When eternity lies in the balance

By: Mariana
Previously:

- We see ILLYRIA at SPIKE‘S side and ANGEL standing next to them.

ILLYRIA
“What’s wrong with him?”

ANGEL
“I think he’s dying. He needs blood. But he won’t swallow it.”

ILLYRIA
“I know what he needs.”

- FOCUS ON Illyria as she makes a cut on her wrist and then presses it against Spike’s mouth.

- The CAMERA ZOOMS IN on Spike’s mouth, as he opens it and let his fangs penetrate
Illyria’s skin. We see how his beautiful features slip into those of a vampire. He’s eyes snaps
open and we’re able to see the golden yellow in them.

- A CLOSE UP on Spike as he pulls away from Illyria and look up at her.

SPIKE
“Thank you.”

ILLYRIA
“It needed to be done.”

- We see ANGEL and BUFFY sitting next to each other.

ANGEL
”She’s really dead this time.”

BUFFY
”You mean Drusilla, don’t you?”

- A TIGHT SHOT of Angel as he turns his back against Buffy and heads over to the window.

ANGEL
”I sired her. I turned her into a monster.”
 BUFFY
”Angel…”

ANGEL
”I turned Spike into a monster.”

- We see BUFFY with her lips pressed against Spike’s as he struggles in her embrace.

- A WIDE SHOT as Spike finally manages to break free.

SPIKE
”Buffy… I can’t. I love her. Aerin…”

BUFFY
”I…”

SPIKE
"It's over Buffy. Whatever there was between us, it's gone.”

- A SHOT of SPIKE and AERIN together in bed.

AERIN
“So you’re saying…?”

SPIKE
“You gave me my soul back.”

- ZOOMING IN on SPIKE’S eyes as they shift in colour to neon blue.

- A WIDE SHOT of LORNE and the BARTENDER from ’Loss ’.

LORNE
“She’s upset because of Spike.”

BARTENDER
“A spike? Why?”

LORNE
“Not a Spike. Spike.”
 BARTENDER
“Oh. The famous vampire Spike?”

LORNE
“One and the same.”

BARTENDER
“Why she’s upset with him?”

LORNE
“Obviously he’s mated with another woman. A slayer.”

- We see a trashed bar and ILLYRIA standing in the midst of it.

- A SHOT of BUFFY as she looks at the devastation made by Illyria in the bar.

BUFFY
“This is murder.”

ILLYRIA (v.o)
“They where weak.”

- We see SPIKE in front of a shower curtain.

SPIKE
”What happens when we start hurting each other?”

AERIN
”Nothing, cause that will never happen.”

- A TIGHT SHOT of BUFFY and XANDER sitting next to each other on a bed.

BUFFY
“Xan… Have you noticed anything different about Spike?”

XANDER (v.o)
“Yeah. I’ve noticed something different about him.”

- A WIDE SHOT of ANGEL and KIRSTEN.

 KIRSTEN (v.o)
“Let us just say that the First is back in business.”

- We see a TIGHT SHOT of SPIKE as he wakes up. His eyes are neon blue.

BLACK OUT.

When eternity lies in the balance

INT. UNKNOWN CORRIDOR - PLACE UNKNOWN - TIME UNKNOWN

We follow ILLYRIA with a STEAD CAM as she makes her way down an unknown corridor.
Her demeanour is somewhat new to us!! Her armour is white and her hair is completely blue.
Her stride has purpose and her hair flaps around her shoulders with a definite bounce,
playing around her face. Her very resolved face with a stone cold glint in the eyes. The
CAMERA CLOSES IN as she suddenly stops in front of a couple of massive doors. She reaches
out a hand and opens the door. There is a whiff of air and she closes her eyes for just a
moment before opening them up and steps over the threshold without hesitation.
A WIDE SHOT of a WHITE ROOM, revealing a FAMILIAR figure standing in the middle of
it with a smile on his weather-beaten face. It’s ENKIL!!

ENKIL
”Welcome, Illyria.”

ILLYRIA
(moving her head in a jerky way)
”For what reason has you brought me yet again to this realm?”
(pressing her lips together)
”Have I died in glorious battle and been bestowed the right to exit in this dimension humans
so lovingly call heaven?”

ENKIL
(smiling)
”No, you have not. Died that is.”
(stepping closer)
”You’ve been brought here for another reason.”

ILLYRIA
”I have no patience for games, worm.”

ENKIL
”Then let’s make it simple.”
(reaching out a hand)
”I will make you see.”

FOCUSING ON the two as Illyria, hesitantly, reaches out her hand and lays it in Enkil’s.
Their eyes meet, before Illyria closes hers and -

FLASH.
All of the SUDDEN the scenery is different. Instead of the WHITE ROOM there’s the lobby
at the HYPERION HOTEL. And Illyria lies on the floor seemingly WEAKENED for some
UNKNOWN reason. BUFFY, ANGEL and GILES stands in a circle around her.

BUFFY
(sneering)
"You don't know what bravery is. Or Friendship. All you know is Evil."

ANGEL
(spitting at her)
"Now you're the one who is weak, You don't have any real friends. And the only emotions
you know are hatred, vengeance and jealousy."

