Buffy the Vampire Slayer - A Virtual Season 7 - Episode 13

Lost Memories

by The Devious One (letsrocket_1998@yahoo.com)
Follow the Virtual Season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer by The Devious One Productions at https://deviousone2002.tripod.com/vir7season.htm.

Buffy and all characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, together with the names, titles, and backstory are the sole copyright property of Mutant Enemy, the WB, UPN, and of course, Joss Whedon himself.  No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction.  All other characters, the story ideas and VR season itself are the sole property of the author.  This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way.  Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.

NOTE:  All works remain the © copyright of the original author.  These may not be republished in any way, shape, or form without the written expressed consent or acceptance of the author of the story.

(Anthony Steward Head VO)
"Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer"

The normal Previously on Buffy music cues up.

Various scenes from different episodes are now shown.  They are in the order as follows.

A small compilation of scenes are shown from the Season Premiere of VS7 'Alive Again', ending with Tara's return to life and the Hooded Figure's warning to the Slayer.  Following it are scenes from Returned, depicting Warren's re-appearance during the same time of Tara's re-appearance.  A few scenes are shown showing Warren's strike against Buffy and her friends at the Cemetery.

Next is a small compilation of scenes from 'Ties That Bind' and 'The Boss', depicting Xander and Anya's slowly rebuilding relationship, as well as the troubles Willow and Tara have been going through as they try to renew the relationship they had before Tara's tragic death.  Scenes from the same episodes regarding Buffy and Spike's relationship are shown.

And then, scenes from the episode 'Beneath You' are shown.  The scenes that are shown are the young woman in Germany being killed by the robed figures and the words she spoke that led to Tara's vision of her.  Also shown are the scenes of the worm creature attacking Nancy and Buffy's saving her, followed by the ending sequence of scenes between Buffy and Spike.

Next, scenes from the episodes 'The Test' and 'Selfless' are shown.  From the scenes of Xander and Dawn being captured by the Boss's people to the meeting with Warren and the Boss and including the fight involving Buffy, Willow, and Tara against the six demons, Willow's use of dark magick and Tara's newfound power making an appearance, to Spike saving Xander and Dawn and ending with the Boss's manipulation of Spike during the final scene where Spike attacks a homeless woman.  And the scenes depicting Anya's last wish and her fight with Buffy are shown.

Scenes from 'Revelations' are shown, showing the Harbingers attacking the Gang and taking Spike, and the final scene, in which the Source rises up a hideous beast that is a true full blooded vampire.  And then, scenes from 'Inner Demons' are shown, showing Willow and Tara's battle with Rack to Spike's torment by the Source and the Ubervamp.

And next, scenes from episode 10 'The Sacrifice, Part 1' is shown.  The scenes shown are the Ubervamp's hunting of Buffy, Giles, Anya, Dawn, Willow, and Tara, followed by the conversation Willow and Tara had about possibly leaving Sunnydale when the big battle is over.  The scene showing Buffy's victory over the Ubervamp is shown, followed by the Source's interactions with the demon sorcerer Kronell.  A couple more scenes are shown of Kronell completing the ritual with Warren's unexpected appearance towards the end and ending with the Source's visit to the Council of Watcher's headquarters in London and the Harbingers attack against Xander, Andrew, and Jonathan at Xander's apartment.

Following those scenes are scenes from the episode 'The Sacrifice, Part 2' are shown.  Beginning with the gang finding Xander, Andrew, and Jonathan unconscious, to Buffy, Xander, and Giles's meeting with the Old Woman, to Buffy's slaying of Kronell, and with the climactic scenes of saving Tara and Buffy's fight with Warren, and ending with the appearance of Michael, and the sad goodbye Tara made to her friends as she left with Michael to return to the Higher Realms.

And finally, scenes are shown from the episode 'Alternate Possibilities' showing Buffy's time in the parallel reality.  Showing the Coalition of Demons and Vampires, Buffy's meeting with Willow and Xander and later Tara and then the subsequent battles with Angelus and Spike.  The compilation ends with showing the scenes of Skips final words to Buffy and then Tara's shocking reappearance at the Magic Box.

EXT. The Summers Residence, the Living Room - Night.

It is less than two hours since the ending of 'Alternate Possibilities'.  Shortly after uttering those words, Tara's state of exhaustion caused her to lose consciousness once more and the group decided to return to the house.

At the current moment, Tara is in her and Willow's room, asleep with the redhead upstairs with her, taking care of her.  The shot, however, opens on the living room where we see BUFFY, XANDER, DAWN, and GILES assembled there.  They are talking, but they all watch the stairs every few seconds.

Buffy
Giles, I don't get it.  I mean, the Powers sent that Michael guy to take Tara to the Higher Realm.  Did they do it just to bring her back without her memory?  None of this is making any sense.

Giles sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose as he stands near the foyer.

Giles
I'll admit that I am just as perplexed by this news as you are, Buffy.  But, obviously the Powers That Be have a purpose for allowing Tara to be returned here.  As to the memory loss, we will have to do some research and come to some kind of explanation.  In the meantime, we should just be thankful.

