ASTA Episode 1.11 "Dana"

[shred]

[shred]

TEASER

~CEMETERY~
~Present~

Asta raced through the cemetery, a stake gripped tightly in one hand, a determined expression on her face. She skipped and dodged tombstones and fallen branches as she weaved through the dark graveyard.

Just ahead of her was another female. Her untangled, dark hair was whipping around her face as she ran. She was dressed untidily in a green and white checkered shirt over a dirty white tank top and pants. Her boots were caked with dried mud. She was weaponless.

The other girl was just as fast as Asta was. She matched Asta’s every step and pace.

Asta grunted and poured on more speed. Her legs ate up the distance between her and her opponent. Then when Asta was only inches away, the Slayer threw herself at the other girl, catching the girl at her legs. The two girls tumbled to the ground in a blur of limps and hair. A moment later, the two stood up and faced each other. Asta was panting slightly while the other girl had a fierce expression on her face.

The other girl was Dana the Vampire Slayer.

Asta heard footsteps approaching her from behind. Ashley, dressed in black, came up to her and leaned close to her ear.

ASHLEY: Make sure she doesn’t live this time round.

Asta nodded. Ashley produced a dagger and pointed the handle to Asta.

ASHLEY: Here. This might do the trick instead of a wooden stick.

Asta looked down at the dagger briefly before returning her gaze to Dana. She wrapped her hand around the dagger, at the same time dropping the stake to the ground. Asta raised the dagger towards Dana, the blade gleaming under the moonlight.

ASHLEY: Make sure she doesn’t live. And then it’s game over.

With a cry, Asta raised the dagger and ran straight to the other vampire slayer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HOUSE~

Xander’s eyes fluttered open and he groaned softly. He pushed himself to an upright position and rubbed the back of his head tenderly. He winced when he touched a large bump there. He adjusted his eye patch before taking a look around the living room.

Andrew was slumped in the couch out cold while Pike was lying face down on the floor next to Xander, unconscious as well.

Xander got to his feet slowly and went over to Pike. He turned the other man over and checked his pulse. Dry blood was around his nose and Xander wonder whether he broke it. When he got a strong pulse, he gently slapped Pike’s cheek. Pike moaned in response. His eyes started to flutter. Xander stood up and hurried over to Andrew. He did the same thing for the Watcher. A few moments later, both men were awake and looking at Xander in confusion.

PIKE: What just happened?

XANDER: I don’t know. The last thing I remember was –

ANDREW: Dana!

PIKE: She knocked us all out?

XANDER: (frowned) No…no, that’s not what happened. Asta was here – I remember.

ANDREW: Asta and Dana…

XANDER: They were both fighting and…and something happened after that. Then we woke up here. It’s all hazy – I can’t remember what happened after the fight.

PIKE: Well, if Dana wasn’t the one who knocked us out, then who did?

XANDER: It was Asta. That I remember – vividly.

XANDER: Asta! Think about what you’re doing.

Asta raised the baseball bat.

ASTA: She’s mine.

The Slayer swung the bat at Xander’s head.

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
Navi Rawat as Dana
Ray Stevenson as Flynn

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

END OF CREDITS

[shred]

ACT 1

~BAR NONE~
~2 hours ago~

Tabitha was sitting in the booth across from Xander and Asta, grinning from ear to ear. There were four glasses of coke on the table in front of them. A plate of fries was next to one of the glasses.

Xander had his hands on the table, fiddling with his thumbs while Asta was leaning against her seat, her hands on her lap. The two of them smiled back at Tabitha politely.

TABITHA: Isn’t this nice?

XANDER: Well, sure!

TABITHA: To have dinner with your friends…

Xander nodded hard.

XANDER: It sure is!

Tabitha looked in the direction of the kitchen.

TABITHA: I’m going to check on David. I’ll be right back.

XANDER: Take your time.

Tabitha flashed them another big smile and slid out of the booth. She made her way towards the kitchen. Once she was out of earshot, Xander turned to Asta, his enthusiasm from earlier vanishing almost immediately – terror replaced it.

XANDER: What are we going to do?

Asta cast a glance at the exit of the restaurant.

ASTA: I think we can make the run for it.

XANDER: You want to run?

Asta grabbed Xander’s arm and leaned closed.

ASTA: We are having dinner with Tabitha and her boyfriend! Don’t you understand what that means?

Xander nodded grimly.

XANDER: Awkwardness. Lots of it.

ASTA: And none of it fun. So I say we make a run for it. She won’t know.

XANDER: Well, the empty table might give it away.

ASTA: W-We’ll leave a note – say that I have a stomach ache or something.

XANDER: This is Tabitha we are trying to fool. She works in a law firm.

ASTA: Ok, do you have any suggestions then?

XANDER: We’ll tell her.

ASTA: Tell her what? That we hate the idea of us having dinner with her and her boyfriend?

XANDER: Yes! (pause) But just not in those words.

ASTA: You tell her then.

Before Xander could object, Tabitha came bounding back to their table with another big smiled.

TABITHA: David will be along in a few minutes. A customer had his order mixed up and David’s trying to sort out the mess.

XANDER: That’s alright, we can wait.

TABITHA: I’m really sorry though. It makes me regret for coming here in the first place. But this is the only place we can get good burgers – and it’s free!

XANDER: Good and free food. It’s hard to turn that down.

Tabitha grinned as the three of them fell silent. Asta nudged Xander in the ribs.

XANDER: Ow!

TABITHA: What?

XANDER: I meant, Tabby! I have to be honest with you.

Tabitha frowned slightly.

TABITHA: What’s up?

XANDER: We – Asta and I – don’t feel quite comfortable having dinner with you and David.

Asta stayed silent but nodded to show her agreement with Xander. Tabitha’s smiled disappeared.

TABITHA: What? Why?

XANDER: It’s just that we don’t really know David all that well and it’s a bit…awkward.

Asta nodded again.

TABITHA: But that’s the point. You guys don’t know David and David don’t know you guys so I thought it’s about time we get together and know each other.

Xander sputtered, searching for another reason to tell Tabitha that this was a real bad idea.

TABITHA: Look, it will be fine. Just pretend that we are on a double date!

Asta and Xander exchanged glances. Then Xander burst out laughing. Loudly. This time it was Asta and Tabitha to exchange looks. When Xander realized that no one else was laughing with him, he stopped and looked at the two women.

XANDER: No one else saw the funny in that sentence?

Asta folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow.

ASTA: What’s so funny about us being on a date?

XANDER: Because! It’s us. On a date.

ASTA: Uh-huh. And?

XANDER: And it’s funny! We don’t even like each other!

Anger flashed across Asta’s face. Tabitha shook her head, chuckling. She lifted her glass to take a sip of her drink.

TABITHA: Bad move, Xan.

ASTA: What is that suppose to mean?

Xander twisted in his seat so that he was looking directly at the Slayer.

XANDER: No, no. I didn’t mean it in a bad way.

ASTA: Oh, you mean there’s a good side to that?

XANDER: I just meant that we don’t like each other in that way – in a romantic sort of way. That’s all. Right?

Asta looked away from Xander. She picked up her drink and took a big gulp.

XANDER: Right?

Asta looked at Xander.

ASTA: What? Yes! That’s right!

XANDER: Good.

Xander turned to Tabitha.

