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Post by shred on May 8, 2007 16:10:22 GMT 10
TEASER
~SWEDEN~
~two days ago~The cave was dank and poorly lit with only a couple of torches. Water from the ground above trickled down walls and from the ceiling, making the place smell a little like the sewers. On one filthy wall was a pair of chains. The chains were tightly bound around the wrists of a young girl with platinum blond hair and bright blue eyes. The girl struggled against her restraints but to no avail. A moment later, footsteps could be heard coming into the cave. GIRL: (in Swedish) Hello? Anybody there? Please help me! An older woman dressed in a tank top, army pants and boots came up to the struggling Swedish girl. The woman was well built and there was a scar across her right cheek. Her light blond her was pulled into a tight ponytail and in her hands, she held a bright blue stone the size of her palm. WOMAN: (in Swedish) No one can help you, Slayer. The Swedish Slayer watched helplessly as the woman took the blue stone and placed it in the middle of the slayer’s forehead. As soon as the stone made contact with the girl’s skin, the stone glowed and attached itself to her forehead. GIRL: (in Swedish) What are you doing? What is that? WOMAN: (in Swedish) That stone will help me get what I want. GIRL: (in Swedish) What? The woman smiled evilly. WOMAN: Your soul. The girl’s eyes widened in horror. Then the stone glowed brighter and engulfed the slayer in a strange blue light. The girl screamed and shuddered. A few seconds later, the girl fell silent and slumped against her restraints. The blue light vanished. The blue stone was now white in colour. The woman detached the stone from the girl’s forehead and smiled. She walked away from the girl and went to the other side of the cave. There, lying on the ground, was a medium size, brown, velvet bag. She opened it and inside the bag was three more of the same white stones. She dropped the stone she was holding inside and closed the bag. ######################################### ~HADES VALLEY~
~House~
~Present~Everyone in the house was having dinner at the dining table when the phone rang. Asta was the only one missing. XANDER: I’m too full to move. Can someone take that? TABITHA: Not me. Pike sneezed a couple of times before answering. PIKE: Too sick to move. Andrew rolled his eyes as he rose from his seat. ANDREW: Fine, I’ll answer. TABITHA: Yay, Andrew! XANDER: You’re the man! PIKE: I think I’m going to throw up. ANDREW: Hello? GILES: Andrew? Good. Giles speaking. There’s a situation I want you to take note of. ANDREW: What’s up? GILES: It’s Asta. I think she’s in danger. CUT TO BLACK OPENING CREDITS ROLL THEME SONG “Club Foot” by Kasabian Starring:Jewel Staite as Asta Dawson Nicholas Brendon as Xander HarrisTom Lenk as Andrew WellsCillian Murphy as Oliver PikeAshley Scott as Tabitha PikeGuest Starring:Tyron Leitso as David BooneDean Cain as Ashley/Astwihad Maria Bello as The BlondMike Erwin as Sebastian Gold Created by Irene Issac with Beck SchwarzBased on the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”END OF CREDITS DISCLAIMER: ASTA is created by Irene (shred) and Beck (Radient Evil). All original characters belong to us and us alone. All the other characters and the slayverse, however, belong to Joss Whedon and we are just borrowing them. If you want to use this series or any of the original characters, ask and you shall receive. This series is set during the 5th season of ANGEL.
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Post by shred on May 8, 2007 16:10:48 GMT 10
ACT 1
XANDER: What do you mean Asta is danger?
ANDREW: According to Giles, there has been a hunter going around killing Slayers. Two slayers in Asia, one in Germany, three in England and another one in Sweden a couple of days ago. Giles thinks Asta’s next.
PIKE: How can he be sure?
ANDREW: He isn’t. But he’s not taking any chances. Only a few newly called slayers have been sent out all over the world – and Asta is one of them. So far, nearly half of these slayers have been killed. She might be next.
TABITHA: What about the slayers at the Council?
ANDREW: They are all safe at the moment but Giles is increasing security and even calling those slayers that are overseas to come back.
XANDER: So most of the slayers out on duty are back at the Council except –
TABITHA: For Asta.
ANDREW: That’s why Giles thinks that she might be next.
PIKE: You said a hunter is killing these slayers. What kind of hunter?
ANDREW: As far as Giles could tell it’s a human kind of a hunter – or at least a demon that looks like a human.
TABITHA: Do we know any demon or human-looking demon that likes to kill slayers?
XANDER: (shrugged) Well, technically, nearly all demons out there would love to kill slayers.
TABITHA: That definitely narrows the field down.
PIKE: Does Giles have a lead on whom or what this hunter is?
ANDREW: No. But he said that he would keep me updated.
TABITHA: Guess it’s best if we do a little research.
PIKE: Asta and I can go on patrol.
TABITHA: That is if you can get Asta down from her room. She has been up there since the whole incident with her dad.
PIKE: Well, someone has to tell her about this hunter. Maybe we can get her out of her room if she has something to do.
TABITHA: What do you think, Xander? You are the only one that she has contact with so maybe you should tell her.
XANDER: I may have contact with her but she’s certainly not talking to me.
Tabitha grinned and wiggled her eyebrows.
TABITHA: But why? Aren’t you playing doctor with her?
XANDER: I am so not! Asta hasn’t been talking to me. She just has been so…
ANDREW: Depressed?
XANDER: No, no. I’ve seen a depressed slayer before and she is not depressed.
Xander’s expression grew worried.
XANDER: Unless she has been sleeping with a vampire. Has she been sleeping with a vampire?
PIKE: Not that I know of.
TABITHA: Haven’t seen any hot vampire to sleep with in the first place so I would say no.
XANDER: Then Asta’s not depressed. She’s more…conflicted.
ANDREW: About what? I thought making her dad leave was the right choice.
XANDER: I don’t know what about but I think there’s something she knows that we don’t.
TABITHA: Let’s hope it’s not something like her sleeping with a vampire. Because honestly, that’s just gross on so many levels.
Xander smiled knowingly.
XANDER: I think so too.
PIKE: Ok, so I’ll go on patrol then.
Tabitha shot Pike a stern look.
TABITHA: No, Oliver. You’re staying at home. You’re sick. You had that flu for a week now and you’re not getting any better. Either you stay at home and rest or go and see a doctor.
PIKE: I’m not going to waste my time seeing a doctor. And I’m fine. I can patrol.
ASTA: Don’t worry, Tabby. I’ll keep an eye on him.
Pike, Tabitha, Xander and Andrew turned towards Asta in surprise.
XANDER: Asta.
TABITHA: You’re down here.
ANDREW: And speaking.
ASTA: I need some fresh air so I’ll go on patrol with Pike.
TABITHA: I don’t think that’s a good idea. Pike should stay home.
PIKE: Tabby, I’ll be fine. Besides, it’s just flu. It’s not like I’m dying.
Tabitha shook her head, looking helpless.
TABITHA: Don’t say I didn’t do the whole big sister routine and warn you. If you end up in the hospital, I’m going to say I told you so over the hospital’s PA system.
PIKE: That’s why I love you, sis.
