ASTA Episode 1.18 "Comes Around"

[shred]

TEASER

Astwihad was not happy.

As he watched the two dozen or so demons surrounding Asta’s house from afar, his distaste for the situation grew. His face twisted into a scowl and his fist curled into a tight ball by his side.

He spotted a few more demons ambling towards the house. A couple of them were carrying weapons. Astwihad moved away from the dark corner where he was standing and swiftly headed towards the demon that was bringing up the rear. Silently, Astwihad grabbed the demon and dragged him back to the dark spot.

He clamped a hand over the demon’s mouth and pressed the demon against a tree. He leaned close so that none of the other creatures could see the two of them.

ASTWIHAD: Now, I’m going to ask you some questions and I require you to answer them – truthfully. Understand?

The demon nodded, its black eyes enlarging in fear.

ASTWIHAD: Good. Tell me, what are you doing here?

Astwihad removed his hand to allow the demon to talk. The demon swallowed uneasily before answering.

DEMON: What’s in it for you?

ASTWIHAD: Whatever happens to the people in that house is my business, dumb ass.

DEMON: Why?

Astwihad slapped the demon across its face.

ASTWIHAD: Hey! I’m the one asking the questions here! Don’t make me rip your fingers off and feed them to my pet fish!

DEMON: But –

Astwihad grabbed the demon’s hand.

DEMON: Ok, ok! I’ll talk. Payback. We are here for payback.

ASTWIHAD: Payback? What did they do?

DEMON: They broke the pact. They killed our kind even though we didn’t do anything.

ASTWIHAD: So?

DEMON: So! They have to learn a lesson. We have a mutual agreement. We stay out of their way, they stay out of ours. It’s that simple. Now they go around burning down our bar and destroying our shops without a freaking reason? Of course they have to pay!

ASTWIHAD: Fools.

DEMON: We are not fools! They are! They shouldn’t have messed with us. Just because we don’t go around boasting that we could destroy the world or suck people’s blood, it doesn’t mean we aren’t capable of it. They are just about to find out that we are very much capable of it.

The demon didn’t look fearful anymore. An expression of anguish and determination was seen instead.

DEMON: Very much capable.

Astwihad now grew worried. He let go of the demon and took a step back.

ASTWIHAD: What are you going to do?

DEMON: Didn’t you hear what I said? Payback!

Astwihad rolled his eyes.

ASTWIHAD: I heard you the first time, you idiot. I’m asking how you are going to deliver this payback.

DEMON: Like how any other demon would.

ASTWIHAD: Yeah? And what would that be?

DEMON: We are going to kill them. I’m sure that will get the message across.

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~

Xander, David and Sebastian came down the stairs from the second floor with a couple of hammers and a box full of screws. They spotted Asta against the front door with Pike beside her.

XANDER: Is the fire out?

PIKE: Yup. Are the windows and the backdoor boarded up?

XANDER: Not all of it.

DAVID: We don’t have enough wood.

XANDER: A few windows upstairs and the backdoor are free for demon invasion.

Pike cursed under his breath, his face darkening.

ASTA: Well, on the bright side, the demons don’t seem to be trying to get inside.

DAVID: They could be waiting for more demons to come and then raid the house together.

XANDER: Let’s try to be optimistic here.

DAVID: Even with the windows and doors boarded up, they still can get in. We are talking about demons here, not some teenage hooligans.

PIKE: You’re right. There could be a fire-breathing-house-burning demon out there.

DAVID: Or worse.

XANDER: Hey! Optimism, fellas!

PIKE: The wood won’t keep them out but it will stall them for awhile. We need something stronger.

ASTA: A barrier maybe?

PIKE: Hmm…maybe. Tabitha could know some spells that might put up a mystical barrier.

DAVID: Where is she?

PIKE: In the living room with Andrew. I told them to stay on the ground together – just in case the demons decide to throw something shaper than rocks.

DAVID: They are together?

Pike blinked.

PIKE: Yeah, they are. Come to think of it, they looked pretty cosy.

David narrowed his eyes.

DAVID: I’ll be right back.

As soon as David disappeared into the living room, Pike started grinning.

ASTA: That was wrong, Pike, and you know it.

PIKE: I was just trying to lighten the mood. He looked so worried.

ASTA: And now he isn’t?

PIKE: Meh. At least it has taken his mind of this situation.

SEBASTIAN: Speaking of this situation, what the hell is going on?

Xander went up to Asta and moved her away from the door.

XANDER: Why don’t you explain to your boyfriend what’s going on. I’ll keep an eye on the door.

Asta looked at Xander before looking at Sebastian. Sebastian raised his eyebrows questioningly.

SEBASTIAN: Well?

ASTA: (to Xander) I won’t be far. Call me if you need help.

Xander forced a smile on his face.

XANDER: Take your time.

Asta nodded and headed towards the kitchen. Sebastian looked at the two men briefly before following Asta.

PIKE: You think she will tell him everything?

XANDER: I hope not.

PIKE: We need to have a long chat with her. This is her fault – you know that right?

Xander’s face turned grim as he looked away from Pike.

XANDER: Yeah. I know.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~KITCHEN~

SEBASTIAN: This is insane. I’ve heard of weird things happening in this town…but demons? Outside your house? Asta, tell me what’s going on. And don’t hide anything from me.

ASTA: I don’t know whether I can tell you.

SEBASTIAN: Of course you can! What, is this some I-have-to-kill-you-if-I-tell-you kind of situation?

ASTA: No. But they will kill you if I tell you. It’s better if you know little.

SEBASTIAN: No it’s not!

ASTA: (sighing) Now I know how Tabitha feels.

Sebastian took in a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

SEBASTIAN: Just…tell me something.

ASTA: Ok…

Sebastian nodded, encouraging her to go on.

SEBASTIAN: Well?

ASTA: Demons exist. And right now, they are all mad at us because we killed their friends. It’s stupid really but that’s how demons are. They can be pretty stupid sometimes.

SEBASTIAN: How do you even know that these…things exist anyway?

ASTA: We ran into them.

SEBASTIAN: And why are you killing their friends?

ASTA: Because they are killing the people of this town. We are trying to wipe them out of this town. Well, I am anyway.

SEBASTIAN: But why? I mean, why can’t you leave it to the police to take care of this?

ASTA: The cops are not strong enough to take them all out. And guns are pretty useless with demons.

SEBASTIAN: This is insane.

Asta came up to Sebastian and took hold of his hands.

ASTA: Look, I know this is rough for you but it will be all over soon ok? I’ll make sure you’re safe.

Sebastian gave Asta a small smile.

SEBASTIAN: Aren’t I suppose to say that?

ASTA: Under these circumstances? Let me be the macho man here.