Buffy
Well, of course I'm thankful Giles.  I mean, look how Willow was when Tara left.  I've already seen the changes.  Of course I'm happy.  But I'm also concerned about the Source.  When he catches wind of Tara's return, who knows what he'll do.  We don't even know yet how Tara being the Pure One fits in with the Source's ultimate goal.

Giles
I imagine we'll find out soon.  Once Tara's rested, I'll speak with her and see if her entire memory is gone.

They all look up as they hear sounds at the stairs.  The shot pans to the stairs to reveal WILLOW, slowly walking down the steps, tears dried on her cheeks, but she is otherwise alright.  She stops on the last step and looks at them.

Dawn
How's Tara, Willow?

Willow
She's asleep.  She doesn't recognize me.

Giles
We'll get to the bottom of this, Willow.  I promise you.

Willow
(she nods)
We need to find out why she's back.  She had to be brought back for a reason.  I can't ignore the danger we're in anymore. (a pause) When she first came back that night, I thought that if we could just be together, nothing else would matter.  Now, I know before we can be together, we have to stop the Source.

Buffy
And we will, Willow.  It's just going to take some time.

Willow
And that starts with those scrolls that the Bringers stole from Xander's.  We have to get them back.

Xander
What are you suggesting, Will?

Willow
(taking a breath)
We know where's his hideout is.  Let's take the scrolls back.

There is silence as they look at Willow's serious and determined face.  Buffy nods.

Cut to:

INT. The Source's Lair, Time Lapse - Night.

The shot opens on the flaming ambers of a fire at the fireplace on the ground level of the mansion.  We slowly pan back to reveal a figure standing there, watching the flames spark upon the wood laying there.  The shot slowly pans upward to reveal that it is THE SOURCE, a cigar in his hand, staring at the flames, a contemplative look on his face.  The Source is wearing his normal white suit, though without the white blazer over his shoulders.

The Source turns as he, and we, hear footsteps coming from just behind him.  The shot pans back to show that BRUJAH is walking towards him.  Brujah stops a few feet from him and lowers to one knee before rising.

The Source
Well...

Brujah
It's true, boss.  I stayed a good distance away, but I saw them take her from that shop to the Slayer's house.

The Source
I thought so.  I felt her presence back on this Earth.  The only question that remains now...is why?

Brujah
Sir?

The Source
(taking a drag of his cigar)
The Powers sent their angel to collect her, but now they've returned her?  Does that make sense to you? (a pause) I know they don't want me to succeed, so why have they let her return?

Brujah
Perhaps...she requested to return.  Perhaps she was concerned for the state of her lover.

The Source
(nodding once)
Perhaps.  I must know more, Brujah.  I think it's time the Pure One and myself finally talk.  It's been long overdue.

The Source smiles as he once again regards the flames.

Opening Credits:

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Nicholas Brendan

Allyson Hannigan

Emma Caulfield

Michelle Trachtenberg

James Marsters

&
Amber Benson as Tara

Gratuitous Group Shots

Special Guest Stars
Jason Isaacs
Andy Umberger
&
Anthony Steward Head as Giles

Cut to:

EXT. The Summers Residence, Willow & Tara's Bedroom - Morning.

The shot opens on this scene from the window in Willow & Tara's bedroom.  Early morning sunshine breezes in through the partially opened curtains to emit light into the bedroom.  The shot slowly pans around to reveal TARA, in her bathrobe as she had just recently stepped out of the shower.

Tara is sitting on the end of the bed, her hair still wet and combed back.  The blonde witch is staring at the window.  Every few seconds, her face twitches and it isn't until after a few moments that we discover that she is experiencing flashes of memories.

The shot stays on her face as we see, right along with her, what the memories are.  In flashes, we see the bullet ripping through the window, then we see Willow's white shirt with Tara's blood hitting it.  We see it from Tara's perspective.

Tara shakes her head to clear of the flashes as we hear a sound just behind Tara.  She turns and looks at the doorway of the bedroom to reveal WILLOW, standing there uncertainly and gazing back at the blonde haired woman.

Willow
(softly, as to not spook her)
H-hi.

Tara
Hey.

Tara motions Willow to come closer and the redhead does so.  Willow is only dressed in her dark red silk bathrobe.  She has just finished with her shower as well.  She crosses her arms over her chest as she looks at Tara.

Willow
How are you feeling, Tara?

Tara
I'm still a little tired, but I don't wanna sleep anymore.  I just...I wanna get all my memories back.

Willow
We're going to see about doing that today. (a pause) I'm just glad your not running out of here.

Tara
(looking around the room)
I looked at all the pictures you have in the room.  Even if I hadn't seen them, I would know that you wouldn't hurt me. (she pauses) I've been getting these flashes.  I think they're memories.  Of us.  But I know that I can trust you.

Willow
I'm glad.

Tara
So, how are you going to help me get these memories back?

Willow
(sitting down beside her)
Well, Giles and Xander are looking through the books on memory loss.  There's a spell Giles knows that might help restore your memories.  But, while they're doing that, Buffy wanted to kind of explain a lot about all of us and where you fit in with our lives.  Whenever your up to it, we can begin.

Tara looks at her hands and the shot pans down to show that she's rubbing her fingers.

Tara
I think...I think the sooner we can do this, the better.

Willow nods and moves to get up.  Before she can, however, Tara reaches over and grips one of Willow's hands, squeezing the fingers.  Willow glances at Tara.

