Rewriting the Season from "Seeing red" to

[TheHighWillowhuggerofOz]

Basically I must entreat thee cute kittens to aid me in this grand quest. How would thou have written the episode Seeing Red to Grave and what would you have done to bring all the story arcs to a close?

[Denial Queen]

well, i would have had xander jump in front of buffy so he got shot instead, buffy could then kick warren's ass and send him to jail with jonathan and andrew. Tara and willow shag off into the sunset.

...fine they get xander to the hospital in time and he doesn't die.

Spike gets lost in africa.

[Sheridan]

Well I wouldn't haven't gone there in the first place, but I f was going to rewrite it...Have Buffy grab Andrews jetpack and hunt down warren that night. Then the final scenes play out with the tragic ending.

[Garner]

That's easy. I would leave everything the same with the following change:

"I love you," Xander said again to his best friend.

Dark Willow looked at the person before her, she saw the lack of sorrow or understanding within him. How could he think love meant anything to her when it had been shot through the heart such a short time ago?

She waved her hand and the form before her burst into flames and disappeared. She merged the good and dark magic roiling within her and let it loose with one last soul wrenching cry of pain and suffering. A wave of flames exploded outwards, blissfully ending her agony and quickly scouring everything from a world too sick to survive.

THE END

And thus we wouldn't have to watch this crap ever again!

Garner
"Welcome to the bitterness!"

[Lindy]

I like Denial Queens suggestion.. yep. And then Xander wishes Anya was human again..

[minion]

I'd have Buffy jump with her slayer strength and grab Warren's ankles just as he took off with his jetpack, he would lose control and fly straight into the roller coaster and crash and burn into a 1000 tiny pieces. Andrew would fall to his knees distraught that his beloved Warren was dead, Johnathon would just be relieved that it was all over. Buffy would call the cops and they would take Andrew and Johnathon away for the murder of Katrina and never be seen again.

Tara would go to Willow just as she did, but this time they would live happily ever after, Buffy and Dawn would talk and make up, Xander would take his head out of his ass and beg Anya's forgiveness, which she would grant eventually, Giles would find a nice girl in England and get married, his happiness completed when he and his wife have 5 little watchers of their own. Spike and Clem would finally realise their attraction to each other and move in together.

The final episode in a twist from the normal cliffhanger would be an hour of Willow and Tara's hot and sweaty sex, thereby bringing the show to a happy conclusion.

[tyche]

Steve DeKnight and David Fury do wild naked dancing (to the amusement of all the ladies in Sunnydale) to distract Warren. The bullet which would have killed Tara hits Tito instead, as apparently the message to 'kill a minority character whose name begins with 'T' and has four letters' got somewhat misinterpreted when Joss was handing out the instructions which were given to him by his Grand Wizard .. err, sorry, the network suits.
Meanwhile, Willow and Tara enjoy another blissful levitating oral sex session which is so good they make it all the way to the Big Pineapple, Anya decides to join a convent with a deep dark dungeon in which she can lock up Xander, Spike accidentally impales himself on his own penis, Dawn decides to harness all the energy in the world to enjoy a really good shoplifting spree, and Buffy, having remembered that she's actually supposed to slay vampires, finally does the world a favour and stakes Spike with his penis, having obtained a spell from Willow to turn it into wood first.
Couldn't be any worse than what they actually came up with, could it?

[Anita Iowa]

Here's how I'd write it:

At the end of "Seeing Red": Buffy gets shot by Warren. Beginning of next episode: Buffy's lying on the ground, and looks up to see Xander hovering over her, asking if she's alright. She gets up to see Tara, Willow, Dawn, Spike, Giles, and Anya all looking on, then realizes - she's standing under the big tower she plummeted off of at the end of "The Gift." The whole Nerd Trio/Majikcrack/Spikeboink crap was simply part of a wonky, time-shifted alterna-hell-dimension she passed through after jumping off the tower.

Anyway, it turns out that the dimensional hole she passed through softened her fall, and other than a sprained wrist she's basically ok. Overjoyed, Xander decides he's tired of being a low self-esteem buttmonkey, and proudly embraces mature adulthood by announcing his upcoming wedding to Anya. Also, he never whines again. Touched, Anya decides to be a good wife by adding some depth to her personality and developing interests outside of fearing bunnies and loving money.

Inspired, NotonCrack!Willow and NotDead!Tara decide they'd like to make that always finding each other thing official, and announce their own upcoming commitment ceremony, which will be a Wiccan handfasting, to celebrate Wicca's positive, non-evil, non-satanic, non-murderous influence on their lives.

Ecstatic at Buffy's survival, Giles decides to renounce his British citizenship in order to stay in Sunnydale and never ever leave again. Also, since he's now being paid beaucoup bucks by the Watchers Council, and gets a bonus everytime his slayer saves the world, he decides to give Buffy his stake in the Magic Box, so she'll never have to work a crappy fast food job.

Meanwhile, a traumatized Dawn decides to go away and live with her dad, and also to become a Buddhist monk, which entails shaving off all her hair and taking a vow of silence.

Spike is somehow transformed by the magic released from the dimensional portal back into human William. He is left with no memories of his vampire life, although he does retain his penchants for leather, black fingernail polish, and punk rock. He decides to devote his life to the crusade against bad poetry, and he and Buffy become good freinds - PLATONIC freinds.

Lastly, Buffy's own self-esteem is so boosted by saving the world, that all her depression and self-loathing is wiped away, and in between kicking ass and running the magic shop, she decides to become a motivational speaker for young girls. Helping her happiness is the fact that, when she fell through the portal, she somehow brought with her Joyce, Jenny, and Kendra, alive and well.

