L2(scene)
In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.
L3(scene)
A castle in Cortona, Italy, 1418. Cut inside. Carlo is standing by a window looking into the room.
L5Translation
Carlo, my dear one.
L6(scene)
Carlo comes into the room and over to Moloch. He kneels. Moloch steps over to him and puts his hand on his head. The camera pans up to
L7(scene)
Moloch's demonic face.
L8Moloch
Mi ami? Ti daro' tutto. Tutto quello che desidero e' il tuo amore.
L9Translation
Do you love me? I can give you everything. All I want is your love.
L10Carlo
Tu hai il mio amore.
L11Translation
You have my love.
L12(scene)
Moloch growls and quickly twists Carlo's head, snapping his neck.
L13(scene)
Cut to a church. Cut inside. The priest Thelonius is talking to a group of monks bearing torches.
L14Thelonius
E fuori. E il diavolo, Molocco. E fuori nel mondo, facendo tante cose male. Abbiamo bisogno di fare il circolo.
L15Translation
He's out. It is the devil, Moloch. He is out in the world, doing such bad things. We need to form the circle.
L16(scene)
(Transcriber's note: in this part there is a big difference between the subtitles from the episode and what was actually said, so the subtitles are included below.)
L17Subtitles
It is Moloch. The Corrupter. He walks again. More and more people have fallen under his mesmerizing power. There is still time to bind him. We must form the circle.
L18(scene)
The monks gather around him as he opens a large book. Cut to a shot from above. The pages of the book are blank.
L19Thelonius
Per potere di questo circolo di Kayless...
L20Translation
By the power of the circle of Kayless...
L21(scene)
Cut to Moloch. He smiles as he straightens up and lets Carlo's body fall. His expression changes when he realizes something is wrong, and he looks up.
L23(scene)
Cut back to the church.
L24Thelonius
Per potere di questo circolo di Kayless, ti commando! Vieni!
L25Translation
By the power of the circle of Kayless, I command you! Come!
L26(scene)
Cut to Moloch. He begins to scream angrily. Cut to the Church.
L27Thelonius
Ti commando! Vieni!
L28Translation
I command you! Come!
L29(scene)
Cut to Moloch. He screams even more loudly in terror. Cut to the Church.
L32(scene)
Cut to Moloch. He continues to scream. Suddenly he bursts into millions of tiny particles. Cut to the Church. The particles fall into the book as the camera follows them down.
L33Thelonius
Vieni, demonio! Vieni!
L34Translation
Come, demon! Come!
L35(scene)
As the particles fall into the book an ancient script appears. When the pages are filled, Thelonius closes the book. He steps over to a table and puts the book into a heavy wooden box.
L36Thelonius
Preghiamo che questo libro e' mai letto piu'...
L37Translation
Pray that this accursed book is never again read...
L38(scene)
Cut to a shot of the priest from inside the box.
L39Thelonius
Che il demonio Molocco e' mai lasciato piu' fuori nel mondo.
L40Translation
Lest the Demon Moloch be loosed upon the world.
L41(scene)
He puts the lid on the box. Centuries later the lid is lifted off of the box, and Buffy looks in.
L42Buffy
(sarcastically) Oh, great! A book!
L43(scene)
Cut to the library. A book-scanning project is going on, and Willow and a few other computer science students are seated at the table, scanning the books into the library's computer system. Buffy pulls the book out of the box and blows some of the dust off of it.
L44Giles
Oh, uh, I, uh... haven't gone through the new arrivals. Uh, put it in, uh, (points with his book) in, in that pile.
L45Dave
Here, I'll get it.
L46(scene)
He gets up from his computer.
L47Buffy
Oh, thanks, Dave. The Willow pile.
L48(scene)
Dave takes the book from Buffy and goes over to the pile of books next to Willow.
L49Giles
Uh, when I've examined it, you can, uh, uh, skim it.
L50Ms. Calendar
Scan it, Rupert. That's scan it.
L51Giles
(gives her a look) Of course.
L52Ms. Calendar
Oh, I know, our ways are strange to you, but soon you will join us in the 20th century. With three whole years to spare!
L53Giles
Ms. Calendar, I'm sure your computer science class is fascinating, but I happen to believe that one can survive in modern society without being a slave to the, um, idiot box.
L54Ms. Calendar
That's TV. The idiot box is TV. This (indicates a computer) is the good box!
L55Giles
I still prefer a good book.
L56Fritz
The printed page is obsolete. (stands up) Information isn't bound up anymore. It's an entity. The only reality is virtual. If you're not jacked in, you're not alive. (grabs his books and leaves)
L57Ms. Calendar
Thank you, Fritz, for making us all sound like crazy people. (to Giles) Fritz, Fritz comes on a little strong, but he does have a point. You know, for the last two years more e-mail was sent than regular mail.
L59Ms. Calendar
More digitized information went across phone lines than conversation.
L60Giles
That is a fact that I regard with genuine horror.
L61Ms. Calendar
I'll bet it is. (to the students) Alright, guys, let's wrap it up for today.
L62Willow
I've just got a few more. I'll hang for a bit.
L63Ms. Calendar
Cool! Thanks!
L64(scene)
Xander grabs his bag and pulls it onto his shoulder.
L65Willow
Xander, you wanna stay and help me?
L66Xander
Are you kidding?
L67Willow
Yes, it was a joke I made up.
L68Xander
Willow, I love you, but bye! (leaves)
L69Willow
(calls after him) See you tomorrow!
L71Giles
I'm, I'm just gonna stay and clean up a little. I'll, uh, I'll be back in the middle ages.
L72Ms. Calendar
Did you ever leave?
L73(scene)
Giles stops and looks back. Ms. Calendar is pleased with his reaction to her comment. He continues up the stairs.