Pike leaned down and pecked Tabitha on her cheek before exiting the kitchen with Asta.
PIKE: Don’t wait up.
A moment later, they heard the front door slam shut.
ANDREW: How long do you think she was there listening to us?
TABITHA: Who knows. She could have heard our whole conversation.
XANDER: Let’s hope it didn’t give her any ideas about sleeping with a vampire.
#########################################
PIKE: So which cemetery you want to hit first? Willows?
Asta didn’t answer him immediately. She was looking around the street they were walking down distractedly.
PIKE: Asta?
ASTA: What?
PIKE: Which cemetery do you want to go to first?
ASTA: Erm…actually there’s something I need to do. Is it ok if you go first? I’ll catch up with you later.
PIKE: What’s going on?
ASTA: Nothing important. There’s…someone I need to see.
PIKE: Who?
ASTA: Someone you wouldn’t know. You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll catch up with you later.
PIKE: I can tag along if you want?
ASTA: Thanks but I need to do this by myself.
Asta forced a smile on her face before turning around and jogging in the opposite direction.
PIKE: Ok. See you soon.
#########################################
~MONASTERY~
When Asta entered the monastery twenty minutes later, the place was lit up by a few torches, indicating that someone was there.
ASTA: Ashley? Are you in here?
Asta walked further into the hall of the monastery.
ASTA: Ashley? I really need to talk to you. Are you here?
Ashley walked out of the room they used for training with a towel around his neck. He was dressed in a white tank top and track pants. This was probably the first time Asta has ever seen him not dressed smartly.
Ashley’s eyes lit up when he saw her.
ASHLEY: Asta. What are you doing here? We are not scheduled to meet until tomorrow afternoon.
ASTA: I know. I just needed to talk to you.
Ashley took one end of the towel and wiped his forehead.
ASHLEY: What’s up?
ASTA: It’s about my father.
ASHLEY: Is he alright?
ASTA: Yeah he is. I haven’t heard from him in a week but I haven’t heard that anything bad happened to him either so I’m sure he’s fine.
ASHLEY: Of course. So what do you want to talk about?
ASTA: About my dad wanting to take me away from Hades Valley. For some reason, I feel that you were part of it.
Ashley walked towards the railing and leaned against it.
ASHLEY: I don’t understand.
ASTA: Were you the one who told my father to take me away?
ASHLEY: Of course not!
ASTA: Then did you have anything to do with it?
ASHLEY: I might have agreed with him.
ASTA: To take me away?
ASHLEY: Yes but not to New York. I just feel that you’re better off with me and your dad than with your friends.
Asta folded her arms across her chest.
ASTA: And what makes you think that?
ASHLEY: From the progress you’re making in training with me. Asta, you’re learning so much more with me than with Andrew and your friends. I thought we could make a great team and your dad agreed.
ASTA: But my dad doesn’t know anything about being a slayer or training one.
ASHLEY: I bet Andrew didn’t know either a year ago. But look at him now. Look, Asta, I’m not trying to get you away from your friends. I just feel that it’s best if you learn from me than from them. I have so much to teach you and I really believe you can become a great slayer. Can you honestly tell me that you don’t feel good about yourself after our training?
ASTA: No…I can’t.
ASHLEY: So we have no problems here. I want what is best for you and you want to learn from the best. It’s a win-win situation.
ASTA: You’re right. I guess I just thought you were trying to brainwash my dad into taking me away. I just wanted to make sure it was his idea and not someone else’s.
Ashley smiled warmly.
ASHLEY: Trust me Asta, Douglas is the last person I would want to brainwash.
ASTA: Ok, good.
ASHLEY: Is there anything else?
ASTA: No. Thanks for being so patient. So many things have been going on lately that it’s hard to get a grip on. I just needed to clear my doubts.
ASHLEY: Understandable.
ASTA: Ok. Well, thanks again.
ASHLEY: Hey since you’re here, why don’t we put in some extra training?
Asta smiled as she took off her jacket.
ASTA: I would like that.
#########################################
~CEMETERY~
Pike was not feeling good at all. His whole body ached and he was coughing hard. A headache pounded against his temple and he had trouble breathing because of his blocked nose.
Nope. He was not feeling good at all.
At least it has been a slow night. After half an hour of walking through two cemeteries, Pike had yet to come up with a vampire or a demon. Pike thought of giving another ten more minutes before calling it a night.
Pike checked his watch. It was almost midnight and still no sign of Asta. He was about to turn and head towards the exit when movement caught his attention. Pike narrowed his eyes and he spotted a female silhouette running across the cemetery.
PIKE: Asta? Asta!
His voice made the female stop in her tracks. She started advancing towards him. As she came nearer to Pike, he realized that that wasn’t Asta at all but a short, young woman with blue hair. She smiled flirtatiously at Pike.
WOMAN: Hey, handsome.
PIKE: Erm…hi! You haven’t by any chance seen my friend have you?
WOMAN: No but I can be your friend.
Pike laughed uncomfortably.
PIKE: That’s ok. I got all the friends I want.
The young woman as she came close to Pike. She touched his chest and fluttered her eyelashes.
WOMAN: That’s a shame. I could use a friend like you.
Pike stepped back and pushed her hand away.
PIKE: If you were more human and less of a vampire, I might just change my mind.
The woman grinned.
VAMP: Your loss.
The woman vamped out and lunged for Pike. The move took Pike by surprise and he let the woman plow into him. The two of them tumbled and rolled on the ground.
As soon as Pike was on top and straddling the vampire, he slipped out his stake and pressed it against her heart.
PIKE: I think it’s your loss.
The female vampire cocked her head and looked at Pike intently.
VAMP: You don’t look too well, handsome.
Before Pike could respond, the vampire head-butted him and pushed him off of her body. Pike fell back, groaning in pain. The stake fell out of his hand.
The vampire kicked the stake away and towered over Pike. She kicked Pike in the chest hard and then picked him up. She kept a hand around his neck.
VAMP: Aren’t you the guy who fights vampires with his sister?
PIKE: Want my autograph?
VAMP: You know, I thought you were tougher than this.
PIKE: I am.
He kicked her in the groin, pushed her away and scrambled towards where his stake was. Before he could grab it, something got hold of the back of his shirt and yanked him away. The vampire threw him against a wall of a mausoleum. Pike slumped to the ground, groaning. He suddenly felt too weak to fight back.
VAMP: No, handsome, you’re not tough at all. Look at you all bleeding and pale. You look too sick to eat.
PIKE: Good for me then.
Without warning, Pike rushed towards the vampire with his head bowed low and tackled her to the ground. Pike rolled away from her and reached for the discarded stake. As soon as he got hold of it, he twisted round and sank the wood into the heart of the vampire.
Pike lay on the ground to catch his breath as the vampire disintegrated into ash. Pike slowly picked himself up, cradling his chest. The world started to spin around him. He shook his head to clear his vision. With much effort, Pike stumble out of the cemetery.
He almost bumped into Asta.
ASTA: Pike!
PIKE: Hey. You were gone for awhile.
