ASTA Episode 1.07 "Once Bitten"

[shred]

TEASER

~PARK~
~night~

A 14 year old boy sat on one of the swings and looked around him. The park was not very big. Besides the jogging track and the football field, the park consisted of a small playground, a sandbox, a few benches here and there and a small barbeque pit. The only light source came from the few lampposts that dotted the park and the full moon overhead.

There was no one around at this time. As far as the boy could see, he was the only one in the park and he was starting to get a little bit frightened. He glanced at his watch worriedly before looking around the park again.

BOY: Where are you, mom?

The bushes behind him started to rustle causing the boy to jump in surprise. He jumped out of the swing and looked at the bushes. The bushes shook again.

BOY: Hello?

The bushes grew still. Then an unkempt looking, 30-something year old man came out from the bush and fell down in front of the boy. The boy sprang back in surprise as the young man looked up at him. Twigs and leaves were on the man’s clothes and hair. Scratches were seen on his skin and face and dry mud was caked on his hands.

BOY: Are you ok?

The man looked at the boy with terror in his eyes.

MAN: You have to leave.

BOY: But my mom’s coming to pick me up.

MAN: LEAVE!

Then before his very eyes, the man started to change. The man cried out in pain as his bones shifted beneath his skin and his hair started to grow longer. The bone structure in his face elongated, forming a snout, and his blue eye began to change into a gold colour.

The boy started to panic. He looked around the park, hoping that someone would come by soon. He looked back at the man and saw something completely different. An oversized wolf snarled at him and came at him slowly. Without warning, the beast pounced on him.

The boy screamed as he went down to the ground, holding his hands before his face and squeezing his eyes shut. The wolf growled before biting the boy’s hand. A second later, the boy heard a yelp and felt the pressure on his arm gone. He opened his eyes and saw a teenaged girl swinging the creature away from him by its tail. The creature slammed into the sandbox, strewing sand everywhere.

Asta looked at him.

ASTA: You alright?

BOY: My arm…

ASTA: Don’t worry. My friend will take care of you.

It was then that the boy noticed another older girl coming up to him. She smiled kindly and crouched down beside him.

TABITHA: Hey, kid. Nice dog you have there.

BOY: What is that thing?

TABITHA: It’s called a werewolf. But it can’t hurt you now. You’re safe.

The boy looked away from Tabitha and watched Asta as she ripped the metal chains off the swing and wrapped it around the werewolf’s neck. A moment later, Asta stood up and brushed dirt off her hands. She looked at Tabitha and nodded.

ASTA: It’s dead.

BOY: You killed the werewolf? But that man turned into that werewolf.

Asta looked surprise at what the boy said.

ASTA: That was a werewolf?

Tabitha smiled at the boy uncomfortably.

TABITHA: Let’s get that wound checked out.


CUT TO BLACK

OPENING CREDITS ROLL

THEME SONG “Club Foot” by Kasabian


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

Guest Starring:
Dean Cain as Ashley/Astwihad
Tyron Leitso as David Boone
Jake Thomas as Benjamin
Barry Watson as Jones

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

END OF CREDITS

[shred]

ACT 1

~HOUSE~
~kitchen~

Asta paced beside the dining table worriedly. She glanced over at Tabitha who was leaning against the sink with a soda can in her hand. Xander was leaning against the doorway, looking in the direction of the living room.

Asta looked up at Tabitha angrily.

ASTA: I cannot believe that you didn’t tell me that it was a werewolf!

Tabitha rolled her eyes.

TABITHA: I’m sorry. But I was busy making sure that the boy was alright.

ASTA: I just killed a man!

Xander stepped between the two of them.

XANDER: Ladies. Please, keep it down. That boy you saved is in the living room getting patched up. The last thing he wants to hear is you both arguing about the guy you just killed.

ASTA: Xander, you don’t understand. I just killed a man. What am I going to do now?

XANDER: Look, Asta, accidents happen. You didn’t know.

TABITHA: How could you not know he was a werewolf anyway? You’re a slayer; you should know all these things.

ASTA: Blame that on Andrew. Ever since we came here, our training schedule has been out of whack.

XANDER: Hey, no one is blaming anything on anybody. We’ll deal with this as soon as we get the boy home.

TABITHA: We can’t get him home. He’s been bitten by a werewolf. And that means he’s one already.

XANDER: Ok, so we can’t take him home. So what are we going to do with him then?

TABITHA: I don’t know. Find someplace safe for him to be when he’s changed?

XANDER: We need a cage or something like a cage.

TABITHA: A cage…

Tabitha’s brow furrowed as she racked her mind for a place with a cage. She snapped her fingers when she got an idea.

TABITHA: Oh! David’s bar! He has a cage in the basement where he keeps his alcohol. Before he started up his business, a couple of crates of beer went missing and he built in a cage to make sure no one could get their hands on the crates. We could use that.

XANDER: How about David? He’ll start asking questions when he sees us locking up a kid in his alcohol cage.

TABITHA: Don’t worry, I’ll deal with him.

At that moment, Pike came into the kitchen with a First-Aid box in his hands.

PIKE: So I got the boy patched up. The bite doesn’t look that bad so we don’t have to take him to a doctor or anything.

TABITHA: How’s the kid doing?

PIKE: Benjamin is doing fine. He just wants to go home.

TABITHA: Yeah, but he can’t. He has to stay here with us for now in case he starts getting the sudden urge to grow fangs and paws. Until we get that cage, he has to stay here with us.

PIKE: (frowned) Where are we getting a cage?

TABITHA: David has one in the basement of his bar.

PIKE: How are you going to get him to let us use it?

TABITHA: Probably sweet-talk him into it. Allow him to do whatever he wants with me during sex.

PIKE: I got a better and less disgusting idea.

TABITHA: Do tell.

PIKE: I’ll take that job he offered me. I’ll even take on the night shifts during the full moon nights to make sure Benjamin’s safe and locked in that cage.

TABITHA: You are willing to work under the man you hate for that boy?

PIKE: Hate is such a strong word. Besides, it sure beats hearing all those noises you guys make late at night.

Tabitha smacked him on the arm.

TABITHA: Hey! I’m not that loud.

PIKE: No. But he is.

XANDER: Ok, before we get side tracked, how are we going to make the kid stay here without getting his parents to put out a search for him?

TABITHA: (shrugged) We could call them, I guess, and pretend we are parents of a friend of his and say that he’s staying with us for a sleepover.

PIKE: Sounds good. I’ll let you do that while I’ll go call your beloved boyfriend for that job. And I’m going to see if I can find some of the chains that we used to have.

Tabitha blushed a deep red.

TABITHA: Erm…I think they’re in my room.

Pike looked at her, confused.

PIKE: In your room? What are they doing there?

Pike’s eyebrows shot up when realization dawn on him.

PIKE: You know what? I so do not want to know.

He left the kitchen hurriedly without another word. Xander shook his head at Tabitha, a smirk on his face.

XANDER: Chains huh?

TABITHA: It’s David’s guilty pleasure.

Xander winked at her.

XANDER: I’m sure.

TABITHA: It’s – Ok, I’m going to make that call now.

Tabitha left, ducking her head low. Xander turned to Asta, who was silent throughout their conversation. She was leaning against the counter, biting on her fingernails.

XANDER: You alright?

Asta looked up in surprise. She seemed to realize that there was someone in the kitchen with her.