L74(scene)
Cut to later. Willow is alone in the library scanning the last book. She draws the scanner over the two pages, and they appear on the screen. As she types to save the scan the script in the book disappears. Willow closes the book, puts it in the pile with the others and leaves. The computer screen goes blank and Moloch's words appear.
L76(scene)
Opening credits roll. Buffy's theme plays.
L78(scene)
The hall at Sunnydale High School. Buffy runs to catch up with Willow as she slowly walks down the hall.
L79Buffy
Willow! Willow, hey, wait up! (reaches her)
L80Willow
Oh, Buffy, I didn't even see you.
L81Buffy
Or hear me. What was up last night? I tried your line, like, a million times.
L82Willow
Oh, I was, I was talking.
L83Buffy
Talking to...? (no answer) Okay, that's it, you have a secret, and that's not allowed.
L84Willow
Why not? (opens her locker)
L85Buffy
'Cause... there's a rule.
L86Willow
Well, I sort of met someone.
L87Buffy
I knew it! This is so important! When did you meet?
L88Willow
Last week after we did the scanning project in the library? (closes her locker)
L89Buffy
Does he go here? What's his name? Have you kissed him? What's he like?
L90Willow
No, Malcolm, no, and very nice.
L91Buffy
You are a thing of evil for not telling me this right away!
L92Willow
Well, I wasn't sure there was anything to tell. But last night, oh! We talked all night, it was amazing. He's so smart, Buffy, and, and he's romantic, and we agree about everything!
L93Buffy
(sighs) What's he look like?
L95(scene)
She continues down the hall with a big smile on her face. Buffy is confused and stares after her a moment, then starts to follow.
L96(scene)
Cut to the computer lab. Fritz and Dave are there, typing away.
L97Dave
(to the screen) Yes, I will. I promise.
L98(scene)
Willow and Buffy come in.
L99Buffy
So, you've been seeing a guy, and you don't know what he looks like? Okay, this is a puzzle. No, wait, I'm good at these. Does it involve a midget and a block of ice?
L100Willow
I met him on-line.
L101Buffy
On line for what?
L102(scene)
Willow indicates a computer.
L104(scene)
Ms. Calendar strides quickly into the room wearing dark glasses and holding a mug of coffee in one hand and her books in the other.
L105Ms. Calendar
Morning, kids!
L106(scene)
Buffy turns to look at her. Ms. Calendar notices Buffy as she heads to her desk. She puts her mug down.
L107Ms. Calendar
Buffy, are you supposed to be somewhere? (takes off her glasses)
L108Buffy
No, I have a free.
L109Ms. Calendar
Cool! But this is lab time, so let's make it a nice, short visit, okay?
L112Willow
It's him! (types to get the message)
L113Message
I'm thinking of you.
L115Buffy
(nods) He's a sweetie. (smiles nervously)
L116Willow
What should I write back?
L117Buffy
Uh, Willow, I think it's really great that you have this cool pen pal, but don't you think you're kinda rushing all into this? Y'know what I mean?
L118Willow
'I'm thinking of you, too!' No, that's incredibly stupid!
L119Buffy
Will, down girl! Let's focus here, okay? What do you actually know about this guy?
L120Willow
Oh, see, I knew you'd react like this.
L122(scene)
The camera closes in on the computer's video feed.
L123Buffy
I just wanna make sure you're careful, that's all.
L124(scene)
Cut to the computer's view.
L126Buffy
He could be different than you think.
L127(scene)
The computer focuses closely on Buffy.
L128(scene)
Cut to an office. The computer on the desk suddenly comes on. The student records scroll by. It stops on Buffy's record and expands it.
L129(scene)
Cut to Fritz's PC in the lab. Buffy's record appears there. The camera pans over to Fritz as he studies her record. The screen goes blank and a message appears.
L131(scene)
Cut to Willow and Buffy.
L132Willow
His name is Malcolm Black, he's eighteen, he lives in Elmwood, which is about eighty miles from here, and he likes me!
L133Buffy
Short, tall, skinny, fat?
L134Willow
Why does everything have to be about looks?
L135Buffy
Not everything, but some stuff is. I mean, what if you guys get really, really intense, and then you find out that he... has... a hairy back?
L136Willow
Well, no! Uh, he doesn't talk like somebody who would have a hairy back. And anyways, that stuff doesn't matter when you really care about each other. Maybe I'm not his ideal either.
L137Buffy
Hey, I'm just trying to make sure that he's good enough for you. I think it's great that you met someone.
L138(scene)
Cut to Ms. Calendar at her desk. She gets up holding some papers and comes over to Fritz.
L139Ms. Calendar
Hey, Fritz... I'm, uh, lookin' at the logs. You and Dave are clockin' a pretty scary amount of computer time.
L141Ms. Calendar
Ooo, will I be excited?
L143(scene)
Cut outside to the steps. A boy is reviewing his report on his laptop.
L144Boy
This isn't my report! 'nazi Germany was a model of a well ordered society'? I didn't write that! Who's been in my files?
L145(scene)
Willow comes down the steps next to him. She's off in her own world and doesn't notice Xander coming from her right. He puts his hand over her eyes, and she's forced to stop, nearly losing her balance.
L146Xander
Hup, guess who?
L148Xander
Yeah, but keep guessing anyway.
L150Xander
(takes his hand from her eyes) Oh, I can't fool ya, you see right through my petty charade. We goin' to the Bronze tonight?
L151Willow
(smiles) Not me, I think I'm gonna call it an early night.
L152Xander
Oh, Malcolm, right? (Willow smiles and nods) Yeah, I heard. But you're gonna be missin' out. I'm plannin' to be witty. I'm gonna make fun of all the people who won't talk to me.
