ASTA Episode 1.12 "Like Father"

[shred]

TEASER

~MONASTERY~

The blade of a sword lobbed off the head of the dummy. The head rolled on the floor and hit a pair of feet. Ashley picked up the head, smiling in admiration.

ASHLEY: Well done, Asta. You’re certainly learning fast.

Asta lowered her sword, smiling big. She was panting slightly as she wiped her hand across her forehead, mopping up her brow.

ASTA: That was good? The thing I did with the sword before I kicked the dummy?

ASHLEY: That and the rest of the movement. Everything was great. You] were great.

Asta’s smile widened.

ASTA: Thanks!

ASHLEY: How about we call it a night? We’ll continue this tomorrow.

Asta nodded. She picked up a leather sheath off the ground and slipped the sword back into its case.

ASHLEY: So…have your friends asked about the Dana situation?

Asta shook her head as she went into a series of stretches to cool herself down.

ASTA: Not anymore. I’ve stopped talking about it and so have they.

ASHLEY: You know I’m actually surprised that you didn’t tell them what really happened.

ASTA: It seemed easier to tell them a lie than to tell them the truth.

ASHLEY: Not a good way to treat your friends.

ASTA: I didn’t have any choice. You think they would understand? You should have seen the way Xander was reacting back at the house when Dana was there. They wouldn’t have understood.

ASHLEY: Well, as long as it doesn’t drive you and your friends apart. I would hate to see that happen.

ASTA: Don’t worry, we’re fine.

Asta stopped her stretching and picked up a backpack from the ground.

ASTA: Same time tomorrow?

ASHLEY: Yup.

ASTA: Cool. I’ll see ya. Oh, and can we not train on the Hellmouth anymore?

ASHLEY: Ironically, it’s the only place I know where we’ll have some peace and quiet but I’ll see what I can do.

ASTA: Thanks.

Asta smiled. Ashley followed her out of the room and into the main hall. Asta gave a wave and exited the monastery. Ashley strolled up to the railing. He gazed at Ahriman.

ASHLEY: So? What do you think?

Ahriman was watching Asta intently as she left. He flicked his red eyes towards Astwihad.

AHRIMAN: I’m impressed, Astwihad. She’s…

ASTWIHAD: Amazing?

AHRIMAN: Among others. I’m really surprised with her sudden change of heart.

Astwihad winked at his master.

ASTWIHAD: You just need to know what a woman wants and then give it to her on a silver platter.

AHRIMAN: How long do you think we have before she becomes fully ours?

ASTWIHAD: (smiled) Oh not long, I think. Not long at all.


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
Kevin Kilner as Douglas Dawson

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

END OF CREDITS

[shred]

ACT 1

~BUS STATION~
~night~

A Greyhound bus pulled into Hades Valley bus station. A handful of sleepy passengers climbed down from the bus before going their separate ways. Among the passengers was a middle-aged man with a duffle bag slung over his shoulder.

The man surveyed the area before pulling out a piece of crumpled paper from his pocket. He smoothed it out and took a quick scan of the contents on the paper. Crumpling it into a ball, he stuffed the paper back into his pocket and made his way towards the pay phone.

An old and tattered phone book sat on a rack below the phone. The man flipped through the book before stopping on the page which contained residents with last names starting with the letter “P”. His index finger scrolled down the names.

He smiled when his finger rested on the name “Pike, Tabitha”.

############################################
~HOUSE~
~later~

When Asta returned home later that night, the whole house was dark and silent. Shutting the front door behind her, Asta dropped her bag in one corner and ventured into the living room.

ASTA: Hello? Anyone home?

The living room was void of any human life. The place was clean and did not look like anyone had been home in awhile.

Asta left the living room and entered the kitchen. The kitchen was dark as well. She flicked on the lights and jumped slightly when she spotted Xander sitting at the end of the dining table. A mug and an empty plate were on the table in front of him.

ASTA: Xander! What are you doing here sitting in the dark?

Xander looked up at Asta, blinking. He looked like he had just realized she had entered the kitchen.

XANDER: Oh, hey Asta. You’re back.

He picked up his mug and plate and stood up.

ASTA: Is everything alright?

XANDER: What? Yeah, it’s fine.

He went over to the sink and set the mug and plate down.

ASTA: So you’re sitting in the dark because everything is fine?

Xander cracked a smile.

XANDER: It’s my new hobby.

Asta nodded.

ASTA: I see.

She glanced over her shoulder at the hallway.

ASTA: Where is everyone anyway?

XANDER: Tabitha is out with David. Andrew is at Slick’s buying some new books and Pike is out patrolling. He wanted to wait for you but…

Asta looked back at Xander and blushed slightly.

ASTA: Right. Sorry. If I knew he was waiting, I would have come back sooner.

XANDER: I’m sure he’ll understand. Where were you anyway?

Asta went to the refrigerator, yanked the door open and took a look inside.

ASTA: Out.

XANDER: Anywhere interesting?

ASTA: Not really. Just…out.

She plucked an apple from one of the compartments in the refrigerator and shut the door. She went to the sink, turned on the faucet and ran the apple through the running water. Xander waited until Asta was finished before speaking again.

XANDER: Asta…I think we should talk.

Asta bit into her apple, leaning against the sink.

ASTA: What about?

XANDER: About last week…with Dana.

Asta froze, her apple hovering inches away from her mouth. She averted her gaze.

ASTA: What’s there to talk about?

XANDER: How about we start with what actually happened?

ASTA: Exactly what I told you. We fought. She came at me with a knife. I got it out of her hands and I…killed her.

XANDER: I wasn’t talking about that.

ASTA: Yeah? Then what?

XANDER: I was talking about what happened in the house, before you went into the cemetery looking for Dana. You kept rambling on about being a better Slayer and –

Asta shook her head and straightened, causing Xander to stop in mid sentence.

ASTA: Look, Xander, what I said? It wasn’t important ok? It was a tense moment and I was mumbling – wasn’t exactly paying attention to what I said.

XANDER: You seemed pretty focused on beating Dana.

ASTA: I was doing my job. I have to be focused so that you or the others won’t get killed. Is that so wrong?

XANDER: No, no. I didn’t mean it like that. I…look the whole thing was strange and I’m just trying to understand what happened.

ASTA: It was a long time ago, Xander. It’s over. Let it go.

XANDER: I know. (pause) So what you said – it didn’t mean anything?

ASTA: No, it didn’t.

XANDER: But you hit me. I get hit a lot times but you hit me.

ASTA: I know and I’m truly sorry about that. You were in the way and I just had to get to Dana before she does any damage. You probably would have done the same thing right?

XANDER: Maybe.

There was silence as Xander studied the Slayer.

XANDER: Are you alright?

ASTA: I’m fine, Xander.

XANDER: I mean, I know how hard it must be for you. To do what you did. To kill someone…if you need to talk about it, I’m here to listen.

Asta dropped her eyes to her feet.