Tara
(gazing at Willow)
You love me, don't you?

Willow
(swallowing a lump in her throat)
V-very much.

Tara
(nods)
I kind of get that feeling coming from you.  And I think, no, I know that I love you too.  Even if I can't remember everything, I can feel how much you mean to me.

The two share a smile.

Cut to:

INT. Lower Realm, Time Lapse - Morning.

The lower realms are home to the more dangerous demons in existence.  One of those demons is the overall leader of the entire race of vengeance demons, D'Hoffryn.  As the shot opens, we see D'HOFFRYN walking through a dark corridor, towards his personal chambers.  As he enters the dark, stony chambers, he pulls to a stop.

The shot pans around to reveal THE SOURCE standing there, his white suit visible even in the dark atmosphere.  The Source regards the demon in silence.  D'Hoffryn stays silence as he stares at the Source.

D'Hoffryn
The Source of All Evil.  Gracing the Lower Realms with his presence.  My my, this is a surprise.

The Source
Please don't flatter yourself, D'Hoffryn.  I have business to discuss with you.

D'Hoffryn
What's on your mind?

The Source
I've been watching things lately and I am curious as to what you plan on doing to Anyanka.  She's already sided with the Slayer during the upcoming battles between us.

D'Hoffryn
What do you mean?

The Source
D'Hoffryn, either you are on my side or theirs.  You need to choose.  Because if you are my enemy, I would prefer to know that now.

D'Hoffryn
I am not your enemy, Source.  And I certainly am not a friend to the Slayer.

The Source
That's good to know. (a pause) Now, why haven't you punished Anyanka for her treacherous ways?

D'Hoffryn
Ever since you have stepped forward in the Hellmouth, things have been very hectic down here.  I just have not time to dwell on Anyanka's decisions as of late.

The Source
(walking over)
Let me simplify things for you, then.  The Lower Realms exist to assist me in my plans.  If the Lower Realms stop assisting me, then they are no longer of any use.  And I eliminate anything that does not have use to me.  Do you understand what I am saying, D'Hoffryn?

D'Hoffryn
(staring at the Source)
I understand.  What would you like me to do?

The Source
(smiling)
Anyanka is their link to the demon world.  That link needs to be removed.

D'Hoffryn
I will see to it, Source.

The Source
Make sure you do because otherwise.....well, let's just say, I would hate to lose the Lower Realms and all the beings that live here.

Seeing that the unspoken threat was clearly understood, the Source turns and begins walking away, vanishing from sight with each step until he is gone.

Cut to:

INT. The Summers Residence, the Dining Room, Time Lapse - Late Morning.

The shot opens on the surface of the dining room table.  We slowly pan back and over to show who is sitting at the table.  We see BUFFY, XANDER, GILES, DAWN, ANYA, WILLOW, and TARA sitting around the table.  They are not eating dinner or lunch, but rather they look awkward as there is a silence.

Giles
Well, we should go ahead and begin this.  It's going to be hard to say as it is.

Tara
(looking at them)
Were things....that bad here?

Buffy
For a while, yes.  A lot of bad things have happened to you Tara, but there have also been some good things.  I guess let's get started.

Dawn
I can start I guess. (a beat passes) Tara, you first met Willow at the Wicca Group meeting that's at the campus at UC Sunnydale.  I guess you could say it was love at first sight, even if it is a tired cliché.  There were these demons called the Gentlemen attacking and you thought you and Willow might be able to help get everyone's voices back because the Gentlemen had taken them.

Tara
Taken voices?

Dawn
Yeah.  Well, everything worked out in the end and you and Willow became close friends right away.  It continued like that for a while.

Dawn stops, not sure how to proceed.

Xander
(taking over)
Then, well, feelings developed between you two and it all hit the fan when Will's ex-boyfriend came back to Sunnydale.  His name was Oz.  I won't go into all the details, but by the time it was over, Willow chose you over him.  And you two were officially a couple, doing couply things.

Tara
(smiling shyly)
A couple.

Anya
Yes, you two were very happy back then.  Always walking around holding hands or sharing kisses, regardless of where you were.  I mean, that kind of surprised me because I remember how shy you were.  You were just never shy when it came to your feelings for Willow. (she pauses) It was a happy time for everyone back then.

Tara
(noticing tension beginning to build)
Did something bad happen then?

Buffy
Yeah...each year, it seems, a new bad guy comes to town.  We call them the 'big bads'.  And this one was a Goddess.  Her name was Glory.  She nearly ended the world and killed us all.

Tara
She was bad news then?

Buffy
Very. (looking at her sister for a beat) See, Glory needed something called the Key to open a portal that would take her to her home dimension.  That portal would have destroyed all realities.  Glory had to share a body with a guy named Ben.

Giles
(picking up the lead)
The thing about Glory, in order for her to maintain her stability, her sanity, she needed to drain certain brain energy out of others.  That brain energy kept her sane but it took the sanity away from those she touched, made them clinically insane.

Tara
She's a brain sucker. (a pause as her eyes widen) I've said that before.

Willow
Yeah, Tara, you did.  You said that when we first found out about the brain sucking.