ASTA: Yeah…yeah I’m fine.

XANDER: Look, about this whole thing about killing that werewolf…

ASTA: I’m over it…really.

But Asta looked far from over it. There was still the same scared expression on her face.

XANDER: Are you sure? You can talk to me about it if you want.

Asta forced a smile on her face as she pushed herself away from the counter. She walked towards the doorway that led to the living.

ASTA: I’ll be fine.

XANDER: Ok, I’ll take your word for it. But…just remember…you saved a life.

Asta stopped and turned to Xander.

ASTA: (bitterly) By killing another.

XANDER: Sometimes sacrifices need to be made in order to keep someone else safe. Try to see the bigger picture here.

Asta wrapped her arms around herself, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

ASTA: And what’s that?

XANDER: You saved Benjamin’s life.

#############################################
~LATER~

Tabitha picked up the phone that was found in the hallway between the kitchen and the living room and dialed the number to Benjamin’s house that Benjamin had given her. On the second ring, a woman picked up on the other end, sounding breathless.

WOMAN: Hello?

TABITHA: Hi. Is this Benjamin’s mom?

WOMAN: Yes! Do you know where Benjamin is? Is he with you?

TABITHA: Your son is fine and yes, he’s with me. He was with my son when I picked him up and I didn’t want to leave me alone at the park so I brought him home with me.

WOMAN: Oh thank goodness! I was running late so I couldn’t pick Ben up earlier. Thank you so much for calling, I thought he was missing. I was searching all over for him.

TABITHA: Don’t worry, he’s fine. Listen, it’s a bit late to drop him off home so I was wondering whether he could stay here with me and my son. The two of them are certainly enjoying each other’s company.

WOMAN: That would be fine. I’m supposed to bring him to his grandmother’s house anyway as I would be away for a business trip to L.A. tomorrow. Could you drop him off there for me tomorrow?

Tabitha smiled, thanking her luck.

TABITHA: How about he stays here with me till you come back? My son, Andrew, would love the company.

WOMAN: Well, if it isn’t any trouble…

TABITHA: Oh, no. No trouble at all.

WOMAN: Then I guess it’s alright. I’ll be back in two days and I’ll pick him up then. Can I have your number so I can call and check up on him?

TABITHA: Sure. And don’t worry, too much about your son. He’s in good hands.

Tabitha heard movement behind her and she glanced over her shoulder. Pike came down the hallway with a cell phone attached to his ear.

PIKE: Hey, David? It’s Pike here.

DAVID: Pike?

PIKE: Yeah. Oliver Pike…Tabitha’s brother?

DAVID: Oh. That Pike.

Pike rolled his eyes.

PIKE: Yeah, that Pike. Listen, I was wondering whether the offer for that job at your bar still stands.

DAVID: I’ve been meaning to ask you that. You didn’t get back to me and I was wondering if you wanted the job at all.

PIKE: Well, I’ve been kinda busy. And trust me, I want that job.

DAVID: That’s great! We are a little shorthanded at the moment and we need all the help we can get.

PIKE: That’s good to hear. So when can I start?

DAVID: Anytime you want. But I would prefer it if you started tomorrow’s day shift.

PIKE: How about the night shift? I don’t think I would be available for the day’s shift tomorrow.

DAVID: Hmm…hang on. Let me check the schedule.

PIKE: Thanks.

He heard rustling of papers on the other end of the line as Pike waited for David to get back to him. A few minutes later, David came back on.

DAVID: The night shift tomorrow is pretty full…

PIKE: Is there a way to fit me in? It’s really important that I do the night shift.

DAVID: Why?

David sounded suspicious and Pike was getting exasperated.

PIKE: Dave, you got to trust me on this one, alright?

DAVID: Don’t call me Dave. (pause) I guess I could swap you with someone. I’ll see what I can do. I’ll give you a call once everything is settled.

PIKE: Thanks, man. I owe you one.

DAVID: (muttered) I’m doing this for Tabby.

Pike chuckled as he hung up.

#############################################
~LIVING ROOM~
~later~

When Asta entered the living room, she found the boy, Benjamin, on the couch watching a re-run episode of Friends on the television.

ASTA: Hey…Benjamin right?

The boy looked up and nodded. He’s right hand was swathed in white bandages from palm to elbow. His right hand looked twice the size as his left.

Asta gestured towards the television set.

ASTA: What are you watching?

BENJAMIN: An old Friends episode.

ASTA: Oh, I love Friends. Which episode is this?

BENJAMIN: It’s the we-were-on-a-break one.

ASTA: One of my favourites. Mind if I join you?

Benjamin just shrugged and Asta took that as a yes. She sat down on the couch beside him. For a few minutes, the two of them watched the show silently. Then Asta turned to him.

ASTA: I’m…I’m really sorry.

Benjamin did not look at her as he responded.

BENJAMIN: For what?

ASTA: For what happened? I’m sure you know that once you’re bitten by a werewolf…

BENJAMIN: I’ll become a werewolf. Yeah, I know. They didn’t have to tell me. I kinda know how it works.

ASTA: (surprised) You do?

Benjamin looked at her and smiled.

BENJAMIN: Werewolf movies.

ASTA: (laughed) Right. And who says watching television doesn’t teach you anything?

They returned their attention to the television and they both fell silent again.

BENJAMIN: So did that werewolf really die?

Asta swallowed, not sure how to respond.

ASTA: Yeah…he…he did. I’m sorry.

She looked down at her hands.

ASTA: It was something I had to do – in order to save your life.

BENJAMIN: I understand.

Asta looked up at him.

ASTA: You don’t have to worry about anything else. We’ll take care of you.

BENJAMIN: (smiled) Thanks.

ASTA: Are you scared?

BENJAMIN: A little but I’m trying not to worry about it. My mom always told me that it’s not good to worry. It’s better to accept things that happen to you and move on. Just give yourself only five minutes to worry.

ASTA: Have you done that yet?

BENJAMIN: Nah. With everything that has happened, I didn’t get a chance to be alone.

Asta looked at the boy beside her, preparing to get up.

ASTA: I can go if you want…

BENJAMIN: No, I want you to stay.

ASTA: (smiled) Sure.

She settled back down in the couch.

ASTA: You know, you are one brave kid. If I were bitten by a werewolf, I would have been bouncing all over the place and worrying about what I’m going to do with my life.

BENJAMIN: Well, I’ve done some thinking and it’s not too bad being a werewolf. You only change into one for three nights. Plus the extra strength you get from being a werewolf can be an advantage when you’re being bullied.

ASTA: You get bullied in school?

BENJAMIN: Sometimes.

ASTA: You know what I do when I get bullied in school? Scare them with a pocket knife.

The young boy frowned.

BENJAMIN: Isn’t that illegal?

ASTA: Well, I’m not saying you should use it. Just tell them you have a pocket knife and you’re not afraid to use it. If they don’t believe you, you give them a peek. After a few times of doing that, you don’t have to bring it with you anymore. Just pretend you have the knife with you.

BENJAMIN: What if they tell on me?

ASTA: What are they going to say? That the guy they are bullying is threatening them with a pocket knife.

BENJAMIN: (smiled) I’ll try that.

ASTA: And let me know how it goes. Just don’t tell them that I gave you the idea.

Benjamin looked at her intently.