XANDER: So your whole double date thing would never work with us.

Tabitha didn’t reply. She was eyeing Asta, who was avoiding her gaze. The teenager kept looking everywhere except at Tabitha.

Before Tabitha could press her for more information, David walked up to their table and slide into the booth beside Tabitha.

DAVID: Sorry I took so long guys.

TABITHA: That’s alright. You didn’t miss much.

DAVID: So shall we order?

############################################
~CEMETERY~

Pike waited patiently while the vampire dug itself out of its grave. He was crouched down in front of the fresh grave, a stake dangling from his hand. When half of the vampire’s body was out, the creature stopped its digging and stared up at Pike, finally noticing him.

Pike smiled brightly.

PIKE: Hi! Need help?

VAMP: Erm…yeah. I seem to be stuck.

PIKE: Well, that’s a first. Is it your foot?

VAMP: I think so.

PIKE: I could help you but I don’t think I’m strong enough to pull you out by myself.

VAMP: Maybe you could –

PIKE: Usually I have my sister with me.

The vampire took a quick look around.

VAMP: Where is she?

PIKE: She’s having dinner with her boyfriend and with two of my other friends.

VAMP: Why aren’t you there? Didn’t she invite you?

PIKE: Oh, she did. She invited me first but I didn’t want to go.

VAMP: How come?

PIKE: Because I don’t like the idea of me having dinner with my sister and her boyfriend.

VAMP: You don’t like him?

PIKE: No. (pause) I don’t know. It’s…complicated.

VAMP: When is it never? Was your sister upset that you didn’t go?

Pike frowned.

PIKE: I don’t know. I never really thought about it.

VAMP: Maybe you should give the guy a chance. I’m sure he’s alright.

Pike scoffed.

PIKE: I don’t think so.

VAMP: Tell me, kid, why don’t you like him? Is it his character? His looks?

PIKE: No, nothing like that. He’s a great guy. He’s good for Tabby – he makes her happy. (pause) And he’s pretty hot so it’s not his looks.

VAMP: Ok…then what is it?

PIKE: I don’t know.

VAMP: Look, kid, for your sister’s sake- give him a chance. I’m sure he’s a good guy.

PIKE: He is a good guy.

VAMP: So I don’t see why you need to hate him.

PIKE: You’re probably right.

He smiled at the stuck vampire.

PIKE: Thanks, man.

VAMP: No problem. Just doing what I can to help.

The two of them stared at each other.

VAMP: You think maybe you could help me get out of here?

Pike rolled his eyes.

PIKE: Oh right! What was I thinking?

He turned around and picked up an axe which he had hidden behind his back. He turned back to the vampire. The creature looked at him in terror.

VAMP: What are you doing?

PIKE: My job.

He swung the axe and lobbed the vampire’s head off its body. The vampire disappeared in a cloud of dust.

############################################

A dark, unmarked van rumbled along the road that led towards Hades Valley’s domestic airport.

The driver of the van was nodding off to sleep at the wheel. Beside him, his colleague was slouched in the passenger seat, fast asleep. In the back were two men and a girl, Dana the vampire slayer, strapped to a gurney. She was unconscious.

Andrew, who was one of the people in the back of the van, looked nervously at the other man. The man across from him was called Flynn and he was part of the Watchers Council. Flynn was only a few years older than he was and had a fierce expression on his face. He was bald and he had a goatee. Underneath the thick coat that he wore, Andrew could tell that he was well built. Both of them were dressed similarly in dark clothes.

ANDREW: She sure is knocked out, isn’t she? Hasn’t woken up since we left L.A.

Flynn did not respond to Andrew’s observations. He kept staring at the young Watcher, scowling slightly.

ANDREW: And you haven’t spoken since we left L.A. Isn’t that…nice.

The deranged Slayer between them stirred and Andrew had to grab his seat to prevent himself from jumping in surprise. Fortunately for him, Dana did not wake up. She mumbled something unintelligible before going silent again.

Andrew looked at Flynn and laughed nervously.

ANDREW: If she wakes up now, we are so dead – unless you don’t mind jumping out of a moving vehicle. From what I read from her file, I wouldn’t mind doing that. I would like to keep my hands attach, thank you very much.

Andrew laughed again. Flynn kept staring.

ANDREW: You know I heard this story where –

All of a sudden, Flynn came flying at him, both of his hands outstretched. Andrew’s eyes grew as big as saucers. He screamed and slid down in his seat to avoid the hands. Flynn clapped his hands together loudly above Andrew’s head and pulled back, returning to his seat.

Flynn showed the scared Andrew his right palm. Smacked right in the middle of the British man’s hand was a squashed mosquito.

ANDREW: Oh! You killed a bug. I thought you were going to kill me!

Flynn dusted off his hands and leaned back in his seat. He folded his arms across his chest and resumed his staring. Andrew took a quick look around the van, wondering if there were anymore mosquitoes. He looked back at the other man and smiled nervously.

ANDREW: Next time, can you just warn me before you do that? I don’t ever want to see my life flash before my eyes like that ever again anytime soon.

At that moment the van came to a screeching halt, throwing Andrew and Flynn forward. Andrew ended up in Flynn’s lap. The two of them hit a partition that separated the driver from the passengers in the back of the van. A window was craved out of the partition.

ANDREW: I would like warning for that too!

Andrew scrambled out of Flynn’s lap.

ANDREW: Make sure Dana’s alright.

The bigger man nodded and went to the Slayer’s side. Andrew slide the window opened. The two men in front were wide awake and were looking at each other, puzzled.

ANDREW: Wayne, what happened?

Wayne, the driver, looked at the Watcher and shrugged.

WAYNE: I don’t know. My eyes drifted close and when I opened them, I saw a man standing in the middle of the road. I stepped on the brakes to prevent the van from hitting him. Then he was just…gone.

ANDREW: What do you mean ‘gone’?

WAYNE: Exactly what it means. One minute he was there and the next, I couldn’t see anyone.

Andrew turned to the other man.

ANDREW: Did you see anything, Paul?

PAUL: Nope. I was asleep the whole time. Woke up when the van stopped.

ANDREW: Well, everyone’s ok right?

Wayne and Paul nodded.

ANDREW: Ok, good, then let’s keep driving. We need to be at the airport in 20 minutes or Giles will have my head.

Before Wayne could put the vehicle into gear and step on the gas, the doors at the back of the van flew open, startling the four men in it. Andrew whirled around and gaped when he noticed that the opened doors revealed a silhouette standing a few feet away from the van in the dark of the night.

ANDREW: (to Flynn) Have I ever told you that man that I can’t see scare me?

He looked at the British man.

ANDREW: Ever since my kidnapping, I have a fear of strange men.

Flynn stared back at Andrew, blankly. Andrew turned back to the silhouette.

ANDREW: Erm…who are you? Do you need help?

MAN: No. But what I need is that girl.

Andrew’s jaw dropped when he heard the man’s voice. It was the same as the man who kidnapped and tortured him not too long ago.

ANDREW: It’s you!

ASTWIHAD: Nice to see you too, Andrew. But I’m not here for you. I’m here for the girl.

ANDREW: You’re not taking her – unless you go through me.

Andrew crouched next to Dana legs and gave the mysterious man, what he hoped, was a fierce expression. He heard the man sigh.

ASTWIHAD: Very well.