Buffy
Tara, closer to the end of our fight with her, she came to believe that you were the Key in human form. She came to you and when she realized her mistake, she gave you a choice to tell her who was the Key, but you refused.  She took your sanity.

Tara looked at the table, unsure of what to say.  She felt tears stinging her eyes and wasn't sure why.  She looked back up after a few moments and saw the looks of compassion that were shed her way.

Tara
What happened then?

Dawn
Well, see, these Monks had sent the Key to Buffy to protect.  They made the Key human and that human was me.  Eventually, Glory found out and we were all on the run.  Glory ended up capturing me and there was this big battle.

Anya
And Willow had found a powerful dark magick spell that reversed what was done to you.  She took your sanity back from Glory and it kind of weakened Glory a tad bit.  Glory was beaten, but it came at a price.

Tara
What price?

Buffy
(taking a deep breath)
The portal had been opened and only a death would close it.  My death.  I died in the process.

Tara's eyes widened as the shock of those words permeated.

Tara
You...

Buffy
(nodding)
Yeah, I died.  And for three months, I remained dead.  But things changed in Sunnydale.  You and Willow moved into the house and sort of took up the leadership role that I had previously.  You sort of took care of Dawn's needs. (a pause) Remember we said that Willow used a dark magick spell?

Tara
Yes.

Willow takes a deep breath, knowing all of what was coming and finding herself not ready to face it.  But she also knew she had to.  It was the only way for Tara to understand.

Giles
Well, in the months after Buffy's death, Willow had secretly begun to mess with dark magick, doing small spells at first, just learning more about dark magick.  She eventually found a spell that would resurrect Buffy because she believed Buffy was in hell.

Buffy
But I wasn't.

Tara
Oh.

Xander
And even though it went against our better judgment, we all agreed to do this.  We did the spell and brought Buffy back.  And life went on in Sunnydale.  Buffy kept her being in Heaven secret from us, Willow kept using more and more magick for daily life, depending more and more on it, and Giles kind of went to England.

Tara
Okay.

Anya
That's when things started going badly again.  See, Willow had become incredibly dependant on magick.  She used it to do everything, even the things she could have done with her hands.

Dawn
It got so bad that the issue became an argument between you two that started getting worse and worse.  That's when Willow...she....

Willow (VO)
(the shot is on Tara)
I used a forget spell to make you forget the fight.

There is silence for a moment as Tara digests the words.  Then, she slowly turns to look at Willow, who has a despondent look on her face.

Tara
Wh...why did you do that?

Tara said the words with the same confusion and hurt that she'd felt when she first learned of the spell.  It was as if she was reliving the experience.

Willow
(looking up)
I...I was so afraid of losing you, Tara.  I couldn't handle it.

Tara stands up.  Buffy and Willow rises as well.

Tara
I-I'm sorry....I need to take a walk.  I won't be gone long, I just need to be alone.

Tara turns and walks away without waiting for a reply.  It leaves the others looking on with concern.

Fade to:

INT. Along a Street in Sunnydale, Time Lapse - Early Afternoon.

The shot fades from the dining room to a stretch of sidewalk along one of the streets as we see TARA walking along the sidewalk, looking around, searching for anything that looks familiar to her.  She is deep in thought, so a figure steps in her path, she almost collides with him.  She stops.

Tara
Oh, I'm sorry.

The shot is on her, so we don't see who it is.  We pan around to reveal, THE SOURCE.

The Source
Hello, Pure One.

Tara shows shock, knowing the words are familiar to her, as is the voice, but not recognizing it.  She just recognizes the voice as someone who is not a friend.  She starts to back up.

Only to find that two HARBINGERS are standing behind her.  They grab her arms.

The Source
Let's go somewhere to have a chat, shall we?

The Source begins walking into an alley, the Harbingers bringing Tara along behind him.

Cut to:

Commercial Break.

Cut to:

EXT. The Source's Mansion, Time Lapse - Afternoon.

As the shot slowly opens, we see TARA standing on the ground level of the mansion, looking around.  She has a nervous look about her face.  We pan around to slowly reveal THE SOURCE, standing next to the fireplace, just watching Tara.

The Source
I could have a chair brought in here if you'd prefer to sit.

Tara
I just wanna know why I'm here.

The Source
You're here because we've been needing this conversation for some time.

Tara
What conversation?

The Source
The one we're about to have.  In case you haven't guessed, your the Pure One.

Tara
Pure One?

The Source
(tilts his head as he realizes something that had eluded him before)
You don't recognize me or yourself at all, do you?

Tara
Not really.  Who are you?

The Source
My...this makes things interesting.  I am the bad guy, Miss Maclay and you are the Pure One.

Tara
Why do you keep saying that?

The Source
Because you were born for one purpose.  To ensure my victory.

Tara just watches him as he walks around the ground level.

The Source
How much about yourself do you remember?

Tara
Buffy has been telling me about my recent past with them.

The Source
And you still want to remain with them...

Tara
They are my family.  I can feel it.

The Source
Even after what they did to you?

Tara
(scrunching her forehead in thought)
What they did to me?

The Source
(smiles)
Oh...you don't know.

Tara just looks at him.

Cut to:

INT. The Summers Residence, the Living Room, Time Lapse - Afternoon.

