ASTA Episode 1.05 "See, Hear, Speak"

[shred]

TEASER

Asta found herself standing in the middle of a large field but she had no idea how she got there. There was no one in sight and there wasn’t a single sound to be heard. The place was dark and the only light source was from the full moon above her head. Asta turned around and took in her surroundings.

VOICE: Hello, Asta. Welcome home.

It has been a while since Asta last heard this voice but she recognized it almost immediately.

ASTA: It’s you. Who are you and why are you doing this to me? Why can’t you leave me alone?

VOICE: But you are home. Don’t you recognize the place you belong?

ASTA: In Hades Valley?

VOICE: No…with me.

ASTA: Who are you? How do you know me?

VOICE: I’ll be seeing you very, very soon, Asta. You are finally home and so am I.

Suddenly, the whole field was flooded with light and Asta had to shield her eyes with her hand.

ASTA: What’s going on?

VOICE: I’ll be seeing you Asta…

Something hit her squarely in the chest and she felt herself being flung backwards. She landed on the ground hard and she stayed down. She couldn’t move to pick herself up. So she lay on the damp grass, gazing up at the dark sky above. Then she saw the huge pillar of fire hurtling down towards her.

Asta watch the pillar of fire come roaring towards her. But she didn’t scream or try to struggle against her invisible restraints. She just watched. As soon as the pillar of fire was inches away from her face, everything went black. The fire disappeared and the strong light that lit up the field vanished, leaving only darkness behind.

Asta tried to move and realized that she could. She got to her feet and looked around. Then a beam of light shone in her face and her hands flew to her eyes to shield them from the light. Squinting, she made out a blurry object in the distant. Little by little the object began to take shape and finally it took shape of a tall man. He was striding towards her. The light dimmed suddenly and Asta put her hand down. The man stopped just a few feet away from her.

The man was dressed in black – black suit, black shirt and black tie. He’s dark hair was combed back and his dark eyes twinkled. He was smiling and looked glad to see her. But with the light in her eyes, she was still unable to see his face.

He lifted his hands as if to hug Asta but she made no attempt to move.

MAN: Told you I’ll be seeing you. Now, it’s time to face your destiny and rule the earth with me.

The man turned and gestured to something behind him. With the dim light, she was able to distinguish limp bodies hanging from a lone tree. Asta gasped when she recognized the dead bodies of her friends – Xander, Andrew, Tabitha and Pike.

MAN: Your friends are only just the beginning. After them, it’s the people of Hades Valley. And after that, it’s the world.

The man turned to face Asta, one hand outstretched towards her. Her eyes were glued to the bodies that hung from the tree. Her eyes started to tear up.

MAN: All this can happen if you accept your destiny – accept who you really are.

Asta’s eyes were glued to the bodies that hung from the tree.

ASTA: I didn’t do that. I didn’t kill them.

MAN: But you did. You’ll do this and more, Asta. Just accept.

Without thinking, Asta took his hand. She screamed.

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

Asta woke up with a jerk and found herself in the comfort of the guest room that she was using.

ASTA: Whoa.


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:
Tyron Leitso as David Boone
Dean Cain as Ashley/Astwihad
Keegan Kang as Slick


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

~KITCHEN~

TABITHA: No!

ANDREW: Why no?

TABITHA: Because I said no. Isn’t that a good enough reason?

ANDREW: (scoffed) No.

TABITHA: (smirked) Why no?

ANDREW: (scowled) Oh you’re smart. Real smart.

Tabitha fluttered her eyelashes at the young Watcher.

TABITHA: I am female after all.

ANDREW: Well, this just sucks.

TABITHA: Look, Andy, you should be asking Oliver this and not me.

ANDREW: But he told me to ask you.

TABITHA: And I said no. So shut up and stop bugging me.

Xander breezed into the kitchen. He plucked a bagel from a plate that was on the dining table.

XANDER: Morning everyone.

He went to the coffee pot that was on the counter and poured himself a mug of steaming hot coffee. Tabitha joined him at the counter, a scowl on her face.

TABITHA: Xander, could you tell your friend of yours to stop following me around like a wounded puppy?

XANDER: What does he want this time?

ANDREW: The Chronicles of Nazeem.

XANDER: Chronicles of Narnia?

ANDREW: Nazeem! Pike has it and he doesn’t want me to borrow it. Not even for a little while.

XANDER: Why do you want it? Does it contain any important information that we need? Like a solution to the visions Asta has been getting?

Andrew looked embarrassed.

ANDREW: No, not really. It’s just a good read.

TABITHA: How would you know? You told me that you haven’t read it yet.

ANDREW: Well…I kinda took a peek when Pike wasn’t around.

TABITHA: Oh boy. You better make sure he doesn’t find out or he’ll have your head. He hates people touching his books.

Xander started to choke on his bagel.

TABITHA: I said books, Xander!

Andrew smiled mysteriously at Tabitha.

ANDREW: Don’t worry. I made sure he won’t know that I touched the book.

PIKE: (O.S) ANDREW!

ANDREW: That’s not good.

XANDER: You are one dead man.

A second later, Pike came stomping into the kitchen. His face was red and his fists were clutched into a tight ball. Andrew quickly ran and hid behind Xander.

XANDER: Hey!

PIKE: You! You touched my book when I clearly told you not to.

ANDREW: I didn’t.

PIKE: You did! There were muffin crumbs all over my book and you were the only one eating a chocolate muffin that day.

ANDREW: Oh. Well…

PIKE: You are so dead!

Pike started to advance towards Andrew. The young watcher grabbed Xander and positioned him between himself and the enraged Pike.

XANDER: Hey! I so do know want to get in the middle of this. Literally as well.

PIKE: Get out of the way, Xander.

XANDER: Erm…hello? Do I look I have the choice in this? Andrew has his death grip on me.

Xander glanced over his shoulder and shot Andrew a glare.

XANDER: If I bruise, I’m going provide weapons for Pike to use on you.

ANDREW: I thought you were my friend?

TABITHA: Alright, let’s calm down. I’m sure Andrew won’t try to read your books again. Right Andrew?

ANDREW: Yes, I promise! Please don’t kill me!

TABITHA: (to Pike) See?

PIKE: But if he touches the books again…

XANDER: You’ll rip his fingers out. Gotcha.

Pike looked past Xander and pointed a threatening finger at Andrew.

PIKE: I mean it Watcher.

Andrew whimpered as he ducked his head.

XANDER: So! Now that that is all settled, how about we eat some breakfast without tearing into each other?

TABITHA: You guys go ahead and do that. I’m off to work. Bye guys.

She walked over to Pike and kissed him on the cheek.

TABITHA: Be good, little brother.

With a small wave and grabbing her tan leather jacket on the chair on her way out, Tabitha left the kitchen.

Xander pried Andrew’s fingers off his shoulders and moved towards the dining table. He sat down and helped himself to another bagel.

XANDER: So what’s the plan for today? Anything interesting lined up?

Andrew sat down beside Xander, casting a wary eye at Pike who was making himself a cup of coffee.

ANDREW: I have lots planned. I’ll be taking Asta through her training with a quarter staff. Then there will be a test on slayer history.

