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Post by Beck on Apr 23, 2006 15:14:06 GMT 10
TEASER
~ENGLAND~
~classroom~
~day~
A tall, sophisticated lady with her brown hair tied up in a high bun stepped into a classroom and walked towards the desk at the front. Without a word, she went up to the board and started writing on it. Once she was done, she turned and faced the students. The words, “Vampyres 101 by Ms Tracy Newman” were scribbled on the board behind her.
Ms Newman clapped her hands together and regarded her students.
MS NEWMAN: So, you call yourselves vampire slayers. Let’s see how much you know about vampires, shall we?
She looked around the classroom, studying each and every face. She pointed to a girl at the back of the room next to the window and gestured for her to stand.
MS NEWMAN: Now, young lady, would you care to tell us what a vampire is?
GIRL #1: (stammered) Erm…it’s a creature that is afraid of sunlight? That…that it’s dead? And…erm…can be killed by a wooden stick known as a stake?
MS NEWMAN: (scoffed) What a superficial answer. I’m disgusted. Sit down please.
She looked around the room again and pointed to another girl.
MS NEWMAN: How about if the girl with the blue hair stands up and answers this next question?
The blue haired girl stood up and snapped her gum loudly.
GIRL #2: Shoot.
MS NEWMAN: How long does it take for a vampire to rise once it has been sired?
GIRL: #2: Don’t know.
MS NEWMAN: Do you know what ‘sired’ means?
GIRL: #2: An alarm. Like the ones on police cars and ambulances.
GIRL #3: That is a siren, you moron.
Blue Hair glared at the girl seated beside her.
GIRL #2: What did you call me?
MS NEWMAN: Calm down, ladies. We are vampire slayers so we only attack vampires and other supernatural creatures, not other girls like yourselves. Sit down…
GIRL #2: Gina.
MS NEWMAN: Right. Sit down Gina.
Gina sat down but kept shooting daggers at the girl who had insulted her.
MS NEWMAN: Alright, let’s try again.
She picked someone from the front. The girl looked bored and uninterested as she stood up and waited for a question.
MS NEWMAN: Tell us how vampires are originated.
The girl just shrugged.
MS NEWMAN: You don’t have a clue at all? You don’t want to make a lame attempt to answer the question?
The girl shook her head.
MS NEWMAN: (sighed) Sit down. Well, it seems that you don’t know much about what a vampire is. You know that a stake kills them and that they are dead but do you know where they are originated from? What are the creatures’ reasons for existing? (pause) And that is what you’re here to find out. In this class, you will learn everything that you need to know about vampires and hopefully, this knowledge will help you to fight better during your patrol. Knowing how to kill a vampire isn’t enough – you need to understand them.
As the teacher droned on, Asta was slumped onto her table, snoring softly at the back of the classroom.
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:
Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles
Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers
Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg
Majandra Delfino as Stacy Gilmore
Tyron Leitso as David Boone
Created by Irene Issac with Rebecca Schwarz
Based on the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
END OF CREDITS
DISCLAIMER: ASTA is created by Irene (shred) and Beck. All original characters belong to us and us alone. All 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.
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Post by Beck on Apr 23, 2006 15:17:37 GMT 10
ACT 1
~HADES VALLEY~
Oliver woke up gasping as a sharp pain shot through his abdomen. He squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth as he waited for the throbbing pain to pass. A full minute later, the pain subdued and Oliver could catch his breath again.
He slowly pushed himself upright. Holding his abdomen, he slowly climbed out of this bed and made his way out of his bedroom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~LIVING ROOM~
Tabitha was sitting in the dark living room, curled up in the couch with a mug of steaming liquid in her hand. She was staring at the hot liquid intently, not seeming to notice Oliver’s presence in the living room.
OLIVER: Tabby?
Tabitha looked up, startled.
TABITHA: Oliver! You’re up.
OLIVER: I finally had the energy to get myself out of bed after a week of staying in it.
His sister stood up and hurried to his side. She held his arm to support him as she looked at him worriedly.
TABITHA: Is everything alright?
OLIVER: Yeah, everything’s fine.
TABITHA: Are you alright?
OLIVER: I’m fine. It was just a stab wound.
Tabitha shot him an irritated look.
TABITHA: (snapped) It wasn’t just a stab wound, Ollie. You were left to bleed to death. You lost a lot of blood and if I didn’t…
OLIVER: But you did. So don’t beat yourself up over it, ok? I’m fine.
Tabitha slowly led Oliver towards the couch and helped him to sit down. He grunted a little as the movement caused more pain to shoot across his stomach.
TABITHA: You’re still in pain. You should stay in bed until the pain is gone and you can move without your face scrunching up like that. It’s not flattering.
Oliver laughed as he leaned back into the couch.
OLIVER: Trust me, looking good is the last thing on my mind at the moment.
Tabitha went back to her seat and took a sip of her drink.
TABITHA: What are you doing up anyway?
OLIVER: (shrugged) I felt uncomfortable and I needed to stretch my legs I guess. I just needed to get out of my room. It was starting to become depressing.
TABITHA: You were the one who didn’t want any sunlight or fresh air from entering. If I didn’t know better, I would think that you were turning into a vampire.
Tabitha lowered her head, suddenly growing silent.
OLIVER: (smiled) Wouldn’t it be cool if I did?
TABITHA: (softly) Not funny.
OLIVER: Right, sorry, I shouldn’t be talking about turning into vampires after what happened. But in my defense, you were the one that brought it up.
TABITHA: (muttered) Yeah. My fault then.
OLIVER: So…erm…how come you’re not asleep? It’s way past midnight. Don’t you have work tomorrow?
TABITHA: Can’t sleep.
OLIVER: Everything ok?
She looked up at him and forced a smile on her face.
TABITHA: I’m great. Just not tired.
OLIVER: Alright. How about you help me do some research then since you’re up and not intending to sleep anytime soon?
TABITHA: Research? Aren’t you going to get yourself some rest? You are still not 100% healed yet.
OLIVER: I know but I can’t. I’ve been out of action for a week now. I need to do more research on those vamps if we are to find anything on them. And I’m thinking of going out for patrol tonight. It’s been awhile so I’m sure they are all having a field day.
TABITHA: Oliver, are you crazy? You can’t be thinking of going out for patrol in this condition. You can’t even lift a stake without experiencing a serious amount of pain.
OLIVER: (scoffed) Not true.
Tabitha grabbed the remote control from the table and threw it at her brother. Oliver lifted his hands to catch the remote in mid air but as he did so, he immediately doubled over in pain. The remote hit his head and bounced to the ground.
TABITHA: Want to try to lift a stake now?
OLIVER: Ok, so I can’t exactly stake a vampire just yet but I cannot sit here and do nothing.
TABITHA: Those vampires aren’t going anywhere, Ollie. This is the hellmouth, which means whatever supernatural comes to Hades Valley, they tend to stay.
OLIVER: Look, I’m fine. With big sis with me, I’m sure the worst thing that will happen to me –
Tabitha slammed her mug down, the loud bang cutting Oliver off in mid sentence.
TABITHA: You don’t get it, do you?
OLIVER: What are –?
TABITHA: You nearly got yourself killed!
OLIVER: I know that…
TABITHA: (angrily) But you sure are taking it lightly.
OLIVER: What do you want me to do, Tabby? Brood all day because I almost died? What’s the point of that? Brooding just sucks the fun out of everything.
Tabitha let out a bitter laugh.
TABITHA: Fun. That is what this is to you, isn’t it? It’s all fun to you. La di da!
OLIVER: (sighed) No, I didn’t mean it that way…
Tabitha stood up abruptly and went towards him. She stared pointedly at him, her hands clenching into a tight fist by her side.
TABITHA: You tell me if it’s fun when it is you who sees your brother on the ground bleeding to death. When that day comes, I want you to look me in the eye and tell me that it is fun. I dare you.