Sebastian chuckled, nodding.

SEBASTIAN: When this is over, we need to talk.

ASTA: I know. Thank you for being understanding.

SEBASTIAN: Hey, I have to be the man sometime in this relationship.

Asta cocked her head, frowning.

ASTA: You think we are in a relationship?

SEBASTIAN: Of course. (pause) Wait. You don’t?

ASTA: No…it’s just that I didn’t think we were serious – that we are, you know, boyfriend and girlfriend. I mean, I know you are serious about us and I think I am and I know we have been dating for awhile now…I just didn’t think we were at the relationship stage yet.

Sebastian smiled, touching her face.

SEBASTIAN: Well, we are. Is that cool with you?

Asta grinned.

ASTA: Definitely.

SEBASTIAN: Cool.

Sebastian leaned down and kissed her. A moment later, they pulled away, smiling big at each other.

SEBASTIAN: Ok then! I hope the others don’t mind us making out when we should be panicking.

ASTA: We can say we are just dealing with our panic.

SEBASTIAN: Hmm…I like that. Oh wait! I think I feel another panic coming on! Please, Asta! Help me deal with it!

Asta laughed and slapped his shoulder playfully. She tiptoed and kissed him again.

ASTA: There? Better?

SEBASTIAN: Not quite. I think I need a little bit more comforting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~LIVING ROOM~

When David entered the living room, he got down to his knees and crawled up to Tabitha and Andrew. The two of them were sitting on the floor under one of the broken windows.

DAVID: You guys doing ok?

Tabitha nodded. She reached out and took David’s hand.

TABITHA: As long as we stay low and away from their sights, we should be fine. They can’t see us and so we hope they won’t attack just yet.

DAVID: Well, whatever is it they are waiting for; I doubt they will wait long. Xander and I managed to board up most of the windows but there are a few windows, as well as the backdoor, that are still unguarded.

ANDREW: Is anyone at the backdoor?

DAVID: No. I guess one of us should be there. Tabitha, wanna come with me?

TABITHA: I think I should stay here with – keep an eye on the demons. Besides, I don’t think I’m strong enough. Why doesn’t Andrew go with you?

David looked at Andrew, not sure what to say.

DAVID: Erm…

TABITHA: Don’t worry, David. I’ll be fine here. Two men are better at the doors than a weak little lady like me.

DAVID: You’re not weak!

TABITHA: No, I’m not but still! Just go. I’ll be fine.

David stared at Tabitha for a moment longer before nodding.

DAVID: Ok. (to Andrew) Let’s go.

Before they could move, the three of them heard a cry of alarm coming from the kitchen.

ASTA: Guys! Backdoor!

TABITHA: Go!

Andrew and David stood up and ran towards the kitchen. They passed by Pike who was moving away from the front door.

PIKE: (to Xander) Stay here.

XANDER: Just…don’t take too long.

Pike, David and Andrew dashed into the kitchen. There, three snarling demons greeted them. The demons looked like they were made up of rocks. Each one had a large mouth and two spikes prodding from its chest. Asta was wrestling one of them while the other two cornered Sebastian across a wall.

ANDREW: Gyehu demons!

DAVID: You say it like it’s a bad thing.

ANDREW: It is. Just be careful when they open their mouths.

Pike and Andrew ran to the two demons with Sebastian while David tried to see if he could help Asta. Pike and Andrew yanked the Gyehu demons away from Sebastian.

PIKE: Get out of here!

But Sebastian didn’t move. He stood, staring at the rock demons in shock.

PIKE: Andrew, get him out of here!

ANDREW: What about them?

PIKE: I’ll take care of them. You just make sure he’s out of here. Go! Now!

Andrew pushed the Gyehu demon away, making sure he avoided the spikes and grabbed hold of Sebastian’s shirt and hauled him away from the kitchen.

One of the Gyehus spotted the two men running away from the kitchen and roared. It opened its giant jaw and spewed a rock the size of Andrew’s head towards them. Andrew ducked, pulling Sebastian with him. The rock flew past their heads and smashed into the wall just beside them. Andrew wasted no time as he scrambled to his feet and ran away from the kitchen as fast as he could with Sebastian closely behind.

The Gyehu lumbered after them.

Andrew and Sebastian ran up the stairs to the second floor.

SEBASTIAN: We’ll be cornered up there!

ANDREW: The weapons are up there. We can use them to fight that thing!

The two men sped up the stairs and dashed into Pike’s room. Andrew went to a chest at the foot of the bed and started going through the contents.

ANDREW: The axe is the living room so we have to make do with this.

He took out a sword and handed it to Sebastian.

SEBASTIAN: Whoa. Cool!

Andrew rolled his eyes.

ANDREW: Newbies.

SEBASTIAN: You sure this can kill it? That thing was made out of rocks.

ANDREW: I’m sure. Just aim for its mouth. That’s its weak spot.

Sebastian nodded and faced the door of the room. He held up the sword high and waited for the demon to come plodding in.

When the Gyehu didn’t appear a minute later, Sebastian glanced over at the other man.

SEBASTIAN: Where did it go?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~LIVING ROOM~

XANDER: Incoming!

Tabitha blinked in surprise when Xander ran into the living room. A moment later, a rock-like demon came stomping behind him.

Xander scurried to the couch where some of their weapons were and snatched the axe. He spun round, waving the axe at the demon.

XANDER: A little help here!

Tabitha quickly grabbed a weapon for herself and stood beside Xander. Xander squinted at her.

XANDER: This is not helping.

TABITHA: What do you expect me to do? Fight this thing?

XANDER: Good point.

The Gyehu growled and started to open its mouth.

XANDER: Oh! Duck!

Tabitha dropped to the ground with Xander just before a rock sped past their heads.

TABITHA: What the hell was that?

XANDER: Apparently, it shoots rocks too.

TABITHA: Great. And the spikes?

XANDER: Haven’t gotten a chance to see what they do yet.

TABITHA: Ok. Cover me.

XANDER: What?

Tabitha ignored Xander and got to her feet. She grabbed Xander’s axe, raised it high and ran straight at the Gyehu demon.

The rock demon snarled and took a step forward. It opened its mouth again. Knowing what the demon was going to do next, Xander stood up and darted towards the demon’s left.

XANDER: Hey, Rock Head! Over here!

The demon stopped in mid-spew. It turned towards Xander and aimed its mouth at him. Tabitha swung the axe at the demon’s head. Instead of the blade of the axe lobbing off the demon’s stone head, the blade cracked upon impact. The Gyehu looked at Tabitha, at little dazed.

TABITHA: Oh shit!

The demon’s hand shot out and grabbed hold of Tabitha by her neck. Tabitha dropped the axe and clawed at the demon’s rocky fingers.