ASTA: Sorry. There was…
Asta frowned as she studied him. Pike’s breath came out in ragged gasps and he looked pale. He was sweating profusely and his eyes were wide and unfocused.
ASTA: Are you ok? You don’t look so good.
Pike nodded. He coughed and spat out blood.
PIKE: I’m fine.
ASTA: Fine? You just coughed out blood!
PIKE: It’s nothing.
Pike swayed a little and Asta reached out to steady him
ASTA: Did you get into a fight? Cause you really don’t look so good.
Pike gave her a weak smile.
PIKE: I’m…fine. Did you do whatever you had to do?
Asta didn’t get a chance to respond as Pike stumbled forward. Asta’s hands shot out and grabbed hold of him before he could fall to the ground. Asta’s eyes filled with fear as she tried to get Pike to stand.
ASTA: Pike! Pike, what’s wrong?
PIKE: Head…hurts.
He dropped to his knees as his body was wracked with coughs. Drops of blood fell to the floor.
ASTA: Oh god. I need you to get to the hospital.
PIKE: (weakly) I’m fine.
ASTA: Damn it, Pike. You are not fine!
Pike tried to stand but was too weak to do so. He fell back down to his knees. He started to shiver even though he was sweating.
ASTA: Do you have your phone with you? We need to call an ambulance right now. I can’t bring you home like this.
PIKE: I –
Pike collapsed, pulling Asta with him to the ground.
ASTA: Pike!
The slayer rolled Pike onto his back and slapped his face gently.
ASTA: Pike! Wake up!
Asta looked stricken as she took Pike’s shoulders and started shaking him.
ASTA: Pike!
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Post by shred on May 8, 2007 16:11:31 GMT 10
ACT 2
~HOSPITAL~
Tabitha, Xander and Andrew burst through the double doors of the town’s only hospital and headed straight for the nurse’s station.
TABITHA: I’m looking for Oliver Pike. I’m his sister, Tabitha. Where is he? Can I see him?
The nurse took a quick look at a file before regarding Tabitha and the others.
NURSE: I’m afraid Mr. Pike is in surgery now. You can’t see him until he comes out. You can wait here till the doctor comes.
TABITHA: He’s in surgery?! Why? What happened? Is it serious? Will he be ok?
XANDER: Tabitha, calm down. Let the nurse speak.
Tabitha took a deep breath and smiled sheepishly at the nurse.
TABITHA: Sorry. It’s just that, it’s my brother.
The nurse smiled sympathetically at Tabitha.
NURSE: It’s alright, dear. I understand.
She flipped through the file she was looking at earlier before explaining to Tabitha about Pike’s condition.
NURSE: Your brother had some internal bleeding that needed immediate attention. That’s why he had to go into surgery. When he came in, we couldn’t tell the source of the bleed but we’ll know as soon as the doctors go in and take a look. Dr. Chester is handling your brother’s case. He’s a very good doctor so Oliver is in good hands.
TABITHA: Is he going to be alright?
NURSE: Of course. Don’t worry, dear. It’s not serious. Your brother will be fine. Please, have a seat and we’ll let you know when your brother is out of surgery. Then you can talk to the doctor.
XANDER: Thanks.
Xander took Tabitha’s shoulders and led her away from the nurses’ station.
XANDER: Come on, Tabby. Let’s go find Asta and ask her what happened.
The three of them moved into the waiting area where they spotted Asta sitting at the back. She had her arms around herself and was staring at the linoleum floor.
ANDREW: Asta!
Asta looked up and relief flashed across her face.
ASTA: I thought you guys would never get here.
Xander came up to her and pulled her into a hug. They broke apart a moment later.
XANDER: Are you alright? Are you hurt?
Asta shook her head. Her lower lip trembled as she spoke.
ASTA: No…I’m fine. How’s Pike? Did the nurse say anything? They didn’t want to tell me.
XANDER: Pike’s in surgery but he’ll be fine.
ASTA: Surgery? Is it serious?
XANDER: No. Just some internal bleeding that the doctor can fix. He’ll be fine. It’s nothing you should worry about.
ASTA: Ok. Good.
Tabitha took Asta’s arm and made her look at her.
TABITHA: What happened?
ASTA: I…I don’t know.
TABITHA: What do you mean you don’t know? You were there, weren’t you? Did you guys get into a fight? Was it a demon?
Asta avoided Tabitha’s gaze.
ASTA: I think so. Maybe. I don’t know.
TABITHA: What? How can you not know? You were with him!
ANDREW: Asta, what happened?
TABITHA: Where were you?!
XANDER: Tabitha, calm down. The last thing we need is to attract unwanted attention to ourselves.
Tabitha’s face darkened as she shot Xander a look.
TABITHA: My little brother is in surgery, Xander! I can’t calm down. It’s impossible for me to calm down.
ANDREW: How about we go somewhere quiet to talk? People are staring.
TABITHA: Not until I find out what happened.
XANDER: Asta will tell you all about it as soon as we find a quiet place.
Tabitha sighed and nodded reluctantly.
TABITHA: Fine. But I want the whole story.
XANDER: And you’ll get it. Right, Asta?
ASTA: Erm…yeah…right.
A few minutes later, the four of them stood in a nearly empty parking lot by Tabitha’s car. Tabitha folded her arms across her chest and narrowed her eyes at Asta.
TABITHA: Spill.
ASTA: I don’t really know what happened. I found him coming out of Willows Cemetery in a bad shape. I asked him what happened but he didn’t give me details. Then he just collapsed.
XANDER: Did you see anything suspicious in the cemetery?
ASTA: No. It was pretty quiet.
TABITHA: Wait a minute. Let’s just back up for a moment here. You said you found him. What do you mean ‘you found him’? Where were you?
ASTA: I wasn’t with him when he was in the cemetery. I had…something to take care of and I told him I’d catch up with him later.
Anger flashed across the older girl’s face. Tabitha took a step forward, her body tense, and her face hard.
TABITHA: You left my sick brother alone in a cemetery!
ASTA: I –
TABITHA: You said you would keep an eye on him!
XANDER: Tabby…
TABITHA: You selfish little girl!
ANDREW: Hey! Language!
Tabitha pushed the Watcher away as he tried to step between Asta and Tabitha.
TABITHA: How dare you! How dare you leave my brother to die!
Asta shook her head, her eyes filled with guilt.
ASTA: I didn’t know! I’m so sorry but I didn’t know.
TABITHA: You knew he was sick! You knew that he couldn’t handle himself in a fight. But you still left!
ASTA: I know…I’m sorry.
TABITHA: Tell me, Asta. Where did you go? What was so much more important than my brother’s life!
ASTA: I…
TABITHA: Where. Did. You. Go?
XANDER: Asta?
Asta looked at Xander’s concerned face then to Andrew’s worried one. On both faces she could see disappointment.
ASTA: I didn’t mean for this to happen. I didn’t know he was that sick.
Asta took Tabitha’s hand.
ASTA: I’m sorry, Tabby. I really am.