XANDER: You are going to give her a test.

ANDREW: Yes. It’s something all new slayers have to do. It’s part of the curriculum.

XANDER: Ok. So when are we going to do research on Asta’s problem? That’s why we are here in the first place, aren’t we? It’s been 2 weeks and we haven’t started on anything. We need to get something done before things get worse.

Pike sat down across from Andrew with his coffee, frowning slightly.

PIKE: How are things anyway? I’ve never heard anything from Asta about these demonic visions. Maybe it has stopped.

ANDREW: Maybe it’s gone completely.

Xander glared at the two men in front of him.

XANDER: (angrily) Maybe you guys are not paying enough attention to her. For all you know, she could be bombarded with visions and she’s not telling us about it because we are too busy with something else.

Pike raised his eyebrows at Xander.

PIKE: Maybe I think I’m not the only one who should calm down?

XANDER: (sighed) You’re right. I’m sorry. I just think we should get something done. I’m worried about her.

PIKE: What do you suggest?

XANDER: Research, research and more research.

PIKE: That’s it?

XANDER: Did I mention research?

PIKE: Ok…where do we start?

XANDER: You tell me, Pike. You’re the demon expert around here.

Pike crossed his arms across his chest and leaned back in his seat.

PIKE: I could help but I don’t even know what her condition is. What is she suffering from?

Xander placed his palms felt on the table and leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at Pike.

XANDER: She does not have a condition and she isn’t suffering from anything. She is just getting visions of a demon and dead bodies and hearing voices.

PIKE: Premonitions?

XANDER: Maybe…I don’t really know. That’s why we need to do research.

PIKE: How about we talk to her? Get the full details on what she’s seeing and hearing. It might help us narrow things done. Not by much but it’s a start.

Xander nodded as he stood up.

XANDER: Alright. I’ll go talk to her. She must be up by now.

Andrew shot up from his seat and grabbed Xander’s shoulder.

ANDREW: I’ll do it.

XANDER: But –

ANDREW: I’m her Watcher.

XANDER: I –

Andrew’s gripped tightened on his shoulder and Xander’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

ANDREW: Do you want me to get you deported?

XANDER: Just…be nice.

ANDREW: Aren’t I always?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ASTA’S ROOM~

Andrew burst into his slayer’s room without knocking. He found her still in her bed, staring up at the ceiling.

ANDREW: (sternly) Slayer? We need to talk. Now.

Asta’s gaze flickered to Andrew for a brief moment before returning back to the spot in the ceiling.

ASTA: Can’t this wait?

ANDREW: No. And I’m your Watcher so you have to listen to me. When I say we need to talk now, it means we need to talk now.

Asta sighed and closed her eyes briefly.

ASTA: Fine. What do you want to talk about?

Asta pushed herself up into a sitting position as Andrew went round the bed and to the window. She propped herself against the headboard and watched Andrew.

ASTA: So? What is it that you want to talk to me about that can’t wait until after I’m out of bed and have brushed my teeth?

Andrew turned and looked at her in all seriousness. He looked scary.

ANDREW: Your dreams.

ASTA: What…what about my dreams?

ANDREW: Do you still have them? Xander’s going on and on about us not caring about you so that’s what I’m doing.

ASTA: You’re caring about me?

ANDREW: I’m helping you. We need to start research so tell us everything about the dreams you’re having and we’ll get right on it.

ASTA: There isn’t much to say. They are just dreams. I see people dying, demons, me.

ANDREW: That’s all?

Asta looked away and dropped her eyes to her fingers. She was playing with a loose thread from her blanket.

ASTA: Pretty much.

ANDREW: Do you know how the demon looked like? Maybe that can help us in our research.

ASTA: No. I couldn’t see its face. It is always too dark.

Andrew sighed as he ran his hand through his longish hair.

ANDREW: Alright. I’ll see what I can do.

Andrew turned on his heels and headed towards the door of the bedroom.

ASTA: (softly) There was a man.

Andrew stopped. His hand was on the doorknob, ready to turn it. He looked over at his slayer.

ANDREW: A man?

ASTA: Yeah. I couldn’t really make out his face but I could tell he was human and a man. He was dressed in black.

She stared straight ahead as she spoke, as if the dream was playing out in front of her. Andrew took a step forward, nodding slightly, urging her to continue.

ANDREW: And?

ASTA: And he kept telling me things like I belonged to him, belonged to Hades Valley. And then he said he’ll be seeing me very soon.

ANDREW: How soon?

ASTA: (shrugged) I don’t know. He was being all cryptic.

She looked at him.

ASTA: Don’t you hate it when people talk in codes?

ANDREW: Actually –

ASTA: I mean, you don’t know whether they really mean it or not. The way they screw around with your brain, mess it up until you go nuts…are they being serious? Or are they just playing one really mean prank – it’s not right.

ANDREW: Asta…

ASTA: And you know what’s worst? When they show my friends and use them to mess with my mind. Talking in codes is bad enough but using my friends?

Asta shook her head. She stared down at her hands, tears slowly streaming down her face.

ANDREW: Asta, I don’t understand. Were we in your dream?

ASTA: You, Xander, Pike, Tabitha. You were all there.

Andrew looked scared as he watched Asta. He didn’t like where this was going.

ANDREW: What…what were we doing?

ASTA: Nothing…

Andrew let out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding.

ANDREW: (muttered) Thank goodness.

ASTA: You guys were dead.

Andrew gaped at Asta.

ANDREW: What…what do you mean by ‘dead’ exactly?

Asta scoffed as she looked up at him.

ASTA: Andrew, don’t you know what the meaning of ‘dead’ is?

ANDREW: I do. I just want to…So you saw us – your dear friends, dead. What else?

ASTA: That was it. What do you think it means?

ANDREW: Besides us being dead, I’m not really sure.

He rubbed the back of his neck and took in a shuddering breath.

ANDREW: I’ll let the others know and see what they say.

ASTA: Ok.

ANDREW: Don’t worry. We’ll get to the bottom of this. It’s going to get better.

He flashed her a smile but Asta didn’t feel any less distressed.

ASTA: No, it’s not. It’s going to get worse and everyone I know will die. And I’m responsible for it.

ANDREW: Oh. Erm…I’m sure things won’t turn out that way. You’re a slayer – you have all the power in the world to stop this from happening. And as your Watcher, I’ll help you in every way possible. Just like how Obi Wan helped Luke. Or Sam helping Frodo or Trinity helping Neo.

ASTA: Trinity was Neo’s girlfriend. I don’t want to be your girlfriend.

ANDREW: Ok, Morpheus helping Neo then.

Asta looked at Andrew and narrowed her eyes.

ASTA: Is this suppose to make me feel better? Cause it’s not working.

ANDREW: Sorry…

ASTA: Listen, Andrew. I know you’re trying to help but I’d really like to be alone.

ANDREW: Oh sure. I’ll leave then. Maybe after you’re done with breakfast, we’ll do some training. Then we’ll go out for patrol.

ASTA: No, Andrew, you don’t understand. I’d like to be alone for the whole day. After that dream, I don’t think you – any of you guys – should be near me right now. I don’t know whether these dreams will come true but I don’t want to take that risk.

