way she did when we first saw her, like a human being.
ANGLE ON: JENNA'S POV.
A massive, majestic black dragon emerges from the clouds and descends down upon Jenna. Jenna immediately tries to run away. The dragon flies after her. The loud, scaly beast opens its long mouth and engulfs Jenna's body in a fury of green fire. She screams in agony before disintegrating into a thousand little embers. The embers dissolve on the wind. Jenna is gone. The dragon roars victoriously and soars back up into the sky, fading away into the sunlight.
APRYL
(into phone)
Yeah, she's dead. Thanks, Daddy. You're the best. Kisses.
Apryl hangs up her cell phone. The wall of fire has disappeared. Laurence stands up, no longer wearing a shirt.
CAT
(to Apryl)
What the hell just happened?
APRYL
I told you, my Father's a very powerful man. I called in a favor.
LAURENCE
Why didn't you say you could get us a dragon?!
APRYL
You didn't ask.
DAWN
(O.S.)
You could've told me!
Apryl, Laurence and Cat look over to see Dawn, covered from head to toe in ashes. It's all over her face and in her hair. The plastic bag is hanging on her shoulder. She is clearly not a happy camper.
CAT
Dawn, you've got a little something right--
DAWN
Shut up.
Dawn shrugs off the garbage bag as Laurence and Cat go over to pick up Quinn. He's still knocked out. Apryl is trailing behind the three of them. She's about to walk past Dawn, who is still just standing there, stewing in contempt. Apryl tries to brush some of the ashes away from Dawn's shoulder.
DAWN
Stop it.
APRYL
I'm just trying to--
DAWN
Don't.
(a beat)
If you tell Quinn about this, I'll find new, painful places to put your phone.
Apryl nods in fearful agreement. The two of them start walking, not saying a word.
DISSOLVE TO:
ACT FOUR
INT. BARRET'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
Willow enters the living room from the kitchen, carrying a mug of hot chocolate. Quinn is sitting at one end of the couch, holding an ice pack to the back of his head. Willow hands him the mug, and then joins Kennedy on the loveseat across from the couch.
QUINN
Thank you.
WILLOW
Drink up. It's a special recipe.
QUINN
Made with love?
WILLOW
Made with magic. It'll heal your head.
Quinn takes a drink.
QUINN
It's good. I'm feeling better already.
DAWN
(O.S.)
Not me.
Dawn enters, wearing a bathrobe with a towel wrapped around her head.
DAWN
I've had three showers and I still feel dirty.
She plops down on the couch, next to Quinn. He offers her the mug with a bashful smile. Her disgruntled expression melts and she smiles back, accepting the mug and taking a sip.
DAWN
Mmm. How come you're not cursing the gods right now? Your car is a smoldering paperweight. I just got in a fight with an ash tray, and lost.
QUINN
Believe me, inside, I'm clutching my inner teddy bear and crying like a baby seal. Outside of that, I'm just glad everyone's alive and okay.
KENNEDY
I'm still retching over the whole incest thing. Unless my calendar is way off, we're not in the thirteen hundreds, and haven't been for a while.
QUINN
I'm pretty sure it wasn't socially acceptable back then either, but I get what you're saying.
DAWN
We do live in a world where black licorice still exists, so I guess some things never really go away.
CUT TO:
EXT. BARRET'S HOUSE - BACKYARD PATIO - CONTINUOUS
Apryl is out back, behind the house. She's smoking a cigarette and talking on her cell phone.
APRYL
I really appreciate all your help, Daddy. One more minute longer, and we would've been toast, and I do mean actual toast; butter ready and everything.
MR. MADDUX
(V.O.)
Don't mention it, Sweetheart. I'm always here to help, any way I--. Apryl, are you smoking again?
Apryl's eyes widen in awe. How does he always know? She quickly flicks the filtered butt into the swimming pool.
APRYL
No, Daddy. I'm not smoking.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
A distinguished gentleman in a suit and tie is standing in the hallway of a bustling, corporate high rise building. This is OLIVER MADDUX, Apryl's Father. He's talking to her through one of those discreet, earpiece phones.
MR. MADDUX
Good girl. How are things going for you, besides? Do you have everything you need?
APRYL
Yeah, I'm fine. Everything's taken care of.
MR. MADDUX
So you gave the injection to the Summers girl, like I asked?
APRYL
I put it in her drink while she was studying. I didn't want to leave any mystery bruises.
MR. MADDUX
Smart thinking. How did it take?
APRYL
She got really sick. I thought for sure it was gonna kill her.
MR. MADDUX
No, I told you it takes more than a fever to exterminate something like this.
APRYL
Something like what? What is she, Daddy?
MR. MADDUX
Now sweetheart, we've been over this. You know I can't tell you that. Just remember, you're doing a good thing here. Just keep an eye on her and let me know if she changes in any way.
APRYL
Changes how, what am I looking for?
MR. MADDUX
Trust me, you'll know it when it happens.
A YOUNG EXECUTIVE approaches Oliver.
YOUNG EXECUTIVE
They're ready for you, Mr. Maddux.
Oliver nods.
MR. MADDUX
Apryl, honey? I've gotta go now. You take care, Princess.
(a beat)
I love you, too. Bye-bye.
Oliver removes the earpiece and pockets it. He walks into a boardroom. The Young Executive shuts the doors behind them, blocking us out. Next to the doors, the sign on the wall reads, "Wolfram & Hart: Special Projects Division".
BLACK OUT.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Skinless
Kungfubear
THE END.