BENJAMIN: You know, you don’t look like the type that gets bullied in school. You look like the popular, cheerleader type.

ASTA: (shrugged) Looking popular and cheerleader-y isn’t good enough anymore, I guess. I’m a loner and bullies love to the attack loners.

Asta slouched lower in her seat, feeling a little depressed.

ASTA: (glumly) High School sucks.

BENJAMIN: I’m not in High School yet.

ASTA: Oh. Then…High School will rock for you.

She pumped her fist in the air in mock enthusiasm as Benjamin laughed.

#############################################
~PARK~
~dawn~

The werewolf lay motionless on the ground of the park as the sun began to rise. Slowly, the guise of the wolf melted away, leaving behind a naked human being. The man slowly stirred. Then he jolted awake, gasping hard and sweating profusely.

MAN: Benjamin!

[shred]

ACT 2

~PARK~

The man got up, slightly panicked, and looked around the park. Spotting a bush nearby, he went to it and started shifting through the leaves, searching. A few minutes later, he pulled out a backpack that looked worse for wear.

The man quickly set the bag down, unzipped it and started pulling out clothes – all the while looking around the park to see if anyone was coming by. Taking out a pair of jeans and an old T-shirt, he threw the backpack aside and slipped into the clothing.

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

As the man walked down the streets of Hades Valley, he surveyed his surroundings intently, making sure to take everything in. It was still quite early in the morning and the streets were relatively empty. Shops were just opening their doors and a handful of people were rushing off to work in all directions. No one paid attention to the man as he strolled down the street.

Twenty minutes later, the man turned into a quiet neighbourhood. Rows of white, single-storey houses lined up in front of him. He looked at the rows of houses and frowned. Then, he cocked his head and sniffed the air.

A smile stretched across his face when he got the scent that he wanted. Without a moment’s hesitation, he broke into a jog. After running past a few houses, the man came to a stop in front of a house that had a well-trimmed front yard and a small swing set on the porch. It did not look like there was anyone at home.

Looking around to make sure no one was looking in his direction, the man climbed the gate. He went to the front door and rapped on it a few times.

MAN: Karen! Are you in there? Benjamin?

The man knocked on the door again, this time a little louder.

MAN: Karen?

VOICE: She’s not in, son.

The man glanced over his shoulder and saw an old woman staring at him from behind a fence that divided the two houses. She has a small, white poodle under her arm and she looked like she just got out of bed.

MAN: Karen’s not in?

OLD LADY: No. She left for some business meeting.

MAN: Do you know for how long?

OLD LADY: She didn’t say but I think it’s for a few days.

MAN: And Benjamin?

OLD LADY: Went to stay at his grandparents I think. Are you a friend of Karen’s?

MAN: Sort of. Are the grandparents still at their old place?

OLD LADY: To my knowledge, yes. You can leave a message with me if you want. I’ll pass it along to Karen when she gets back.

MAN: That’s alright. I’m here to look for Benjamin. I’ll drop by his grandparents place. Thanks.

OLD LADY: That’s alright, dear.

The man flashed the old woman a smile before climbing the gate and heading into the direction he came from. The old woman shook her head as she shuffled back into her house.

OLD LADY: (muttered) That’s what you get for not installing an alarm system, Karen.

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

Tabitha bounded down the stairs, humming a random tune softly under her breath. She set her black purse down on the dining table and went to the coffee pot. She was dressed smartly in a suit and took extra care when she poured herself a cup of coffee. She went to one of the cupboards overhead and pulled out a cereal box. Not bothering to pour the cereal into a bowl, she reached into the box and grabbed a handful of Fruit Loops.

She leaned against the counter and took her time eating cereal and drinking her coffee while humming that random tune.

A minute later, Pike came shuffling into the kitchen. Unlike Tabitha, he only had his sweatpants on and his longish hair fell messily over his eyes. He paused as he squinted at her.

PIKE: Morning.

Tabitha smiled at him brightly.

TABITHA: Morning. I got coffee.

Pike mumbled his thanks before making his way towards the counter where the coffee pot was. He picked up a mug from the cupboard overhead and poured coffee into it. He turned and squinted at his sister again.

PIKE: Wow. You look so much like mo –

Tabitha shot him a look that could kill, her smile disappearing from her face.

TABITHA: Don’t.

PIKE: Like my lawyer?

TABITHA: (smiled) Thanks!

Pike blew lightly at his coffee as he stood beside his sister.

PIKE: So what’s the occasion?

TABITHA: A very important client of ours is dropping by. And if I please the client and the boss in all the right ways, I might just get a recommendation for that promotion I’ve been eyeing.

PIKE: So when you get that promotion, does that mean you’ll get more money?

Tabitha laughed as she sealed up the cereal box and passed it to Pike. She went to the sink and set her empty coffee mug in it.

TABITHA: Yes. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to work.

She gave him a wink and a pat on his shoulder.

TABITHA: You still do, little brother.

Tabitha went to the dining table, opened up her purse and took out her lipstick.

TABITHA: So what are your plans today?

PIKE: I’m going down to Bar None to see David. He asked me to come for a bit of an orientation.

Tabitha twisted the lipstick open and applied it. She turned to Pike a moment later.

TABITHA: Oliver, you don’t want me to remind you…

PIKE: I know, I know. I must behave when I’m around David. You told me about 100 times already.

TABITHA: Well, let me tell you 101 times. Be patient with him. I know how you can get testy sometimes with the things he does and says.

PIKE: Testy? I don’t get testy.

TABITHA: You do and you know it. Anyway, I have to leave if I want to get to work on time. Let me know how things go?

PIKE: I will.

TABITHA: And you know I will check on you by calling David.

Pike set his mug down and chuckled, going up to Tabitha.

PIKE: I know you will.

He pecked Tabitha on the cheek.

PIKE: Have a good day at work and good luck sucking up to the boss.

At that moment, Asta came into the kitchen.

ASTA: Morning.

TABITHA: Morning. How’s the kid?

ASTA: Still asleep.

PIKE: Did you tell him what happens when he gets bitten by a werewolf?

ASTA: I didn’t need to. He has seen enough werewolf movies to know that.

TABITHA: Hey, maybe you should learn from him. The TV might teach you more than Andrew does.

Asta scowled.

ASTA: Funny.

Tabitha capped her lipstick and slipped it into her purse.

TABITHA: Ok, I’m off. I’ll see you guys tonight.

ASTA: Bye.

Asta sighed as she walked up to the coffee pot. She picked up Pike’s mug that was beside it and poured herself some coffee.

ASTA: Don’t you just hate it when she’s right?

Pike chuckled.

PIKE: She’s my sister. Of course I hate it.

She went to the dining table with her coffee mug in hand sat down.

ASTA: But do you think she’s right? I mean…

PIKE: Is Andrew doing his job as a Watcher?

ASTA: (sighed) Yeah.

PIKE: Not my place to say really…

ASTA: But?

PIKE: But it is weird that you didn’t know that it was a werewolf you were fighting.

ASTA: (sighed) I guess it’s my fault.

PIKE: I don’t think it was your fault at all. You are learning what you can as a Slayer. You go out and patrol and do training whenever Andrew asks you to. I don’t see how it’s your fault at all.

ASTA: What are you saying?

PIKE: Don’t get me wrong – I like Andrew, I do – but I just feel that sometimes he isn’t doing a good job as a Watcher. I’m not exactly sure what a Watcher is required to do but from what I’m seeing I don’t think he’s doing enough.

