ASTA Episode 1.16 "Things I Don't Understand"

[shred]

TEASER

~NIGHT~
~Alley~

Tabitha peered around the stinky dumpster that she was hiding behind with Andrew.

TABITHA: I don’t see anything.

ANDREW: You sure?

TABITHA: Take a look and see for yourself.

Andrew slowly moved up and took a peak over the lid of the dumpster.

ANDREW: There’s nothing. (pause) And it stinks!

TABITHA: Whose bright idea was it to hide behind a dumpster?

Andrew ducked his head to conceal himself before replying.

ANDREW: It never seems that stinky when they do it in the movies.

Tabitha rolled her eyes.

ANDREW: So what now?

TABITHA: I don’t know. Give me your phone. I wanna call Oliver and see if he has seen anything.

Andrew reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a sleek, black phone. He handed it over to Tabitha. Tabitha grabbed the phone and at the same time, grazed her fingers with his.

TABITHA: Oh…

ANDREW: Oh.

TABITHA: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…

ANDREW: It’s…it’s ok.

Andrew cleared his throat loudly.

ANDREW: No worries.

The two of them avoided eye contact as Tabitha punched in Pike’s cellphone number. She placed the phone to her ear and frowned.

TABITHA: It’s not ringing.

ANDREW: It’s not? Let me try.

He reached for the phone and at that moment Tabitha turned to face Andrew. Andrew’s hand touched Tabitha’s face and he pulled back immediately.

ANDREW: I’m sorry! I didn’t mean that.

TABITHA: Oh no. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have turned.

She quickly passed Andrew his phone but in her hurriedness, she dropped it to the ground. The two of them reached for it but ended up bumping their heads.

ANDREW & TABITHA: Ow!

They pulled back, rubbing their foreheads.

ANDREW: I didn’t mean that either.

TABITHA: Me too. It just…happened.

ANDREW: Right. Just happened. It doesn’t mean anything. I still don’t like you.

TABITHA: Of course. I don’t like you either.

ANDREW: I mean I like you but I’m not in love with you.

TABITHA: Me too. I’m not in love with you either.

They look at each other for a moment.

TABITHA: I should have gone with Oliver.


CUT TO BLACK

OPENING CREDITS ROLL

THEME SONG “Club Foot” by Kasabian

Starring:
Jewel Staite as Asta Dawson
Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris
Tom Lenk as Andrew Wells
Cillian Murphy as Oliver Pike
Ashley Scott as Tabitha Pike

Guest Starring:
Dean Cain as Ashley/Astwihad
Tyron Leitso as David Boone
Mike Erwin as Sebastian Gold
Jason Ritter as Nivek

Created by Irene Issac with Beck Schwarz
Based on the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”

END OF CREDITS

DISCLAIMER: ASTA is created by Irene (shred) and Beck (Radient Evil). All original characters belong to us and us alone. All the other characters and the slayverse, however, belong to Joss Whedon and we are just borrowing them. If you want to use this series or any of the original characters, ask and you shall receive. This series is set during the 5th season of ANGEL.

[shred]

ACT 1

Pike and Xander sat side by side on a bench that was facing an abandoned building. The building was a two-storey, brick warehouse with boarded up windows and doors and vandalised walls. It looked like it has been abandoned for years now and the place was still and silent, void of any life.

They both sat on the bench, watching the building for any signs of movement or activity.

XANDER: It’s so weird between us now.

PIKE: I can tell.

XANDER: I can’t talk to her or look at her without thinking about what happened.

PIKE: I know.

XANDER: I wish things were back to the way it was before the whole love spell disaster.

PIKE: (sighing) Me too.

XANDER: And she’s hanging out with that Sebastian guy a lot nowadays. Don’t you find that weird?

PIKE: Nope.

XANDER: It seems weird to me. I don’t know. I guess I miss hanging out with her.

PIKE: Maybe.

XANDER: Do you think you can talk to her for me? You know, maybe ask if she would…I don’t know…forgive me or something.

PIKE: For what?

Xander sighed in frustration.

XANDER: I don’t know! The way she has been acting, I think she’s mad at me.

PIKE: Did you do anything wrong?

XANDER: Me? No! Of course not. Unless you count the whole love spell incident last week. But it wasn’t my fault and she was just as much into the whole thing as I was. She kissed me back you know! She is to blame as well. So I’m not going to apologise for that.

PIKE: Ok.

XANDER: But do you think I should apologise? Girls are always touchy about these kind things so it’s hard to tell.

PIKE: Yup.

Xander groaned as he hung his head back.

XANDER: What am I going to do?

Pike looked at him for the first time that night.

PIKE: Are you jealous?

Xander looked at Pike, puzzled.

XANDER: Jealous? Of what?

PIKE: Of this Sebastian dude.

XANDER: No. Why would I be jealous?

Pike shrugged as he turned his eyes back to the building.

PIKE: I don’t know. It sounds to me like you’re jealous.

Xander scoffed, shaking his head.

XANDER: I’m not jealous. There’s nothing that guy has that makes me jealous.

The corner of Pike’s lips curled up into a smile.

PIKE: Are you sure?

XANDER: I’m sure. (pause) Ok, maybe I’m jealous that he has more eyes than me but I’m jealous with everyone about that.

PIKE: Right.

XANDER: So I’m not jealous.

PIKE: Good.

Then Pike straightened. He nodded towards the building.

PIKE: Check it out.

Xander turned towards the warehouse and caught sight of two large men walking out of the alley next to the warehouse and going towards the boarded up door of the building.

XANDER: Is that them?

PIKE: I think so. Call Tabby and give her the heads up.

Xander took out his cellphone and started dialling. Pike got up and started to make his way towards the warehouse. Xander blinked in surprise before getting up and quickly following the other man.

XANDER: Pike, where are you going? Aren’t you going to wait for Tabitha and Andrew?

PIKE: Don’t worry. I’m just going to keep an eye on them – see what they are up to.

XANDER: We know what they are up to. They are vampires and there’s a nest in there.

PIKE: Just call Tabby and ask the two of them to get here as soon as they can. I wanna make sure that those guys don’t do anything else other than suck blood and have a nest.

XANDER: I don’t think that’s such a good idea.

But Xander’s warning came a little too late as Pike slipped through the door and disappeared into the building. Xander stood outside with his cellphone in his hand, wondering what he should do next.

XANDER: It’s time like this where I wish I was a scared little girl.

He switched his phone off, pocketed it and entered the warehouse.

#########################################
~BAR NONE~

WAITRESS: Here’s your check, sir. Is there anything else that you need?

SEBASTIAN: No, we are fine. Thanks.

Sebastian pulled out a twenty from this wallet and handed it to the waitress. As the waitress moved away from their table, Sebastian reached out and took Asta’s hand.