1x04 "Burn"
Written By
Kungfubear
Created By
Kungfubear & Skinless
Based on characters created by Joss Whedon
TEASER
INT. BAR - NIGHT
A typical, college themed watering hole. It's loud, loose and crowded. A petite girl with a short, pixie haircut sits at the bar. This is JENNA. She's staring down at an empty glass and playing with the straw. A lit cigarette rests comfortably between her lips. The BARTENDER, a big, beefy guy slides a freshly poured drink her way.
JENNA
I didn't order this.
BARTENDER
Compliments of the guy at the end of the bar.
He points to the far end of the bar at a well dressed, Asian American. This is BRANDON. He smiles at Jenna and raises his beer in her direction. Jenna looks worried.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKING LOT - LATER
Exiting the bar, Jenna makes her way through the parking lot. She stops in her tracks just before reaching her car.
JENNA
You shouldn't be here.
We see Brandon standing by Jenna's car.
BRANDON
What else am I supposed to do, Jenna? You won't return my phone calls.
JENNA
That's because I'm avoiding you, Brandon.
BRANDON
Can't we talk about this?
JENNA
Talk about what? I told you, I don't love you.
BRANDON
Then why did you sleep with me?
JENNA
Because I liked you. There's a difference. Just because I invite you into my bed does not invite you into my life. You have got to understand. Coming here, making a scene. Certain people might see you. If you don't stop--
A tall, intimidating man approaches. This is TROY.
TROY
Jenna? Babe? Is this guy hassling you?
JENNA
Troy. No, I'm fine. It's just a misunderstanding. He thinks I'm someone else.
BRANDON
Jenna, who's this?
TROY
(to Brandon)
I'm her husband, buddy. If you don't back off, I'm gonna be the guy who kicked your ass.
Jenna can see Troy is getting angry. She puts her hand on his chest.
JENNA
Leave him alone, okay? I think he's just drunk or something.
BRANDON
I am not drunk! Jenna, I thought what we shared was special.
TROY
(to Jenna)
Special?! You know this creep?
Jenna looks over at Brandon. She warned him.
JENNA
(cool)
I've never seen him before in my life.
Troy advances on Brandon. Brandon holds up his hands in defense while backing away.
TROY
(angry)
That's it, nut bar. I'm about to share my fist with your face. How's that for special?
Troy grabs Brandon with both hands. Brandon wraps his fingers around Troy's wrists. Without warning, Troy's hands burst into flames! Brandon falls to the ground as Troy starts screaming. He begins running around as more of him is engulfed in flames. Brandon and Jenna look on in frozen shock as Troy eventually burns to death.
BLACK OUT.
END OF TEASER
CUE MUSIC AND OPENING: "Tomorrow" by SR-71
ACT ONE
INT. LOGAN'S DINER - EVENING
It's late. The diner is more or less closed. CAT is behind the counter, counting out the till from the register. DAWN is seated in a booth, typing away on a laptop. The dull sounds of fingers hitting keys and money being calculated fill the air. Abruptly, QUINN enters. He flips the closed sign over in its proper position and locks the front door. A newspaper is folded under his arm.
DAWN & CAT
(in unison)
Thank God!
QUINN
It's pronounced Quinn. I keep telling you that. What's up?
CAT
That's just it. Not a damn thing. It's Saturday night and we're bored to tears. Another minute of this monotony and I was about to French kiss the deep fryer, just to be doing something remotely interesting.
DAWN
Hey, just be thankful you're not trying to write a three-page paper on the topic of consciousness. Why don't they just ask for the meaning of life, too?
QUINN
That's easy. Two words: Blue Bell.
CAT
What's with the newspaper, did you mark your territory before you came in here?
QUINN
Tempting, but no.
Quinn slaps the paper down, right on top of the till.
CAT
(annoyed)
Hey! I'm doing math here!
QUINN
I'll save you the trouble. The answer is zero. Read that.
CAT
(scanning the headline)
"Local Linebacker Burned Alive"?
QUINN
Troy Whitaker. Supposed to be the next Troy Aikman.
CAT
Aikman was a quarterback.
QUINN
Whatever. Point is, the kid had a golden arm. Of course, now it's more of a golden brown.
Dawn gets up and approaches the counter.
DAWN
Is he a big guy? Blond hair, kind of baby-faced?
CAT
You knew him?
DAWN
A little. He's in my Art class.
QUINN
Not anymore, he's not.
CAT
(disgusted)
How droll. Why are you showing us this?
QUINN
What I want to show you isn't here. It's downtown.
Cat knows what's coming.
CAT
Exactly where, downtown?
CUT TO:
INT. CITY MORGUE - LATER
Cat, Quinn and Dawn are in the morgue. They're gathered together around one of the metal gurneys. A body bag rests on top of it.
CAT
You know Quinn, I'm beginning to grow weary of you and these little adventures.
DAWN
At least we're doing something.
QUINN
Why can't your attitude be more like hers?
CAT
Because, I know what's coming next.
DAWN
(puzzled)
Huh?
Quinn grabs the zipper on the body bag and looks over his shoulder to Dawn.
QUINN
Hey, do you like Hot Pockets?
DAWN
Sure.
Quinn unzips the bag and opens it to reveal the charred remains of Troy Whitaker. He's completely unrecognizable.
QUINN
How about now?
CAT
Sick!
DAWN
Eeww, gross!
Quinn is all smiles.
CAT
Oh, you're just loving this, aren't-- Oh God!
The smell hits them. Cat coils back. Dawn pulls the front collar of her shirt up, covering her nose.
DAWN
How can any one thing smell so bad?
QUINN
Exhibit A. Crispy Critter, Troy Whitaker. Admitted to the county morgue by campus police last night, after he reportedly spontaneously burst into flames. His body suffered third degree burns which were eventually fatal, due to the inhalation of smoke and heat, cooking his lungs within.
CAT
Wait, I thought spontaneous combustion was just a myth.