Xander scampered toward the axe, picked it up and started hitting the Gyehu’s head with it.

XANDER: Let. Her. Go!

The demon growled and used its free hand to swat Xander away. Tabitha gave up on the fingers and tried reaching for the spikes that were protruding from the demon’s chest. Her fingers brushed against it but she couldn’t get a good grip. Xander spotted what Tabitha was trying to do and helped her out. He grabbed one of the spikes and pulled.

The demon let out an ear shattering scream as the spike broke off, causing Xander to fall back on the floor. The demon was now more angry at Xander. It let go of Tabitha and turned towards him.

Tabitha crawled as fast as she could towards the other weapons on the couch and grabbed a crossbow. She yanked out an arrow from the bow and ran towards the Gyehu.

Upon hearing footsteps behind it, the demon turned.

Tabitha’s eyes widened in surprise. She wasn’t expecting the demon to turn. Now that it had, one of the spikes was pointing right at her. She wasn’t able to stop in time and so she shifted a little.

But she still wasn’t able to avoid the spike altogether. The spike pieced her abdomen and came out from the other side.

XANDER: Tabby!

The demon opened its mouth and got ready to vomit another rock. This time straight at Tabitha’s head which was inches away.

As the demon opened its mouth, Tabitha plunged the arrow she had in her hand deep into its throat. The creature gurgled in response and its body shook violently. Then it stopped.

Tabitha pushed herself free from the demon which caused her to cry out in pain. She pressed her hands against her wound as she watched the demon fell to the ground dead.

Xander rushed up to her.

XANDER: Oh geez. You’re bleeding pretty badly.

Tabitha opened her mouth to reply but darkness washed over her and she slumped to the ground.

[shred]

ACT 2

~KITCHEN~

The Gyehu demon pushed Pike roughly against the refrigerator. It opened its mouth and spat out a rock. The rock hurtled towards Pike’s head. Pike wasted no time in ducking and rolling out of the way.

ANDREW: Where did our demon go?

Pike glanced over his shoulder and saw Andrew and Sebastian at the entrance of the kitchen with his swords in their hands.

PIKE: Just be glad that it’s not around!

Pike went up to Andrew and plucked the sword from his hand.

ANDREW: Hey!

PIKE: Just a minute, Watcher.

ANDREW: Go for its mouth. That’s it weakness.

PIKE: Should have known. Go and help David and Asta.

Pike turned and faced the demon as Andrew and Sebastian rushed to help David and the Slayer.

PIKE: Come and get it Rock Boy.

The Gyehu spat out another rock. Pike ducked and rolled forward. When he stood up, Pike found himself inches away from the gaping jaw. He raised his sword and stuffed the blade down the demon’s throat.

The demon squealed and shuddered before dropping to the ground dead. A minute later, another shriek was heard and Pike saw the last Gyehu demon falling to the floor.

SEBASTIAN: There’s still another one in the house.

ASTA: I’ll go find it.

She jogged out of the kitchen, leaving the men behind.

PIKE: You guys get that door boarded up before more demons take their turn to come in.

DAVID: But we are out of wood.

SEBASTIAN: What about that barrier?

ANDREW: The mystical one?

SEBASTIAN: Yeah. That would work right?

ANDREW: It would. We just need to find the spell for it.

PIKE: I’m sure Tabitha knows where to look for it. In the meantime, we can use the dining table. It should stall the demons. Hopefully it will give us enough time to find that spell and put up that barrier.

ASTA: Guys!

PIKE: Living room!

DAVID: Tabitha’s in there!

All four men dashed towards the living room. They skidded to a halt when they saw a dead Gyehu demon and Xander and Tabitha. Tabitha was lying on the floor unconscious with Xander beside her. The front of her pale blouse was soaked in blood. Asta stood a few feet away.

DAVID: Oh god…

PIKE: What happened?

Xander looked up at Pike and the rest with panic in his eyes.

XANDER: She got stabbed by the demon’s spike. I’ve stopped the bleeding but I don’t know whether any of her internal organs got hit. She needs a hospital now.

David knelt down beside Tabitha’s head while Pike got down to his knees across from Xander.

PIKE: There’s no way we can get her to a hospital now. We are surrounded.

David glared at Pike.

DAVID: Are you kidding me? She’ll die if we leave her here!

PIKE: Well, she’ll die even faster if we leave the house. And we would be next.

DAVID: No, I’m not leaving her here.

PIKE: You don’t have a choice, David. You think I want her here? You think I want my sister to die in our living room? We can’t leave because we can’t leave!

The two men fell silent with David seething soundlessly.

XANDER: We should…get her to her room. Make her more comfortable.

David, Pike and Xander coordinated themselves and carefully carried Tabitha. They headed towards the stairs with Andrew, Sebastian and Asta behind.

ASTA: What about the barrier? Tabitha’s the only one who is able to put it up right? I mean…she’s a witch.

PIKE: That’s the least of my problems right now.

ASTA: So you’re going to leave the house boarded up with wood?

Pike stopped in his tracks, causing the other two men to do the same. He faced Asta, scowling.

PIKE: We wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for you, Asta. Just do us a favour and stay out of the way. If you are afraid of the demons getting in, maybe you should give them what they want. And if I’m not mistaken, they want you.

Without another word, Pike started moving again. Asta watched them, speechless.

#########################################
~OUTSIDE~

Astwihad curled and uncurled his fist as he paced in front of the demon he had grabbed.

ASTWIHAD: Maybe we can work something out?

The demon smiled around his cigarette that dangled from his black lips. The smile came off more like a snarl. It leaned against a tree and folded its arms across its chest.

DEMON: What can you give us that is worth more than the lives of the humans inside that house?

Astwihad paused and raised his eyebrows at the demon.

ASTWIHAD: Your’s?

DEMON: What are you getting at?

Astwihad took a step forward, scowling.

ASTWIHAD: You have no clue who I am or who I work for. If he hears about what’s going on, he’ll make sure you pay. He won’t be happy if he hears the Slayer’s life is being threatened.

DEMON: Is that a threat? Cause I don’t care who you are or who you work for. I don’t think the rest here do either. All we want are those humans and we will do anything to get them.

ASTWIHAD: I’m warning you, demon. Ask your friends to step away from the house or I’ll make sure everyone here dies a violent death.

The demon took a long drag from his cigarette before plucking it from his mouth.

DEMON: You don’t understand do you?

The demon dropped the cigarette to the ground and stomped it out with its boot.

DEMON: Your friends ruined something that we demons built. Our blood went into building a safe community for us here in Hades Valley. With the Hellmouth and vampires and all the other “evil” demons, it’s difficult to get some peace and quiet. Destroying that bar and that shop is just the beginning. If we don’t stop them, they’ll come into our homes.