(Oh, and in a spectacular non-crossover crossover on Angel, the mystical energy reaches LA and causes Angel to shanshu, after which he's able to finally admit his love for the Host, and they move back to Sunnydale and prosper as the owners of a Karaoke bar located at the former sight of Willy the Snitch's bar (Willy having gone onto his new job as an extra on "The Sopranos")).

All of these plot points could be taken care of in one episode, so that the rest of the season could be used to re-run episodes from seasons 1-5, back when the show didn't suck.

[AutumnT]

[quote:177996cfd9][b:177996cfd9][i:177996cfd9]Quote:[/i:177996cfd9][/b:177996cfd9]

---

Meanwhile, a traumatized Dawn decides to go away and live with her dad, and also to become a Buddhist monk, which entails shaving off all her hair and taking a vow of silence.

---

[/quote:177996cfd9] LOL. OK, but can she still write get out Get Out GET OUT in her diary?

[Anita Iowa]

Well Autumn, often when monks take a vow of silence they're still able to speak/chant their mantras. So maybe "getoutgetoutGETOUT" can be Dawn's mantra.

[Rally]

Or "I'm gonna be the next slayer."

[Verdant]

The bullet did not hit Tara because she and Willow were still horizontal.

Xander takes the bullet for Buffy and becomes the BSD. Buffy trounces the Trio with the help of Willow and Tara working "white magic" together again.

[primalfigure]

Hmmm...how about this...

"Seeing Red"
Warren shoots at Buffy, hits Xander in the Buttocks. He falls. Yelping. Embarrassed Warren runs away. Buffy finds him and the other three, beats the crap out of them, and puts them in a hell-dimension...with...I don't know...Um...Clem's help.

Spike goes to get a soul, doesn't. Becomes the Villain for Season 7.

Tara and Willow are making love on the floor through the whole episode, so of course the bullet misses Tara entirely. Hitting the wall causing a small porcelain figurine to break. <----huh. Oh, well I'm trying to write similar to the kind of Nonsense Marti Noxon writes. Anyhoo.

"Two to Go"
Faith is busted out of Prison by Spike, who hopes she'll "join the darkside" if you get my drift. She stakes him. Goes to Sunnydale for Buffy.

"Grave"
Buffy and Faith shag on the floor, a La "Willow and Tara"
but not in the same room. Xander is dead. Anya has her vengeance...and to her ...Giles is looking pretty fine. Giles runs away screaming.

[AmberBensonRockzMyWorld]

Okay, Well here is how I would have liked it to happen.......
The end of seeing Red, Buffy and XANDER not Tara get shot, Buffy is badly wounded but not as bad as Xander, Willow and Tara are lying on the bed kissing and giggleing when they heard the noise, "Honey, What was that?"~Tara, "I'm not sure, Let's go check it out, make sure everythign is okay."~Willow. "Yes Ma'am."~Tara says smiling at Willow. Willow and Tara then walk hand in hand down the stairs and to the back door where they see what has happened, Willow says "Oh my God, Tara, Go Call 9-1-1." Tara turns and runs to the phone. END OF "SEEING RED." Now as for "Villians" Starts of the same way, With the Ambulance, Tara runs to the front yard to assure the ambulance doesn't miss the house, "They're both in the back, Please hurry." ~Tara says frantically. The men then get 2 stretchers from the back of the ambulance and run to the back. "They're pretty badly wounded, Please step back a little so we can work."~ 1 of the men say's to Willow who was hovering over Xander while keeping her eye's on Buffy as well. Tara walks over to Willow, Grabs her arm gently to help her up and then tell Willow, "Baby, It's okay, they have to work, everything is gonna be alright." Willow looks at Tara then put's her head on Tara's shoulder while starting to cry. Tara gently rubs Willow's back to comfort Willow. CUT TO HOSPITAL...Doctor comes out to talk to Willow and Tara, "Are they okay, They're okay right, They'll be fine?" Willow began to babble frantically. The doctor then looked at the two girls and said "I'm afraid to inform you that while, Buffy will be fine as soon as she comes to and we get her the right med's for the pain, Your friend Xander was shot right through the heart, We did all that was we possible, but he was hurt to bad, I'm sorry but he didn't make it." Willow then turns to Tara crying badly "No, No not Xander, He was my best friend, this can not be happening, he's so young, To young to die." Tara then pulls Willow into a hug, while rubbing willow's back she say's to the doctor. "Thank You, for helping Buffy and doing the best you could do for Xander." (Screen show's Buffy, Then Xander's body while in the background, Sarah Maclaughlan's "I will remember you." plays in the background, Then cut's to the magic shop.) "Please, come again, Spend more money." Anya says to a costumer, Tara walks through the door, and sees Anya, "Tara, Hey, how are you? Where's Willow." "Willow's at the hospital Anya, Buffy and Xander were both shot, Xander didn't make it, I'm so sorry." Tara said walking closer to Anya. "Oh my god, You're lying, you have to be, Not Xander, I love him, I love him more than anything." Anya begins to cry really hard, Tara walks over, hugs her and then repeats, "I'm so sorry Anya, I really am." Anya, then says "The trio, it had to be the trio." "Probably, but Willow and I didn't see it happen, we just heard the noise." Tara said almost in a whisper. "No, It was the trio, well part of the Trio, it was Warren, I can feel it, I can feel his happiness, He thinks he killed the slayer." Anya said looking at Tara. "How do you know all this Anya, and how can you feel his happiness?" Tara asked Anya, "I'm a....Well I'm a....I'm a demon, Again." Anya confided in Tara. Tara looking worried then said, "A demon, huh. You are a good demon, correct?" "Well I'm a vengence demon, But, don't worry, I would never hurt you, nor any of the scoobies, But Warren, Warren is gonna pay for takeing Xander away from me, He will feel the pain." Anya then disappeared into smoke. "Anya?" Tara says. END OF VILLIANS now for the finale.....Starts off with Warren laughing with some random Vampire on how he killed the slayer and then a big BOOM is heard from the back. Everyone in the bar looks around wondering what the noise was. Anya walks in, Grabs Warren, throws him on the pool table then says, "You killed him, You killed Xander, What did he ever do to you, What did I ever do to you, Why did you take him away from me." "I...I didn't mean to hit Xander, He got in my way, I was aiming for Buffy." Warren said "Well you hit Buffy AND Xander, Buffy is going to be FINE and Xander is DEAD! Dead, gone..Because of you, You think I can let live after that?" Anya says while Warren pee's his pants. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, You don't want to do this, you don't want to kill me, You're to nice. Please, Let me go." Warren is frantic and scared, Anya tell's him. "Don't worry, I'll make it slow and painful." She then takes Warren and throws him over the bar. She walks over to him, Pounds her hand threw his chest and rips out his heart, and then looks him in the eye and says, "How does it feel, to have your heart ripped outta your chest, Because you ripped my heart from my chest when you killed Xander, I hope it hurt's like hell." Warren searches Anya's face then put's his head down on the bar and takes his last breath.Scene cut's to the hospital where Willow and Tara are sitting side by side in Buffy's room holding hands, Waiting for buffy to wake up to give her the new's about Xander. Willow looks at Tara and say's "I love you, Thank you for staying here, You can go home if you want, I can stay here and tell Buffy." "Baby, I'm here to stay as long as you need me, and you need me now, I love you, I always will baby, I'm here for you and I'm gonna stay here, unless you'd rather I go home." Tara says to Willow and Willow responds with, "No, No, I need you here, I need you to hold me and tell me it's just a dream, Or at least just to hold me, knowing that you're here help's me more than you'll ever know." Tara leans over to Willow and gently kisses her on the lips and says "I'm here for ya Will, I'm here." Buffy then opens her eyes, looks around and asks how Xander is, Willow gives Buffy the new, Buffy crys and whispers, "Xander, not Xander." then the screen fades out. THE END, Kinda lame I know, But hey if Tara get's to live, I can live with lame. Much Love to all,
Lisa