QUINN
Then it's a good thing that's not what this is.
DAWN
Oh! Maybe a witch did it. My sister, back in high school, there was this girl named Amy--
QUINN
Also incorrect, but thanks for playing. Nice to know somebody's thinking outside the box.
CAT
(leaning in)
Then just what the hell are we supposed to be looking at?
QUINN
The idea is to forget about the tender-flaky-crispy-crunchy-crust, and take note of the part of him that isn't a flame broiled Whopper.
Dawn also leans in at this point. She pulls her shirt back down, the stench having dissolved away for the most part.
DAWN
(pointing)
His wrists.
INSERT: Four stripes around each wrist where the flesh is not scarred or burned at all, while the rest of Troy's corpse looks like blackened, Cajun cuisine.
DAWN
(squinting)
What are those?
Quinn holds up a file.
QUINN
Fingerprints, belonging to a Brandon Kim.
He hands the file to Cat, who starts reading it.
QUINN
I ran his prints and came across a very curious pattern in his criminal records. This guy has been linked before to two other fire-related deaths, four years ago in Utah, and then again two years later in Arizona.
CAT
(reading)
Never convicted due to lack of evidence.
(to Quinn)
What about the handprints?
QUINN
While it is peculiar, it doesn't prove anything.
CAT
But how come that's not fried like the rest of Troy's body?
QUINN
Good question, one you should probably ask Brandon Kim.
A beat. Cat's intrigued and Quinn knows she can't resist looking into it.
QUINN
Still feel like getting frisky with the deep fryer?
Cat looks at Dawn. The Summers girl is beaming with glee. She misses this.
CUT TO:
EXT. TOWNHOUSE - ESTABLISHING - LATER
CAT
(V.O.)
Is now the best time to be doing this?
CUT TO:
EXT. FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
Dawn, Cat and Quinn are standing at the front door of a two-bedroom Townhouse. Dawn knocks.
QUINN
No time like the present.
CAT
Tomorrow morning can be just as present. It's all relative, anyhow.
QUINN
Don't go all philosophical on me now, Buzz Kill.
The door opens a moment later. Brandon Kim pokes his head out. He only notices the two girls, at first.
BRANDON
Yes?
DAWN
Hi. I'm Dawn, and this is Cat.
Cat waves, nervously.
DAWN
We were wondering--
BRANDON
I'm sorry. Whatever you're selling, I'm not interested.
QUINN
This late at night, do you really think we're peddling Girl Scout cookies?
Quinn glares at Brandon. He turns on a dime, getting serious, almost scary.
QUINN
Let us in. Now.
Brandon is stiff, but obedient. He lets them in. Dawn and Cat are taken aback. As they're entering, Cat turns to Quinn.
CAT
You two know each other or something?
QUINN
(back to normal)
Oh yeah, me and Short Round go way back.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Brandon's home is well furnished, neat and tasteful. It looks like too much space for just one guy.
BRANDON
Can I get you something to drink?
QUINN
We won't be here that long. Troy Whitaker. What happened?
BRANDON
I already told the police about it.
QUINN
Right, now you get to tell us.
BRANDON
Not much to tell, really.
QUINN
You don't find a guy pulling his own personal Burning Man in the middle of a parking lot, unusual?
BRANDON
Of course. I was freaked out, so I took off.
CAT
The police report says you guys were arguing.
BRANDON
I had a little too much to drink. I saw my ex-girlfriend, I tried to win her back. I didn't know she wasn't alone. It was an error in judgment.
QUINN
(dry)
That's funny. Looked more like arson to me.
Quinn moves past Brandon, more interested in the fireplace for some reason.
DAWN
Why did you two break up?
BRANDON
Jenna said I was smothering her.
Quinn is staring intently at a row of a dozen crimson-colored candles, all presently lit, sitting on the mantle. He inhales through the nose, trying to smell something.
DAWN
(O.S.)
Can you explain the other two cases in Utah and Arizona?
BRANDON
(O.S.)
How do you know about that?
CAT
(O.S.)
We like to read.
Quinn notices a shroud of parchment hanging on the wall, above the fireplace. A series of foreign characters are inked on it. Meanwhile, Brandon is getting defensive.
BRANDON
Who are you people?
DAWN
(calming)
We're just concerned about what happened to Troy. I had classes with him.
BRANDON
Look, I didn't know him from Adam. I'm just as confused about this whole thing as you are. Those past instances were just a very unfortunate coincidence.
CAT
(skeptical)
Both of them?
BRANDON
I get how this sounds. You know why I was never convicted? It wasn't me! Circumstantial evidence, the whole thing. Wrong place and time kind of situation.
DAWN
Can you think of anyone who might have it in for you, maybe trying to pin something on you?
BRANDON
Aside from that Jock the other night looking to play Picasso with my face, no. I keep to myself. I'm too busy studying and paying the bills to make trouble. Look, I'm real sorry about your friend, but I can't help you. I'd appreciate it if you would leave now.
A beat. Dawn looks at Cat. Cat shrugs.
DAWN
Thanks for your time.
(to Quinn)
Quinn?
Quinn turns around.
DAWN
It's time to go.
QUINN
(quick and easy)
Okay.
Brandon opens the door for them. They file out, one by one. Quinn is the last to leave. He stares Brandon down as he passes by. Brandon closes the door behind them and locks it. He closes his eyes and breathes a sigh of relief.
BRANDON
(to himself)
I can't do this anymore.
A door from under the stairs opens. JENNA steps out and approaches Brandon. She comes up behind him and wraps her arms around his waist.
JENNA
Come on, of course you can.
BRANDON
No, it's too risky. We get too greedy, people are going to catch on.
JENNA
It's gotten us this far.
