ASTA Episode 1.17 "What Goes Around"

[shred]

TEASER

~RANDOM BAR~
~Night~

ASHLEY: (v.o) So here’s the deal.

Asta kicked the door of a seedy looking bar. The wooden door shattered and ripped from its hinges. The patrons in the bar froze, their gaze being drawn to Asta.

ASHLEY: (v.o) There’s a bar in Hades Valley that nearly no one knows about. Unless you’re a creature of the underworld.

ASTA: (v.o) What kind of bar is it?

Asta studied the patrons before her. She spotted a handful of vampires, a few familiar demons and many unfamiliar ones. She took a step forward, raising her axe.

ASHLEY: (v.o) It’s a bar where demons, vampires and creatures of the night go to. I’m not sure what they do there. Probably exchange information or trade secrets.

ASTA: (v.o) Secrets?

ASHLEY: (v.o) Yes, secrets. Probably secrets like the quickest way to destroy a world. Or the best torture method to inflict on a human.

ASTA: (v.o) And the information?

ASHLEY: (v.o) Also something along those lines.

BARTENDER: What do you want Slayer? You know we don’t bring any trouble.

Asta smirked.

ASTA: Like I believe you.

The bartender’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw more people behind Asta. Xander, Tabitha, Andrew and Pike stood behind her. They had various weapons in their hands and they eyed the demons warily.

PIKE: This the place?

ASTA: Yup.

ASHLEY: (v.o) They might not raise any suspicion but trust me…

TABITHA: You sure you’re friend knows what he’s saying? Cause this place looks harmless.

ASHLEY: (v.o) That’s how they want to look, especially to someone like you and your friends, so that they won’t get killed. But you should know better.

ASTA: You should now better, Tabby. These demons are nothing but trouble.

BARTENDER: Now, Slayer, don’t go telling your friends things that aren’t true.

ASTA: I’m not.

Asta glanced over at her friends behind her.

ASTA: Ready?

ANDREW: Do we have a choice?

Xander and Pike moved past Asta and headed towards a table full of vampires. Tabitha and Andrew headed towards a couple of unfamiliar demons. Asta went straight for the bartender and the demons sitting at the bar counter.

ASTA: (v.o) So that’s how it’s going to be from now on? You tell me where to find these demons and I’ll go and hunt them down?

ASHLEY: (v.o) Very much so. You see, there are many demons out there that are able to fly under your radar – but not mine. That’s why I’m here. To help you find these demons that goes by unseen by you and your friends.

ASTA: (v.o) And this is what I have to do? This is what a Saoshyant has to do?

ASHLEY: (v.o) Yes. Don’t worry, you’ll do a great job. I’ll make sure of it.

A few minutes later, Asta and her friends stood in the bar – the bodies of dead demon around them.


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
Mike Erwin as Sebastian Gold

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

END OF CREDITS

DISCLAIMER: ASTA is created by Irene (shred) and Beck (Radient Evil). All original characters belong to us and us alone. All the other characters and the slayverse, however, belong to Joss Whedon and we are just borrowing them. If you want to use this series or any of the original characters, ask and you shall receive. This series is set during the 5th season of ANGEL.

[shred]

ACT 1

~HOUSE~
~Morning~
~kitchen~

Andrew trudged into the kitchen, groaning.

ANDREW: I am so tired.

He flopped down into of the chairs at the dining table and slumped onto the table. Asta, who was sitting across from him, placed an empty plate beside Andrew’s head.

ASTA: Have some breakfast. It would perk you up.

ANDREW: I don’t think anything can perk me up right now.

Sebastian set a cup of steaming coffee on the table before going back to the stove.

SEBASTIAN: Coffee?

Andrew lifted his head, starting at Sebastian in surprise.

ANDREW: What are you doing here?

ASTA: Sebastian wanted to cook breakfast for us.

ANDREW: (to Sebastian) You know I hate you right? With what you did with the spell. With making me kiss Tabitha and…

Andrew shuddered visibly, making a face.

ASTA: Andrew…

SEBASTIAN: That’s alright, Asta. He has every right to hate me. (to Andrew) I know you hate me. That’s why I’m here. To make it up to you guys.

Andrew’s head dropped back to the table.

ANDREW: It’s a little bit to late for that.

Asta patted the top of the Watcher’s head.

ASTA: Cut him some slack, Andrew. He made a mistake and he’s sorry. If you were in his shoes, you would definitely want people to give you a second chance right?

ANDREW: If he cooks me eggs and a lots of bacon, he might be forgiven.

SEBASTIAN: What if I add in some pancakes instead?

Andrew brightened.

ANDREW: You would be forgiven!

ASTA: Great! (to Sebastian) See, I told you my friends are the greatest.

Sebastian came up to the table and set down a plate stacked high with pancakes.

SEBASTIAN: And I can’t thank them enough.

He dropped a kiss on top of Asta’s head before returning to the stove. Asta took a couple of pancakes and dropped them to her plate. She drowned them in honey before digging. Andrew sat up straight and started helping himself to the pancakes.

ASTA: I’ve been thinking. I thought maybe we should go back to that bar again, see if er…

Asta turned to Sebastian who had his back to them. She lowered her voice as she continued.

ASTA: See if the, you know…

ANDREW: Bartenders?

ASTA: Yeah, bartenders. See if the…bartenders that got away last night came back.

ANDREW: You want us to go back? Today? Can we have a day off or something?

ASTA: No, we can’t. We need –

ANDREW: Asta, we have been running around Hades Valley the last three days looking for…erm…bartenders…and I’m tired. Very tired. And the others are too and I’m sure you are as well. We need rest to conserve our energy before going around town looking for…bartenders.

Sebastian came up to the dining table and set a plate piled high with bacon down on the table.

SEBASTIAN: Why are you looking for bartenders?

ANDREW: It’s a game that we are playing.

ASTA: Yeah…a game.

ANDREW: It’s called hide and go seek a bartender.

SEBASTIAN: Sounds like fun.

ANDREW: Trust me it isn’t. You can get killed.

Andrew looked pointedly at his Slayer.

ANDREW: And get very tired.

ASTA: It’s not a game you would be interested in, Sebastian.

ANDREW: All I’m saying is that we should take it easy now. It’s been a while since you’ve last trained…

Andrew caught Sebastian raising his eyebrows.

ANDREW: …To find bartenders. You might be losing your touch.

Asta scoffed as she filled her mouth with a forkful of eggs and bacon.

ASTA: I’m not losing my touch. I don’t think I’ll ever lose my touch as I’m training so much nowadays.

ANDREW: (frowning) You are?

Asta looked at Andrew and blinked.

ASTA: Well…er…yeah…I mean…I consider us catching those many bartenders throughout the last three days as training. It’s not like I’m sitting around the house and slacking. I’m doing something. I’m still hunting…bartenders.

Sebastian smiled and sat down beside Asta.

SEBASTIAN: Guys, you don’t have to talk in codes around me.

ASTA & ANDREW: We do.

ASTA: It’s not something you want to know about anyway.

Asta leaned to her right and pecked Sebastian on his cheek. He shrugged.