I / Amber 4 Life

[Sheridan]

In Seeing Red:
Warren pulls the gun drops it on the ground, it goes off and the bullet goes straight through him. After the coroner is gone Willow and Tara go back to bedand stay there till the end of the season. Dawn goes to watch TV in the basement with headphones, and a layer of insulating foam sprayed on the walls. All the sex sounds are too much for Buffy and Xander and Xander finally gets what he has been wanting for the past six years. Spike finally gets back from Africa and after catching Buffy and Xander together stakes himself. Anya turns the magic box into a mutlinational franchise and can't remember where she put that darn pendant.

Hey it makes more sense than what they wrote.

[Zahir al Daoud]

Oh, this is a fun idea...

Hm. I'd have Warren shoot Buffy, Tara and Willow--in slow motion. But while all of them are hurt, really bad, none are dead. Yet. Xander freaks. Really bad. And...D'Hoffryn appears. He's very impressed with Xander's pain and rage at this moment, and notes how Xander's few attempts at magic have always succeeded. All he needs is the motivation--his friends all lying around bleeding to death.

Dawn arrives sooner, and is horrified at what she sees. Xander, looking a little strange, urges her to express her feelings as a wish. Sure enough, with her wish DemonXander can save everyone. But the power almost immediately begins going to his head. At last--something he's good at! He goes after the Trio...

Okay, at this point the basic plot proceeds as it did but DemonXander is ultimately fueled by self-loathing rather than grief. He even starts showing off to Anya, but the vengeance in him keeps growing. Nothing he does helps really, until his self-loathing erupts into sucking up magic from others to make himself feel...something, anything other than what he *is* feeling.

So atop the hill, as he gets ready to lash out at the entire world, it is Willow who pulls him back.

Tara lives, natch.

[Killin Joke]

LOL Bloody brilliant thread ! First time I laughed in ages... Oeh, can I play too ? Beware, I wrote this in a rush, because what I really should have been doing, was studying, so I didn't really check for spelling, inconsistencies, which I'm sure there will be in it (not as much as in Whedon's last eps, I think, though). Anyway, it's a first draft: something I can improve, work with, when I actually have time on my hands.

PART ONE

Alrightie, I would also let Xander die a heroic death at the end of Seeing Red, by jumping in front of Buffy, as Warren pulls out his macho-gun (okay, no Spike-like innuendo), yelling Buffy ! for emphasis. As Xan falls backwards into Buffs arms, a look of surprise can be witnessed on Bs face. She and Warren share a short moment (their eyes meet) and Warren darts off, like the coward he is. B turns to Xan, tears forming in her eyes, checking his pulse. Xander ? Then she goes into CPR-mode (gotta throw the B/Xan-shippers a bone), saying something like You saved my life... twice now... The least you can do, is let me return the favour... Mr. Macho-man... Noticing its no use, she tries to regain control over her senses, lays Xander gently down to the ground, kisses his forehead, before steadying herself, and going in pursuit after Warren.