His hand shot forward and grabbed Andrew by the collar of his jacket. He yanked him out of the car and brought Andrew’s face close to his. The man face was still shrouded in darkness and it was impossible for Andrew to make out his features.

ASTWIHAD: I do not have time for you, Andrew.

ANDREW: FLYNN!

The man head butted Andrew and dropped him like a stone to the gravel. Half a second later, Astwihad saw Flynn running towards him with his head ducked. Astwihad moved out of the way and caught the other man with an outstretched hand. Flynn tumbled to the asphalt, his hands flying to his neck. He was coughing hard as he writhed on the floor in pain.

Astwihad heard noises coming from the front of the van and he waved a hand at it, jamming the doors. The two men in the driver’s seat were now locked in the vehicle. Astwihad glanced over at Andrew. The Watcher was on his back, holding his forehead.

Astwihad left the Watcher and went to the van. Dana the vampire slayer was still strapped to the stretcher unaware of what was happening around her. Astwihad grabbed hold of the gurney and tugged it out of the van.

He unbuckled the straps on Dana and pulled the girl onto his shoulder. He pushed the gurney aside. He walked past Flynn and then came to Andrew. He looked down and smiled.

ASTWIHAD: It was certainly nice to see you again, Andrew. Take care!

With a wave, Astwihad walked away from Andrew, Flynn and the van with the two Council men trapped inside. Andrew lifted his head to see where the man was going with Dana but darkness came and pulled the Watcher into unconsciousness.

[shred]

ACT 2

Tabitha, David, Asta and Xander stood at the front door of Tabitha’s house as Tabitha rummaged through her purse for the key.

Xander stretched out his hand and offered it to David.

XANDER: It was definitely nice to meet you David. It has been fun.

DAVID: Same here. It has been a pleasure.

Tabitha paused her searching to roll her eyes at the two men.

TABITHA: Fellas, you don’t have to be so formal. You’re friends now.

Xander and David shot each other a nervous smile. Xander looked to Asta, who was beside him, for help.

ASTA: Erm…so dinner was nice. Loved the burgers.

DAVID: (smiled) Thanks.

TABITHA: Told you David’s place had the best burgers in town.

She finally found her key and waved it around triumphantly. She inserted the key into the lock and frowned.

DAVID: Tabby?

Tabitha twisted the door knob and pushed the door open.

TABITHA: Huh. It’s been open all along. Oliver must be home.

She turned to the three.

TABITHA: Well!

ASTA: I should go and…you know.

Xander nodded in understanding.

XANDER: Yes, I think you should. I’ll tag along.

ASTA: That’s alright. I’ll be fine on my own. (to David) I’ll see you around, David.

DAVID: It was nice meeting you.

With a wave, Asta hurried down the driveway and disappeared.

TABITHA: Ok, while Asta go do her thing, why don’t we get some coffee inside?

DAVID: I don’t mind.

Xander looked uncomfortable.

XANDER: Sure…I guess.

Tabitha spotted something behind Xander and her eyes widen.

TABITHA: Oliver!

Xander turned and saw Pike coming up the driveway with a huge axe in his hand. Pike froze when he saw the three of them in front of him. He quickly threw the axe into the nearby bushes.

PIKE: Guy! What are you doing here?

DAVID: Tabby lives here, Pike.

PIKE: I know that. I just didn’t expect you all to come home so early. How was dinner?

DAVID: It was good. So sorry you weren’t there.

PIKE: The feeling’s mutual.

Pike came up to them.

PIKE: Well, I’ll leave you three alone then. I’ll be inside.

Without another word, Pike entered the house. David jerked his thumb towards the bushes.

DAVID: He forgot his…axe.

XANDER: I’ll get it.

As Xander jogged towards the bushes to pick up Pike’s axe, David turned to Tabitha, pulled her close and pecked her on the cheek.

DAVID: I think I should go.

TABITHA: What? No! Stay for coffee.

DAVID: It’s fine – really.

Tabitha took his hand and pulled him into the house. Once inside, she spotted Pike standing at the entry to the living. He looked surprise.

TABITHA: Ollie?

Pulling David with her, she went up to her brother. She peered over his shoulder and blinked when she saw Andrew and three other strangers in the living room. They stared back at her.

Out of the corner of her eye, Tabitha saw Xander coming up to them with Pike’s axe. His jaw dropped.

XANDER: (muttered) Holy English men.

Andrew took a step forward, smiling nervously. He eyes flicked from Pike, to Tabitha and then to Xander. He didn’t seem to notice David.

ANDREW: Hi guys.

TABITHA: Andrew, what’s going on?

ANDREW: I need your help. It’s Dana.

Tabitha heard Xander take a shape intake of breath and knew it was not good news. She turned and tugged David towards the front door.

TABITHA: You know what? You were right. I don’t think coffee is a good idea right now. I’ll call you tomorrow.

She nudged David outside and prepared to close the door. David’s hand shot out and stopped the door from closing.

DAVID: Tabby, what’s going on? Who were they?

TABITHA: Honestly? I don’t really know. Never seen them before in my entire life. But don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

David looked disappointed as he nodded.

DAVID: Ok.

TABITHA: I’m really sorry, David. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.

DAVID: Sure, whatever.

Tabitha stepped forward and kissed him on the lips.

TABITHA: I love you.

Tabitha gave him one last smile before shutting the door. David sighed as he turned to go.

DAVID: Man, I hate relationships.

############################################

Asta strolled down the street, which led towards the monastery, and gazed around the area. Everywhere she looked, there were couples. On her right was a teenage couple. They were leaning against the wall of an alley and were making out furiously. On her left was an elderly couple. They strolled past her with their hands interlocked. They looked at her and smiled. Asta returned their smile.

Once the older couple was gone, her smile dropped and Asta sighed wistfully. Up ahead, she saw a family of four heading her way. She ducked her head and continued her walk down the street.

After walking for some time, the sound of gravel crunching underneath someone’s foot reached her ears. She slowed to let the person behind her pass. Instead, the stranger behind slowed down as well. She sped up, so did the person.

Asta slowed down again and this time on purpose. Her hand crept to the waistband of her jeans. Then without warning, Asta whipped around, pulling out a stake from her waistband and raising it high above her hand. She faced the stranger and brought the stake down.

Ashley blocked her arm before the stake could reach him. He smiled broadly at her.

ASHLEY: Hi!

ASTA: Geez, Ashley! You scared me. I thought you were some vampire or something.

ASHLEY: I’m surprised. Usually you could tell whether a person is a vampire or not.

Asta lowered her arm and tucked the stake away.

ASTA: So I’ve been told. Are you following me?

ASHLEY: Nope. I’m looking for you actually.

ASTA: Yeah? What’s up?

Ashley gestured for her to walk and she did. He fell into step beside her.

ASHLEY: I have a test for you.

ASTA: A test?

ASHLEY: A test. Or maybe you can call it a game – it doesn’t matter. I’m here to help so I’ve come up with a test that would help you learn more about your strength, your speed and your Slayer powers.

ASTA: And you want me to do this test…game?

ASHLEY: Of course. You promised me that if I helped you with Sha’s infection, you would let me train you. You can’t go back on your word now, Asta. I wouldn’t like it if you did.

Asta narrowed her eyes at Ashley.

ASTA: Are you threatening me?