The shot opens on the front door to the house as it is opened when XANDER and ANYA enter from their search.  We pan around to show that BUFFY, WILLOW, DAWN, and GILES are already present.  Willow rushes over as the two enter the house.

Xander
Sorry Will, but we couldn't find her.

Willow
Where did you look?

Anya
We went to UC Sunnydale.  There wasn't any trace of her and I couldn't feel her aura anywhere in the area.

Buffy
She probably just went walking down through the district.  I mean, you and Tara always went to a lot of restaurants.  Maybe she just went looking for any familiar places.

Willow
We need to go look.

Buffy
Willow...

Willow
Buffy, I have to know she's okay.  Ever since she left, I've had this intense worry. I can't rest until I know she's okay.

Giles
Alright, let's split up then.  Buffy, you and Willow search through the district with all the restaurants, I'll make sure she didn't get hurt by checking the hospitals.  Anya, can you check with any of your connections to see if you can spot her that way?

Anya
I can try, but I'm not sure if they'll help.

Giles
Just try.

Anya
Okay.

Giles
And Xander and Dawn can check the park.  If I recall, she liked to spend some evenings at the park.

Dawn
Yeah, she did.

Buffy
Alright everybody, let's get going.

They head out the door while Anya lets herself dissolve in her customary transporting sequence.

Cut to:

INT. The Source's Lair, Time Lapse - Afternoon.

We are back to the conversations involving TARA and THE SOURCE.  He is smiling at her expression.

Tara
You said they did something to me?

The Source
That's right.

Tara
What are you saying they did?

The Source
Which would you like to hear about first?  The part where your precious Willow deceived you with a forget spell.....or the part where as soon as you and Willow broke up, they pretty much stopped talking to you?

Tara
(shaking her head)
That's not true.

The Source
Yes it is.  Search your heart and you'll know it is true.  This is the time of choosing, Tara.  You have a choice to make.  If you stay with your so called 'friends', you will end up dying.

Tara
I'll die if I side with you, anyway.

The Source
Is that what you think?

Tara
That's what I know.

The Source walks closer to her.

The Source
You...are so lost Tara.  You have no idea of who you are.  But I know.  And I know who you will become.  The only reason I've brought you here is to help you become that person.

Tara looks uncertain, not sure what she should do.

Cut to:

INT. Street in Sunnydale, Time Lapse - Late Afternoon.

The shot opens directly on BUFFY and WILLOW as the two are hurrying down the same sidewalk that Tara had been walking down when the Source and his Harbingers took her.  After a few moments of walking, they are closing in on the alley where she was taken.

Willow suddenly stops and looks at the alley for a second, then at the area around them.  Buffy stops as well, eyeing her friend with concern.

Buffy
Will?

Willow holds a finger out, indicating Buffy to be quiet for a moment.  Willow closes her eyes and takes a few breaths.  There is silence between the two for a few seconds before she opens her eyes again and looks at Buffy.

Willow
She was here, Buffy.

Buffy
Are you sure?

Willow
Yes.  I can feel her.  She was here, but something happened. (a beat) This way.

She starts walking down the alley while Buffy trails along behind her.  They walk down the alley, almost to the end of it before Willow stops again.

Willow
She was here too.  Then....Buffy, I think someone took her.

Buffy
(instantly concerned)
What?

Willow
I felt her at the beginning of the alley....I think she might have been taken down here, but then the connection we have.....I stopped feeling it right here.

Buffy
Son of a...

Willow
What?

Buffy
I think I might have an idea of who took her.

Before Willow can reply, they are visited when the air ripples and ANYA appears right next to them.

Anya
Willow, Buffy, I located her.

Willow
Where's Tara?

Anya
I didn't have to use my connections, but I know what her aura feels and looks like so I sort of tracked it.  And your right, she was here. (a pause) The Source, his goons nabbed her and they've taken her to the mansion.

Buffy
That's what I thought happened.

Willow
But...Buffy, she's not sure about anything right now.  What if he kind of manipulates her into thinking we're the enemy.

Buffy
All the more reason for us to go get her out of there.  Anya, can you find the others and tell them to meet us at the Magic Box?

Anya
Alright on it.

Anya disappears in a flash of light and Willow and Buffy turn to start the trek to the Magic Box.

Cut to:

INT. The Source's Lair, Time Lapse - Afternoon.

It is a little later at the mansion.  A chair has been brought into the main chamber and we see that TARA is sitting in it as the shot opens on her face.  We pan back to also reveal that THE SOURCE is standing near the fireplace, leaning against the wall and looking at Tara.

The Source
You still think I'm the bad guy, don't you?

Tara
I don't know what to think.

The Source
Trust your instincts, Tara.  Our instincts are what guides us.

Tara
(looking at him)
I know what my instincts are telling me.

The Source
And what is that?

Tara
They're telling me that your not my friend.

The Source
Your right.  I'm not.

Tara
Then what are you to me?

The Source
I'll do many things, Tara, but I won't lie.  I've never lied to anyone and I won't start now.  I am your enemy.  Dont doubt me on that.

Tara
Then you are going to kill me.

The Source
(walking over)
No.  I'm not going to kill you today.  What I am going to do, however, is give you a choice.

Tara
What choice?