ASTA: I’ll be…I’m fine.

XANDER: Are you sure? It’s ok to be scared. You shouldn’t hide your feelings. It won’t –

Asta snapped her eyes to the man before her, scowling slightly.

ASTA: Xander! I said I’m fine. If I want to talk, I’ll come and talk but right now? I’m fine.

Xander rubbed the back of his neck and nodded slowly.

XANDER: Ok. I believe you.

Asta’s expression softened.

ASTA: Thank you.

She stepped forward and put her arms around Xander, pulling the man into a hug. Surprise registered on Xander’s face.

ASTA: You shouldn’t worry so much about me, you know. You sound like my dad.

Xander smiled and returned the hug.

XANDER: I’ll try to cut down.

The young slayer pulled away but kept her hands around Xander’s neck.

ASTA: Why do you do that anyway?

XANDER: Do what?

ASTA: Worry about me.

XANDER: I’m your friend. That’s what friends do.

ASTA: But you hardly know me.

Xander chuckled.

XANDER: So I can’t worry about you?

ASTA: It’s just…no one has cared so much for me like you do. Even the people who claim to love me. I’ve never felt this safe or loved before.

XANDER: I…ok.

ASTA: Xander…

Asta trailed off. The two of them stared at each other not sure what to say. Asta leaned forward.

VOICE: Are we interrupting something?

Xander jumped away from Asta, whirling around. Tabitha and David stood at the entrance of the kitchen. Tabitha was looking at Xander and Asta with a raised eyebrow. David looked amused.

XANDER: Hey Tabby! David. We were just…talking.

Asta moved away from Xander, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her jeans.

TABITHA: (smirked) Really? You guys looked awfully cozy for a talk.

David rolled his eyes and nudged his girlfriend in her ribs.

DAVID: Tabby, don’t.

TABITHA: What?

DAVID: (grinned) Don’t tease them. You’re making it worse.

Xander clapped his hands loudly, trying to steer Tabitha and David away from what happened.

XANDER: Well! It’s getting late. I think it’s time to hit the sack. You know, because…it’s late.

TABITHA: Of course. Because it’s late.

XANDER: Goodnight guys.

Without a glance at Asta or anyone else, Xander bolted out of the kitchen.

Tabitha shook her head in amusement.

TABITHA: That boy really needs to get a girlfriend.

Asta cleared her throat in an attempt to dispel her discomfort.

ASTA: I should be heading to bed as well.

TABITHA: Because it’s late.

ASTA: Yeah. Because it’s late.

TABITHA: You know, you don’t have to go. You can hang out with us for awhile. Maybe even tell us what we just walked into.

DAVID: Tabitha!

TABITHA: What? I’m just curious.

ASTA: It was nothing really. Just a meaningless hug.

TABITHA: Meaningless?

ASTA: Yes, meaningless. There’s nothing going on between us if that’s what you’re wondering. (pause) It’s late.

And just like Xander, Asta bolted out of the kitchen without another word or glance at Tabitha and David. Tabitha turned to David who headed to the kitchen counter to get them some coffee.

TABITHA: There’s something going on between the two of them.

DAVID: I don’t want to know, Tabby.

Tabitha slid into a chair across from David and leaned forward.

TABITHA: Why not? This is the most exciting thing since we started going out! I’ve been waiting for them to get together.

DAVID: You were? And what makes you think that they would?

TABITHA: Oh come on, David! Did you see the way Asta was looking at Xander? She’s got it bad for him.

David passed Tabitha one of the mugs and sat down across from her.

DAVID: Yes but did you see the way Xander was looking at her? He’s completely clueless.

Tabitha rolled her eyes and scoffed.

TABITHA: Typical of a man to do that.

DAVID: Hey, not all men are that clueless. I wasn’t.

Tabitha leaned forward and kissed David on his lips.

TABITHA: And I’m utterly grateful for that.

She took a sip of her coffee and frowned thoughtfully. David watched her silently with a small smile.

TABITHA: Do you think I should do something?

David shot her a knowing look.

DAVID: Why am I not surprised.

TABITHA: (scowled) What is that supposed to mean?

DAVID: Nothing, honey. You were saying.

TABITHA: I was saying – do you think I should do something?

DAVID: Like what?

TABITHA: I don’t know. Maybe help Xander open his eyes a little and help him see just how great they would be together.

DAVID: I don’t think so. Maybe Xander isn’t interested.

TABITHA: Oh please! I have never seen a man caring so much for a girl he hardly knows. And he must have feelings for her if he’s willing to drop everything he’s doing in London to come here with her. He likes her but he’s just clueless about it. He just needs someone to help him see it.

David chuckled good-naturedly.

DAVID: And that automatically means you?

Tabitha grinned widely.

TABITHA: Of course!

DAVID: And what do you plan on doing?

Tabitha shrugged as she took another sip of her drink. She shot David a mysterious look.

TABITHA: I got some ideas.

DAVID: (chuckled) This should be interesting.

Tabitha leaned forward again and the two of them met for a kiss.

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

The sharp shrill of the telephone reverberated around the house. Asta bounded down the stairs towards living room where the phone was.

ASTA: I’ll get it!

TABITHA: (o.s) Thank you!

A second later, Tabitha came hurrying out of the kitchen with David in tow. He looked slightly dazed and winded.

TABITHA: If it’s for anyone of us, tell them that we are busy.

With a wink, the two of them ran up the stairs.

Asta laughed at their eagerness to get upstairs as she hurried into the living room and picked up the phone.

ASTA: Hello?

There as silence at the other end.

ASTA: Hello? Anybody there?

Then a man’s voice filtered through.

MAN: Asta?

ASTA: (frowned) Yes. Who’s this?

The man did not reply immediately. All Asta could hear was the sound of breathing and traffic in the background.

ASTA: Who is this?

More breathing was heard.

ASTA: This better not be a prank call. I have no time for your frat boy jokes.

The man laughed.

MAN: Asta…it’s me.

ASTA: Sorry pal. You've got to be more specific.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~BUS STATION~

The man at the pay phone smiled slightly. He shifted the phone from one ear to the other.

MAN: Wow. I’m surprised. It’s only been a few months and already you can’t recognize my voice.

ASTA: Look, if you’re not going to tell me who you are or what you want, I’m going to hang up.

MAN: Ok, ok! Don’t hang up. I’m sorry. I just didn’t expect you not recognizing me.

ASTA: Fine. Tell me who is this?

MAN: It’s me, Asta. Your father.

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

Asta’s jaw dropped and her eyes widened in surprise. The phone nearly fell out of her hands.

ASTA: You’re lying.

MAN: Why would I lie, Bug?

Asta looked shocked when the man said ‘bug’.

ASTA: Dad?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~BUS STATION~

MAN: Yes, it’s me, honey. And guess what? I’m in Hades Valley.

[shred]

ACT 2

~HOUSE~

Douglas Dawson, Asta’s father, Asta herself and the rest of the gang gathered in the living room. Xander and Pike were standing near the fireplace while Tabitha and Andrew took their places on the couch with Douglas in the middle.