Meanwhile, a lost bullet has hit the window, and shot Tara... Your shirt...
Willow rushes forward, crying Tara ? Baby ? as she holds her tenderly in her arms.
Only this time, Tara answers: Whats.. happening ?
Willow covers the bleeding wound with her hand. I dunno... Help ! Will screams at the heavens, as if to invoke some divine assistance, but Tara realizes what shes trying to do and covers Willows hand with her own, and at that exact moment something magical happens, something good (think first contact in Hush). With their combined powers, their hands distance themselves from Taras shoulder (or other place, where non-vital functions were injured). The bullet raises itself out of Taras sweet silky skin, and the fleshwound closes. Tara removes her hand from Wills and holds it under the bullet like a cup. It falls. Taras fingers close around it, and with that movement, Willow kisses her passionately, hugging her close. They break apart and both realize something must have been going on outside. They hurry downstairs, to see a silent figure lying on the grass. Willows legs start to shake, and supported by Tara, they walk closer. Wills knees give way, and she falls down next to Xanders dead body. Tara quietly crouches down beside her. Xan... She touches his cheek, but draws her hand back, when she feels it has turned cold. Oh... Tara... We gotta do something... She reaches for Taras hands.
We cant... Its... too late... Taras expression is covered in sadness for her soulmates grief, and she slowly starts rubbing her back. Willow collapses against Tara, and Tara lets her cry, softly stroking the red hair. After Willow gathers her wits, she states: Buffy... We gotta find her... Whoever did this, has her, or else shes going after... I bet its Warren... Her eyes turn cold. Tara notices but doesnt say a word.
Willow asks her girlfriend Could you call... She cant finish her sentence. Tara strokes a strand of red hair out of Wills face and tucks it behind her ear, cupping her face, and wiping a few tears away with her thumb.
Ok... And Ill wait for Dawn... Their throats get thick, when they realize, they have to deliver another blow to the confused teenager. They embrace, Tara comfortingly kisses her cheeks, wet with tears. Willow takes a last look at Xander, not sure whether to touch her friends hand or not.
Be careful... Tara warns her.
His killer should be... Will points at Xander. Willow caresses the spot where Tara was hit just now. I love you... She whispers, before she gets up, and walks off.
Tara watches her go with a worried look on her face. Then she runs into the house to call an ambulance, not that it can do any good anymore...
Willows hair turns black.

Warren has visited Rack in the meantime, who mocks him, saying hell not only have the slayer after him, but he also senses a dark power is growing...
Warren, enhanced with magical techno-thingies, decides to break his two ex-buddies out of jail. /insert incredible geeky prison break and entering/ Jonathan is not happy to see Warren, Andrew sticks it to Jonathan: See ! I knew hed come back for us...

Willow walks in the Magic Box, where Anya is working. An notices somethings wrong. Will goes straight for the books, does that neat trick where she sucks all the info out of m, magic Id sell my soul for, because I could really use it for my upcoming exams. After that she explains to Anya: Xanders dead... A look of disbelief on her face, then it reveals her demon-face. Lead the way... Anya states.

Dawn comes home, to find Tara walking around the coffee table in circles, as if she was walking widdershins, to make it all go away.
Hey Tara...
Dawn... Sweetie, youd better sit down for this...
Who died ? Dawn can deduce from Taras face.
X... Xander... Tara comes closer. Dawn seats herself, looking all pale.
H... How ?
We didnt see it happen. I got shot by some bullet... Tara begins, sitting herself next to her.
Dawns head shoots up in concern.
Im alright... But when we went outside, Xander... just lay there... Your sisters probably after his murderer, followed by Willow... I waited for you to come home... Suddenly Tara cringes. Dawn touches her arm. Are you sure youre fine ?
Will... Willow... Shes... We need to leave... Tara holds a hand against her forehead. ...transport.
The cars getting repaired... Spike ! He has a motorcycle ! Its not far from here. Dawn suggests.
You think hell give us a ride ? Taras not certain.
Of course... hell help. Anything for Buffy... And otherwise, we can just steal it... Dawn elaborates.
Dawn ! Argh, just hurry...

Buffy has followed the nerds tracks into the backs of the wood. Willow and Anya have made a stop at Racks place, to suck him dry (his power that is, not his blood). Buff has a hard time dodging all the whiz-thingies the others use against her, though she manages to kick some butt too. Soon Willow and Anya join her. Anya wants Buffy to make a wish, so she can curse the little bastards, but Buffy retorts shes gonna kick the living crap out of them herself, before handling them over to the authorities. Willows eyes glow dangerously redder by the minute...

Tara and Dawn get to Spikes place, where everyone scares the living daylights out of everyone, when they find Clem. Spike left with the bike, but Clems got a car, or a rusty piece of shit, that resembles one. Problem: Tara cant drive: not only has she got no licence (Amber-quip: love that about her), but shes in terrible pain by now. No problem according to Clem, who will function as their cabdriver.