With that, she stalked out of the living room.
OLIVER: Tabby…
Oliver twisted around in his seat but stopped himself when more pain laced through him again. He winced and cursed under his breath.
OLIVER: (muttered) Damn it.
A moment later, a door somewhere upstairs slammed shut. Oliver sighed in defeat and ran his hand through his hair. He reached out painfully and grabbed Tabitha’s mug from the table. He took a sip of the beverage and sat in the dark living room till morning.
##############################################
~ENGLAND~
~Watchers Council~
Stacy set her tray of food on the table and sat down across from Asta.
STACY: Man, the queue was a nightmare. That Asian girl in front of me was taking so long to decide whether she wanted mushrooms or not. It’s just mushrooms for goodness sake!
Stacy plunged her fork into her mushroom and popped it into her mouth. She looked at Asta’s untouched plate of food as she chewed.
STACY: You haven’t touched your food. Asta?
Asta snapped out her of her reverie and looked at her roommate.
ASTA: What?
STACY: You haven’t touched your food.
Asta looked down at her tray. It was filled with a plate of Mac and Cheese, a can of soda and an apple.
ASTA: I guess I’m not hungry.
Stacy reached over to Asta’s plate and scooped up a forkful of Mac and Cheese. She put it into her mouth and chewed on it.
STACY: This is really good. You should eat it before I take it all for myself.
Asta pushed the tray towards Stacy.
ASTA: You can have it.
Stacy nudged the tray back to Asta.
STACY: At least eat half of it first.
Asta sighed and picked up her fork. She started pushing the Marconi around her plate.
STACY: Oh, did I tell you? I will be out late tonight. Jacob is taking me out for my outdoor training. I’m so excited. It seemed like I was going to be training in that training room with that stinking dummy forever. I can’t wait to go out and have some fresh air while I’m training. It’s going to be great!
ASTA: (absentmindedly) That’s nice.
STACY: Jacob told me that I’m really improving a lot and that he is really impressed with my progress. He said that he would put in a good word for me and make sure I would be one of the few slayers that get to go on an overseas assignment.
ASTA: That’s nice.
STACY: Isn’t it? Jacob is a great Watcher. Not cute but it’s the character that counts right? (laughed) Who am I kidding? Of course looks count as well. If he were cuter, I would probably be all over him.
ASTA: That’s nice.
STACY: (scowled) Asta, you haven’t been hearing a word I said.
ASTA: Huh? What? Sorry. I guess I’m tired.
STACY: Didn’t get much sleep again?
ASTA: Yeah…
STACY: (nodded) Nightmares?
ASTA: (shrugged) A little.
STACY: You know you should talk to Mr. Giles about it. I heard he is an expert in these kinds of things.
ASTA: I’m sure he has much more important things to do than worry about some nightmare one girl is having.
STACY: Just talk to him. Do it for me. I don’t like a cranky roommate. It would make me cranky as well and it’s no fun.
ASTA: I…
STACY: I’ll tag along if you want.
Asta gave Stacy a smile just to satisfy her.
ASTA: I’ll think about it.
STACY: (beamed) Good! So how’s your training going? How is your Watcher like?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HALLWAY~
Andrew and Xander walked down the hallway that led to their offices. It was lunch time and the hallway was packed with Slayers and Watchers, all rushing towards the canteen for a quick lunch break.
XANDER: So what’s Asta like?
ANDREW: She’s alright.
Xander raised an eyebrow at Andrew.
XANDER: She’s alright?
ANDREW: Yup.
XANDER: That’s all you have to say about your slayer? Alright? I thought you would go with tough or fast or strong or evil.
ANDREW: Can I say she’s weird?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~CANTEEN~
STACY: Weird?
ASTA: Yeah. I mean, he’s always saying these weird lines from movies if I do something right and I don’t get it. I don’t know whether he’s saying “Good job, Asta” or if he really means it when he says “You do not have the force with you.”
STACY: (laughed) Yeah, that’s weird. But I’m sure you’ll get use to him.
ASTA: I hope so. But other than that, he’s pretty alright.
STACY: Have you sparred with him yet? You can learn a lot about a Watcher if you spar with him. For example, Jacob always gets worried when he punches me and that shows that he doesn’t like to hit girls – he’s a gentleman.
ASTA: Well, I have sparred with Andrew a few times during the week. I kicked his butt during all of them. What does that say?
STACY: That he is a wimp.
Asta laughed. She took a sip of her soda and shook her head.
ASTA: He isn’t a wimp. Maybe I’m just too strong. But he’s pretty smart and isn’t all that old like the other Watchers so that’s a plus. At least I can relate to him and not feel like he’s my dad or something.
STACY: Having young Watchers is always a good thing – especially during training.
Stacy winked at Asta before taking another bite from her plate.
STACY: Speaking of, how’s your training going?
ASTA: (groaned) Trainings have been going pretty bad for me. During the last few days, I keep missing my cues and keep screwing up my technique. I have been pretty distracted.
STACY: Has he noticed your distractedness lately?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HALLWAY~
ANDREW: I noticed that she is a bit distracted during our training sessions.
XANDER: How so?
ANDREW: She keeps spacing out and I have to repeat myself like two times before she hears me. It’s annoying.
XANDER: Have you asked her about it?
ANDREW: You think I should?
XANDER: She is your Slayer, Andrew. You have every right to ask her. Besides, would you want her to space out during patrol? Ask her about it and try to help her solve whatever problems she has.
ANDREW: But I’m not good with this kind of thing. It’s usually me that need someone else to help solve my problems. I’m not the problem solver, I’m usually part of the problem.
XANDER: Well, you have to talk to her or you’re just going to have one spacey Slayer.
ANDREW: Can you talk to her for me?
XANDER: No.
ANDREW: But you’re a problem solver. Please solve my problem and hers.
Xander sighed as he thought about it. They two of them rounded a corner and headed towards the glass doors that lead towards their offices.
XANDER: I’ll see what I can do. But I’m not promising you anything.
Andrew grabbed him in a hug.
ANDREW: Thank you so much, Xand! You’re my hero.
XANDER: Let go of me, Andrew.
Andrew detached himself from the other man, beaming. Xander dusted his shirt off and pushed the glass doors open.
XANDER: So when are you taking her out on her outdoor training?
ANDREW: I don’t know whether I should.
XANDER: Why? She’s not ready?
ANDREW: Is a spacey Slayer considered ready?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~CANTEEN~
ASTA: I think I’m ready for it. I don’t know. What is an outdoor training anyway?
STACY: (shrugged) Who knows. It can mean anything. It can literally mean outdoor training or it could be some code word for patrol.
ASTA: Patrol?
STACY: Yeah, you know. When slayers deliberately look for vampires and other evil creatures.
ASTA: Oh.
Asta’s eyes widened when Stacy’s words sank in. She started to look worried.
ASTA: Oh! But I’m not ready for that. The last time I ran into a vampire, I ran screaming.
STACY: (surprised) You did?
ASTA: Ok, I didn’t exactly scream…
STACY: No, I mean, you ran into vampire? When?
ASTA: Last week. But it was no big deal. We struggled, I stabbed him with my pocket knife and I ran.
STACY: (in shock) You stabbed him with a pocket knife? You didn’t learn anything in basic training, did you? Where did this happen?
ASTA: In the Council’s compound.
Stacy’s jaw dropped in shock and her face paled visibly.
STACY: Right here? But how?
ASTA: It’s not like the compound is surrounded by a pointy fence made out of wood.
Stacy shook her head as she went back to her meal.
STACY: I’m so not walking alone at night anymore. And I’m at least carrying 2 stakes with me everywhere I go.
ASTA: Two?
STACY: One for each hand.
Stacy polished off her plate and took a sip of her drink.