SEBASTIAN: So I was thinking maybe we’d take a walk on the beach but since Hades Valley has no beach, I think we have to settle on the street that leads back to your place. Then maybe we can pop in a movie, gossip?

ASTA: Gossip?

SEBASTIAN: Yeah. Didn’t you know? I love to gossip.

Asta laughed.

ASTA: Well, I don’t.

SEBASTIAN: Now, that can’t be true. Every girl loves to gossip. My sisters do that all the time. I did an experiment and…

Sebastian trailed off when he noticed Asta frowning.

SEBASTIAN: What? Did I say something wrong?

ASTA: No, you didn’t. You said you have sisters.

SEBASTIAN: Yeah, I do. Two of them – Sarah and Susan. Didn’t I tell you?

ASTA: No. Not really.

SEBASTIAN: Ok, I know what you’re thinking. We’ve been going out for a week now and I have never told you anything about my family. You must think I’m hiding something.

Sebastian looked intently at Asta.

SEBASTIAN: I’m not.

ASTA: I know. I just didn’t realize until just now that I don’t know much about you. It’s no big deal.

SEBASTIAN: It is to me. I want you to know everything there is about me. That’s how dating is right?

Asta frowned.

ASTA: It is?

Sebastian blinked as Asta laughed.

ASTA: I’m kidding.

SEBASTIAN: Oh thank goodness!

Asta pulled her hand away from Sebastian and started to gather her things.

ASTA: Come on. Let’s get going if we want to catch that movie.

SEBASTIAN: Now that you mention it, shall we skip the movie and go straight to the making our part?

Asta waggled her eyebrows.

ASTA: That’s for me to know and for you to find out.

SEBASTIAN: Oh! I love that in a girl.

Laughing, the two of them half ran and half walk towards the exit of the restaurant. They stopped in their tracks when they saw David at the door. He looked worried.

DAVID: Asta, I need to talk to you.

ASTA: Sure. What’s up?

DAVID: Alone please.

ASTA: Oh ok. (to Sebastian) I’ll be right back.

SEBASTIAN: I’ll wait for you outside.

David took Asta’s upper arm and pulled her away from Sebastian. As soon as the other man stepped out of the bar, David looked at Asta.

ASTA: What’s going on?

DAVID: I tried calling Tabitha but she’s not answering her phone.

ASTA: Did you try the house?

DAVID: Tabitha told me that they were going out to…er…look for a nest.

Asta frowned.

ASTA: A nest? Of vampires?

DAVID: I don’t know. She didn’t say. Whatever it is, it doesn’t look like fun and since Tabitha hasn’t been answering her phone, I’m getting worried.

ASTA: They never told me anything about a nest. Do you know where they went?

DAVID: She mentioned something about an abandoned warehouse in Thompon. Can you go and check it out – see whether she’s ok?

ASTA: David, I’m with Sebastian now. I can’t just leave him.

DAVID: I know. But what if something bad happened to Tabitha?

ASTA: Tabby is with the others right? So I’m sure she’s fine. They can take care of themselves. Tabby can take care of herself. This isn’t the first time she has been out on patrol, David.

DAVID: I know. It’s just that…I have this weird feeling something is wrong and…please Asta. I wouldn’t ask you to do this if it wasn’t important.

Asta looked at the bar owner for a moment.

ASTA: Ok, fine I’ll go.

DAVID: Thank you! I’ll make it up to you. I promise.

#########################################
~WAREHOUSE~

The warehouse was dimly lit by a couple of raging fires in metal cans. The place was littered with torn pieces of paper, clothing and broken furniture. Xander picked up a broken leg of a table for a weapon and headed towards a flight of stairs that led to the second storey of the building. Pike was nowhere in sight.

Cautiously, Xander took the stairs to the second floor. There, the place looked very much like downstairs. Paper and broken furniture were scattered all over the place. Amidst the debris, Xander spotted a few bodies lying on the ground. He couldn’t tell whether those people were alive or not.

Then he heard voices coming from the end of the room. He crouched behind an overturned couch and peered over it. He could still hear voices but he couldn’t see who the voices belonged to.

VOICE: Xander!

Xander nearly jumped when he heard his name being called out from behind him. He whirled around, the wooden leg in front of him.

Pike was crouching behind a few boxes just a few meters behind Xander. He waved frantically for him to come over. Making sure that no one was around, Xander quickly crept towards Pike.

PIKE: What are you doing here? I thought you were calling Tabitha?

XANDER: And leave you all alone in a nest of vampires? No way!

PIKE: Did you see anyone downstairs?

XANDER: No.

PIKE: Alright. So all of them are up here.

XANDER: You have a plan?

PIKE: Not really. But now that you’re here with that wooden leg, I think we can take them out.

XANDER: Are you kidding?

Pike’s eyes twinkled as he grinned.

PIKE: Let’s have some fun.

Taking the wooden leg from Xander, Pike moved away from his hiding place and darted towards the area where the voices were coming from. Xander didn’t follow the other man immediately. Instead he pulled out his cellphone and speed dialled Tabitha’s number. He left it on as he dashed towards the direction Pike headed to.

Pike stopped at a room and took a peak inside. He spotted about five male vampires and 3 female ones. They all stood in a loose semicircle with their backs facing towards Pike. They seem to be studying something fascinating in front of them but Pike couldn’t see what. Xander stood behind him, anxiously keeping an eye out.

XANDER: How many are there?

PIKE: About seven from what I can see.

XANDER: Seven? But there are only two of us and one wooden leg.

PIKE: We should be alright till backup gets here.

XANDER: What if it’s too late?

Pike winked at him.

PIKE: Then it was nice knowing you, Xander.

Without another word, Pike stepped into the room, announcing his presence.

PIKE: Hey guys. Can I join your gang?

Seven pairs of eyes turned to Pike. Surprise showed on the vampires’ faces when they saw Pike standing at the entrance of the room with a broken table leg in his hand.

PIKE: Or do I have to be some kind of monster to join?

The vampire nearest to Pike scowled before issuing an order.

VAMP: Get him!

The male vampires rushed towards Pike first. Gripping the leg tightly in his hands, Pike swung it at the vampires like a baseball bat as they came near. It was enough to hold them off for awhile.

PIKE: Would be nice if you come and help, Xander!

Xander, who was hiding behind the wall, laughed nervously.

XANDER: But you took my leg!

Pike struck the piece of wood across one of the vampires face. Then he grabbed Xander by the collar of his shirt and pulled Xander towards him. He shoved the leg into Xander’s hands.

PIKE: Now, you have the leg.

Pike turned his attention back to the vampires, at the same time pulling a small stake out of his pocket. The two men fought the five vampires with some difficulty with their wooden leg and a small stake. In the middle of the fight, they heard a set of footsteps pounding into the room. Xander risked a glance over his shoulder and caught sight of Andrew and Tabitha sprinting into the room.