In the meantime, theres an argument going on between the three women: B wants them to pay for their crimes, alive, in prison, Will wants m dead and Anya basically wants to finally use her powers again, and torment them before Willow blows them to kingdom come. /add a lot of mental and fysical torture here/ The nerds being tied up, Willow and Buffy face off, but Will gets the upper hand, and she incinerates Warren, after the bullet pierces his rotten chest and he gets skinned, like in the Robbie Williams Rock DJ-video. Andrew begins to cry. Buffy, smashed against a tree, watches Willows first kill in agony... Anya compliments her Nice handiwork, but I wanna play too. Can somebody curse them already... She starts to nag.
At that time, Tara, Dawn and Clem jump out of the forrest.
Willow ! Tara calls out.
Will swiftly turns around. Dawn helps her sister up. Clems quiet.
Willow circles around Tara, lifting a lock of her hair, breathing in the scent of... Hmm, strawberries... He shouldnt have shot my friends... I lost my best friend, and almost my girlfriend... all in one day (she touches Taras breast -> think Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct) I couldnt just let him get away with that, now could I, kitten... Willow licks Taras cheek. (Xena-Devi-rip-off, Im well aware: hey, Whedon does it all the time !)
Willow... Sweetheart, you dont have to kill the other two... They didnt shoot...
Oh, but they very well could have... They helped this pathetic excuse for a man, covering up Catherinas death... living in their own fantasyworld, while hurting humans in the real one... Its time somebody taught them a lesson... Will continues.
They will learn... in prison... Buffy, held up by Dawn, interjects.
Ow, preachy Buffy... What plain of existence have you been living on lately ? One that involves more laying, than slaying, while poor Dawnie here (she lifts Dawns chin) is left all alone, when were not around, prey to the sources of junk-food and the entertaining life in the mall.
Can we get on with it already ? Im getting kinda bored... Anya taps her foot on the ground.
Dawnie, curse them for me, please ! Or you, with the flappy skin, whats your name again...
Uhm... Clem... Clem answers politely.
Willow wants to turn around, but gets stopped by Tara, who reaches for her arm. She gets thrown back. Buffy and Dawn run up to help Tara.
A look of contemporary shock lits up in Willows eyes and she sets a step forward, her instincts wanting to help her soulmate. She hesitates. Im sorry I had to do that, dear, but its scum like that, that cause good innocent people like Xander to get killed. She swirls around.
Will ! Buffy and Tara scream at the same time, Tara using some chant to freeze her for a while.
Yeah, thats right ! Will ! I am Will, I got the will to finally be someone big, who matters, who can make a difference ! I wont be weak no more, and get discriminated and hurt and...
Willow... honey... this isnt you... I know youre still in there... the real you... the one true you that I love... Tara tries to break through.
How can you love her ? Shes a loser... Insecure... Pathetic... Willow replies, trying to break loose from the spell.
No, shes NOT ! Dont you dare speak to me about her... about you, like that... Youre the most intelligent, beautiful, funny, kind... person I know... I adore you, and Id devote my entire life to you, if youd just let me... A tear rolls down her cheek.
Willows silent, then she looks from her hands at the two remaining nerds and stares at the ground, exlaiming What have I done... ? Her hair returns red and she crashes to the ground, crying helplessly. Tara moves towards her, wanting to wrap her arms around her.
Im not worthy of you... I gave in again... Youll probably gonna leave me again, huh... Willow manages to let out between sobs.
Im not going anywhere, darling, not now, not ever, again. Tara kisses her redhead.
Guess that means I dont get to grant a wish... Anya utters sadly. Im sorry, Xander... Dawn walks up to the vengeance demon, only known to her as a friend, and takes her hand. Im sorry too.
The frightened duo shivers as Buffy approaches. Relax, you two can go relax in jail...
I hope they have clean pants... Jonathans voice trembles.
If youll squish, I can give you all a ride... Clem offers.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO

[Killin Joke]

PART TWO

Suddenly, another character stumbles into the clearing.
Giles... Voices are raised.
Am I too late ? Giles asks, having green hair now. No one notices.
Depends for what... Xanders dead... Buffy explains.
What ? Giles becomes introvert.
Willow made his killer go poof and Im a vengeance demon again. Anya adds.
Willow, are you... Giles approaches Willow, whos obviously struggling with the motions shes been going through.
Itll take time... but well get through this... together... Tara answers in Wills place. Giles nods. They all leave.