Asta was pacing the length of the room, twiddling and twirling her fingers nervously.

ASTA: You shouldn’t be here.

DOUGLAS: What? Why not? I missed my girl.

ASTA: What are you doing here anyway?

DOUGLAS: I thought it was about time I meet some of your friends and the people you work with.

ASTA: You shouldn’t be here.

XANDER: Asta, calm down. Your dad just wants to see you.

Asta shot Xander a glare without breaking her stride.

ASTA: It’s not safe here!

DOUGLAS: Oh, don’t worry about that, honey. I know what dangers you face. I’ll be fine.

ASTA: You have no idea what dangers I face, Dad.

DOUGLAS: Well, actually, I do. When I heard about this whole Slayer deal, I did a bit of reading and research. So I know a fair bit about Slayers and Watchers and vampires and all that jazz.

Asta’s dad flashed everyone a big, proud smile.

DOUGLAS: I even went to a cemetery once and killed a vampire. Or should I say dusted a vampire.

Asta froze in her tracks and stared at her father.

ASTA: You what?!

ANDREW: (softly) Uh oh.

ASTA: You went on patrol?!

DOUGLAS: Is that what you call it – patrol?

ASTA: I cannot believe you would do that!

DOUGLAS: What’s the big deal, honey? I just wanted to see what you go through, that’s all.

ASTA: You could have called me, Dad, and I could have given you all the details.

Douglas waved his daughter’s suggestion off.

DOUGLAS: That would just put a strain on the phone bill and you know how your mother hates that.

ASTA: And mom didn’t hate the fact that you’re walking around a cemetery late at night, looking for vampires?

DOUGLAS: Well…kind of.

ASTA: What did she say?

DOUGLAS: (shrugged) Nothing really. She didn’t speak to me for weeks before throwing me out of the house.

Asta’s eyes widened in shock.

ASTA: SHE THREW YOU OUT OF THE HOUSE?!

XANDER: Asta…

The enraged Slayer snapped her head towards Xander. The look she gave him shut him up immediately.

ASTA: Don’t ask me to calm down, Xander. I have every right not to be.

Asta turned back to her father.

ASTA: So what now? You want me to talk to Mom? Is that why you’re here?

DOUGLAS: Nah, don’t worry about your mom and I, Bug. We’ll be fine.

Andrew looked at Tabitha quizzically.

ANDREW: Bug?

DOUGLAS: (to Andrew) It’s my nickname for Asta. When she was growing up, she loved bugs and always wanted to be one someday. She insisted that her mother and I were to call her beetle or any bug name instead of her own.

ANDREW: (smiled) Cute.

ASTA: Dad!

DOUGLAS: What?

ASTA: We have more important things to talk about than my nickname!

DOUGLAS: Asta, everything is fine. Your mom and I are just taking a break. Before you know it, I’ll be back in the house and everything will be a-ok.

ASTA: When were you planning to tell me about this?

DOUGLAS: I wasn’t. I didn’t want you to worry.

ASTA: Argh! Typical!

Douglas stood up and went to his daughter. He took her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

DOUGLAS: Bug, don’t worry. We’ll be fine. Right now, I just want to spend time with my daughter. I missed you.

He pulled Asta into a hug.

DOUGLAS: I missed you.

Asta closed her eyes and returned his hug.

ASTA: Yeah, me too.

TABITHA: How did you find Asta anyway? I thought only a few people knew she was in Hades Valley.

Douglas and Asta pulled apart and Douglas looked Tabitha to answer her question.

DOUGLAS: Well, after I got kicked out, I called the number Asta gave me – her room number at the Watcher’s Council. A girl answered –

ASTA: Must be Stacy, my roommate.

DOUGLAS: – And told me that you weren’t in the Council anymore. I panicked and called Administration. After a few minutes of yelling and screaming, I was finally put through to someone who told me where you were. I think his name was Rupert.

XANDER: Giles. He’s a good friend of ours.

DOUGLAS: And here I am. (pause) So. Shall we go do some vampire hunting?

ASTA: You are not serious.

DOUGLAS: I ain’t laughing, am I?

ASTA: Dad, this is not something for you. This is my job not yours. If you came here, hoping that I would bring you to a vampire hunt or demon slaying, then you came to the wrong place.

DOUGLAS: Come on, it will be fun. We’ll be like a one of a kind father and daughter team. I bet we make a great team. You can do all the fighting, I’ll just do all the running and screaming.

Douglas let out a laugh while Asta stared at him incredulously.

ASTA: You are serious.

DOUGLAS: What do you say? Team Dawson?

ASTA: I say you’re unbelievable. And stupid!

XANDER: Asta!

ASTA: What?

XANDER: He’s your father. You can’t talk to him like that.

Asta shook her head, looking disappointed.

ASTA: He’s not my father. My father is smarter than this.

Without another word, Asta spun round and left the living room. Douglas stared after his daughter, looking a little stunned.

DOUGLAS: Wow. I didn’t expect that.

TABITHA: She’s just in shock that’s all. You being here, your wife kicking you out of the house…it all came at once and it just caught her off guard. Let her calm down. Xander, why don’t you go and talk to her.

Xander looked at Tabitha in surprise.

XANDER: Me? Why me?

TABITHA: Because you’re her friend and she likes you.

XANDER: She likes you too. Besides, shouldn’t it be better if you were the one who talks to her. She might open up more if it was a girl.

PIKE: Xander’s right, Tabby.

Tabitha scowled.

TABITHA: Do you have to support him?

Pike looked at his sister in confusion as she stood up and exited the living room.

PIKE: What did I do?

Douglas sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

DOUGLAS: I don’t understand why she acted that way. I just want to help. I thought she would be grateful.

Xander pushed away from the fireplace where he was leaning against and went up to Asta’s father. He slung an arm around the older man’s shoulder and started leading him towards the front door.

XANDER: Mr. Dawson, I think you and I should have a little chat.

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

Tabitha softly knocked on the door of Asta’s room. Without waiting for an answer, she pushed it open and popped her head in. She found the young Slayer sitting on the bed with her knees drawn up to her chin. In her hands was a pocket knife.

TABITHA: Hey. You alright?

ASTA: Did my Dad realize how stupid he’s being and leave?

TABITHA: Not really.

ASTA: Then no. I’m not alright.

Tabitha entered the room and closed the door behind her. She sat on the edge of Asta’s double bed.

TABITHA: You want to talk about it?

Asta shook her head, sighing.

ASTA: You wouldn’t understand.

TABITHA: Not true. I hate my parents as well.

ASTA: I don’t hate him. It’s just…argh! I don’t know! Why can’t he understand how dangerous this is? I already have a hard time saving myself. With him around, I’m going to get him killed! I can’t save the both of us.

TABITHA: Maybe you’re underestimating your father. Maybe he can handle himself in a fight.