The Source
Join me.  I can ensure you all the riches of the world.  I can give you whatever it is that your require.  All you have to do, is join my cause.

Tara
Why would I join you?

The Source
To save those you love.

Tara's eyebrows hike upward as the words register.  She shakes her head, more unsure now than ever of what she should say or do.  She stays quiet and the Source's smile widens.

Cut to:

Commercial Break.

Cut to:

EXT. The Magic Box, Front Area, Time Lapse - Late Afternoon.

Everyone is there.  BUFFY, GILES, XANDER, ANYA, DAWN, and WILLOW are loading themselves up for the rescue mission.  Most of them have been at that mansion once before when it was Angelus that habited there.  Now, the threat is much more dangerous, and the reason for going is more personal.

Buffy
(hefting an axe)
Alright, is everybody ready?  This is not going to be pleasant Dawn.

Dawn
I know, but Tara's...she means a lot to me too, Buffy. I have to do what I can to help.

Buffy
Okay.

Giles
Buffy, shouldn't we have a plan going in?

Buffy
Willow's already got one.

They look over at Willow.  She stands from her spot at the table.

Willow
I've been looking at the blueprints of the mansion.  One of the reasons Angelus chose it back then was because it had more than one exit.  There's a tunnel that leads underneath it.  Buffy and I will use that and reach the basement of the mansion.  The rest of you just go through the front.

Xander
That's a little risky, Will.  What if those Harbingers and the vampires are around?

Buffy
He's right.  Okay, here's what we'll do. (she looks at Willow) Willow and I will go through the front.  You guys enter through the back entrance.  That way, we'll have surrounded the place.  If the Source is there, it's likely he'll just vanish before we can get to him. (she pauses) And if they're are Harbingers or vampires there, we'll fight them and beat them.  Any questions?

Predictably, there is none.

Buffy
Let's go.

Cut to:

INT. Sunnydale Cemetery, Time Lapse - Late Afternoon.

In the daytime, the cemetery is mostly empty of demons or vampires.  However, in one of the crypts, two vampires are there, talking.  The opens on the stone floor of the crypt.  We pan upward to reveal SPIKE and RAVNOS.  RAVNOS is pacing back and forth, staying away from the rays of light that is streaming through the cracks in the walls.  Spike is watching him pace.

Ravnos
I'm finished, I tell you.

Spike
Relax, mate.

Ravnos glares at him with indignation.

Ravnos
Relax!  How can I?!  In case you've forgotten, the Source of All Evil has issued a bounty on me and you!  How can YOU be so damned calm about this?!

Spike
I've had people put bounties on me before, mate.  And beside, I know what side I'm on.

Ravnos
Oh yeah, your fighting the Source!  What about me?  I can't show my face anywhere now!

Spike
If you're that worried, then just leave Sunnydale.  Go to LA or somewhere.

Ravnos
Oh, that's a great idea.  Go to the city where Angel lives.  That's real smart.

Spike gets off the crypt he's sitting on and walks over to a wooden table set against the wall.  We can now see that, though he's still injured, he is much more healed than when he was in the Source's possession.  He picks up a glass with blood in it and sips from it.

Spike
Well, once you keep up with your part of the deal, you can do whatever you want.

Ravnos
Fine.

Spike sips more of his blood, but doesn't comment any further.

Cut to:

INT. The Source's Lair, Time Lapse - Evening.

We are back at the main room at the mansion.  The shot opens and we see that THE SOURCE is smoking a cigar while sitting on a chair near the fireplace.  TARA is standing near the far wall, where she was sitting at the chair.

The Source
Have you considered my proposal, Tara?

Tara
I've thought about it.

The Source
Have you made a decision?

Tara
(nods)
Yes.

The Source
(exhales some cigar smoke)
I'm anxious to hear your answer.

Tara lifts her head and stares at the Source with a sense of courage that she showed Glory when the Goddess had been searching for the Key.  She keeps his gaze locked on her eyes.

Tara
You think that because I can't remember everything about my life that you can manipulate me into serving you...your 'cause'.  Your mistaken.  I may not have all of my memories, but there are two things I know for certain. (she pauses) One is....you are not my friend as you've said and you will not keep your word.  And two, I made a mistake in leaving the house.  Those people, they are my family.  I can feel that deep in here. (she taps her chest)

The arrogant and smug demeanor that the Source had on his face changes almost instantly.  He had been so sure that a little convincing was all he would need to lure her into joining his cause.  Seeing that he had overestimated her, a flash of anger surges through him.

The Source
You've made a mistake, Pure One.  And I can promise you, it will be the last mistake you EVER make!

The Source turns his head to summon a Harbinger to take her to a cell, but the sound of the front doors crashing open stops him as he turns around to glare at the intruders.

The shot shows BUFFY and WILLOW as they enter.  A few moments later, a second crashing sound is heard and we hear fighting sounds before we then see GILES, XANDER, ANYA, and DAWN emerge.

The shot shows the Source's reaction.  He smirks, looking at them as Willow rushes over to Tara.

Willow
Tara!  Are you alright?

Tara
(smiling)
I am now.

Willow keeps a hold of Tara's hand as she looks at the Source.  He is still smiling, staring at the group that surrounds him.

Willow
Why are you smiling?

The Source
It's amazing.  Each and every time you people always seem to fall into the setup!  It's truly astounding.