Asta’s eyes began to tear again as she continued. She looked down at her hands.

ASTA: I don’t know what I would do if anything happens to you guys.

ANDREW: I don’t know whether it would be a good idea. What if something happens to you?

ASTA: It’s just for today. And I’ll be fine.

She looked at Andrew again and for the first time since he came into the room, she gave him a smile.

ASTA: You taught me well.

ANDREW: Ok. But it’s only for today.

ASTA: Yeah. Thanks.

ANDREW: You’re welcome. So…I’ll…go. If there’s anything you need…

ASTA: I’ll yell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~KITCHEN~

XANDER: Stop yelling, Andrew!

ANDREW: But I’m worried!

Xander rolled his eyes.

XANDER: Oh, so, now you’re worried.

ANDREW: Well, yes! Her dreams are getting worse. What do we do if they come true?

XANDER: They won’t. They are just dreams.

Andrew placed his hands on his hips and scowled

ANDREW: You didn’t learn anything by living in Sunnydale, did you?

XANDER: I’m sure things will be fine. We’ll leave her alone for now and in the meantime, we’ll do some research.

PIKE: I know a place that we can go that might help us.

XANDER: Great, thanks. (to Andrew) See? Progress. And before you know it, we’ll get to the bottom of this and Asta will be dream free.

[shred]

ACT 2

~MONASTERY~

The being was big, at least twice the size that he was. It was dressed in some sort of metallic black robe. It was long and flowing, like it was wearing a dress. Its torso was covered with a breastplate and around its neck hung two skulls of a mystical creature, a creature that had not been seen for centuries. He couldn’t see its face as it was wearing a helmet but he had heard that its face was hideous. The helmet covered every inch of its face except for its eyes that glowed red.

Ahriman was truly breathtaking.

Ahriman was seated on a chair that was carved out from an old Buddha statue. It was looking at him, its gloved covered fingers drumming a random beat on the head of the statue.

AHRIMAN: I do not like this time.

Ahriman’s voice was the only thing that resembled remotely to a human and that fascinated him even more. He stepped forward, smoothing his hair back and adjusting his expensive black suit.

MAN: It has been awhile.

AHRIMAN: The people here are different, arrogant. Did you see the way they dress? It’s disgusting. And where are the demons?

MAN: Like I said, it’s been awhile. The demons now are being driven to hiding, driven underground. The humans rule now. Not them.

The red eyes of Ahriman dimmed.

AHRIMAN: I do not like this time, this century. Demons should be walking the earth. Humans should be screaming in pain as we run them to the ground.

The man pushed his hands into the pocket of his black slacks and smiled.

MAN: Don’t worry, we’ll make things right. That’s why you’re here.

Ahriman nodded, its eyes brightening again.

AHRIMAN: Have you made plans?

The man beamed, his perfect row of white teeth gleaming in the dark.

MAN: Yes, I have. The plans will be put into motion tonight.

AHRIMAN: Ahh…good. Do not fail me, Astwihad. I have waited too long for this. I would be very angry if you didn’t please me.

MAN/ASTWIHAD: Don’t worry, Ahriman. I won’t fail you. I’ll do whatever it takes to make the Hellmouth, Hades Valley and the world yours again. You will be pleased.

Astwihad couldn’t see whether Ahriman smiled at him or not but he could hear the smile in its voice loud and clear.

AHRIMAN: Good. And remember, kill anyone that crosses our path. No mercy.

Astwihad bowed his head to show he understood.

ASTWIHAD: No mercy.

#############################################
~ALLEY~
~night~

A thick, green fist came towards Asta’s face and she only had half a second to duck before the fist came into contact with her. She crouched down low, roll between its legs and stood up behind the demon.

ASTA: I should be punning right about now, but fortunately for you, I haven’t exactly mastered that ability yet. So let me just do this instead.

While she was talking, the scaly demon took that time to turn around to face her. Snarling and baring long, yellow teeth, the demon lifted its hands to grab her. Asta yelled out a cry before ramming her first right through the demon’s chest. Her fist went through the slimy, scaly skin and the demon roared in response.

The insides of the demon were squishy and warm. Asta’s face contorted into an expression of disgust before yanking her fist out. Slimy green goo coated her hand.

ASTA: Eww! Gross.

The demon didn’t seem fazed that there was a gaping hole in the middle of its chest. It roared again and came at her. She grabbed the demon by its arm and flipped it over her head. The demon landed on its feet behind her.

Asta spun round and planted her boot into the chest of the demon. The demon doubled over, its scaly face scrunching up into an expression of pain. Asta wasted no time as she leapt into the air and kicked the demon just below its chin. She did a back flip before landing gracefully on the ground. The demon’s head snapped back and this time hit the asphalt hard. A loud crack told Asta that the force of her kick snapped the demon’s neck, killing it. She waited for a minute in fighting position – just in case the demon had more than two lives – before relaxing.

The sound of someone clapping was heard and Asta whirled around, her senses going back on high alert again. She dropped into the fighting stance that Andrew had taught her. A tall, good looking man stepped out of the shadows and into the alley. What little moonlight that poured into the alley lit him up and Asta could tell that he wasn’t a demon.

The man was dressed smartly in a beige turtle neck, dark jeans and boots. The look was topped off with an expensive leather jacket. His dark hair was slicked back and not a hair was out of place. There was an expression of awe on his chiseled face and he was still applauding.

Asta kept her eyes on him as he approached her. There was something really familiar about him.

MAN: That…was awesome.

ASTA: I try to do what I can. You’ve been here long?

MAN: Not very. I heard a scuffle while I was walking past and I came in to check it out. And I saw you fighting with him.

ASTA: And you stood back and watched?

MAN: You seemed to be handling him well enough so I didn’t want to get in your way. I mean, you could have mistaken me for his accomplice or something and beat the crap out of me as well. (pause) And you can put your fists down now. I’m not his accomplice…or dangerous.

Asta didn’t back down.

ASTA: Not until you can prove it to me.

MAN: Ok…what do you want me to do?

There was a pause as Asta thought about his question. Then she relaxed, dropping her hands to her side.

ASTA: I guess you’re harmless.

MAN: You guessed right.

ASTA: Do I know you? You seem familiar.

The man blinked and for a moment, Asta thought she saw fear flashing across his eyes. Before she could think anymore about it, it was gone.

MAN: No, I don’t think so.

He nodded towards the still demon.

MAN: A bit early for Halloween, isn’t it?

Asta glanced down at the demon and realized that the demon’s green, scabby face could be seen by the newcomer.

ASTA: Erm…well, I guess black ski masks are last year’s season.

MAN: Damn, just when I bought mine.

Asta looked at the man in surprise. The man noticed her looking at him and he raised his hands up as if to show he meant no harm.

MAN: I’m kidding.

ASTA: Right.

The man went towards the demon and bent down. Asta grabbed his arm and dragged him away.

ASTA: Hey! What are you doing?

MAN: I was just going to check his pulse. He looks dead.

ASTA: Why don’t we let the police do that?

MAN: Why?