The demon pushed itself away from the tree he was leaning against and came up to Astwihad.

DEMON: Personally, I don’t care if your boss comes and kills us. As long our community is safe, I don’t care what happens to me.

Astwihad stared at the demon for a brief moment before looking away. He rubbed the back of his neck as he nodded.

ASTWIHAD: I understand.

DEMON: Good. Now you better get out of the way before someone gets hurt.

Without warning, Astwihad’s hand reached out and grabbed the demon’s neck. He started squeezing. The demon’s eyes grew wide, almost popping out of it head. Its jaw fell open.

ASTWIHAD: But that Slayer is much more important than your community. Understand?

He ripped the head from the demon’s body and let the headless body fall to the ground. He threw the head away. Dusting his hands off, he looked around. The other demons around the house were too engrossed in getting into the house that they didn’t notice Astwihad’s little incident with the demon. He smoothed out his coat and looked up at the house.

At the corner of his eye, Astwihad spotted a few demons approaching the house with blazing torches.

Astwihad scowled. He was about to head towards the group of demons when a green light exploded around the house. Demons that were close to the house flew back, crashing into other creatures behind them.

Astwihad blinked as his eyes took time to adjust to the sudden bright light. When his vision cleared, he saw a dull green, shimmering dome-shaped barrier around the house. Shouts of protest rang out from the demons as they try to break the barrier down. All they got was a shock of electricity shooting through them.

Astwihad smiled. He slipped his hands into the pockets of his pants and started walking away from the house.
#########################################
~HOUSE~
~Inside~
~kitchen~

ANDREW: Ok, all set. The barrier should be up now.

Asta stared blankly at the dining table as Sebastian went up to a window behind Andrew and squinted.

SEBASTIAN: Are you talking about this green thing that is making the demons outside angrier?

Andrew came up to Sebastian and peered out of the window.

ANDREW: Hmm…maybe putting up that barrier was not quite a good idea.

The two men watched as a couple of vampires charged towards the barrier and then bounced off it when they came into contact with it.

SEBASTIAN: Well, at least it works. How long will it stay up?

ANDREW: It depends how long I can keep it up. As long as I keep concentrating on having that barrier up, it should not go down.

Sebastian looked at Andrew and studied him.

SEBASTIAN: How long can you keep it up?

ANDREW: As long as I can.

SEBASTIAN: And how long is that?

Andrew shrugged.

ANDREW: I don’t know. I’ve never really tried this before.

Sebastian blinked in surprise.

SEBASTIAN: What? And you decide to tell us now?

Andrew shrugged again as he moved away from the window and went back to his seat at the dining table.

ANDREW: No one really asked.

Sebastian cast a worried glance at the window. Another two more vampires tried their luck in breaking down the barrier. One of them got a lot more electricity than expected and went up in flames.

SEBASTIAN: We are going to die, aren’t we?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~UPSTAIRS~
~Tabitha’s Room~

DAVID: She’s going to die, isn’t she?

David was on the bed beside Tabitha, clinging on to her hand. He looked up at Pike who was kneeling at Tabitha’s abdomen. He held a bloody sheet against her wound. Pike looked up and glared at David.

PIKE: Will you stop saying that?

DAVID: I will if you answer me!

PIKE: She’s not going to die alright? She’ll be fine.

DAVID: No, she won’t. Not unless you get her to the hospital.

PIKE: Take a look outside, David. There is no way in hell we can leave this place alive.

Xander rushed into the room with a First Aid box in his hands. He came up to the bed and set the box down on a small bedside table. He started taking out a couple of rolls of bandages and handed them to Pike.

DAVID: No, let me do it.

David reached for the bandages but Pike pushed his hands away.

PIKE: You have no idea what you’re doing. This is not my first time. I can handle this.

DAVID: This is Tabitha we are talking about. She’s my fiancée!

PIKE: And she’s my sister!

XANDER: Guys, please! Arguing about who’s going to do the bandages is not going to make Tabitha alright. If you both don’t stop arguing, you will kill her.

Pike snatched the bandages from Xander and starting getting to work.

XANDER: David, why don’t we step out for awhile?

David shook his head hard.

DAVID: I’m not leaving her.

XANDER: She’s going to be fine. Let’s leave Pike to do his job and then we’ll come back. You should get out and clear your head. It’s no use having a panicking fiancé in the room.

David stroked Tabitha’s hair. His eyes teared up a little and he blinked the tears away before they could fall. He nodded slowly.

DAVID: Ok…

XANDER: Ok. (to Pike) We’ll be back later.

PIKE: (to David) I’ll make sure she’s fine.

David didn’t reply as he got off the bed and headed towards the door.

XANDER: I’ll go and check out how Andrew’s doing with the barrier.

A moment later, Pike was all alone with an unconscious Tabitha. He took Tabitha’s limp hand and kissed it gently.

PIKE: I’m so sorry.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~KITCHEN~

When David and Xander entered the kitchen, they found Sebastian, Asta and Andrew seated around the dining table. They seem to be lost in thought and didn’t seem to notice when the two men came up to them.

XANDER: How’s our progress? Do we have a barrier?

Andrew looked at Xander and nodded. There was a sheen of sweat on his forehead and his eyes were wide.

ANDREW: We have a barrier.

XANDER: Good. (pause) It’s working right?

SEBASTIAN: Yup. Quite well actually.

David narrowed his eyes at Andrew.

DAVID: Are you ok? You look a little sick.

ANDREW: No, not sick. Just…the barrier is taking a lot from me.

DAVID: I don’t understand…

ANDREW: You need to put in a lot of concentration in order to keep the barrier up. So that’s what I’m doing – concentrating. (pause) And it’s hard work.

DAVID: Ok…well, if you need help…concentrating, let me know.

ANDREW: Don’t worry. I can handle it. (pause) I think. How’s Tabitha?

XANDER: She’s…ok. She lost a lot of blood and –

DAVID: We don’t know. Not unless we get her to a hospital.

Xander sat down beside Asta, looking concerned. He reached out for her hand but pulled away quickly when he noticed Sebastian looking.

XANDER: You ok?

Asta briefly looked at Xander before looking away.

ASTA: I’m fine.

XANDER: Look, about what Pike said –

ASTA: You believe him.

XANDER: I –

ASTA: Is it true? What he said? This is my fault?

David and Andrew broke away from their conversation and glanced over at Asta and Xander.

XANDER: Asta –

Asta stood up abruptly.

ASTA: You know what? I’m fine, Xander. I’m really fine.

XANDER: Don’t do that, Asta.

Asta glared at him.

ASTA: Do what?

XANDER: Don’t shut me out. I want to help you sort this out.