VAMP: Girls! Take care of them.

The three female vampires didn’t hesitate as they launched themselves towards the two newcomers. Tabitha scowled.

TABITHA: Whose bright idea was this?

XANDER: Who else?

Pike grinned at his sister as he dusted a large vampire.

PIKE: I couldn’t help it.

TABITHA: You never learn do you?

She ducked a punch and plunged her stake into the female vampire’s heart. She turned to the next vampire. The second one was a lot smaller and had a buzz cut. Along with her vampiric face, the whole look made the vampire look less female. Tabitha scrunched up her face in disgust.

TABITHA: The downside of not having a reflection.

The vampire sneered and lunged towards Tabitha. The two of them toppled to the ground, causing Tabitha to cry out in surprise.

ANDREW: There are too many of them!

XANDER: My leg is not helping!

VOICE: Need help?

Everyone in the room froze, their gazes turning towards the door. Asta stood at the entrance. A stake dangled from her hand. She smiled.

ASTA: Sorry to interrupt.

Two male vampires, who were nearest to the door, stalked towards Asta. That made everyone else to spring into action again.

The two vampires were dust before they could even aim a single punch at Asta. The Slayer ventured further into the room, taking out as many vampires as she could.

Ten minutes later, the room was empty except for the five humans.

PIKE: Well, that was entertaining.

XANDER: You have great timing Asta.

ASTA: Why didn’t you guys tell me that you found a nest? I could have come and helped you.

TABITHA: We found out about it after you went on your date with Sebastian. We didn’t want to interrupt. I know how guys hate it when their date runs out on them in the middle of dinner.

ASTA: Still. You guys could have been killed!

XANDER: Lucky for us, you have great timing.

ANDREW: Erm…guys?

The four of them turn towards Andrew. The Watcher jerked his thumb over his shoulder.

ANDREW: What do we do about him?

Behind Andrew, they saw a young man pressed against the wall, his hands tied above his head. His face was covered in blood and deep scratches marred his naked torso.

ANDREW: Anyone know this guy?

[shred]

ACT 2

~HOUSE~
~Kitchen~

Tabitha entered the kitchen with a bowl of water in one hand and a wash cloth in another. She set the bowl and cloth down in the sink.

ASTA: How is he?

TABITHA: I can’t tell unless he wakes up. The injuries don’t look too serious and it doesn’t seem like he has lost a lot of blood so I take that as a good sign.

XANDER: Was there any ID on him?

TABITHA: Nope. There was nothing on him. No wallet, no cash, not even a handkerchief.

PIKE: Wherever the vampires got him, they must have taken him by surprise.

ASTA: And from home. I doubt he was walking around town without a shirt on.

ANDREW: Shouldn’t we call the ambulance? They might know if he has broken any bones or has any internal bleeding.

TABITHA: I don’t think that’s such a good idea.

ASTA: Why not?

TABITHA: Because I don’t think he’s human.

The four of them stare at Tabitha, speechless.

XANDER: Not human? He’s a vampire?

TABITHA: No. Something else. A demon maybe. I don’t know for sure what kind but I know he’s not human.

PIKE: How can you tell?

TABITHA: Because there were these weird signs on his chest. And they weren’t tattoos or drawn by a marker. The signs are engraved into his skin.

XANDER: Ouch.

ANDREW: Ok. If he’s a demon, why did we bring him back here? Demons usually kill human beings like us. Bringing them home is not such a good idea.

TABITHA: We didn’t know he was a demon at first. And if vampires had him captured? I doubt he’s vicious or evil.

ASTA: You can never know.

TABITHA: I know. That’s why I think we should tie him up in the basement and keep watch until he wakes up. We can take turns.

ASTA: I’ll take the first shift.

#########################################
~BASEMENT~
~Later~

Asta sat directly across from the man, next to the stairs that led upstairs. A crossbow lay on her lap. The man was on one of the cots, with his hands tied up to the bedpost. It had been an hour since her shift started and no movement came from the human-looking demon.

Asta heard footsteps coming down the stairs. She glanced over her shoulder and Xander smiled back down at her.

ASTA: Your shift doesn’t start for about two hours.

XANDER: I know. I couldn’t sleep so I thought I'd check on you. That couch really is the most uncomfortable thing in the world for sleeping.

He nodded towards the sleeping man.

XANDER: Any signs of life?

ASTA: None at all.

Xander dragged a chair beside her and sat down.

XANDER: For our sake, I really hope this dude isn’t some fire breathing monster.

ASTA: Yeah me too.

The two of them fell silent as they stared at the man before them.

XANDER: So…erm…how’s Sebastian?

ASTA: He’s good.

XANDER: You guys seem to be really hitting off.

ASTA: Yeah. He’s a really nice guy and he…makes me laugh. And I figure that that’s a good thing because it’s about time I have some laughter in my life.

XANDER: I’m glad. I hope things work out between you two.

ASTA: Me too.

XANDER: Oh. I almost forgot to show you this.

Xander pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. He passed it to Asta who frowned at the drawing on the paper. It was a drawing of a demon.

ASTA: What is this?

XANDER: Don’t you recognize it?

ASTA: It’s that demon…

XANDER: From your dream, yeah. Willow remembered it when she saw it in your head. She sketched it and sent it to us. She hoped that it will help us with our research. You never said much about it.

ASTA: I…I didn’t want to.

XANDER: I understand. Anyway, we found out the name of the demon. He’s called Ahriman and there’s this long history about him that I won’t bore you with. But we believe that he might be responsible for the dreams that you’ve been having.

ASTA: When did you find out about this?

XANDER: We found out for awhile now but the chance never came up to tell you.

ASTA: My soul…does it have anything to do with Ahriman?

XANDER: We don’t know. But we will soon enough. We’ll keep working on it.

Asta looked intently at the paper.

ASTA: Can I keep this?

XANDER: Why would you want to?

ASTA: I…I just need to keep this.

XANDER: Sure. Be my guest.

Asta lifted her gaze to the man. He was still unconscious.

ASTA: Can you take over my shift?

XANDER: Why? What’s wrong?

ASTA: Nothing. I just remembered that there’s something I need to do. I won’t be long.

XANDER: Ok sure.

Asta stood up and handed the crossbow to Xander. She stuffed the paper into her pocket and headed up the stairs.

XANDER: Bye!

But Asta was already gone.

#########################################
~MONASTERY~
~Later~

Asta found Ashley doing push-ups in the middle of the monastery hall. She stalked up to him and thrust the paper in front of his face.

ASTA: Who’s this?

Ashley stopped in mid push-up and looked up at the Slayer.

ASHLEY: What?

ASTA: This demon. Do you know who he is?

Ashley climbed to his feet and took the piece of paper from Asta. Recognition flashed across Ashley’s face but it was gone before Asta could question it. Ashley frowned as he studied the picture.