ASTA: Well…his mask could burn your fingers? Look, it’s not our problem anymore. We’ll leave him for the cops. And I don’t think you want to leave your fingerprints on him.

MAN: You’re right. I don’t think I want to deal with the cops right now. But what about you? Are you alright? Did he hurt you?

ASTA: No, he didn’t. He tried but he didn’t.

MAN: Well, you must be shaken up over the whole thing. Why don’t I buy you a drink to calm your nerves?

ASTA: I don’t think so. It’s late and –

MAN: There’s a bar a block away so it won’t take long. And it just one drink.

ASTA: Thanks but no thanks. I’m flattered and all but I’m not interested.

MAN: Oh no. I’m not asking you out. It’s just that I’m new to Hades Valley and the only friends I have are at work so it’s nice to have friends outside of work. It’s not a date, just a drink.

ASTA: (smirked) I don’t know whether I should feel flattered or insulted.

MAN: Well, for what it’s worth, you looked totally hot beating the crap out of that guy.

Asta laughed, her face taking on a slight red tinge.

ASTA: Thanks.

MAN: So, what do you say? It’s just one drink. If I creep you out, you can take me to an alley and go all karate kid on me. Deal?

Asta stayed silent for a moment as she mulled over his proposal. She stared hard at him, hoping to catch some of the fear that she had seen earlier.

ASTA: Alright, deal.

The man’s smile brightened. He extended his hand for a handshake.

MAN: I’m Ashley by the way. Ashley Mainn.

She took his hand.

ASTA: Asta Dawson.

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

The bar was packed with people. The music of Black Eyed Peas was thumping through the speakers around the bar and most of the younger patrons were on the dance floor, dancing.

With Ashley holding onto her elbow, Asta found herself being lead through the throng of people to a booth at the back of the bar. She slipped into the booth while Ashley sat across from her. He smiled.

ASHLEY: I’m surprise we managed to get seats.

ASTA: Yeah.

A minute later, a young, tired looking waitress came up to their table. She had a tray and a rag with her. On the tray was a small basket of peanuts and a notebook. The waitress wiped down the table with the rag before setting down the basket in the middle of their table. Her blond hair was tied up in a loose bun and tendrils of hair were in her face. She brushed them aside and gave Asta and Ashley a weak smile.

WAITRESS: What can I get you folks?

ASHLEY: Two glasses of beer please.

ASTA: Er…coke is just fine for me.

ASHLEY: (chuckled) Right. Add in a coke.

WAITRESS: Ok, so that’s two glasses of beer and a glass of coke. Anything else?

ASHLEY: Yeah, a plate of onion rings. (to Asta) Would like anything to eat?

ASTA: No, I’m fine.

ASHLEY: (to waitress) That’s all. Thanks.

The waitress scribbled something on the notebook, tore it from the pad and slipped the paper under the basket of peanuts. She rushed off towards the bar. As soon as the waitress was gone, Asta picked up a handful of peanuts and started cracking them. Ashley laced his fingers together and leaned forwards.

ASHLEY: So tell me, how did you learn how to fight like that? Do you take classes?

ASTA: Well, I guess you can call it classes. There’s someone who teaches me.

ASHLEY: Wow. I must meet this someone. He really did a great job teaching you. You were really awesome.

Asta shrugged and popped a few peanuts into her mouth and chewed.

ASHLEY: I mean there wasn’t a look of fear on your face. You knew what you were doing and you didn’t panic. I admire you.

Asta laughed, shaking her head in amusement.

ASTA: It was just this one guy. It’s no big deal.

ASHLEY: Well, it is to me. You’ve got to teach me some of your moves.

ASTA: Why? You’re a guy, there’s a lesser chance that a guy like you would get mugged.

ASHLEY: Well, my motives are a bit more selfish.

ASTA: Oh yeah? Like what?

ASHLEY: Liketryingtoimpressagirl.

Asta almost choke on her peanut. Ashley’s sentence came out in one breath and when he was done, he ducked his head in embarrassment.

ASTA: I’m sorry…what did you just say?

ASHLEY: Never mind…

ASTA: Did you just say that you wanted to impress a girl?

Asta burst out laughing, attracting attention from the tables around them. Ashley looked panicked as he tried to calm her down. When he couldn’t, he grabbed a handful of peanuts and threw them at her.

ASTA: Hey!

ASHLEY: Stop laughing like that and I’ll stop.

ASTA: Ok, ok. I’m sorry.

Asta shook out her long hair in order to get the peanuts out of her hair.

ASTA: Man, you’re such a dork. There are other ways to impress the girls you know?

ASHLEY: Well, I’ve tried and none of them seem to be working.

ASTA: You’ve got a lot to learn, Ashley.

Ashley chuckled.

ASHLEY: Maybe.

Just then, a very familiar man came up to their table with their drinks. He set down the drinks and the plate of onion rings in front of them as Asta looked at him intently.

ASTA: Hey! I know you!

The waiter looked up and blinked in surprise.

ASTA: You’re Tabitha’s boyfriend. David right?

A smile spread across David’s lips when recognition dawned upon him.

DAVID: That’s right. And you’re…sorry, but I never did get your name.

ASTA: Asta.

DAVID: Glad to properly meet you.

David’s gaze went to Ashley.

ASTA: And that’s Ashley

ASHLEY: Hey.

The two men shook hands.

ASTA: So what are you doing here?

DAVID: I own this place. I’m usually in the back office but the past few days we have been a bit short handed so I had to play waiter. Which reminds me, if you see Pike, can you ask him whether he’s still interested in a job here? I could really use an extra pair of hands right now.

ASTA: Sure, I’ll ask him when I see him.

DAVID: Great, thanks!

He reached over and grabbed the bill of their table. He crushed the bill into a ball.

DAVID: The drinks are on the house. It’s my way of saying thank you for saving Tabitha.

ASTA: Aww, David. That was nothing.

DAVID: It was a lot. Is there anything else I can get you?

ASTA: No, we are fine, thanks.

ASHLEY: Thanks, man.

DAVID: Anytime. Enjoy.

He gave one last smile to the two of them before hurrying away to another table.

ASHLEY: So you save lives too.

ASTA: I just helped out.

ASHLEY: Well, whatever you did, you certainly made that man happy. He was positively glowing. So what can you not do?

ASTA: Lots of things but I don’t want to bore you with the details.

ASHLEY: Oh, come on. Tell me.

Asta took a sip of her coke and picked up an onion ring. She leaned back against her seat and nibbled thoughtfully on the hot ring.

ASTA: Let’s see…I can’t cook.

ASHLEY: You’re young, there’s still time for you to learn.

ASTA: I can only speak English and nothing else.

ASHLEY: I know Spanish, I’ll teach you.

ASTA: That’s it I guess.

ASHLEY: Really? So out of everything there is in the world, you don’t know two things? Wow. You are one talented girl.

ASTA: (shrugged) Well, those are the only ones that I can think of right now. I’m sure there are many others. I never really thought about it.

ASHLEY: Guess that’s something to think about.

He picked up his glass and took a swig.

ASTA: You know, you are one mysterious guy.

ASHLEY: Why do you say that?