GILES
(hatefully)
”Here I thought the great Illyria actually would be great.”
(kicking her in the side)
”You’re worthless.”

ILLYRIA
(raising her head)
”…why…?”

BUFFY
”Did you really think that you’d be one of us?”
(kneeling in front of Illyria)
”You’re not even human.”

A LONG SHOT of an approaching figure. The CAMERA ZOOMS IN CLOSER as it comes

nearer and we see that it’s SPIKE.

ILLYRIA
(reaching out a hand)
”Spike…”

SPIKE
(coming to a halt)
"Hurts, doesn't it?"
ILLYRIA
(pleadingly)
”Why are you doing this?”
A CLOSE UP on Spike and Illyria as the blonde vampire leans in to whisper in her ear. (A.N:
Spike’s wearing jeans and a white shirt. Looking devilishly handsome if I may say so.”

SPIKE
”Remember giving me your blood?”
(morphing into game face)
”It’s killing me ya know.”

ILLYRIA
”You want revenge.”

SPIKE
”No, I don't. I want to kill you. That's justice.”

A TIGHT SHOT of Spike. His ice blue eyes match Illyria’s. Then a WIDE SHOT as the
vampire lays his hands around her face and with a simple move snaps Illyria’s neck.
FLASH.
A CLOSE UP on Illyria as her eyes snaps open and she let’s out a piercing scream. The
CAMERA PULLS BACK to a WIDE SHOT as she jerks her hand away from Enkil’s.

ILLYRIA
”What kind of visions…?”

ENKIL
”They’re not visions.”
(laying a hand on her shoulder)
”They are moments to come.”

ILLYRIA
”So, you’re saying that Spike’s…”

ENKIL
”Dying.”

CREDITS
(see attached WMV)
FADE OUT-
ACT I
INT. SPIKE’S BEDROOM - THE HYPERION - TIME UNKNOWN

ZOOMING IN on SPIKE and AERIN, lying cuddled up together in bed. The way which they
lie resembles somewhat how BUFFY and Spike lay at the cot in ‘Ch osen ’; with Spike behind
her, arm wrapped around her waist and snuggling at the base of her neck. But unlike then,
the vampire’s not sound a sleep. No, he’s twitching and jerking and seems to have yet another
one of those disturbing dreams that he’s had a lot of lately. And soon enough he wakes up
with a gasp. The FOCUS is on his EYES as they snap open - to reveal that they’re once again
neon blue.
The CAMERA PULLS BACK to a WIDE SHOT as Aerin stirs next to him. The dark-haired
slayer yawns as she opens her eyes, stretching her muscles and freezing in a movement.

AERIN
(bewildered)
“Uhm, Spike…”

SPIKE
(blinking)
“What?”

We can SUDDENLY see that his eyes have returned to their usual color. (A.N: Now, you may
wonder what’s happening to our dear Spike. Don’t be alarmed. It will be revealed soon
enough.)
AERIN
“It’s nothing. For a minute there I thought…”
(shaking her head)
“Nah, there’s nothing.”

SPIKE
(cupping her cheek)
“Don’t lie to me.”
(pleadingly)
“Don’t ever lie to me.”

AERIN
“Okay.”
(chastened)
“This is what? The fourth…fifth time you’ve woken up from a nightmare?”
A CLOSE UP on Spike as he lifts a hand and runs it through his tousled hair, messing it up
even more. And doesn’t he look just adorable?
 SPIKE
(eyes downcast)
“Dunno. Might be.”
(shrugging)
“’m sorry if I startled you.”

AERIN
(frustrated)
“You didn’t ’startle’ me.”
(grimacing)
“I’m just worried about you, that’s all.”

SPIKE
“I…”

There’s a SOUND and the CAMERA SPINS ACROSS the room as the door opens and
ILLYRIA steps over the threshold. The entity surveys the room coolish before locking her
gaze at the two in bed, tilting her head.
AERIN
(miffed)
“Illyria?”

ILLYRIA
“It is time.”

AERIN
(jeering)
“Great. ‘It is time’. Time for what? What…?”
(gaping as Spike gets up from the bed)
“…Spike?”

FOCUS ON Spike as he wraps himself in the cover. Then he turns his back against Aerin and
walks over to Illyria. Together the two of them leave the room without a word to the slayer.
ZOOMING IN on Aerin as she draws an irregular breath.

AERIN
“Trouble.”
FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. THE LOBBY - THE HYPERION - DUSK

A WIDE SHOT of the lobby at the HYPERION HOTEL. The room is crowded by people:
GILES, ANGEL, XANDER, WILLOW, ANDREW, DAWN and BUFFY. Xander, Dawn and
Andrew sit around the table playing cards. Giles and Willow sits on the couch with books in
their hands. Buffy and Angel stands by the window looking out.

BUFFY
”I’ve heard that people are returning to town.”
(sighing)
”I thought that we would have more time. To clean up.”

ANGEL
”There’s something you should know.”

BUFFY
”What?”

ANGEL
”The F…”

Angel is cut off by AERIN as she comes STORMING down the stairs. HOWLING. (A.N:
Aerin’s wearing black leather pants and a black T-shirt. Very commando.)