Tabitha broke free from Asta’s grip. Disgust written all over her face.
TABITHA: Don’t touch me. I can’t stand to see you right now.
ANDREW: Asta, maybe you should –
ASTA: Don’t. I’m leaving already.
Pushing away from the three of them, Asta ran out of the parking lot.
XANDER: Asta, wait!
TABITHA: Leave her, Xander.
XANDER: Hey I’m not going to have another friend in the hospital. Who knows what she might do.
Tabitha shook her head incredulously.
TABITHA: She almost kills Oliver and you’re taking her side?
XANDER: I’m not taking any sides here. Asta is vulnerable right now and she doesn’t know that there is someone after her.
TABITHA: Honestly, I don’t care.
XANDER: You’re willing to let Asta die?
TABITHA: She almost got my brother killed. Right now, I don’t care what happens to her.
She pushed past the two men and stalked towards the hospital building without a backward glance.
XANDER: What the hell is going on?
ANDREW: (sighed) I don’t know. Things just keep getting bad. Is it that time of the year?
XANDER: Well, whatever it is, I hope it passes soon. I hate to see them at each other’s throats.
ANDREW: Yeah. (pause) I’ll go and find Asta. You head back and see how Pike is doing.
XANDER: You sure?
ANDREW: I think it’s time for some slayer-watcher time. We’ll be fine.
XANDER: Ok. Call me if you need me.
#########################################
~LATER~
When Andrew found Asta, she was sitting on a bench in a small park next to the hospital. Andrew cleared his throat as he took a seat beside Asta.
ASTA: I don’t want to talk, Andrew.
ANDREW: You just did.
Asta rolled her eyes. They sat in silence for a few minutes before the slayer spoke up again.
ASTA: I screwed up, didn’t I?
ANDREW: No.
ASTA: You don’t have to make me feel better, Andrew.
ANDREW: Ok. (pause) Yes, you did screw up. Badly actually. So badly that I think Tabitha might just kill you if she sees you again. In fact –
ASTA: Ok, you can stop now.
ANDREW: Just doing what you asked.
ASTA: I didn’t know this would happen. I didn’t know Pike would get in a fight or that he was too sick to fight. I just didn’t know.
ANDREW: How can you.
ASTA: Exactly. How am I to know? It’s not like Pike would tell us that he’s really sick or that he couldn’t get into a fight. This is Pike we are talking about. He’s all macho and man-like. One sign of weakness and he would think he’s some sort of Star Wars geek who can’t even kill a fly.
ANDREW: Hey!
ASTA: What?
ANDREW: Don’t diss Star Wars geeks. And they can kill flies. If they are able to almost kill a Slayer, they surely can kill flies.
ASTA: Yeah, well, try telling Pike that. So it’s not my fault right? Surely, Tabitha can see that.
ANDREW: Not really. I mean, you did promise Tabitha that you would keep an eye on her brother. And also, Pike – her only family that she doesn’t hate and genuinely loves – nearly died today. If I were her, I wouldn’t be able to see logic or common sense if it bit me in the ass!
Asta cracked a smile.
ASTA: I guess. Do you think Tabitha will talk to me again?
ANDREW: Maybe.
ASTA: Do you think she will forgive me?
ANDREW: Maybe. She was pretty mad. I have never seen her like that before.
ASTA: Yeah. Hell hath no fury like a woman whose brother ends up in a hospital.
Silence.
ASTA: I am sorry, you know.
ANDREW: I know.
ASTA: I hope Tabitha knows.
ANDREW: That I can’t guarantee.
ASTA: Argh! Can't I ever do anything right? It seems like everything I do, someone gets hurt! Maybe I should have left Hades Valley with my Dad. I might not be safer away from you guys but you will definitely be safer without me.
ANDREW: Not true. You saved my life remember? And then you defeated Dana, who was so keen on killing us. And technically, Pike got hurt because you weren’t around.
ASTA: Maybe you’re right. But I just feel like everything I’m doing is wrong. Like I’m this big, walking, wrong…thing.
ANDREW: Trust me. You are doing the very best you can under the circumstances. I’m really proud of you, Asta.
Asta smiled.
ASTA: Thanks.
ANDREW: But…I do think that you seem a little out of your element.
Asta didn’t reply as she stared out at the large expense of grass before them.
ANDREW: Where did you go?
Asta looked down at her hands.
ASTA: (softly) I don’t know. I honestly don’t know and…I don’t think I know how to get back.
ANDREW: I hope it was important – that thing you had to do. I hope it was really important.
ASTA: It was. But now…it doesn’t mean a thing.
WOMAN: Slayer.
Asta looked up and blinked in surprise when she saw a tall, well-built woman dressed in a dark tank top and army pants standing in front of her.
ASTA: Do I know you?
ANDREW: Clearly she knows you.
The woman’s hand shot out and grabbed Andrew by the throat. She lifted him off the bench.
WOMAN: Leave us.
ASTA: Hey!
Asta was about to pounce on the woman when the woman’s free hand hit Asta across her face hard. So hard that Asta flipped and fell to the ground. With a flick of her hand, the woman tossed Andrew aside. She went up to Asta. Slipping a hand into one of the pockets, she pulled out a blue stone.
ANDREW: Asta! Get away from the stone! No matter what, don’t let it touch you!
Asta gingerly got to her feet and faced the other woman.
ASTA: Who is she?
Asta didn’t hear Andrew’s reply as she blocked the woman’s fist and spun away before the woman could strike Asta with her other hand. Asta took out a stake from her jacket pocket.
ASTA: Andrew?
ANDREW: I’m fine!
The two females circled each other. They warily eyed one another, looking for a weak spot.
ANDREW: Hey!
The woman’s eyes flickered to Andrew for a moment and Asta took that opportunity to jump at her. The woman’s face registered surprise when she saw the Slayer flying towards her. However, she was too slow to move away. Instead, she braced herself, caught Asta and used Asta’s momentum to throw her overhead.
Asta cried out in alarm as she felt herself being thrown by the woman. She crashed into the park bench, breaking it into pieces.
ASTA: Ow.
A moment later, Asta heard the sound of fighting. Looking over her shoulder, she saw her Watcher trying to put in some punches. None of them connected with the woman as she easily blocked and ducked Andrew’s blows. A look of boredom passed the woman’s features.
Scrambling to her feet, Asta grabbed a broken piece of wood and swung it hard against the woman’s head. Instead of her head getting smashed in like Asta expected, the wooden plank broke into pieces instead.
Asta and Andrew stared at the woman in horror.
The woman turned and smacked Asta across her face causing Asta to fly back a few meters. The woman walked towards her. Asta caught sight of a flash of blue in her hands.
Asta flipped to her feet and dropped into a fighting stance. As soon as the woman was in distance, Asta whirled round and kicked at her hand. The blue rock went flying away from the woman. Looking surprise, Asta took this chance to put in a punch. The punch connected across the woman’s temple and she staggered back but she stayed on her feet.
ASTA: She doesn’t die! What the hell is she?