SEBASTIAN: If you say so.

TABITHA: Now you know how I felt.

Asta, Andrew and Sebastian looked up as Tabitha walked into the room, dressed in a cream colour suit.

TABITHA: Hey Sebastian.

SEBASTIAN: Morning to you too, Tabitha. Going somewhere?

TABITHA: Yup, work. Boss asked me to come in early today.

SEBASTIAN: Big case?

TABITHA: I don’t know. He was being all cryptic. I thought I just come into office without any questions.

ANDREW: Maybe you’re getting promoted.

TABITHA: Looking at my track record? I highly doubt that.

SEBASTIAN: You’re office is in town right? I’m heading that way later. I can give you a lift if you want.

TABITHA: That’s really nice of you but no thanks. David is giving me a lift.

ASTA: David is here?

Tabitha nodded as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

TABITHA: Yup. He’s upstairs getting a shower.

ASTA: I didn’t hear him come in last night.

ANDREW: Me either. I must have been too tired to hear anything. Maybe you were too, Asta. Maybe you were too tired as well to hear David come in.

Asta rolled her eyes. Tabitha looked at the Watcher and Slayer curiously.

TABITHA: Am I missing something here?

SEBASTIAN: Asta wants to go and hunt bartenders tonight but Andrew wants a night off. He says he’s really tired from hunting bartenders for three nights in a row.

Tabitha blinked, not sure how to respond.

TABITHA: Oook. Maybe you should give Andrew a night off, Asta. He looks really tired…from hunting all that…bartenders.

Asta sighed in defeat.

ASTA: Fine. I’ll do it alone then. Maybe there won’t be many bartenders out there.

TABITHA: Maybe.

She glanced at her watch before draining her coffee.

TABITHA: I have to go or I’ll be late. I’ll see you guys later. Thanks for breakfast Sebastian.

SEBASTIAN: Am I forgiven yet?

Instead of replying, Tabitha gave him a wink and a wave before exiting the kitchen.

SEBASTIAN: Was that a yes?

ASTA: I hope not. I want you to make us breakfast every morning.

Sebastian smiled as he waved a forkful of pancakes in front of her.

SEBASTIAN: Hmm…well, maybe we can arrange something out.

Asta gobbled up the pancakes before Sebastian could pull the fork away.

ASTA: You are probably the greatest breakfast cooker I have ever met.

SEBASTIAN: Breakfast cooker huh? Wait till I make lunch.

Sebastian leaned forward and nuzzled the back of Asta’s ear. She giggled while Andrew rolled his eyes. The young Watcher cleared his throat loudly.

ANDREW: So where did you learn how to cook like this?

Sebastian pulled away from Asta and looked at Andrew. He draped an arm around her shoulder.

SEBASTIAN: I’m the oldest in the family and I had to learn in order to feed everyone in the house.

ASTA: What about your mom?

Sebastian looked away as he reached for his coffee. Before Asta could push him further, Xander came into the kitchen.

XANDER: Looks like this is where the party is. Sebastian! What are you doing here?

ASTA: He made breakfast. You should try the eggs. They are really good.

XANDER: Breakfast huh? What’s the occasion?

SEBASTIAN: No occasion. Just thought I come and buy your forgiveness with eggs and bacon

XANDER: Well, Sebastian, my forgiveness is not for sale. (pause) Unless you have waffles.

He took a quick look around the room.

XANDER: I don’t see any waffles.

ASTA: Xander…

XANDER: I’m just kidding.

ASTA: You could just be nice and say thank you for the wonderful breakfast, you know.

Xander came up to Sebastian and stood behind him. He clapped Sebastian’s shoulder.

XANDER: Thank you, Sebastian, for this wonderful food you have put on this table. We all appreciate it. I don’t know what we would do without the eggs and bacon.

SEBASTIAN: You’re welcome.

Xander raised an eyebrow at Asta.

XANDER: Was that nice enough?

VOICE: Touchy much?

Xander looked up as Pike sauntered into the kitchen and headed towards one of the top cupboard. He patted Xander on the shoulder on the way.

XANDER: I wasn’t being touchy.

PIKE: Ok. Sarcastic much?

SEBASTIAN: Ok, I think I’m going to go.

Sebastian started to stand but Asta grabbed his hand before he could move.

ASTA: What? No, don’t! Xander was just fooling around.

SEBASTIAN: It’s alright. Besides, I have to go anyway. Even though it’s the weekends, I still have some errands to run.

ASTA: You sure you don’t want to stay?

SEBASTIAN: It’s alright. Really.

ASTA: Ok.

SEBASTIAN: Maybe we’ll do dinner later.

ASTA: Ok. Call me.

Sebastian smiled.

SEBASTIAN: Always.

He leaned forward and the two met for a quick kiss.

SEBASTIAN: I’ll see you later.

He nodded his goodbye to the rest of the men before quickly exiting the kitchen. As soon as Sebastian was gone, Asta whipped around in her seat and glared at Xander.

XANDER: What? It’s not my fault he has errands to run.

ASTA: You could have been nicer, Xander.

XANDER: I was!

ASTA: He even cooked for us breakfast and he’s really sorry for the spell. What more do you want?

Before Xander could defend himself, Asta got up angrily and stalked out of the kitchen. Xander stared after the slayer in confusion. He then turned to Andrew and Pike.

XANDER: What did I do?

PIKE: Seriously, dude, you got to get over it.

Pike took a bowl filled with cereal and sat down beside Andrew at the dining table.

XANDER: What are you talking about? There’s nothing I need to get over.

PIKE: I’m talking about the spell. We all got over it, Xander. You should do the same and cut him some slack.

ANDREW: He makes really good breakfast. He might do this again if you keep chasing him out of the kitchen like that.

Xander rolled his eyes as he sat down across from Andrew and Pike.

XANDER: Look, I’m over the spell.

PIKE: Then why are you giving that guy a tough time?

XANDER: I don’t know. I just…don’t like him.

PIKE: Yeah, well, I’m not so thrilled about him hanging out with Asta either.

XANDER: You’re not?

PIKE: He doesn’t know about Asta being a Slayer right?

ANDREW: He doesn’t. When Asta and I were talking about last night, we had to talk in codes. (giggling) Bartenders…

PIKE: Exactly. With him hanging around here, it’s hard to do our work.

XANDER: That’s why you don’t like him?

PIKE: I like that guy. But I don’t like him dating a Slayer. Especially since he doesn’t know what a slayer is.

ANDREW: Maybe we should tell him.

PIKE: And have another David around the house? I don’t think so.

ANDREW: It’s nice to have a couple of extra hands to help us. David helped us when Nivek got loose.

PIKE: What makes you think Sebastian would stay if we tell him about what we do? He might run. There aren’t many Davids out there. And thank god for that.

Andrew shrugged as he continued eating his breakfast.

ANDREW: Maybe it won’t even last long. They just started dating anyway.

PIKE: And isn’t it difficult for a Slayer to date, especially to a normal guy like Sebastian.

XANDER: I guess.

PIKE: Then Andrew might be right – it probably won’t last long.

ANDREW: Unless she tells him.