AERIN
”Guys! The weirdest thing just happened!”

XANDER
”What?”
(raised eyebrow)
”Spike actually said no to sex?”

AERIN
(coming to a halt)
”No.”
(cocking a eyebrow)
”But that would be weird.”
(deep breath)
”Spike woke up from a nightmare. Again. Then Illyria comes barging in saying ’It is time’.
next thing I know, Spike’s up and following her out of the room. Without a word.”

ZOOMING IN on Buffy. The blonde slayer is wearing blue jeans and a red top. Around her
neck we can see the ornamented cross. Her hair hangs lose and frames her face adoringly.

BUFFY
(narrowing eyes)
”Illyria?”
(beat)
”And Spike?”
(gritting her teeth)
”Leaving together?”

The CAMERA RETURNS to a WIDE SHOT of the scene.

GILES
(cleaning his glasses)
”I say.”
(putting his glasses back on)
”This does seem rather unusual.”

WILLOW
(confused frown)
”But what does it mean?”

AERIN
(growling)
”I don’t know. But we better figure that out. Before something bad happens.”

SILENCE.

FOCUSING on Buffy. Oh, man. She really looks pissed.

BUFFY
(scoffing)
”Like the fact that they’re both missing?”

AERIN
”Oh.”

FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. UNKNOWN ROM - DOWNTOWN L.A - NIGHT

ALL LIGHT on ILLYRIA and SPIKE. They’re currently in some UNKNOWN room, standing
face to face in the middle of it. (A.N: Spike’s now wearing grey cargo pants and a white shirt.
Looking good.)

ILLYRIA
”Are you ready?”

SPIKE
(without hesitation)
”Yes.”

ZOOMING IN as they both lifts their hands simultaneously and linking their fingers with
each other.

FLASH.

A TIGHT SHOT of their entwined hands as they let go. Then the CAMERA DRAWS BACK
to a WIDE SHOT of the scene, revealing a WHITE ROOM. They’re…someplace else.
Obviously. We also see the white clothed figure behind Spike.

ENKIL
”Welcome, Spike.”

SPIKE
(turning around)
”’lo.”
(nodding)
”Again.”

ENKIL
(gentle smile)
”Are you ready for the test?”

SPIKE
”I guess.”
(shrugging)
”It’s not like I haven’t done in some big nasties in my time.”
ENKIL
”This is something entirely different, Spike. But I have faith in you.”
 SPIKE
”’kay then. Give me your best.”

Out of NOWHERE, there’s a NEW figure standing BEHIND Spike. It’s another SPIKE!!!

SPIKE
”Hello, Spike.”

SPIKE
(jerking around to face…himself)
”Bugger.”
FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. THE LOBBY - THE HYPERION - NIGHT

A WIDE SHOT of the room with the CAMERA FOCUSING ON WILLOW. (A.N: The witch
is wearing a black long-sleeved top and leather pants. Her long hair is pulled back into a tight
ponytail.)
BUFFY
(hovering over Willow)
”Have you found them yet?”

WILLOW
”No. It’s as they’ve disappeared completely from the face of the earth.”
(looking up)
”Maybe they’re in another dimension?”

AERIN
”That’s just great.”
(clenching her fists)
”It’s all her fault, ya know. That blue bitch.”
(noticing the stares)
”What?! It’s true!!”

XANDER
”She kinds wigs me out.”

DAWN
”Who doesn’t she wig out?”
 WILLOW
”Spike seems to like her.”

GILES
(contemplating)
”And Illyria seems to like him.”

XANDER
(laying down his cards)
”Now, that really wigs me out.”

BUFFY
”Fine.”
(crossing her arms)
”We’re all wigged out. Can we return to the issue of how to find them?”

WILLOW
”I’ve already told you. I can’t find them. Anywhere.”
(slumped shoulders)
”I’m sorry.”

ANGEL
”Don’t worry, Willow. We’ll find them.”
(tensing)
”Besides, we have something more urgent to talk about.”

DAWN
”Like what?”

ANGEL
”Like the First being back.”

DEAD SILENCE.
GILES
(forced calmness)
”Would you like to repeat that?”

FADE OUT-
ACT I I
INT. THE WHITE ROOM - UNKNOWN REALM - TIME…NOT AN ISSUE

ALL LIGHT on SPIKE and SPIKE. The blonde vampire lies on the white marble floor,
absolutely still and seemingly beaten to a bloody pulp. The other Spike is circling around the
body. Which one of them is the REAL Spike?

ENKIL
”You’ve survived the first test.”

A WIDE SHOT shows us that ENKIL and ILLYRIA is present. They stand slightly to the left
of the two Spikes.

SPIKE
(snarling)
”What? Beating the crap out of myself?”

ENKIL
(nodding)
”You are your worst enemy.”
(calmly)
”But you did not fight against yourself. This…”
(pointing at the limp body)
”Is a shape shifter.”

SPIKE
(confused)
”A shape shifter?”

ENKIL
”An assassin sent by your enemy to kill you and everyone you love.”

SPIKE
”What enemy?”

ENKIL
”The First.”

