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Post by shred on Dec 12, 2008 13:20:56 GMT 10
TEASER
~MONASTERY~
~Present~The hall of the monastery was dark. Asta stood in the middle with a thoughtful expression on her face. She was looking at someone in front of her. ASTA: Everything makes sense now. What my friends told me was true. VOICE: You have smart friends. Do you believe them now? ASTA: After everything that has happened…yes, I do. It all makes sense. VOICE: Just like I know it will. Time was needed to make you understand. Now that time has come. ASTA: Are you responsible…for me? VOICE: Maybe. Asta lifted a mean looking dagger and studied its blade. Her bloody face reflected back on the blade but it didn’t faze the Slayer. She looked up at the person. ASTA: You’re right – about something you said. VOICE: And what would that be? ASTA: I have to accept who I really am. VOICE: And who are you, Asta? ASTA: A Saoshyant. VOICE: Yes, you are. ASTA: Tell me, what do I have to do? VOICE: Just what you have been doing all along. ASTA: And my friends? They will stop me. VOICE: They will try. But you are much more powerful than them, Asta. They are no match for you. ASTA: You don’t understand. They’ll do everything they can to stop me – stop us. VOICE: Then maybe we should do something about it. Time is running out. Your friends would only just be the beginning. After them, it’s the people of Hades Valley. And after that, it’s the world. The man turned and gestured to something behind him. With the dim light, she was able to distinguish limp bodies hanging from a lone tree. Asta gasped when she recognized the dead bodies of her friends – Xander, Andrew, Tabitha and Pike.ASTA: The world… VOICE: All this can happen if you accept your destiny – accept who you really are. ASTA: You’re right. I have to accept my destiny. VOICE: And rule the world with me. A hand reached out towards Asta and she looked at it. Asta dropped the dagger to the floor, the sound of the weapon hitting the ground echoed eerily around the hall of the monastery. Asta looked up at the person in front of her. VOICE: Tell me, Asta, why are you here? You know who I am now. Shouldn’t you be killing me? ASTA: Why should I? VOICE: You tell me, Asta. ASTA: I can’t kill you. I don’t kill my own family. VOICE: Good. Then accept your destiny. She reached out and took the hand. VOICE: It’s finally time. CUT TO BLACK OPENING CREDITS ROLL THEME SONG “Club Foot” by Kasabian Starring:Jewel Staite as Asta Dawson Nicholas Brendon as Xander HarrisTom Lenk as Andrew WellsCillian Murphy as Oliver PikeAshley Scott as Tabitha PikeGuest Starring:Tyron Leitso as David BooneDean Cain as Ashley/Astwihad Mike Erwin as Sebastian Gold Created by Irene Issac with Beck SchwarzBased on the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”END OF CREDITS DISCLAIMER: ASTA is created by Irene (shred) and Beck (Radient Evil). All original characters belong to us and us alone. All the other characters and the slayverse, however, belong to Joss Whedon and we are just borrowing them. If you want to use this series or any of the original characters, ask and you shall receive. This series is set during the 5th season of ANGEL.
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Post by shred on Dec 12, 2008 13:22:06 GMT 10
ACT 1
~HOSPITAL~
~Earlier~
Everyone was in the waiting room. Asta sat on the couch, looking blank while David paced in front of her. Andrew sat beside Asta, fiddling with his coat and Pike and Xander stood a few feet away from them, leaning against a wall.
All of them had a worried look on their face.
Then a doctor came out from one of the room and approached them.
DOCTOR: Family of Miss Tabitha Pike?
Pike sprung away from the wall and rushed up to the doctor with David closely behind.
DAVID: Here!
The doctor raised an eyebrow at them.
DOCTOR: You both are family?
PIKE: Yes. I’m her brother.
DAVID: And I’m her fiancé. How is Tabitha?
DOCTOR: I’m afraid there’s bad news.
DAVID: Is she alright? Please tell me she’s alright.
DOCTOR: Right now, she’s in a stable but critical condition. She lost a lot of blood but we were more worried about the internal damage. We did an exploratory surgery to excess the damage and the damage is quite bad.