ASHLEY: (smiling) Of course not.

ASTA: Well, I’m not going back on my word. I just didn’t think you had a training session planned out already.

ASHLEY: The faster we start the more you’ll learn.

ASTA: I guess.

Ashley grinned.

ASHLEY: Then you’ll do the test?

ASTA: What’s the test about?

ASHLEY: I think it’s better if I show you the test.

ASTA: Ok…

Ashley took her hand and started leading her towards the monastery.

ASTA: Where are we going? That’s the Hellmouth.

ASHLEY: I know.

Asta went silent as she let Ashley dragged her towards the front steps of the old monastery. He pushed the door open and the two of them stepped into the main hall. The place was lighted up with candles and fire from torches that were mounted up on the walls.

ASTA: Did you do this?

ASHLEY: Wasn’t difficult. You don’t want us groping around in the dark right, do you?

ASTA: Yeah…right. I don’t.

ASHLEY: Come on, she’s inside one of the rooms.

ASTA: She?

Ashley did not reply as he continued to lead her. The two of them entered a room at the end of the main hall. The room was small and was dimly lit with a single light bulb overhead. Ashley dropped her hand and smiled at her.

ASHLEY: Here’s your test.

He pointed to something in the middle of the room.

Asta gasped when her eyes landed on what he was pointing at. Huddled in the middle of the room was a young girl about Asta’s age. The girl was shivering violent and was mumbling in a foreign language. She looked she had been to hell and back.

The girl was wearing a checkered shirt, pants and boots. It was difficult to see the girl’s face as her dirty, black hair was covering her face. The girl did not bother to push it out of her eyes.

Asta stared at Ashley, stunned.

ASTA: Who is she?

ASHLEY: This, Asta, is Dana – the vampire slayer.

############################################
~HOUSE~
~Living room~
~later~

Xander, Tabitha, Pike and Andrew and his friends were all gathered in the living room. They were all standing around, studying each other.

Pike broke the silence. He looked pointedly at Andrew.

PIKE: Ok, what’s going on, Andrew? And who are they?

ANDREW: These men are from the Council. They helped me extract Dana from L.A.

The Watcher pointed to the big, bald man.

ANDREW: That’s Flynn.

Then he pointed to the other two.

ANDREW: And that’s Paul and Wayne. Guys, this is Pike –

Tabitha raised a hand, cutting him off.

TABITHA: I don’t think the introductions are necessary, Andrew. I’m sure they know who we are.

She was eyeing the other three men suspiciously.

ANDREW: Right.

XANDER: Ok…now can you explain to us what’s going on?

TABITHA: And who the hell is Dana?

XANDER: She’s the Slayer that Giles asked Andrew to pick up in L.A.

TABITHA: And I assume she’s…

ANDREW: Missing. Yes.

XANDER: She got away?

ANDREW: No, someone took her.

PIKE: Took her? How?

ANDREW: We were on the way to the airport and we were stopped by a man. He single-handedly beat all four of us and took her with him. I didn’t see where he went after that. I kind of blacked out.

TABITHA: And this man…he was…?

ANDREW: I don’t know who he was and neither did I see his face but he was the same guy who kidnapped and tortured me.

Tabitha looked shocked.

TABITHA: Are you sure?

ANDREW: Yes. He called me by my name and I recognized his voice.

XANDER: And the plot thickens.

FLYNN: Yes, considerably.

Everyone looked at Flynn in surprise. This was the first time any of the Council men said a word. Andrew was doing most of the talking and they were standing in the background, listening, watching.

FLYNN: Not only is Dana a slayer but she’s…different. This makes the situation all the more delicate.

PIKE: Different how?

XANDER: And please don’t say she’s like Faith. ‘Cause trust me when I say I’ve been there and done that and so not doing it again!

ANDREW: No, she’s nothing like Faith.

FLYNN: Dana suffers from a form of psychosis. She is marred by delusions, hallucinations, incoherence, and distorted perceptions of reality.

PIKE: So in simple terms, she’s a psycho?

Flynn was not fazed.

FLYNN: Yes. And because of this, she is not only a danger to herself but to others around her.

XANDER: So we should be glad we don’t have her, no?

FLYNN: Dana is at the state where anything can influence. If this man – whoever he is – who took Dana knows about her condition, he could brainwash her, make her his instrument and he’ll make us her enemy.

ANDREW: Then he’ll release her and will have a psychotic serial killer on our hands – where we are the serial killings.

FLYNN: With her Slayer powers, speed and strength, it’s almost impossible to stop her.

ANDREW: I’ve seen what she’s capable of. She sawed off Sp…one of Angel’s men’s hands because a picture in her head confused her and made her think that he was a bad guy. Just imagine what this man could do with her if he brainwashes her with many pictures.

XANDER: I’m guessing no picnics and fruit baskets then.

FLYNN: Hardly. So you understand how serious this situation is.

The three of them looked at each other. They understood it quite well.

PIKE: So what’s your plan? How are you going to get her back?

ANDREW: We were hoping you guys could help us. We can’t get her back by ourselves.

XANDER: Did you call the Council? Or Giles? We could ask him to sent back up down and –

ANDREW: No! We can’t let Giles know that we lost her. This is my mess that I have to clean and I’m taking responsibility. I can’t let Giles down again.

PIKE: This is a bit of a tall order here, Andrew.

ANDREW: I know but we got Asta so it’s not like we are totally powerless.

XANDER: Asta has never come up against with a Slayer before. Anything can happen. For starters, Dana can whip Asta’s ass and then kill us all.

TABITHA: Xander!

Xander just shrugged.

XANDER: I’m trying to be realistic here.

PIKE: Do we know anything else about this girl besides the fact she’s a psycho? Her strengths, her weaknesses…

ANDREW: No. We…don’t really know a lot about her – except what we already told you.

PIKE: How much time do we have before the Council finds out that Dana’s gone?

FLYNN: We were supposed to be on the plane that would pick us up hours ago but we have contacted the pilot and told him to return to tomorrow.

ANDREW: We told Giles that we would be staying in Hades Valley for the night. He expects Dana in London tomorrow night.

XANDER: He didn’t ask why?

ANDREW: He did. I told him that Dana was giving us trouble and it was impossible for us to fly with her in this state. Told him a night’s rest would help her calm down and he agreed. He didn’t at first but I managed to convince him. But if we don’t get Dana to London by tomorrow night, he would know something is up and he’ll probably send Buffy to kick my ass.

PIKE: Ok, so that gives us less than 24 hours to find Dana. Know where to start?

Andrew rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed.

ANDREW: No. We have no clue as to where he took her or where they are now.

TABITHA: Wait, there’s something I don’t get. Why did you bring Dana to Hades Valley in the first place?

FLYNN: If the Senior Partners in Wolfram & Hart find out about her, they would want her for themselves.

ANDREW: With everything that went in on L.A, I wouldn’t be surprise if they already got the lowdown of who Dana is and what she’s capable of.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~MONASTERY~
~room~

Asta and Ashley stood over Dana as they watched her curled up in a ball in the middle of the dimly lit room. Every now and then, Dana would yell something incoherent, twitching and writhing on the floor as if in pain.

Asta crouched down beside Dana and watched the other Slayer with sadness in her eyes.