ASTA: What do you mean?

PIKE: Well, your training schedule is all off. Sometimes I see you training with Andrew but most of the time I see Andrew reading one of my occult books while Xander teaches you some of the other Slayer stuff. I just…don’t think Andrew is doing enough as your Watcher.

ASTA: Oh. So basically what you’re saying is that…

PIKE: That werewolf died because of Andrew. Not you.

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

Andrew stood at the hallway that led to the kitchen and listened to Pike and Asta’s conversation.

ASTA: Oh. So basically what you’re saying is that…

PIKE: That werewolf died because of Andrew. Not you.

Andrew blinked at what Pike said. He couldn’t believe he actually heard those words. He blinked again when he realized that his eyes were starting to tear. He quickly wiped away his tears so that they wouldn’t fall.

He took a deep breath before whirling around and left the house.

It was at that moment when Xander came bounding down the stairs. He frowned when he spotted Andrew disappearing out of the front door.
#############################################
~BAR NONE~
~later~

When Pike walked into Bar None later that day, the place was getting ready to open for business. There were a few waitresses wiping tables down while a couple mopped up the floor. A bartender was behind the bar, jotting down some notes on a blue clipboard that he had in his hand while he studied the alcohol bottles that were on the shelf. The bartender was not the same one that Pike met a few weeks ago. This new guy looked about to be his age, good looking and blonde.

Pike strode up to the bar and slapped his palms on the counter top, announcing his presence. The blonde bartender glanced over his shoulder and acknowledged him.

PIKE: Hey man.

BARTENDER: We are not open yet. Come back in twenty minutes.

PIKE: I’m not here for a drink. I’m here to see David. Is he in?

The bartender returned his attention to his blue clipboard.

BARTENDER: He’s in. You have an appointment?

PIKE: Yup. He asked me to come in for a job.

The bartender tucked his clipboard under his arm and capped his pen.

BARTENDER: He should be in his office in the back. His office is just past the restrooms. You can’t miss it.

PIKE: Thanks.

Pike made his way towards the back of the bar, carefully making sure to avoid the spots that were just mopped by the waitresses.

There was a doorway that led to the back. But instead of a door, there was a thick black curtain that hung at the doorway, blocking the patrons’ view of the back. Pike pushed the curtain aside and found himself in a narrow corridor.

The corridor was a stark contrast to the bar and restaurant area on the other side of the curtain. The white paint on the walls were peeling and looked grimy while the floor had water marks and a few scraps of newspaper littered on it. The corridor was dimly lit with just a naked bulb overhead.

Pike walked past the two restrooms which were directly across from each other as he made a beeline towards the door at the end of the corridor. Beside that door was a stairway that led downstairs to what Pike assumed was a basement.

Pike knocked on the door of David’s office and waited patiently for David’s answer. Almost immediately the answer came.

DAVID: Come in.

Pike opened the door and popped his head in.

PIKE: I’m here.

David did not look up from the paperwork he had on his desk as he waved Pike in. Pike stepped into the office, closing the door softly behind him.

DAVID: Just give me a sec.

Pike nodded but it did not look like David noticed as he was too engrossed with his paperwork. He was scribbling furiously. Pike took that moment to look around David’s office. The place was small. Too small in fact but had enough space to cram in a desk, a worn out couch and a shelf that was filled with similar black files.

David slammed his pen down and stood up. He gathered up his papers and took them to the shelf. He took out one of the files and slotted the papers in. After placing the file back into its place, David turned to Pike and flashed him an apologetic smile.

DAVID: Sorry about that. Dateline can be such a bitch.

Pike smiled – just to be polite.

PIKE: I wouldn’t know.

DAVID: So…you’re here.

PIKE: I’m here. Just like you asked.

DAVID: Normally, applicants would have to go through an interview process but seeing how I’m really in need of people, I’m going to skip that part.

PIKE: Oh. Thanks, I guess.

DAVID: And seeing how you’re Tabitha’s brother, I trust that you’re as hardworking and dedicated as she is?

PIKE: It runs in the family.

DAVID: Good. Come on, I’ll show you around.

David and Pike went out into the bar/restaurant area. David nodded towards the young bartender.

DAVID: The bartender over there is Mike. As of now, he does the day shift. He was the one who said he didn’t mind swapping shifts with you so you should thank him.

PIKE: (smiled) Of course.

DAVID: The place opens at two in the afternoon every day. We close at two in the morning from Mondays to Thursdays while on Fridays and weekends, we are opened till five.

David gestured for them to continue walking. They started heading towards the bar.

DAVID: Whoever works in the day shift comes in an hour before opening to get the place ready and whoever works in the night shift will close up. Waiters will take care of the tables and floor while the bartenders take care of the bar.

They stopped at the bar.

DAVID: Joe does the night shift so I’m putting you with him. You’ll work at the cash register until you get the hang of making drinks. Do you have experience in making drinks?

PIKE: Does making orange juice count?

David did not look amused.

DAVID: I’ll let Joe teach you then. Mike! This is Pike. He’s our new blood.

Mike came up to them and shook hands with Pike.

MIKE: Pike.

PIKE: Mike.

David grinned.

DAVID: I’ll make sure you guys don’t work in the same shift ever again.

PIKE: Good plan.

David started moving towards the back of the place again and Pike quickly followed behind.

DAVID: We have a system here with regards to the alcohol. We store all the alcohol in the basement and whatever gets taken out is recorded to keep track. And just before the bar opens, we record down what bottles are up on the shelf.

The two of them reentered the corridor and made their way towards David’s office. Instead of going in, David turned to his right and went down the set of stairs that Pike noticed earlier.

DAVID: This is the basement.

The basement was considerably bigger than the bar/restaurant area upstairs. There was a cage that covered the whole of one wall while on the other side were boxes that were stacked up almost to the ceiling. Inside the cage were about ten to fifteen crates of alcohol.

Pike approached the cage and studied it. He reached out and tugged at the door of the cage, testing out its strength.

DAVID: The alcohol is kept locked in the cage. Only the bartenders and I have a key to it. The boxes here contain napkins, utensils and other stuff that are important. Can’t exactly remember what they all are though. I have an inventory list somewhere…

Pike looked at David, a smile tugging at his lips.

PIKE: Tell me, David. How strong is this cage?

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

Astwihad paced before Ahriman. His anger was evident in the long strides that he took. His hands were in the pockets of his black slacks and the sleeves of his black turtle neck were rolled up to his elbows.

AHRIMAN: Tell me, Astwihad, are you going to send another vicious monster to kill the witch?

Astwihad glared at Ahriman but didn’t stop his pacing.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t mock me.

AHRIMAN: You told me that you wouldn’t fail me. I consider this a failure.

ASTWIHAD: (snapped) You think I don’t know that?

AHRIMAN: Watch your tone, boy.

Astwihad stopped his pacing and looked pointedly at his master before him.

ASTWIHAD: Hey! It’s not my fault that Asta turned out to be one smart Slayer. If you gave me the heads up, I would have distracted her and taken the witch out.

AHRIMAN: You are blaming me.

It wasn’t a question and Astwihad very well knew that.

ASTWIHAD: Damn right I’m blaming you. I’ve been doing all this work and not once have you given me a suggestion or at least helped me! So, yes. I do –

Ahriman straightened in his seat and his red eyes glowed intensely.