DAVID: But you were able to fix it.
DOCTOR: As much as we could but her heart couldn’t take any more of the stress so we stopped as much of the bleeding and made sure she doesn’t turn for the worse.
DAVID: I don’t understand. What are you saying? Is Tabitha going to be alright?
DOCTOR: Because of the blood loss and the extensive internal damage, Tabitha’s heart and body isn’t strong enough to withstand a major surgery like the one she needs. We did a transfusion and right now need her body to be strong again. We are not sure how long it would take. Once she’s strong enough, we’ll do the surgery to repair the damage done.
PIKE: Is there anything else you can do?
DOCTOR: I’m afraid not right now. We just have to be patient.
David turned away from the doctor and punched the wall beside him in frustration.
DAVID: Damn it!
PIKE: Is she awake?
DOCTOR: It will be awhile till she wakes up.
Pike nodded as he ran his hand through his hair.
PIKE: Ok. Thanks Doc.
Then Asta stepped forward.
ASTA: What about Sebastian Gold?
Everyone in the room turned and looked at Asta in surprise. The Slayer was on her feet, arms folded across her chest. Her eyes were bloodshot and her lips trembled slightly.
ASTA: We brought him in here too. Is he –
DOCTOR: I’m sorry, miss, but are you his family?
PIKE: We just called his family and they told us to deal with everything while they are not around.
DOCTOR: I see.
ASTA: Can we take him home? Or do you need to keep him here for observation? But I would prefer if I could take him home.
DOCTOR: Miss…
ASTA: It’s Asta.
DOCTOR: Asta. I would prefer if his parents were here.
ASTA: But they are not!
The doctor looked uncomfortable as he adjusted his stethoscope around his neck.
DOCTOR: I’m afraid it’s bad news, Asta.
Asta blinked, not quite understanding.
ASTA: Bad news?
DOCTOR: Mr. Gold’s wounds were deep and fatal. There was a large tear in his liver and we…we couldn’t stop the bleeding.
ASTA: But now? Now you could?
DOCTOR: We tried everything we could but…
ASTA: But he’s ok now right? He’s fine.
ANDREW: Asta…
ASTA: (to Andrew) Shut up!
Asta turned back to the doctor.
ASTA: When can I take him home?
DOCTOR: I’m sorry, Asta. Mr. Gold passed away ten minutes ago. We did all we can but the bleeding was excessively and –
ASTA: No. He’s ok. He’s fine. He’s not dead!
DOCTOR: I’m sorry.
Pike stepped forward.
PIKE: Thanks, Doctor.
DOCTOR: Call me if you have any questions.
PIKE: We will.
The two men shook hands and the doctor turned around and left. The rest looked back at Asta. Andrew took a step forward and reached out for her hands.
ANDREW: Asta…
Asta shrank away from Andrew’s touch.
ASTA: Don’t!
PIKE: Maybe you should sit down.
Asta glared at Pike.
ASTA: Sit down? My boyfriend is dead and you want me to sit down?!
PIKE: I’m sorry… I…
ASTA: Just don’t ok? Don’t say a thing to me!
Pike fell silent, looking away from Asta.
ANDREW: How did this happen?
Immediately, Asta’s gaze flicked towards Xander. He avoided her gaze as he ran a hand through his hair.
ASTA: It was you, wasn’t it?
ANDREW: Asta, Xander had nothing to do with it.
ASTA: Really? Cause I remember seeing the two of you fighting.
XANDER: I don’t know what happened. One minute we were getting ready to do the glamour spell and the next…he was just there! I don’t remember anything.
Asta’s gaze darkened.
ASTA: You were always out to get him!
ANDREW: Ok, let’s take a moment here. We need to clam down.
Asta scowled at her Watcher.
ASTA: Now it’s not the time to calm down, Andrew.
ANDREW: Hey, I’m trying my best here. I just don’t want us to get into another fight. Now it’s not the time to be at each other’s throat.
Xander suddenly straightened and stalked towards Asta. His expression was fierce and he looked like he was ready to punch someone.