A TIGHT SHOT of Spike as he stops dead cold and glares at the entity with wide eyes. Can
you blame the vampire? It must certainly be a shock to hear that the First is back. Especially
since you sacrificed yourself to make sure that that didn’t happen.
 SPIKE
(gritting his teeth)
”What?”

ENKIL
”The First.”
(tilting his head)
”What? You didn’t actually think you could stop him?”

SPIKE
”Was kind’a hoping for that.”

ENKIL
”You may have defeated him back in the Hellmouth. But you didn’t kill him.”

SPIKE
(frustrated)
”And now you’re saying that I’ll have to fight him again?”

ENKIL
”Yes.”

FOCUSING ON Spike as he walks over to Enkil and Illyria. The blonde vampire stops in front
of the blue demon king and reaches out a hand to caress her cheek.

SPIKE
(whispering)
”Is this why you brought me here? So that I would understand why I was brought back from
heaven?”

ILLYRIA
(tilting her head)
”Yes.”

SPIKE
”There’s something else to. Right?”

ENKIL
”You may have noticed some slight changes within you.”
(eyeing the vampire)
 ”They are a side effect from drinking Illyria’s blood.”

SPIKE
(as a matter of fact)
”It’s making me sick.”

ENKIL
”It could be fatal.”

SPIKE
”How come I'm not afraid?”

ILLYRIA
”Fear accompanies the possibility of death. Calm shepherds its certainty.”

SPIKE
(tiny smile)
”I love hanging with you, Blue.”

A WIDE SHOT as Enkil steps closer to Spike. The blonde vampire turns to face the elder.

ENKIL
”I brought you back for a reason, Spike. This is merely a part of your journey towards that
reason. Before your quest is done you’ll have to face your inner demons as well as the First.”

SPIKE
(wide eyes)
”There will be a battle.”
(cringing)
”Oh, god.”

ILLYRIA
”There is no time for panic.”

SPIKE
”But… How could we beat this thing?”

ILLYRIA
”A true victory is to make your enemy see they were wrong to oppose you in the first place.
To force them to acknowledge your supreme greatness.”
 SPIKE
”Then what?”

ILLYRIA
”You squash them like bugs beneath your feet.”

SPIKE
”Oh.”

FADE OUT-

CUT TO-

INT. THE LOBBY - THE HYPERION - DAWN

FOCUS ON the group. They all sit around a huge table. A table that has not been there
before. Maybe it’s new??

BUFFY
(looking up)
”Hey, remember what Xander did first time he meet Illyria?”

DAWN
(nodding)
”He fainted.”

XANDER
(protesting)
”Oh, there's gotta be a better word.”

GILES
(deadpanned)
”Faint is a proper medical term.”

XANDER
”I passed out from... manly hunger!”

SILENCE. THEN LOUD LAUGHS.

XANDER
 (grudging)
”So what's the plan?”

BUFFY
”Find Spike and Illyria. Kick the shit out of Spike. Kill Illyria.”

XANDER
”That's the plan?”

BUFFY
”Elegant in its simplicity, don't you think?”

GILES
”Not to spoil the fun…”
(clearing his throat)
”But what shall we do about the First?”

ANDREW
”Didn’t we destroy it?”

A CLOSE UP on Buffy and the weary look on her face.

BUFFY
(quietly)
"We never destroyed it."
(sadly)
"It can't be destroyed. All we did was beat it back for a while. We had to expect it would be
back."

FAMILIAR VOICE
”And it is rather good to be back.”

PULL BACK to a WIDE SHOT. Just inside the entrance door stands a figure that we haven’t
seen for a while. It’s KNOX. Or rather THE FIRST.

ANGEL
(growling)
”The First.”
THE FIRST
”The one and only.”
(smiling towards Buffy)
 ”At least I can say that.”

BUFFY
(sneering)
”Come back for another round of humiliation?”

THE FIRST
(laughing)
”There’s the snappy comeback!!”

BUFFY
(clenching her fists)
”Get out.”

THE FIRST
(clicking his tongue)
”Now, now. Where are your manners?”
(looking around)
”Where’s the blonde pain in the ass?”

ANGEL
”Spike’s not here.”

THE FIRST
”Oh?”
(shrugging)
”To bad.”

BUFFY
”What do you want?”

THE FIRST
(focusing on Buffy)
”If you and you ’posse’ join me, there’s nothing that could stand in our way. We could lay
worlds, dimension, at our feet and wreak havoc to those who appose us. We could be…
Gods.”

BUFFY
”Comforting words. Use them next time instead of "resistance is futile". You may even get a
few volunteers.”
 THE FIRST
”We’ll see.”

ZOOMING IN on the First as he IMPLODES - or something like that. It isn’t pretty.

XANDER
”Whoa... hell, we're screwed.”
FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. SPIKE’S BEDROOM - THE HYPERION - TIME UNKNOWN

ALL LIGHT on SPIKE and ILLYRIA as they stand face to face in the middle of SPIKE’S
BEDROOM. Anyone wondering how they got there? Well, that will continue to be a
mystery. At least for now.

SPIKE
(looking around)
”Weren't we just somewhere else?”

ILLYRIA
”Where?”

SPIKE
(hesitantly)
”Some other…dimension?”