After having dropped the duo at the police station (Jonathan, punished by having to hear Andrew whine over Warren, his entire jailtime), and finding out where Xanders body is being kept, they head for the morgue.
Everyones silent, except for the sounds of sobbing that can be heard. Theres an intense atmosphere of mourning... Tara is holding Willow from behind, her arms draped around her, their heads resting against each other. Both cry, Willow heavily, Tara softly. Buffys hugging Dawn. Tears are standing in her eyes too. Anya has grabbed Giles hand, to his surprise.
Its Anya who speaks first. Its strange. I should feel glad, happy I got what I wanted: revenge... After all, the guy did dump me at the altar, and left me to deal with his loony family tunes... I mean, he got what he deserved, right. As a vengeance demon, I should say He had it coming... Then why is it that I felt the urge to punish Warren, being a demon without a soul and all, why does it bug me ? If only I could wish... Id give up everything...
Actually... Maybe... there is a way... Clem brought up.
All heads turn in his direction.
Ive read that vengeance demons have the capacity to save, revive a human, instead of cursing, killing him, if they experience love instead of hate for that person, if their feelings have changed so much, theyre willing to forsake their demonhood forever... Of course it takes powerful magic to transplant it to another demon, and I dont see...
Clem, youre a genius ! Giles walks up to him and kisses the loose skin on his cheeks.
I am ? Well, Im not as dumb as I look. I did study demonology... Watching movies, playing poker for kittens... theres only so much a demon can have...
The others look confused.
Giles goes into Watcher-mode. Ive met this woman in England. Shes a wicca and part of this covent. She wanted me to witness one of their sessions, and thats when they warned me a great evil power was rising (he glances at Willow). They bestoked me with all their magic to stop it. When I met up with you guys, I quickly realized someone had already driven it back... He looks at Tara, who shoots him a smile.
Never underestimate the power of love... Clem throws in between.
So, Im still charged with magic... Giles continues.
Are you willing to take over my demonical side ? Anya asks Clem.
Who ? Me ? Clem answers ignorantly.
No, the other demon in the morgue. Of course you. Anya quips.
Hmm... depends... If itll alter my delicate looks... Reluctant chuckles can be heard.
But I guess every extra power could come in handy in the demonworld. Theyre a rough crowd. Its not easy to make a decent living sometimes.
Tell me about it... Buffy grins.
If both parties agree, tell me what Ill have to do exactly ? Giles asks Clem.
I dont know if itll work, if youre wiccan enough... Clem hesitates.
Well help... Tara states.
No... Willow refuses.
Pumpkin, its safe... Itll be just the two of us, and Giles... Youll just have to reach down inside, into the very core of your heart, where youll find yourself, me... Real magic represents love, everything thats good and gorguous in this world... Tara reassures her.
Willow bites her lip, then looks at Xander, and takes Taras hand. Lets do this right...
Anya and Clem press both of their handpalms together, while the other three form a circle around them. As they recite the lines of an ancient enchantment, like Clem told them, a powerful source surges between them. A kind of green energy flows, and engulfs Clem and Anya in a bubble. While she feels her demon self leaving her, she makes her ultimate last wish: I wish Xander lives... As the last thrust of the force is being forged in Clems body, they all fall down, from exhaustion. Willow and Tara against Xanders bed, Giles leaning against the wall.
Buffy and Dawn who were each holding one of Xanders hands, at both sides of the bed, are shocked when they feel Xander squeeze their own fingers. He immediately gets attacked by Buffy and Dawn who throw themselves at his manly chest.
Aow... aow... aow... Xander nags, the place where the bullet hit him, still very sore.
Oops, sorry... Its just... Youre alive ! Buffy feels a tear rolling down her cheeks.
Are you sure Im not in hell ? Anyone noticed Giles has green hair ! Xander points out.
Now that you mention it... Dawn tilts her head.
Oh, she did it, didnt she, that wicked little... I had this bet with my new friend, wicca woman. She bet Id show up too late to stop Willow from going all Mistress of the Universe I told her, she could dye my hair green, if Id lost, and well, shes good at long distance... I think Im sorta falling for her... She reminds me of Jenny. I dont know why I keep sticking my neck out for you guys, however... Giles elaborates.
You were just checking up on me to see if Id finally hit the bucket this time, like you always wished for, old man, admit it... Xander jokes, getting the second wave of women over him.
Hey, I could get used to this... Xander hugs Anya and Willow close.
Actually its Anya who did the wishing... Well, not the death wish, but the resurrection wish. She gave up her demonhood for you, for good, thanks to Clem. Giles replies.
You were a demon again ? Xander looks up at Anya.
Yeah, so sue me... Anya shrugs.
Im done with the blaming thing... Im not saying Im gonna propose again, just because I survived... am revived... whatever, but I do owe you titannical apologies... And thank yous... No matter what happened in the past, or in the future, I owe you forever... You too, Clem. Xander says seriously.
Youre welcome... Apologies accepted... Oeh, and Im sorry too for screwing Spike Sorry, Buffy... (Buffy cringes at Spikes name, but gives her a half smile) I was drunk, and lonely, and it was definitely the most stupid thing Ive ever done in my entire life. Anya has a frown on her forehead.
Ditto... Buffy whispers.
Hey Will, enough with the sad puppy face already, Im not dead. Xander rubs his thumb over her fingers.
I... I... killed someone today Warren... who killed you... I... dont know how Im supposed to deal with this... Willow stutters.
You did... for me ? Aw, Will... (Willow starts crying again) Promise me you dont let the guilt eat you away... I know its gonna be difficult for you, but youve got Tara (He eyes Tara, who strokes Wills back) and the rest of us, and we wont let it destroy you. Xander tries to comfort her.
Itll be hard... Im not saying there is such a thing as evening the scales... I wouldnt dare suggest it... But, Willow, though you abused magic and saw what it can do, the destructive consequences, you managed to overcome it afterwards and used it in a good way... Its a tough life lesson... But you did help Xander... We wont let you condemn yourself for the rest of your life... Youll always carry this with you, but you cant forget all the good youve done in the past, every wonderful thing youll do in the future. We believe in you...
Yes... I know I dont show it enough... I have been really out of it, this year, totally self-absorbed... Buffy began, walking towards her.
No, Buffy, I had no right to say these rude remarks... I could feel myself slipping away, through the magic, boundaries were getting erased, but thats no excuse...
Willow, my own problems dont excuse me either... Youre my best friend, well, next to Xander (Xander smiles), and I do appreciate our frienship, even though it doesnt seem that way sometimes... I didnt know you were wrestling with yourself... I was too egocentric to see it... Buffy interrupts Will. They hug.
Sniff... Xander lets out, dragging Tara closer, whose a bit startled, but reciprocates his hug as well. And Ive been way too judgmental this year... Im sincerely sorry, everyone... Can I get another hug too ? The women in the room smother him.
I dont know about you guys, but this room works kinda suffocating... What do you say: shall we go home ? sounds Xanders suggestion.
If you dont mind risking your life in Clems car... Giles says.
Like yours was so much better... Xander jokes.
Thats the kinda remark I would have missed... Giles opens the door.
Anya helps Xander up, whos still not totally recuperated from the blow.
How do you feel, Clem ? Anya questions him. Any changes ? How much is 1 1 + 1 ?
1... Wow ! I can count ! Ive always sucked at math ! Clem exclaims.
Oeh, seems to me youve received a bit more than my demon side. Clem, my man, I think youre heading for a brilliant career in retail... Anya wraps her other arm around him.