ASTA: What are you –
Xander brushed past Asta. Turning, Asta saw Xander walk up to Ashley, grabbed him by the collar of his leather jacket and slammed him against the wall of the hospital.
XANDER: Don’t I know you?
ASHLEY: Now, now. You don’t want to be fighting me.
XANDER: Give me one good reason why?
ASTA: Xander! Let him go!
XANDER Not until he tells us who he is and what he’s doing here.
Asta rushed up to the two men and tried to pry Ashley free from Xander’s grip.
ASTA: He’s my friend, Xander! You remember what a friend is, don’t you?
XANDER: I remember that friends don’t kill each other’s boyfriend.
ASTA: What are you talking about? You think Ashley killed Sebastian? Don’t be ridiculous, Xander.
XANDER: He was there. And we don’t know anything about him. Also, he looks a lot like our evil warlock, Astwihad.
ASTA: Without him we wouldn’t have gotten out of that house. He saved us!
ASHLEY: You better listen to your friend, Xander. Let me go.
XANDER: No. Because right now, I’m trying to make sense of what it’s going on. And you seem to be part of it.
ASHLEY: I saved your life. Be thankful.
XANDER: Could be a smoke screen.
ASHLEY: Ok I had enough of this.
Ashley head butted Xander, causing the other man to let go of Ashley and stagger back. Ashley’s hands than shot forward and shoved Xander away – so hard that he tumbled back and fell onto a chair.
ASHLEY: I really don’t have time for this, boy. So stay out of my way.
Xander scowled and scrambled to his feet. He rushed towards Ashley.
ASTA: Ok that’s enough!
Asta quickly stepped between the two men and blocked Xander’s way by pushing him back. She glared at the two men.
ASTA: I cannot believe you two! (to Xander) And you! Is this how you’re going to be every time I’m friends with a guy?
XANDER: He’s –
ASTA: You know what? You both sort this out. I’m out of here.
XANDER: Wait. Where are you going?
ASTA: Somewhere where my friends aren’t at each other throats and killing each other!
XANDER: Look, I’m sorry but –
ASHLEY: At least let me walk you home, Asta.
ASTA: No. I just need to be alone right now.
The Slayer whirled around and stalked past David, Andrew and Pike. The three men were looking on blankly, not sure what to do or say.
ASHLEY: Well.
He adjusted his coat and smoothed out his hair.
ASHLEY: I guess I’ll be going then. There’s nothing for me here.
He looked over at David, Pike and Andrew.
ASHLEY: It was nice meeting you. And I hope Tabitha is fine.
The three of them didn’t reply. Instead, Pike stepped forward, scowling.
PIKE: You better leave now or things will get messy.
ASHLEY: You know what? You’re right. Things will get messy. So you all should be…careful.
Ashley smiled, looking as if nothing had happened.
ASHLEY: I’ll see you all soon.
With a wave, Ashley turned and walked towards the exit.
DAVID: Can you believe that guy?
Andrew turned to Pike and Xander, looking very worried.
ANDREW: I don’t like the sound of that. What he said about things becoming messy – I don’t like the way he said it. It sounds like a threat. Don’t you think so?
PIKE: Calm down, Andrew. I’m sure we can deal with whatever mess he’s talking about.
ANDREW: Still. I don’t like the sound of it.
DAVID: (to Xander) You ok?
Xander nodded, wincing slightly. He rubbed a sore spot on his forehead.
XANDER: I think I cracked my skull and I’m sure my brain would fall out anytime soon.
He gave David a weak smile.
XANDER: But I’ll live.
PIKE: This Ashley dude. How come we never heard of him?
XANDER: I don’t know. Asta didn’t say anything about him and it looks like she knows him for a long time now.
PIKE: We need to know who he is, where he came from –
XANDER: And whether or not Ashley is Astwihad.
PIKE: I guess it’s research time.
DAVID: You guys go ahead and do what you have to do. I’ll stay here with Tabitha. I’m not leaving her side until she wakes up.
PIKE: Ok. We’ll go home and get some sleep.
ANDREW: Hopefully the demons are gone. They were still frozen outside when we left.
Xander scoffed as he rolled his eyes.