ILLYRIA
(tilting her head)
”When?”

SPIKE
”Just now.”

ILLYRIA
”No.”

SPIKE
(stunned)
”Sure?”
 ILLYRIA
”Yes.”

SPIKE
”Oh.”
(looking uncertain)
”Okay.”

FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. THE LOBBY - THE HYPERION - TIME UNKNOWN

We follow SPIKE and ILLYRIA with a STEAD CAM as they walk down the stairs on their
way to the lobby.

SPIKE
”I'm telling you, Blue. If you don’t explain to me how we ended up in my bedroom, I'm
gonna' lose it.”

FOCUSING ON Illyria as she stops and gives the blonde vampire a questioning look.

SPIKE
"Lose it. It means, Go crazy. Nuts. Insane. Bonkers. No longer in possession of one's faculties.
Three fries short of a Happy Meal. Wacko. Loco. Stark mad. Mad as a hatter."

ILLYRIA
”I believe you already are ’nuts’.”

SPIKE
(grinning)
”Then it makes two of us.”

ILLYRIA
(narrowing eyes)
"Impudent worm."

SPIKE
”Ya know it, Leery.”
The CAMERA keeps following them as they continue to make their way down the stairs.
They reach the bottom of it and walk to the middle of the lobby, seemingly without noticing
the PUZZLED LOOKS from the people in the room.

ILLYRIA
(coming to a halt)
”You sometimes annoys me.”
(sighing)
”Like now for instant.”
(reluctant smile)
”In my days you would have been ripped to pieces for such arrogance.”

SPIKE
(sarcastically)
"Ah, almost forgot about the death threats."

ILLYRIA
"The foolish arrogance..."

SPIKE
"And the I’m holier-than-thou attitude."

ILLYRIA
"The lack of respect..."

SPIKE
(growling)
"Bitch!"

ILLYRIA
"Worm."

SPIKE
"God, how I dislike you."

ILLYRIA
"Mutual."

XANDER
(perplexed)
”Er…guys…?”
A WIDE SHOT of the room as Spike and Illyria turns to face XANDER, BUFFY, GILES,
DAWN, ANDREW, WILLOW and AERIN. ANGEL is not present.

BUFFY
(crossing her arms)
”Where have you been?”

SPIKE
(shrugging)
”Made a quick visit to Enkil’s place, that’s all.”

GILES
(alert)
”Enkil? The entity that talked Angel into bringing you back from heaven?”

SPIKE
”One and the same.”

FOCUS ON Aerin as she leaves her place by the window and hurries over to the spot where
Spike stands. She launches herself in his arms and the blonde vampire wraps her to him in a
tight embrace.

AERIN
(breathlessly)
”I was so worried.”

SPIKE
(hush tone)
”Sch. No need to be, honeycomb.”

BUFFY
(mouthing the words)
”Honeycomb?”

SPIKE
(placing a kiss on Aerin’s lips)
”I will never leave you.”
AERIN
(looking up)
”Promise?”
 SPIKE
(nodding)
”Promise.”

XANDER
(holding up a hand)
”Can I throw up any minute now?”

BUFFY
”Right there with ya.”

FADE OUT-

ACT I II

INT. UNKNOWN ALLEY - DOWNTOWN L.A - NIGHT

A LONG SHOT down the alley. In the distance we can see two figures battling it out with a
gang of vampires. The figures are SPIKE and XANDER.
The CAMERA ZOOMS IN as Spike ducks the incoming blow from a vampire easily, doing a
bob and weave, and then delivering a solid blow to his opponent's gut. The demon lurches
forward in pain and Spike brings the back of his fist down like a meat cleaver to a carcass.
The force is enough to crush the other vampire's skull. The vamp turns to dust.

XANDER
(staking the last vampire)
”I so need to workout some more.”

SPIKE
(dusting off his shirt)
”You did well, whelp.”

XANDER
”Thanks… I guess.”

We follow the two of them with the CAMERA as they start to walk down the ally. Then we
suddenly hear a NOISE coming from behind them and as the CAMERA SPINS AROUND we
notice a HUGE demon launching itself at Spike.

XANDER
”Hey, watch out!!”

FOCUSING ON Spike as the vampire instinctively ducks a blow delivered by the demon.
Then he lands a high kick to its jaw followed by a powerful punch that sends the demon
flying backwards and hitting a concrete wall. As the demon slumps, seemingly dizzy, Spike
walk up to it and with a simple motion, breaks its neck. We hear a snap and see the demons
body fall to the ground completely limp.
ZOOMING IN on Spike as the blonde vampire turns to face Xander. Do you see the changed
colour in his eyes? They’re neon blue.

XANDER
”Uhm…Dude, you’re eyes are like…glow-y.”

SPIKE
”What the hell are you talking about, Harris?”

A WIDE SHOT of the scene as the two men stare at each other. Xander shrugs his shoulder
and begins to walk again - soon followed by Spike.

XANDER
(empathizing)
”Let’s us just say that they’re bluer than usual.”

SPIKE
”My eyes?”
(beat)
”When the fuck did you have time to check out my eyes?”