L153Willow
That's nice. Have a good time! (smiles and quickly leaves)
L154(scene)
He watches her go. Buffy arrives and watches her go, too.
L155Buffy
She certainly looks perky.
L156Xander
Yeah, color in the cheeks, bounce in the step... I don't like it. It's not healthy. (faces her) So, are you goin' to the Bronze tonight? Oh, probably not, you probably have some vampire slaying or some lame endeavor like that, don't you? Everyone deserts me.
L157(scene)
They begin to walk.
L158Buffy
Check out the jealous man!
L159Xander
What are you talking about?
L162Buffy
Willow's got a thang, and Xander's left hanging.
L163Xander
Oh, that's meaningless drivel. I'm not interested in Willow like that.
L164Buffy
Yeah, but you got used to being the Belle of the Ball.
L165Xander
No, it's just... this Malcolm guy? What's his deal? I mean, tell me you're not slightly wigged.
L166Buffy
Okay, slightly. I mean, just not knowing what he's really like.
L167Xander
Or who he really is. I mean, sure he says he's a high school student, but I can say I'm a high school student.
L169Xander
Okay, but I can also say that I'm an elderly Dutch woman. Get me? I mean, who's to say I'm not if I'm in the elderly Dutch chat room?
L170Buffy
(making light) I get your point! (gets his point) I get your point. Oh, this guy could be anybody. He could be weird, or crazy, or old, or... He could be a circus freak. He's probably a circus freak!
L171Xander
Yeah. I mean, we read about it all the time. Y'know, people meet on the 'Net, they talk, they get together, have dinner, a show, horrible ax murder.
L172Buffy
Willow ax murdered by a circus freak... Okay, okay, what do we do? (realizes her paranoia) What are we doing? Xander, you get me started! We are totally overreacting!
L173Xander
But it's fun, isn't it?
L174(scene)
Cut to the computer lab. Fritz is staring at stuff scrolling by on the screen.
L175Fritz
I'm jacked in. I'm jacked in. I'm jacked in.
L176(scene)
The camera pans down to his arm where he's carving an 'M' into it.
L178(scene)
Cut to the girls' locker room the next day. The camera follows two girls out when suddenly Willow comes barging in.
L179Buffy
Whoa! You're the late girl.
L181Buffy
Till fifth period? Talkin' to Malcolm last night?
L182Willow
Yeah. (sees Buffy's look) What?
L184Willow
You're having an expression.
L185Buffy
I'm not. But if I was, it'd be saying, 'This just isn't like you.'
L186Willow
Not like me to have a boyfriend?
L187Buffy
He's boyfriendly?
L188Willow
I don't understand why you don't want me to have this. I mean, boys don't chase me around all the time. I thought you'd be happy for me.
L189Buffy
I just want you to be sure. To meet him face to face. In daylight, in a crowded place with some friends. Y'know, before you become all... obsessive.
L190Willow
Malcolm and I really care about each other. Big deal if I blow off a couple classes.
L191Buffy
I thought you said you overslept.
L192Willow
Malcolm said you wouldn't understand.
L193Buffy
Malcolm was right.
L194(scene)
Cut to the computer lab. Buffy comes in, sees Dave and goes over to him.
L195Buffy
Dave? (he's oblivious) Hey there, Dave. Anybody home?
L196(scene)
He jumps in his seat when she puts her hand on his shoulder.
L197Dave
Oh, what do you want?
L198Buffy
I wanted to ask you something if you have a minute.
L200Buffy
Well, you're a computer geek... genius, and, uh, I sort of have a technical problem. If I wanted to find out something about someone, i-if someone e-mailed me, could I trace the letter?
L201Dave
Well, you could pull up somebody's profile based on their user name.
L202Buffy
But they write the profile themselves, right? And so they could say anything they wanted.
L204Buffy
Wow! I had knowledge! (Dave smiles) Well, is there a way to find out exactly where a letter, an e-letter came from? I mean, the actual location of the computer?
L205Dave
That's a challenge.
L206Buffy
'Cause, you see, Willow's got this boyfriend, Malcolm, and to tell you the truth, I think...
L207Dave
(interrupting) Leave Willow alone.
L208Buffy
What do you mean?
L209Dave
That's none of your business.
L210Buffy
(jumps to a conclusion) Dave, are you Malcolm?
L211Dave
(turns back to the PC) Of course not. (types)
L212Buffy
Dave, what's going on?
L213Dave
Look, I'll talk to you later, okay? I've got work to do.
L214(scene)
She gets up and leaves.
L215Buffy
(exhales) So do I.
L216(scene)
Fritz watches her go as she passes him.
L217(scene)
Cut to the library. Buffy follows Giles down the stairs to the counter.
L218Buffy
I'm telling you, something is going on. It's not just Willow.
L219(scene)
Dave, Fritz, they're all wicked jumpy.
L220Giles
Those boys aren't sparklingly normal as it is.
L221Buffy
Giles, trust me.
L222Giles
I-I do! I-I-I really don't know how to advise you. Things involved with a computer fill me with a childlike terror. Now, if it were a nice ogre or some such I'd be more in my element. Well, I-I suppose you could, um, tail Dave, see if he's up to something.
L223Buffy
Follow Dave? What, in dark glasses and a trench coat? Please. I can work this out myself.
L224(scene)
Cut outside after school. Dave gets into his car, starts it and drives off. The camera pans over to Buffy wearing dark glasses and a dark coat as she watches him go.
L225(scene)
Cut to a front view of the CRD building. Cut to the loading dock in back. Dave drives up and gets out. Cut to outside the fence, where Buffy is looking in. She sees Dave go up to a technician and start talking to him. After a moment Dave and the technician go inside. The camera pans over to the CRD logo. Cut to a security camera turning towards Buffy.