ASTA: Well, you came out of nowhere, invite a strange girl for drinks and I talk to you like I’ve known you for ages. I’m not a very social person so this is a big thing for me.

Ashley cocked his head as he looked at her. His dark eyes bore into her blue ones.

ASHLEY: Why aren’t you a social person?

ASTA: I don’t know. I always thought I was different from everybody else.

ASHLEY: But you are.

ASTA: (laughed) Ok, now, you’re just taking that charm of yours a bit too far.

Ashley chuckled and he shook his head. He shifted in his seat and leaned a bit more forward.

ASHLEY: I’ve got to be honest with you, Asta. And I hope you don’t take it the wrong way.

Asta plucked another onion ring from the plate.

ASTA: Yeah? What about?

ASHLEY: That mugger? I know he’s not a mugger.

Asta’s hand froze in mid air, the onion ring ready to be put in her mouth.

ASTA: What do you mean?

ASHLEY: I mean, I know he’s not human.

Asta set her hand down, not sure how to respond.

ASTA: It was just a mask. Underneath? All human, I assure you.

ASHLEY: No, he wasn’t. Was it even a ‘he’ in the first place?

ASTA: Yes…

ASHLEY: I know he wasn’t a human.

ASTA: Ok…

ASHLEY: And I know what you are.

[shred]

ACT 3

~HADES VALLEY MALL~
~night~

Pike, Xander and Andrew stood at the entrance of Hade Valley’s only shopping mall. The mall closed an hour ago and the place was deserted except for the three of them. Xander stared at the empty place in disbelief, his jaw hanging open and nearly touching the ground. Pike, on the other, looked proud while Andrew looked amazed.

XANDER: Why are we here?

ANDREW: Huge mall.

XANDER: Are we even in the right place?

ANDREW: Sunnydale never had a mall this big.

XANDER: How did we even get in here after closing hours?

ANDREW: There’s even a fountain!

XANDER: Aren’t we breaking and entering?

Pike rolled his eyes in exasperation.

PIKE: Guys! Enough already. Let’s get this done then I’ll answer your questions ok?

XANDER: Ok. But answer this for me. Why are we here? Why are we in a mall?

PIKE: Well, I told you this morning that I know a place we can go to get some answers. So here we are.

XANDER: In a mall?

PIKE: It’s not just a mall. There’s more to the mall than meets the eye. And you won’t find that out if you stand here and continue yapping. Come on, let’s get going.

Pike walked on ahead before Andrew started to follow him. With one last glance around the five storey shopping center, Xander followed Pike and Andrew to where the elevators were. One of the elevators opened for them and the three of them stepped inside. Pike jabbed the button with B2 on it and the doors of the elevators closed silently. The elevator jerked slightly before descending down to the basement.

Two minutes later, the elevator stopped with a jolt. The doors opened with a soft whoosh and the three men stepped out. They were now in the underground car park of the shopping mall. The lot was empty and next to the elevators was a guardhouse. Light came streaming out of its window, indicating to the three of them that the house was occupied.

XANDER: We’ve got to do this quietly if we don’t want to alert the guard.

PIKE: Hey, Al!

Al, the security guard inside the guardhouse, popped his head out of the window.

XANDER: Geez, Pike! What the hell are you doing?

PIKE: Don’t worry, I know him.

AL: Pike, that you?

PIKE: It’s me, Al.

AL: Pike! How are you? Haven’t seen you around here in awhile.

The security guard came out of the guardhouse and strolled towards Pike. He was dressed in light blue uniform with a baton attached to his hip. He put on a black cap with a Hades Valley Mall Security logo on it. Pike and Al shook hands.

PIKE: It hasn’t been that long.

AL: Has to be a month at least.

PIKE: At least. These are my friends, Xander and Andrew. Guys, this is Al.

ANDREW: Hi, Al. Nice to meet you.

Xander nodded his greeting. Al studied the two of them. He blinked and his eyes flashed gold. He blinked again and his eyes returned back to normal.

AL: Nice to meet you, folks. (to Pike) So what are you doing here?

PIKE: I’m here to see Slick. Is he around?

AL: Yup, sure is.

PIKE: Same place?

AL: Haven’t left since World War 1. You still remember how to get there?

PIKE: Yup, like the back of my hand.

AL: Don’t take too long though. I’m expecting company and they don’t like strangers.

PIKE: No problem. Twenty minutes tops.

Al nodded. He tipped his cap towards Xander and Andrew and strolled back to his guardhouse.

PIKE: Let’s go.

Pike led them to the other end of the underground parking lot. There was only a brick wall there and no doors leading out. Xander and Andrew watched as Pike reached out for a loose brick and pulled it out halfway. A grinding sound was heard and the section next to the brick wall slid open.

PIKE: In here.

The three of them stepped into the dimly lit space and the wall slid back into its original position. The hidden room was nearly as big as half the size of a football field. There were two huge bookcases against two of the walls while a shelf that held many occult artifacts occupied the other wall. Beside the shelf was a long counter that held more artifacts in its glass casing. The place looked very much like a shop than a hiding place.

A small, black demon, dressed in a blue and white stripped plaid shirt and jeans, stood at one of the shelves, slotting some books in. His skin shone like black metal as he moved.

PIKE: Hey, Slick.

The demon turned around and its red, beady eyes widened in delight. The demon smiled, revealing a row of square silver teeth.

SLICK: Pike! How are you, man?

PIKE: I’m good. You?

SLICK: Never been better. I just got new volumes of the Watchers’ Diaries. Riveting stuff.

XANDER: Watchers’ Diaries? How did you get them?

SLICK: (frowned) Who’s he?

PIKE: A friend and so is he. Andrew here is a Watcher.

Slick blinked in surprise. The demon set the books he was holding down and folded his arms across his plaid shirt.

SLICK: You didn’t hear anything from me.

PIKE: Don’t worry, he won’t bust you. We are here for some information that we hope you can help us with.

Behind them, the grinding noise was heard again and the wall slid opened revealing Tabitha.

TABITHA: (smiled) Hello boys.

PIKE: What are you doing here, Tabby?

TABITHA: I heard you were coming by so I thought I drop in to say hello.

PIKE: Heard?

TABITHA: Ok, I did a locater spell. I was curious, so shoot me.

Pike rolled his eyes as Xander came forward.

XANDER: (to Slick) Look, we have a friend who has been experiencing demonic visions and dreams and sometimes she hears voices. So do you know anything that might be responsible for giving out demonic visions, dreams and speak to people in their heads?

SLICK: There are many demons and people who are capable of doing that.

XANDER: Point us to the likeliest suspects.

SLICK: Nah, don’t bother going through all of them. So you’re friend is seeing, hearing demonic stuff. Has your friend been speaking in a demonic language?

XANDER: No.

ANDREW: Not yet anyway.

SLICK: Hmm…I know a spell that might help your friend.

TABITHA: What kind of spell?

The small demon turned to the bookshelf and started going through the books that were there.

SLICK: It’s a simple spell that would get rid all kinds of demonic visions, dreams, premonitions and…

He pulled out a thin book from the third shelf, licked his black fingers and flipped through the pages. He brightened when he got the page that he wanted.