PIKE: And if he doesn’t run.

ANDREW: And if he doesn’t run.

He turned his attention to Xander.

PIKE: Just cut the guy some slack. Asta been through a lot and though I don’t like the idea of him dating her, it’s nice to see her smile once in awhile. She deserves whatever happiness she gets.

ANDREW: Yeah. She looks really happy whenever she’s with him.

PIKE: I don’t think you want to ruin that right? If you’re her friend and really care about her, you wouldn’t.

Xander ran a hand through his hair. He adjusted his eye patch as he sighed.

XANDER: No, I wouldn’t.

PIKE: So don’t chase him away.

Xander leaned back in his seat and smiled tightly.

XANDER: I’ll try not to.

ANDREW: You know, I never really thought of this, but what if he’s a bad guy? He could be pretending to like Asta and once she’s madly in love with him, he could kill her. Or kill us.

Pike looked at Andrew thoughtfully.

PIKE: You know, Mr. Watcher, you could be right.

XANDER: That’s ridiculous.

ANDREW: Yeah? You think he’s genuine?

XANDER: No. I just don’t believe that Asta could madly fall in love with him.

Pike grinned as he gazed at Xander. Xander purposely avoided his gaze.

ANDREW: Maybe. But you can never know. Stranger things have happened.

Xander shrugged. Pike continued to look at Xander, a small smile playing on his lips. He’s eyes sparkled knowingly.

PIKE: Like I said, get over it.

[shred]

ACT 2

~NIGHT~
~Unknown Bar~

When Asta walked into the demon bar that night, she found it deserted. The place, though trashed, didn’t have any dead demons littering its sticky floor. She cautiously walked further into the bar, surveying the place.

She spotted someone rummaging through the debris at the end of the bar. Asta recognized his profile immediately.

ASTA: Ashley?

Ashley glanced over his shoulder and smiled brightly.

ASHLEY: Asta! I was hoping you stop by.

Asta carefully made her way towards Ashley. The floor was covered with broken glass and furniture. Pools of dried blood formed in some areas.

ASTA: What are you doing here?

Ashley brushed his hands and took a look around the destroyed bar.

ASHLEY: Well, I heard that a group of humans came into the bar last night and completely trashed the place – killing nearly half of the patrons. Had to come and look for myself.

His smile grew even bigger. Pride shone from his eyes.

ASHLEY: You did good. I’m really proud of you, Asta.

Asta shrugged, trying to look as nonchalant as possible. But Ashley’s smile was contagious and she found herself returning it.

ASTA: I was just doing my job.

ASHLEY: And you did a fine job.

ASTA: What happened to the bodies?

ASHLEY: I don’t know. Their pals could have cleared the place up. What are you doing back here anyway?

ASTA: I just wanted to see if the ones who got away came up to tidy the place up. I must have missed them since the bodies are gone.

ASHLEY: I doubt they won’t come back again. Not yet anyway. They’ll probably lay low till you forget about them and then they will start rebuilding.

ASTA: Rebuilding?

ASHLEY: What, you think they would just let you destroy their bar like that and not rebuild?

ASTA: I thought maybe they got my message. I thought killing their friends sent out a pretty strong and clear message.

ASHLEY: Well, these demons are stubborn. It takes more than killing their friends to stop them from doing their dirty work.

ASTA: What do I have to do?

Ashley grinned. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, square, sliver lighter. He flicked it and a small flame danced at the tip.

ASHLEY: How about we give this a fiery end? Maybe then they’ll get the message.

All Asta could do was stare at the flame.

#########################################
~SLICK’S SHOP~

The shop was packed when Tabitha and Andrew entered around ten in the evening. The moment they entered the shop, all eyes turned to the two humans, checking them out. Their gaze didn’t leave the two of them as Tabitha and Andrew made their way to the counter. Slick was attending to a vampire when they came up to him.

As they waited for Slick to come to them, Tabitha took this moment to study the patrons in the shop. It didn’t look like their eyes have left Tabitha and Andrew since they came in.

TABITHA: Hmm…I’m definitely feeling the love.

ANDREW: Were they always this suspicious?

TABITHA: Not until now. Something big must have gone down.

ANDREW: I hope they don’t think that whatever went down is our fault. Cause the way they are looking at us? They think it’s our fault.

TABITHA: Just play it cool, Andy. We’ll be fine. Besides, if they decide to make us their meal, Slick will get us out of here.

ANDREW: That is if he doesn’t think it’s our fault.

TABITHA: Don’t worry. Slick is on our side.

SLICK: Guys!

Tabitha and Andrew turned towards the small demon who grinned at them.

SLICK: Well, well, well. It’s Tabitha and Watcher Man.

The demon took a step back and looked at the two humans from head to toe.

TABITHA: What are you doing, Slick?

SLICK: The love spell. Pike told me that the two of you fell in love. I’m trying to picture it because for the love of all things that is sane, I can’t picture the two of you doing it!

Tabitha rolled her eyes.

TABITHA: Very funny.

Slick placed his hands on the glass counter and leaned forward. He peered intently at Andrew.

SLICK: Was it fun? Being in love with Tabitha?

TABITHA: Slick!

SLICK: Well, was it?

TABITHA: You don’t have to answer that Andrew.

Andrew let out a breath, looking relieved.

ANDREW: Oh thank goodness.

Slick let out a laugh, shaking his head. He then nodded towards the other demons.

SLICK: So I see you notice the glares.

TABITHA: Yeah, we did. What’s up?

SLICK: Things are little bit tense in the demon world right now. And that’s just an understatement.

TABITHA: What do you mean?

SLICK: Well, it seems that quite recently a group of people have been going around Hades Valley and hunting demons. Just last night, a demon bar was raided. Only a handful survived.

Tabitha and Andrew exchanged surprise looks. Andrew opened his mouth to speak but Tabitha silenced him by placing a hand on his arm.

TABITHA: This bar, was it on Main?

SLICK: Yup. It’s the only demon bar that I know off that takes in both sides of the coin.

TABITHA: Meaning?

SLICK: There are a lot of demons in Hades Valley because of the Hellmouth. There are some good ones but most of them are the bad ones. The good stay under the radar so that you and your brother – and now the Slayer – would stay out of the way. The bad ones are the ones who make the trouble.

ANDREW: What are you getting at?

SLICK: See, the good and bad don’t mix. They stay out of each other’s way. But this bar is the only place where the good and bad mingle. Now that it’s destroyed –

TABITHA: There isn’t a common ground.

SLICK: Yup. And that makes the gang here nervous. The bar gives the demons a place to be demons. They put aside whatever evil plans they have for the day and just…hang out. The place that got hit before the bar was a warehouse. I didn’t think it was much since the warehouse was home to some mean vampires and a few random demons. But when the bar got hit, it just tells us that whoever did this doesn’t care if you’re good or bad. Just as long as you ain’t human.

TABITHA: Do you have any leads on who did this?

Andrew looked at Tabitha in surprise. She ignored him.

SLICK: No. But everyone is suspecting that it’s a group of humans. If it were demons, they would target a particular group – either good or bad. Humans are the ones that are prone in not knowing the difference.