############################################
~STREETS~

DOUGLAS: Where are we going?

XANDER: I thought maybe I'd show you around Hades Valley – see the sights.

DOUGLAS: (chuckled) Look…?

XANDER: Xander.

DOUGLAS: Douglas.

The two men shook hands.

XANDER: Nice to meet you.

DOUGLAS: Likewise.

XANDER: You were saying.

DOUGLAS: Right. Look, Xander. I don’t think this is important right now. I’m not here for a holiday. I’m here to help my daughter to do her job.

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

ASTA: He thinks it’s a job! He doesn’t get that being a slayer is my life, not a job. He doesn’t get this isn’t something that I can quit and leave behind if the going gets tough.

TABITHA: Have you told your father that?

Asta shook her head.

TABITHA: Maybe you should. From what I gather, there are a lot of things that he doesn’t understand about your life as a slayer. Maybe it’s time you sit down with him and tell him all about it.

ASTA: I can’t do that. You don’t know my father. If he hears about all the dangers and life threatening situations I face everyday, he’ll be more insistent on staying here and helping me. While I was growing up, he was always behind me, looking over my shoulder, making sure I don’t fall or scrape my knee or get bullied or get dumped by a guy. He’s always worrying about me and it drives me and my mom nuts. He’s –

TABITHA: Your father. That’s what father’s do. They are protective.

ASTA: Overprotective you mean.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~STREETS~

XANDER: Mr. Dawson –

DOUGLAS: Douglas, please.

XANDER: Ok, Douglas, you have to understand something here. Being a Slayer isn’t Asta’s job. It’s her life.

Douglas blinked, not quite understanding what Xander meant.

DOUGLAS: Is there a difference?

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

ASTA: He won’t get the difference anyway if I tell him. He’ll probably think I’m just taking it too seriously. It takes more than a little talk to convince him of anything.

TABITHA: Maybe it’s time to make him really understand what it’s like to be a slayer.

Asta raised her eyebrows at Tabitha in curiousity.

ASTA: What do you mean?

Tabitha leaned forward, getting closer to the slayer. Her eyes twinkled mischievously.

TABITHA: If you really want him to leave Hades Valley and stay out of danger, maybe he has to taste a bit of slayer life in order to do so.

ASTA: You mean you want me to bring my Dad on patrol.

TABITHA: A patrol that goes horribly wrong and finds himself in a situation where his life is threatened. Of course you’ll be there to save him. But I’m sure at the end of it he’ll fully understand the danger that comes with slaying.

ASTA: That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!

Tabitha shrugged.

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

XANDER: It might seem different to you but it is. Maybe you should go on patrol with Asta and see for yourself.

DOULGAS: I’ve been on ‘patrols’ before – by myself even – so I know how dangerous it is. And believe me I can take care of myself.

Xander chuckled, shaking his head.

XANDER: With all due respect, Douglas, but going to a cemetery and looking for vamps to kill for the cheap thrill is not a patrol. You have never been on a patrol before and believe me it’s a lot more different than a cheap thrill that you go on once in awhile.

Douglas’ face darkened. He didn’t like what Xander had said.

DOULGAS: Care to tell me what the difference is?

Xander stopped and nodded to something behind Douglas. Asta’s father turned and stared up at an old, run down monastery.

XANDER: That is the difference.

DOUGLAS: (smirked) A monastery?

XANDER: No, Douglas. That is the Hellmouth.

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

TABITHA: It’s a good idea if you think about it. Just bring him to the Hellmouth. Make him see everything that you have had to face the past month and a half. What do you think he has faced so far? Some new vampires who know squat about Slayers and apocalypses? Even my mother can handle them. But the Hellmouth and what it spews out every now and then? I don’t think he can survive the first five minutes.

Asta looked at Tabitha and chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully.

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

DOUGLAS: Hellmouth?

XANDER: Yes, a Hellmouth. Never read about it in your research?

Douglas looked in awe as he studied the old monastery.

DOUGLAS: I…no, I haven’t.

XANDER: Then, Douglas, you don’t know the meaning of a slayer until you’ve faced the Hellmouth.

Douglas turned to Xander.

DOUGLAS: Is this what my daughter faces everyday?

XANDER: This and more. The Hellmouth produces the kind of evil you can’t understand, Douglas – only a Slayer can. I’ve fought alongside a Slayer for seven years and there are things I still don’t understand. I don’t see how you can in a few days. (pause) No offense.

DOUGLAS: None taken.

Douglas looked at the Hellmouth one last time before turning back to Xander again.

DOUGLAS: Well, I guess that makes my job all the more easier.

Xander frowned. He didn’t like the sound of that.

XANDER: Your job?

DOUGLAS: Look, Xander, I know Asta is your friend and you seem to care for her a lot so I’m going to be straight with you. I’m taking my daughter back.

XANDER: Taking her? What do you mean?

DOUGLAS: I came here to take her away. All the research I’ve been doing is not to satisfy my curiousity but to learn more about what my daughter is so that I can help her.

XANDER: Yeah, you mentioned that.

DOUGLAS: But what I didn’t mention is that I won’t be helping her here. I’m taking her back to New York and both of us are going to fight vampires and demons there.

XANDER: What? Why?

DOUGLAS: Why not? Her family is there – not here. She doesn’t need a Watcher or a Watcher’s Council to train her. Not when I know all the things I need to know in order to train her. I can be her Watcher, Xander. The two of us can fight the good fight back in New York where I can keep an eye on her at the same time.

XANDER: It’s not as simple as that. You have to go through the Council to get permission to take her with you. She’s the Council’s –

DOUGLAS: What? Property? She’s my daughter! And I’m not going to let a bunch of British men control her. I’m her father.

Xander blinked. The sudden change in Douglas’ demeanour surprised him.

XANDER: So you’re just going to take her away?

DOUGLAS: Yes.

XANDER: I won’t let you. There’s a reason why Asta is in Hades Valley. She’s not here on vacation.

DOUGLAS: Then what is she doing here? Come to think of it – Rupert Giles was pretty hesitant to give me more information. So tell me, Xander, what is my daughter doing in a deadbeat town like Hades Valley?

XANDER: Because something is after her. Something called her to Hades Valley and we are trying to find out what this something is. She’s not safe in New York.

DOUGLAS: And you think she’s safe here? The very place the danger is in?

Douglas scoffed and shook his head in amusement.

DOUGLAS: And here you are giving me a lecture on not understanding danger.

XANDER: Look, I know it might sound illogical but this is the right thing to do. We need to find out what is after your daughter before it’s too late. Who knows what could happen if she leaves.

DOUGLAS: Well, I’m going to take my chances. We are leaving tonight.

Douglas leaned forward and jabbed Xander’s chest with his index finger.

DOUGLAS: And don’t think you can stop me.

Douglas turned and stormed off in the opposition direction. Xander was about to chase after him when he thought otherwise. Instead, he pulled out his cellphone and jabbed in some numbers.