AHRIMAN: Silence!

Ahriman’s voice reverberated around the monastery, causing the walls and floor to tremble beneath Astwihad’s feet.

AHRIMAN: Remember your place in this, Astwihad! You are nothing without me!

ASTWIHAD: I –

AHRIMAN: This is the last time I am telling you. You fail me and I’ll make sure that you burn.

Astwihad glared at the massive being before him before stalking out of the monastery.

[shred]

ACT 3

~BAR NONE~
~a few hours before the full moon~

With one finger stuck in his ear and a phone attached to the other, the man waited for someone to pick up at the other end of the line. After a few rings, someone did.

VOICE: You have reached the Barkers. We are not in right now but please leave a message after the beep and we’ll return your –

The man slammed the phone receive into its cradle in frustration.

MAN: Damn it!

He glanced at his watch and looked around worriedly. Panic started to take hold of him.

MAN: I still got time. I still got time.

He made his way towards the bar counter and signaled for the bartender. The large, burly bartender sauntered towards the man and arched an eyebrow.

MAN: Whiskey, on the rocks.

The bartender nodded and went off to make his drink. A moment later, the bartender slid his drink towards him and the man slapped a twenty dollar bill on the counter. Without waiting for the bartender to give him back his change, the man took his drink and headed towards an empty booth. He slipped into the booth and nursed his drink.

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

When Tabitha returned home late that afternoon, she found Xander and Benjamin in the living room. Benjamin was sitting on the couch with a backpack beside him while Xander was standing before him.

TABITHA: Hey guys.

She frowned at the nervous expression on their faces as she came into the living room.

TABITHA: Oh man, did someone die?

Xander shook her head.

XANDER: Nah, nothing like that. Pike called and he told us he got everything settled in the bar. He asked us to head over there in a few minutes.

TABITHA: Ah, ok. So…why do both of you look like the world’s going to end?

BENJAMIN: I’m just nervous. It’s my first time turning into a werewolf.

XANDER: And for some reason so am I. I mean, I’m nervous as well. I think the fact we are hiding a kid in a busy bar is making me a little twitchy.

Tabitha smiled as she came up to Benjamin. She ruffled his hair affectionately.

TABITHA: I’m sure everything will be fine. You’ll be fine.

The young boy looked up at her and smiled.

TABITHA: So shall we go?

XANDER: Erm…before we do that, I need to talk to you.

TABITHA: Me?

Xander nodded and jerked his thumb towards the hallway.

XANDER: We’ll be right back, buddy.

BENJAMIN: Ok.

Tabitha squeezed the boy’s shoulder before following Xander out into the hallway.

TABITHA: What’s up?

Xander adjusted his eye patch and placed his hands on his hips.

XANDER: Have you seen Andrew?

TABITHA: No, why?

XANDER: (sighed) He has been gone since morning and I’m getting worried.

TABITHA: Do you know why he left or where he went?

XANDER: No and no.

Tabitha frowned and chewed her lower lip thoughtfully.

XANDER: I know I shouldn’t worry – Andrew’s a big boy and all – but I just got a bad feeling about this. I saw him leave this morning and he didn’t look happy.

TABITHA: Has he done something like this before?

XANDER: No…I don’t know. I don’t really know him that well. He was just my enemy and my hostage this one time and that’s it. We were never close.

TABITHA: Ok, we’ll go find him then. Where’s Asta? Maybe we can ask her to find him.

XANDER: Asta’s out on patrol but I don’t want to tell her Andrew’s missing.

TABITHA: Why not? He’s her Watcher; she has every right to know.

XANDER: Yeah, I know but she’s been through a lot lately – especially with the whole killing the werewolf incident – so I don’t think it’s a good idea to put more problems on her.

TABITHA: Xander, she’s our best choice at the moment to find Andrew. Both of us and Pike are needed to make sure that Benjamin survives the night. Asta’s our only choice in finding him.

XANDER: But you don’t necessarily need me. Both you and Pike can handle Benjamin and his safety. I’ll help you guys settle the kid in and then I’ll go and find Andrew.

TABITHA: (sighed) Well, if you think it’s a good idea…

XANDER: I do.

Tabitha nodded.

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

Xander, Tabitha and Benjamin stepped into Bar None and took a look around the busy place.

XANDER: Man, the place is packed! How are we going to sneak him in without anyone noticing?

TABITHA: I’m leaving that to Pike. He said he got it covered. He’s over at the bar. Come on.

The three of them slowly made their way towards the bar. However, before they could reach the bar, Pike signaled for them to go to the back. They followed his directions. A second later, Pike followed them. They met at the back.

PIKE: (to Benjamin) Hey buddy. You ready?

BENJAMIN: I guess.

PIKE: You’ll be fine.

TABITHA: You made sure everything is in order?

PIKE: (nodded) Yup. I wasn’t given the key at first but I managed to snag it from Joe. From what David told me, no one goes down there until tomorrow morning just before opening.

XANDER: Great. Let’s get him inside. We only have about half an hour left.

Pike took the lead with the others following closely behind.

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

The man took the last swig of his drink and set the glass down. He glanced at his watch before looking around the place. He straightened when he spotted someone familiar making their way across the restaurant.

MAN: Benjamin…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~DOWNSTAIRS~

PIKE: And this is the cage.

XANDER: Is it strong enough?

PIKE: Yup.

BENJAMIN: You sure this will work?

Tabitha knelt down in front of Benjamin and held his shoulders.

TABITHA: Trust me. It will work. You’ll be safe here.

BENJAMIN: Will it hurt?

TABITHA: Yes, only a little. But you are one strong boy. You can go through with this.

Benjamin looked down, his eyes tearing up.

BENJAMIN: I’m scared.

VOICE: Hey!

The whole group looked up at the sound of the voice and saw a man standing at the top of the stairs. They looked at him in surprise.

XANDER: Pike, I thought you said no one would come down here.

Pike ignored Xander and stepped forward. Tabitha stood up and hid Benjamin behind her back.

PIKE: (to the man) You’re not suppose to be here.

MAN: Let him go.

XANDER: No can do, pal. He’s with us.

MAN: I said let him go.

The man looked nervous and every now and then, he kept looking at his watch.

TABITHA: Who are you?

MAN: I’m Jones. And that’s my son.

Xander looked at Tabitha, surprise registering on his face.

XANDER: It just occurred to me why we never asked about his father.

TABITHA: Benjamin, is this true? Is he your dad?

BENAJMIN: I don’t know. I never met my father before. My mom told me he left just after I was born.

PIKE: Look, Jones, can we deal with this later? Like tomorrow morning?

JONES: No! I want him. Now! I don’t know what you’re doing here with him but you have no right to keep my son away from me.

Jones came down the stairs.

JONES: Benjamin, come here, we gotta go.

PIKE: He’s not going anyway. There’s a reason why he’s here. I know this might come off as strange but you’re son is –

JONES: A werewolf. I know.

XANDER & PIKE & TABITHA: You know?

JONES: I know. I was the one who bite him and once bitten…

XANDER: So you know the drill, which is good because now we can have your support in locking your son up in a cage.

JONES: You’re not locking him up in a cage. He’s coming with me.

TABITHA: Wait a minute. I thought Asta killed you. The other girl in the park – she strangled you.