Andrew leapt onto the back of the woman and wrapped both of his arms around her neck. Asta looked around for a weapon. Then an idea dawned on the slayer. Asta dug into one of the pockets of her jeans and yanked out her pocket knife. She flipped out the blade and sprinted towards Andrew and the woman.
When the blond female was facing her, Asta leaned in and swiped the blade at her abdomen. The blade ripped away cloth and flesh. Before Asta could put in another blow, the wound started to close up before her eyes.
Asta looked at the now healed flesh in horror.
ASTA: She’s invincible!
The woman reached behind her and grabbed hold of Andrew’s neck. With a grunt, she tossed him over her head and Andrew landed right in front of Asta’s feet. Andrew scrambled to his feet with Asta’s help and faced the blond female.
Andrew smiled nervously.
ANDREW: Right. I think it’s time to run.
Andrew grabbed his slayer’s hand and started running towards the hospital building. As Asta let Andrew drag her out of the park, she looked at the woman, who just stood there and watched them run away. She didn’t even try to run after them.
ASTA: She’s not coming after us.
Andrew gave Asta a tight smile.
ANDREW: Yay us.
ASTA: Why isn’t she coming after us?
ANDREW: Do you really want to know? Just be glad that she isn’t. She’ll cream us if she catches up.
ASTA: Who is she?
ANDREW: I don’t know. But I think I know what she wants. I recognized the blue rock that she had.
ASTA: What does she want?
ANDREW: Your soul.
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Post by shred on May 8, 2007 16:12:15 GMT 10
ACT 3
~HOSPITAL~
Tabitha stood beside Pike’s bed. Her brother was sleeping soundlessly after his surgery. She stroked his hair as she watched him. Xander, who was talking to Pike’s doctor outside, came into the room.
XANDER: How is he?
TABITHA: He’s asleep and he doesn’t look like he’s in pain. His fever has gone down though so that’s good. What did the doctor say?
XANDER: He said the surgery went well. The bleeding came from his spleen and he had a couple of cracked ribs. He’s all patched up and good to go but after a week of bed rest.
TABITHA: Good.
Xander cleared his throat as he came closer to Pike’s bed.
XANDER: You know, just now with Asta –
The door of the room burst open and Andrew and Asta came running in.
ANDREW: Guys! We got trouble.
Tabitha and Xander looked at them in alarm.
XANDER: What happened?
ASTA: This chick came out of nowhere and came after us.
ANDREW: I think it’s the hunter that Giles was telling us about.
ASTA: Hunter?
XANDER: Are you guys ok? Did she say what she wanted?
ANDREW: Yes and no. But I think I have an idea how she killed those slayers.
ASTA: She kills slayers?!
ANDREW: I saw her holding this blue stone and I remember reading about it. That blue stone takes away the soul from a living being. The soul is stored in that stone. Once the stone is ‘full’, its colour turns into white.
TABITHA: So she’s after souls of a slayer?
ANDREW: I think so.
XANDER: Why does she want slayer souls for?
ANDREW: Well, I’ve heard about people collecting souls so that they can live longer. But maybe collecting slayer souls serves the same purpose or maybe – seeing how the soul of a slayer is slightly different – something else entirely more powerful.
TABITHA: Different how?
XANDER: It’s a long story. The short version – slayers have demon in them.
ASTA: Guys! What the hell is going on?
Xander looked at Andrew before turning his eyes to Asta.
XANDER: Giles called earlier and told us that someone is going around killing slayers.
ANDREW: He believes you’re next.
ASTA: Someone is after me? My soul?
XANDER: Yes.
ASTA: Why didn’t you guys tell me about this? Or were you ever going to tell me at all?
XANDER: We wanted to but you’ve been so through so much the last few weeks…
ANDREW: We didn’t think that it was best to tell you.
ASTA: Why? Because you don’t think I can handle it?
XANDER: No. We just wanted to make sure that this hunter was really after you. We didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily.
ASTA: But you could have said something. Give me a warning so that I wouldn’t be so caught off guard when some blond chick attacks me.
Tabitha turned to Asta. Her eyes cold.
TABITHA: Guess we are even now.
#########################################
~BAR NONE~
~Later~
David’s eyes lit up when he saw a familiar face striding towards the bar counter and sliding into the seat across from him.
DAVID: Asta. I’m surprise to see you here.
ASTA: Hey David.
DAVID: Tabitha with you?
ASTA: No. She’s at the hospital.
DAVID: (frowned) Hospital? She ok?
ASTA: Yeah. It’s Pike. He’s really sick.
DAVID: Oh thank goodness. (pause) I mean thank goodness that it’s not Tabby who is in the hospital but bummer about Pike.
Asta laughed.
ASTA: You’re such a bad liar, David.
David grinned and shrugged.
DAVID: So you definitely don’t look like you’re having the best day. I heard your Dad came to town. I hope the visit wasn’t too traumatizing.
ASTA: I won’t know until in a few years time.
DAVID: Well, I hope I can make this better. I would offer you alcohol and take the pain away for a few hours but you’re underage so the next best thing I can do is offer you some cool and refreshing Coke.
He went off to get a glass and then set it before Asta. He cracked open a can and poured it into the glass.
DAVID: On the house.
ASTA: Thanks.
DAVID: I can throw in some fries if you’re interested.
ASTA: The Coke is fine.
DAVID: Ok. If you need anything else, let me know.
Asta nodded her thanks and David turned to a customer beside her.
DAVID: What can I get you?
MAN: I’ll get whatever she’s having.
Asta glanced over to the man beside her. The man was good looking and looked to be a few years older than her. He’s thick dark hair was messy in a stylish sort of way and he was dressed casually in jeans and t-shirt. From the way his t-shirt hugged his torso, he seemed well-built. His intense blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at her.
David set a glass of coke down in front of the young man and moved away to tend to other customers. The man peered into the glass and pouted.
MAN: Huh. I guess the drink looks more appealing when you’re having it.
Asta didn’t look amused.
ASTA: If that’s your way to sweep me off me feet, it’s not working.
MAN: No? Ok how about this?
He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat so that he was directly facing her.
MAN: I think I’ve seen you somewhere before.
ASTA: You have?
MAN: Yes. In my dreams.
He wiggled his eyebrows. It was supposed to come of as suggestive but instead it looked dorky. Asta couldn’t help but laugh.
ASTA: Where did you get that line from? ‘The Idiot’s Guide to Picking Up Girls”?
The man’s face fell.
MAN: No. ‘How to Look Like a Complete Fool in Front of a Pretty Girl for Dummies’.
ASTA: Well, in that case, it definitely worked.
The young man grinned and offered his hand.
MAN: I’m Gold. Sebastian Gold.
ASTA: How very James Bond. I’m Asta.
SEBASTIAN: No last name?
ASTA: Now why would you want to know my last name?
SEBASTIAN: Just in case you won’t give me your number so I have to look you up in the phonebook.
ASTA: Won’t work as I’m not listed. I’m not from Hades Valley.
SEBASTIAN: Really? Where are you from?
ASTA: New York.