XANDER: Hello? Pike? It’s me, Xander. Listen to me carefully. I need you to get Asta out of the house. Her dad wants to take her away and we can’t afford to let him do so. He’s on his way now to get her so get Asta out of there now. Whatever you do, don’t let him near her.

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

As Douglas turned into the street that led to Tabitha’s and Pike’s house, he was stopped by a man standing in front of him. The shadows hid his face and all Douglas could see was his expensive, black suit.

DOUGLAS: Do you need something?

MAN: Well, actually, I do.

The newcomer stepped forward and the moonlight lighted up his face. Douglas blinked in surprise at the stranger.

ASHLEY: I need you.

[shred]

ACT 3

~HOUSE~

XANDER: Is he back? Where’s Asta?

TABITHA: Oliver took her out on patrol. He didn’t tell her what her dad was up to. And no, Douglas didn’t come back.

ANDREW: What’s going on? Pike said that Asta’s father is taking her away? Where?

XANDER: Back to New York. He said that Asta didn’t need us. Now that he has read everything he needs to read in order to know about slayers, vampires and demons, he thinks he can help train Asta and help her fight the good fight.

TABITHA: That’s ridiculous.

XANDER: Try telling that to him.

ANDREW: So…we are not letting Douglas take Asta to New York. (pause) Why?

TABITHA: Actually, that’s a good question. Why are we not letting her go?

Xander stared at Tabitha and Andrew, not believing what they had just asked.

XANDER: Well, firstly, there’s something after her and we can’t let her out of our sights. That’s why she’s in Hades Valley in the first place. Or did you guys forget?

ANDREW: Oh right. That.

TABITHA: You know letting her go to New York isn’t such a bad idea. She’ll be out of harms way and –

XANDER: No. I’m not letting her out of my sight!

Xander pushed past Tabitha and Andrew. He missed the surprised look that Tabitha exchanged with Andrew. The two of them quickly followed Xander who was running into the kitchen.

ANDREW: What are you doing?

XANDER: I’m going to call Giles and give him the heads up. I’ll see if he can do anything to make Asta stay here. Asta is under the Watcher’s Council, I’m sure Giles can do something to prevent Douglas from taking her.

ANDREW: And what if he can’t?

XANDRE: He can.

He grabbed the phone that was hanging on the wall and punched in Giles’ number.

XANDER: Giles! I need your help!

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

DOUGLAS: Are you a friend of Asta's?

ASHELY: I am – a close friend. My name is Ashley.

DOUGLAS: Nice to meet you Ashley. Now, if you could excuse me, I have to go and get my daughter.

Douglas made a move to walk past Ashley but Ashley stood his ground, blocking Douglas’ way.

ASHLEY: But not before we have a chat.

DOUGLAS: If you’re here to stop me from taking Asta, you got another thing coming, pal.

ASHLEY: Actually, I’m here to help you get Asta.

Douglas folded his arms across his chest and raised his eyebrows.

DOUGLAS: Is that right? I thought you’re on Asta’s side.

ASHLEY: Just because I’m a friend of Asta it doesn’t mean I can’t see what is good for her. I want what is best for Asta and I too believe that she would be much safer with you – and with me.

DOUGLAS: How did you know I’m taking her with me?

ASHLEY: I have my ways. But that’s not important. Right now, getting Asta away from her friends is the most pressing issue.

DOUGLAS: Why do you want to help me?

ASHLEY: Because I’ve seen and experienced what Asta goes through everyday here in Hades Valley and I fear for her life. She’s not safe with them but with you? That’s a different story altogether.

DOUGLAS: And what about you?

ASHELY: Everyone needs extra protection and so does Asta. But you can’t take her to New York. She has to stay here.

DOUGLAS: I thought you said –

ASHLEY: This place isn’t the thing putting Asta in danger – it is the people she hangs out with.

DOUGLAS: And that does not include you?

ASHLEY: No. Mr. Dawson, I’ve been trying to get her away from Xander and the others for awhile now. They can’t protect her. They know nothing about the Hellmouth and the demons that go bump in the night here. They are all amateurs. I know better and I believe you will too in due time. This town needs someone like Asta, but Asta? She doesn’t need friends like Xander, Andrew, Tabitha and Pike.

Ashley smiled at Douglas brightly.

ASHLEY: All she needs is me.

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

ASTA: You think my Dad is safe?

PIKE: He’s with Xander.

ASTA: So he’s safe?

Pike laughed before nodding.

PIKE: He’s safe. Xander handle himself and your father if they are in danger.

ASTA: Ok.

But she didn’t look reassured. She bit her lower lip as she looked around the cemetery distractedly.

PIKE: So…your dad seems nice.

ASTA: He is.

PIKE: Looks pretty strong too.

Asta snapped her head towards Pike and shot him a look.

ASTA: He’s not staying.

PIKE: We could use his help.

ASTA: We could but we won’t. So don’t push it, Pike.

PIKE: I just –

ASTA: Would you want your father help you fight demons and vampires, Pike?

PIKE: Hell, no!

ASTA: Then I don’t know why we are talking about this.

PIKE: It’s just that your father isn’t my father. My father would probably get himself killed in five minutes – maybe even less. Your dad however…might be different.

ASTA: Trust me, it’s not.

Pike raised up his hands in surrender. The two of them continued to walk through the cemetery in silence. A moment later, Asta broke the silence.

ASTA: I don’t know what I would do if something happened to my dad. Anything can happen during a seemingly harmless patrol. And I don’t want to worry about him while I’m fighting an apocalypse-bringing demon. I’m better off knowing he’s in New York, safe. We are both better off.

Asta looked at Pike intently.

ASTA: Can you understand that?

Pike nodded and smiled in understanding.

PIKE: Yeah. I can. But for the record, your dad is different from mine. Because I don’t think I’ll worry about my dad if I’m fighting an apocalypse-bringing demon.

Asta laughed.

ASTA: Someday, Pike, you have to tell me what happened between you and Tabitha and your parents.

PIKE: Might take awhile.

Asta winked at him.

ASTA: I got all the time in the world. I’m not going anywhere.

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

ANDREW: So? What did Giles say?

Xander set the phone onto its cradle and faced the young Watcher.

XANDER: He said he would do whatever he can to keep Asta under the Council’s protection but he can’t promise anything. Douglas is Asta’s legal guardian so if he wants to take her away, he can easily do so by threatening us with legal action.

TABITHA: Will he go that far?

XANDER: I think he will. He seemed determined to take her. And accordingly to Giles, Douglas never approved of Asta going to the Watcher’s Council – only her mom. It seemed that he got into a fit of rage when Asta said that she would go.

TABITHA: So Douglas always wanted Asta out of there.

XANDER: (sighed) I can hear the lawyers pounding on our door already.

ANDREW: So what now? What can we do to convince Douglas that Asta should stay?

Xander stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and shrugged.

XANDER: I’m out of ideas.