ASHLEY: I have never seen him before.

ASTA: Are you sure?

Ashley handed the paper back to Asta and strolled towards the railing to pick up a towel.

ASHLEY: Would I lie to you?

ASTA: His name is Ahriman. Xander believes that he’s responsible for my dreams and the voices.

Ashley picked up the towel and started mopping up his brow. He smirked at the Slayer.

ASHLEY: Seems to me you know more about him than I do, Asta.

ASTA: Well, here’s the funny thing. You told me that the dreams I’m having is because I’m different.

ASHLEY: A Saoshyant.

ASTA: Right. That.

ASHLEY: What makes you think that what Xander told you is true?

ASTA: What makes what you told me true?

Ashley chuckled.

ASHLEY: You've got a point.

ASTA: Look, I’m not saying you’re wrong…

ASHLEY: But you’re not saying Xander’s wrong either.

ASTA: I just want to know who is right. So…do you know who Ahriman is?

ASHLEY: No, I don’t. I wish I do but I don’t.

Asta threw the piece of paper away in frustration.

ASTA: This sucks! You know before all of this, I knew who I was, what I was suppose to do. I was the Slayer. I kill demons, slay vampires. But now you tell me that I’m something else.

ASHLEY: You’re still the slayer.

ASTA: Yeah but I’m also this Saoshyant! So what am I? Am I a slayer or a Saoshyant? Or both?

Asta sighed as she leaned against the railing.

ASTA: I don’t know anything anymore. I don’t understand anything anymore. You have to help me, Ashley. I need to start knowing more about myself.

Ashley smiled brightly at Asta.

ASHLEY: That’s what I’m here for.

#########################################
~HOUSE~
~Basement~

It was now Andrew’s turn to keep an eye on the man. With a crossbow tightly gripped in his hands, Andrew paced in front of the cot, keeping a wary eye on the sleeping man.

Andrew guessed that he was sleeping as every now and then the man would flinch and moan, as if he was having a nightmare.

Andrew cautiously went up to the man’s bedside and peered at his face, wondering if there was anything unusual about the way he looked. He looked normal. He was young, – probably no older than Andrew – with thick dark hair that fell across his eyes. He was well built and the markings engraved on his torso gave him a feral look. A look that made Andrew shivered a little.

ANDREW: I wonder what it means.

The man’s eyes suddenly snapped open. Andrew yelped in surprise and jumped back. He brandished the crossbow in front of him, aiming it at the man’s head.

The man blinked furiously at the ceiling before craning his neck around to have a look at his surroundings. He started to struggle against his restraints when his eyes fell on the chains.

MAN: What –

The man’s gaze fell on Andrew and he struggled even more.

MAN: Who are you? Let me go!

ANDREW: Calm down. I have a crossbow aimed at your head.

MAN: Where am I?

ANDREW: You’re in a basement. We rescued you from a group of vampires.

MAN: Vampires?

ANDREW: Yeah. They are creatures who suck blood. And hate the sun. And –

MAN: What do you want from me?

ANDREW: Nothing actually. We just wanted to make sure you were alright.

The man stopped his struggling and frowned at the Watcher.

MAN: Why am I tied up?

ANDREW: Oh that. We thought you were a demon. Still do.

The man pulled against the chains and snarled.

MAN: Let me go!

ANDREW: Not until you tell me whether you eat humans.

The man blinked, looking confused.

MAN: I don’t eat humans.

ANDREW: Small children?

MAN: No!

ANDREW: What do you eat?

MAN: I’m not…! Look, I won’t hurt you. Not if you keep me here.

ANDREW: What’s that supposed to mean?

Anger flashed across the man’s face and for a moment Andrew thought he saw the man’s eyes flashing red.

MAN: Let me go!

Andrew glanced over his shoulder.

ANDREW: I need some help over here!

MAN: Please! You have to let me go. You can’t keep me here. People will get hurt.

Andrew turned his attention back to the man.

ANDREW: By you?

MAN: Yes. Please, let me go.

ANDREW: What are you?

The man didn’t respond. Instead, he roared and yanked at his chains. Andrew watched in fear as the chains ripped free from the cot. The man pushed himself out of the bed and stood before Andrew.

MAN: Get out of the way.

Determination set on Andrew’s face as he pointed the loaded crossbow at the man’s heart.

ANDREW: No.

The man rushed Andrew and the Watcher let an arrow fly. The arrow pierced into the man’s right shoulder and he cried out in pain. But that didn’t stop him from running towards Andrew and slamming into him. Andrew flew across the basement upon impact and he hit the wall, slumping to the ground.

Footsteps were heard pounding down the stairs. Tabitha caught sight of Andrew unconscious on the floor and she gasped.

TABITHA: What the hell is going on?

Behind her, Pike run past her.

PIKE: Get Andrew out of there.

Pike had a baseball bat in his hands and he headed straight towards the man.

MAN: You don’t want to do that.

PIKE: I think I do.

As Pike and the man circled each other, Tabitha ran towards Andrew. She lightly tapped his face, hoping to rouse him. But Andrew’s head lolled to one side. Tabitha started to panic when she saw that the back of his head was soaked with blood.

TABITHA: Oliver! He’s bleeding!

PIKE: Get him out of here!

TABITHA: I can’t! I need help.

Tabitha went to the cot, ripped out the bed sheet and knelt down beside Andrew. Rolling the torn up piece of cloth into a ball, Tabitha pressed it against the wound, hoping to stop the bleeding.

TABITHA: Oliver!

PIKE: In a minute!

Pike swung the bat but the man easily dodged it. He grabbed the bat in mid-air and yanked it towards him. The bat ripped out of Pike’s hands and Pike stared at the other man in surprise.

PIKE: Ok. I didn’t expect that.

MAN: I’m not going to hurt you.

PIKE: Says the man with a baseball bat.

MAN: Hey! You were the one who wanted to hit me with it.

PIKE: Still do.

The man tossed the bat aside just as Pike ran towards him. The man braced himself as Pike ploughed into him. Instead of letting Pike run him down, the man grabbed the other man and pushed him forward, letting his momentum carry Pike forward. Pike crashed into the bed.

The man turned and quickly headed towards the stairs.

TABITHA: Oliver! He’s getting away!

Groaning, Pike pushed himself off the cot and ran after the man, stumbling slightly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Xander came down the stairs to the living room, he found the house quiet and empty. Frowning, he headed towards the kitchen. Finding no one, he exited and headed towards the stairs that led down to the basement.

He was about to put his hand on the doorknob when the door burst open, causing Xander to jump back in surprise. A scared looking man stood in front of him and the two of them stared at each other for a moment.

XANDER: Hey!

The man took that as his cue to leave. He pushed Xander aside and ran towards the front door.

A moment late, Pike came running out of the basement.