XANDER
”Hey!”
(holding up a hand)
”So not gay here. I’m only saying that they seem bluer than usual.”
(pause)
”Are you getting down with something? I mean, can vampires get sick?”

SPIKE
(sneering)
”They can get sick listening to you.”

XANDER
”Ha ha, funny.”
(beat)
”No, seriously.”

ZOOMING IN as Xander comes to a halt and turns to face Spike. The younger man really
looks serious, which is hinting that he’s really worried.

XANDER
”C’mon, Spike.”
(hush tone)
”If there’s something wrong with you, you’d better tell me.”

A TIGHT SHOT of the vampire as his eyes return to their normal colour.

SPIKE
”I’m fine.”

FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. UNKNOWN ROOM - THE HYPERION - TIME UNKNOWN

A WIDE SHOT of an UNKNOWN ROOM. Looks like a training room in a closer inspection.
And as proof of this, BUFFY, AERIN and ILLYRIA seems to be sparring. We FOCUS on Buffy
as she hits Illyria hard in the face - but the ex demon god king doesn’t even flinch. This make
Buffy frown. A frown that soon disappears as Illyria punches her hard in the face, making her
fly across the room and hit the far side of the wall. The blonde slayer slumps to the floor and
shakes her head as if to clear it. The CAMERA FOLLOWS Aerin as she rushes over to Buffy’s
side and helps her get back up on her feet. Then she turns around and swings a fist in Illyria’s
direction. The blue entity captures the fist in midair and steps closer to the dark-haired
slayer. She then lifts Aerin up as if she weighs nothing and throws her across the room so that
she hit’s the wall, leaving a mark.

ILLYRIA
(monotone voice)
”Feeble humans.”
(tilting her head)
”You are no match for me. Why do you keep on persisting in such a foolish attempt?”

BUFFY
(coughing)
”If nothing we’re resistant.”

ILLYRIA
(sneering)
”You are nothing. Low creatures to crush under my feet.”

AERIN
(getting up)
”Ya sure think highly of yourself.”

ILLYRIA
”I am Illyria, god king. In my days creatures as yourself knelt at my feet, brought me offerings
and basked in my glory.”

BUFFY
”Oh. I think I’ve heard this song before. What was it now? Right… Her name was Glory.”
(hazardous smile)
”And I beat her.”
FOCUSING ON Illyria as she cocks her head and almost seems to smile.

ILLYRIA
(amused(?))
”Glorificus?”
(waving a hand)
”Once she came to me. Crawled at my feet. Begging me to hand her the Key. I banished her
from my court and made sure that all knew what loathsome creature she was. The Key was
never meant to be used by the likes of her.”

BUFFY
(gritting her teeth)
”The ’Key’ has a name.”

ILLYRIA
(dismissively)
”Dawn Summers.”
(noticing Buffy’s shocked expression)
”Yes, I do know the true form of your’sister’. After all…”

BUFFY
(warily)
”…you’re Illyria. God king.”

ILLYRIA
”Correct.”

A WIDE SHOT as Buffy suddenly charges at Illyria - only to be knocked down without any
real effort from the entity. We follow Illyria as she walks over to the huddled slayer. Then
ZOOMING IN on Illyria’s foot as it comes down on Buffy’s head, pinning her in place before
she can get up. The entity’s hands clenches into fists.

ILLYRIA
“I should crush you where you lie, Slayer.”
(turning to Aerin)
“This ‘session’ is now over. You have lost.”

We follow Illyria with a STEAD CAM as she turns her back on the two slayers and exit’s the
room.
 FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. SPIKE’S BEDROOM - THE HYPERION - DUSK

ALL LIGHT on SPIKE as he lies on his back on the bed. He seems to be staring at the ceiling,
deep in thought maybe? Then we hear a SOUND and the CAMERA PULLS BACK to a WIDE
SHOT of the room as the door opens and AERIN steps over the threshold.

AERIN
“Hi, honey.”

SPIKE
(reaching out a hand)
“’lo, luv.”

AERIN
(joining the vampire in bed)
“I’m exhausted!!”

SPIKE
(caressing her cheek)
“Is that a new bruise?”

AERIN
(twitching)
“Brand new.”

SPIKE
“How’d ya get it?”

AERIN
(shrugging)
“What can I say? Blue from Blue.”

SPIKE
“Leery did this?”
(beat)
“Were you sparring with her?”
 AERIN
“Er…Yes.”

ZOOMING IN as Spike leans forward and plants a gentle kiss on Aerin’s frontal lobe. The
slayer frowns and leans against his shoulder.

SPIKE
“You sure took a lot of beating.”

AERIN
“Yeah? You should see Buffy.”

SPIKE
“Her also?”

AERIN
“Y’huh. Man, I know I’m stronger than she is. But that girl can take some serious beating.”

SPIKE
“And Illy?”

AERIN
(sullen)
“Not a scratch.”

Spike wraps his arms around Aerin and turns her face around so that he can plant a kiss on
her lips. The dark-haired slyer adjusts herself so that she can get in closer as the kiss deepens.
The CAMERA PULLS BACK as she pulls Spike’s shirt over his head -

FADE OUT-

CUT TO-

INT. THE LOBBY - THE HYPERION - NIGHT

A WIDE SHOT. People accounted for in the room: 6. There’s GILES, BUFFY, DAWN,
WILLOW, XANDER and ANDREW. They are all sitting around the table. Ah, a Scoobie-
meeting.