TABITHA: Well…I have an idea.

The two men looked at Tabitha expectantly.

TABITHA: I told Asta that maybe she should bring Douglas on patrol and put him in danger.

Xander’s eyes grew wide.

XANDER: Put him in danger?

ANDREW: I like that idea.

TABITHA: Not danger danger. More like fake danger.

XANDER: Fake danger? You know, I think I’ve heard about that before. I always wanted one of those but darn it! Santa never listened to me.

TABITHA: I’m serious, Xander. Just put him in a situation where his life is threatened and before things get out of hand, Asta comes in and saves him. He would get first hand experience of what a Slayer’s life in Hades Valley is all about.

ANDREW: Well, it’s definitely better than lecturing him about the dangers of vampires and Hellmouths.

XANDER: Would he even fall for it?

TABITHA: He seems pretty eager to help Asta so maybe he will. We won’t know until we try.

XANDER: This just reminds me of a very bad episode of some after school special.

TABITHA: You have a better idea?

XANDER: No. But I can’t stand here and do nothing.

He turned and exited the kitchen. Andrew and Tabitha followed him shortly after.

ANDREW: Where are you going?

XANDER: I need a crossbow.

TABITHA: You’re going after Douglas with a crossbow?

ANDREW: Is this part of the fake danger?

XANDER: I need to find Asta and Pike and then I’ll decide what to do.

The three of them climbed up to the second floor and headed towards Pike’s bedroom. Inside, Xander started going through one of the chests at the foot of Pike’s bed.

XANDER: Where does he keep the crossbow?

TABITHA: Xander, slow down. Are you even thinking about this?

XANDER: I have.

TABITHA: You are going after Asta’s father with a crossbow! That just tells me that you clearly haven’t.

XANDER: Ok, so maybe I haven’t thought it all through but I got the gist of it.

Tabitha grabbed Xander’s shoulder and pulled him away from the chest.

TABITHA: Xander, look at me. You are going after Asta’s father with a crossbow!

XANDER: I heard you the first time, Tabby…

TABITHA: Apparently you didn’t or you would have stopped this nonsense. What’s going on, Xander?

XANDER: (sighed) I can’t let her leave, Tabby.

TABITHA: I know.

XANDER: If something happens to her when she leaves…

Tabitha smiled.

TABITHA: If only David could look at you now.

XANDER: (frowned) What?

TABITHA: Nothing. Look, we’ll get her back but a crossbow? Not a good idea.

XANDER: It’s not like I’m going to kill him with it. This is to protect myself if he does anything fishy.

TABITHA: He won’t.

XANDER: You don’t know what he’s capable of.

TABITHA: Xan, this guy learns about vampires and demons through self-help books. The worst he can do is throw a stake at a vampire but hits you accidentally. Trust me you don’t need a crossbow to protect yourself.

A loud crash from downstairs interrupted their conversation.

XANDER: What was that?

TABITHA: Wait. Where’s Andrew?

Xander and Tabitha exchange a panicked look before bolting out of the room.

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

ASTA: You owe me a story, Oliver!

Pike grinned as he ducked a punch from a vampire and thrust his stake right into its chest.

PIKE: Do you know that that’s the first time you have ever called me Oliver? It’s sounds strange coming from you. Only Tabby calls me that.

Asta aimed a roundhouse kick at a female vampire’s chest and watch it stagger back and fell on her butt.

ASTA: You’re changing the subject!

PIKE: Hey, is it my fault that we got ambushed by some vampires while I was just about to launch into my sob story?

ASTA: You will tell me what happened.

PIKE: Rain check?

Asta rolled away from the female vampire just as it was about to swing a punch at her face. Asta stood up behind the vampire, pulled out her stake and plunged it into its back. The vampire crumpled to dust.

ASTA: Do you think –

VOICE: Asta…

Asta froze as the voice reverberated in her head. She looked around the dark cemetery with panic in her eyes. Pike dusted off his shirt and turned to Asta questioningly.

PIKE: Do I think what?

VOICE: Come to me, Asta.

PIKE: Asta?

VOICE: Come…

ASTA: No…

Pike took a step forward with concern etched on his face when he noticed the panicked look in the Slayer’s eyes.

PIKE: Asta, is everything ok?

ASTA: It’s him again.

PIKE: Who?

ASTA: The voice. I…I can hear it again.

VOICE: Asta…

PIKE: The one from your dreams. What is it saying?

ASTA: It’s…

Asta whipped her head towards her right, frowning.

ASTA: It’s coming from over there.

Asta started jogging towards the direction the voice was coming from.

PIKE: Asta, are you…where are you going?

ASTA: It’s calling for me.

PIKE: And you’re going to it?

VOICE: Asta…

Pike jogged up to her and quickly grabbed Asta’s arm before she could go any further.

PIKE: At least call the rest. We need backup.

ASTA: I have to see what it wants. I can’t hide from it anymore.

PIKE: It could be a trap.

ASTA: What if it isn’t? It might seem like the most ridiculous thing to do but I can’t just stand around and let it torment me. Maybe the voices will go away if I listen and see what it wants.

PIKE: So what are you going to do when we find it? We don’t know what we are dealing with. It’s not safe for the two of us.

ASTA: No…not two. Just me.

PIKE: Asta, I’m not letting you go alone.

VOICE: Asta…

Asta turned to the direction the voice was coming from. Her expression grew determined.

ASTA: No more hiding.

The slayer pushed Pike away and ran.

PIKE: Asta!

Pike broke into a jog and started running after the Slayer. At the same time, he reached into his pocket and brought out his cellphone. He speed dialed his house.

PIKE: Tabby, we need you and the others. The voices that Asta says that she has been hearing? Well, it looks like its back and Asta is going after it herself. We are at Greyfields Cemetery. Come as soon as you get this message.

Snapping his phone shut, Pike poured on more speed, praying that he was able to catch up with Asta.

Then it happened.

A large branch came out of nowhere and slammed into Pike’s face. Pike slumped to the ground, sinking into unconsciousness.

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

When the voice stopped calling out to her, Asta slowed down to a stop. She was deep in the cemetery now – quite a distance from the exit. There didn’t seem to be any way out. All around her were many white tombstones and overhanging trees.

As far as she could tell, Asta was the only living soul around.

ASTA: Hello? I’m here! What do you want?!

Asta heard nothing. For a brief moment, she wondered where Pike was. Then she heard soft footsteps coming up behind her. She turned around, her five senses going on high alert, and faced the newcomer.

Ashley beamed at her.

ASHLEY: Asta! What a nice surprise.

[shred]

ACT 4

~CEMETERY~

Asta frowned but didn’t relax.

ASTA: Ashley? What are you doing here?

Ashley slipped his hands into the pockets on his pants and shrugged.

ASHLEY: I thought I would take a little walk. It’s a nice night.

ASTA: We weren’t supposed to meet until tomorrow.

ASHLEY: I know.