ASTA: There’s nothing to sort out. You don’t know what you’re talking about.

XANDER: Who’s Astwihad?

Asta frowned.

ASTA: What?

XANDER: Andrew saw you leaving with him.

ASTA: I don’t even know –

Andrew slid an open book towards Asta. A blurry picture of Ashley stared back up at her.

ANDREW: That’s Astwihad. He works for Ahriman.

ASTA: Works?

XANDER: He’s Ahriman’s right hand man. He does most of Ahriman’s dirty work.

ANDREW: We think that maybe he’s the one who is giving you the dreams and not Ahriman.

XANDER: Andrew saw him following you when you left Slick’s shop. Is he the one who told you to attack the bar and the shop?

ASTA: You’ve got the wrong man. The person you saw with me at the shop is not called Astwihad. His name is Ashley.

XANDER: Are you sure or is that what he told you?

Asta narrowed her eyes at Xander.

ASTA: Are you saying I’m lying to you?

XANDER: No, of course not. I’m just saying that this Ashley could be the one who is lying here.

ASTA: Ashley would never lie to me.

ANDREW: Where did you meet him? How come we didn’t know about him?

ASTA: I met him a few weeks after I came here. He wanted a low profile and so I didn’t introduce him to you guys. But he’s not who you think he is!

XANDER: Are you sure?

Sebastian stepped up to Asta and put an arm around her shoulders.

SEBASTIAN: Hey, she said he’s not the guy. What more do you want from her?

XANDER: This is none of your business. Maybe you should step outside while we chat.

SEBASTIAN: I’m not leaving.

ASTA: I’m telling you, Xander, Ashley is not Astwihad!

XANDER: But he sure looks like him.

ASTA: Maybe this Astwihad guy is a shape shifter.

XANDER: How do you know for sure?

ASTA: How do you know for sure that Ashley is Astwihad?

Xander fell silent. He looked at Andrew who shrugged.

SEBASTIAN: Well, I guess that settles it then.

He led Asta away from Xander and the two of them made their way out of the kitchen.

[shred]

ACT 3

XANDER: Hey! Nothing is settled here. We still need to figure out who this Astwihad guy is.

Sebastian stopped and looked over his shoulder.

SEBASTIAN: I’ll leave it to the two of you to figure that out – since you and Andrew seem to have a lot of ideas.

Anger flashed across Xander’s face.

XANDER: This isn’t even your problem, Sebastian. If we need anyone to cook breakfast or make a spell go wrong, we’ll come to you.

ASTA: Xander!

XANDER: (to Asta) So you’re coming to his defence now?

ASTA: Well, I’m definitely not going to stand back and let you insult my boyfriend.

XANDER: Boyfriend? It’s hardly been two weeks and he’s your boyfriend now?

Sebastian took a step towards Xander, glaring.

SEBASTIAN: Why? You jealous?

Asta took Sebastian’s hand and started tugging him away from Xander.

ASTA: Come on, Sebastian, let’s go.

Xander came towards Sebastian. The two men were so close that their noses nearly touched.

XANDER: No, I’m not jealous. I’m just surprised that she considers you as a boyfriend after what you did. I hope you didn’t put another spell on her.

Sebastian shoved Xander away – hard.

SEBASTIAN: Don’t test me, Xander.

XANDER: Oh so now you’re using violence? Why? Ran out of spells?

Xander didn’t see the fist coming and when he did, it was too late. Sebastian’s fist connected with Xander across the jaw, causing him to stumble back.

SEBASTIAN: You can never go wrong with violence.

David rushed up to Sebastian and pulled him away from Xander.

DAVID: Calm down, man.

Xander growled and ran towards Sebastian and David. He slammed into Sebastian, pushing him hard against the wall of the kitchen and at the same time pushing David away.

ASTA: Hey!

DAVID: Guys!

David jumped in to pull Xander away from Sebastian.

DAVID: Guys, come on!

Andrew rushed up to them and tried to help David to separate the two struggling men. David wrapped an arm around Xander’s neck and tugged. The two men broke up. But as soon as Sebastian realised that Xander was moving away from him, he started to pounce. Andrew quickly stepped forward and pushed him back.

DAVID: You both got to calm down. It’s bad enough we have demons after us – the last thing we need is this!

David glared at the two of them before continuing.

DAVID: Now, Andrew and I are both going to let you go but not until you promise us you won’t fly at each other’s throats again. Understand?

The two men didn’t reply. They just stared at each other, seething.

ANDREW: I think that’s a yes.

DAVID: One way to find out.

David released Xander but kept a hand on his shoulder. Andrew moved away from Sebastian. Sebastian smoothed out his shirt and gave everyone a quick smile.

SEBASTIAN: It’s all good, fellas.

Xander touched his lower lip that was busted open. He didn’t look at Sebastian.

DAVID: You ok?

XANDER: I’ll live.

DAVID: Ok. Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to see if Tabitha’s awake.

He clapped Xander’s shoulder before moving out of the kitchen.

SEBASTIAN: I’m going to get some air.

Sebastian left shortly, leaving Andrew, Asta and Xander along in the kitchen.

ANDREW: You should get that lip checked out.

XANDER: I’ll be fine.

He looked up at Asta.

XANDER: Asta…

The Slayer stalked up to Xander and slapped him across his face.

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

Astwihad slammed the doors of the monastery shut and stalked towards the railing where Ahriman sat.

AHRIMAN: Something the matter, Astwihad?

ASTWIHAD: Stupid demons and their stupid community!

AHRIMAN: You have to be more specific than that.

ASTWIHAD: The demons are after Asta and her friends. They are mad that we destroyed their community.

AHRIMAN: And?

ASTWIHAD: And! There are a lot of demons around that house and they will stop at nothing to get their hands on Asta.

AHRIMAN: I don’t see why this is a problem for you, Astwihad.

ASTWIHAD: So you’re saying I should interfere?

Ahriman leaned forward, his red eyes blazing.

AHRIMAN: Time is running out, Astwihad. If you think that we should…

ASTWIHAD: We should. We should.

AHRIMAN: Then we shall.

ASTWIHAD: Ok. Ok…

Astwihad started pacing, his brow furrowing thoughtfully.

AHRIMAN: And this boy.

Astwihad barely glanced up as he replied.

ASTWIHAD: What boy?

AHRIMAN: This new friend that Asta has found.

ASTWIHAD: Ah, Sebastian you mean.

AHRIMAN: I don’t care for names, Astwihad, you know that.

ASTWIHAD: My mistake. So what about him?

AHRIMAN: Is he still a threat?

He walked towards the railing and crouched down. He waved his hand over the ground in front of him and in a blink of an eye a brown bag appeared. He picked the bag up and showed it to Ahriman.