TABITHA: That explains the stares.

SLICK: Don’t worry. I told these people that you and your friends won’t do anything stupid like that.

Andrew cleared his throat loudly. Tabitha shot him a look.

TABITHA: Well, we’ll keep an eye out for you.

Slick smiled, showing off his small, sliver teeth.

SLICK: Appreciate it.

TABITHA: So you called us saying that you have some information?

SLICK: I do. It’s your demon friend Ahriman. I found some really interesting information.

ANDREW: You did?

SLICK: Not out of the goodness of my heart but to satisfy my own curiosity.

ANDREW: What is it?

SLICK: It seems that Ahriman doesn’t work alone.

TABITHA: He has a partner?

SLICK: More like a right hand man. His name is Astwihad. Some text says that Astwihad is the dissolver of bones and was created by Ahriman to do his dirty work. Ahriman doesn’t like dirt on his hands you see.

ANDREW: Is this Astwihad a demon too? Like Ahriman.

SLICK: That I’m not sure of. I’ve looked around and it isn’t specific as to what Astwihad is. But some books mentioned that he’s a very powerful warlock. I have a picture of him. It was taken when he was first spotted back in the 1200s. I got a copy of it in the back.

TABITHA: Thanks, Slick.

Slick turned and disappeared into the back. Once he was out of earshot, Andrew turned to Tabitha, his face dark. He leaned forward and softly spoke to Tabitha, making sure that none of the demons around them were listening to their conversation.

ANDREW: What did you do that for? You know very well we were responsible for that bar.

TABITHA: I know. That’s why I didn’t say anything. We’ll get killed if we do.

ANDREW: But you act liked you didn’t know what happened to the bar!

TABITHA: Look around you, Andrew. These demons are tense and are looking for throats to rip out. If they get a sense or a whiff or an idea that we are responsible, we are not getting out of there alive.

Andrew straightened and took a quick look at the demons. They weren’t looking at them anymore but he was sure that the demons were watching their every move.

ANDREW: Do you think Asta knows? That the bar had harmless demons in it?

TABITHA: Honestly, I don’t know which is worse – whether she knew or she didn’t.

#########################################
~OUTSIDE OF BAR~

Asta watched in silence as the demon bar slowly burnt to the ground.

ASTA: Will this stop them?

ASHLEY: This is just the beginning, Asta. Demons come to Hades Valley all the time because of the Hellmouth. Your job doesn’t stop here.

ASTA: It’s never ending then.

ASHLEY: Not true. They would stop; the demons would stay away…eventually but not so soon.

ASTA: So what now?

ASHLEY: We continue to fight. We continue to make this town a safer place to live in by destroying all the demons.

ASTA: And when do I stop doing that?

ASHLEY: You’ll know when you’re at the end.

Asta tore her gaze from the burning bar and stared at the ground.

ASHLEY: You feel bad.

ASTA: I know I shouldn’t. They are demons – they kill, they murder, give children nightmares…but I can’t help feeling like I did something wrong.

ASHLEY: It’s human to feel that way. But I must tell you that you have to overcome this feeling soon. You have to if you want to succeed in what we are doing.

ASTA: What if I can’t?

ASHLEY: Don’t worry, Asta. You’ll get over the feeling soon enough.

Ashley turned away from the bar.

ASHLEY: Come. I have another job for you.

#########################################
~SLICK’S SHOP~

Slick reappeared from the back with a book in his hand. He slid it across the glass counter towards Tabitha and Andrew.

SLICK: Here he is.

The two of them peered at the book. A hand drawn photo of a man stared back at them. The drawing looked old and was not very clear as it was faded at some parts. The man in the picture looked to be in his late 30s and it was not anyone Andrew or Tabitha recognised.

TABITHA: Do you recognise him?

Andrew shook his head.

ANDREW: No. So far, it’s always been that demon.

TABITHA: That’s what we think. He could be the one who is responsible for the dreams.

SLICK: He is a warlock after all.

ANDREW: Maybe we should show this to Asta. See if she recognizes him.

TABITHA: (to Slick) Is this the form he’s always taken?

SLICK: Yup. Some say that’s how he really looks and that he never ages. But it’s all speculation.

TABITHA: Can we have the book? We’ll return it to you once we are done with it.

SLICK: Go ahead. Just don’t that too long with it. That’s my bedtime story.

TABITHA: Thanks a lot, Slick.

As Tabitha and Andrew turned to leave, Andrew leaned close once again.

ANDREW: So what now?

TABITHA: We need to have a talk with Asta. Ask her where she’s getting all this info. Maybe her source has a grudge against these demons.

ANDREW: It’s weird. We never heard of Asta having sources and now she suddenly says that she has one. Where did he or she come from?

TABITHA: Guess it’s time we found out.

The came up to the exit and before any of them could stepped out of the shop, the sliding wall burst open, throwing Tabitha, Andrew and a few demons who were around a few feet away from the wall.

Coughing hard, Tabitha and Andrew peered through the dust and saw a gaping hole in the wall. The dust around them finally settled and the two of them could clearly see who the cause of the hole was.

Asta stepped into the shop, studying the area before her.

TABITHA: Asta?

Tabitha quickly got to her feet and approached the Slayer. Asta looked at Tabitha briefly before eyeing the demons around them.

ASTA: Take Andrew and leave.

Andrew came up to the two women. Panic was written all over his face as he looked at the demons around him. They didn’t look happy and they were all staring at Asta, wondering what she would do next.

ANDREW: What’s going on, Asta?

They heard footsteps scuffling towards them. An angry looking Slick came up to the three humans.

SLICK: You better have a good explanation for this Slayer. I paid a lot of money to build that wall.

Asta shot a glare at Slick.

ASTA: I’m here to stop your business. I know what you do in here.

Slick scowled, rolling his eyes.

SLICK: Name me one person who doesn’t, kid.

TABITHA: Erm…Asta, whatever it is, I think we should talk about it first. These people here are not really happy right now and one wrong move…

ASTA: Then leave. I can handle this on my own.

Andrew grabbed Asta’s upper arm and pulled her close to him.

ANDREW: Listen to me. These demons are already pissed off with what happened to the bar. We should leave before they figure out we are responsible. Whatever you plan to do, it can wait.

Asta looked at her Watcher. Then she nodded.

ASTA: Ok.

ANDREW: Ok.

He moved away from Asta and looked at Tabitha. He gave a small nod. Once he knew that she had his signal, he turned to Slick.

ANDREW: I’m sorry about this, Slick. It’s just a misunderstanding.

A large, serpent-looking demon stepped towards them. Its tongue snaked out as it hissed angrily.

SERPENT DEMON: It better be, human. I don’t like how this look.

Tabitha forced a laugh, trying to ease the tension.

TABITHA: It’s all a misunderstanding. My friend here is looking for a place and it looks like she got the wrong one. Trust me.

SERPENT DEMON: Well, that’s the thing, little girl. We don’t trust you.

ANDREW: We’ll leave. Right now. And we can forget that this ever happened.

SLICK: You’re not leaving until you fix my wall, Watcher.