PIKE: Where did he go?

XANDER: Front door.

Together, they ran towards the door. They spotted the man fumbling with the lock. Pike yanked the man’s hands free from the knob and pushed him against a wall.

PIKE: You can’t leave pal.

Panic filled the man’s eyes as he looked at Pike and then at Xander.

MAN: I have to. You don’t understand what I can do!

PIKE: You’re not going anywhere, pal.

The man roared and slammed his body into Pike. The two of them tumbled to the ground. Xander reached out and grabbed the man by his shoulder and pulled him away from Pike. The man swatted Xander away.

As the man went towards the front door, Xander reached out and grabbed his ankle. The man stumbled but didn’t fall. Xander took his moment to climb to his feet and rushed towards the man.

As the two men got into a fist fight, Pike looked around the hallway for a weapon. His eyes landed on the coat rack by the door. Before he could grab it, a body slam into him. Xander and Pike fell to the ground in a tangle of limps.

MAN: Don’t try to find me.

Groans were the only answer he got from Xander and Pike.

The man whirled around and froze when he saw someone standing at the front door. The other man scowled.

MAN: Who –

David swung the coat rack and hit the man across his temple. The man fell to his knees. Looking up, he scowled. David’s eyes widened in surprise.

DAVID: Ok…I thought you would be dead by that.

The man leapt up, pushed David away and dashed out of the house.

[shred]

~ACT 3~

~Kitchen~
~later~

Xander was seated with Pike and Tabitha around the dining table. He rubbed his sore jaw.

XANDER: Now, that was exciting.

TABITHA: Tell me about it.

PIKE: I didn’t expect him to be that strong. He didn’t look strong when we brought him here. Did you guys expect him to be that strong?

XANDER: Well, I sure didn’t expect him to go all psycho-killer on us. I thought he would thank us for saving his life and then leave.

They heard someone enter the house and a moment later, David walked in.

TABITHA: Hey.

DAVID: Hey yourself.

Tabitha stood up and the two of them hugged.

TABITHA: How’s Andrew?

DAVID: He’s fine. He needed 3 stitches but it was nothing serious.

TABITHA: He’s upstairs?

DAVID: Yup. The meds kinda knocked him out.

TABITHA: Ok.

DAVID: So someone want to tell me what happened?

TABITHA: We aren’t exactly sure. We found him tied up in that vampire nest we went to check out. We didn’t think he was out of ordinary until we cleaned him up and saw weird markings on his chest.

XANDER: Then he woke up and attacked us. Very polite of him.

DAVID: Do you know who he is? Name?

PIKE: Nope.

DAVID: Well, whatever or whoever he is, we can’t let him roam around streets like that right?

PIKE: Right. So we should go out there and look for him. Something just doesn’t seem right. He wasn’t intent on hurting. He just wanted to leave – badly.

XANDER: Maybe he badly wanted to leave to destroy the world?

TABITHA: Maybe. But David’s right. He shouldn’t be out there. Not until we know who he is and what he’s up to.

The three men rose from their seats and followed Tabitha and David out of the kitchen. They grabbed whatever weapons they could find in the house and left in search for the man a few minutes later.

#########################################
~MONASTERY~

Asta’s cellphone rang, jarring her and Ashley from their conversation. Tossing an apologetic smile to Ashley, Asta answered her phone.

ASTA: Hello?

TABITHA: Asta! Good. We finally got you.

ASTA: Tabby? What’s wrong?

TABITHA: Er…you know the guy we rescued?

ASTA: Yeah?

TABITHA: Well, he escaped.

ASTA: Escaped? How?

TABITHA: Oh the usual way. By beating the crap out of us and then making a run for it.

ASTA: Do you know where he is?

Ashley stepped forward, concerned etched on his face.

ASHLEY: What’s wrong?

TABITHA: No. That’s why I called you. We need another pair of eyes. We are heading towards Willows Cemetery now to see if he’s there. Are you near the monastery? Maybe you can swing by from wherever you are and check out if he’s there.

ASTA: Yeah, sure. I can do that.

TABITHA: Ok, good. Keep me updated.

ASTA: Is he evil?

TABITHA: A question I don’t have the answer to, Asta. But if knocking us around like that is an indication that he’s evil, then he’s very much so.

ASTA: (grimly) Good to know. I’ll call you if I see anything.

Asta hang up and gazed at Ashley. He raised his eyebrows in question.

ASTA: That was Tabitha. I have to go.

ASHLEY: What’s up?

ASTA: There’s this guy on a loose and we need to find him.

ASHLEY: What is he?

ASTA: We don’t know yet. But we are not taking any chances. We need to find him just in case he turns out to be evil and wants all of the human race to end.

ASHLEY: Do what you have to do.

ASTA: We’ll do this another time?

ASHLEY: Of course. We can chat more during our next training session. Who knows, maybe this guy might teach you a thing or two about yourself.

ASTA: I doubt that.

Ashley smiled, not saying anymore. Asta quickly made her way towards the exit.

ASHLEY: Good luck!

When Asta opened the huge double doors of the monastery, she froze. A familiar looking man stood in front of her. He looked as surprised as she was. Then his surprise vanished and a scowl replaced it.

MAN: You shouldn’t be here.

ASTA: I could say the same for you but then again, you’re probably here for the same reason all demons are.

MAN: Get out of my way.

ASTA: My friends are looking for you.

The man blinked, not quite getting what the Slayer meant. Then realization dawn upon him.

MAN: They are your friends?

ASTA: Yup. We are looking for you. We need you back at the house.

ASHLEY: Asta? What’s going on?

Asta glanced over her shoulder. Ashley was walking towards her.

ASTA: Everything’s fine, Ashley.

She turned back to the man, who was trying to peer behind her.

ASTA: We need you back at the house.

MAN: Why?

ASTA: Cause we need to talk.

MAN: Can’t.

The man smiled but there was not warmth in it. Only sadness.

MAN: I’m in a hurry.

Asta took a step forward.

ASTA: What’s your name?

Man sighed in frustration.

MAN: I don’t really have time for this.

ASTA: Look, it might not seem that way but we are really the good guys here. Those vampires? Are not. We are here to help you. Once we figure out if you are evil or not. So…what’s your name?

MAN: Nivek. And I am evil.

Asta blinked, not quite sure how to respond.

ASTA: Ok…I didn’t quite plan that far ahead. I just kept thinking you are good.

NIVEK: I am good.

ASTA: But you just said you are evil.

Nivek sighed again, running his hands through his thick, dark hair.

NIVEK: It’s complicated. You have to trust me. Let me in.

ASTA: Not until you explain to me who you are.

Anger flashed across his face.

NIVEK: I’m not going to ask you again, little girl. Let me in.

ASHLEY: I think you should do what the little girl says, Nivek.

The man’s gaze flickered over to Ashley, who was hovering behind Asta’s shoulder.