They drop Xander and Anya, at Xanders appartment, where Anya nurses him (just till he gets better, no condescending housewifie-stuff intended), while they enjoy a quiet evening watching tv.
Willow and Tara decide to stay at the Summers house. The other four want to go out for ice-cream. Giles and Clem go the counter to order, explaining Clem has to go to a costume party. At Buffys reflective mode, Dawn asks whats on her mind.
Buffy spills the beans. She tells her Spike tried to rape her. Dawn gets all concerned, but Buffy speaks about her epiphany, that shes going to try and deal with things differently from now on, starting with taking better care of Dawn, involving her more in their Scooby world, teaching her everything she knows (another Xena-flash-back, couldnt resist).
When the others join them, Giles, Buffy and Dawn catch up, Giles tests how much more Clem knows, what he feels after his transformation, and they talk about demonology.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen of the Summers house:
What a day, huh... Tara starts.
As far as days go in the Hellmouth: quite... Will gives her a grin.
Want me to make us some warm chocolate... Always a winner after so much tension... Tara offers.
Among other things... Willow leers at her, then turns serious again, feeling caught.
Hey... Itll get better... Well take this one step at a time, kay... I know the good Willow blames herself... I dont want to exstinguish responsibilities, but you were far gone, Willow... Tara presses a kiss on the top of Wills head, before moving to open a cupboard.
And you pulled me back... Willow looks at her, an immense ammount of love in her eyes.
Ill always bring you back... Youve done the same for me... Tara starts melting chocolate.
Willow gets up from her chair, embraces her soulmate and puts her head on her shoulder.
Im so very lucky to have you... I remember when Faith killed the Mayors deputy... Buffy tried to be there for her, talk to her, but she was in denial, probably felt like she was all alone... which made her take the wrong turn.... With her it was her slayers instinct, a mistake, hazard on the job, with me it was deliberate, malignant vengeance... Willow talks.
But it was rooted in love, loss for Xander... The magic took over... The fact that Warren was a misogynist macho bastard, who tried to rape and killed Catherina didnt help... But I sure hope it helps you to put things in perspective: it wasnt the best move youd ever make, but its not worth it to let this asshole dominate you from beyone the grave. Otherwise he wins after all. I wont let that happen. Maybe we should pay Faith a visit... Itll be good to communicate about it. Bottling things up is never healthy... Tara stirs with her spoon in the chocolate, adding some more milk.
...said the wise woman. Willow places soft kisses in Taras neck.
After pouring them two cups of chocolate milk, Tara turns around, presses her body firmly against Willows and kisses her ardently.

In South-Africa (mix scenes during eps, only without the bitch-cursing) Spike has finally received his soul.
ARGH ! Bloody Hell ! I thought the test was over ! Ive won, didnt I ?
Yep, you sure did. The agonizing pain youre feeling, is the sign your soul starts to work. Youre going to experience the guilt of every sin you ever committed for the rest of your vampire days... The demon warns him.
It hurts... Dammit... Id rather stake myself than ask that son of a gun, Angel, for advice... He gets on his bike and drives crookedly into the night...

Back in Sunnydale he drives past the place where Buffy and co are eating. He stops, turns around, to see if its really Buff... He hesitates what to do. Too late: B saw him.
Spike... Buffy swallows. Dawn filled with concern - touches her arm.
He gathers all his courage together and enters.
Hi... Giles, is that you ? You look like Billy Idol, on a bad hairday... Spike mocks. Giles gets up to pummel him, but Buffy restrains him. Dawn looks ready to fly at his throat too.
Can we talk ? Spike addresses Buffy.
Buffys uncomfortable.
What, do you think were crazy, letting you go off with her, after what...! Buffy muffles her insults, wrapping a hand around her mouth to stop her from making a big scene.
Here ? Theres a free table over there. Your bodyguards can jump at your aid at any minute... Spikes face looks serious, though.
Buffy nods and they seat themselves at the table. Dawns looks could kill...
Theres an uneasy silence, broken by Spike.
I got a soul.
Excuse me ? What did you say ? I dont think I heard you the first time... Buffy snaps.
Like Angel... You know, a soul, like you, humans, have... Spike elaborates.
You... will never be human... And dont you dare compare yourself to Angel... Buffy points a finger at him.
Fair enough. All I want to say is, its killing me... All this time Ive been undead, and for the first time, I feel what its like to be alive again, the excruciating horror of existence... The petty emotions you mortals brag with... I have to deal with now... All I want to say is, Im sorry... for every single time I hurt you, your friends... Spikes voice trembles.
Its not gonna cut it If you think you can just waltz in here and apologize... You tried to rape me... Buffys voice is a mere whisper.
I know... I know that now... And I understand if you never want anything to do with me again, or even stake me... Its your call... I just needed to apologize... It felt like something a decent person would do, not that Id know. So, Im just gonna go. Enjoy the company of the others, the ice... Take care, luv. Spike lifts himself up, giving her a smile and a wink, and heads for the door, leaving Buffy bewildered.
Clem stares at him. Id better go after him, and see that he doesnt lock me out...
Right... Clem, thank you so much for what youve done for us today. You rescued the life of a terribly annoying, though brave, young man. We wont forget it. Giles shakes his flappy hand.
Ah, dont mention it.
Dawn asks Buffy how shes doing.
Alive... And kicking. She gives her sister a huge grin. Cmon, lets finish our ice-cream, if well hurry, and they let Giles in with his freaky haircut, we can still catch a movie.