FLYNN: (v.o) Dana is an unpredictable weapon. In the right hands, she’s harmless but in the wrong hands –

TABITHA: (v.o) She’s a ticking time bomb.

Ashley walked up to Asta and placed a hand on her shoulder. Asta looked up at him. He smiled.

[shred]

ACT 3

~MONASTERY~

Asta stood up and shot a look at Ashley.

ASTA: Who is she?

ASHLEY: She’s Dana. A vampire slayer just like you.

ASTA: You told me that already. I meant, where is she from? Where did you find her?

ASHLEY: She’s from L.A.

ASTA: What’s wrong with her?

Ashley looked sad as he gaze down on the other girl.

ASHLEY: She went through the toughest childhood anyone could have gotten through. She came out of it scarred ever since. I don’t think she can come back from that.

ASTA: Ok, Ashley, you are really freaking me out here. Why is she here? What does she have anything to do with this stupid test you have for me?

ASHLEY: She’s here because she is the test. The task is simple. I’ll let her go and you have to hunt her down and execute her.

Asta stared at Ashley in horror.

ASTA: What?! Are you crazy?!

Ashley reached out but Asta withdrew from his touch.

ASTA: Don’t you dare come near me!

ASHLEY: Asta…

ASTA: You are sick, you know that? I’m out of here.

Asta stalked out of the room and headed straight towards the exit of the monastery. Ashley did not fail to follow.

ASHLEY: Where are you going?

ASTA: Home. You’re lucky I’m not calling the cops on you. You better send that girl back to wherever she came from. If I find out you didn’t, I’ll kill you.

ASHLEY: Asta, wait! You don’t understand.

Asta whirled around and glared at Ashley angrily.

ASTA: Don’t understand? You just asked me to kill that girl? What makes you think I would do such a thing to an innocent girl?

ASHLEY: Is she?

ASTA: What?

ASHLEY: Is she innocent?

ASTA: What are you talking about?

ASHLEY: You think I’m some psycho who kidnaps people and then ask someone else to kill them? I’m a warlock, Asta, not your run-of-the-mill demon that you fight everyday.

ASTA: Then why is she here, Ashley?

ASHLEY: That girl killed many lives, Asta. Back in L.A she killed about 3 people – that I know of. Who knows how many more she had killed before that. And just before I met her, she was about to kill someone else. She was in the middle of sawing his hands off.

ASTA: You’re lying. That girl’s broken; she wouldn’t do such at thing.

ASHLEY: It’s because she’s broken she’s doing that.

ASTA: Why didn’t you call the cops or something? Why bring her here?

ASHLEY: Cause she’s a Slayer. You think a normal jail cell is able to hold someone back with that kind of power? Besides, she’s mentally ill – a judge won’t convict her but just send her to a mental institution but that won’t work as she broke out of an institution once before.

Ashley took hold of Asta’s shoulders and look intently into her eyes.

ASHLEY: And I brought her here because a person like her shouldn’t be out on the streets. She’s a killer. She should be hanged for her crimes but since a normal cop can’t handle her, a Slayer is needed.

ASTA: But…she’s sick…

ASHLEY: That doesn’t excuse her of her crimes, Asta. If she’s alive, she’ll continue to kill until someone stops her. And I’m giving you a chance to be that someone. I know it sounds and looks like a sick thing to do but it’s the right thing to do, Asta.

ASTA: I can’t kill her. I just…can’t.

Ashley smiled a little.

ASHLEY: But you don’t have a choice. I’m going to let Dana go. She’s going to roam the streets of Hades Valley and kill anyone and everyone that she wishes to. And the only way to stop her is to kill her.

ASTA: So that’s my test?

ASHLEY: Yes. You’re not fighting a demon or a vampire anymore. You’re fighting a Slayer. And as you fight her, you’ll learn more about yourself and the power of a Slayer than you will ever learn from Andrew or from fighting a normal demon or vamp. When you’re fighting her, you’re fighting yourself. There’s no holding back because if you do, she will kill you.

Asta eye’s flicked towards the room. She chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully.

ASHLEY: She’s under a mystical sedation right now. She should be out of it in a few minutes. Once she’s out, she’ll be looking for someone to pay for what she’s going through right now. So…are you up for it?

Asta looked back at Ashley. She started at him for a moment before giving him her answer.

She nodded.

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

Asta stood in front of Dana. She was in a fighting stance while the other girl stood casually, staring.

ASHLEY: (v.o) The game is simple. I’ll lock you both in the room to fight.

With a cry, Asta rushed the other Slayer. She put in a punch, which connected, and then planted a roundhouse kick in the middle of her chest. Dana stumbled back.

ASHLEY: (v.o) This is to get the feel of her strength and speed.

Then Dana was on her. She kicked. She punched. She leapt. Asta was able to avoid most of Dana’s blows but some still managed to make contact.

ASHLEY: (v.o) Give it your all. Go for the kill if you can. But at the end of ten minutes, you’ll not able to, I’ll let her go and you have to hunt her down.

At the end of either side of the room were identical daggers. It was for the two Slayers if they needed them.

Asta crouched and swept her legs at Dana. The other Slayer jumped, landed gracefully on her feet and the kicked Asta across her jaw. Asta’s head snapped back and she dropped to the ground. She spat out spit and blood. Dragging a hand across her mouth, Asta looked up and saw Dana walking towards her.

Dana cocked her head, her dark hair falling all over her face. She burst out a slew of foreign words.

ASTA: What language is that? Chinese?

Dana drew back and sent her foot flying towards Asta’s head. Asta react quickly. She grabbed Dana’s foot and pushed the Slayer back with all her strength.

ASHLEY: (v.o) It’s simple really. Just follow your instincts – not your head – because it’s your Slayer instinct that will keep you alive.

Asta scrambled to the end of the small room where the dagger was. She grabbed the blade, got to her feet and faced her opponent. Asta spotted the other dagger tightly gripped in Dana’s hand.

ASTA: Guess our instincts are alike, huh? Must be because we are both Slayers.

Dana sneered in response.

ASTA: Right.

With that, she charged towards her opponent, the hand holding the dagger rising. Just as she was an arm length away from Dana, Asta dropped to the ground and rolled. Dana was fooled as she swung her dagger where Asta’s face was. Instead of meeting with flesh, Dana’s dagger lashed out at thin air.

Asta stood up behind the other girl, wrapped a free hand around the girl’s neck and brought the dagger to her throat.

ASTA: Game over.

At that moment, Ashley stepped into the room.

ASHLEY: Not quite yet.

Asta’s gaze flicked towards Ashley in surprise. Taking this moment of distraction, Dana sank her elbow in Asta’s stomach. Asta grunted in pain just as Dana took hold of the hand that was around her neck and twisted round. She kneed Asta in the face and then slammed an elbow down in the middle of Asta’s back. The Slayer dropped to the ground like a sack of potatoes.

Dana lifted her dagger and brought it down. A hand stopped the dagger from hitting its target. Dana looked up and saw a smiling Ashley.

ASHLEY: Not right now, dear. Why don’t you take a breather? Go outside, have some fresh air and some people to slaughter.

Dana looked at Asta and than back at Ashley.

DANA: She must die.

ASHLEY: I’m sure but not right now. Right now, I need to talk to her. Then you can make her pay for what she did to those poor children. Now go.