Tabitha pulled out a wad of cash from her coat and showed it to Slick.

TABITHA: Here, Slick. This should cover it, right?

Slick looked at the cash for a moment before grabbing.

SLICK: Leave.

As Tabitha and Andrew backed away from Slick and the other demons, they started apologizing profusely.

TABITHA: I’m really sorry for this, guys.

ANDREW: Very sorry.

TABITHA: Very, very sorry.

ANDREW: Really, very sorry.

TABITHA: It’s actually quite funny if you think about it.

The demons continued to scowl at them.

TABITHA: Ok, maybe not.

Andrew nudged Asta.

ANDREW: Tell them you’re sorry.

Asta kept quite. Her eyes were narrowed into slits and she was eyeing all the demons.

Andrew laughed nervously.

ANDREW: She’s sorry too, guys.

Asta didn’t move from her spot.

ANDREW: Asta? Are you coming?

ASTA: I’ll be right there.

Tabitha and Andrew continued to back away until they were out of the shop. They waited for Asta to follow suit.

TABITHA: Asta! Come one! We got to go.

Instead of listening to Tabitha, Asta reached out, grabbed a nearby demon by its neck and started squeezing it.

ANDREW: Asta!

Before anyone could react, Asta snapped the demon’s neck and dropped the corpse to the ground. That caused an uproar as the other demons started charging towards Asta.

Andrew’s eyes widened in surprise as Asta quickly took out a couple of demons.

ANDREW: What is she doing?

TABITHA: Come on! We got to help her or she’ll get killed!

Without waiting for an answer, Tabitha ran back into the shop. Andrew stared in disbelief as the sounds of fighting and the many bodies in the small shop swallowed Tabitha up.

[shred]

ACT 3

~SLICK’S SHOP~

Andrew scrambled to a car and hid behind it. He whipped out his cellphone and started dialling quickly. Fortunately for him, Xander picked the phone of the other end at the second right.

ANDREW: Xander! It’s me!

XANDER: Andrew?

ANDREW: We have a problem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HOUSE~
~Kitchen~

Xander looked over at Pike who was at the dining table, surrounded by books.

XANDER: We do?

ANDREW: Is Pike with you?

XANDER: Yeah, he is. What’s wrong?

Pike looked up from the book he was reading when he heard the worried tone in Xander’s voice. His forehead burrowed slightly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~SLICK’S SHOP~

ANDREW: What’s wrong?

Andrew laughed nervously as he peered around the car. There was no sign of Tabitha. Or Asta.

ANDREW: Everything is wrong! You and Pike have to come down to Slick’s shop now. Tabitha needs your help.

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

XANDER: Tabitha? What happened to Tabitha?

The frown on Pike’s face grew even deeper. He set the book down and came up to Xander.

PIKE: What’s up? Is Tabitha ok?

XANDER: Andrew, what’s going on over there?

ANDREW: I don’t have time to explain. It’s just that we did a mistake and they are not happy.

XANDER: They? Who are they?

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

It’s been almost fifteen minutes and still no sign of Tabitha. Andrew was starting to panic.

ANDREW: Oh, you know. Demons, vampires, Slick. They are mad and now Tabitha is stuck in there.

XANDER: Ok, Andrew. You’re panicking. I need you to take a deep breath and tell me what’s going on.

ANDREW: I told you – I have no time to explain. I need to go in there and get Tabitha out. But I can’t do it on my own. Just get here!

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

PIKE: Xander? Are you going to tell me what’s going on?

XANDER: Unlikely. Seeing how I have no idea what’s going on myself. (to Andrew) Alright, Pike and I are on our way. Just hang tight ok?

ANDREW: Just hurry.

The phone went dead and Xander looked at Pike in confusion.

XANDER: I wonder what that was all about.

PIKE: Is Tabitha ok?

XANDER: I don’t know. Andrew sounds pretty scared but then again he gets scared really easily.

PIKE: They are still at Slick’s shop?

Xander nodded as he watched Pike quickly put away some of the books on the dining table.

XANDER: Andrew was saying something about the demons being mad at us.

Pike raised an eyebrow at the other man.

PIKE: At us?

XANDER: According to Andrew, we made a mistake.

PIKE: What kind of mistake?

XANDER: I don’t know. I couldn’t get much out of Andrew. He seemed pretty spooked.

PIKE: Ok, grab some weapons. We’ll take my car.

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

Andrew stuffed his phone back into his pocket and got to his knees. He peered over the car he was hiding behind and took a peek at Slick’s shop. Making sure that no one was around to pay him any attention, Andrew quickly crept towards the shop. He crouched down at the entrance.

After a quick glance around, Andrew spotted Asta snapping a neck of the serpent demon and dropping the body on the ground. She wasted no time in turning to the next demon that came towards her.

ANDREW: Where are you Tabby?

A hand clasped his shoulder, making the Watcher jump. He bit his lip to prevent himself from yelping in surprise. He whirled around and came face to face with Tabitha.

TABITHA: Hey, Watcher.

ANDREW: Tabby!

Andrew grabbed Tabitha into a hug and held her tight.

ANDREW: Oh I’m so glad to see you. I thought you were dead!

TABITHA: And I thought you would at least come and save me. Coward! (pause) Please let me go.

Andrew let Tabitha go, smiling sheepishly.

ANDREW: I’m sorry I didn’t go and get you. There were so many demons in there and I didn’t think I could take them all on.

TABITHA: (smiling) Don’t worry, Andy. It’s all good.

ANDREW: Why did you go back in? And how did you get out?

TABITHA: I couldn’t leave Slick in there by himself. But I couldn’t find him in all the commotion. So I just did a little spell, stop time for a few seconds and made a dash for the exit. I’m a bit rusty on the time-stopping spell so I only could stop time for a few seconds. Is Asta still in there?

ANDREW: Yeah. And she looks like she’s on a war path like Agent Smith. What is going on with her?

TABITHA: I don’t know. But we need to find Slick before she sets her target on him. Come on.

Andrew grabbed Tabitha’s arm to stop her form moving away from him.

ANDREW: Wait. Are you going to go back in there?

TABITHA: Well, Slick is in there so…yeah, I am.

ANDREW: But we are out here! Wouldn’t we be much safer if we stay out here? Where we are out of the way? Where the demons won’t spot us and kill us?

TABITHA: Slick is my friend, Andrew. I’m not going to leave him in there with Asta.

Andrew sighed, looking disappointed.

ANDREW: I never thought any of us would say that.

TABITHA: Look, whatever is going on with Asta, we’ll figure it out. I’m sure she has a good explanation for this. But right now, we need to get Slick. You can stay here if you want.

Andrew perked up at her suggestion.

ANDREW: Really?

Tabitha rolled her eyes, pulled her arm away from Andrew’s grip and quickly made her way towards the shop.

ANDREW: Fine. I’ll come. But if I die…I’m going to haunt all of you!

As Andrew was about to move towards the shop, a figure at the far end of the underground parking lot caught his eye. Andrew squinted at the figure, trying to make out who he was.

The figure moved. Light from a faraway lamp caught come of his features. He looked vaguely familiar. Then it hit him and Andrew’s eyes widened. It was the man in the book that Slick showed him and Tabitha.