XANDER
 (leaning forward)
”Hey, guys, I think something is wrong with Spike.”

BUFFY
”Why’s that?”

XANDER
”Well, it’s like this: We where out on patrol and suddenly this HUGE demon attacks from out
of nowhere. Caught me by surprise I tell you. But Spike? He killed it in two flat.”

GILES
(cleaning his glassed)
”Two what?”

XANDER
(rolling his eyes)
”Like in two seconds. And his eyes where kind’a glow-y.”

GILES
(straightening up)
”Glow-y?”

AERIN
(hush tone)
”I’ve seen it to. With the eyes I mean.”

WILLOW
”Could this have anything to do with Illyria?”
(pause)
”I mean… It’s like they’ve got this connection. This bound between them. And I’m pretty
sure that they can read each others minds. Like they’re inside each others head, or
something.”

AERIN
(tensing)
”Hey! No one, except me, is allowed to screw with my pooch’s head.”

CONFUSED LOOKS.

GILES
(clearing his throat)
 ”Er, that’s okay, Aerin.”

FADE OUT-

CUT TO-

INT. UNKNOWN ROOM - THE HYPERION - TIME UNKNOWN

We hear grunting sounds as the CAMERA ZOOMS IN on a door. Suddenly the door burst
open and BUFFY comes rushing in, soon followed by DAWN, WILLOW and ANDREW.
Then a WIDE SHOT to reveal the training room and SPIKE and AERIN.

BUFFY
“Aerin, could you get off Spike for a moment?”
(narrowing eyes)
“I want to ask him something.”

With a sigh of reluctance (?), Aerin rolls off of Spike and the both of them stand up.
We get a SHOT of Andrew and Dawn obviously ogling the half naked vampire, who seems
aware of their stares and reaches for a shirt. He’s soon covered up.

SPIKE
”What’s the what, Buffy?”

BUFFY
(crossing her arms)
”Well, let’s start with…”

SPIKE
(blankly)
”The First.”

BUFFY
(cringing)
”Yeah… How did you know?”
SPIKE
”The First.”
(pointing)
”He’s behind you.”
A WIDE SHOT of the room as they all turn around to face the door - and THE FIRST. This
time it looks like CALEB. Ah, old dear Caleb.

THE FIRST
”Hello, Spike.”

SPIKE
(growling)
”You’re not welcomed here.”

THE FIRST
(taking a step forward)
”Yeah, yeah. Already heard the welcome committee.”
(eying the vampire)
”It seems like you have been upgraded.”

FOCUS ON Spike as the blonde vampire pushed Buffy to the side and steps up to the First
with a smile (?) on his handsome face. What is going on??

SPIKE
”Funny.”
(punching the First in the face)
”Looks like you’re right.”

ZOOMING IN as the punch clearly connects with the First, sending him slumping to the
floor. Whoa!!! Wait a minute… Isn’t the First supposed to be incorporeal?

AERIN
(whispering to Buffy)
”Did you know that Spike could do that?”

BUFFY
(flabbergasted)
”I didn’t know anyone could do that.”

THE FIRST
(getting up)
”You shouldn’t have done that.”
 SPIKE
(raised eyebrow)
”Really?”
(swaggering towards the First)
”Because…?”

THE FIRST
”Now it’s personal.”

And what do you know. The First vanishes again. In the same imploding - or whatever, way.
The CAMERA shows us a wide range of confused faces. Except for Spike. The vampire seems
quite calm.

AERIN
”Okay…”
(looking around)
”Did that seem weird to you. Or is it just me?”

BUFFY
”We're slayers. Weird is part of the job.”

AERIN
(facing Spike)
”And you.”
(shaking her head)
”How’d you manage that? You actually knocked the First.”

BUFFY
(also facing Spike)
”Isn’t he incorporeal anymore?”

SPIKE
”No, he’s incorporeal.”

WILLOW
(quizzical look)
”Then how…?”
A CLOSE UP on Spike as it seems he’s about to say something. But before he could say
anything, he suddenly falls to the floor. The vampire’s body is convulsing and he lets out
moans and whimpering sounds that’s enough to send shivers through one’s spine. Then the
seizures suddenly stops - very abruptly and he lies perfectly still.
 AERIN
(panicked)
”Spike!!”

A WIDE SHOT as Aerin kneels by her lover’s side, carefully shaking his shoulders. There’s no
response. (A.N: I have a touch of evil inside me. Muah ha ha ha.)

FADE OUT-

ACT I V

INT. THE WHITE ROOM - REALM UNKNOWN - TIME…IS NOT OF THE ESSENCE
A WIDE SHOT of the WHITE ROOM to reveal SPIKE and ENKIL standing face to face.
Spike’s clothes have changed from what he was wearing when he suddenly lost conscious.
He’s now wearing white cotton pants and a white shirt. In fact, everything in this room is
white. It’s almost to clear for one’s eyes, but just almost. We can clearly make out the two
figures.
ENKIL
”Do you understand why I have brought you back here once again?”