With a nudge from Ashley, Dana moved slowly towards the exit of the room, her eyes trained on the fallen Slayer.

ASHLEY: Oh wait! You forgot something.

Ashley reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. He handed Dana the paper.

ASHLEY: She’ll meet you at this address.

Ashley winked at the Slayer before gesturing for her to leave. Dana took one look at the address and then she ran out of the room.

Ashley knelt down beside Asta and brushed her hair away from her face. Her lower lip was busted open and there was a large bruise on her jaw?

ASHLEY: You alright?

Asta nodded as she slowly got into a sitting position.

ASTA: I think so. And what did I do to those children?

ASHLEY: I needed to feed Dana a story so that she will kill you.

Then she shot Ashley a glare.

ASTA: Thank you. (pause) Why did you come in here like that? I got her where I wanted!

ASHLEY: Another thing you should learn, Asta, is that when fighting to your death, there will be distractions. You have to learn how to block them out. Focus only on your fight and nothing else. I was your distraction and seeing how you’re on your butt, bleeding and Dana not dead but gone, I can safely say you weren’t focusing well enough on your fight.

ASTA: You almost got me killed!

ASHLEY: That’s what happens when you’re not focused on the fight, Asta.

Asta’s expression grew angry. She got to her feet and stalked past Ashley.

ASTA: I had enough of this. This is ridiculous!

ASHLEY: Asta, Dana is gone. She’s out there somewhere, probably looking for someone to cut up.

ASTA: Let her. I hope she has a hell of a time.

ASHLEY: So you’re going to let innocent people die just because she beat you?

Asta stopped in her tracks.

ASTA: She didn’t beat me.

ASHLEY: Well, you walking away from this say otherwise. Are you scared of killing Dana? Or are you just scared of dying?

Asta looked over her shoulder.

ASTA: I’m not scared –

Ashley came up to her, his gaze boring into hers.

ASHLEY: But you are! What about those nightmares Sha gave you? They were all about your death, weren’t they? And do you want me to remind you of how scared you were when you came to me for help. You were so desperate to get rid of those nightmares and I wonder why. So tell me Asta, why are you walking away from this?

Asta did not reply as she averted her gaze from Ashley’s.

ASHLEY: Dana’s out there and it’s your responsibility to make sure she doesn’t do anything that you would regret later.

Ashley turned and started to walk away.

ASTA: But what if I can’t?

Ashley stopped and smiled. However, he hid his smile when he faced the Slayer.

ASHLEY: Can’t what?

ASTA: Can’t stop her? You saw how she beat me. What if I can’t beat her?

ASHLEY: That is what this test is all about. You think you can’t beat her but you won’t know until you try. You won’t know how strong you are or what you’re capable of if you don’t find out. You can’t be scared all the time, Asta. You have to face your fears and realized what you are capable of instead of running away all the time.

There was a moment of silence as Asta let Ashley’s words sink in. Then her expression became determine.

ASTA: You’re right.

ASHLEY: So what are you going to do about it?

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

PIKE: We’ll break into teams of three. Andrew and Paul, Flynn and Wayne and Tabby and Xander are with me. We’ll split up so that way we can cover more ground. If one of us finds Dana, we’ll inform the others by calling our cellphones. If she’s as dangerous as you guys say it is, don’t try to capture her by yourself – wait for backup.

FLYNN: That will only waste time.

PIKE: No, that will save your life. You can’t expect two human beings to take on a Slayer – a psycho Slayer no less – and survive. (pause) Any questions?

None came from the rest.

PIKE: Good. Let’s go then.

XANDER: Whoa! Wait a second. That’s it. We split into teams and then we go out there to find her?

PIKE: Well…yeah.

XANDER: Then what?

PIKE: Then we capture her.

XANDER: We need to be more specific than that. If one of us spots Dana and call the others, then what?

TABITHA: Xander’s got a point, Oliver. You said it yourself, human beings can’t take on a Slayer and survive.

PIKE: No, I said two human beings can’t take on a Slayer and survive. There are seven of us – it’s enough to take her down.

XANDER: I just think we need a plan where we can take her out without getting into each other’s way. There are seven of us and all of us are going for one girl. We are bound to get into each other’s way.

Pike sighed. He ran a hand through his hair, chewing on his lower lip thoughtfully.

PIKE: You’re right. What do you suggest we do then?

All of them in the living room turned their attention to Xander. Xander looked scared.

XANDER: Well, don’t look at me for suggestions. I just point out how your plan sucks and that’s it. Look at the British people for a suggestion. They were the one with the bright idea of taking over every single country they laid eyes on.

Flynn turned to Pike.

FLYNN: You have a gun?

PIKE: A what?

TABITHA: I’m sorry, Flynn, but we aren’t really into guns and weapons of that sought even though we have swords and axes and crossbows –

PIKE: We don’t have a gun.

FLYNN: I meant a tranquilizer gun – to sedate Dana when we see her.

PIKE: No, we don’t have one.

FLYNN: Do you know where we can get one?

PIKE: No, not really. We never really had any reason to use one so…

ANDREW: Oh! I know!

Andrew rushed out of the living and went straight to the kitchen. The rest looked clueless as they looked at one another before following the Watcher. They found Andrew at the dining table – where some of the Tabitha’s and Pike’s occult books were – flipping through a thick book.

ANDREW: There’s a spell we can use. It has the same function of a tranquilizer gun. It’s kinda like a mystical sedation.

Tabitha came up to Andrew and peered over his shoulder.

TABITHA: I heard of that spell. It was quite popular back in the 1200s. The spell was mostly used by doctors when morphine and sedatives weren’t really established yet.

ANDREW: Do you remember what it was called? I remember reading it in one of these books.

Tabitha moved away from Andrew and went to a stack of books on the table. She picked up one of the books and started flipping through the pages.

The rest looked on, looking a bit bored.

PIKE: Are we going to stand here and watch you guys search of a spell?

TABITHA: You guys can help if you want.

FLYNN: (to Pike) You do that. The rest of us are going to search for Dana. We’ll call you.

He turned to Paul and Wayne and nodded towards the front door.

XANDER: Am I going to stay here to? Cause I don’t really like research.

FLYNN: You can come with us if you want, Eye Patch, but we are not waiting.

Xander scowled as he stalked after Flynn and his colleagues.

XANDER: Eye Patch? Hey, Eye Patch has a name, mister!

TABITHA: (to Pike) Aren’t you going with them?

PIKE: Don’t you need help in searching for the spell?

Tabitha scoffed.

TABITHA: Like you would help us. You were never the researching type. Go with them. We’ll catch up.

PIKE: You sure?

TABITHA: Yes. I got Andrew with me so I’ll be fine.

Pike hesitate.

TABITHA: What’s wrong, Oliver?

PIKE: I just don’t like the idea of you being alone when there’s a psycho Slayer on the loose.

TABITHA: Oliver, she doesn’t know who I am.

PIKE: Yeah but she knows Andrew. She could be seeking revenge or something.

Andrew’s eyes widen in surprise. He started to panic.

ANDREW: Will she?

TABITHA: Of course not. We’ll be fine. I’ll put up a protective barrier to make you feel better.

PIKE: Good. Please do that.

TABITHA: Ok, now go before the rest leave you behind. I don’t want you out there by yourself.

PIKE: Ok. Call me if you find anything.