STACY: Anyway, I’m sure you’ll be fine with your outdoor training – wish me luck on mine. I have to go now. I need to meet with Jacob before I head to History class. I’ll talk to you later.
She stood up and picked up her tray. She looked at Asta pointedly.
STACY: And make sure you finish your food. Bye.
She wiggled her fingers in some sort of a wave and bounded off. Asta shoved a forkful of macaroni into her mouth and sat glumly in the canteen alone.
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Post by Beck on Apr 23, 2006 15:20:04 GMT 10
ACT 2
~HADES VALLEY~
~night~
Oliver looked up from the book he was reading.
OLIVER: I found something.
Tabitha yawned as she shifted her attention from the ancient tomb she had on her lap to her younger brother.
TABITHA: Spill.
Oliver turned the book around so that Tabitha could see the page that he was reading. On the bottom of the right page was a medium sized picture of a very familiar marking.
OLIVER: Is this the marking that we saw on the vampires’ foreheads?
TABITHA: (grimly) The one and only.
Oliver grinned as he spoke, excitement shining in his eyes.
OLIVER: They are called the Vampires of Zoor.
TABITHA: Creative. So are they the normal, run-of-the-mill gang?
OLIVER: Nope. They are a pretty interesting bunch.
TABITHA: Interesting as in they don’t kill anybody and they behave like puppies? Or interesting as in they bring chaos and destruction in an interesting way.
OLIVER: The former actually.
TABITHA: Ok, you’re losing me.
OLIVER: They kill people but not through eating them. That explains why they stabbed me and left me to bleed when they could have drained me dry. It says here that they survive by feeding from each other and all they do is wreck havoc and kill people when told to do so. They are more like soldiers.
TABITHA: So who’s their general?
OLIVER: Joseph Zoor. He was a priest in this Catholic Church in Finland but in his spare time, he practices black arts. He got himself turned into a vampire – deliberately, I must add – in the 1500s and he became notorious for wiping out villages. He sired all of the humans he got his hands on and never left any dead. The sired vampires became his followers and ultimately they were considered the Vampires of Zoor.
TABITHA: What about the tattoo?
He grew silent as he scanned the text.
OLIVER: Doesn’t say where it originated from or what it means but they started sporting the tattoo shortly after they wiped out their second town in 1503. (pause) Oh, listen to this. In 1717, a group of priests managed to banish Mr. Zoor underground. But that didn’t stop him from doing his dirty work. He ordered his followers to do his biding but gave them strict orders not to feed.
TABITHA: Why?
OLIVER: It seems he doesn’t believe in feeding on humans without him there to witness it. So his followers bring humans to him and the gang has this feeding frenzy.
TABITHA: Why do the followers continue to do his biding when they can just go and create their own gang of their own?
OLIVER: Because Joseph Zoor is a powerful man and when crossed he would punish them painfully?
TABITHA: So is he still around? Did he manage to get out from underground?
OLIVER: Doesn’t say. But it is recorded that the gang vanished at the end of the 19th century and then reappeared just before the Second World War. It is rumored that the Nazis were working with Joseph Zoor and his gang.
TABITHA: The marking. The Nazi’s symbol originated from the Zoor gang, didn’t it?
OLIVER: So the rumor says.
TABITHA: Ok, so we need to find out whether this Joseph guy is still among the undead.
OLIVER: And whether he got out of his little jail and came here. Why else would his gang be in Hades Valley?
TABITHA: (shrugged) Maybe there’s a new leader that took his place.
##############################################
~ENGLAND~
~night~
~cemetery~
The cemeteries in England didn’t look any different from the ones in New York. There were the usual rows and rows of stark white tombstones sticking out of the ground and the many tall, shady trees casting eerie glows around the area.
The night was warm, silent and still. As Asta walked through the cemetery with one hand gripping her stake tightly, she looked around, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious and other worldly. A chill ran down her spine as she caught a movement at the corner of her eye.
ASTA: Did you see that?
Andrew looked at the direction she was pointing to.
ANDREW: It’s just a shadow.
ASTA: Yeah, but a shadow of what?
Andrew didn’t respond as he stopped abruptly and dropped the duffle bag that he brought with them to the ground. He knelt down beside it, unzipped it and started to go through the contents.
ASTA: So how does this outdoor training work?
ANDREW: We wait for vampires to attack and we’ll fight. Well, you will fight. I’ll just stand at a safe distance and take notes in my new note pad.
Asta looked at her Watcher in horror.
ASTA: You got to be kidding me. This isn’t an outdoor training – this is ambush!
Andrew looked thoughtful.
ANDREW: Interesting. I didn’t see it that way.
ASTA: You seriously can’t expect me to fight vampires. That’s murder!
ANDREW: No. Ruining a perfectly good Trilogy by making Episode 1 is murder. This is training.
ASTA: Isn’t this like a patrol? Why don’t you guys call it a patrol instead of an outdoor training?
ANDREW: There’s a difference. During a patrol, only the Slayer goes out while the Watcher sits in his musty little library and does research.
ASTA: I got the worse end of the deal, didn’t I?
Andrew shook his head as he pulled out a sword from the bag. He pulled the blade from its sheath and handed it to Asta.
ANDREW: So you prefer to be Commissioner Gordon instead of Batman? Professor X instead of one of the mutants? [/i]I [/i]would so want to be part of the action.
ASTA: Are you saying you want to be a slayer? Because I would be happy to trade places.
ANDREW: Nah, I prefer being a Watcher. It’s much safer.
He gestured towards the sword that she was holding.
ANDREW: Let’s try with a sword today. Keep the stake in your pocket in case you lose your sword.
Asta did what he said. She lifted up the sword and inspected it. The blade gleamed menacingly under the moonlight and in that moment Asta felt powerful.
ASTA: So what do I do?
Andrew zipped up the duffle bag and stood up, dusting dirt off his clothes.
ANDREW: Walk around the cemetery and look for vampires. If you don’t see any, check out fresh graves.
ASTA: A-And what do I do when I find a vampire?
Andrew grabbed the bag and walked towards a large tree. He set the bag down and pulled out a note book and a pen from his jacket.
ANDREW: You fight it. Just remember what you learned during our training. Just use the basics and nothing fancy.
ASTA: But I don’t remember any of it! My mind’s blank. I have no idea what I’m going to do when I face a vampire. Instead of thinking fighting techniques, I’m contemplating whether to run or scream! (whimpered) I’m going to die, aren’t I?
ANDREW: You’ll be fine. Now, start walking. I don’t want the vampires to know I’m here and with you standing here and holding a big honky sword is sure to attract attention.
Andrew gave her a slight nudge before hiding behind the tree. Asta looked at Andrew and then glanced back at the sword. She took in a deep breath, squared her shoulders and started walking.
ASTA: Ok, I can do this. If I see a vampire, I’ll just use this sword and chop its head off. Because chopping a vampire’s head from the body will dust a vampire. If that doesn’t happen, I can always kill it with my stake. Because stabbing a vampire through its heart with a wooden object will also dust a vampire. See, it’s that simple.
Asta took her time as she walked around the cemetery. With the weapon poised in front of her, Asta kept an eye out for any movement and fresh graves as she made her way around tombstones and large mausoleums.
VOICE: Asta…
Asta froze when she heard the familiar voice calling out to her.
ASTA: (whispered) No, please don’t. Not now.
VOICE: Asta…
ASTA: Just keep walking, Dawson. Ignore it and keep walking.
Asta continued walking, her five senses on high alert.
VOICE: Asta…come home.
Asta felt something move behind her. She whirled around but didn’t see anything. She took in every detail to make sure that nothing was out of ordinary before she turned around and continued her journey.
VOICE: You’re mine Asta…come home and be mine.