SLICK: …voices.

He handed the book to Tabitha.

SLICK: That spell should help your friend.

XANDER: Are you sure?

SLICK: I did say ‘should’.

XANDER: So you’re not sure whether it would work.

SLICK: It depends really on who’s responsible for this demonic activity. If the demon or person is someone who is playing a prank, that spell will free your friend.

ANDREW: If they are not pranksters?

SLICK: Then you got more work to do. Come back to me with more details on these visions and dreams and I might be able to help you. (to Tabitha) You need ingredients for that.

Slick pattered around the room, grabbing candles, a plastic bag full of something brown and a gold rope. He put them into a brown paper bag and passed it to Tabitha.

SLICK: 20 bucks.

Pike took out a twenty dollar bill and slapped it into the demon’s shiny, black hand.

SLICK: Anything else I can help you with?

PIKE: I think that’s it…

XANDER: No, that’s not it. We still need information. All you gave us is a spell that might work. I want something concrete.

SLICK: Look, pal. I can’t give you anything concrete if you can’t give me anything concrete. Give me a name of this demon, what it looks like. Or maybe tell me what these visions and dreams are about. Then I can help you.

XANDER: (sighed) At least give us a list of the possible demons and people that might be able to do this.

SLICK: I need another 20 bucks for that. It’s a long list.

XANDER: Fine.

Slick stretched out his hand. Xander sighed again before pulling out a twenty and pressing it into the demon’s hand.

SLICK: Be right back.

Slick went to the counter and disappeared behind it.

ANDREW: Well…this has been useful.

TABITHA: Slick is right. He might help us more if we had more to give him.

ANDREW: But we don’t.

PIKE: We should have a good chat with Asta and get as much details as we can from her.

ANDREW: We tried that and it didn’t work.

XANDER: No, you tried that and it didn’t work. Maybe someone else should do it.

TABITHA: Well, what about the spell? We still going to use it?

PIKE: We are – we already paid for it.

XANDER: I guess there’s no harm in using the spell.

ANDREW: What if it doesn’t work?

XANDER: I don’t know. Wait till things gets worse?

TABITHA: Look on the bright side; we might get more information if things get worse.

XANDER: Or we might have a dead slayer on our hands.

Slick came back to them.

SLICK: Do you even know why your friend is getting all these dreams?

PIKE: No. We were hoping you would help.

Slick waved a piece of paper in front of Xander’s face.

SLICK: Your list. (to Pike) There are many reasons why a demon would want someone – a human especially – to have demonic dreams. Most commonly, the demon wants to make its presence known.

VOICE: I’ll be seeing you very, very soon, Asta. You are finally home and so am I.

SLICK: But most importantly, the demon has a connection with the human.

Limp bodies hanging from a lone tree can be seen. Asta gasped when she recognized the dead bodies of her friends – Xander, Andrew, Tabitha and Pike.

MAN: All this can happen if you accept your destiny – accept who you really are.

TABITHA: What kind of connection?

SLICK: It can either be blood or magick. Sometimes the type of connection can indicate what kind of demon it is.

XANDER: Is there a way to find out what type of connection Asta has with the demon?

SLICK: There is but I don’t know it yet. I could look around for you and get back to you.

XANDER: How long would it take?

SLICK: It depends on how long my sources would open up. Two days at the most.

ANDREW: I guess there’s no harm in waiting till then.

SLICK: Use that spell in the meantime. If it doesn’t work, give me a call and I’ll check my sources.

PIKE: Thanks a lot, Slick. We really appreciate it.

SLICK: Anytime.

Pike, Andrew, Xander and Tabitha turned to leave. Slick called out to them before they exited the room.

SLICK: Just a word of caution. When doing the spell, make sure that there’s no other mystical energy around – especially dark forces. It would mess up the spell and get something unpleasant – and it’s not just a smell.

TABITHA: We’ll keep that in mind.

The four of them left as Slick watched them go.

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

Asta gaped at Ashley as if he had grown two heads.

ASTA: What did you say?

ASHLEY: Look, I don’t want you to think that I tricked you or something. But I didn’t think it was a good idea at that time to reveal that I knew that ‘mugger’ was a demon and that I knew you’re a slayer.

A dark look came across Asta’s face.

ASTA: I’m going.

She stood up and was about to slip out of the booth when she felt Ashley’s hands on her wrists. He was halfway out of his seat and she looked at him menacingly.

ASTA: Let me go.

ASHLEY: No, please don’t go. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, it wasn’t on purpose – really.

ASTA: You lied to me.

ASHLEY: No, I didn’t. I just didn’t mention –

ASTA: I asked you whether I know you and you said no.

ASHLEY: And I wasn’t lying – you don’t know me but I know you. Well…of you anyway. I know about slayers.

ASTA: How did you know I was a slayer?

Ashley let go of her hand and looked around the bar before responding.

ASHLEY: The way you fought. And the fact you didn’t run screaming when the demon attacked you. And I also sense great power from you.

ASTA: Sense? You have some kind of device that tells you who is a slayer and who isn’t? You think they make the same kind of device but tells me who is a psycho and who isn’t?

ASHLEY: I’m a warlock. A powerful one so I can sense dark power. It comes easily to me. It’s like a six sense.

ASTA: A warlock huh? Why don’t you go back to whatever wizardry school you came from and leave me alone.

ASHLEY: Asta, I don’t mean any harm. I’m one of the good guys. I’m one your side.

ASTA: Bullshit. If you were one my side, you would have told me who you really were instead of giving me the impression you’re human.

ASHLEY: I am human. Being a warlock doesn’t make me less human.

ASTA: Tell me this then. Was getting me here an evil plan of yours or do you genuinely want to make friends with me?

ASHLEY: The latter, I assure you. Can we sit down? I’ll explain everything without having all eyes on us.

Asta let out a bitter laugh.

ASTA: What the hell makes you think I would do what you say?

ASHLEY: Because from the time since the alley till now, I didn’t lay a hand on you. You know very well that I had the chance to take you out but I didn’t. That should at least gain your trust.

ASTA: Well, you’re very wrong. I don’t trust you and I never did.

ASHLEY: Then why did you agree to have drinks with me?

Asta raised her chin defiantly.

ASTA: I was thirsty.

ASHLEY: You trusted me enough to come here with me. At least trust me enough to hear me out. Five minutes, that’s all I ask.

ASTA: (scoffed) You’ve got to be kidding me.

ASHLEY: Asta, I’m telling you the truth. I’m not a bad guy. I’m here to help you.

ASTA: You try a stunt like this again and I will kill you.

ASHLEY: Don’t say that…

ASTA: Don’t ever try to see me again. I mean it.

Asta tried to leave again and Ashley once again grabbed her wrist. This time, a picture flashed before her eyes and she froze.

Dead bodies of her friends – Xander, Andrew, Tabitha and Pike – stared back at her, their necks cocked at a haphazard angle.

VOICE: Asta…

ASHLEY: Asta!

Asta shook her head violently, trying to get the horrid picture out of her mind. She pulled her hand away from Ashley.

ASTA: (screamed) Don’t touch me!