Pike turned and left the kitchen, making his way towards the front door. He slowed down when he saw Flynn and his colleagues and Xander standing frozen at the front door.

PIKE: Guys? Guys, what’s going on?

Pike came up behind the four men and he too froze.

PIKE: Oh man.

Standing right outside the front door of the house, was Dana herself.

[shred]

ACT 4

PIKE: Tabitha!

As Pike called out to warn his sister, Dana grabbed both Flynn and Paul by the collar of their coats and threw them against Wayne and Xander. The four of them tumbled to the ground in a pile of bodies. Pike stood staring at Dana. Dana returned his stare.

PIKE: Erm…hi. We were actually looking for you. Can we…talk?

DANA: Where is she?

PIKE: Where is who?

Pike heard a set of footsteps approaching him. He glanced to his right and spotted Andrew and Tabitha coming towards him.

TABITHA: Oliver, what’s going on?

Her eyes dropped to the men on the floor, who were slowly getting up to their feet. She didn’t seem to notice Dana just outside.

ANDREW: What happened?

Pike ignored his sister as he focused on Dana.

PIKE: Dana, who are you looking for?

The four men were on their feet and Pike pushed them aside so that no one else was between him and the Slayer.

DANA: Where is she?

PIKE: I don’t know who you’re talking about, Dana.

Flynn came up to Pike’s shoulder. He whispered into Pike’s ear.

FLYNN: Bloody hell, what are you doing?

PIKE: Talking.

FLYNN: We should be capturing her!

PIKE: Not right now. I’m going to keep talking to her to get her distracted. I want you and your men to go out the back and come up behind her. Wait for my signal and we’ll capture her.

FLYNN: You sure about this?

PIKE: Go!

Flynn scowled before complying. He gestured for Paul and Wayne to follow. They slinked away, heading towards the back door. Pike turned back to Dana.

PIKE: So this girl you’re looking for, does she have a name? Maybe we can help you find her.

DANA: Slayer!

PIKE: Yes, I know that you’re a Slayer. In fact, I know someone who’s a Slayer too. Maybe I can get the two of you together and talk – slayer to slayer. So what do you say? Shall we deal with this like normal, civilized human beings?

Behind her, Pike saw Flynn and the other two Council men creeping slowly up to Dana. Pike tried to catch Flynn’s gaze to ask him to not to do anything until he gave the signal. However, Flynn’s eyes were trained on the Slayer.

PIKE: So what’s your answer Dana? We are on the same side here. We can help you find whoever you’re looking for. Just tell us.

Someone outside stepped on a dry branch and broke it. The sound of wood cracking was heard and everyone around Dana froze. The corner of Dana’s lips lifted up into a snarl, her hands rising slightly.

XANDER: Pike, her hand.

Pike looked down at the Slayer’s hands and it was then when he noticed that the girl held a knife in one of her hands.

PIKE: Knife!

It was as if Pike’s warning was the starter gun and broke everyone into action. Pike was running towards Dana with Xander close by. Somewhere behind them, a cry was heard. Dana whipped around to face the men behind her, knife held high.

The blade caught Paul across his throat and he gurgled and sputtered as blood flow out of his neck. A second later, he slumped to the ground.

Flynn ducked his head and charged towards the Slayer. Dana smiled slightly. Then she leapt high into the air, somersaulted and landed behind Pike. The movement caught Pike and Flynn off guard and they crashed into each other.

TABITHA: Oliver!

She started running towards her brother but Dana stepped in her way. The Slayer backhanded the witch across her face, grabbed her and tossed her towards Andrew. Andrew’s eyes widen in fear when he saw Tabitha’s body flying towards him. The two of them collided and fell to the ground.

Now, Xander was on Dana. He wrapped his arms around the Slayer, pinning her arms at her sides.

XANDER: A little help would be nice!

Tabitha and Andrew untangled themselves. Once they were on their feet, Tabitha pushed Andrew towards the kitchen.

TABITHA: Go and get the book!

Andrew ran off without hesitation.

Dana struggled against Xander’s grip but he held on tight. Then the girl slammed her head back into Xander’s forehead. Xander cried out in pain, loosening his grip. Dana twisted free and shoved him right at the oncoming Wayne. The Council man sidestepped Xander and jumped at Dana.

The Slayer gave a roundhouse kick across Wayne’s head and he dropped to the ground head first. A horrible crunching sound was heard. Dana turned towards Tabitha.

DANA: Where is she?

Tabitha raised her chin defiantly.

TABITHA: Say please.

Dana cried out in frustration. She drew her dagger-wielding hand back and swung the blade at her. Just as the blade was inches away from Tabitha’s face, someone crashed through the nearby window and flew straight at Dana. The newcomer caught the Slayer around her waist and the two of them tumbled to the ground.

Asta stood up and towered over the other Slayer.

ASTA: You were looking for me?

Dana lunged at her.

Outside, Xander, Pike and Flynn were rising to their feet. Xander spotted a baseball bat leaning against the side of the house and scrambled towards it. He grabbed it and dashed into the house. He spotted Asta and Dana fighting in the living room.

Trying not to make himself seen, he slowly went behind Dana, the bat poised for use. Asta ducked another kick and punched Dana in the stomach. She caught sight of Xander with the bat.

ASTA: Xander! Don’t!

However, it was too later. Xander swung the bat down. Acting on instincts, Asta grabbed Dana and tossed her towards the couch. The bat hit air.

XANDER: What –

Asta seized the bat and yanked it from Xander. Xander stared at her in confusion.

XANDER: What are you doing?

ASTA: Stay away from her. I’ll handle this.

She turned to Dana. Asta twirled the bat in her hand as she and Dana circled each other. Then Dana made a move to show she was going to Asta’s right but quickly darted to the left. That got Asta confused and allowed Dana to put in the first punch.

Asta swung the bat at Dana but missed. Asta ducked a punch and gave a kick of her own. Her kick connected with Dana’s abdomen. The other Slayer doubled over and Asta used the butt of the bat to smash it into Dana’s back. The Slayer fell to the ground and Asta raised the baseball bat to finish her off.

XANDER: Asta!

Asta looked over at Xander, the bat raised high above her head.

XANDER: Are you going to kill her?

ASTA: Stay out of this!

XANDER: We got her now, Asta. It’s over.

Xander reached for the baseball bat but Asta moved away.

XANDER: Asta, we aren’t here to kill her. Give me the bat.

Out of the corner of her eye, Asta spotted Andrew and Pike coming into the living room. They looked shock when they Asta standing over Dana with a baseball bat.

ANDREW: Asta, what did you do?!

Pike moved quickly towards Asta to grab the bat away but Asta was too quick for him. She punched him across the jaw.

ASTA: She’s mine!

Andrew rushed her and slammed a shoulder into Asta’s abdomen, tackling her to the ground. The two of them struggled on the floor as they tried to get control over the bat. Asta kneed Andrew in the groin and pushed him away. As she stood, Pike came at her again. She waited until he was close when she slammed her palm against Pike’s nose, breaking bone.

Pike howled in pain but Asta did not waste anytime by grabbing his shirt. She reached out with her other hand and grabbed hold of Andrew’s coat, straightened him and clashed their two heads together. She pushed them away.

XANDER: Asta! You’ve got to stop this! What’s happening to you?