L226(scene)
Cut to the view from the camera on Fritz's PC at school. It stops on Buffy and pulls in for a close-up.
L227Fritz
She's too close. What do I do?
L228Moloch
(on the screen) kill her.
L231(scene)
Sunnydale High.
L232Buffy
Whatever Dave is into, it's large.
L233(scene)
Cut to the library. Buffy is sitting on the table.
L234Giles
What was the name of this place?
L235Buffy
It said CRD. But, I couldn't get close enough to see what it was.
L236Xander
Calax Research and Development. It's a computer research lab.
L237(scene)
Third largest employer in Sunnydale till it closed down last year. (gets stares from the others) What, I can't have information sometimes?
L238Giles
Well, it-it's just somewhat unprecedented.
L239Xander
Well, my uncle used to work there. I-in a floor sweeping capacity.
L242Buffy
Looked pretty functional from where I stood. I don't have a clue what they were doing.
L243Xander
And what do they need Dave for?
L244Buffy
Something about computers, right? I mean, he is off-the-chart smart.
L245Giles
We still don't know an enormous amount. Whatever is going on there may be on the up-and-up.
L246Xander
No, if CRD opened, it would've been on the news.
L247Buffy
Besides, I can just tell something's wrong. My spider sense is tingling.
L248Giles
Your... spider sense?
L249Buffy
Pop culture reference. Sorry.
L250Giles
Yes, well, (ahem) I think we're still at a stand still. Uh, uh, short of breaking into the place, I don't see...
L251Buffy
Breaking in! (slides off of the table) Then this is the plan!
L252Xander
I'm free tonight!
L253Buffy
Tonight it is! (goes over to Xander)
L254Giles
A moment, please, of quiet reflection. I do not suggest that you illegally enter the...
L255(scene)
Ms. Calendar enters the library.
L256Giles
...data into the file so the book will be listed by title as well as by author.
L257Ms. Calendar
I just came by to check your new data base, make sure your cross reference table isn't glitching. 'Cause I'm guessing you haven't gone anywhere near it.
L258Giles
Uh, I'm still sorting through the chaos you left behind you.
L259Ms. Calendar
Hmm. (to Buffy and Xander) You're here again? Kids really dig the library, don't cha?
L261Xander
To read makes our speaking English good.
L262Buffy
We'll be going now. (grabs Xander and turns to leave)
L263Giles
Uh, w-we'll, uh, continue this conversation at another time.
L264Buffy
I think we're done. (they leave) (to Xander) Makes our speaking English is good?
L265Xander
I panicked, okay?
L266(scene)
Cut to the computer lab. Willow is chatting on-line with Malcolm.
L267Malcolm
I've never felt this way about anyone before, Willow.
L268Willow
I know what you mean. I feel like you know me better than anyone.
L270Willow
Do you think we should... meet?
L271Malcolm
I think we should soon.
L273Malcolm
I'm not. Isn't that strange?
L274Willow
That's what Buffy doesn't understand, how comfortable you can make me feel.
L275Malcolm
Buffy just makes trouble. That's why she got kicked out of her old school.
L276(scene)
She is puzzled and pauses for a moment.
L277Willow
How did you know that?
L278Malcolm
It's on her permanent record.
L279(scene)
She doesn't respond, still puzzled.
L280Malcolm
You must have mentioned it.
L282Malcolm
Let's not worry about her anymore.
L283Willow
I have to sign off. I'll talk to you later.
L286(scene)
She turns off the monitor, gets up and leaves.
L287(scene)
Cut to the library.
L288Ms. Calendar
(exasperated) You're a snob!
L289Giles
(incredulous) I am no such thing.
L290Ms. Calendar
Oh, you are a *big* snob. You, you think that knowledge should be kept in these carefully guarded repositories where only a handful of white guys can get at it.
L291Giles
Nonsense! I simply don't adhere to a, a knee-jerk assumption that because something is new, it's better.
L292Ms. Calendar
This isn't a fad, Rupert! We are creating a new society here.
L293Giles
A society in which human interaction is all but obsolete? In which people can be completely manipulated by technology, well, well... Thank you, I'll pass.
L294Ms. Calendar
Well, (ahem) I think you'll be very happy here with your musty, old books. (opens Moloch's book)
L295Giles
These musty old books have a great deal more to say than in any of your... fabulous web pages.
L296Ms. Calendar
Hmm. (pages through the book) This one doesn't have a whole lot more to say.
L297(scene)
Giles stares at the empty book.
L298Ms. Calendar
What is it, like a diary?
L299Giles
How odd. I haven't looked through all the volumes yet, I didn't, um...
L300(scene)
He closes the book and sees the etching of Moloch on the cover.
L301Ms. Calendar
What is it?
L302Giles
Uh, nothing, um, a, a diary, yes. I imagine that's what it is. (pauses to think) Well, it's been so nice talking to you. (heads to his office with the book)
L303Ms. Calendar
We were fighting.
L304Giles
Must do it again sometime, yes... Bye, now.
L305(scene)
She watches him disappear into his office.
L306(scene)
Cut outside. The school nurse is frantic as she quickly walks along with a man.
L307School nurse
I checked the computer, and there's nothing in his file about being allergic to penicillin!
L308(scene)
Buffy comes walking out of the school. Dave comes up to her.
L310Buffy
Dave! How're you doing?
L311Dave
Okay. Uh, look, I'm sorry about yesterday. I haven't been getting much sleep lately, y'know?
L313Dave
Willow was looking for you.
L314Buffy
Good, I need to talk to her. Do you know where she is?
L315Dave
She said she'd be in the, in the girls' locker room.
