The next few scenes cut between the Initiative labs and the Ex-Watcher Tower (tm Kisle), with each group trying to ID the demon du jour. In case the editing doesn't drive the metaphor of art vs. science home, Giles and Buffy read some fey poetry from their book to make the contrast even more obvious. Of course, the Scooby Gang discovers that the Vahrall demon is performing a world-ending ritual that requires a man's blood, child's bones, and a ward of Valios. At the ward's mention, Giles does that head-cocking deep-in-thought thing. Over at the Initiative, Forrest explains the pheromone tracker he's invented and dispatches the troops. Then we're back at Giles's so Buffy can do the same.

Cut to the Basement of Debasement, where Spike has rigged a stake on the coffee table; after saying his good-byes to Dru, he swan-dives off the couch. He's interrupted by Willow and Xander, who have come to get supplies. "What are you doing?" exclaims Willow, but Spike tells them it's none of their business. Xander points out that it is, since Spike is about to dust his shirt, and offers to help. Trust me, Xander, he's doing you a favor there. Willow protests the ookyness of the situation. Spike mourns his lost machismo, asking, "Am I even remotely scary anymore?" To prove his point he rushes at Willow with claw hands and growling, but she just stands there and doesn't flinch. Meanwhile, Xander is loading up weapons and has changed into an unfortunate burgundy-and-tan naugahyde jacket. If that's how Xander is going to dress, I might start rooting for the Vahrall demon. Xander threatens Spike with making him sleep in the garage if he breaks anything while they're gone, but Willow says that they can't leave Spike unattended. Spike protests that he's better now, but Willow and Xander exchange a look and lead him out. As they walk through the door, Xander tells him to look on the bright side -- that if they "don't find what [they're] looking for [they're] facing the apocalypse" -- and Spike perks up at the prospect.