Jones smirked.

JONES: It takes more than that to kill me, little lady.

Jones took another stepped forward.

JONES: Benjamin…

Pike stepped forward, blocking Jones from Benjamin.

PIKE: If you think you are getting out of here with the kid, you’ve got another thing coming. And you are getting into that cage as well.

Without warning, Jones leapt at Pike and swung a punch at him.

TABITHA: Pike!

Xander ran forward to grab Jones but the other man was too fast for him. Jones ducked and then grabbed Xander by the collar of the shirt and easily tossed him against the door of the cage. Jones whirled around towards Tabitha and Benjamin.

Tabitha gasped in surprise and realized the reason for the sudden burst of super strength and speed. Jones had already begun to change

TABITHA: This is not good.

BENJAMIN: Erm…Tabitha?

Tabitha looked down and finally noticed that Benjamin was starting to change as well.

TABITHA: Get into the cage! Now!

Before Benjamin or Tabitha could even move, Jones roared and came straight at them.

VOICE: What the hell is going on here? Tabby?

However, Tabitha did not get a chance to see who the newcomer was. Jones slammed into her and she tumbled to the ground hard, the wind getting knocked out of her. Looking up, she saw her boyfriend running down the stairs.

TABITHA: David, get out of here!

Jones turned around and growled at David, who stopped in his tracks immediately.

DAVID: Holy –

Jones slapped David across the face and David went flying towards the other end of the room. He hit the railing of the staircase and slumped to the ground unconscious.

TABITHA: David!

Tabitha was about to get to her feet but thought better of it when Jones turned to her and snapped his razor sharp teeth at her.

TABITHA: Don’t leave with him. It’s not safe – for both of you and for the other people.

Jones looked at Benjamin who was cuddled up in the corner, crying. He was staring at his hands which were sprouting long brown hair and claws. His face was between that of a human and a werewolf.

Jones went up to his son and tentatively touched his face. Benjamin stared back in fascination. Then Jones turned towards Tabitha and bared his teeth as if telling her that nothing was going to stop him from taking his son. He bounded towards the stairs. He stopped at the top and waited for Benjamin to follow.

TABITHA: Benjamin…

The smaller werewolf looked at Tabitha, cocking his head slightly.

TABITHA: Don’t.

Whether he did not listen to her or if it was his animal instinct taking over, Tabitha didn’t know. Benjamin stood up and went to his father. The two of them disappeared as they headed upstairs.

Scrambling to her feet, Tabitha hurried over to her brother, who was starting to regain consciousness.

TABITHA: Pike! Get up quick.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Xander also starting to come back to the land of the living. David, on the other hand, was still down for the count.

PIKE: (groaned) What happened?

TABITHA: They are gone. They went upstairs. Take Xander and go upstairs. Make sure they don’t leave this place.

Pike slowly got to his feet, rubbing his tender jaw.

PIKE: What about you?

TABITHA: I gotta make sure David’s alright.

She hurried over to David while Pike went over to Xander and helped him up to his feet.

XANDER: Where is he?

PIKE: They are both upstairs.

XANDER: Both?

PIKE: Jones got the boy.

Tabitha looked over at the two men.

TABITHA: Guys! Just go before they do anymore damage.

The two men nodded and ran upstairs. Kneeling down beside David, she carefully took David’s head and placed it on her lap. There was a gash on his forehead. When she couldn’t find a rag or a cloth that she could use to clean his wound, she tore a piece of cloth from her blouse and gingerly touched it to the injury.

TABITHA: Hey, sweetie. Can you open your eyes for me?

The sound of crashing and glass breaking from upstairs was heard. Tabitha looked up at the ceiling with a scared expression on her face. She then looked back down at David and smiled nervously.

TABITHA: You know what? I think it’s better if you remain in unconsciousness and not hear what’s happening to your place upstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~UPSTAIRS~

As Xander and Pike ran towards the entry way that led to the area where the patrons were, they could hear the sounds of screaming, glass shattering and occasionally a roar or two.

XANDER: You have a plan?

PIKE: Nope.

XANDER: (grimly) Yay us.

They burst through the curtain and froze when they saw the carnage before them. Everyone was screaming and running towards the only exit in the place. Both Jones and Benjamin were now fully changed into werewolves. The bigger werewolf was on the bar counter, snarling and snapping its teeth at the bartender, who was cowering behind the counter. The small werewolf was a few feet away from the bar, mauling at something that the two men couldn’t see.

XANDER: Oh god. I hope that’s not a human.

PIKE: Get the people out of here. I’ll deal with the animals.

Xander grabbed Pike’s arm before he could move.

XANDER: Pike, they are still human and one of them is still a kid so –

PIKE: Don’t worry, I won’t kill them.

Xander nodded and let Pike go. Pike went straight to the bigger creature. Xander, however, headed straight to a table where a young boy and girl were. They were huddled together, staring at the werewolf on the bar counter.

XANDER: Hey! You guys have to get out of here.

GIRL: What is that thing?

XANDER: Doesn’t matter. Just go. And on your way out, help people out of here as well.

The two of them looked at Xander as if he just asked them to jump off a cliff. Xander rolled his eyes. He reached over, grabbed both their hands and started dragging them out of the booth and towards the exit. When they neared the exit, he let them go and gently pushed them on.

XANDER: Don’t stop moving.

He turned around and went over to an older couple. Silently and quickly, he ushered them towards the exit – all the while keeping an eye on Pike and the two werewolves. As he went to help a woman out of the door, he saw Pike flying through the air and landing hard on a table.

XANDER: Pike?

PIKE: I’m fine.

Pike got up and rushed towards the werewolf for round two. Before he could reach the creature, something slammed into him from behind. Pike crashed to the ground. He rolled over and saw the other werewolf towering over him, its paw inches away from his face.

Swinging wildly, Pike tried to aim a punch at the creature. He managed to hit the target but he was strong enough to knock the creature off.

The werewolf growled and leaned in, aiming for Pike’s neck. Reacting quickly, Pike grabbed the creature’s mouth and pushed it upwards.

PIKE: Xander! Could use your help right about now!

Xander looked over at the other man and rushed towards him. Grabbing the werewolf by its tail, Xander gave a hard tug. The werewolf cried out in response and backed away from Pike. Pike used this opportunity to aim a hard punch across the werewolf’s face. Another punch and the werewolf was off him. Xander still had a grip on the werewolf’s tail.

Pike scrambled to his feet, looking around the bar.

PIKE: Where is the other one?

Xander looked around the bar and noticed that the bigger werewolf was not in sight. The place was empty; every patron had managed to get out. It was only the two of them and werewolf Benjamin in the bar.

XANDER: Did it leave?

PIKE: (scowled) You were supposed to keep an eye on the door!

XANDER: No, I wasn’t! I was supposed to help the people get out and then you called me for help!

Pike cursed under his breath.

PIKE: So what shall we do about this one? We can’t cage him up. David’s downstairs.

XANDER: We let him go. He might lead us to his father.

Pike looked down at the struggling werewolf.

PIKE: You sure about this?

As if on cue, the werewolf twisted around, freed itself and leapt at Pike and Xander, knocking both to the ground. A second later, the beast ran straight for the door.

XANDER: Looks like we don’t have a choice now.

[shred]

ACT 4

~CEMETERY~
~night~

ASHLEY: Werewolf, huh?