And it isn't until he said that...that Buffy notices the vampire soldiers and Harbingers that now surround them.

Buffy
Okay guys...we asked for a fight.....and we have one.

They split up in different directions as the Vampire Soldiers and the Harbingers attack.  Buffy kicks one Harbinger down and uses her axe to behead a vampire, dusting it.  She turns and runs forward three steps, whipping her axe out and across, beheading two more vamps before she embeds the axe into the chest of a Harbinger.  She pulls the axe out as the Harbinger collapses to the ground, dead.  She turns and engages more of the foes in battle.

Dawn and Anya fight together.  Dawn has a sword and, using the lessons that Buffy showed her, she fights expertly against two Harbingers.  One of the Harbingers tries to stab her with a dagger, but she moves out of the way before she swings the sword, taking the Harbinger's head.  The Harbinger collapses.  She turns with the sword held out and the other Harbinger inadvertently impales himself on the sword, killing himself instantly.  Anya uses her demon powers and sets two vampires on fire, watching the vamps burn to ashes.  While not using as much energy as Dawn, Anya still gets the job done.

Xander and Giles each are holding a wooden stake as they fight against vampire soldiers.  Two soldiers are against Giles and two are against Xander.  Giles steps forward and, without preamble, stakes one vampire, while lifting a knee and catching the other vampire in the gut.  When he boils over from the impact, Giles stakes his heart through the back.  It is dusted.  A vampire grabs Xander and tosses him to the ground.  The vampire is about to sink his teeth into Xander when he grabs the stake dusts the vamp.  Xander gets to his feet and pulls out another stake and it's airborne, staking the other vamp and dusting it.

There are three vampires heading at Willow and Tara.  Tara looks very frightened, seeing as this is her first active memory of facing the other worldly menace.  She looks at Willow and sees the gentle smile on the redhead's face.  Willow reaches her hand out and Tara tentatively grasps it, squeezing the hand tightly.  Pulses of energy surge through both their bodies, some of Willow's magick surging through Tara and some of Tara's pure energy surging into Willow, uniting their power.  Both witches reach their free hands outward and flashes of powerful magick surge from their fingers, destroying the vampires in mere moments.

All is silent as the rest of the Harbingers and vampires are quickly taken care of.  Then, all that's left are Willow, Tara, Buffy, Giles, Xander, Dawn, and Anya.  Even the Source has vanished from sight.  Buffy pulls her axe out of a Harbinger and looks around.

Buffy
Wow, I guess that's it.

Giles
Seems like it.

Buffy
Giles?

The Watcher shakes his head.  With Tara saved from the Source, the group of close knit friends begin to leave the mansion.  As the shot shows them leaving, it pans upward, at the second level's point of view and we see the shoulder and profile of the Source, watching them go, an unreadable look on his face.

Cut to:

Commercial Break.

Cut to:

EXT. The Summers Residence, the Living Room - Night.

Nighttime has fallen over Sunnydale.  Since leaving the mansion, they returned to the house to make sure Tara was completely alright and to give them time to regroup over the recent confrontation with the Source.  To say they were frustrated with his attacks was pointless to say the least.

Buffy
I wish I knew where the Source went while we were fighting those Harbingers.

Dawn
And vampires.

Xander
Well, like any good big bad, he's waiting to savor the fights between us.

Giles
That's not necessarily what I was thinking.

Buffy
Giles, you had that same weird look on your face at the mansion. What's up?

Seeing as they all were now glancing at him, Giles sighed.

Giles
Buffy, I'm not so sure we won today.

Buffy
Well, of course we did.  I mean, he wanted Tara, we got there, beat his minions and won.  What would you call it?

Giles
Buffy, your forgetting something.  Do you remember when the Harbingers attacked us at the shop?  Do you remember how many of them there were?  Plus, where was Brujah and all the vampires?  What we faced tonight was not his usual army. (a pause) If his agenda here was to keep Tara in his possession, then wouldn't every one of his Harbingers, every one of his vampires have been there, keeping the place secured?

They are silent, acknowledging the truth in his words.

Buffy
What are you saying Giles?

Giles
I'm saying....that I think he was expecting us to show up and save Tara.  I don't think keeping her there was in his plans.

Willow
You think he had another agenda.

Giles
Yes.

The silence now is uncomfortable.  Tara grips Willow's hand tighter, feeling a little unnerved.  Willow squeezes the fingers she holds comfortingly.

Giles
I'm fairly certain the majority of his troops, including Brujah may have been securing whatever his agenda was why we were kept busy at the mansion.

Tara
(almost monotone)
'Each and every time you people always seem to fall into the setup'.  Isn't that what he said to us?

Buffy
Yeah...he wasn't talking about the vamps and Harbingers that surrounded us....he was talking about whatever he was doing.  Whatever we don't know about.

Another few moments of silence reigns until Tara clears it by speaking.

Tara
That guy said something to me.  He was saying that Willow used a spell on me.  I need to know if that's true. And I need you guys to finish telling me everything from the point you left off.

Willow closed her eyes, knowing the harder part of the explaining was coming up now.

Willow
(whispering)
Okay.

The others stare compassionately at Willow before they begin the explanations of the past year and a half to Tara.