ASHLEY: She might look like a little girl, but trust me, that’s not all.

NIVEK: And who are you?

ASHLEY: No, no. We’re asking the questions here. Who are you?

Nivek glanced over his shoulder nervously before looking back at Asta and Ashley.

NIVEK: You don’t want to know.

With that, Nivek rushed the two of them. The sudden movement caught Asta off guard and Nivek slammed into her throwing her a few feet in to the air and landing across the hall of the monastery. Ashley managed to dodge Nivek but only just. The other man clipped Ashley across the jaw, causing him to stumble back.

ASHLEY: Asta! Stop him!

Asta quickly got to her fee and pulled out her cellphone. She tossed it to Ashley.

ASTA: Call Tabby and tell her where we are!

Ashley caught the phone and stared at it.

ASTA: Call her!

Before Ashley could punch in any numbers, the phone came to life in his hands. Ashley blinked in surprise, staring at the phone for a moment before answering it. The person on the other end immediately started talking before Ashley could say hello.

TABITHA: Asta? We saw the guy heading towards the monastery. I hope you’re there. Get to him and hold him off if you are.

ASHLEY: Ok.

TABITHA: Hello? Who’s this?

Ashley hung up and set the phone aside. He looked up at Asta fighting Nivek. The man was strong and Asta looked like she was on the losing end of the battle. He turned his gaze towards Nivek and concentrated. He murmured a spell, extending a hand.

A white light flashed through the room, momentarily blinding the three of them. When the light vanished, Asta blinked hard at Ashley. She turned to Nivek who stood before her, looking dazed.

Asta didn’t waste time asking questions as she grabbed Nivek and slammed him face first into the ground. She sat on top of him, pressing his face to the ground.

ASTA: Alright. Now that I’ve got your attention, you’re going to tell me who you are and what you’re doing here.

NIVEK: There’s nothing to tell you!

Asta pressed his face even harder against the rough floor of the monastery.

ASTA: Who are you?

NIVEK: Nivek.

ASTA: Tell me something I don’t already know.

ASHLEY: What kind of demon are you?

NIVEK: A Gruslag.

ASHLEY: (frowning) Gruslag?

ASTA: You know them?

ASHLEY: Yeah. Gruslag are vicious creatures.

Asta looked down at Nivek fearfully.

ASTA: In other words, I shouldn’t be sitting on him like that?

Ashley crouched down beside Nivek and peered at his face.

ASHLEY: Gruslag are one of the vicious creatures in the underworld. They are feral and insane.

NIVEK: And evil.

ASHLEY: Yes, of course.

NIVEK: But I’m turning my back on my nature.

ASTA: You are?

ASHLEY: Why?

NIVEK: Because…I couldn’t…

Nivek trailed off, squeezing his eyes shut.

ASTA: Why?

NIVEK: Because I couldn’t! I couldn’t kill anymore. I hated to see blood on my hands every day.

ASHLEY: But I thought Gruslag demons couldn’t turn their back on their evil nature.

ASTA: Why not?

NIVEK: Yes we can’t. Our evil nature is so rooted in our being that turning good is almost impossible.

ASHLEY: (to Asta) If you’re born a goat, you can’t be a cow. To put it simply.

ASTA: Oh ok. Well, in that case…

Asta got off from Nivek and stood up. She extended her hand towards him. Nivek looked at her hand, warily.

ASTA: I guess I won’t be killing you then.

ASHLEY: Asta, this demon is evil. You sure you know what you’re doing?

Nivek smiled as he took Asta’s hand and pulled himself up to his feet.

ASTA: So what are you doing here? The Hellmouth isn’t a place for good guys to go to.

Nivek ducked his head, looking ashamed.

NIVEK: I came to do something I’m embarrassed of admitting.

ASTA: What is it?

NIVEK: You see, it’s hard for me to turn my back to my evil nature. Sometimes that urge gets so strong that I can’t help but give in.

ASTA: You still kill?

NIVEK: I have no choice. It’s something I can’t keep control of. I am a harm to those around me. I cannot exist this way.

ASTA: The vampires. They took you in because you let them.

NIVEK: I wanted them to kill me. But they didn’t. Instead they kept me around, tortured me. It didn’t matter. I deserved what they did to me. I’m a killer, I should be punished for all the things I did.

ASTA: But then we came and rescued you. Or we thought we rescued you.

NIVEK: It’s not your fault. You didn’t know. That’s why I came here. I’m hoping to end my life in the Hellmouth.

ASTA: But you can’t do that! I’m sure there’s another way.

Nivek smiled sadly.

NIVEK: I’m afraid not. I’ve been fighting myself for so long now and I don’t think I’ve the strength to go on.

ASTA: Look, I’m sure there’s another way. My friends and I can help you.

Ashley stepped forward and took hold of Asta’s arm.

ASHLEY: I’m going to interrupt you for a minute here. (to Asta) Can I talk to you? (to Nivek) Excuse us.

Ashley pulled Asta aside. The slayer frowned at him.

ASTA: What’s wrong?

ASHLEY: I’m disappointed in you, Asta. You took a few days to trust me and it’s not even ten minutes and you’re already eating from the palm of his hand.

ASTA: What are you talking about?

ASHLEY: I’m talking about Nivek. You believe his cock and bull story?

ASTA: You think he’s lying?

ASHLEY: Don’t you? I know Gruslag demons. It’s virtually impossible for them to be good, much less stop doing evil. I don’t believe a word that he just said to us.

ASTA: Why do you think he’s lying to us?

ASHLEY: Who knows? Maybe he has an ulterior motive. But I bet he isn’t saying that he’s good to get our sympathy.

ASTA: Well, we can ask him more questions. I can take him back to the house and do a bit of interrogation –

Ashley tightened his grip around Asta’s arm, cutting her off.

ASHLEY: Asta, don’t you understand? You can’t trust him. Neither of us can. You think it’s a good idea to take him back to your house just because he says that he’s trying to be good.

Asta rolled her eyes in exasperation.

ASTA: What do you want me to do then?

The corner of Ashley’s lips curled up into a smile.

ASHLEY: You said you wanted to learn more about yourself – what a Saoshyant is. Well, this is your chance. A Saoshyant gets rid of the evil in this world. Last I checked? Gruslag demons are evil.

Ashley pulled her close so that he was whispering in her ear.

ASHLEY: Do your job as Saoshyant and kill him.

Asta eyes grew big. She pulled away from Ashley.

NIVEK: Everything alright?

The two of them turned to Nivek and gave him a tight smile.

ASHLEY: Yeah, everything’s fine. We just ran into a disagreement.

NIVEK: Not about me I hope.

ASHLEY: Don’t worry, it’s not.

Ashley turned to Asta.

ASHLEY: I hope this matter is settled, Asta.

