may 22, 1997 - Feast of Aurelius

Description:

Reading the material that Angel gave him, Giles discovers a prophecy that for the Master to fail, the Slayer must die. Buffy overhears Angel and Giles discussing the prophecy (including revealing to Giles that Angel was there when the Master failed to open the Hellmouth the first time, and that the Slayer of the time sacrificed herself), and that she will die the following night. She quits slaying in an attempt to avoid her fate, preparing instead to go to the prom. Willow and Cordelia come across a room full of students killed by vampires. Willow tells Buffy, and Buffy decides to fight after all. Giles attempts to persuade Buffy not to fight, but she knocks him out and leaves. Buffy confronts the Disciples of Aurelius who are closing on The Bronze, where she demands to see the Master. Xander persuades Angel to join the fight. The Master easily overpowers Buffy, biting her and leaving her for dead. He breaks free of the magical barrier holding him captive. Jenny and Willow are surrounded by vampires, but are rescued by Cordelia. Angel and Xander find Buffy and resuscitate her. Displaying newfound strength, Buffy confronts The Master. After a brief fight, Buffy overpowers him and he is cast into the Hellmouth, causing it to close fully for the first time in more than seventy years.