She sprinted away from Ashley and ran blindly towards the direction she thought the exit was. She bumped and stumbled over the other customers in the bar but didn’t bother apologizing. Tears started pouring down her cheeks as she rushed towards the exit. She collided into someone, stopping her in her tracks.

David looked down at her worriedly.

DAVID: Asta, is everything alright?

ASTA: David? Erm…yeah, I’m fine. I just need to get home.

DAVID: You sure you’re ok? You don’t look all that hot.

Asta forced a smile on her face. She brushed the back of her hand across her face, wiping her tears away.

ASTA: I’m fine. Really.

DAVID: Do you need a ride home?

ASTA: No, I’ll be ok. I just need to be alone right now.

She move away from him and hurried towards the front door of the bar. David watched her go in confusion.

DAVID: Ok…

He turned and looked over his shoulder at the booth she was sitting with the older man. The booth was empty. The man was nowhere to be seen.

[shred]

ACT 4

~HOUSE~

The house was dark and silent when Asta entered it. Flipping on the lights on her way, she made her way to the kitchen. She went to the refrigerator and yanked the door open. She peered inside for something to drink.

A young girl about ten years old was running down the street. Behind her, Asta was running after her, a mean looking dagger in her hand.

Asta closed her eyes and shook her head, willing the image to go away. Once the only thing she saw was the back of her eyelids, she opened her eyes and took a can of soda from the refrigerator. She shut the door close and popped the top of the can. She took a big swig of the soda before moving towards the living room. Asta almost chocked on her drink when another image zipped in front of her eyes.

A large, massive being came out of the ground. Fire surrounded it as the demon rose. Asta watched with a smile on her face. In one of her hands was the dead body of the ten year old girl. The other hand held a bloody dagger.

Asta stumbled slightly and she grabbed the wall beside her to steady herself. The can fell from her hands and hit the floor, spilling soda everywhere.

ASTA: Oh god…

Asta stood in the middle of a field with many dead bodies with hordes of demons behind her. The face of the same demon loomed large.

DEMON: We’ll rule together, Asta. Just accept your destiny.

ASTA: No…

She fell to her hands and knees, gasping.

ASTA: Please, don’t do this to me. Please…

Somewhere, she heard a door being slammed shut. A moment later, the sound of footsteps.

VOICE: Asta!

Asta looked up and saw Xander crouching next to her with a worried expression on his face.

XANDER: Are you alright? What happened?

ASTA: The visions…it’s getting worse.

XANDER: Ok, just hang in there. We got a spell that might help you. Tabitha! Get the spell ready.

Xander took her hand and helped her up to her feet.

XANDER: Does it hurt?

ASTA: No. Just…it’s too much. The death…too much death…

XANDER: It’s going to be ok. Pike, Andrew, help Tabitha with the spell. We need to get this done as soon as possible.

TABITHA: Guys, help me clear the furniture. I need a lot of space for this to work.

As Andrew and Pike cleared away the furniture, Xander slipped a strong arm around Asta’s waist and made her lean against him.

XANDER: (murmured) Everything is going to be fine.

Five minutes later, the couch and coffee tables were pushed far against the walls of the living room. Tabitha started taking out the contents from the brown paper bag that she had with her and placed them on the floor. She picked up a plastic bag filled with a rust coloured powder and tore it open. She poured the fine powder into her right hand and made a large circle with it. She looked over at Xander and Asta once she was done.

TABITHA: Bring her into the circle. Pike, Andrew, grab a white candle.

Xander slowly guided Asta into the circle. He moved away from the slayer as Tabitha handed her a long, black candle.

TABITHA: Hold this with both hands. Xander, take a white candle for yourself.

Xander did what he was told. Tabitha picked up the gold rope from the ground and used it to bind Asta’s hands together.

ASTA: This will work right?

TABITHA: It should.

ASTA: What if it doesn’t?

Tabitha looked at her but didn’t respond. She turned away and picked up a thin book from the floor.

TABITHA: Guys, stand around the circle but behind it. Whatever happens, don’t ever enter the circle. Only Asta has to be in it.

Tabitha and the men took their positions around the circle. Tabitha stood in front of Asta while Xander and Pike stood on Asta’s right and left respectively. Andrew completed the circle by standing behind his slayer.

TABITHA: Hold your candles up high and hold them with both hands.

They did what Tabitha instructed them to do.

TABITHA: Are we ready?

They nodded. Tabitha opened the book to the page she wanted.

TABITHA: Alright. Repeat the first line after me. The second time, Xander say the words ‘see no evil’, Andrew say the words, ‘hear no evil’ and Pike, ‘speak no evil’. We’ll do it three times then I’ll take it from there. All clear?

PIKE: Yup.

XANDER: Let’s do this.

TABITHA: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

XANDER/ANDREW/PIKE: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

TABITHA: As we say these words.

XANDER: See no evil.

ANDREW: Hear no evil.

PIKE: Speak no evil.

TABITHA: Cleanse this being.

XANDER: See no evil.

ANDREW: Hear no evil.

PIKE: Speak no evil.

TABITHA: Cleanse this being.

XANDER: See no evil.

Xander’s candle lit up by itself.

ANDREW: Hear no evil.

The same thing happened with Andrew’s candle.

PIKE: Speak no evil.

Pike’s candle also burst into flames.

Tabitha dropped the book to the floor and stepped into the circle. She slowly approached Asta. She wrapped both her hands around Asta’s.

TABITHA: See, hear, speak. Touch this being’s sense of sight, sound and speech. Cover her whole and banish all evil.

Silence.

Asta looked up at Tabitha fearfully.

ASTA: Did it work?

Without warning, the candle Asta was holding sparked to life just as the house plunged into darkness. The light from the candle flickered across Asta’s face.

ASTA: It didn’t work, did it?

Tabitha just smiled. She raised up a closed fist above the slayer’s head. She opened up her fingers and rust coloured dust rained down on Asta’s head. Then Tabitha started chanting.

TABITHA: See, hear, speak. See, hear, speak. See, hear, speak…

Without warning, Asta’s head snapped back and she screamed.

TABITHA: What the hell?

Asta stopped screaming as suddenly as she started.

TABITHA: Asta –

Then Asta erupted into a slew of words that didn’t make any sense to the rest of them.

ANDREW: Guess this is the part where she speaks evil.

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

Ahriman sat on the Buddha statue and watched Astwihad sit cross-legged in the middle of the monastery hall. He had his eyes closed and his forehead was scrunched up in concentration.

AHRIMAN: Astwihad, I’m getting impatient.

ASTWIHAD: Hang on. I’m almost there.

AHRIMAN: Make sure she isn’t able to detect us.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t worry. I’ll cover my tracks. Just give me a minute to assess the situation.

Ahriman gave him that minute. Once the minute was up, Ahriman spoke up again.

AHRIMAN: So?

ASTWIHAD: Interesting…

Ahriman shifted in his seat impatiently.

AHRIMAN: What is it?

ASTWIHAD: She’s under powerful magick. There’s a strong Wiccan on her side.

He fell silent as he concentrated harder.

ASTWIHAD: I’m trying my best to ward it off and work my own magick but…

AHRIMAN: Yes?