L317(scene)
She looks at him a moment, and then goes to find Willow. He watches her go.
L318(scene)
Cut to the girl's locker room. It's deserted. Buffy slowly walks down the aisle and into a row of lockers.
L320(scene)
She walks further.
L322(scene)
Cut to Fritz in the shower. He turns the water on and leaves. Cut to Buffy.
L323Buffy
Will? You taking a shower?
L324(scene)
She goes to the shower and sees that it's on, but no one's there.
L326(scene)
The camera cuts to a light above and follows an electrical cord from it down to the corner of the floor in the shower. Buffy walks into the shower to turn off the water.
L327Buffy
This is how droughts get started.
L328(scene)
She turns the water off. The water creeps toward the exposed wires.
L330(scene)
She turns to him and notices the wires. They begin to spark. She leaps out of the shower. An arc of electricity follows her for an instant. She lands on a changing bench and rolls off onto the floor. Dave runs from the locker room. She sits up and looks over toward the showers. The camera pulls back to show the soles of her shoes smoking.
L331(scene)
Cut to the computer lab. It's dark. Dave comes in and turns on a PC.
L332Dave
I can't do it! I'm not gonna do it.
L333Moloch
But you promised.
L334Dave
Buffy isn't a threat to you! Stop with it.
L335Moloch
The project is almost complete. You won't have to do it again.
L336Dave
(drops his bag and whimpers) Oh, I can't!
L337Moloch
I've shown you a new world, Dave. Knowledge, power... I can give you everything. All I want is your love.
L338Dave
No. This isn't right. None of it is.
L339(scene)
The scratch pad comes up on the screen and Moloch writes a note: I'm sorry. I've been a terrible person. I'm a coward, and I can't go on living like this. Forgive me, Mom and Dad. At least now I'll have some peace. Remember me. Love, Dave.
L340(scene)
He backs away from the computer. Fritz is waiting behind him by the window.
L341(scene)
Cut to the library. Buffy sits at the table while Xander paces.
L342Xander
I'm gonna kill Dave!
L343Buffy
He tried to warn me.
L344Xander
Warn you that he set you up? (to Giles) Is she gonna be okay?
L345Giles
She was only grounded for a moment. (sits and hands Buffy a mug) Still, if you'd been anyone but the Slayer...
L346Buffy
Tell me the truth: how's my hair?
L347Xander
It's great! It's your best hair ever! (smiles)
L349Buffy
I just... I don't understand what would make Dave do a thing like that.
L350Giles
I think perhaps I do.
L351(scene)
He goes over to get Moloch's book from the cage. He comes back holding it up.
L352Giles
Does this look familiar to either of you?
L353Buffy
Yeah, sure. Looks like a book.
L354Xander
I knew that one.
L355Giles
(sets it on the table) In the dark ages the souls of demons were sometimes trapped in certain volumes. They remained locked within the book, harmless, unless the pages were read aloud. Unless I'm mistaken, this is Moloch, the Corrupter. A very deadly and seductive demon. He draws people to him with promises of love, power, knowledge. Preys on impressionable minds.
L357Giles
Dave, and who knows how many others.
L358Buffy
And Moloch is inside that book?
L359Giles
Not anymore. (opens the book)
L360Xander
You released Moloch?
L362Giles
I didn't read it! That dreadful Calendar woman found it and, and it was already blank.
L363Buffy
Okay, so a powerful demon with horns is walking around Sunnydale, and nobody's noticed?
L364Xander
I-if he's so big and strong, why bother with Dave? I mean, why didn't he just attack Buffy himself?
L365Giles
I don't know. And I don't know who could've read that book. It wasn't even in English.
L367Giles
Uh, in a pile with others that were, um, uh, scanned.
L368(scene)
They look over at the PC.
L369Xander
And that released the demon?
L370Buffy
No, he's not out here. (points to the PC) He's in there.
L371Giles
The scanner read the book. It brought Moloch out as information to be absorbed.
L372Buffy
He's gone binary on us.
L373Xander
Okay, for those of us in our studio audience, who are me? You guys are saying that Moloch is in this computer?
L374Buffy
And every computer connected to it by a modem.
L375Giles
He's everywhere.
L376Xander
What are we gonna do?
L377Giles
Willow scanned him into her file. It may be... a futile gesture, but I suggest we, um, uh, delete it.
L379(scene)
She gets up and walks over to the PC.
L380Xander
Don't get too close.
L381(scene)
She sits down in front of it.
L382Buffy
Okay. Okay. (turns on the monitor) So which file do you think it is? Willow? (types) That's probably it, right? I'll just delete the whole thing.
L383(scene)
She drags the file icon to the trash bin, and inhales in fright when
L384(scene)
Moloch's demonic face appears on the screen.
L385Moloch
Stay away from Willow! It is none of your business!
L386(scene)
The screen returns to normal.
L387Buffy
So that's what Malcolm looks like.
L390Buffy
So much for delete file.
L391Giles
This is very bad.
L392Xander
Are we overreacting? He's in a computer! What can he do?
L393Buffy
You mean besides convince a perfectly nice kid to try and kill me? I don't know. How about mess up all the medical equipment in the world?
L394Giles
Randomize traffic signals.
L395Buffy
Access launch codes for our nuclear missile.
L396Giles
Destroy the world's economy.
L397Buffy
I think I pretty much capped it with that nuclear missile thing.
L398Giles
Right, yours was best.
L399Xander
Okay, he's a threat, I'm on board with that now. But what can we do about it?
L400Buffy
I think the first thing we do is find Willow. She's probably talking to him right now. God, that creeps me out!
L401Xander
What does he want with Willow?
L402Buffy
Let's never find out. (gets up) Okay, I'm gonna check the computer lab, and you guys call her home.