ASTA: Ashley, I can’t…

ASHLEY: Remember what we talked about Asta.

NIVEK: You know, I never really got an answer when I asked you what you’re doing here.

ASHLEY: You don’t need to know, Nivek. Asta?

NIVEK: Ok, you know what? I’m leaving.

ASTA: Nivek, wait!

Nivek turned and started to head towards the exit. He froze in mid-step, his gaze focused on something just beyond the railing.

ASTA: Nivek, we can talk about this. I just need to ask you a few more questions to make sure that you’re not lying.

The Gruslag demon didn’t look at Asta. He kept his gaze on the area behind the railing.

NIVEK: (softly) Ahriman…

ASTA: What did you say?

Nivek whipped his head around, his frightened gaze landing on Ashley. Ashley looked surprised.

NIVEK: Who are you?

ASTA: He’s Ashley. He’s a friend of mine. He can help you too.

NIVEK: (to Ashley) What is he doing here?

ASHLEY: What?

NIVEK: Don’t play dumb, Ashley. I can see him.

ASTA: See who? What’s going on?

Ashley flicked his gaze towards the railing. Ahriman stared back at him.

AHRIMAN: He can see me, Astwihad.

ASHLEY: Shit.

Ashley turned back to see Nivek glaring at him.

ASHLEY: Asta. Kill him.

[shred]

ACT 4

Nivek bolted towards the exit with Asta looking on in confusion.

ASTA: Ashley, what the hell is going on?

Ashley pushed Asta towards the doors.

ASHLEY: Go after him. Make sure he doesn’t live to see another day.

ASTA: But –

Ashley glared at the Slayer.

ASHLEY: It’s your job, Asta. Don’t make me tell you twice.

Ashley turned and stalked towards one of the smaller rooms in the monastery.

ASHLEY: I’ll catch up with you.

Asta stared after Ashley. As soon as he disappeared into the room, she turned her eyes towards the railing. Not seeing anything, she shook her head and dashed for the exit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~OUTSIDE MONASTERY~

XANDER: Are you sure about this? I mean, shouldn’t we wait for Asta?

TABITHA: We don’t even know if she’s nearby. I don’t think we can wait for her if she’s on the other side of town.

XANDER: Did she say where she was when you called her?

TABITHA: No. Actually, I don’t think it was even Asta who answered her phone.

PIKE: Who was it?

TABITHA: Some guy. I didn’t recognize his voice and he hung up when I asked him who he was.

XANDER: You think Asta is in trouble?

TABITHA: I don’t –

The doors to the monastery burst open and Nivek came rushing out. He stumbled to a stop when he saw who stood before them.

NIVEK: You!

PIKE: (grinning) Hey! Look who we found!

NIVEK: Leave me alone!

Nivek took off and as the gang was about to chase after the demon, Asta appeared at the doors.

TABITHA: Asta, you’re here. He was in there with you?

XANDER: Did he try to eat you?

ASTA: No.

XANDER: So he’s not evil.

ASTA: He is. Where did he go?

PIKE: That way. We got to leave now if we want to catch up with him.

ASTA: Ok. You guys circle round and see if you can cut him off.

Without another word, Asta took off after Nivek. A second later, the gang went in the opposite direction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Asta managed to catch up with Nivek after a few minutes. The two of them ran through the streets of Hades Valley before heading towards one of the cemetery. Nivek glanced over his shoulder briefly before pouring on more speed. Asta didn’t fail to follow suit.

The gates of the cemetery loomed nearer. As Nivek got close enough, he leapt and clung onto the gates. He scaled them and got to the other side. Asta mimicked his actions and in a few short seconds, the two of them were running through the deserted cemetery.

As they ran deeper into the cemetery, Asta veered off her to left, hoping to cut Nivek off from the side. After a few twists and turns, Asta found herself running towards Nivek instead of behind him. As soon as she got close enough, she leapt onto a tombstone and pushed herself towards the Gruslag. She flew a few feet through the air before slamming herself into Nivek.

Nivek scrambled to his feet and scowled.

NIVEK: I don’t what you want from me but trust me when I say you don’t want to mess with me.

ASTA: How do I know you’re telling the truth?

NIVEK: How do I know that you are? You say you want to help me but…I saw him!

ASTA: (frowning) Who?

Nivek barked out a bitter laugh.

NIVEK: I don’t know what game you’re playing here but count me out.

ASTA: What are you talking about?

NIVEK: Look, just leave me alone ok? I can deal with this by myself. I don’t need your help.

ASTA: I don’t trust you.

NIVEK: Neither do I.

ASTA: You might be lying to me.

NIVEK: You too.

ASTA: I’m not lying. I will help you.

NIVEK: Only if you think I’m not lying.

ASTA: Yes. (pause) Wait, what are we talking about now?

NIVEK: I’ll kill you.

ASTA: Then it makes my job a lot easier.

NIVEK: Who are you?

ASTA: You know, that’s a really good question. But I guess it’s one of the things I don’t understand.

NIVEK: It’s sad not to know who you are. Look at me. I’m not suppose to be good but I can’t be evil. So who am I?

ASTA: I’m the last person to ask advice from, Nivek. But…I understand.

NIVEK: I’m sure you do. So what are you going to do to me?

ASTA: I’m going to kill you. I have to. It’s my job to keep this place safe. Ashley says that’s what a Saoshyant does.

NIVEK: To kill people like me?

ASTA: Yes. To eliminate all evil.

NIVEK: But I thought you said you don’t know who you are?

ASTA: I don’t. But Ashley sure does. And I trust him.

Nivek’s eyes widened, as if something dawn on him.

NIVEK: You can’t see him.

ASTA: See who?

VOICE: Asta!

Asta glanced over her shoulder and spotted Tabitha, Pike and Xander jogging towards her. Nivek took this moment to push Asta aside and dashed for the exit of the cemetery.

A moment later, Pike and Xander ran past Asta, hoping to catch up with Nivek. Tabitha jogged up to the Slayer.

TABITHA: You ok?

ASTA: I’m fine.

TABITHA: Do you find who he is? What he wants?

ASTA: Yeah, I did.

TABITHA: Is he dangerous?

ASHLEY: You said you wanted to learn more about yourself – what a Saoshyant is. Well, this is your chance. A Saoshyant get rid of the evil in this world. Last I checked? Gruslag demons are evil.

Asta turned towards the running figure and nodded.

ASHLEY: Do your job as Saoshyant and kill him.

ASTA: Yes, he is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

XANDER: So you got a plan?

PIKE: Not really.

XANDER: A weapon at least?

PIKE: I have a stake. Tabitha has the axe.

XANDER: I just got a knife.

PIKE: Give it to me.

Xander pulled out a knife and passed it Pike. Pike slowed to a stop, pulling Xander with him. Holding the blade of the knife, Pike took aim and threw it with all his might. The knife flew end over end before sinking into the back of Nivek’s leg.