ASTWIHAD: But…something is stopping me….and it’s not the Wiccan.

AHRIMAN: What is it then?

ASTWIHAD: I’m not sure. But I’ve come across the spell before so I know what to do to mess it up.

AHRIMAN: Good. Just make it quick.

ASTWIHAD: Just be quiet for a second and let me concentrate and I can have this done quick.

Ahriman growled.

ASTWIHAD: Sorry. I’m just under a lot of pressure here. I didn’t expect her friends to come up with a spell.

AHRIMAN: Just make sure she’s still in our grasp.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t worry. The latest onslaught of visions I sent sealed her in my grasp. Now, if you excuse me, I have a witch to take care of.

#############################################
~HOUSE~

PIKE: What’s going on, Tabby? Is she supposed to be talking like that?

Tabitha backed away from Asta but didn’t venture outside of the circle.

TABITHA: I don’t know what’s wrong.

XANDER: Well, don’t just stand there. Do something!

TABITHA: Like what? I’m not exactly sure about this spell. It’s all new to me.

ANDREW: So that’s nothing you can do? Can you at least stop the spell?

TABITHA: It’s too risky for me to do that. I might mess something up and make things worse.

ANDREW: Do you even understand what she’s saying?

XANDER: Screw it, I’m coming in!

TABITHA: Xander no!

But Tabitha’s warning came too late. Xander dropped his candle to the ground and stepped over the dust. Before his foot could land inside the circle, an invisible but powerful force threw Xander across the living room.

ANDREW: Xander!

He dropped his own candle and rushed to Xander’s side. At that moment, Asta stopped speaking and fell to her knees.

TABITHA: Damn it people! You can’t drop your candles either.

PIKE: Tabby?

TABITHA: What?

PIKE: What’s that noise?

TABITHA: What noise?

As if on cue, a loud growl was heard behind Tabitha. She turned around and found herself staring face to face with a wolf-like monster.

PIKE: That noise.

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

ASTWIHAD: There. All done.

AHRIMAN: What did you do?

Astwihad got to his feet and dusted off his pants.

ASTWIHAD: I interfered with their spell. The spell works in a way that when a dark force is within the perimeter, the spell will produce something unpleasant. So I created a dark mystical cloud to go pass their house. Once the spell detected the dark cloud…well, let’s just say the rest is history.

He beamed at Ahriman as he walked towards the railing that was in front of the Buddha statue. His leather jacket hung across the railing. He picked it up and slipped it on.

ASTWIHAD: You should be proud with what I’ve done.

AHRIMAN: You’ll get them killed.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t worry, they won’t die. After all, they have a slayer with them. So they should be fine.

AHRIMAN: Good. I won’t be happy if Asta gets killed. We are not here to kill her.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t worry, big guy. I have everything under control.

AHRIMAN: What do you have planned after this?

ASTWIHAD: Ashley needs to regain Asta’s trust and that’s what I have to do at the moment. After that, who knows?

He buttoned up his jacket and clapped his hands together.

ASHLEY: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find a nice gift for Asta. (pause) Should I get flowers or chocolate?

#############################################
~HOUSE~

Asta looked up, panting and saw Tabitha struggling to fend off a huge wolf. The monster was snarling and snapping at Tabitha while the witch held onto its paws to prevent it from shredding her into bits. Pike ran passed Asta and leapt at the wolf.

PIKE: Get me a weapon!

Tabitha looked around the living room and spotted a lamp on top of the coffee table. She picked it up, ran to the monster with it and smashed it onto the creature’s head. The creature didn’t seem fazed by the impact. With a roar, the wolf-like beast threw Pike of itself. Pike landed just beside Asta.

Asta got to her feet and looked around the room for a weapon she could use. Beside the couch and the coffee tables, there was nothing suitable.

ASTA: Screw it!

She rushed the beast and tackled it to the ground. Once it was on the floor, Asta straddled it and grabbed its snout. Grabbing the upper jaw with one hand and the lower jaw with the other, she started stretching it open. The monster struggled violently beneath Asta but the slayer held on tight. The noise of muscle ripping was heard and Asta applied more force in tearing the mouth open.

ASTA: I would like to have some peace and quiet after a freaky day but no! You have to show up.

With a final shudder, the beast grew still. Asta ripped its mouth completely before standing up.

ASTA: Story of my life.

She turned to Andrew who was helping Xander to his feet. Pike was looking at her with his hands on his hips. He was panting slightly.

ASTA: You guys alright?

PIKE: We’ll live.

XANDER: Are you alright?

Asta didn’t respond immediately. She looked down at the wolf monster at her feet.

ASTA: I’ve been better.

ANDREW: Where did it come from?

TABITHA: This must be the something unpleasant that Slick warned us about.

ANDREW: What went wrong?

Pike scowled at Xander.

PIKE: Must be genius over there who wanted to cross the circle.

XANDER: Hey!

TABITHA: No. Something went wrong before that.

ASTA: (softly) It was when I started speaking.

TABITHA: You remember what happened?

ASTA: (nodded) Yeah. It was like I was watching from afar – like I was watching some movie. I could see everything that was going on but I couldn’t control it.

TABITHA: What happened before you started speaking?

ASTA: I saw those visions again, playing in my head over and over. Then all of a sudden I started speaking in this language.

PIKE: (to Tabitha) Did you sense anything usual when you were doing the spell?

TABITHA: Not really. I felt some repulsion, like something was working against me but it went away so quickly that I didn’t think twice about it. I sensed the area before I did the spell and I didn’t pick up anything threatening in the area. Whatever repulsion that came, came while I was doing the spell.

ANDREW: Someone knew what we were doing.

XANDER: Maybe. But who else besides Slick knew what we were up to?

Asta looked at Xander, a thoughtful expression on her face. Xander caught her gaze.

XANDER: Did you understand what you said, Asta?

Asta looked at Xander, fear evident in her eyes.

ASTA: I did.

ANDREW: What were you saying?

Asta shifted her gaze away from Xander, not wanting to look at him anymore.

ASTA: I kept repeating the same thing.

ANDREW: And that same thing was…?

ASTA: “The hellmouth will open and I will rise”.

ANDREW: Ok. That does not sound good.

ASTA: It doesn’t make sense.

PIKE: Maybe not at the moment. There’s still a lot about you and your dreams that we don’t know about. This is just another piece to a really big and complicating puzzle.

XANDER: Guess we have to put in that call to Slick and ask him for his help. Right now, it looks like we need all the help we can get.

ANDREW: I can call England and ask Giles and Buffy to help us in this as well. I’ll give them an update on what has been happening.

XANDER: (nodded) Good plan.

TABITHA: What do we do in the meantime?

Asta looked at Pike, a determined expression on her face.

ASTA: Show me where the hellmouth is.


CUT TO BLACK

END CREDITS

Written by
Irene Issac

Story Editor
Rebecca Schwarz

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


A BECK TO SHREDS production. © 2007 Irene Issac

[shred]

Feedback, reviews, comments and suggestions are to be left in my feedback thread (www.kacks.proboards18.com/index.cgi?board=asta&action=display&thread=1168911962).

Thanks for reading.