SPIKE
(nodding)
”Is this the part where you tell me that with great power come great responsibility?”

ENKIL
(wide smile)
”Not exactly. But close enough.”

SPIKE
(sighing)
”I don’t have to go through more tests, do I?”

ENKIL
”No more tests.”
(beat)
”I promise.”

SPIKE
”Now what?”

ENKIL
”Earlier I made Illyria see.”
(laying a hand on Spike’s shoulder)
”Now I’ll make you see.”

ZOOMING IN on Spike’s face as the blonde vampire closes his eyes and cringes. Then he
throws his head back and lets out a piercing scream-
FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. THE LOBBY - THE HYPERION - TIME UNKNOWN.

A WIDE SHOT of the lobby and everyone in it: GILES, ANDREW, BUFFY, AERIN, DAWN,
WILLOW, ANGEL and ILLYRIA. Andrew, Buffy, Willow, Dawn and Xander sits around the
table while Angel and Illyria stands behind them. Aerin sits by herself on the couch. Giles
seems to just have entered the room.
ANDREW
”Is Spike still in a coma?”

GILES
(rubbing his nose)
”I’m afraid so.”

ILLYRIA
”There’s no need for concern.”
(tilting her head)
”The half-breed will return to you.”

ANGEL
(growling)
”Shut up, Illyria!!”
(facing her)
”This is your fault.”

ILLYRIA
”Indeed?”

The CAMERA FOCUSES on Illyria and Angel as they turn to face each other with equal
loathing for the other written all over their faces.

ANGEL
”I thought Wesley taught you to consider showing compassion.”

ILLYRIA
”Compassion?”

ANGEL
(snarling)
”Yes. It’s considered a fairly human emotion.”

ILLYRIA
(dismissively)
”Your appeal to my humanity is pointless.”
 ANGEL
”Part of being human is compassion.”

ILLYRIA
”Yes.”
(turning her back on him)
”I'm not there yet.”

Returning to a WIDE SHOT.

XANDER
(looking up at Angel)
”She doesn't like you.”

ANGEL
(shrugging)
”Nah, it's a phase. It's part of her charm.”

XANDER
(raised eyebrow)
”I admit to some scepticism myself.”

AERIN
“Can we get back to the issue of Spike?”

PANNING ACROSS the room and FOCUSING ON the dark-haired slayer. Her eyes seem to
be brimming with emotion as she looks over at the rest of the group. (A.N: Aerin’s wearing a
red top and black leather pants. Her shiny dark hair hangs lose and frames her beautiful sad
face.)
BUFFY
“We’re trying our best, Aerin.”

AERIN
“Try harder.”
(resting her head against her knees)
“I want him back.”
FADE OUT-
CUT TO-

INT. THE WHITE ROOM - UNKNOWN REALM - TIME…BENDS TO ITS OWN WILL

ALL LIGHT on SPIKE. The blonde vampire sits on the white marble floor, leaning against a
white marble pillar. His eyes are closed and he kind’a looks peaceful.

ENKIL
“Have you seen enough?”

A TIGHT SHOT of Spike as he opens his eyes and now we can see that he isn’t as peaceful as
we first thought. The vampire’s eyes are flooding with tears.

SPIKE
“I…”
(shaking his head)
“I can’t….”

ENKIL
“Yes, you can.”

The CAMERA PULLS BACK to a WIDE SHOT to reveal ENKIL as he walk towards the
vampire and kneels by his side.

SPIKE
“Is there anyway to stop it?”

ENKIL
(shaking his head)
“I’m sorry, Spike.”

SPIKE
“Why?”

ENKIL
“The eternity lies in the balance.”
(beat)
“And you’re the key to maintain that balance.”

SPIKE
“Oh, man.”
(sighing)
“Why couldn’t it be Angel?”

ENKIL
“This is not Angel’s journey, Spike. It is yours.”
 SPIKE
“And it’s a one way ticket, right?”

ENKIL
“I am sorry.”

SPIKE
(acceptingly)
“I am going to die.”

FADE OUT-

CUT TO-

INT. THE LOBBY - THE HYPERION - NIGHT

We follow AERIN with a STEAD CAM as she comes down the stairs and enters the lobby
where the rest of the gang is assembled.
DAWN
(worriedly)
“How is he?”

AERIN
(shaking her head)
“It’s not better.”
(beat)
“Or worse.”

GILES
(turning to Illyria)
“I think it’s time that you tells us what’s going on.”

ILLYRIA
(eying the group)
“As I said; there’s not need for any concern regarding the half-breed.”
FOCUSING ON Buffy as she steps up to the entity. Oh, man, she really looks pissed. And a
pissed Buffy is never a good thing.
BUFFY
“Once more, Illyria. What’s happening to Spike?”
(beat)
 “Is he dying?”

ILLYRIA
(tilting her head)
“Spike’s not dying. He’s ascending.”

SILENCE.

GILES
(forced calmness)
“Ascending into what?”

ILLYRIA
“A god.”

DEAD SILENCE.

XANDER
“Great. A godly Spike.”

BLACK OUT-

END OF EPIS ODE