The small hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and Asta knew that something was following her. She slowed down her pace and waited till the newcomer came closer to her. Dead leaves crunched behind her and once she was certain that the person was only a few feet behind her, she turned around, swiping the sword in front of her.
The blade of the sword connected with the newcomer across his chest, drawing blood. The newcomer hissed and glared at her. Asta’s eyes widened in surprise when she realized that the newcomer wasn’t a vampire but a middle age man in a black suit and looked perfectly human.
MAN: Bloody hell! What was that for?
ASTA: Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry. I thought you were someone else. Are you hurt badly?
The man looked down at his chest. There was a large gash across his torso and blood was already oozing from the wound, staining his white shirt underneath his black jacket.
MAN: I think I’ll live.
ASTA: You should see a doctor and…
VOICE: Killer!
ASTA: (frowned) What did you say?
MAN: I didn’t say anything.
ASTA: You just called me a killer.
MAN: (frowned) I did? (shrugged) Must be the hunger talking then.
Before Asta could ask him what he meant, he vamped out. Asta yelped in surprise, stepping back.
ASTA: You’re a vampire!
MAN: Afraid so.
ASTA: And you made me feel guilty about hurting you!
MAN: (grinned) Wasn’t that fun?
Without warning, the vampire rushed her. Asta didn’t expect him to come at her so fast and the vampire managed to crash into her. Asta’s sword went flying as the two of them went down to the ground with the vampire on top of the Slayer. Asta punched the vampire, sending him flying back. She scrambled to her feet and pulled out her stake.
ASTA: I got a stake!
The vampire growled and came at her again. This time Asta was prepared. When the vampire came within reach, she aimed a sharp kick at his chest, aggravating his chest injury further. The vampire flew back, smashing into a tree behind him.
ASTA: Ok…this is not too bad. Just make sure he doesn’t touch me and I’ll be safe.
The man got to his feet and sneered at Asta.
MAN: Bitch!
The vampire leapt at her. Asta ducked and rolled. When she got up, the vampire was already coming at her with a couple of punches. They both connected, sending her sprawling to the ground. The vampire kicked her in the chest, causing her to roll a few metres along the grass. Another kick was aimed at her head but Asta managed to grab its foot before it could hit the target. With a sharp twist, she broke the vampire’s foot and pushed him away.
The cry of a vampire in pain rang throughout the cemetery. Asta got up and stomped towards the vampire.
ASTA: I’m through with you!
Then out of nowhere a figure stood between her and the fallen vampire. Asta stopped in mid step.
ASTA: What the –
The trees from the surrounding area blocked from any moonlight from coming through and so it made it difficult for Asta to see who the figure was. The figure was tall and lean and he was dressed in dark clothing. There was nothing out of ordinary about the figure, looking very much like a human.
FIGURE: Asta.
The voice was strangely familiar. She heard it just moments before.
ASTA: D-Do I know you?
FIGURE: I’ve been waiting for you, my girl. Come home to Hades.
Asta blinked at the figure’s words. The stake slipped from her hand and fell to the ground.
ASTA: No, it can’t be. You’re not real.
FIGURE: I’m still waiting for you.
The figure vanished before Asta could say anything else.
ASTA: What –
The vampire kicked her across the face before she could get her words out. Asta went down hard. She glanced up and saw the vampire limping towards her with a scowl on his face.
MAN: You broke my foot!
The vampire grabbed Asta by her collar and pulled her to her feet. He struck her hard across her face. His calloused knuckles caused her lower lip to split open and blood started trickling down her chin.
He struck her again.
MAN: I’ll break something of yours so that we are even.
He threw her against a tree and Asta’s head cracked against the truck. Stars and bright spots exploded before her eyes as she fell limp to the grass. She looked up and saw the vampire approaching her with a gleeful smile on his horrific features. Asta closed her eyes and waited for another wave of punches and kicks.
When that didn’t happen, Asta opened her eyes. The same figure stood before her. He leaned down so that their faces were inches apart. Even with the close proximity, Asta was still unable to make out the figure’s features.
FIGURE: You can’t kill evil when you are one yourself, my dear. Come to me and we’ll reign together.
Asta squeezed her eyes shut and started chanting under her breath.
ASTA: You’re not real. You’re not real. You’re not real. You’re not real…
FIGURE: I’ll see you soon, Asta.
VOICE: Asta!
ASTA: Go away! Leave me alone!
VOICE: Asta! Get up!
Asta opened her eyes again when she realized that a different voice was calling out to her. Andrew stood where the vampire was standing a minute ago. He had a stake in his hand and was having a bad coughing fit.
ANDREW: I think some vampire dust got into my mouth. It’s disgusting!
ASTA: You killed it?
ANDREW: I did. Are you alright?
Asta nodded but stopped herself when her head throbbed in response.
ASTA: I’m fine. Just bruised.
She slowly got to her feet and touched the back of her head tenderly.
ANDREW: We’ll get that checked out when we get back; make sure you don’t have a concussion or something.
ASTA: Thanks. You probably saved my life.
ANDREW: And I shouldn’t have.
He looked annoyed as he tossed the stake towards her.
ANDREW: You could have easily dust that vampire. He was on the ground, harmless and screaming in pain. But you froze. A slayer can’t freeze. Just imagine if you freeze during an apocalypse. What do you think would happen?
ASTA: (mumbled) A lot of people will die?
ANDREW: A lot of people will die! I will die!
ASTA: I’m sorry but this thing stood in front of me and I didn’t know what to do.
ANDREW: A thing? Another vampire?
ASTA: No. Well, I don’t think it was. It knew my name and I think I’ve seen this thing before. His voice sounded familiar.
ANDREW: Who is he?
ASTA: I don’t know. You didn’t see him?
ANDREW: No. All I saw was you standing absolutely still as the vampire took its time to get up and attack you. I didn’t see anybody else.
ASTA: But that thing was there! I saw it with my own eyes.
ANDREW: Maybe your eyes were playing tricks on you. Have you been getting much sleep?
Andrew turned and started walking back to the tree he was hiding earlier. Asta followed closely behind.
ASTA: Of course, I have. (pause) Well, actually…
ANDREW: Look, Asta, I’m sure whatever you saw was real but you should know better than to stand still and do nothing about it. So this thing appeared without any warning. You should get it out of the way and continue your fight with the vampire. You can’t look like you’ve been caught off guard even though you have. That is a weakness and vampires prey on that.
ASTA: I’m sorry. I guess I was just…caught off guard.
ANDREW: And that can’t happen again. The next time a figure pops up in front of you, I won’t be there to watch your back. Or your front and your sides. I won’t be there at all.
ASTA: (murmured) Right. You’ll be in your library.
ANDREW: With a cup of tea, an ancient book and some cookies.
They reached the large tree and Andrew picked up the notebook and pen that was on the ground. He scribbled some notes in it before stuffing it into the duffel bag. He picked it up and slung it over his shoulder.
ASTA: You sure you didn’t see anything?
ANDREW: As sure as Anakin turning over to the dark side. Maybe you should talk to Giles about this. He might help.
ASTA: That’s what Stacy told me to do.
ANDREW: She did?
ASTA: Yeah. I’ve been having these weird dreams lately and have been seeing and hearing stuff. So she told me to see Mr. Giles.
ANDREW: Smart friend.
ASTA: She’s not my friend – just a roommate.
ANDREW: Well, whoever she is, she is smart. Giles is one person in this world that is able to solve all your supernatural problems. If Willow and Buffy aren’t available.
The two of them started walking towards the exit of the cemetery.
ASTA: So you think it’s a good idea to talk to Mr. Giles about it?
ANDREW: Absolutely. What do you have to lose?
ASTA: Ok, I guess I’ll talk to him then.
She smiled gratefully at her Watcher.
ASTA: Thanks.
ANDREW: No problem. (pause) Is this why you were being all spacey and distracted the last few days?