SEBASTIAN: Wow. I’m flirting with a New York girl. Must be my lucky day. Can you make it even luckier and tell me that you would like to go out with me?
Asta smiled shyly, a blush colouring her cheeks.
SEBASTIAN: Come on. You know you want to.
He wiggled his eyebrows again causing Asta to burst into laughter. Then she felt someone’s hand on her shoulder.
Looking up, Asta saw Ashley beside her. He was intently studying Sebastian. Sebastian straightened.
ASHLEY: Asta.
ASTA: Hey, Ashley. What are you doing here?
ASHLEY: Looking for you actually.
He nodded towards Sebastian. His forehead furrowed just a little.
ASHLEY: New friend?
ASTA: Oh. Ashley this is Sebastian. Sebastian, Ashley.
Sebastian suddenly looked up at the ceiling and clasped his hands together.
SEBASTIAN: Brother. Please tell me that’s her brother.
Asta smiled and shook her head.
ASTA: No. Ashley is just a friend.
SEBASTIAN: Good enough for me.
ASHLEY: Asta, how about we go for a walk?
ASTA: But I haven’t finished my drink.
Ashley’s fingers tightened around Asta’s shoulder.
ASHLEY: Please?
ASTA: Erm…ok. (to Sebastian) I’m sorry, Sebastian, I have to go.
SEBASTIAN: Sure.
ASTA: Erm…I’ll see you around.
SEBASTIAN: And I’ll try to track you down and get that answer to my question.
Asta was about to reply when Ashley turned her away from Sebastian and led her out of the bar. Sebastian watched as the two of them left. Shaking his head, he turned back to his drink.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ASTA: What was that for?
ASHLEY: What was what for?
ASTA: Don’t act dumb, Ashley. Couldn’t you wait till I’ve finished my drink or at least say goodbye to Sebastian?
ASHLEY: Now why would you want to do that?
ASTA: Cause he’s my friend!
ASHLEY: But you just met him.
Asta rolled her eyes in frustration.
ASTA: What is the matter with you? I can’t talk to boys now?
ASHLEY: Of course you can.
ASTA: So what’s the problem?
ASHLEY: I just don’t think you should be flirting with strange men when you should be out there patrolling. Or at least, doing some training.
ASTA: I was not flirting! I was talking.
ASHLEY: Let’s not argue about this ok? Come on. Let’s head to the cemetery and put in some vampire-killing before –
ASTA: Look, Ashley, I had a long day so I think I’m going to call it a night. I wanna head home for some sleep so that I can put this day behind me.
ASHLEY: But –
ASTA: Goodnight, Ashley.
Asta took a step towards him, leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. Surprise registered on Ashley’s face.
ASTA: I’ll see you tomorrow.
Turning on her heels, Asta walked away. Ashley smiled, looking pleased. He turned and walked down the opposite direction, whistling.
#########################################
~NEXT DAY~
When Pike woke up, all he saw was a stained white wall. He blinked against the harsh sunlight and took a look around the place he was in. He immediately identified where he was. Turning to his right, he saw Tabitha curled up in a chair, asleep.
Without wanting to make too much noise, Pike slowly tried to sit up.
VOICE: Let me help.
Pike blinked in surprise when he saw Asta at his bedside.
PIKE: Hey. I didn’t hear you come in.
ASTA: I didn’t want to wake Tabitha.
Asta slipped her hands around Pike and helped him upright.
PIKE: Thanks. You mind getting me a glass of water? My throat hurts like hell.
ASTA: Sure.
Asta went to the sink, which was across from Pike’s bed and filled up a glass of water. He drained the glass in a few gulps.
PIKE: Was she here all night?
ASTA: Yup. Xander said she refused to go home until you woke up.
PIKE: That’s Tabby for you. Stubborn. It irritates me.
ASTA: She just wanted to make sure you’re ok. (pause) Are you ok?
PIKE: I feel fine – if I forget the fact that I feel nauseous and the sharp pain in my stomach and chest.
He lifted the shirt of his hideous hospital pyjamas, revealing his bandage abdomen.
PIKE: Was I in surgery?
ASTA: Yeah. You had some internal bleeding. And you have chest pains because you cracked two of your ribs.
PIKE: Must have been a hell of a fight.
ASTA: It was the flu. Your body was too weak to fight back.
PIKE: I’m going to get an earful from big sis, that’s for sure.
ASTA: It wasn’t your fault. If I didn’t leave, you would have been fine.
PIKE: You don’t know that. If you didn’t leave, do you think I wouldn’t have gotten into a fight at all?
ASTA: Erm…no.
PIKE: Exactly. Flu or no flu, I will still fight and nobody could have stopped me. The stubbornness runs in the family, Asta. Tabby has it and so do I. So really, it wasn’t your fault.
TABITHA: Oliver?
PIKE: Hey, sis. Guess I'll be hearing that “I told you so” over the PA system huh?
Tabitha stood up and came over to Pike.
TABITHA: Of course! God, Oliver, I was so worried!
PIKE: I’m fine.
Tabitha dropped a kiss on her brother’s forehead.
TABITHA: The doctor said bed rest for a week and I’ll do whatever I have to do to make sure that happens.
PIKE: One week?
ASTA: You can watch Oprah.
Tabitha looked at Asta, as if suddenly realizing that she was there.
TABITHA: What are you doing here?
ASTA: I…I just wanted to see whether Pike was ok.
TABITHA: He’s ok. You can leave now.
PIKE: Tabby. Don’t.
TABITHA: Oliver, she nearly got you killed!
PIKE: Tabby, you know very well that I would have ended up in the hospital if you were there with me that night. So don’t punish Asta for my mistake.
Tabitha stayed silent. She took the glass from Pike and set it aside. She barely glanced at Asta as she spoke.
TABITHA: Asta, I think you should leave now. We don’t need you here anymore.
Asta looked surprised at Tabitha’s words. She turned to Pike.
PIKE: You better go. I’ll see you later.
ASTA: Ok. Take care.
Asta took Pike’s hand and gave it a squeeze before whirling round and heading towards the exit. Asta threw open the door of the room and froze when the woman from last night stood blocking her way.
ASTA: Oh –
The woman grabbed Asta and threw her back into the room. The slayer skidded across the linoleum floor and hit the wall across the room hard, denting it.
The blond woman sauntered into the room. She didn’t even acknowledge Pike or Tabitha as she went towards the fallen slayer.
PIKE: What the hell? Who’s she?
Tabitha didn’t respond. Instead, she mumbled something under a breath and a green, shimmering, translucent bubble popped and covered the two of them.
PIKE: What are you doing?
TABITHA: It’s a shield. It will protect us.
PIKE: What about Asta?
The woman grabbed Asta by the throat and lifted her off the ground.
PIKE: Tabby, we can’t just stay here and not help her. Do something.
TABITHA: I’m not leaving your side.
PIKE: Damn it, Tabby, Asta will die if you don’t do something.
TABITHA: And you will if I do!
PIKE: Not if you keep that woman distracted. At least put up a shield around Asta!