ASTA: Ok. Good. Now I have to go. I’m –

ASHLEY: You’re what?

ASTA: I’m looking for someone – or something…I’m not really sure.

ASHLEY: You don’t know what you’re looking for? So how do you know when you find it?

ASTA: I…don’t know.

ASHLEY: Do you need my help?

ASTA: No. I can handle this on my own. You have already done so much for me.

ASHLEY: Oh bullshit! I’m your friend, Asta. I’m here to help every time you need me to.

Ashley took one hand out of his pocket and extended it to Asta.

ASHLEY: Please. Let me help.

Before Asta could respond, a large vampire came flying out from nowhere and plowed into Asta. Ashley scowled in frustration.

ASHLEY: Oh crap. I don’t have time for this.

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

Andrew was on the floor as Tabitha and Xander came down the stairs. The Watcher rubbed the back of his head and groaned softly.

TABITHA: Andrew, what happened?

She knelt down beside Andrew and took a look at his head.

ANDREW: Asta’s dad came and said hello.

XANDER: He was looking for Asta?

Andrew nodded and then grimace when he did so.

ANDREW: Threw me across the room when I said I didn’t know where she was. Ran out before I could stop him.

XANDER: You think he went looking for Asta?

TABITHA: Definitely. The question is – will he know where to look?

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

When Pike came to, he found himself tied to a tree with two snarling vampires standing in front of him. One of the vampires was large, burly and bald-headed. Big, fierce-looking tattoo snakes ran down both arms. The other vampire was almost a carbon copy of the first but only much skinner and with much more hair on his head.

BIG VAMP: You killed my girlfriend!

SMALL VAMP: And our best friend!

Pike frowned and that caused a sharp pain to shoot across his face. He wondered briefly whether he broke his nose or his whole face.

PIKE: Huh. (pause) Oh, you mean the two vampires we were fighting. They were friends of yours?

B.V: Damn right!

PIKE: (scoffed) I’m sorry. See how much I don’t care.

The big vampire snarled and took a step forward. The skinnier one stopped him before he could get any closer to Pike.

S.V: Calm down. We are not going to kill him yet. We have to get his girlfriend first.

PIKE: (grinned) Unfortunately for you boys, I don’t have…oh. You mean Asta.

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

ASHLEY: Is this going to take long?

ASTA: Not if you stand there and don’t help me.

Ashley rolled his eyes. He was leaning against a tree as he watch Asta and a large vampire duke it out.

ASHLEY: I’m wearing my best suit. I can’t ruin it by getting into a fight with a filthy vampire.

ASTA: Then don’t ask whether it will take long because it will.

ASHLEY: Well, that sucks. We are on a schedule here.

Asta flicked her gaze from the vampire to the Ashley, her brow furrowing into a frown.

ASTA: What schedule?

ASHLEY: Knife.

Asta’s attention went back to the vampire and her eyes widened when she spotted a large knife coming straight towards her face. She didn’t waste any time to duck and roll out of the way. She heard the blade of the knife swish above her head.

Asta climber to her feet and kicked the knife out of the vampire’s hand. She struck the creature across its face hard and aimed a sharp kick at its chest, causing the vampire to fly and crash into a tombstone.

ASTA: A little help would be nice.

ASHLEY: No, no. I’m good here. Besides, I would like to see you put what we have trained together to use.

Asta smiled confidently as she stalked up to the fallen vampire.

ASTA: Don’t worry, you’ll be proud.

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

Pike watched the two vampires with boredom as they paced up and down. Boredom and dizziness.

B.V: He should be here by now with the girl.

S.V: Maybe he’s dust. The girl is no weakling. You saw how she dusted your girlfriend.

B.V: Well, instead of being a wiseass, why don’t you go find him and give him some help?

S.V: Why don’t you?

B.V: Should we call the others and find the girl?

S.V: And leave him here all alone?

B.V: He’s not so tough without his girlfriend. We can come back and have him for dessert.

PIKE: Guys! Please. Just do something already. I’m dying of boredom here.

The vampires scowled at Pike.

PIKE: At least stop pacing.

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

Ashley was highly entertained by the fight between Asta and the big but clumsy vampire. Halfway through the fight, someone stepped in front of him, cutting his line of view. Ashley scowled at Douglas.

ASHLEY: You’re blocking my view, Mr. Dawson.

DOUGLAS: You’re supposed to get her out of here. Not put her in a fight.

ASHLEY: I tried. Stupid vampire came and interrupted us.

DOUGLAS: You promised me you’ll get her away from her friends.

ASHLEY: I did. Haven’t broken my promise yet. Oh you have to look at this.

Douglas reluctantly turned and watched his daughter do a series of complicated movements before dusting the vampire. He was in awe. Ashley beamed.

ASHLEY: I taught her that.

Asta dusted off her hands and looked over at the two men. Her eyes lit up for a moment before darkening when she saw her father.

ASTA: Dad. You shouldn’t be here.

DOUGLAS: I could say the same for you. Come on, let’s go.

ASTA: Go? Where?

DOUGLAS: I’m taking you with me. Ashley and I –

ASTA: Ashley? How do you know Ashley?

ASHLEY: We bumped into each other and we talked. But that’s not important. Let’s go before you’re friends get here.

ASTA: Whoa. Wait a second. What the hell is going on here?

VOICE: Asta!

Asta looked over her shoulder and spotting Xander, Tabitha and Andrew jogging towards them.

ASTA: Geez! Is this some kind of gathering that I didn’t know about?

ASHLEY: Can anything go right tonight?

Without a word, he slipped into the shadows and disappeared. The rest didn’t appear to notice.

As the three came up to Asta and her father, Xander raised his crossbow that he was carrying and pointed it at Douglas.

XANDER: Hey, Doug. Mind stepping away from your daughter?

ASTA: Xander, what’s going on?

XANDER: Daddy here wants to take you back to New York.

ASTA: What? (to Douglas) And you were going to tell me this when?

XANDER: (to Douglas) Look, it’s not going to happen. Asta is staying with us whether she likes it or not. She belongs here with us.

ASTA: This is ridiculous! I have no idea what’s going on anymore.

VOICE: And it’s going to get even more complicated.

The whole gang turned towards the direction the new voice came from. A large, bald-headed vampire with five of his vampire friends stood a few feet away from them.

B.V: (to Asta) You killed my girlfriend!

ASTA: I did not!

Then all hell broke loose. The six vampires came charging towards Asta and her friends and they had no choice but to face the vampires head on.

Asta scowled as the bald vampire came rushing towards her.

ASTA: You guys have the worst timing ever!

She put in a series of punches and kicks before grabbing the vampire’s neck, snapping it and twisting it right off. She didn’t wait for the dust to settle before moving onto the next vampire. The second vampire looked a lot like the first one but only skinner and had shaggier hair.