ASTA: (winced) Oh, you noticed.
ANDREW: I did. And I just helped you solve your problem, didn’t I?
ASTA: Kind of. If this talk with Mr. Giles goes well, I guess you did.
ANDREW: (beamed) Xander is going to be so proud.
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Post by Beck on Apr 23, 2006 15:23:14 GMT 10
ACT 3
~GILES’ OFFICE~
Buffy trudged into Giles’ office looking exhausted. She fell onto the couch and groaned out loud. Giles was at his bookcase, shelving his books when he looked over at the blonde girl with concern.
GILES: Are you alright?
BUFFY: Tired. As in very.
GILES: What happened?
BUFFY: A slayer got into a fight with a Watcher.
Giles stopped his shelving and took off his glasses, surprise registering on his face.
GILES: Her own Watcher?
BUFFY: No, some other slayer’s Watcher. The two of them got into a verbal fight and this Slayer – the one that the Watcher was watching over – thought it was a good idea to use fists to solve the problem. So it was a free for all between two slayers and a Watcher.
GILES: Dear Lord. Is everyone alright?
BUFFY: Yeah, everyone’s fine. The Slayers were pretty beat up but they’ll live.
GILES: I understand now why you look worse for wear.
BUFFY: Oh but there’s more.
GILES: Should I even ask?
BUFFY: No. Just pretend that you didn’t hear anything.
At that moment, Willow and Xander came into the office.
XANDER: All I’m saying is that there’s nothing wrong.
Willow shuddered visibly.
WILLOW: But it’s just so weird.
BUFFY: What’s so weird?
XANDER & WILLOW: English men
Giles raised an eyebrow at them.
GILES: And what’s wrong with English men?
WILLOW: (quickly) Oh! Nothing! Nothing at all.
XANDER: It’s a long story but she didn’t mean you. Just English men in general.
GILES: (sarcastically) I feel so much better now.
XANDER: Anyway, English men aside, I’ve checked out all the weapons and see if none are missing. I’m not sure where Claire got that dagger.
GILES: Dagger?
BUFFY: A Slayer, Claire, went all Carrie in her class and started waving a dagger at her classmates and at her teacher. We were wondering where she got the dagger from.
XANDER: Not from us that’s for sure.
GILES: (at Buffy) When you said more, you were referring to this, weren’t you?
BUFFY: Told you not to ask. I’ll speak to Claire tomorrow and ask her about the dagger. I gave her the day off after the incident. I didn’t want to bother her in case she was still feeling all dagger wield-y.
GILES: Fair enough. I’ll have a word with her Watcher and see whether she exhibited signs of breaking down before today.
Someone knocked loudly on the door of the office just before swinging it open. Andrew walked in with a large duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He slammed the door behind him and dropped the bag to the ground with a thump. He dropped next to Buffy on the couch.
ANDREW: I am exhausted!
XANDER: How did the outdoor training go with Asta?
ANDREW: Tragically horrible. I went against the Watcher’s code and saved her life.
XANDER: (in mock horror) You’re sure to get fired now!
WILLOW: Training didn’t go all that well huh?
ANDREW: No. She almost got herself killed and I came swooping in – all very Batman like I must add– and saved the day. She started talking about this figure that she saw but I wasn’t paying much attention. I was too worried about my code violation.
GILES: A figure. Was it a demon?
Andrew looked at Giles worriedly.
ANDREW: Watcher’s code violation!
GILES: Oh bollocks! There’s no such thing.
BUFFY: But Asta’s alright right?
ANDREW: I think so. She headed to her room after training and I came here. She looked fine to me – pretty beaten up but fine.
XANDER: Andrew, you seriously need to start reading up on sensitivity instead of those comic books. It will take you a long way.
Andrew closed his eyes and slouched deeper into the couch.
ANDREW: I’ll get to that some day.
Someone rapped on the door of the office and everyone looked at each other in surprise.
GILES: We are not expecting anyone else are we?
BUFFY: At this time of the night? No, I don’t think so.
GILES: Xander, would you mind?
XANDER: Say no more. I’ll take the risk and answer the door. (pause) Ok, I’m starting to rhyme. That just brings back bad memories.
Xander went towards the door and pulled it open. Asta stood before Xander nervously.
XANDER: Asta. What are you doing here?
Asta blinked at Xander and then at the others in the room.
ASTA: I was actually looking for Mr. Giles. This is Mr. Giles office right?
XANDER: Yeah, yeah, it is. Come on in.
Asta stepping to the office, looking a bit apprehensive.
ASTA: I could come back another time…
GILES: No, there’s no need to. Is everything alright?
ASTA: I…
Asta swallowed nervously as all eyes were trained on her.
ASTA: I…I don’t exactly know how to say this.
WILLOW: It’s ok, Asta. We don’t bite. I assure you.
Asta swallowed and tried again.
ASTA: Ok, I’ll just come out and say this then. (pause) I-I think I’m insane.
##############################################
~HADES VALLEY~
~night~
When Oliver stepped into his house at nine in the evening, he found David and Tabitha in the living watching some sitcom on the television. Tabitha was curled up against David’s side asleep while David was staring at the television screen. He looked up at Oliver when he heard the front door shut. He nodded his greeting and Oliver nodded back.
Oliver shrugged off his coat, hung it up on the coat hanger next to the front door and made his way towards the kitchen. He went to the refrigerator and took out an ice pack from the freezer compartment. He headed to the sink, took off his shirt and inspected his injury.
His stomach was tightly bound with bandages and it still hurt when he moved. Oliver touched the ice pack to his wound and held it there. He clenched his teeth as a fiery pain started to spread around his tummy area.
DAVID: That looks bad.
OLIVER: I’m fine.
DAVID: I’m sure you are.
Oliver glanced over his shoulder and shot Tabitha’s boyfriend a glare.
OLIVER: I said I’m fine.
David raised his hands in front of his, palms out.
DAVID: And I don’t doubt that – really.
David strolled to the refrigerator and took out two bottles of beer. He slid one of the bottles across the kitchen counter towards Oliver. Oliver caught it and nodded his thanks. Oliver dumped the ice pack into the sink and opened up the bottle. He leaned against the sink as he took a swing of his beer. David leaned against the refrigerator and lifted his bottle towards Oliver.
DAVID: Cheers.
OLIVER: Yeah. Cheers.
The two of the stood in awkward silence as they drifted off into their own worlds.
OLIVER: So…
DAVID: So.
OLIVER: How’s your business coming along?
DAVID: The bar? It’s coming along fine. Business is slowly picking up and I can’t say I’m going to be bankrupt soon so I take it as a good sign.
OLIVER: (nodded) Good…good.
Oliver took another swing of his beer as David did the same.
OLIVER: How is the bar industry like? Is it tough? I’m thinking of opening my own business.
DAVID: Really?
OLIVER: No, not really.
There was silence once again.
DAVID: Well, the industry is certainly doing well. You just need to create a bar that has a good environment and ambience, you know.
OLIVER: No, I don’t but I’ll keep that in mind if I decide to open up my own bar.
DAVID: Cool.
Another awkward silence descended upon them. David stared off into space while Oliver studied the label on the beer bottle intently.
DAVID: You know, if you want, I could get you a job at the bar. Tabby said you were looking for a job and I could use another bartender. If you’re interested, you could come down tomorrow or something for training.
Oliver looked up and narrowed his blue eyes at David.
OLIVER: Are you serious?
DAVID: Yeah. I think it could work. We have to try to get along and be civil with each other – and once or twice, you have to call me boss and listen to what I say – but I think it could work.
Oliver stared at David for a moment to make sure he didn’t burst out laughing and start yelling “I got you! I so got you!” When David didn’t do that, Oliver took another drink of his beer and gave him his reply.
OLIVER: I’ll think about it.
DAVID: Great.