ASTA: Yeah. It just came out of nowhere and attacked this boy. He got bit and now he’s a werewolf too.

ASHLEY: That sucks. So what are you going to do with the boy?

ASTA: We’ll keep him somewhere safe during the full moon. My friend has a place.

ASHLEY: Good.

The two of them were walking through Willows cemetery. It was still early in the evening and every once in awhile, they could hear the chatter of people who walked by the cemetery just beyond the fence.

ASTA: (sighed) But it was not all good. I ended up killing the werewolf.

Ashley’s eyes widened in shock.

ASHLEY: You killed the boy?

ASTA: No, the werewolf that bit the boy. I killed that.

ASHLEY: Why did you do that?

ASTA: Cause I didn’t know it was a werewolf. I just thought, “Demon, must kill it!” I should have known. Andrew should have taught me these kinds of things.

ASHLEY: Andrew?

ASTA: He’s my Watcher.

ASHLEY: Ah, I see.

ASTA: You know what a Watcher is right?

ASHLEY: Well, I’ve heard about them – when I read about Slayers. They are teachers right? Guides?

ASTA: Yeah. He trains me and teaches me about monsters and vampires and how to kill them.

Ashley looked fascinated at the piece of information.

ASHLEY: Really? So he is pretty important to you.

ASTA: (sighed) I guess.

Ashley chuckled.

ASHLEY: You don’t sound convinced.

ASTA: It’s just that lately, I’m wondering whether if he’s doing things right.

ASHLEY: What do you mean?

ASTA: Well, things have been pretty hectic so far and our training hasn’t been on schedule and –

ASHLEY: You don’t think you’re becoming a good Slayer?

ASTA: Am I bad for thinking that? I know Andrew’s trying his best and it’s not his fault that we get attacked by vampire cult groups and flying demons…and why am I telling you all this?

ASHLEY: (smiled) Cause you agreed for us to be friends.

ASTA: No, I didn’t.

ASHLEY: Ok, you didn’t but you didn’t say that we can’t be friends either.

ASTA: So you took that as a yes?

ASHLEY: (grinned) I’m stubborn that way.

The two of them headed for the cemetery’s exit and were now walking down the street towards the next cemetery.

ASHLEY: But it sounds to me that Andrew isn’t trying hard enough to make sure you are learning what you need to learn.

ASTA: Maybe. I don’t know. (pause) What makes you say that?

ASHLEY: The fact that you’re worrying that you might not be a good Slayer.

ASTA: Yeah but I’ve been thinking that since the very beginning!

ASHLEY: And your opinion hasn’t changed which means Andrew is not making you more confident in yourself. Shouldn’t a Watcher be doing that?

Asta did not reply. She scrunched up her forehead as she thought about what he said.

ASHLEY: Look, if you want, I can help you in areas that Andrew is missing out.

ASTA: Like how?

ASHLEY: I know a bit of martial arts, I’ve read books on demons so I have a pretty good knowledge on them and I’m a warlock so I can teach you spells and stuff to give you that extra edge.

ASTA: So you’re trying to say that you want to take over from Andrew as my Watcher?

ASHLEY: (laughed) No, I don’t mean that at all. He’ll still be your Watcher. I’ll just give you some extra classes.

ASTA: I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Ashley. Andrew might frown on that.

ASHLEY: Well, don’t tell him then. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.

Asta looked at the man beside her, wondering whether he was being serious. He smiled down at her.

ASHLEY: Try just it out for awhile. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t. We’ll go back being friends.

ASTA: (scowled) We are not friends.

ASHLEY: Ok, we’ll go back to being non-friends then.

Asta was about to reply when she heard a commotion just down the street. Turning, she saw two wolf-like beasts and two men running after them. From where she was, she couldn’t make out who the men were.

ASTA: That doesn’t look good. Come on.

Asta burst into a run and headed straight for the oncoming creatures.

VOICE: Asta!

Asta stopped in her tracks and turned around. She expected to see Ashley but instead saw Andrew behind her.

ANDREW: They are werewolves, don’t let them bit you.

Asta smiled at her Watcher.

ASTA: Than –

Something struck her across the back and she fell to her knees upon impact. Looking over her shoulder, she saw a large rip in her shirt. Fortunately for her, it was only her shirt that was ripped and nothing else. She looked up and ducked instinctively when she saw the werewolf flying towards her. She rolled out of the way and got to her feet. Looking behind her she saw the other werewolf coming towards her. Asta made out who the two men were behind the creature.

ASTA: Pike, Xander, take care of that one. I’ll deal with the bigger one.

The two men nodded and got down to business. Asta returned her attention the other werewolf that attacked her. She blinked in surprise when she saw Andrew struggling to fight the werewolf.

ASTA: Andrew, what the hell are you doing?!

ANDREW: Saving you!

ASTA: You going to get yourself killed!

Asta went behind the werewolf and pulled it off her Watcher.

ANDREW: I can handle it, Asta.

Asta ignored Andrew as she punched and kicked the beast. Andrew came in and started delivering punches and kicks of his own. That caught Asta off guard and the werewolf took that moment to aim a slap across her face. She tumbled to the ground hard.

Looking around the street, Asta looked for a weapon that she could use. She caught sight of a long, thick branch just under a tree. She scrambled towards it, grabbed it and ran to the werewolf with it.

Andrew and the werewolf were once again caught in another struggle and that made it difficult for Asta to get in a clear shot.

ASTA: Andrew! Let it go!

ANDREW: (grunting) I got it covered.

Asta scowled at Andrew’s stubbornness. She raised the branch and waited for the right moment to swing. The moment came when the creature had its back towards her. Asta swung the branch and aimed it at the creature’s head.

However, the werewolf was too fast for the branch. It turned and put Andrew in the way. The branch struck Andrew across the shoulder and the Watcher slumped to the ground. Asta stared at the unconscious Watcher in shock. She then looked up at the werewolf who looked as shocked as she was.

Snapping back to her senses, Asta swung the branch again and hit the werewolf hard across its temple. The werewolf joined Andrew on the ground. She turned towards Pike and Xander and ran towards them with the branch in the air. Glancing up, Pike saw Asta running towards them like a mad woman with a branch and he pushed Xander out of the way.

Asta swung the branch and hit the smaller werewolf hard. It fell to the ground and stayed still.

PIKE: Don’t kill him! That’s Benjamin.

Asta looked at Pike in surprise.

ASTA: I thought he was all caged up.

PIKE: Yeah, well, his father came and interrupted the proceedings and here we are.

ASTA: His father?

XANDER: The werewolf that you thought you killed was Benjamin’s father.

He pointed to the other werewolf.

XANDER: That’s Benjamin’s father.

Asta’s eyes widened at the new revelation.

ASTA: You mean I didn’t kill anyone.

XANDER: Nope.

PIKE: Though I think you might have killed your Watcher.

The three of them jogged towards Andrew and sighed with relief when he started to stir.

PIKE: Where did Andrew come from anyway?

ASTA: I’m not sure. He just came up from nowhere.

XANDER: Well, I’m glad that he’s here. I didn’t see him since morning and I was getting worried.

Andrew’s eyes fluttered opened and he groaned. Asta crouched down beside him.

ASTA: Geez, Andrew. You nearly got yourself killed.

Andrew sat up and rubbed the back of his neck.