Astwihad.

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

Tabitha kept low to the ground as she moved into the shop. Now, demons were ripping into each other and trashing the shop in the process. As she moved, she kept an eye out for Slick but he was nowhere to be seen.

She spotted, however, Asta standing over a female vampire with a stake in her hand. She waited until the Slayer dusted the vampire before rushing towards Asta. Tabitha grabbed Asta’s hand as she got close enough and didn’t stop moving as she dragged her towards the back of the shop. Tabitha pushed Asta into the backroom.

Asta whirled around and glared at Tabitha.

ASTA: What the hell are you doing?

TABITHA: I could ask you the same thing. What’s going on?

ASTA: What does it look like? I’m doing my job!

TABITHA: Killing innocent demons?

Asta scoffed, shaking her head.

ASTA: You think they are innocent? What makes you think they’ll do after coming by this shop? That they’ll go home to their families and have dinner?

TABITHA: What makes you think they wouldn’t?

ASTA: Because they are demons. Besides my contact told me what they were up to so be glad that I stopped them before they did any real damage.

TABITHA: I don’t care what they are up to! But do you have to come into Slick’s shop and wreck his place? Slick is a good guy.

ASTA: Right. By selling all this junk and aiding these demons in their evil plans makes Slick a good guy.

Tabitha blinked, a mouth hanging open.

TABITHA: Asta, where is all this coming from? All this junk helped us countless of times, Asta! Or did you forget?

Asta didn’t reply. Determination set on her face as she walked past Tabitha and headed towards the main area of the shop.

TABITHA: You’re not going back out there.

Asta stopped long enough to turn around and reply.

ASTA: I have to. Those demons out there are pretty pissed. They would kill us if I don’t stop them.

TABITHA: Where’s Slick?

ASTA: I don’t know. But tell him I’m looking for him as well if you see him.

Tabitha took hold of Asta’s hand.

TABITHA: I don’t know what’s going on but we can help you, Asta. You don’t have to do this.

ASTA: It’s something I have to do Tabby. It’s who I am.

Asta pulled away from Tabitha and Tabitha watched helplessly as Asta headed out into the shop.

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

Andrew pulled out his stake and as silently as he could, he darted behind a car and slowly made his way towards where Astwihad was standing. As he got closer, Andrew noticed that Astwihad was looking at the shop with a satisfied smile on this face.

Andrew ducked behind an old, beat up Ford. He took a deep breath as he kept his eyes on Astwihad. He gripped the stake tightly in his hand.

ANDREW: Ok, Andrew. You can do this. Just think. What would Asta do? (pause) Kill demons without any explanation.

He took in another deep breath.

ANDREW: Right. Here I go.

He looked up at the dingy parking lot ceiling and said a prayer.

ANDREW: Please give me the force.

Once he was sure that he was ready to go, Andrew stood up and ran towards Astwihad. He let out a loud battle cry, startling the warlock.

Astwihad looked over at Andrew in surprise before drawing himself up and facing the Watcher.

As soon as Andrew got close to the warlock, he leapt and tackled the other man to the ground. Astwihad easily caught Andrew and the two of them tumbled to the floor. Grunting, Astwihad pushed Andrew away from him and got to his feet. He grabbed the collar of Andrew’s shirt and lifted him off the ground. The Watcher’s feet dangled a few inches off the ground as Astwihad brought him to his eye level.

ASTWIHAD: What do you want, Andrew?

Andrew’s eyes widen in recognition when he heard the other man’s voice.

ANDREW: It’s you! You are the one who kidnapped me!

ASTWIHAD: Trust me – I’ll do a lot worse if you push me, Watcher.

Andrew scowled.

ANDREW: I like to see you try, evil spawn!

Andrew head butted Astwihad without warning. The two men cried out in pain. Astwihad dropped Andrew as his hands flew to his forehead. Andrew took that moment of distraction to swing a punch at the warlock.

But Astwihad was too quick for the Watcher. He ducked and moved out of the way. Not expecting to be hitting air, Andrew lost his balance and crashed to the ground. Astwihad chuckled, rubbing his forehead.

ASTWIHAD: I got to hand it to you, Andrew. I didn’t expect you to get this far. I guess I underestimated you. I thought for sure you’ll get fired after the whole Dana incident. But look at you. All Watcher-like – even more so than before. I’m surprise.

Andrew struggled to get to his feet.

ASTWIHAD: No, no. I’m not finished with you.

Astwihad placed a foot on Andrew’s chest and pushed him back to the ground. He left the foot there so that Andrew remained immobile.

ASTWIHAD: I need you here just a little bit longer. If you don’t mind.

Astwihad winked at the Watcher.

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

When Tabitha came out of the backroom, she came face to face with a tall, thing lizard looking demon. Beside it was a skinny vampire.

DEMON: Look, Larry. It’s that human witch.

VAMP/LARRY: I see her, Carl.

Tabitha almost laughed. She looked at Carl, amused.

TABITHA: Your name is Carl?

DEMON/CARL: Yeah so?

TABITHA: It’s funny.

CARL: What’s so funny about my name?

LARRY: Yeah? What’s so funny about his name?

TABITHA: Nothing. It’s just that I never heard of a demon called Carl. It’s just…funny.

Carl narrowed his small eyes until it almost disappeared in his head.

CARL: I don’t like this girl, Larry.

Larry licked his lips and smiled, showing off sharp, yellow teeth.

LARRY: That’s ok, Carl. We don’t have to like her if we are going to eat her.

Carl smiled happily.

CARL: Let’s eat her!

LARRY: Let’s!

TABITHA: Let’s not!

LARRY: You’re not the boss of us!

Tabitha rolled her eyes. She looked skyward angrily.

TABITHA: So I’m getting killed by two idiots. Give me a break!

CARL: Hey!

LARRY: You called us idiots!

Tabitha gasped, looking horrified.

TABITHA: I did?

Her expression quickly turned blank.

TABITHA: Do I look like I care?

Larry growled and reached out to grab her. Tabitha took his hand, twisted it around his back and slammed him against a wall.

TABITHA: Look, I don’t really have time to deal with vampires like yourself and a demon name Carl. Under normal circumstances, I would have dusted you and danced all over your ashes. But as you can see, this is not under normal circumstances. So I’m going to do you a favour and let you and your friend, Carl, go. And you know what I want you to do?

LARRY: What?

Tabitha leaned in close so that she was whispering into Larry’s ear.

TABITHA: Run far, far away.

Tabitha pulled the vampire away from the wall and pushed him toward his demon friend.

TABITHA: GO!

Larry and Carl scampered towards the exit without a moment’s hesitation. They fled past Xander and Pike just as they were entering the shop.

TABITHA: Ah, boys! Glad you could finally make it.

PIKE: Looks like we are a little too late.

It was then when Tabitha realised that the fighting had stopped and that she was the only one remaining in the shop. Tabitha took a quick look around.

Saying that the shop was in a mess was an understatement. It looked more like a hurricane swept through the place – just after a bomb exploded in it. There were a handful of demon demons on the floor. Blood and body parts were smeared all over the walls. But Asta was nowhere to be seen.