They fell silent and went back to their beer.
##############################################
~ENGLAND~
~Watchers Council~
~Giles’ Office~
ANDREW: Insane? As in mentally?
Xander shot him an annoyed look.
XANDER: How many different types of insanity are there, Andrew?
Buffy ignore Andrew’s comment and went up to the nervous slayer.
BUFFY: Why don’t you sit down and tell us everything from the beginning?
Buffy took Asta by the arm and led her to the couch.
BUFFY: Ok, start from the beginning. What makes you think you’re insane?
ASTA: The fact that I see weird things and hear voices?
BUFFY: What kind of things?
WILLOW: What kind of voices?
ASTA: (softly) It knows my name.
GILES: Who knows your name?
Buffy knelt down in front of Asta and touched her hand.
BUFFY: Asta, listen to me carefully. I want you to tell me everything and I don’t want you to leave out anything. It’s important that you don’t. Understand?
Asta nodded.
BUFFY: Good. Ok, now start from the beginning.
Asta looked at Willow, her gaze hardening.
ASTA: You. You started it.
WILLOW: I didn’t –
ASTA: I touched your hand and I saw all this images.
BUFFY: What exactly did you see?
Asta looked down at her mug, her coffee untouched.
ASTA: This demon, me, dead bodies everywhere.
BUFFY: And?
ASTA: I let go of her hand and everything stopped. I couldn’t see any images. But I heard the voice again when I was in the bathroom. Then I keep having these weird dreams. Stacy and Andrew kept telling me that I should tell Mr. Giles about it and they said that he would know what to do. Then when I saw that figure in the cemetery just now, I just had to go to somebody ‘cause I was so scared. So that’s why I came here.
BUFFY: (smiled) You did the right thing.
GILES: Dreams are common for a slayer…
ASTA: I know but these dreams weren’t slayer dreams. They are different. Slayers dreams are like I’m watching a movie. I watch the different slayers beat the crap out of demons and vampires. But these dreams? I was in it. I had the starring role. And the demon made a cameo appearance? It kept asked me to come home.
XANDER: To New York?
ASTA: No. I thought it was New York at first but then it said to come home to Hades Valley. I spent at least 15 years in New York; I left Hades when I was two so I don’t exactly understand why the demon called Hades Valley home.
ANDREW: We’ll go to Hades Valley then.
Everyone looked at Andrew in confusion. Buffy stood up and placed her hands on her hips.
BUFFY: What?
ANDREW: Instead of sitting here and doing research that is getting us nowhere, why not go to someplace that we are sure to find answers? Right now I’m thinking that Hades Valley is the place.
BUFFY: I’m not letting an amateur Watcher and a new Slayer go to a Hellmouth. You need someone with more experience to go with you. We’ll go once everything in the school is settled and we know more about what we are dealing with.
XANDER: Then I’ll go with them.
Buffy looked at Xander in disbelief.
BUFFY: Didn’t you just hear what I said? We’ll go once we have settled everything here. It’s too risky to go now when we don’t know anything about this demon or what those images mean.
XANDER: Buffy, you said it yourself. You need someone more experienced and I was born and bred in Sunnydale. Not only that but I was in the heart of every apocalypse that came our way. I have the scars to show for it. You, Willow and Giles need to be here to run the school even after everything’s settled. I’m useless here.
BUFFY: (scoffed)And you’re not in Cleveland?
WILLOW: (sternly) Buffy.
XANDER: (grimly) I’m going to ignore that comment.
BUFFY: (sighed) I’m sorry. You’re not useless here. We need you to run the school as well.
XANDER: All I’ve ever done in this place is bringing furniture in, fixing up choked toilets and remodeling the training rooms. I wasn’t running the school, Buff, I’m janitor-ing it. You need someone with a lot more knowledge than they wished they didn’t have on hellmouths to go with Andrew and Asta and I’m the right man for the job.
BUFFY: But we need a plan. What are you going to do once you’ve reached Cleveland?
XANDER: (shrugged) Find a place to stay, take a tour around the place and wait for the next time Mr. Demon talks to Asta.
GILES: Xander’s idea is a good one, Buffy…
ANDREW: Hey! It was my idea.
GILES: Right. Andrew’s idea is a good one and Xander has convinced me of that. Xander will go to Hades Valley with Asta and Andrew. Once everything is needed to know about this demon and its plan, we’ll come in – if needed. I don’t think we can wait after everything here is settled.
BUFFY: No, I can’t let you do that. I’m coming along if you’re going.
XANDER: I’m going.
BUFFY: Then I’m coming along.
WILLOW: Buffy, what about the school?
BUFFY: I won’t be there long. Maybe a couple of days. I just want to be there to make sure this isn’t some sort of a trap.
XANDER: We can take care of ourselves Buffy.
BUFFY: I’m going and you can’t say anything that’s going to change my mind.
Xander rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully.
XANDER: Alright, fine. But once everything is settled. You’re going back to England. They need you here.
BUFFY: I’m sure they’ll be fine without me for a couple of days.
Giles went to his desk and picked up the handset of the telephone.
GILES: I’ll make a few calls – book a flight for you and a place to stay in Hades Valley. You’ll leave tomorrow?
BUFFY: Yes. The sooner, the better. Whoever that is calling out to Asta would probably think that it’ll take time for us to take action so going to Hades as soon as possible might tilt things to our advantage.
Giles nodded as he punched the keypad of his telephone.
GILES: Hello Ruth? Yes, this is Mr. Giles speaking. Could you book four tickets to Cleveland please? (pause) The first flight tomorrow morning.
Asta raised her hand, hoping to catch the attention of one of them.
ASTA: Don’t I get a say in this?
Everyone returned their attention to the young slayer. They looked like they had only just realized that she was in the room with them.
ASTA: I mean, you all agreed that going to Hades is the best option but can I just interrupt and say no?
BUFFY: Asta, I know this seems like a stupid idea. Well, I think it’s a stupid idea but when the majority agrees on something, it’s best that you go with the flow. But they are right. There’s no point for us to stay here and wait for things to happen in order to learn more about these dreams and this demon. Going to Hades seems like the logical thing to do at the moment.
Asta stood up and looked at Buffy angrily.
ASTA: Logical? You call going to a place where this demon wants me to be logical? I would actually call it ‘walking into a trap’. For all you know, this demon or whoever it is that’s playing these mind games with me could be waiting for me when I land in Hades.
BUFFY: That’s why I’m going with you – to make sure that that doesn’t happen. You’ll be safe, I promise.
Buffy reached out to comfort the panicking slayer but Asta shrank away from her touch.
ASTA: Look, you can not make me go to a place that I don’t want to go. I don’t care if you’re a slayer or my Watcher or Captain Hook. You can’t make me go.
BUFFY: Asta, listen to me –
Xander stepped forward, easing Buffy aside.
XANDER: Asta, I understand that you don’t want to go to a place that attracts demons and all kinds of bad mojo. Trust me when I say that I’m the last person on earth who wants to go back to a hellmouth. And I wouldn’t be going if I didn’t know what my friends are doing. But I do. So you can trust them ok? We’ll go to Hades Valley. If you don’t like it there, we’ll come back. Deal?
Asta looked at Xander as he waited for her answer. She looked at the other faces in the room and they all had the same expression on their faces – care, concern and the confidence that they sincerely knew what they were doing.
ASTA: If I don’t like it there…
XANDER: I’ll put you on the first flight back to England, I promise.
Asta sighed.
ASTA: Alright, deal.
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Post by Beck on Apr 23, 2006 15:25:36 GMT 10
ACT 4
~HADES VALLEY~
~cemetery~
~night~
OLIVER: Have you ever wondered why there isn’t a slayer here in Hades Valley? I mean, this is a Hellmouth and you would think there would be a slayer guarding it but there isn’t. Instead a high school dropout, unemployed male and his amateur witch sister who works in a law firm are doing all the guarding. Don’t you think it’s weird?