ANDREW: I was just trying to help.

ASTA: (sighed) Next time? Don’t. You’re not the slayer.

She shook her head and stood up.

XANDER: Come on, let’s head home. We need to get these two into a safe place.

Xander and Pike approached one werewolf and hoisted it onto their shoulders. With Asta taking the other werewolf, they made their way back home. Andrew, however, stood up and watched the three disappearing figures. Instead of following them, he went in the opposite direction.

#############################################
~NEXT DAY~
~morning~
~basement~

Asta, Xander, Pike and Tabitha stood in the basement before Jones. He was chained to the wall of the basement next to his son. At the moment, Benjamin was awake and in the kitchen having his breakfast. Jones, however, was just getting up.

Tabitha smiled at Jones with mock cheeriness.

TABITHA: Morning!

Jones struggled against his restraints and glared at the four people surrounding him.

JONES: Where am I?

TABITHA: My basement. We had to tie you up in case you think of running with your son again.

JONES: (growled) Let me go.

TABITHA: No can do.

PIKE: Not until you tell us why you want Benjamin. Your son tells us that you haven’t seen him since he was born. Why the sudden urge to visit him?

JONES: Because he’s my son!

XANDER: Now, now, no need to yell.

JONES: You think you can tie me up here? It’s illegal! I can get you arrested for this!

XANDER: I’m sure you can. But with you tied up, who’s going to call the cops?

JONES: (glaring) You don’t know who you are dealing with.

TABITHA: You’re right. We can’t keep you against your will. Not because we will get into trouble with the authorities but because I don’t want a man I hardly know screaming in my basement. I leave that to David.

Pike shot his sister a look.

PIKE: Ew.

TABITHA: We will let you go, Jones. But you have to answer a few questions for us first.

Jones looked at them for a moment before nodding. He looked defeated.

TABITHA: Why did you encourage Benjamin to run free when you knew what he was?

JONES: Cause he needed to know what he was. He’s a werewolf. We are not meant to be locked up.

PIKE: Why did you come back in the first place?

JONES: (sighed) I wanted to see him. It’s been too long. And I needed to explain to him why I left in the first.

XANDER: Why did you leave?

JONES: His mother didn’t want me around when she found out I was a werewolf. I was bitten by my father.

TABITHA: So you don’t believe in being locked up huh? Why is that?

JONES: Being a werewolf is what we are. We can’t be afraid or embarrassed about it.

TABITHA: (angrily) Locking yourself up doesn’t mean you’re afraid or embarrassed about being a werewolf. It means you’re smart. You go out there and you’ll kill people. You want your son to be a murderer?

Jones looked away not answering her. Asta spoke up for the first time since she came.

ASTA: Benjamin stays with us until his mom comes back. She will know what happened. You can see him but if you try to take him away again, I will kill you. And this time with silver.

#############################################
~BAR NONE~
~David’s office~
~later~

Tabitha knocked on the door of David’s office and without waiting for answer, she went in. David was at his shelf, flipping through a file. He looked up when she entered. There was a band aid on his forehead.

TABITHA: Hi.

DAVID: Hey.

He shut the file and tossed it on his table. His stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and stood awkwardly before her.

TABITHA: I just thought I come by and explain what happened.

DAVID: Right.

TABITHA: We –

DAVID: You know what? Don’t. Don’t explain it to me. I don’t think I want to know.

TABITHA: Why?

DAVID: I don’t know. Maybe I don’t want to lose my trust in you. Maybe it’s because I always thought of you as the perfect woman and that whatever you’re going to tell me will tarnish that image. We have been dating for a year and so many weird things have happened but you wanna know why I never asked you about it? It’s because of that exact reason. I don’t want to see any fault in you because I’m afraid that it would drive me away from you.

TABITHA: David, I didn’t come here to tell you everything.

DAVID: You’re not?

TABITHA: No, cause I can’t tell you everything that happened in there. But I just want you to know that what we did wasn’t illegal or wrong. We were just helping out a friend.

DAVID: Was that why Pike took the job in the first place?

Tabitha looked away, not sure how to answer. David threw up his hands in exasperation.

DAVID: Ok, maybe I was wrong. Maybe I do want to know why all these weird things happen; why you run out in the middle of our dates; why you were involved in that gang war a few weeks ago when you don’t believe in violence; why you are hanging out with these people I never met or heard of in my entire life!

TABITHA: I know I should tell you all these things –

DAVID: Tabby, during the time that we’ve dated, I’ve told you everything. Before the bar, I told you my dreams of setting up my own business. And after the bar was up, I told you how afraid I was that I would fail. And I even told you how I felt about your brother. I told you everything, Tabby and I want to continue to do that. I want to continue to tell you how much I dislike your brother and how I’m still afraid of failing. And I also want to tell you that I even think about marrying you and wonder if you think the same!

Tabitha looked up at her boyfriend, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

TABITHA: David…

DAVID: But now it’s your turn, Tabby. It’s your turn to tell me.

TABITHA: I don’t think I can. These things that happen to me are dangerous and can get you killed and I don’t want anything to happen to you. I don’t know what I would do if something happens to you. I love you too much to tell you what’s going on.

David eye’s bored into Tabitha’s, his gaze hardening.

DAVID: I think you should leave.

TABITHA: What?

DAVID: It’s late and you should head home. I got tons of work to do and a mess to clean. You should go. (pause) I’ll call you tomorrow or something.

Tabitha nodded, unsure of what to say.

TABITHA: (softly) Ok.

She turned and left the office. A second later, David closed the door behind her. Tabitha stared at the closed door with tears streaming down her face.

#############################################
~PARK~
~night~

Andrew was seated on one of the park benches, staring out at the park before him. He glanced at his watched and noted that it was almost nine in the evening. He reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out his cell phone. After punching in a string of numbers, he placed the phone against his right ear and waited for someone to pick up on the other line. A couple of rings later, someone did.

ANDREW: Hello? Giles? It’s Andrew. (pause) I’m fine, so are Xander and Asta. Did you get the email I sent you with the updates? (pause) No, there hasn’t been any progress since the spell we did on Asta. (pause) Because things can get hectic here and we tend to get sidetracked. (pause) I know, Giles, I know. I’ll try –

He stopped in mid-sentence as Giles continued to speak.

ANDREW: I’m trying my very best, Giles. I’m training her…sometimes. (pause) I know sometimes isn’t good enough but I have no other choice. We are on a Hellmouth. Do you remember Sunnydale and the constant demon and vampire attacks? Yeah, well, it’s the same here. (pause) No, don’t. I’m fine here. I can handle it. (pause) Yes, I’m sure. You don’t need to assign another Watcher. (pause) I will. Thanks. Bye.

Andrew flipped the cell phone shut and ran a hand through his hair. He looked up at the sky.

ANDREW: I could use some of that Force right about now.

Andrew dropped his head.

ANDREW: Oh who am I kidding.

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

A few meters away, behind Andrew, Astwihad watched the young Watcher sitting on the park bench making a phone call. After the call was made, he heard the Watcher murmuring something before growing silent again.

Astwihad slipped his hands into his pockets and smiled.

ASTWIHAD: Oh, this is going to be so much fun.

He walked towards the Watcher.


CUT TO BLACK

END CREDITS

Written by
Irene Issac

Story Editor
Beck Schwarz

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


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

[shred]

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Thanks for reading.