XANDER: What happened in here?

TABITHA: I honestly don’t know. Asta came in here and starting thrashing the place.

Xander looked surprised.

XANDER: Asta?

PIKE: She did this?

XANDER: Why?

TABITHA: I’m not really sure why. She didn’t really give us a warning much less an explanation. All she told me was that her friend has information that the demons in here are up to no good and she was just here to make sure that they don’t do anything drastic.

PIKE: Where’s Slick?

TABITHA: I’ve been looking for him myself but I don’t know where he is. I’m hoping her got away when things got heated up.

XANDER: So…basically, Asta just came in there, killed a bunch of demons, thrashed the place and left? Without an explanation?

TABITHA: Weird huh?

PIKE: Totally.

XANDER: I’m sure there’s a pretty good explanation but with all the fighting, she didn’t have time to give it to us.

PIKE: So what now? We look for Asta?

TABITHA: Whatever we are going to do, we have to leave this place. The demons in here are tense because of what has been happening.

XANDER: What do you mean?

TABITHA: Remember the bar we destroy? Well, these demons consider it their safe haven and they are not happy that it’s gone. They want to find out who is responsible for it and after this, I’m sure they know it’s us. These demons want our heads.

PIKE: Alright, let’s go back to the house. We can regroup and assess this situation there.

XANDER: Wait. Where’s Andrew?

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

They spotted Andrew sprawled on the ground a few feet away from the shop. As they jogged up to him, the Watcher slowly got up to a sitting position.

TABITHA: What happened?

ANDREW: Astwihad. I saw him. He was here.

TABITHA: He was?

PIKE: Who’s Astwihad?

TABITHA: He’s this warlock who is working for Ahriman.

XANDER: Where did he go?

ANDREW: I don’t know. But he left with Asta.

[shred]

ACT 4

~MONASTERY~

Ashley watched Asta from the railing as she paced the length of the monastery’s hall. An amused smiled played on his lips. He glanced over at Ahriman and shrugged.

ASHLEY: (whispering) She’s been like that since we got here. I have no idea what’s wrong.

AHRIMAN: Ask her.

ASHLEY: Must I? I rather wait for her to spill everything to me.

AHRIMAN: Why?

ASHLEY: I don’t know. To see if she trusts me enough to tell me what’s on her mind.

AHRIMAN: She believed everything that you said so far. Doesn’t that count as trust?

ASHLEY: No. That just shows how little knowledge she has regarding demons. Let’s just wait and see what she does.

AHRIMAN: Very well.

Ashley turned away from Ahriman and gazed back at Asta. She was so preoccupied with her troubles that she was oblivious to his conversation with Ahriman.

Ashley sighed in exasperation when Asta didn’t say anything for a couple of minutes.

ASHLEY: Anything on your mind, Asta?

Asta shook her head hard.

ASHLEY: So you’re pacing because…?

ASTA: Nervous energy.

ASHLEY: Ahh. (pause) What are you nervous about?

Asta shot Ashley a glare.

ASTA: Just…be quiet for a minute. I need to think.

ASHLEY: Asta…

ASTA: Seriously!

ASHLEY: If this is about guilt…

ASTA: It’s more than that.

ASHLEY: Do you want to talk about it?

Asta shook her head again.

ASTA: I just need to think.

ASHLEY: Ok. Well, I’m here if you need anything.

Asta continued to pace, not looking at Ashley as she spoke.

ASTA: Tabitha said something to me back in the shop.

ASHLEY: She did?

ASTA: She told me that those demons were innocent.

Ashley rolled his eyes.

ASHLEY: Not this again.

ASTA: It’s not true right?

ASHLEY: Of course not! Are you even hearing yourself? Innocent demons? Yeah right!

ASTA: If human beings can be evil, why can’t demons be good?

ASHLEY: Look, Asta, this is not something I can explain.

ASTA: Why not?

ASHLEY: It’s…complicated.

Asta stopped her pacing and faced Ashley.

ASTA: It seemed pretty simple to me.

ASHLEY: To you maybe but there are a lot of things about demons that you don’t know about. Once you know that, the situation would be even more complicated.

ASTA: You’re right. I don’t know much about demons. Maybe it’s time for me to learn more.

A dark look flashed across Ashley’s face.

ASHLEY: You don’t want to do that.

ASTA: (frowning) Why not?

ASHLEY: You have to take things slow. You’re still learning about yourself. Make sure you know everything there is to know about yourself first before trying to learn about others. It would make your life simpler.

Asta took a few steps closer to Ashley, pointing an accusing finger at him.

ASTA: You mean, make your life simpler. You just don’t want to teach me.

ASHLEY: Don’t do that, Asta.

ASTA: What?

ASHLEY: Don’t blame this on me when it’s your Watcher at fault here. You know very well if he had been a better Watcher, you wouldn’t be in the dark about everything.

Asta fell silent and Ashley smiled inwardly. He knew he touched a nerve.

ASTA: I’m sorry. It’s just…there are two different information coming from two different people. It’s hard to try to figure out who’s lying and who isn’t.

Ashley took a couple of steps forward and covered the short distance between them. He placed a hand on the Slayer’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

ASHLEY: You know I would never lie to you, Asta.

ASTA: I know.

ASHLEY: Then you would know who to trust.

ASTA: But my friends wouldn’t lie to me as well.

Ashley let smirk show on his lips.

ASHLEY: Of course. That’s why they didn’t tell you who you were when they found out.

Asta blinked. She opened her mouth to retort but closed it shut when she couldn’t. Ashley turned away from Asta and started walking to one of the small rooms.

ASHLEY: You better head home. It’s late and you need your rest. I’ll get in touch with you tomorrow night. Good night, Asta.

Asta dropped her gaze to the floor of the monastery, not bothering to reply. Then she lifted her gaze towards the railing where the Buddha statue used to sit.

Ahriman smiled at the Slayer even though she couldn’t see him.

AHRIMAN: Soon, my dear. Soon.

Asta tore her gaze away and headed towards the large double doors of the monastery.

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

PIKE: This sucks!

He dumped his weapons on the sofa and sighed in frustration. Tabitha and Andrew flopped down side by side on the couch. Andrew scooted away from her when he realised how close he was.

XANDER: I know. Who would think that Asta knew who the big bad was!

PIKE: I didn’t mean that. I just think that us going out and not killing anything sucks. Now I have all this energy that needs burning!

Xander stared at Pike.

XANDER: Right.

PIKE: But…erm…yeah. This thing with Asta sucks as well.

Someone knocked on the front door and the four of them exchanged looks.

XANDER: Must be Asta.

He spun around and dashed towards the door. He yanked it open, concern etched on his face.

XANDER: Asta!

David blinked back at him. Then he smiled.

DAVID: Not quite.

Xander let out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding and ran his hand through his hair.

XANDER: Hey, David. Come on in.

DAVID: Tabitha in?

TABITHA: In here!

David’s face broke into a grin as he saw Tabitha coming into the hallway.

TABITHA: Hey fiancé.