TABITHA: (glared) I’m not amateur. I’m able to spurt fireballs from my hands and make vampires go poof. Name me one amateur witch that could do that.
The two of them were walking through Willows Cemetery on the hunt for the Vampires of Zoor. They each had a weapon in their hand – Oliver had an axe slung across his back and Tabitha held a crossbow. She also had a pouch around her waist.
TABITHA: And no, I don’t think it’s weird. We haven’t exactly had a slayer here in Cleveland for a long time, Ollie. So it’s not weird or unusual. It’s just the way it is. Beside, there’s only one slayer in every generation and that Slayer is busy with another Hellmouth in California. We’re just…unlucky.
They continued walking through the cemetery.
TABITHA: Are you sure this is the place?
OLIVER: I’m sure. I saw the vampires heading towards the mausoleum over there. It could be their hideout. Or an entrance to their hideout.
TABITHA: Or it could be a place they wanted to trash because their leader asked them to.
OLIVER: No. These vamps are always traveling in groups so I find it really suspicious that another vampire could creep up behind me the last time. And I know he wasn’t part of the group. They all gather here and that mausoleum is the reason why.
TABITHA: And what if you’re wrong? You have the tendency to be wrong – that’s why you got kicked out of school.
OLIVER: I got kicked out of school because I was one of the few people who believe that there were indeed vampires in our high school.
TABITHA: (smirked) Ever thought that maybe you could have been wrong.
OLIVER: I wasn’t wrong then and I’m not wrong now. Just trust me, ok?
TABITHA: I think I’ve done too much of that. That’s why I’m stuck slaying vampires for the rest of my young life.
They continued to walk through the cemetery in silence. A few moments later, Oliver spoke up.
OLIVER: Tabby, did you tell David about my little unemployment situation?
TABITHA: I don’t know. I might have mentioned it once or twice. Why?
OLIVER: He offered me a job as a bartender in his bar.
TABITHA: (surprised) He did? Wow. That’s really nice of him to do so.
OLIVER: (scoffed) Nice? He took pity on me.
TABITHA: Well, I think it was really sweet of him to do that even though you hate his guts. So did you accept the job?
OLIVER: What? Of course not! I hate his guts; I’m not going to work for him.
TABITHA: Come on Ollie. You have been looking for a job since you came here two years ago. It’s time you start paying rent.
OLIVER: I just don’t see myself as a bartender.
TABITHA: Neither do I but this is a good opportunity of you, Ollie. Just give it a try. If you hate it, you could always quit.
OLIVER: I’ll think about it.
TABITHA: Good. I’ll make sure I’ll thank David on your behalf.
Oliver stopped suddenly and raised his finger to his lips.
OLIVER: Shh! Did you hear that?
Tabitha cocked her head and listened.
TABITHA: Yeah. I do. Crickets. No, wait! I hear something else. Those creatures that go woo-woo. What do you call it? An owl is it?
Oliver grabbed Tabitha’s arm and pulled her behind a tree.
OLIVER: Don’t move or say a word.
Oliver peered around the tree and saw three Vampires of Zoor heading towards the mausoleum. Unlike the last time he saw them, the vampires were strangely silent as they made their way inside of the crypt.
OLIVER: There are three of them that I can see. Not sure that there are any more around.
TABITHA: It’s only the three.
Oliver looked at her with raised eyebrows.
OLIVER: How do you know?
TABITHA: I did a spell and those are the only three that popped up on my radar.
OLIVER: (scowled) You knew all along that there were three vampires in the cemetery? Why didn’t you tell me?
TABITHA: Two words – fragile ego. I didn’t want to steal your glory.
OLIVER: So you sure they are the only three?
TABITHA: Yup. But whatever we need to find in that crypt, we need to find it fast. We don’t know how long it would take for the others to return. So here’s the plan.
OLIVER: You have a plan?
TABITHA: I have to have one if I don’t want my brother to suffer another stab wound.
She took the axe from Oliver and pressed her crossbow into his hands.
TABITHA: You’re not ready to do any chopping or lifting yet so I want you to stand in a safe distance and shoot. I’ll do the heavy lifting.
Oliver shook his head in amusement as he loaded the crossbow.
OLIVER: Every minute you’re making me feel less of a man.
TABITHA: It’s for your own good, little brother. Alright, I’m going to make my presence known and make them think that I’m the only one there. Once you hear the signal, you come in with crossbow a blazing.
OLIVER: And the signal would be…?
TABITHA: (grinned) The vampires screaming their heads off while I kick their asses.
OLIVER: (nodded) Be careful
TABITHA: Always.
Tabitha stepped away from the tree they were behind and made a quick dash towards the mausoleum. The door of the crypt was not fully closed and there was sliver of opening. She pressed her ear against the crack and listened carefully to the happenings within the mausoleum.
VAMP #1: Dude, I cannot believe you ate that human. Boss gave us strict orders not to feed.
VAMP #2: I can’t help it. I’m getting sick of feeding from you guys. Anyway, Boss wouldn’t know about it if no one tells him. So no one tells him.
VAMP #3: Man, I’m getting tired of this. When will we get into the good stuff?
VAMP #1: Not until the Boss gives the go ahead.
VAMP #3: (whined) But I’m hungry.
Tabitha straightened and pushed the heavy door open.
TABITHA: Me too. So which one of you boys want to take me out to dinner.
The three vampires snapped their heads towards Tabitha.
VAMP #1: You! What part of me stabbing your brother don’t you understand? I told him to stay away from our business. Didn’t he give you the memo?
TABITHA: Well, he’s quite stubborn and it kinda runs in the family.
The vampire that spoke to her roared and rushed her. Tabitha twirled the axe above her head a couple of times before swinging it downwards and lopping his head off. Both the body and the head disintegrated into ash before it could hit the ground. Tabitha blew at the blade and grinned widely.
TABITHA: Alright, so who’s next?
The two remaining vampires looked at her before looking at each other. Without warning, the two of them came at her. She was about to swing her axe at the vampire on the right when an arrow whizzed past her head and struck the other vampire in its chest. The vampire looked shocked as he crumbled to dust.
Tabitha waved her left hand at the last remaining vampire and the vampire flew back and slammed into the wall behind him. He was pinned to the wall, unable to move. Tabitha used her other hand and made the arrow which had dusted the second vampire float towards the pinned vampire. The arrow headed straight for the vampire’s chest but didn’t dust him.
VAMP: What are you doing?
TABITHA: I’m piercing your flesh with the arrow real slow. That way I’m able to get some answers.
A wild, panic look came across vampire’s features when he realized what was happening.
VAMP: What answers? I don’t have any answers that you want.
Oliver entered the crypt and approached the vampire, the crossbow dangling from his hand.
OLIVER: I think you do. Tell us who your boss is.
VAMP: My boss?
OLIVER: Yes. Your boss. The same boss who has been asking you and your vampire pals to do his biddings for him.
VAMP: But I can’t tell him who he is. He’ll kill me.
Tabitha concentrated a little harder and made the arrow to pierce through the vampire’s flesh another inch. The vampire yelped in pain.
TABITHA: Is your boss Joseph Zoor?
VAMP: Who? I don’t know anybody call Joseph Zoor. Man! That hurts.
TABITHA: I’ll make it stop if you tell us who your boss is.
VAMP: Ok, ok. I will. His name is Matthias.
OLIVER: Where do we find him?
VAMP: That I can’t tell you man. I mean really. Ah!
The arrow went through another inch and the tip almost reached the vampire’s dead heart.
TABITHA: Where is he again?
VAMP: I can’t tell you because I don’t know. He meets us and tells us what to do and then we don’t see him again until the next meeting.
OLIVER: When is the next meeting?