ASTWIHAD: You think this could work?

AHRIMAN: I’m not concerned. This is your matter, Astwihad.

Astwihad shrugged as he stood up.

ASTWIHAD: Fine. I’ll use this.

AHRIMAN: You haven’t answered my question.

Astwihad rolled his eyes. He slipped the brown bag into the pocket of his coat.

ASTWIHAD: I’m sorry. I was a bit preoccupied with this matter about a bunch of demons trying to kill Asta.

AHRIMAN: Remember your place, Astwihad!

Astwihad lowered his head in apology.

ASTWIHAD: Of course. You were saying.

AHRIMAN: Is this boy still a threat?

Astwihad frowned, looking thoughtful.

ASTWIHAD: I’m not sure. Maybe in the future but I don’t think he is at the moment. I might have to get rid of him if she gets too attached in the future. I have to keep an eye on the both of them.

Ahriman nodded.

AHRIMAN: Maybe we should use this boy to our advantage.

Astwihad stopped his pacing and glanced up at Ahriman.

AHRIMAN: He might come in handy in our final quest.

ASTWIHAD: What do you mean?

Ahriman chuckled as he leaned back.

AHRIMAN: I’m surprised Astwihad. I thought you’re smarter than that.

ASTWIHAD: You’re saying use Sebastian to get to Asta?

AHRIMAN: No, Astwihad. Use him to get Asta to come to us.

#########################################
~HOUSE~
~Kitchen~

XANDER: What was –?

ASTA: How dare you!

XANDER: That for?

ASTA: You should know better.

XANDER: Hey! Your boyfriend is the one who started this. He punched me.

ASTA: And you have to fight back?

ANDREW: Guys…

XANDER: Andrew, can you give us a moment?

ANDREW: Are you guys going to fight? Because one fight is enough and we don’t really –

XANDER: Please, Andrew.

Andrew sighed and nodded.

ANDREW: Ok.

A minute later, it was only Xander and Asta left in the kitchen.

XANDER: Look, Asta, I’m sorry ok? I’m sorry I fought back. I should have been the bigger man and walked away.

ASTA: Thank you.

XANDER: But there’s still this thing we need to discuss.

ASTA: Astwihad.

XANDER: Yes, him. Andrew came to blows with him earlier and he’s the guy who kidnapped him.

Asta’s eyes widened in surprise.

ASTA: Are you sure?

XANDER: Positive. Andrew recognised him.

ASTA: It’s not Ashley, Xander. I know it’s not him. He has helped me so many times. If he is Astwihad, he wouldn’t have helped me.

XANDER: Maybe he isn’t. We don’t really know much about Astwihad so maybe you’re right.

ASTA: I am. Trust me.

XANDER: I do.

Asta gave him a weak smile in response.

XANDER: We did this all wrong. You should have told us about Ashley. Let’s not have any secrets between us in the future ok?

Asta scoffed.

ASTA: Look who’s talking. You guys didn’t tell me about who I was when you found out and you talk like I’m the only one who keeps secrets!

XANDER: We didn’t know what we found out was true. We wanted to make sure first before telling you.

ASTA: But it’s my life, Xander! Whether it’s true or not, I have every right to know.

Xander sighed.

XANDER: You’re right.

ASTA: And this?

She waved her hands towards the window in frustration.

ASTA: It’s not my fault. I was just doing what I was supposed to! He told me that this demons are up to no good and –

XANDER: Wait. Who told you about these demons?

ASTA: Ashley.

Xander looked grim. Asta shook her head hard.

ASTA: No. He didn’t set me up.

XANDER: Are you sure?

ASTA: Of course I’m sure! I trust Ashley.

XANDER: More than you trust us?

Asta looked away not replying.

XANDER: I don’t have a good feeling about this guy, Asta. Maybe you should stay away from him until we find out more about him.

ASTA: I can’t. He’s the only one who has been honest with me since the beginning. He saved my life when Sha infected me with those nightmares. He was the one who told me what I really was when you guys didn’t.

XANDER: He could be lying to you, Asta.

ASTA: I have to go.

She turned around and hurried towards the hallway.

XANDER: Asta!

Asta didn’t stop. She disappeared around the corner, leaving Xander alone in the kitchen. A moment later, Andrew appeared.

XANDER: You were listening?

ANDREW: As Watcher of Asta, I had to.

XANDER: You think we can dig up some information on this Ashley dude?

ANDREW: I guess. What about Astwihad?

XANDER: I don’t know. I’m just really confused right now.

ANDREW: Well, as soon as this is sorted, we can start researching the two of them.

XANDER: Any ideas on how to get this sorted?

ANDREW: Well…I do. But you might not like it. Neither will Pike or David.

XANDER: What is it?

ANDREW: I think it’s a bad idea though. It might work but it’s a bad idea.

Xander rolled his eyes.

XANDER: Just spit it out Andrew!

ANDREW: Ok. But we need Tabitha for this.

XANDER: Tabitha?

ANDREW: See? Told you it was a bad idea.

XANDER: What are you planning on doing?

ANDREW: When I was looking for the barrier spell, I came across a glamour spell.

XANDER: And?

ANDREW: We can use a glamour.

XANDER: For?

Andrew sighed in frustration.

ANDREW: For us! We can do a glamour that would make the demons outside think that we are running away from the house or something. They’ll follow the glamour and we won’t be surrounded anymore.

XANDER: Sounds simple enough.

ANDREW: But it isn’t. This sort of glamour spells need at least two people strong with magicks to put up.

XANDER: Tabitha.

ANDREW: And with me helping out, the spell will be easy to put up.

XANDER: Maybe. But Tabitha isn’t exactly strong at the moment.

ANDREW: I know. So maybe we might need more people for it. But with Tabitha’s witching background, it would be much easier and faster if she’s involved.

XANDER: You think David will go for it? And what about Pike?

ANDREW: We need to convince them somehow. Right now, this is the only plan I can think of. I don’t know if we have enough time to come up with another one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~TABITHA’S BEDROOM~
~Upstairs~

DAVID: How is she?

Pike was at the bedside table, packing up the First Aid kit.

PIKE: I managed to stop the bleeding. But the spike went through her. I don’t know whether any of her organs were damaged in the process.

David came up to Tabitha’s bed and sat down beside her. He took her hand in his.

DAVID: I still think we should get her to a hospital.

PIKE: We will. Just as soon as our friends out there leave us alone.

DAVID: Will they? I mean, now that the barrier is up, they can’t touch us. Will they be good little creatures and get bored and leave us alone?

PIKE: You don’t know these creatures.

DAVID: So that’s a no then.

PIKE: (grimly) Yeah.

DAVID: Did I ever tell you how much this sucks?

PIKE: Nope. I don’t think you have.