Nivek cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground.

XANDER: Nice shot.

PIKE: (grinning) I know. Come on.

The two of them jogged towards the demon, who was writhing in pain on the ground. He looked up at the two men as they towered over him.

NIVEK: Make it quick.

XANDER: Make what quick?

NIVEK: You’re here to kill me right? Just like your friend.

XANDER: My friend…?

PIKE: We are not going to kill you. We just want to talk, ask you a few questions. Stuff like who are you and whether or not you’re planning on ending the world.

NIVEK: (frowning) I don’t understand.

Pike knelt down beside Nivek.

PIKE: Let’s start all over again. Name?

NIVEK: Nivek.

PIKE: Demon?

NIVEK: Yes.

XANDER: What kind?

NIVEK: I’m a Gruslag.

PIKE: Gruslag? I’ve heard about you guys. You all aren’t exactly kind to puppies are you?

NIVEK: No. But I’m changing my ways.

XANDER: That’s good to know.

They heard footsteps behind them and a moment later, Tabitha, Andrew and Asta appeared next to them.

ASTA: You got him.

PIKE: And he’s not getting away anytime soon.

XANDER: Not with an injured leg, no.

Pike turned back to Nivek.

PIKE: Where we were? Oh yes. What did the vampires want from you?

Nivek grimace as he tried to shift his weight.

NIVEK: Just a good time. I wanted them to kill me.

TABITHA: Why?

ASTA: He believes he should be punished for all the deaths he was responsible for.

TABITHA: And you think killing yourself is the punishment?

ASTA: You believe him.

XANDER: He seems sincere enough.

NIVEK: I am. Trust me, I do not want to cause any more deaths. I don’t want blood on my hands anymore. I’ll do whatever I need to do to make sure that it my hands stay clean.

PIKE: He could be lying.

ASTA: Exactly.

NIVEK: I’m not!

XANDER: So what now? Are we just going to let him go?

ASTA: Of course not! He shouldn’t be alive. He can’t control his evil nature. You won’t know when the next time he will kill.

XANDER: We can’t just kill him, Asta. It’s not our place to decide whether he should live or not.

TABITHA: Let’s bring him back home and take care of that wound. Then we’ll plan our next move alright?

Xander nodded. He moved next to Nivek and started to help him up.

ASTA: No.

PIKE: No?

TABITHA: What do you mean no?

ASTA: We can’t bring him home.

NIVEK: She is right. I shouldn’t be your problem.

TABITHA: We are not kidnapping you. We’ll get that wound checked out and once you’re good to go, you’re…good to go. We are not keeping you as a hostage.

ASTA: Are you guys evening hearing yourselves? He is evil! And you’re talking about helping him with his wound and letting him go.

XANDER: Asta, he says he’s not going to kill anymore.

ASTA: And you believe him? You can’t be a goat if you’re born a cow, Xander.

Xander blinked, confused.

XANDER: What?

Asta pulled out her pocket knife and stepped forward, looming over Nivek.

ASTA: He’s evil. He shouldn’t be allowed to live.

#########################################
~MONASTERY~

AHRIMAN: I’m worried, Astwihad.

Astwihad couldn’t help but smile.

ASTWIHAD: About what?

AHRIMAN: That she might suspect something. That Gruslag demon could see me.

ASTWIHAD: Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t quite know that Gruslag demons could see through the glamour.

AHRIMAN: I hope Asta doesn’t question what he saw.

ASTWIHAD: I’m sure she won’t. Why would she trust him?

AHRIMAN: I’m still worried.

Astwihad chuckled as he leaned against the wall across from Ahriman.

ASTWIHAD: There’s nothing to worry about.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~CEMETERY~

Asta pushed Xander aside, grabbed Nivek by his throat and hauled him to his feet.

XANDER: Asta! What are you doing?

Nivek’s eyes widened in fear

TABITHA: Asta! Let him go! You can’t just kill him.

ASTA: He shouldn’t be allowed on the streets. He’s too dangerous.

NIVEK: I –

But the Gruslag demon didn’t get to finish his sentence. With a grunt, Asta threw him against a tree.

TABITHA: Asta!

She rushed up to the Slayer and took hold of her arm.

TABITHA: Think about what you’re doing?

ASTA: I have.

TABITHA: And you really think that you should kill him?

ASTA: What’s the difference between him and a vampire, Tabby? That’s right. Nothing. Just like vampires, he killed hundreds – maybe thousands – of people. So do you really think that he should live?

TABITHA: But he wants to be good.

ASTA: An evil being like Nivek can never be good.

ASTWIHAD: (v.o) Asta’s a young slayer. She doesn’t have the experience of that slayer in Sunnydale. And with everything that has been going on, I’m sure there a lot of things that she doesn’t understand.

Asta yanked her arm free from Tabitha’s grip and stalked towards Nivek. The blade of the pocket knife in her hand gleamed under the moonlight.

ASTWIHAD: (v.o) To get through someone like her, you have to be the one thing that makes sense in her world of chaos.

ASTA: Get up!

NIVEK: You really want me dead.

ASTA: Don’t you?

ASTWIHAD: (v.o) You have to make things simple for her. And you want to know why?

XANDER: Asta, are you sure about this?

Asta didn’t even glance at Xander as she raised her blade.

ASTA: I’m just doing my job.

ASTWIHAD: (v.o) So that for once in her life, she is able to understand what’s going on. For once in her life, she has control over things. You give her that and she’ll hold on to it like it’s her lifeline. Because in a time like this, that’s all she has to keep her from going insane.

NIVEK: I’m sorry.

ASTA: Yeah…me too.

ASTWIHAD: (v.o) Once you keep giving her a lifeline, it’s easy to make her think like you, make her understand the things you want her to. The more lifelines you give her, the more she’ll turn to you and trust you.

Asta brought the knife down and slashed Nivek’s throat. Nivek’s jaw opened in a silent cry as he slumped to the ground.

ASTWIHAD: (v.o) The more she trusts you…well, let’s just say you can do almost everything you want to her.

Asta turned and started walking away from the dying demon. Xander caught her gaze, disappointment written all over his face.

XANDER: I hope you know what you’re doing.

ASTA: I’m the slayer. I’m protecting the world.

XANDER: Just make sure you won’t regret this.

Asta walked past Xander and the rest. As she walked, her strides grew more confident.

ASTWIHAD: (v.o) You can change her into the person you want.

ASTA: Don’t worry, I won’t.

ASTWIHAD: (v.o) Are you still worried?


CUT TO BLACK

END CREDITS

Written by
Irene Issac

Story Editor
Beck Schwarz

Special Thanks To
Everyone and anyone who helped in making this episode a success


A BECK TO SHREDS production. © 2007 Irene Issac[/i]

[shred]

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