Pinning Asta to the wall, the woman reached into her pocket and pulled out a blue stone. She brought the stone to Asta’s forehead.
Pike grabbed Tabitha’s arm and pulled her close to him.
PIKE: If you don’t help her, I won’t forgive you for killing Asta. I mean it.
Tabitha stared at her brother, hesitating.
PIKE: Help her, Tabitha.
Tabitha looked away from Pike and nodded. She mumbled something Pike couldn’t understand and the green shield fell away. Tabitha rushed towards Asta and the woman.
TABITHA: Hey!
The woman snapped her head towards Tabitha, the blue stone hovering a few inches away from Asta’s forehead.
TABITHA: Don’t you want my soul as well?
ASTA: Tabby, no!
The woman smiled. She turned back to Asta and placed the stone in the middle of Asta’s forehead. The stone glowed and attached itself to her forehead. Tabitha ran to the woman, wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled her away from Asta. The two women fell back and started wrestling on the ground.
Asta slide to the ground, looking dazed. Then the stone on her forehead glowed brighter and a second later engulfed the slayer in blue light.
Asta screamed and shook as the stone did its work. The light grew intensely bright, causing Tabitha and the woman to stop their fighting and to shield their eyes. Then the stone exploded. The force of the explosion tossed the two women across the room and pushed Pike out of his bed.
When the dust settled, no one moved.
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Post by shred on May 8, 2007 16:13:02 GMT 10
ACT 4
The explosion in the hospital caused an alarm to run through the whole building. Xander and Andrew looked on in confusion when they saw doctors and nurses and a few security personnel running towards the same direction.
ANDREW: What’s going on?
XANDER: Let’s go and find out.
Following a pair of doctors, the two men were led towards the room where Pike was admitted in.
ANDREW: It’s Pike!
As Andrew and Xander got closer to Pike’s room, they saw a bustle of activity. The room was filled with smoke and it hard to see what was going on in there. Then three nurses and a doctor came rushing out of the room, pushing a gurney with them. On it was a struggling Tabitha.
TABITHA: I said I’m fine! Can you please check on my brother and my friend?!
XANDER: Tabitha! What happened?
The nurses and the doctor pushed the gurney a few feet away from the room and started checking Tabitha for any injuries. Tabitha pushed them away and sat up.
TABITHA: I’m fine!
DOCTOR: Are you sure?
TABITHA: Yes! Can you please go and check on my brother now?
The doctor nodded and he gestured for the nurses to follow him back into the room. Andrew and Xander went up to Tabitha.
ANDREW: What happened?
TABITHA: There was an explosion.
ANDREW: A bomb?
TABITHA: No. Honestly, I don’t know what caused the explosion. One minute was I was on the ground, wrestling a blond chick and the next, I heard this loud bang and everything went black.
XANDER: Blond chick? The hunter?
TABITHA: Maybe. Look, Asta and Pike are still inside. And I…I think the explosion came from Asta.
As if on cue, the commotion around the room rose. Turning, the three of them spotted a daze looking Asta walking out of the room shakily. There were cuts and scratches all over her face and blood was trickling down from various wounds. There was a doctor and a nurse beside her, trying to convince her to stay put so that they could check her injuries.
TABITHA: For a person who was near an explosion, she looks…
ANDREW: Fine.
Xander jogged up to Asta. He took the slayer by the shoulders and looked into her eyes.
XANDER: Asta? Can you hear me? Are you ok?
ASTA: Xander?
XANDER: It’s me. Are you hurt?
ASTA: I…I don’t know. There was an explosion…and something happened.
Asta met Xander’s gaze.
ASTA: I feel weird.
XANDER: Weird how? Are you in pain?
Asta shook her head. Then she frowned as she thought of something.
ASTA: That lady came for me again.
XANDER: Ok. Let’s sit down and you can tell me what happened.
Ignoring the doctors and nurses, Xander slowly led Asta to the stretcher that Tabitha was on. He made her sit down.
XANDER: Tell us what happened.
ASTA: That blond woman came…we got into a fight…then…I can’t remember.
TABITHA: She took out a stone – a blue stone.
ANDREW: The one that rips a soul out of a body?
TABITHA: Yeah. And she used it on Asta.
ANDREW: What? That can’t be right? She should be dead if the stone was used.
TABITHA: I know it worked, Andrew. I saw it. Then the explosion happened.
XANDER: If the stone worked and the stone took Asta’s soul…
ANDREW: Then why aren’t you dead?
Asta stared at them, speechless.
#########################################
~HOUSE~
~Living Room~
~later~
After making sure Tabitha, Asta and Pike were not hurt, Xander, Andrew, Tabitha and Asta headed home to do research on the blond female hunter.
An hour has passed and the 4 of them were in the living room among books, papers and empty coffee mugs.
Xander groaned as he slumped into the couch.
XANDER: This is useless. We have so much information on the stone but none on the blond.
ANDREW: Is that what we are calling her now? The Blond?
XANDER: Better than anything else that I have in mind.
TABITHA: Maybe we should change our objective a little here.
ANDREW: What do you mean?
TABITHA: Well, since we can’t find anything about this blond woman. Maybe we should focus our research on why the stone didn’t work on Asta.
Asta tossed the book she was flipping through on the coffee and stood up. She started pacing.
ASTA: Can we just settle on being glad that I’m alive?
TABITHA: If we find out why the stone didn’t work on you maybe we can make the stone not work for all the other slayers that The Blond targets.
ANDREW: And once The Blond stops getting souls, she’ll stop getting the power that she needs to survive. According to this, one would gain immortality and invincibility by absorbing the soul of a slayer.
XANDER: We stop The Blond from getting the souls, she can be killed?
ANDREW: Technically, yes. Unless she’s some sort of demon that can’t be killed.
XANDER: Ok. So do you have any idea why the stone didn’t work? Was there something wrong with the stone?
ASTA: Maybe there’s something wrong with me.
XANDER: Asta…
ASTA: Oh come on! I know you were thinking it. It’s either the stone or me. And who wants to bet that majority here are thinking that it’s me.
TABITHA: Ok, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. We don’t have evidence that it was you, Asta. So until we do, let’s just think that it’s the stone’s fault.
Asta looked agitated as she continued her pacing.
XANDER: Ok, so let’s reread the books that have information on the stone. Let’s see if there’s anything that tells us what makes the stones go all wonky.
ASTA: I have to go.
The three of them looked at Asta, puzzled.
XANDER: Go? Where?
ASTA: I don’t know. Anywhere. I can’t sit here and wait for you to tell me that it’s me that made the stone go all wonky. I just…can’t.
XANDER: But you don’t know that it’s true.
ASTA: Yeah? But it sure feels like it is.
TABITHA: Maybe it’s a good thing. I mean, if it is you that destroyed the stone, maybe you have some sort of…I don’t know…good power?
Asta raised her eyebrows skeptically.
TABITHA: No?
ASTA: No. After the dreams that I’ve been having, it’s hard for me to believe that I have good powers. Just call me if you find a way to kill this chick. I need to go…I need some air.