Asta looked back at Dana, who was starting to stir. She picked up the baseball bat and stood over the other Slayer.

ASTA: It’s my test. I have to overcome my fear in order to become stronger.

XANDER: What? What are you talking about?

ASTA: I have to kill her in order to pass my test.

Xander took hold of Asta’s shoulder and gave her a shake.

XANDER: Tell me what’s going on.

ASTA: It’s a test.

She shrugged off his hands.

ASTA: I know what I’m doing.

Asta used her foot to turn Dana on her back. Before she could raise the bat, Xander pulled the Slayer away from the girl.

XANDER: I don’t know what’s going on but I’m not going to let you take away a girl’s life.

Anger flashed across Asta’s face, her eyes growing cold and hard.

ASTA: Get out of the way, Xander. I have to do this. I need to do this if I want to be a better Slayer.

Behind him, Asta saw Dana climbing to her feet and running out of the living room. Asta moved to run after her but Xander stopped her before she could get anyway.

ASTA: Let me go, Xander!

XANDER: I’m not letting you near Dana. You nearly killed Andrew and Pike!

Dana ran past Flynn and Tabitha without a second glance. Flynn looked at Asta and Xander and then at Dana.

FLYNN: (to Tabitha) Let’s go! We are going after that girl.

TABITHA: What?

Flynn ignored Tabitha’s protest as he took her hand and dragged her out of the house, running after Dana.

ASTA: Damn it, Xander! Move!

XANDER: Asta! Think about what you’re doing.

Asta raised the baseball bat.

ASTA: She’s mine.

The Slayer swung the bat at Xander’s head. Xander slumped to the ground, unconscious.

############################################
~CEMETERY~
~Present~

Ashley watched as Asta charged Dana. Then she jumped and kicked Dana below the chin. Dana’s head snapped back and stumbled a few steps back but did not go down. Asta continued to punch and kick and Dana took it all without fighting back.

ASHLEY: Finish her off!

Asta backhanded Dana hard across her face. The force of the slap caused the other Slayer to fly back and fell to the group. Asta stalked up to Dana and stood over her.

ASHLEY: That’s right, Asta. This is what being a Slayer is all about. You fight and you kill. It’s what you do. It’s your destiny.

Ashley moved up behind Asta and leaned close.

ASHLEY: Do you know what a Slayer does?

ASTA: We kill monsters, demons.

ASHLEY: That’s right. And this girl before you, what is she?

ASTA: She killed all those people. She’s a monster.

ASHLEY: You’re learning fast, Asta. Now, do what you have to do. Be a Slayer.

Asta got down to her knees and straddled Dana. She raised the dagger high and then brought it down.

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

Xander hurried out of the living room and stopped short when he nearly stumbled over two bodies in the hallway.

XANDER: Oh god.

Pike came up behind him with Andrew in tow. Andrew dropped down beside Wayne and checked for his pulse. Pike went over to Paul.

ANDREW: He’s gone.

PIKE: So is he.

Andrew shook his head, looking scared.

ANDREW: Asta didn’t do this. I know she recently went crazy by knocking us out but she wouldn’t kill two men like this.

XANDER: I know. That’s why I don’t think it’s Asta.

PIKE: It’s the other girl?

Xander nodded grimly.

XANDER: Who else?

Pike stood up, looking around the hallway.

PIKE: Wait, where’s Tabitha and Flynn?

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

Tabitha and Flynn were walking briskly down the street, their eyes roaming the area for Dana.

TABITHA: I cannot believe we left the rest back in the house like that!

FLYNN: They’ll be fine.

TABITHA: How the hell would you know?

FLYNN: They are tough men. Besides, we can’t let Dana go. We need to get her back before she does anymore damage.

TABITHA: Honestly, right now I’m more worried about Asta. She took out my brother and her Watcher without hesitation.

FLYNN: She was doing what she has to do. If I were in her shoes, I wouldn’t have done the same.

TABITHA: No surprise there.

FLYNN: She’s a Slayer. She was doing her job and those men were in her way.

TABITHA: She could have told them to stay out of it.

FLYNN: You were there, Tabitha. She did ask them to leave Dana to her but they didn’t listen.

Tabitha shook her head.

TABITHA: There was something more going on.

FLYNN: And what would that be?

TABITHA: How would I know? If I did, you think I would be walking down an empty street with a strange British man?

Tabitha looked around at where they were. Her eyes went back to the man beside her.

TABITHA: Do you even know where we are going?

FLYNN: No.

TABITHA: Well, can we then go back to the house and regroup? We shouldn’t be going after a deranged Slayer alone.

They rounded a corner and stalked down a street that led towards on of the cemetery.

FLYNN: Let’s go over there.

Tabitha glanced at where he was pointed as and changed her direction. Flynn was pointing at one of the back gates of the cemetery. Tabitha frowned.

TABITHA: Why the cemetery?

FLYNN: The gate’s open. Someone is in there.

TABITHA: A Slayer in a cemetery. Why didn’t we think of that in the first place?

They entered the cemetery and surveyed the area. The place was dark and deserted.

TABITHA: I don’t see –

FLYNN: Shh!

Flynn raised a finger and silenced her. Tabitha snapped her mouth shut and waited. There was a few seconds of silence before Flynn spoke.

FLYNN: Did you hear that? It came from over there.

The Council man stayed low as he crept along a row of tombstone on his right. Tabitha followed closely behind him. They moved past a handful of tombstones as silently as they could. Then Flynn stopped without warning.

TABITHA: You see anything?

Flynn nodded. He gestured forward with his head. Tabitha inched closer and peered over the top of the large tombstone they were hiding behind. About a few meters away, Tabitha spotted Asta straddling Dana. There was no one around the two girls. The two of them watched as Asta stood up. Tabitha caught a glimpse of a dagger in Asta’s hand.

TABITHA: Where did she get the knife from?

FLYNN: I’m more worried about what she did with the knife.

Shock washed through Tabitha.

TABITHA: You’re not saying she used it on Dana, are you?

FLYNN: Only one way to find out, love.

He got up and jogged up to Asta with Tabitha behind him. Asta lifted her eyes towards them in surprise. Tabitha knelt down beside Dana and checked her pulse.

TABITHA: She’s gone, Flynn.

FLYNN: Asta, what happened?

Asta looked at Flynn. She was pale and looked shaken.

ASTA: We fought. She tried to kill me with a knife.

TABITHA: And?

ASTA: And I beat her. I took the knife away from her and –

FLYNN: It’s alright. You did the right thing or she would have killed you.

ASTA: I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do.

Tabitha came up to the Slayer and slipped an arm around her shoulder.

TABITHA: It wasn’t your fault, Asta.
ASTA: I know I should have waited but…

TABITHA: Don’t worry about it. I’m sure the Council will realize that it was self defense.

FLYNN: I’ll take care of it.

TABITHA: You did what you had to do, Asta.

Asta stared at the dead body. The corner of her lips lifting into a small smile.

ASTA: Yeah. I did.

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

Astwihad stood behind a tree a few meters away from Asta and her friends. He grinned as he watched Asta feed her friends a lie.

ASTWIHAD: My, my. This girl is amazing.


CUT TO BLACK

END CREDITS

Written by
Irene Issac

Story Editor
Beck

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

A BECK TO SHREDS production. © 2007 Irene Issac

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