Asta dropped to the ground and swept her legs at the vampire’s. The vamp was quick and was able to dodge her legs by jumping and landing behind her. The slayer quickly got to her feet, struck the vampire across his face before sinking her fist into his stomach. Asta grabbed the vampire by its collar and pushed it back. The creature staggered back and fell right in front of Xander’s crossbow.

XANDER: Hi!

Xander pulled the trigger and the vampire crumbled into dust. At the corner of his eye, he caught a smaller vampire running away from the fight.

XANDER: Hey! One of them is making a run for it.

ASTA: Xander!

Xander gazed over his shoulder and saw Asta running full speed towards him. Understanding dawned upon him and he got down on one knee. He laced his fingers together and stretched it out before him. A second later, Asta planted her left foot on his palms and as soon as her foot and his palm made contact, Xander boosted Asta into the air.

Asta flew towards the escaping vampire and tackled it to the ground. She grabbed the back of the vampire’s shirt and yanked him to his feet. Asta turned him around and presented the defenseless vampire to Xander. Xander made no mistake with the crossbow the second time.

ANDREW: Asta! They got your dad!

Turning towards where Andrew was pointing, Xander and Asta caught sight of a vampire dragging off a struggling Mr. Dawson.

ASTA: Crap!

XANDER: Asta!

Xander tossed his crossbow to her and without a moment’s hesitation started chasing after the vampire and her dad. The next thing Xander knew, a vampire came flying straight at him.

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

With Xander’s crossbow in hand, Asta ran towards her dad with all the speed she could muster. Once she thought she was close enough, she shot an arrow at the vampires. The arrow caught the vampire at his ankle and made it stumble but it didn’t go down. The vampire took this opportunity to wrap an arm around Douglas’ neck with his right arm pinned behind his back.

VAMP: Come any closer and I’ll snap his neck.

ASTA: You son of a bitch! Let him go! You harm him and I’ll make sure your death is a painful one.

VAMP: Stay away from me, little girl!

The vampire’s attention was then caught by something behind Asta. Casting a quick glance over her shoulder, Asta saw Xander, Tabitha and Andrew jogging up to them.

Xander was about to come even closer when he felt someone’s hand on his shoulder.

TABITHA: Don’t.

XANDER: What? Why?

TABITHA: Let her handle this.

XANDER: And we are not helping her because…?

TABITHA: Because she’s been through a lot today and if I were in her shoes, I would seriously love to beat the crap out of someone right now.

ASTA: I mean it. Let my father go!

DOUGLAS: Asta, it’s alright. I can handle this.

ASTA: Shut up, Dad! You can’t handle this. Not if by handling this you mean coming out of this dead or worse – getting turned.

VAMP: Shut up! I can’t concentrate.

DOUGLAS: I’ve faced many vampires before, Bug. Trust me –

ASTA: Dad, are you seriously deranged! Look at yourself. Look at the situation you’re in. Tell me how you’re going to get out of this one.

VAMP: I said shut up!

ASTA: Hey, pal. Isn’t that your boss behind you? He looks seriously pissed.

The vampire’s eyes widened in horror and did the most stupid thing by loosening his grip around Douglas and turning around to have a look at his boss. Of course there was no one behind him.

With the vampire distracted, Asta ran up to them in lightening speed, pushed her dad away and knocked the vampire to the ground with the crossbow. A second later, an arrow pierced the heart of the vampire.

DOUGLAS: Oh Bug. I’m so –

Asta turned to her father and pointed the loaded crossbow at him.

ASTA: Don’t, Dad. Don’t even try to say anything that would make me feel proud of myself or feel like I’ve done something good here. Do you know what I’ve been through the past couple of months? Hell. I’ve been haunted by dreams, hearing strange voices, been nearly killed and I even…killed a girl! And that’s just the past month. Today alone I’ve been through 3 different types of hell – all because of you, Dad.

DOUGLAS: Now, don’t say that, Bug.

Asta blinked as tears started forming in her eyes. The hand holding the crossbow started to tremble.

ASTA: My heart nearly stopped when I saw that vampire dragging you off. My worst nightmare came true. Dad, I…I can’t do this with you here. I can’t save your life because I know that one day I’ll let you die – let you die so that I don’t have to feel that terror again. I don’t want to be the one who lets you die.

Tears were rolling down Asta’s face. She swiped her hand across her face before continuing.

ASTA: I can’t be around you or mom when I’m doing this so…so you can’t take me away. Neither can you stay. You need to leave.

DOUGLAS: I’m not –

ASTA: Leave!

Tabitha stepped forward.

TABITHA: Mr. Dawson, I think it’s best if you do what she says.

XANDER: She’s right. And you’re not the one with the crossbow.

DOUGLAS: (sighed) I just want what’s best for you, Bug.

ASTA: I know, Dad. Right now, you leaving is the best thing you can do for me.

DOUGLAS: (softly) Ok.

Douglas turned to Xander, Tabitha and Andrew shot them a glare.

DOUGLAS: I won’t let this drop. I’ll get my daughter away from you and those men in England. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure that happens. (to Asta) I’ll see you, Bug.

With one last small smile to his daughter, Douglas turned and headed towards the cemetery’s exit.

As soon as her dad was gone, Asta dropped the crossbow and crumpled to the ground, sobbing. Xander went up to her and gathered her in his arms. He stroked her hair as she cried in his arms.

ANDREW: What a night.

TABITHA: You can say that again.

ANDREW: (sighing) What a night.

TABITHA: What do you think Douglas will do now?

ANDREW: Who knows. We’ll have to give Giles a heads up. Maybe he can send some people to keep an eye on him.

TABITHA: Maybe.

Tabitha turned her eyes back to Xander, who was still holding Asta in her arms.

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

Pike leaned his head against the trunk of the tree and sighed.

PIKE: I would like to be released now!

############################################
~HOUSE~
~next day~

Tabitha and David were cuddled up with each other in the living room, sipping some wine. The whole house was silent as everyone else was either out or already in bed.

DAVID: How was your day yesterday?

TABITHA: It was…eventful. Asta’s dad dropped by and that was…

DAVID: Awkward?

TABITHA: To say the least. He didn’t like Asta staying with us and he wanted to take her back to New York.

DAVID: Everything ok now?

TABITHA: Yeah.

DAVID: And the whole Asta, Xander thing? Did you manage to give them the push that they needed.

TABITHA: Actually, Asta’s dad kinda helped me with that. You should have seen Xander, David. He was so determined in making sure that Asta doesn’t leave. So determined and caring. What does that say to you?

DAVID: That he’s like a father to Asta.

Tabitha rolled her eyes.

TABITHA: No!

DAVID: Well, it sounds like it.

TABITHA: Maybe. But…no, he definitely likes her. He spent the whole night yesterday making sure she was alright. She been through a lot with her father around and Xander definitely made it better by being there for her. Now what does that say to you?

DAVID: That he really cares for her. (pause) And that he likes her.

TABITHA: (grinned) I know.

Tabitha snuggled up against David and smiled.

TABITHA: Maybe we should set them up on a date.


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

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