Xander stood up to go after the slayer when Tabitha placed a hand on his arm.
TABITHA: Let her go. She’ll probably drive herself nuts if she stays here anyway.
ANDREW: You two friends now?
Tabitha sighed as she picked up another book.
TABITHA: No…Yes…I don’t know.
XANDER: Colour me confused.
TABITHA: It’s just that something happened before the blast and I…don’t want to talk about it.
ANDREW: Tease!
TABITHA: Let’s just say that we are even now ok? Now can we get back to work?
#########################################
~LATER~
VOICE: I knew my aimless wandering around would be fruitful.
Asta looked up and smiled when she saw Sebastian strolling towards her.
ASTA: Hey.
SEBASTIAN: Hey back.
ASTA: You are out late.
SEBASTIAN: I could say the same for you.
ASTA: I just needed some air.
SEBASTIAN: And I need to walk off that glass of coke. Being on a sugar high and trapped in a crowded bar does not do good to a man.
ASTA: So you heading home now?
SEBASTIAN: I was until I bumped into this beautiful girl. Then I thought maybe I should hang around her for awhile.
ASTA: Don’t you think this beautiful girl might find it weird to have a strange man hanging around her?
SEBASTIAN: No, I don’t. You know why? Because this beautiful girl can’t resist my charms.
Asta laughed.
ASTA: You sure are a lady’s man.
Sebastian shrugged. The two of them started walking down the street together.
SEBASTIAN: I try.
They walked on in a comfortable silence.
SEBASTIAN: You know, my question isn’t answered yet.
ASTA: What question?
Sebastian grabbed his heart.
SEBASTIAN: See how fast she forgets our conversation! I guess that’s a no then. No you won’t go out with me.
Asta smiled sheepishly.
ASTA: Sorry. It’s just that so many things have been going on and –
SEBASTIAN: Hey, it’s alright. You don’t have to apologize. I know how to take a hint.
Asta was about to reply when a familiar figure on the other side of the street caught her attention. Asta stopped walking to take a better look. Her eyes weren’t deceiving her. It was The Blond. The woman turned the corner and disappeared.
SEBASTIAN: Asta?
ASTA: I…
SEBASTIAN: Yes?
ASTA: Have to go.
SEBASTIAN: You do?
ASTA: Yes. There’s something I have to do. I’ll talk to you later.
SEBASTIAN: Can I at least have your number?
ASTA: I have to go.
Asta broke into a jog.
SEBASTIAN: Can I give you my number?
She disappeared around the corner.
#########################################
~MONASTERY~
Asta followed The Blond until she stopped right in front of the monastery. She looked up at the building and studied it. A frown ceased her forehead.
Asta approached her as calmly as she could.
ASTA: That’s the Hellmouth – in case you’re wondering.
The Blond didn’t acknowledge Asta as she spoke.
WOMAN: I know. I could tell this town is different.
She faced Asta.
WOMAN: Just like you.
ASTA: As different as any Slayer could be.
A smiled formed on the woman’s lips. There was no warmth in it.
WOMAN: No. You’re different.
ASTA: Then that makes my soul extra special doesn’t it? Come and get it then.
The Blond’s smile disappeared. She looked angry.
WOMAN: Don’t mock me, Slayer. You don’t know who you are dealing with.
ASTA: Yeah, well, you don’t know who you are dealing with.
A flicker of surprise sparked in her eyes. Then Asta rushed her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HOUSE~
ANDREW: I think I found something.
Tabitha and Xander lifted their eyes from the book they were reading and paid attention to Andrew. Andrew was holding a few sheets of papers and was scanning the contents quickly.
ANDREW: I printed this off the net and…
TABITHA: And what?
ANDREW: And it says that there are many different types of those stones. Each of them functions differently.
TABITHA: Meaning?
ANDREW: Some of the stones takes away the souls of a human, some take away the souls of animals, some the souls of demons and some the souls of Slayers.
XANDER: Ok…so how is this helpful to us?
ANDREW: See, their function is specific so you can’t use a stone that takes the soul of a demon to take a soul of a slayer. If that happens, there would be a strain on the mystical energy in the stone and it causes an upsurge.
Tabitha’s eyes widened as she connected the dots.
TABITHA: An explosion.
XANDER: So it wasn’t the stone that caused the blast.
ANDREW: (grimly) No. It’s not the stone.
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~OUTSIDE THE MONASTERY~
Asta let out a cry as she was flung against the large heavy doors of the monastery. The blond woman strolled up the stairs and went up to Asta as the Slayer slowly picked herself up.
In one fluid motion, Asta whipped out her pocket knife, blade out, and swung at the woman. The blade slashed across the woman’s chest and the blond hissed in response.
ASTA: It might not kill you but at least it hurts.
Asta swung the blade again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HOUSE~
TABITHA: So if it’s not the stone that caused the explosion. What did?
ANDREW: That only leaves one possible thing.
XANDER: Asta
TABITHA: But how would she have caused the blast? Andrew, you said it yourself. The explosion will only happen if that stone wasn’t doing what it was supposed to be doing. But it was. It was trying to take the soul of a slayer.
Andrew looked grim as he set the papers he was holding down on the table in front of him.
ANDREW: Maybe it wasn’t taking the soul of a slayer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~OUTSIDE THE MONASTERY~
The woman had Asta by the throat and she slammed the Slayer against the door of the monastery. The force of the impact caused Asta to drop her knife. The wounds on the blond woman’s face healed as quickly as she got them.
Asta struggled against her grip but the woman tightened her hand around Asta’s neck. Asta’s hand flew up to her neck and started clawing at the woman’s fingers.
WOMAN: You are different but you sure fight just like a Slayer. Weak.
ASTA: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
The woman barked out a laugh.
WOMAN: Silly, Slayer. You don’t know what you are, do you?
ASTA: I –
MATTHIAS: Do you know how special you are, my dear?
ASTA: I do. I’m a slayer.
MATTHIAS: No, no, no. You’re not just a slayer. You’re different. So different that a mere vampire like me can tell you’re special.
The woman smiled when she saw Asta finally understanding what she was saying. Fear filled Asta’s eyes.
ASTA: No.
WOMAN: Yes.
ASTA: Who am I?
WOMAN: Not ‘who’, Slayer. What. What are you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HOUSE~
XANDER: Whoa! What are you trying to say, Andrew?
ANDREW: I’m saying that maybe the stone wasn’t taking out a soul of a slayer when it was on Asta. And this can only mean one thing.
The young Watcher paused for a moment as he regarded Xander and then Tabitha.
ANDREW: Asta doesn’t have a soul of a slayer but of something else.
CUT TO BLACK
END CREDITS
Written by
Irene Issac
Story Editor
Beck Schwarz
Special Thanks To
Everyone and anyone who helped in making this episode a success
A BECK TO SHREDS production. © 2007 Irene Issac[/i]
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Post by shred on May 8, 2007 16:14:18 GMT 10
Feedback, reviews, comments and suggestions are to be left in my feedback thread. Be sure to check out the Episode Trivia thread too! Thanks for reading.  |
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