BRANDON
Only because we've split town afterwards. I'm tired of moving, Jenna.
Jenna moves around Brandon so she can face him.
JENNA
Not too tired, I hope. What about me?
They kiss passionately. In the background, the flames on the candles grow dangerously wild for a moment.
BRANDON
I'm never too tired for you, Jenna.
JENNA
Good boy. Now, are you coming to bed?
BRANDON
What do we do about those people? Did you see who was with them?
JENNA
I did, but don't worry. If they get too close, we'll make sure they burn for it.
BLACK OUT.
ACT TWO
INT. CITY MORGUE - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Quinn walks confidently down the hallway, with Dawn and Cat reluctantly in tow.
DAWN
Do you enjoy torturing us, Quinn?
QUINN
It gives me a happy. What of it?
CAT
We went over there for nothing. We still don't know how Brandon Kim managed to set fire to Troy Whitaker.
QUINN
Well, maybe you don't. I know exactly how he did it. Watch your step.
The girls follow him down some stairs. They stop at a door marked "Storage". Beside the door is a keypad and a small, red light.
DAWN
So, what are we doing back here, and what's with the security? Do people around here steal bodies or something?
Quinn makes sure the girls can't see his hand as he punches in a series of numbers. The Keypad BEEPS and the light turns green.
QUINN
Yeah, mostly so a couple of pledges can dump the body in front of a rival fraternity.
DAWN
Mostly?
Quinn opens the door and is about to head inside.
QUINN
Sometimes, guys get lonely.
Quinn goes into the Storage Room. Cat obediently follows.
CAT
(passing Dawn)
You had to ask.
A beat. Dawn is left with her thoughts, but quickly figures it out.
DAWN
Oh, that's disgusting!
INT. STORAGE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
We're in the room with the wall of portable vacuums. This is the first thing Dawn notices. She steps to the center of the room and glares at the wall.
DAWN
What's with all the Dust Busters? Wouldn't it make more sense to invest in one, big wet-dry vac?
Getting no response from either of them, Dawn turns to see Cat and Quinn standing on the other side of the room. They look as though they're waiting for something, all the while staring intently at Dawn.
DAWN
What?
CAT
You're standing on the rug.
Dawn looks down at her feet and notices she is in fact standing on a large rug placed in the middle of the floor.
DAWN
Oh! Sorry.
She steps aside as Quinn squats down and folds the rug over to reveal a trap door, hidden in the floor. He then produces a key from his pocket and inserts it into a small padlock. After turning the key, the lock snaps open and Quinn lifts up the hatch, revealing another set of stairs.
DAWN
(worried)
You're not planning to chop me up for dinner, are you?
QUINN
Don't be stupid. You're just skin and bones. Maybe for brunch. Dinner requires a girl with meatier portions.
(to Cat)
After you, Cathryn.
CAT
(not amused)
Very funny, Jackass.
Cat heads down the stairs.
INT. STORAGE ROOM "B" - CONTINUOUS
When the three of them come down the stairs, the lights are already on. An African American is seated on a stool, reading an Astonishing X-Men comic book. This is LAURENCE, 29.
LAURENCE
(to Quinn)
Hey, Martin. What's the rumpus?
QUINN
What happened, Laurence? I thought you went on vacation.
LAURENCE
I tried. The higher ups didn't like that idea. They said it was important for me to be here for the first two weeks of the new semester. Apparently, there's always an "increase of activity during this time".
QUINN
Bob changed his mind?
LAURENCE
Bob changed his mind.
QUINN
(to Dawn)
This is my partner on the graveyard shift, Laurence Hayes. He likes to tell women that Isaac Hayes is his Uncle.
DAWN
(interested)
Is he?
QUINN
No.
(to Laurence)
This is Dawn Summers. Her big Sister is The Slayer.
DAWN
(surprised)
Oh, just tell the world while you're at it.
LAURENCE
So what? Aren't they like all over the globe now? I'm pretty sure my cousin Precious is a Slayer.
DAWN
You mean you're not sure?
LAURENCE
She's either that, or a dog catcher. I forget which.
DAWN
(annoyed)
Her name is Precious?
CAT
Hey Dawn, how is "Buffy" doing these days?
DAWN
(defeated)
I'll shut up now.
QUINN
We need to see The Conduit.
A beat.
LAURENCE
Are you sure you wanna do that?
QUINN
Wanting to and needing to are completely different. You know that.
LAURENCE
Okay, but she ain't gonna be happy.
QUINN
She never is.
LAURENCE
(to the group)
Follow me.
Everyone moves past the seemingly endless rows of deposit boxes.
LAURENCE
As you know, this is our hall of records--
DAWN
I didn't know that.
LAURENCE
As most of you know, this is our hall of records, where we catalogue and categorize as many different species and types of demons that we come in contact with. On occasion, we encounter a special kind of nasty that's new to us, and therefore not in our records. When in doubt, we ask The Conduit. She sees all. She knows all. Knowledge is power--
CAT
Then you must be weak as a kitten.
LAURENCE
Never interrupt a man who handles your body after you die. As I was saying, knowledge is power, which naturally makes her a force to be reckoned with, although I wouldn't recommend it.
DAWN
(to Cat)
Have you ever seen this Conduit person?
CAT
Nope. First time. Never even heard of her until just now.
DAWN
How long have you and Quinn known each other?
CAT
About a year, but I don't come down here much. Dead bodies give me the wiggins.
They finally come to the other end of the room. There's nothing but a wall; a plain, barren unpainted wall.
CAT
(to Laurence)
Okay, it's a wall. We've hit a dead end.
LAURENCE
Are you sure?
CAT
Pretty definitely, unless we're supposed to bust through it. Last time I checked, nobody here is big and green, or wearing purple pants.