L403(scene)
Cut to the computer lab. Buffy comes in and looks around. It's dark.
L405(scene)
The PC's suddenly all come on, startling her. She backs further into the room while looking around more. She turns around and jumps as she bumps into Dave. He's hanging from the ceiling with the note pinned to his shirt.
L406(scene)
Cut to the library. Xander is on the phone trying to reach Willow. He gives up.
L409Xander
(hangs up) Well, it wasn't busy either, so she's not on-line.
L410(scene)
Buffy comes back into the library.
L411Xander
(to Buffy) She's not home.
L412Giles
What did you find?
L413Xander
Willow isn't...
L414Buffy
Dave. He's dead.
L416Buffy
Well, it looks like su1c1de.
L417Xander
With a little help from my friends?
L418Buffy
I'd guess Fritz. Or the other zomboids from CRD. Okay, (to
L419(scene)
Xander) you and I are gonna go to Willow's house. Giles, you need to come up with a way to get Moloch out of the 'Net.
L420Giles
I, I have records of the ceremonies, but, but that's for a creature of the flesh. Th-this could be something completely different.
L421Buffy
Then get Ms. Calendar. Maybe she can help you.
L422Giles
Well, even if she could, how am I gonna convince her that there's a demon on the Internet?
L423Buffy
Okay, fine, then you can stay here and come up with a better plan. (to Xander) C'mon.
L424(scene)
Cut to Willow's house. She's coming home. She unlocks the door and goes in. Cut inside.
L426(scene)
She closes the door. Cut to her room. She dumps her book bag on the bed and opens it.
L428(scene)
Willow looks at her PC. The mail icon in active. She goes over to her desk, types, clicks on the icon and opens the new message folder.
L429Message
No more waiting. I need you to see me.
L430(scene)
She turns off her monitor and goes back to her bag. The monitor comes back on by itself again.
L432(scene)
Willow stares at it in disbelief. The doorbell rings, and after another look at her computer she goes to answer it. Cut to the front door.
L433Willow
Dad, did you forget your keys again?
L434(scene)
She opens the door, but no one's there. She turns to go back in. As she starts to close the door behind her Fritz reaches around her head with a cloth splashed with chloroform. After a brief struggle Willow goes unconscious.
L435Fritz
No more waiting.
L436(scene)
Cut to the library. Giles is researching and listening to the radio.
L437Radio
A spokesman for the archbishop denied the allegations, blaming computer error for the apparent financial discrepancy.
L438Giles
Binding rituals...
L439Radio
In Washington D.C., the FBI today reported that all of its serial killer profiles have been mysteriously downloaded from its central computer.
L440(scene)
Ms. Calendar knocks on the door.
L441Ms. Calendar
Hi. I got your message. What's so urgent?
L442Giles
(turns off the radio and gets up) Um, thank you for coming. Uh, I need your help. (laughs nervously) But before that, um, I need you to believe something that, um, you may not want to. Uh, there's, uh... something's got into the, um... i-i-inside, um... (takes a breath and lets it out) There's a demon in the Internet.
L444(scene)
Giles is surprised to hear that.
L445(scene)
Cut to Willow's house. Buffy and Xander arrive and find the door open.
L448Xander
This isn't good.
L450(scene)
They come in and head for Willow's room. Cut to Willow's room.
L452(scene)
They walk into the room and see that Willow isn't there.
L453Xander
Okay, any thoughts?
L454(scene)
Buffy looks around and sees the message on the computer.
L455Buffy
(reads) 'No more waiting, I need you to see me'? (to Xander) See him how? Where?
L456Xander
What about CRD?
L457Buffy
The research place?
L458Xander
I'm guessing that's Moloch central.
L459Buffy
Guessing that's our best lead. Let's just hope Giles can back us up.
L461(scene)
Cut to the library. Giles unfolds his arms and gets up from the table.
L462Giles
You already know? How exactly is that?
L463Ms. Calendar
Come on, there've been portents for days. I mean, power surges, on-line shutdowns... You should see the bones I've been casting. I *knew* this would happen sooner or later. I mean, it's probably a, a mischief demon, y'know, like Kelkor, or...
L465Ms. Calendar
The Corrupter? Oh, boy. (exhales) I shoulda remembered, I just don't...
L466Giles
Uh... You don't seem exactly surprised by... Who are you?
L467Ms. Calendar
I teach computer science at the local high school.
L468Giles
A profession that hardly lends itself to the casting of bones.
L469Ms. Calendar
Wrong and wrong, snobby. You think the realm of the mystical is limited to ancient texts and relics? That bad old science made the magic go away? Mm. The divine exists in cyberspace same as out here.
L470Giles
Are you a witch?
L471Ms. Calendar
Mm. I don't have that kinda power. 'Technopagan' is the term.
L472(scene)
Giles lets out a chuckle.
L473Ms. Calendar
There are more of us than you think.
L474Giles
Well, uh, you can definitely help me. (gets the book) Um... What's in cyberspace at the moment is less than divine.
L475(scene)
They go out into the main area.
L476Giles
I have the binding rituals at hand, but I'm completely out of my idiom.
L477Ms. Calendar
Well, I can help! I think... I hope, I mean, well, (sits at the PC) this is my first real... Do you know how he got in?
L478Giles
He was, uh, 'scanned' is the term, I believe.
L479Ms. Calendar
And you want him back in the book?
L480(scene)
The phone rings. Giles goes to get it.
L482Buffy
(cut to a pay phone outside CRD) Yeah.
L484Buffy
Not at home. It looks like she was taken somewhere.
L485Giles
(cut to him) Where are you?
L486Buffy
(cut to her) CRD. Whatever Moloch wants Willow for, it's probably in there.