Cut to:

INT. The Source's Underground Lair, Time Lapse - Night.

The Source walks along the corridors in the caverns below the mansion until he reached the one he had been heading towards.  As the shot opens, we see him moving through the corridors, knowing them by appearance alone.  He walks into a large cavern, slowly coming to a stop.

We pan around to reveal Brujah, staring at three men in black capes and robes.  The three men are DARK MYSTICS who practice powerful dark magick and have the ability to extract and restore souls.  They are from Los Angeles.

The Source waits for Brujah to walk over to him.

The Source
Brujah, does anyone know of their presence here?

Brujah
No one that would notify the Slayer.  The only ones who know are the Oracles and other practitioners of dark magick.

The Source
Very well.  I do not want the Slayer learning of their presence here.

The Source walks over to the Mystics.

The Source
Dark Mystics, I thank you for making your appearance here prompt.

The Mystic in the middle, Mystic #1, steps forward.

Mystic #1
When the great Source of All Evil requests, we cannot refuse.

The Source
That's good to know.  You have been informed as to why I have requested you?

Mystic #1
Yes, your acolyte has informed us of what you require.  However, my brethren and I have some concerns.

The Source
Let's hear them.

Mystic #2
We have been informed that the last practitioner of dark magick you requested ended in death at the hands of the Slayer.  We do not wish to share that same fate.

The Source
I understand your concerns, Mystics.  But rest assured of two things.  One, she is not aware of your presence and if she should learn of it, I will keep you safe.

Mystic #3
If our safety is threatened, we cannot perform your ritual.

The Source
(chuckles)
Rest assured.  I said two things.  Well, rest assured that you have no choice here.  If you refuse to perform this ritual, I will simply kill you.  Then, I will kill your families and ensure that your bloodline dies with your children.  Are we understood?

Mystic #1
Perfectly.

The Source
Excellent.  Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about the ritual.  Do you have everything you need?

Mystic #1
Yes.  Do you have the scrolls?

The Source snaps his left hand fingers and holds his hand up.  A small bag is placed on it.  He shows the bag to the Mystics.  Mystic #1 takes the bag and pulls the contents out.  It is the SCROLLS OF THE FINAL APOCALYPSE.

Mystic #3
How did you get ahold of these?  We know they were locked in museums with barriers against dark magick.

The Source
Well, two very smart thieves got them for me and then gave them to the Slayer...

Mystic #1
The Slayer!

The Source
Yes, but then that was my plan.  I took them from her before they could decipher anything on them.  Don't worry, they don't know anything about the contents of these scrolls.

The Mystics look relieved.

Mystic #1
When would you like the ritual to be performed?

The Source
Tomorrow night.  The moon will be full and certain stars will be in alignment for this ritual to work correctly.

The Mystics nod in agreement, or subjection.  The Source looks supremely smug, another one of his plans about to become successful.

Cut to:

INT. The Summers House, the Living Room, Time Lapse - Night.

The shot opens to reveal BUFFY, WILLOW, TARA, XANDER, DAWN, ANYA, and GILES sitting in the living room, just now finishing the explanations of the recent history for Tara.  They told her about the problems involving Warren, Andrew, and Jonathan to Willow's dependancy and later 'addiction' to magick.

And from there to telling her about the armored car heist that Buffy foiled to Warren's last act at the house, shooting Buffy and killing Tara to Willow's quest for vengeance.  Then, they explained about Tara's resurrection by the Powers as the Pure One and everything up to the point that things are now.

And as they finished, Tara looked a little lost, but more sure of herself than she was before.  She looked at the despondent looking Willow and cupped her face.  Willow hesitantly looked up.

Tara
If I took you back before...when I had my memories...then I think it's safe to say that I forgave you.  And if you need to hear it, I forgive you Willow. (a pause) I know I don't remember everything yet, but I do know this.  You guys are my family.  I love you all, but I am so deeply in love with Willow that nothing could change that.  I love you, honey.

Shot of Willow's face.

The redheaded witch is very close to crying, on the verge of tears.  She takes several deep breaths and closes her eyes.  A moment later, she feels the soft lips gently pressing against her own.  She peeks out to see Tara's own face at close range.  Willow kisses her back.

The others smile, embarrassed at the display of emotion, but not embarrassed by them.  They politely look down as the kiss continues for a few seconds before Tara pulls back.

Tara looks back at them, a smile gracing her lips and Willow leans back as well, trying to get her breathing back to normal.  As always, Willow is amazed at the reaction a single Tara kiss can enact within her.

As the silence grows on, no one wanting to break the peacefulness that they haven't had for so long, there is a knock at the door.  Buffy gets up off the chair and goes to the door, opening it.

We pan around to reveal SPIKE, standing with RAVNOS.  RAVNOS is on his guard and very wary of being here.

Buffy shows her own shock, so sure was she that the blonde haired vampire was still in the Source's clutches.  She takes a breath to speak, but Spike beats her to it.

Spike
Buffy, we need to talk. There are some things this chap has to say.

Buffy looks at Ravnos, recognizing him as one of the Source's followers.  Her demeanor hardens and she nods.  She opens her mouth to give Ravnos the invite as we...

Blackout.

End of Episode 13 - Lost Memories
End Credits.