Cut to sweet W/T-scene: Tara gently undresses Willow, as theyre getting ready for bed. Use your imagination. Tender kisses, sexy snuggling, tears, talk, comforting cuteness, lots of love...

/Sarah McLachlans Better than chocolate would be an appropriate choice to play during the last scenes: not original, but rather fitting. One of the few movies, named after the title, had the same song during the happy ending with living ! lesbians. But a lot of her lyrics will do to portrait Willow and Taras sweet Sarah McLachlan love /

Afterthought: this is only one possible version to rewrite the 6th season ending. Ive got some other extremely twisted alternative endings up my sleeve (all involving a living Tara !) I tried to preserve most original BtVS ideas. Half of them werent that bad, if you put them in a justified context. With a few adjustments (Tara alive and well for starters), you could actually learn something... Anyway, I want to apologize beforehand for having Willow make her first kill (Yeah, I have Gabrielle-issues). I like my characters to be a bit flawed, complicated: gives you something to work with. But the main difference being of course that Taras standing right next to Willow to guide her through this new ordeal. Warren gets the same treatment (after what hes done on the real show, to Tara, its only fair). The buttmonkeys have each other as punishment and suffer in the slammer. Spike is punished with a soul. Theres room for a lurking friendship with Buffy, but a real relationship is out of the question (too much has happened in the past: no good). I tried to give Xander a maturity-boost (though he was dead most of the time, granted: mourned by beautiful women: what more could a guy hope for...) Hope Anya will grow (she did something self-less, its a beginning). Clem gets to be a hero. Giles has his cameo (not to mention a razor haircut), Buffy her epiphany, B, W & X also resolve some pent-up frienshippy issues. And Dawnies future looks promising... Oeh, and a possible Faith-appearance ! Next time on Buffy: The Vampire Slayer !

[Repost Moderator]

This is meant sincerely; if you could write the W/T relationship continuing through the next season, ideally, how would it read? Synopsis, not a whole story. I'm trying to get an idea of what would ideally happen to W/T within the context of the Buffyverse. I'm not really looking for fanfic, but rather where you would have liked to see the storyline go regarding W/T.

[revisionJohanna]

I would keep it just the way it was.

S7E1 would begin with a standard (ie, 10 minutes long) "previously", except they would play jaunty light jazz in the background. Musical "stings" would accentuate the action amusingly. An old fashioned title card would flash on the screen:

[b:b803e03756] That's one way it could have happened. [/b:b803e03756]
10 seconds pass so everyone can let it sink in.
[b:b803e03756] But here's what actually happened.[/b:b803e03756]

Warren runs up and pulls his gun out. Without missing a beat, Xander drops and rolls, pulling Anya's revolver from his shoulder holster. The revolver is aimed at Warren, who is still aiming at Buffy. Andrew steps out from behind Warren, aiming a monstously oversized Desert Eagle at Xander (who is aiming at Warren, aiming at Buffy). Though it shakes in Andrew's hands, it's too close for him to miss. No one can possibly miss. It's a standoff.
Across the street, we see Jonathan in an upper story window with a rifle (from "EARSHOT"). He is peering through the scope, watching the scene unfold. Sweat pours down his face as he cannot decide who to take a bead on.

Cut to Willow and Tara, blissfully unaware of what is occurring outside. The scene begins to fade to black slowly, and as it does, we hear several gunshots. We can just barely make out the two running to the window to look out at what has occurred.

Title card appears again.
[b:b803e03756]No, we lied again. [/b:b803e03756]
The light, jaunty jazz plays again
[b:b803e03756] Just be glad we didn't....[/b:b803e03756]
(all of the following scenes are very quick and montage like)

Buffy's eyes flick open suddenly. She's lying in her coffin. She breaks free, and climbs to the surface. Willow has paid the price to bring back the Warrior of the People, but at what cost?

Buffy's eyes flick open. What strange dreams she's had! But then, when the Spirit of the first Slayer visits, it makes a night seem like forever. Next to her, Willow, Xander, and Giles stir....

Buffy's eyes flick open. She knows what she has to do. The prophetic visions that she and Faith shared have given her a glimpse of the future...if she doesn't change it. But for now, she's got an Ascension to stop....

Buffy's eyes flick open. She draws deep shuddering breaths, and coughs to expel the water she's swallowed. Theme song plays as she goes to confront the mayor....

Buffy's eyes flick open. Terrible nightmares to have the first day of school....

Buffy's eyes flick open. Joyce and Hank look lovingly down on her. The sting of the needle fades quickly, and in the background the Doctor looks on proudly as his patient is finally well....

[b:b803e03756]But here's what [i:b803e03756] really [/i:b803e03756] happened.[/b:b803e03756]

Willow and Tara have sex all day. (not that we can tell because of the the large black censor bars across the screen.) Dawn goes to visit Janice. Spike watches a "Passions" marathon with Clem. Buffy does laundry. Xander and Anya bicker mildly as they clean their apartment. The Nerds are playing GTA.
Camera focus goes soft as we see Giles at a nice restaraunt with Olivia for lunch. Oz is practicing with his band. Focus get softer and fuzzier. Faith is doing situps in her cell. Angel, Cordelia and Wesley are doing paperwork. Drusilla is dancing by herself.
Some sort of "everything is ok" music plays in the background as the camera zooms out to pan over Sunnydale, then Cali, then the world. Just a normal day in the life....

[b:b803e03756] And where's the fun in that?[/b:b803e03756]

Grrr. Arrgh.