Laurence points upward, above his head. Looking up, Dawn and Cat see a door on the ceiling, next to a glass skylight.
DAWN
How the hell are we supposed to get up there?
LAURENCE
You don't. We bring the door down here.
(to Quinn)
You wanna give me a hand with this? I've never been able to do it by myself.
Quinn and Laurence step up to the wall. They each put one foot up on the wall, while the other stays planted firmly on the ground.
QUINN
We go on three. Ready? One, two, three.
They begin to push against the wall, as if they're trying to move it. At first, nothing happens. Then, seconds later, the entire room starts to shift. A rumbling can be heard from within the walls, as if they're moving the earth itself, breaking the laws of physics and gravity. Dawn and Cat brace themselves, expecting to fall. It doesn't happen. Instead, the room has turned over on its side, by way of some unseen axis. The ceiling with the door on it, has now become the wall with the door on it, the skylight becoming your basic window. The unpainted wall, has now become the unpainted floor. Most importantly, Dawn and Cat are now standing on the wall, defying gravity, while Laurence and Quinn are on the new ground, by the door.
If you were able to follow that maze of logic without your head exploding, give yourself a cookie.
QUINN
You can come down here now.
Cautiously, the two girls step down off the wall and onto the ground. They join the guys at the door.
CAT
Seriously, how about a heads up before you do that next time?
Looking at it up close, the door knob appears to also be a combination lock. Laurence twists and turns the knob in different directions, as if cracking a safe. The knob CLICKS, and Laurence pushes inward and the door opens just a crack, revealing only darkness inside.
LAURENCE
One more thing. Nobody knows what The Conduit really looks like. When you look at her, you'll only see someone close to you, probably dead. She likes to pull images from your subconscious. No two people will ever see the same thing. It's different for everybody.
DAWN
Really? What do you see?
Suddenly, an OLD WOMAN'S voice calls out through the darkness, from the other side of the door.
CONDUIT
(O.S.)
Laurence? Is that you out there, baby?
LAURENCE
(to Dawn)
My Gramma Ella. I just go with it.
Laurence pokes his head in for a moment.
LAURENCE
(to The Conduit)
Yeah Gramma, it's me. I got some friends out here who wanna talk to you.
CONDUIT
(O.S.)
Well don't be rude, Sugar. Let ?em in. I ain't got all day.
LAURENCE
(to The Conduit)
Yes ma'am.
Laurence searches his pockets. He eventually pulls out an individually wrapped Hershey's Kiss. He hands it to Dawn.
LAURENCE
I almost forgot. Here.
DAWN
Aw, thank you.
LAURENCE
That's not for you. It's for her. Conduit's got a major jones for chocolate. Give her that, and she'll tell you whatever you wanna know.
DAWN
Aren't you coming in with us?
LAURENCE
Hell no. If you knew Big Mama, you'd understand.
Cat is the first one to go through the door.
INT. VOID - CONTINUOUS
Cat takes a couple of steps inside and freezes. Her face turns pale. She's afraid of something. We don't see what it is, but we hear a MAN'S DEEP VOICE.
CONDUIT
(O.S.)
Morning, Sunbeam.
INT. STORAGE ROOM "B" - CONTINUOUS
Dawn is about to follow, when Cat promptly turns on a dime and comes back into the Storage Room.
DAWN
Cat, what's wrong?
CAT
You go ahead. I'm just gonna stay out here.
DAWN
Why? Did you see something?
CAT
I don't wanna talk about it, okay?
A beat. Dawn can see how shaken up Cat is, but she doesn't pry. Dawn and Quinn are the only ones who go through the doorway.
INT. VOID - CONTINUOUS
Once inside the darkness, Laurence closes the door behind them. Dawn is startled and turns to open it, but there is no knob on this side of the door.
DAWN
Hey!
QUINN
Don't worry, Dawn. Everything's fine.
A WOMAN'S VOICE speaks to Dawn in a reassuring tone. It sounds familiar.
CONDUIT
(O.S.)
Be still now. I am with you. I am deep within you. You are at peace.
Dawn turns back around and is immediately calm and at ease. Standing before her, we see TARA MACLAY. She stands in the center of a small pool of light.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
You cannot be harmed. Your friend left before I could tell her the same.
A beat. It takes a moment for Dawn to remember how to speak.
DAWN
Uh, hi. She saw something that wasn't fun, I'm guessing.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
Yes, my apologies. These things happen. It would appear she has some unresolved issues with him.
DAWN
With who?
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
It is of no concern to others. My visage lies in the eye of the beholder, and is only for those individuals alone.
DAWN
Quinn doesn't see what I see?
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
Correct.
Dawn looks over at Quinn. He says nothing, but his expression is very sad and distant.
ANGLE ON: QUINN'S POV.
We see a SMALL BOY. He looks bright and inquisitive. He's probably no more than eleven years old.
CONDUIT
(as Small Boy)
Do you have any chocolate?
QUINN
(flat)
I'm sorry.
DAWN
(confident)
I have some.
Dawn unwraps the Hershey's kiss and hands it to The Conduit. She smiles and carefully consumes the sinfully delicious treat.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
Thank you.
(a beat)
Your generosity shall be rewarded. I have the answers you seek. You are welcome to ask of me whatever you wish.
DAWN
Well, we've got this problem with some guy who may or may not be setting people on fire just by touching them.
QUINN
I saw a makeshift shrine in his home. Twelve candles. They smelled like sulfur. There was also a parchment, with some Mandarin on it.
DAWN
You can read Mandarin?