DAVID: Well, this sucks.

PIKE: (chuckling) Yup, it definitely does.

DAVID: I hope this doesn’t happen all the time. I plan on having a peaceful married life with Tabitha.

PIKE: I can’t really promise you that, Dave.

David looked up at Pike, looking hopeful.

DAVID: We could move.

Pike raised an eyebrow at the other man.

PIKE: Or not. I don’t think Tabitha would want that.

DAVID: I guess. She seems to really like to do this.

PIKE: And I’m here. She would never leave her brother alone.

DAVID: I wonder why.

PIKE: Why what?

DAVID: Why she wouldn’t leave you?

Pike stared at David, surprise registering on his face.

PIKE: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

David smiled and shook his head.

DAVID: Never mind. Forget I said that.

Tabitha started to stir and David felt her hand squeezing his. A moment later, her eyelids started to flutter.

DAVID: Tabby?

[shred]

ACT 4

David touched the side of her face just as Tabitha’s eyes opened. She looked up at him blankly. David smiled in relief.

DAVID: Hey, you’re finally awake.

TABITHA: What –

Pike came up to the bed and knelt down beside his sister.

PIKE: Shh. Take it easy. You lost a lot of blood.

TABITHA: Blood?

DAVID: Do you remember what happened?

TABITHA: Rock demon. That bastard stabbed me with his spike thingy.

David chuckled as Pike smiled.

PIKE: You remember.

TABITHA: Can’t really forget a thing like that. Especially since it hurts so much.

PIKE: Just hang in there. We’ll get you to a hospital as soon as we can.

The door of the bedroom opened and Andrew and Xander walked in.

XANDER: How is she?

DAVID: She’s awake.

XANDER: That’s good. Andrew here thinks he might have a plan.

DAVID: A plan? For what?

ANDREW: To get rid of the demons out there and to get Tabby to a hospital.

DAVID: I’m all ears, Andrew.

ANDREW: We need Tabitha for this.

David blinked.

TABITHA: That does not sound good.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~LIVING ROOM~

Asta found Sebastian in the living room, staring out of one of the windows. He held an axe in his hands.

ASTA: Hey.

Sebastian glanced over his shoulder and smiled.

ASTA: Everything ok?

Sebastian nodded before turning back towards the window. Asta came up to him and stood beside him.

SEBASTIAN: They don’t look happy.

ASTA: No, they don’t.

SEBASTIAN: I just keep wondering…what they will do when they get into the house.

ASTA: Kill us probably.

SEBASTIAN: Probably. But…look at them. They don’t look like they have murder on their minds. They want something else.

Asta frowned. She peered hard at the various faces of the demons and creatures of the night.

ASTA: Like what?

SEBASTIAN: Revenge maybe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~TABITHA’S BEDROOM~

DAVID: No

ANDREW: It’s the only plan I can think of.

DAVID: No,

PIKE: And it’s the only plan I’ve heard so far.

DAVID: No!

XANDER: It could work.

DAVID: Hey! I said no!

PIKE: It’s not really up to you, David.

David shot Pike a glare.

DAVID: Don’t talk to me like I’m not part of this, Pike.

Tabitha, who was sitting up in bed, reached out painfully and touched David’s hand.

TABITHA: David, please.

DAVID: Are you taking his side now?

TABITHA: No –

DAVID: You’re hurt, Tabby. What you need right now is a hospital not to do some spell!

TABITHA: I know, David but if I don’t do this spell, we can’t get out of here.

PIKE: And if we can’t get out, we can’t bring her to a hospital.

David stood up and started pacing. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

DAVID: We’ll find another way. I’m not going to allow Tabitha to do a spell that might put her life in even more danger.

XANDER: It’s not dangerous.

DAVID: Really? Name me one thing you guys have done that is not dangerous, Xander.

XANDER: Ok…you got a point there.

DAVID: You can do this spell without her right? I mean you put up the barrier without her help. I don’t see why you can’t do this without her as well.

ANDREW: It would take a longer time and it might not work. Tabitha is stronger than most of us here. There’s a higher change of this glamour working for a longer period of time – long enough to get far away from this house.

TABITHA: Look, I’ll do this ok. If it means getting us out of here, I’ll do it.

DAVID: No, you’re not!

TABITHA: David –

DAVID: I’m not letting you. No way!

TABITHA: David, listen to me.

DAVID: There’s nothing you can say that will convince me that this is a good idea, Tabitha.

PIKE: Andrew, get whatever you need for the spell. We’ll start as soon as we can.

DAVID: No! Andrew, you’re not going anywhere.

PIKE: Go Andrew.

Andrew looked at David and then at Pike.

ANDREW: Erm…ok, I’m confused now.

David looked at Tabitha pointedly.

DAVID: If you do this, I’m leaving this house. I don’t care there is an army of demons out there. I’ll leave, Tabby.

Tabitha stared at David, not sure what to say to him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~LIVING ROOM~

ASTA: Revenge?

SEBASTIAN: I don’t know. Maybe. I just don’t like the way they are looking at us.

The two of them fell silent as they stared out of the window. They spotted a few demons testing out the barrier around the house but with no luck.

ASTA: I’m sorry. For getting you into this. I’m sorry.

SEBASTIAN: Yeah, well…me too.

ASTA: I would understand if you would want to leave.

SEBASTIAN: Well, apparently I can’t really do that, now can I?

ASTA: I mean, after – after this is over, I would understand if you would want to leave and never come back.

Sebastian didn’t reply. He kept his eyes on the demons outside.

ASTA: Are you?

SEBASTIAN: Am I what?

ASTA: Leaving?

Sebastian finally looked at her. Sadness filled his eyes.

SEBASTIAN: I really don’t want to.

ASTA: But?

SEBASTIAN: But I don’t know whether I can handle this.

Asta lowered her gaze, nodding.

ASTA: (softly) Ok.

SEBASTIAN: I’m sorry. If things were different…

ASTA: Things would be different.

SEBASTIAN: Right. But it’s not and I…I can’t do this.

Asta looked up at Sebastian, tears forming in her eyes. When she spoke, her words were filled with desperation.

ASTA: Maybe we can take things slow. I’ll…I’ll tell you everything and we can work through this.

SEBASTIAN: Asta…

ASTA: Please, Sebastian.

Sebastian sighed as he shifted the axe from one hand to the other.

SEBASTIAN: I’ll try. But if things don’t go well, I have to walk away.

ASTA: We’ll work it out. I promise you, things will be fine.

Sebastian gave Asta a small smile. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her towards him. He kissed the top of her head and he held her tight against his chest.

SEBASTIAN: I’ll try.