DAVID: Hmm…I love it when you call me that.

The two met for a long kiss. Xander shook his head and walked away from them. When David and Tabitha broke away, Tabitha linked hands with him and led him towards the living room.

DAVID: So how was your night?

His eyes strayed to the couch where their weapons were. His eyes widened.

DAVID: I assume you had a heavy night.

TABITHA: Kind of. It was an unexpected fight.

David looked at Tabitha in concern.

DAVID: You ok?

TABITHA: I’m always careful, sweetie.

DAVID: Still. I want a wedding to happen not a funeral.

TABITHA: Aww. That’s so sweet. (pause) If you think about it.

The sound of the front door being shut, interrupting their conversation. Xander bolted out of the living room again. He stopped short when he came face to face with Sebastian. He scowled.

XANDER: Don’t you know how to knock?

SEBASTIAN: I did. No one answer so I thought I let myself in. The door was unlocked. (pause) You don’t mind right?

XANDER: Er…no. I guess not.

SEBASTIAN: Cool. You ok? You look worried.

XANDER: Just wondering when Asta would get home.

SEBASTIAN: Is Asta ok?

XANDER: Why wouldn’t she be?

Xander turned and headed towards the living room. Sebastian followed closely behind.

SEBASTIAN: Because you have that look on your face that says that she isn’t.

XANDER: She’s fine.

SEBASTIAN: Ok. So where is she? Holy –!

Sebastian stared wide-eyed at the weapons dumped on the couch. He looked at the others in the living room, confused.

SEBASTIAN: Are those what I think they are?

PIKE: (sighing) Very likely.

SEBASTIAN: Geez, what are you guys doing with this stuff?

He went up to the weapons and gingerly picked up an axe. Xander walked over and plucked it out of his hands.

XANDER: Little boys shouldn’t be touching stuff like this.

Sebastian smirked as he folded his arms across his chest.

SEBASTIAN: Then why are you touching it?

Xander glared at the other man. He was about to open his mouth to retort when David came in between them. David slung an arm around Sebastian’s shoulder and started leading him out of the kitchen.

DAVID: You look like you could use a beer, Sebastian.

TABITHA: (to Xander) My, my, aren’t we tense?

Xander glanced over his shoulder and saw Tabitha smirking at him.

XANDER: He was touching the axe. He could have cut someone’s finger off with it.

Tabitha’s smirk got even deeper. A knowingly look glinted in her eyes.

TABITHA: Right. I’m sure.

Andrew stood up and went over to one of the windows. He pushed the white lacy curtains aside and peered out into the night.

ANDREW: Where is Asta anyway? Shouldn’t she be home by now?

PIKE: Well, you said that you saw her leaving with Astwihad. Maybe they haven’t done cooking their evil plans yet.

ANDREW: (scowling) Not funny. It could be true.

PIKE: Maybe. But it could also be that you were seeing things? You were knocked out. Remember?

Andrew placed his hands on his hips, looking indignant.

ANDREW: Still! I know what I saw.

XANDER: They did really left together? You sure you saw them leaving together.

ANDREW: Well…yeah. Asta came out of the shop and headed towards the elevator. Astwihad followed.

XANDER: He followed? Did Asta know that someone was following her?

ANDREW: I…I think so.

PIKE: Well, that settles it. You were seeing things.

ANDREW: I wasn’t!

A large rock crashed into the window beside Andrew causing him to yelp in surprise. He dropped to the floor, clutching his head. The rock landed on the ground before Pike.

PIKE: What the hell?

TABITHA: My window!

Andrew looked up at the window and tried to see who was outside. He managed to make out a handful of figures out in the porch but it was too dark to distinguish who they were.

XANDER: What’s going on out there?

ANDREW: I have no idea. I can’t see who is outside. But it looks like there are many of them.

Then the front door slammed shut and the sound of footsteps pounding through the house was heard.

XANDER: Stay here and stay on the ground.

PIKE: I’m coming with you.

Pike and Xander quickly ran towards the front door. Asta gave them a weak smile. She was leaning against the front door, panting slight. David and Sebastian stood across from Pike and Xander. Confusing flooded their faces.

XANDER: What’s going on out there?

ASTA: We have a problem.

PIKE: The broken window kind of gave us a clue.

XANDER: Who’s out there?

ASTA: Demons. Lots of them. And they don’t look really happy.

SEBASTIAN: I’m sorry…demons?

Asta’s eyes snapped towards Sebastian. She looked like she finally realised that he was in the house with her.

ASTA: Sebastian. (to Xander) What is he doing here?

SEBASTIAN: We were suppose to do dinner tonight remember? I called but there was no answer so I thought I drop by. Guess this isn’t the right time.

XANDER: You’re right – this isn’t a good time. And isn’t it a bit too late for dinner.

SEBASTIAN: Dinner, supper, whatever. It doesn’t matter. I just wanted to see Asta.

XANDER: Well, now you saw her. I think you should leave.

ASTA: No! He can’t.

XANDER: Why not?

ASTA: Didn’t you just hear what I said? There are demons out there. I think they surrounded the house.

PIKE: What do they want?

Another crash resounded through the house. Then the front door shuddered behind Asta’s back.

DEMON: Come out, humans!

DAVID: Let me take a guess – they want us.

Sebastian looked at the others around him with a puzzled looked on his face.

SEBASTIAN: Us? Why? What did we do?

ASTA: It’s a long story.

PIKE: It is? Then there must be a lot we don’t know.

Asta shot Pike a look.

ASTA: What is that suppose to mean?

PIKE: Andrew saw you, Asta. He saw you leaving with Astwihad.

ASTA & SEBASTIAN: Astwihad?

Another crash was heard and a bright light from the living room caught their attention.

TABITHA: Guys! The house is on fire!

Whirling around, the five of them caught sight of one of the curtains bursting into flames.

PIKE: Crap!

XANDER: We need to barricade the door and windows if we want to keep them out.

Pike scrunched up his forehead as he thought of a plan.

PIKE: Erm…I think there are some wood down in the basement. We can use that.

DAVID: Why do you have wood in your basement?

PIKE: To make weapons. You know like stakes.

DAVID: Right.

SEBASTIAN: Stakes?

PIKE: I’ll take care of the fire; you guys get the wood and start barricading the door.

Without another word, Pike dashed into the living room while David and Xander dragged a lost-looking Sebastian towards the basement. Asta stood at the door with her back pressed against it. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried her very best to keep the door from breaking down.

In the living room, Pike and Tabitha ripped out the curtains from the window, dumped it on the ground and started smothering the flames with their feet. Andrew, who was still on the ground, looked at them fearfully.

ANDREW: Who are they?

PIKE: Demons.

TABITHA: Demons? What do they want?

PIKE: Us apparently. And they sound pissed off.

Tabitha froze, her eyes widening.

TABITHA: They know.

Pike glanced at her briefly before returning his attention to the burning curtain.

PIKE: Know what?

TABITHA: That we destroyed their bar. They are here to get even.

Andrew looked out of the window and whimpered softly.

ANDREW: We are trapped aren’t we?


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. © 2008 Irene Issac

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