QUINN
No, but I was gonna get a tattoo of a Chinese character on my arm once. I only recognized the symbol for fire.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
The creature you speak of is from Charuvash descent; a fire demon. They are an ancient cult who serve in the year of the dragon. Within this time of the Chinese calendar, a human sacrifice is offered in exchange for continued immortality.
DAWN
Immortality? How long have these guys been around?
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
The Charuvash have lived for well over three millennia.
DAWN
Wow, that's an awful lot of roasted bodies.
QUINN
How do we kill it? Since they're immortal, I'm guessing it's easy? Please say it's easy.
CONDUIT
(as Tara)
The dragon's essence gives everlasting life, and only this essence can take it away.
CUT TO:
INT. QUINN'S CAR - LATER
Dawn, Cat and Laurence are crammed into a maroon, 1977 Plymouth Barracuda. Quinn is driving.
CAT
On the plus side, Brandon Kim won't be barbecuing again anytime soon. It's only once a year, right?
QUINN
It doesn't matter. For all we know, he could've developed a taste for it.
LAURENCE
I think he's right. What's to stop the guy from going on a kill crazy rampage?
CAT
What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you had work to do.
LAURENCE
What? You expect me to sit up there and miss out on all the action? I don't think so. Besides, it was dead in there tonight.
CAT
(rolls eyes)
You work in a morgue!
LAURENCE
Exactly!
DAWN
If you guys don't mind, we're trying really hard to prevent anymore potential fires here.
Quinn keeps his eyes on the road. He seems to be distracted by something up ahead.
QUINN
I don't think we're gonna make it.
DAWN
Come on, Quinn. Try to be a little more positive.
QUINN
Okay, I'm positive we're not gonna make it.
Cat notices what Quinn is looking at.
CAT
Oh my God.
EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - CONTINUOUS
The car comes to a stop before a massive crowd. The group gets out of the car and makes their way through the throng of neighbors and onlookers. We CRANE UP past the crowd. Up ahead, the local fire department is attempting to extinguish the flames swarming all over Brandon Kim's townhouse. Dawn and her friends arrive at the police barricade just in time to see an intimidating OFFICER escorting APRYL back into the crowd. She keeps trying to pull away, but it's no use.
APRYL
Let go of me, you Sasquatch!
OFFICER
(irritated)
Please stay behind the line, ma'am. It's for your own safety. I'm not going to tell you again.
APRYL
My father is a very powerful man with big name connections in this town!
OFFICER
(sarcastic)
I care!
The Officer finally manages to get Apryl behind the barricade.
OFFICER
(stern)
Stay put, or I'm hauling you in.
He walks away. Apryl dangles her foot out and waves her hands past the barricade in childish defiance.
DAWN
Apryl?
Apryl stands at attention, embarrassed by her actions. She tries to play it off like nothing happened.
APRYL
Oh! Hi, Dawn. How's school?
DAWN
(confused)
Super. What are you doing here?
Apryl's busted. She drops the fa?ade.
APRYL
I'm looking to get a job with the university paper. It's a long story. I was supposed to interview Brandon Kim, but when I got here his place was on fire. I wanted to take some pictures of the body, but I keep getting shot-blocked by the Missing Link over there.
(screaming at Officer)
My Dad can buy and sell your ass, pal!
DAWN
Apryl, what body? Did Brandon die in there?
APRYL
Not just that. It was suicide. The guy blew himself up. Who still uses a gas stove, anyhow? It's so stupid.
(a beat)
So much for that interview.
As Apryl mutters that last line, we DOLLY LEFT past the crowd and end on a single tree in a stranger's front yard. It's too far away from the lights, making it difficult to see much of anything. A dark figure is leaning against the trunk. Suddenly, a match is struck, lighting a thin cigarette. The flame allows us to see that there is in fact no match at all. The cigarette sparked to life all by itself, resting comfortably between the smiling lips of Jenna.
BLACK OUT.
ACT THREE
INT. LOGAN'S DINER - MORNING
Dawn and Apryl are sitting in a booth, by the door. The morning sunlight sneaks in through the window blinds. Cat enters from the kitchen, carrying a pot of coffee in one hand, and three mugs in the other. She joins Dawn and Apryl at the booth.
APRYL
You know, I used to live in Sunnydale, so I'm used to the weird and the scary. This is just sad and unsatisfying.
DAWN
I'm not so sure we're done here. Something's missing.
APRYL
How do you figure? The guy was killing people to stay alive. He couldn't live with what he'd been doing all these years, so he decided to off himself. Case closed. I know I couldn't live forever. Where's the finality? It's like watching a movie that has no end. I'd go bonkers.
CAT
Dawn's right. It doesn't add up. For starters, why commit suicide all of a sudden? If he really wanted out, couldn't he just stop cold turkey with the ritual sacrificing?
DAWN
What I don't get is how he's able to kill himself in the first place.
Quinn enters, again with a newspaper.
QUINN
Good morning, ladies.
APRYL
Hey, did you get those photos for me?
QUINN
Yes and no.
Quinn reaches in between the folds of the newspaper and pulls out a few eight by ten, black and white photos. He hands them to Apryl.
CAT
Keep in mind, I'm just now having my morning coffee.
APRYL
(scanning photos)
These are just shots of the house after the fire. Where's the body?
DAWN
I knew it! There's no body because he's not dead. The Conduit said only a dragon can kill a Charuvash demon.
CAT
Ooo, maybe a dragon set the house on fire!
QUINN
Interesting theories, and you're both wrong.
DAWN
What? It could happen.
QUINN
(skeptical)
A dragon? Really?
DAWN
I saw one in Sunnydale once.
APRYL
When was this?
DAWN
Long after your time. There was a God, some monks, a crappy tower and a swirling vortex. It was a whole big thing. I'm just saying. A Dragon did it.
CAT
Actually, I believe I just said it.