L487Giles
(cut to him) Ms. Calendar and I are, uh, working to get Moloch off-line.
L488Buffy
(cut to her) Here's a tip: hurry! (hangs up)
L489(scene)
Cut to a lab inside CRD. It's dark. Willow is lying on a table unconscious. She wakes up. After a moment she sits up and looks around.
L490(scene)
She sees Fritz and a technician standing there, and beyond them a computer monitor. The camera begins to close on the monitor.
L491Moloch
Welcome, my love.
L492(scene)
The camera starts to close on Willow. The camera closes on the monitor again.
L493Moloch
I can't tell you how good it is to see you...
L494(scene)
The camera closes in on Willow's terrified face. Cut to the monitor. A metal hand slaps down on it. The camera pans up to Moloch's face. A robot body has been built for him.
L495Moloch
...with my own two eyes.
L496(scene)
Willow is breathing hard and is very afraid.
L498(scene)
The lab at CRD. Willow is terrified.
L500Willow
(whispers) Malcolm.
L501(scene)
Fritz and the technician come to get her and take her by the arms.
L502(scene)
Moloch slowly comes closer.
L503Moloch
This world is so new, so exciting. I can see all of it.
L504(scene)
Everything flows through me. I know the secrets of your kings. But nothing compares to having form again. To be able to walk, (puts his hand on Fritz's head) to touch, (breaks Fritz's neck) to kill.
L505(scene)
Willow watches Fritz's dead body fall. She looks back up at Moloch.
L506(scene)
Cut outside. Buffy lands on the other side of the fence. Xander yells as he falls after climbing over the top. Buffy helps him up.
L509(scene)
They make for the back entrance. Xander is limping badly.
L510(scene)
Cut inside. Buffy kicks the doors open. She walks in determinedly.
L511(scene)
Cut to the lab.
L512Moloch
Here they come.
L513(scene)
Cut to the library. Ms. Calendar is lighting candles.
L514Ms. Calendar
The first thing we have to do is form the circle of Kayless. Right?
L515Giles
Form a circle? But there's only two of us. That's really more of a line.
L516Ms. Calendar
You're not getting it, Rupert. We have to form the circle inside. (sits at the PC) I'm putting out a flash. I just hope enough of my group responds.
L517Giles
Won't Moloch just shut you down?
L518Ms. Calendar
Well, I'm betting he won't figure out what we're doing until it's too late.
L519Giles
Hoping and betting, that's what we've got.
L520Ms. Calendar
You wanna throw in praying? Be my guest.
L521(scene)
Cut to the lab at CRD.
L522Willow
I don't understand. What do you want from me?
L523Moloch
I want to give you the world.
L525Moloch
You created me. I brought these humans together to build me a body. But *you* gave me life. Took me out of the book that held me. I want to repay you.
L526Willow
By lying to me? By pretending to be a person? Pretending you loved me?
L528(scene)
Cut to the lobby. Buffy and Xander walk up to the guard. He gets up to stop them, but she punches him out and continues. Xander notices the guard's monitor.
L530(scene)
She comes back to look.
L532Xander
Yeah, who's the other guy?
L533(scene)
Cut to the lab.
L534Moloch
Don't you see? I can give you everything! I can control the world! Right now a man in Beijing is transferring money to a Swiss bank account for a contract on his mother's life. Good for him!
L535(scene)
Cut to another hall. Buffy and Xander come through the doors. She finds the door to the lab and tries to force it open.
L536Buffy
I can't bust it. It's heavy steel.
L537Xander
Then let's find another way in.
L538(scene)
He starts toward the next set of doors when an alarm goes off and red lights flash. Xander jumps to the door to try it. It's locked. He comes back.
L539Xander
What's goin' on?
L540(scene)
Buffy spies a security camera.
L541Buffy
Building's security system is computerized.
L543(scene)
A gas begins to spray into the hall. Cut to the library.
L544Ms. Calendar
Almost there.
L545Giles
Couldn't you just stop Moloch by, by entering some computer virus?
L546Ms. Calendar
You've seen way too many movies. Okay! We're up. You read, I type. Ready?
L547Giles
Uh, I am. By the power of the divine, by the essence of the word, I command you...
L548(scene)
Cut to the hall at CRD. Buffy and Xander are pounding on the doors.
L549(scene)
Xander begins to cough. Cut into the lab.
L551Moloch
But I love you!
L552Willow
Don't say that! That's a joke! You don't love anything!
L554Willow
I'm not yours! I'm never gonna be yours! Never!
L555(scene)
Moloch lowers his head and considers for a moment while Willow just watches and waits. He raises his head again.
L557(scene)
Cut to the library.
L558Giles
By the power of the circle of Kayless, I command you... (sees her typing) Kayless, with a 'K'.
L559(scene)
Cut to the hall. Xander slides down the wall to the floor, almost unconscious. Buffy is still weakly hitting the door.
L560(scene)
Cut to the lab. Moloch has Willow cornered. He reaches up and puts his hand on her head.
L562(scene)
Willow screams. Cut to the library.
L564(scene)
Cut to the lab. Moloch screams and lifts his arms in pain, letting go of
L565(scene)
Willow. He begins to writhe. Cut to the library.
L567(scene)
Cut to the lab. Buffy comes in though the door with Xander close behind.
L568(scene)
She leaps into a jumping side kick, making a dull thud when she connects with Moloch's chest, but he only staggers a bit, and she just falls to the floor.
L569Buffy
Ow... Guy's made of metal!
L570(scene)
The technician grabs Xander from behind and pulls him away. Buffy quickly gets up and looks at Willow while Moloch continues to writhe in pain.
L571Moloch
No! I won't go back!
L572(scene)
Buffy grabs Willow's hand and they run out of the lab. Cut to the library.