#########################################
~OUTSIDE~

Astwihad was back at his spot again. This time he noticed that the demons were getting more restless. The barrier that prevented them from getting the Slayer and her friends was pissing them off and Astwihad knew it wouldn’t be long before the demons went to the extreme.

He pulled out the brown bag that he conjured from the monastery and opened it slowly. Inside were a couple of coins – one gold and one silver. He slipped the coins into his palms and put the brown bag away. He glanced up towards the house to see if there was anyway he could get near it.

Not seeing a clear path, Astwihad ducked his head and quickly made his way towards the front door of the house. He didn’t look around to see if he was being watched. When he was a few feet away from the barrier, he tossed the gold coin in the air. Astwihad watched as the gold coin flipped in mid-air.

Then it froze.

#########################################
~HOUSE~
~Living Room~

SEBASTIAN: Asta…

Asta moved away from Sebastian when she heard the concerned tone in his voice. She looked up at him questioningly. He nodded towards the front porch.

SEBASTIAN: Look.

Asta turned to look at where he nodded towards. Her eyes grew big at what she saw.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~TABITHA’S ROOM~

Andrew, Tabitha and Pike were seated on the ground in a loose triangle. Tabitha was leaning against David’s chest, who was sitting behind her. She looked pale and was sweating.

DAVID: You ok?

Tabitha nodded.

TABITHA: I’ll be fine.

DAVID: You don’t have to do this you know.

TABITHA: I know. But I have to do this or we’ll be stuck here forever.

DAVID: Tabby…

Tabitha twisted around and touched David’s face.

TABITHA: I’ll be fine. Just…don’t leave.

DAVID: (sighing) I don’t have a choice, now do I? You’re stubborn as hell.

TABITHA: Isn’t that why you’re in love with me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~LIVING ROOM~

Asta entangled herself from Sebastian and rushed towards the front door.

SEBASTIAN: Asta! Where are you going?

ASTA: That’s Ashley!

SEBASTIAN: Who?

ASTA: He can help us!

Asta flung the door open. As soon as she saw Ashley, she jumped into his arms.

ASHLEY: Whoa! I didn’t know I was that missed.

ASTA: I’m so glad you’re here.

ASHLEY: I came as soon as I heard. I’m here to help.

Asta pulled away from Ashley and peered over his shoulder.

ASTA: What did you do?

Ashley grinned.

ASHLEY: I stopped time. Neat huh?

ASTA: (grinning) Very.

SEBASTIAN: Well, you certainly came at the right time. Maybe we should tell the others that we’ve been rescued.

ASHLEY: Why don’t you do that? Asta and I will stay here to make sure that these demons stay put.

Sebastian looked at Ashley before turning towards Asta.

ASTA: Go. I’ll be fine here.

SEBASTIAN: Ok.

Sebastian shot Ashley another glance before turning on his heels and sprinted up the stairs. Asta looked at Ashley as soon as Sebastian was gone.

ASTA: How did you stop time without us getting affected?

ASHLEY: It’s the barrier. Not only did it keep the demons out but it also kept magick out. Once you step out of the barrier, you’re affected.

ASTA: Cool.

ASHLEY: I know. Now, there’s something I need to do.

Ashley opened his palm, showing Asta the gold coin.

ASTA: What’s that?

Ashley smiled at Asta, winking.

ASHLEY: Something wonderful.

He tossed it into the air.

ASTA: I –

The words died in Asta’s mouth as time inside the barrier stopped. The only one not affected, Astwihad whirled around and entered the house.

He climbed the stairs two at the time. When he reached the top of the stairs, he took a quick look at the bedrooms before finding the one that he wanted. He smiled when he approached Sebastian’s still form. He hardly glanced at the rest of the frozen humans as he got to work.

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

Asta blinked when Ashley grabbed her hand and started dragging her away from the house.

ASTA: What’s going on?

A cry rang out inside the house, causing the two to pause.

ASTA: That sounds like Tabitha. Wait here, I’m going to check it out.

Ashley nodded and let go of Asta’s hand. Asta ran back into the house as Ashley smiled.

ASHLEY: I’ll be right here.

Asta ran up the stairs and dashed into Tabitha’s bedroom.

ASTA: What happened?

Asta froze when she saw Sebastian on the ground. He was bleeding profusely from his abdomen and he was coughing out blood. Xander was kneeling beside him, his eyes wide with fear and shock. His hands where covered with blood.

ASTA: Sebastian!

Asta rushed towards her boyfriend’s side and placed her hands on his wound, trying her very best to stop the bleed. She looked at her friends fearfully.

ASTA: What happened? What did you do?

A strange sound reached her ears, like a sudden gush of wind sweeping through the room…

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

Asta found herself back in the living room in Sebastian’s arm. Asta entangled herself from Sebastian and looked up at him in surprise. She started touching his face and arms to make sure that he was real.

ASTA: Sebastian? You’re ok! You’re not bleeding!

SEBASTIAN: (frowning) I’m fine.

Asta turned back to the window and saw Ashley outside.

Asta heard that sound again. Another gush of wind swept through the house…

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

SEBASTIAN: Well, you certainly came at the right time. Maybe we should tell the others that we’ve been rescued.

ASHLEY: Why don’t you do that? Asta and I will stay here to make sure that these demons stay put.

Sebastian looked at Ashley before turning towards Asta. Asta blinked, not sure how she got here from the living area without remembering that she did.

ASTA: Erm…ok, I guess.

SEBASTIAN: Ok.

Sebastian looked at Ashley before turning sprinted up the stairs. Asta’s eyes widened, suddenly realising something.

ASTA: Sebastian! Wait!

That sound came again…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She was outside Tabitha’s bedroom now, standing at the door. Sebastian was inside quarrelling with someone. She wasn’t sure who – her vision suddenly became blur, like she was seeing underwater. The strange thing was, she could see Sebastian perfectly well. Asta shook her head, trying to clear her vision.

She squinted. She saw someone that looked like Xander grabbing Sebastian and pushing him to the ground. Then Xander sat on top of him and started punching Sebastian across his face. Asta tried to scream for them to stop but her words died in her mouth.

Then she heard that sound…

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

Her vision cleared and Asta saw Sebastian on the ground. He was bleeding profusely from his abdomen. He started coughing and blood sputtered from his mouth. Xander was kneeling beside him, his face filled with shock and fear. His hands where covered with blood.

ASTA: Sebastian!

Asta rushed towards her boyfriend’s side and placed her hands on his wound, trying her very best to stop the bleeding. She looked at Xander.

ASTA: What happened? What did you do?

XANDER: I…I don’t know.

ASTA: You did this! I saw you! You killed him!

XANDER: No, I didn’t! I…

ASTA: What happened, Xander?

XANDER: I…don’t know. I can’t remember.


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

[shred]

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