QUINN
You're still wrong, both of you.
APRYL
How do you know?
Quinn slaps the newspaper down on the table. The paper is already folded in a way that exposes the Obituaries section. One particular obituary is circled in red. Below it, a paperclip holds a computer print-out of added information. The three girls lean in to read it. They look up at each other, all wearing the same shocked expression.
DAWN, CAT & APRYL
(in unison)
Oh my God.
CUT TO:
INT. QUINN'S CAR - LATER
Quinn is driving, his eyes fixed on the road. Dawn sits next to him in the passenger seat, her hands bracing the dashboard. Apryl, Cat and Laurence are squeezed into the backseat. The car is at full capacity.
QUINN
Brandon Kim was telling the truth. He didn't murder anyone. He's not the Charuvash demon. His ex-girlfriend is. She's a con woman. She preyed on men with deep pockets. She'd get whatever she needed and then fry them, while making Brandon out to appear as the prime suspect. No convictions due to lack of hard evidence, so the two of them would move on to another state and do it again. Brandon wanted out of the arrangement, and now he's bacon bits. His obituary this morning led me to do some not-so-legal background checking online. Brandon Kim is survived by his Sister, Aida Kim who apparently had her name changed in ?03 to Jenna Lin.
APRYL
If they're related, why aren't they both demons?
QUINN
Brandon and Jenna share the same father, but not the same mother. Turns out, Mom number two was a in fact a fire demon. Brandon and Jenna were inseparable, and not in the normal brother-sister fashion, either. They were lovers.
CAT
You got all that information off the internet?
QUINN
Just the related stuff. I got the incest angle after talking some more with The Conduit. He really, really loves chocolate.
LAURENCE
(sarcastic)
Have I mentioned how damn glad I am to be in this car, right at this very moment?
QUINN
You're the one who wanted to get out and do something.
LAURENCE
Quinn, I work around rotting corpses all day, but this is just nasty.
CAT
I'm almost afraid to ask, but it can't just be wondering, what is that smell?
DAWN
Thank you! God, it totally reeks of ass in here.
QUINN
I think you mean ash.
DAWN
Huh?
QUINN
See that trash bag down by your feet?
DAWN
Yeah.
QUINN
That's what's left of the late, Brandon Kim.
The others start freaking out. Cat rolls her eyes at Quinn's typical behavior. Apryl sits back and covers her mouth as if she's going to throw up. Laurence is frantically rolling down the window. Dawn gets her feet off the floorboard and away from the bag. She brings her knees up to her chest.
DAWN
Is this going to be a recurring thing with you, ever grossing me out?
QUINN
Calm down, alright? I'm taking the remains to a cemetery. We scatter the ashes on consecrated ground, which renders them useless for Jenna's ritual.
APRYL
What ritual?
DAWN
(to Quinn)
Please don't answer that!
A beat. Quinn can't keep it to himself.
QUINN
She drinks tea made from the ashes.
DAWN
I'm really starting to miss Sunnydale. Throw a rock in any direction, you'd hit a cemetery.
QUINN
Look, Troy Whitaker apparently came from a deeply religious family. They wouldn't even let us examine the body until after their priest had blessed it first. We make sure Jenna doesn't get her hands on Brandon, and her streak is broken.
LAURENCE
Unless she kills one of us.
QUINN
Right, unless she kills-- Wait. What?
LAURENCE
(pointing)
Look out!
Quinn looks ahead just in time to see Jenna Lin, standing in the middle of the intersection, in front of the cemetery. A wall of fire is blazing behind her, blocking entrance to the cemetery. Quinn slams on his brakes, but it's too late. He still manages to hit Jenna, knocking her off her feet and sending her body soaring through the wall of fire. A beat. The tires are no longer screeching and the car has finally stopped, just a few yards away from the wall of fire.
APRYL
Wow, that was close.
Quinn turns to look at Apryl as if she's lost her mind. Suddenly, the car's front end bursts into flames.
QUINN
Everybody out!
The doors quickly swing open from all sides. Everyone flees from the car. Dawn is carrying the bag of ashes. Just after they get away, the car explodes into a fireball of burning wreckage. Debris from the explosion is all over the place. The rest of the group runs over to join Quinn, who is lying on the ground, knocked unconscious from the blast. Jenna comes walking casually through the wall of fire. Her eyes and hands are ablaze. Her voice is deep, demonic and intimidating.
JENNA
(angry)
I want my Brother!
DAWN
Forget it! You've had plenty of your Brother already, in ways I don't even wanna think about!
JENNA
Give him to me, or one of you will die in his place.
Jenna takes a few steps in Dawn's direction. Without thinking, Dawn tosses the bag as an impromptu form of keep away. Cat is closest to Dawn, and ends up catching the bag.
CAT
(to Dawn)
Oh, thanks a lot!
Jenna makes her way towards Cat, slowly. Cat is walking backwards, in an effort to keep her distance.
CAT
Yeah, my ashes are no good. I'm all about the holy water, can't get enough of the stuff. In fact, I bathe in it every day, sometimes twice.
Just before Jenna can get close enough to reach it, Cat lets out a squeak, flings the bag of ashes up in the air and behind her. Laurence steps in between the two women.
LAURENCE
You're not gonna touch her!
JENNA
(smiling)
I don't have to.
Suddenly, Laurence's shirt catches on fire.
LAURENCE
Damn!
Cat tackles Laurence. Once he's on the ground, Laurence quickly rolls around in the dirt, trying desperately to put out the fire. Jenna is face to face with Apryl. Apryl doesn't appear to have the bag. Instead, she's talking on her cell phone while all this is going on.
APRYL
(into phone)
Uh huh. Right now would be great.