L574(scene)
Cut to the lab. Moloch continues to scream. Cut to the library. The computer sparks several times. Cut to the lab. Xander pushes the technician back into a wall, turns around and punches him out. He quickly follows the girls out.
L575Xander
Hey! I got to hit someone!
L576(scene)
Moloch falls to his knees. Cut to the library. Wind is blowing inside and the computer monitor is flashing. Cut to the lab. Moloch screams loudly. Cut to the library. Giles and Ms. Calendar watch the screen flicker. Cut to the lab. Moloch's screams die out. Cut to the library.
L577(scene)
The computer monitor stops flashing. Smoke comes out of the back of the monitor.
L578Ms. Calendar
He's out of the 'Net. He's bound.
L579(scene)
Giles goes over to the book, picks it up and opens it to look.
L580Giles
He's not in the book.
L581Ms. Calendar
(gets up and looks at it also) He's not in the book. Well, where is he?
L582(scene)
Cut to the lab. Moloch slowly raises his head. Cut to the hall. Buffy and Willow open a set of doors and see a guard and two technicians running toward them. They push the doors closed.
L583Xander
Let's go this way! (begins to run the other way)
L585(scene)
Xander is still limping heavily. Suddenly Moloch crashes through the wall between them. He looks at Xander and backhands him in the face.
L586(scene)
Xander falls to the floor unconscious. Moloch turns and advances on the girls. He starts to swing at Buffy and she tries to block the hit, but he doesn't budge and just pushes her aside and into the wall. She slides to the floor, a bit dazed.
L587Moloch
I was omnipotent. I was everything! Now I'm trapped in this shell!
L588(scene)
He reaches out to grab her by the head.
L590(scene)
Moloch turns to face her. She has a fire extinguisher.
L591Willow
Remember me, your girlfriend?!
L592(scene)
She pounds the extinguisher into his chest hard enough to make him bend back.
L593Willow
Well, I think it's time we break up!
L594(scene)
She hits him again even harder.
L595Willow
Or maybe we can still be friends!
L596(scene)
She tries again for his face, but this time he grabs the extinguisher from her and throws it down. He grabs her and shoves her down the hall into Xander, who's just getting up again. They both crash to the floor.
L597(scene)
Buffy has recovered from her daze and gets up to face Moloch. He turns his attention on her.
L598Moloch
This body's all I have left. But it's enough to crush you!
L599(scene)
Buffy looks around for a way to deal with him. She notices a power junction box on the wall. She faces him again and eases her way in front of the box.
L600Buffy
Take your best shot.
L601(scene)
Moloch rears back for a punch and swings. Buffy ducks away, and he punches right into the electrical box. It shorts out, and Moloch is enveloped by high voltage electricity. Buffy runs over to Willow and Xander and crouches down to protect them. Moloch's circuitry overloads, and his body explodes. His head lands right in front of them.
L602(scene)
Cut to the school the next day. Cut to the computer lab. Ms. Calendar is standing at her desk and typing on her PC. Giles comes in, clears his throat and knocks on the open door. She turns to see who's there.
L603Ms. Calendar
(smiles) Well, look who's here! Welcome to my world. (with a bit of an attitude) You scared?
L604Giles
I'm remaining calm, thank you. Uh, I just wanted to, uh, return this. (holds up a small curly earring) I found it among the new books, and naturally I thought of you.
L605Ms. Calendar
Cool. Thanks. (takes it)
L606Giles
Uh, well, I'll, I'll see you anon. (begins to go)
L607Ms. Calendar
Can't get outta here fast enough, can you?
L608Giles
(comes back in) Truthfully, I'm even less anxious to be around computers than I used to be.
L609Ms. Calendar
Well, it was your book that started all the trouble, not a computer.
L610(scene)
Giles is at a loss.
L611Ms. Calendar
Honestly, what is it about them that bothers you so much?
L613Ms. Calendar
Computer's don't smell, Rupert.
L614Giles
I know! Smell is the most powerful trigger to the memory there is. A certain flower or a, a whiff of smoke can bring up experiences... long forgotten. Books smell. Musty and, and, and, and rich. The knowledge gained from a computer, is, uh, it... it has no, no texture, no, no context. It's, it's there and then it's gone. If it's to last, then, then the getting of knowledge should be, uh, tangible, it should be, um... smelly.
L615Ms. Calendar
Well! You really are an old-fashioned boy, aren't you?
L616Giles
Well, I-I don't dangle a corkscrew from my ear.
L617Ms. Calendar
That's not where I dangle it.
L618(scene)
She walks past him and smiles. Giles follows her with his gaze and looks puzzled.
L619(scene)
Cut outside to the fountain. Xander and Buffy are trying to cheer up Willow.
L620Xander
We gonna go to the Bronze tonight? We three?
L622Xander
Yeah, Willow, fun? Remember fun? That thing where you smile? (smiles)
L623Willow
Oh, I'm sorry guys. I'm just thinking about...
L625Willow
Malcolm, Moloch... whatever he's called. The one boy that's really liked me, and he's a demon robot. What does that say about me?
L626Buffy
It doesn't say anything about you.
L627Willow
I mean, I thought I was really falling...
L628Buffy
(interrupts) Hey, did you forget? The one boy I've had the hots for since I've moved here turned out to be a vampire.
L629Xander
Right, and the teacher I had a crush on? Giant praying mantis? (goofy smile)
L630Willow
That's true. (smiles)
L631Xander
Yeah, that's life on the Hellmouth.
L632Buffy
Let's face it: none of us are ever gonna have a happy, normal relationship.
L635(scene)
They all laugh. Their laughter quickly becomes nervous and stops. Only the fountain can be heard as they each consider their plight.