VAMP: Ah! Hey! I’ll tell, I’ll tell! Erm…tomorrow – tomorrow, midnight, here. That’s all I know, I swear.
TABITHA: Thanks! I really appreciate it.
VAMP: Are you going to let me go?
TABITHA: Sure, why not.
With a flick of a wrist, the arrow withdrew from the vampire’s chest and fell to the ground. Tabitha dropped her left hand to her side and the vampire slumped to the floor.
OLIVER: So what do you think? You think he’s telling the truth?
TABITHA: Well, the worst thing that could happen is that we won’t find their leader. But we could always get another vampire and torture him for information.
Oliver absentmindedly shot an arrow into the vampire’s heart.
VAMP: Hey!
The vampire crumbled into dust.
OLIVER: You’re right. So I guess we’ll come back tomorrow then.
TABITHA: Guess so. (sighed) I was hoping for a more exciting night. This isn’t what I had in mind.
Tabitha let a pout form on her lips.
TABITHA: I wanted to fight more vampires.
OLIVER: We can go over to the next cemetery and patrol. I’m sure we’ll find more there.
Tabitha’s gaze shifted away from Oliver’s.
TABITHA: Or we could take those guys out instead.
Oliver turned around and blinked at the four new Vampires of Zoor standing at the door of the mausoleum.
OLIVER: Well, I guess you got your wish, Tabby.
TABITHA: (grinned) I wish for a million dollars.
Oliver and the vampires looked at her and frowned.
VAMPS & OLIVER: What?
TABITHA: Never mind. (to vamps) Shall we do this?
VAMP #1: It would be our pleasure.
OLIVER: Here we go.
##############################################
~WATCHERS COUNCIL, ENGLAND~
~Asta’s room~
Asta pulled out a large traveling bag from her wardrobe and dumped it on her bed. She went over to her drawers and started getting her clothes out. She went to her bed with a tall pile of clothes in her hand and started stuffing them into the bag.
Once all her clothes were in the bag, she headed into her bathroom and started gathering all her toiletries. She dumped them into her bag as well. At her desk, she looked through all her books, papers and notebooks, tossing out the ones that she didn’t want and keeping those that she needed. She pulled out a backpack from under her desk and inserted all her books into it. Once that was done, she zipped it up and tossed the bag onto her bed next to her luggage.
Asta let out a breath and looked around the room.
A moment later, she went towards the bedside table where a small piece of notepad and pencil was. She picked the pencil up and started scribbling down a note.
ASTA: Dear Stacy. This is Asta. I just thought I’d write this note to tell you that I’m leaving. I’m not leaving because I’m giving up this slayer life but I’m leaving England because there is something I need to do at home. Not in New York but in Hades Valley where I’m originally from.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HADES VALLEY~
Oliver crouched in the corner and shot at the second vampire that ran towards him. Unlike the first one, the arrow missed the marked and hit the vampire’s stomach. The vampire snarled in pain but didn’t stop running.
ASTA: (v.o) Mr. Giles says that the dreams I’m having and the things I’ve been seeing might mean something and it’s possible that I could find the answers in Hades Valley. I didn’t want to go at first because the thing about that place is that it’s different from other towns.
Tabitha swung her axe at one of the vampire and the sharp blade caught the vampire in the chest. Tabitha pulled the axe out and struck again. This time the vampire read her move and ducked. Before Tabitha could hit the vampire, it straightened and gave her a hard backhand across her face. Tabitha went flying and hit the wall.
ASTA: (o.s) A lot of weird things happen there. It’s not a good place to be. The Hellmouth is there.
Oliver smacked the vampire with the butt of the crossbow, whipped out a stake that he had with him and thrust it into its chest, this time hitting the mark.
ASTA: (o.s) Vampires, demons and all kinds of creatures can be found there because of the Hellmouth and I’m going there. I can’t stake a vampire but I’m going to a Hellmouth. It’s funny how things work out.
A vampire came up from behind Oliver and grabbed him in a bear hug. Oliver let out a grunt as the vampire squeezed, aggravating his not-yet healed wound. Oliver slammed his head back and there was a loud crack as the back of his head connected with the vampires face. The vampire let go and Oliver took this chance to whirl around and plunged the stake into its heart.
ASTA: (o.s) I’m not going alone. Andrew and this guy called Xander are coming with me. Buffy Summers is also coming along so I guess I’m in safe hands. However, I’m still scared to go and I wished there was another way…but there isn’t. For now, Hades Valley is where I need to be. I don’t know what to expect and I really hope I’m able to get through the first day without getting myself killed.
Tabitha got to her feet and shook her head, trying to clear the fog in her head. She heard a growl and she dropped to the ground. A leg whizzed above her head. Tabitha whispered a spell under her breath and the next moment, she heard a loud scream. She stood up and smiled when the vampire who tried to attack her started to convulse. Smoke came off his body and with one final scream, the vampire burst into flames.
ASTA: (o.s) I hope that I’ll survive my time there because I have a bad feeling about this. Wish me luck and I’ll see you soon. Hopefully.
Oliver looked around the crypt to make sure that there weren’t anymore vampires sneaking up on them before going to his sister.
OLIVER: You alright?
Tabitha patted her arms, legs and then her head.
TABITHA: Have all vital body parts intact so yeah, I’m fine.
OLIVER: Had enough fun for tonight or do you still want to get more vamps?
TABITHA: Let’s call it a night. I’m feeling hungry and I don’t think I can fight with an empty stomach.
Oliver laughed as he draped a hand around Tabitha’s shoulder and led her out of the mausoleum.
OLIVER: You know, with us around, I don’t think we need a slayer.
TABITHA: I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind the extra help.
OLIVER: Yeah, but it’s more fun this way. It’s the only time where I get to bond with my sister. I don’t think I like the thought of a slayer disrupting our quality bonding time together.
Tabitha looked at him like he was crazy.
TABITHA: So you consider the time where we get our ass kicked, get bruised and stabbed quality time?
OLIVER: (shrugged) I’m weird that way.
TABITHA: (laughed) That’s why I love you, little brother.
OLIVER: So I don’t think we need a slayer. We can handle this on our own. We make a pretty good team. We are actually slayers ourselves.
Tabitha looks worriedly at her brother.
TABITHA: You are not going to break into a song are you?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~WATCHERS COUNCIL, ENGLAND~
~Asta’s room~
Asta tore off the note from the pad and read it over again. After she was done, she went and placed it on Stacy’s pillow. She stared at the note as she drifted into her thoughts.
ASTA: (sighed) This is ridiculous.
She picked up the note and crushed it into a ball. She went to the rubbish bin at her desk and threw the note in. She stuffed her hands in the pockets of her jeans and took one last look around the room.
##############################################
~NEXT DAY~
~flight to Cleveland~
Asta gazed out of the window of the airplane as Xander sat down in the seat beside her and buckled his seat belt. After shifting in his seat for a few seconds to make himself more comfortable, he looked over at the silent slayer beside him.
XANDER: You’re pretty chatty today.
Asta turned away from the window and looked at him blankly.
ASTA: What?
Xander smiled as he shook his head.
XANDER: Never mind. I was just talking to myself.
ASTA: Ok.
She turned back to the window. A few minutes of silence later, the airplane jerked and started to make its way to the runaway.
XANDER: This is it. We’re going to Cleveland. You ready?
The airplane picked up speed and Asta watched as the surrounding trees and the other planes whipped by.
ASTA: Here we go.
The airplane lifted off the ground.
CUT TO BLACK
END CREDITS
Written by
Irene Issac
Story Editor
Rebecca Schwarz
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Post by Beck on Apr 23, 2006 15:26:34 GMT 10
Feedback is appreciated. As you can see by the credits - I am the editor, the writer. But all feedback, which can go here, or any questions, I will pass on to the writer  |
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