Jenna opens her mouth wide. It's brimming with fire. She's about to strike. Apryl couldn't be bothered. Suddenly, a thunderous roar cracks across the sky. Jenna looks up. All fire effects disappear from her eyes, mouth and hands. She looks the way she did when we first saw her, like a human being.
ANGLE ON: JENNA'S POV.
A massive, majestic black dragon emerges from the clouds and descends down upon Jenna. Jenna immediately tries to run away. The dragon flies after her. The loud, scaly beast opens its long mouth and engulfs Jenna's body in a fury of green fire. She screams in agony before disintegrating into a thousand little embers. The embers dissolve on the wind. Jenna is gone. The dragon roars victoriously and soars back up into the sky, fading away into the sunlight.
APRYL
(into phone)
Yeah, she's dead. Thanks, Daddy. You're the best. Kisses.
Apryl hangs up her cell phone. The wall of fire has disappeared. Laurence stands up, no longer wearing a shirt.
CAT
(to Apryl)
What the hell just happened?
APRYL
I told you, my Father's a very powerful man. I called in a favor.
LAURENCE
Why didn't you say you could get us a dragon?!
APRYL
You didn't ask.
DAWN
(O.S.)
You could've told me!
Apryl, Laurence and Cat look over to see Dawn, covered from head to toe in ashes. It's all over her face and in her hair. The plastic bag is hanging on her shoulder. She is clearly not a happy camper.
CAT
Dawn, you've got a little something right--
DAWN
Shut up.
Dawn shrugs off the garbage bag as Laurence and Cat go over to pick up Quinn. He's still knocked out. Apryl is trailing behind the three of them. She's about to walk past Dawn, who is still just standing there, stewing in contempt. Apryl tries to brush some of the ashes away from Dawn's shoulder.
DAWN
Stop it.
APRYL
I'm just trying to--
DAWN
Don't.
(a beat)
If you tell Quinn about this, I'll find new, painful places to put your phone.
Apryl nods in fearful agreement. The two of them start walking, not saying a word.
DISSOLVE TO:
ACT FOUR
INT. BARRET'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
Willow enters the living room from the kitchen, carrying a mug of hot chocolate. Quinn is sitting at one end of the couch, holding an ice pack to the back of his head. Willow hands him the mug, and then joins Kennedy on the loveseat across from the couch.
QUINN
Thank you.
WILLOW
Drink up. It's a special recipe.
QUINN
Made with love?
WILLOW
Made with magic. It'll heal your head.
Quinn takes a drink.
QUINN
It's good. I'm feeling better already.
DAWN
(O.S.)
Not me.
Dawn enters, wearing a bathrobe with a towel wrapped around her head.
DAWN
I've had three showers and I still feel dirty.
She plops down on the couch, next to Quinn. He offers her the mug with a bashful smile. Her disgruntled expression melts and she smiles back, accepting the mug and taking a sip.
DAWN
Mmm. How come you're not cursing the gods right now? Your car is a smoldering paperweight. I just got in a fight with an ash tray, and lost.
QUINN
Believe me, inside, I'm clutching my inner teddy bear and crying like a baby seal. Outside of that, I'm just glad everyone's alive and okay.
KENNEDY
I'm still retching over the whole incest thing. Unless my calendar is way off, we're not in the thirteen hundreds, and haven't been for a while.
QUINN
I'm pretty sure it wasn't socially acceptable back then either, but I get what you're saying.
DAWN
We do live in a world where black licorice still exists, so I guess some things never really go away.
CUT TO:
EXT. BARRET'S HOUSE - BACKYARD PATIO - CONTINUOUS
Apryl is out back, behind the house. She's smoking a cigarette and talking on her cell phone.
APRYL
I really appreciate all your help, Daddy. One more minute longer, and we would've been toast, and I do mean actual toast; butter ready and everything.
MR. MADDUX
(V.O.)
Don't mention it, Sweetheart. I'm always here to help, any way I--. Apryl, are you smoking again?
Apryl's eyes widen in awe. How does he always know? She quickly flicks the filtered butt into the swimming pool.
APRYL
No, Daddy. I'm not smoking.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
A distinguished gentleman in a suit and tie is standing in the hallway of a bustling, corporate high rise building. This is OLIVER MADDUX, Apryl's Father. He's talking to her through one of those discreet, earpiece phones.
MR. MADDUX
Good girl. How are things going for you, besides? Do you have everything you need?
APRYL
Yeah, I'm fine. Everything's taken care of.
MR. MADDUX
So you gave the injection to the Summers girl, like I asked?
APRYL
I put it in her drink while she was studying. I didn't want to leave any mystery bruises.
MR. MADDUX
Smart thinking. How did it take?
APRYL
She got really sick. I thought for sure it was gonna kill her.
MR. MADDUX
No, I told you it takes more than a fever to exterminate something like this.
APRYL
Something like what? What is she, Daddy?
MR. MADDUX
Now sweetheart, we've been over this. You know I can't tell you that. Just remember, you're doing a good thing here. Just keep an eye on her and let me know if she changes in any way.
APRYL
Changes how, what am I looking for?
MR. MADDUX
Trust me, you'll know it when it happens.
A YOUNG EXECUTIVE approaches Oliver.
YOUNG EXECUTIVE
They're ready for you, Mr. Maddux.
Oliver nods.
MR. MADDUX
Apryl, honey? I've gotta go now. You take care, Princess.
(a beat)
I love you, too. Bye-bye.
Oliver removes the earpiece and pockets it. He walks into a boardroom. The Young Executive shuts the doors behind them, blocking us out. Next to the doors, the sign on the wall reads, "Wolfram & Hart: Special Projects Division".
BLACK OUT.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Skinless
Kungfubear
THE END.