XANDER: Maybe Ashley was nice enough to kill them for us.
PIKE: We won’t take a risk. Maybe we should stay at the motel tonight until we know our next move.
ANDREW: Sounds good enough.
PIKE: (to David) We’ll come back in the morning to check on Tabitha.
Andrew, Pike and Xander agreed and silently moved towards the exit of the hospital.
DAVID: Good luck.
#########################################
~MONASTERY~
~Later~
AHRIMAN: Tell me something, Astwihad. When you told me that you’ll have our Asta eating from the palm of your hand, you didn’t tell me that you meant driving her away.
Astwihad scowled from where he was. He had pulled out one of the chairs from the training room into the main hall and was sitting on it against the far wall. He didn’t look at Ahriman as he snapped back.
ASTWIHAD: Don’t get smart with me, Ahriman. I hate this as much as you do.
AHRIMAN: Clearly you don’t or not you would be doing something about it!
ASTWIHAD: Could you give me a second to think here? Evil plans don’t come easily to me as it does to you.
There was silence before Ahriman spoke again.
AHRIMAN: You told me that killing that boy would be in our favour. Unfortunately, it does not look that way.
ASTWIHAD: Yeah, well, I thought so too. Apparently, we did it at the wrong time. Her friends know me.
AHRIMAN: They do? How?
Astwihad sighed, looking glum.
ASTWIHAD: I don’t know. They either know where to look or they just stumbled upon it. Lucky idiots.
AHRIMAN: Are they close? To us and to the plan?
ASTWIHAD: No. They are still wondering whether Ashley is Astwihad. So we still got time. Though I’m not sure how long. These humans are quite unpredictable.
AHRIMAN: You better do something about this, Astwihad. I like to get out of here soon.
Astwihad sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.
ASTWIHAD: I have half a mind to sit back and wait for Asta to come to me. I feel like she’s close. She just needs some pushing.
AHRIMAN: Towards the right direction?
ASTWIHAD: Which means us of course. I can’t do it because of everything that’s going on. And neither can you.
AHRIMAN: The dreams?
ASTWIHAD: Nah. I’ve tired of that and it doesn’t seem to work. We should step up our game.
Astwihad looked at Ahriman. A slow smile started forming on his lips.
ASTWIHAD: We should think outside of the box.
Ahriman did not look impressed.
AHRIMAN: What do you propose we do?
ASTWIHAD: One of two things. We can go up to her, tell her some big lie and hope that she would join us or…
AHRIMAN: Or?
ASTWIHAD: Or we can make realise her place in the world. But she has to do it on her own. I can’t tell her that. Things are…different now. She has to realise it on her own.
AHRIMAN: Astwihad…
ASTWIHAD: In the late 20th Century, a bank robbery occurred in Stockholm, Sweden. A bank employee in that robbery was taken hostage. And you know what happened? That employee became attached to one of her captors. There’s where the term Stockholm Syndrome came from.
AHRIMAN: I’m tired of this, Astwihad.
ASTWIHAD: Hang on. I’m getting to my point.
Astwihad stood up and strolled up to the railing where Ahriman was
ASTWIHAD: Now, I wonder what made this employee feel attached to this captor. It could be because she could have understood the captor – understood his desperation, the reason for robbing that bank. She understood and felt for him and that made her grew attach to him. So that’s what we have to do to Asta. Make her understand and make her feel for us. She has to have that Stockholm Syndrome – just like that employee.
AHRIMAN: You think you can do that?
ASTWIHAD: (smiling) I’m a man of many talents.
AHRIMAN: So you plan on capturing her?
Astwihad shrugged.
ASTWIHAD: Maybe not to that extend but…somewhere along those line.
AHRIMAN: I trust you know what you’re doing, Astwihad.
ASTWIHAD: Have I ever let you down, Ahriman?
AHRIMAN: No. Not yet.
ASTWIHAD: So yes I know what I’m doing. She’s vulnerable right now. Her boyfriend is dead. She’s losing her trust in her friends. She’s lonely, she’s desperate. If we tap into that, I’m sure we’ll have her on our side in no time.
Ahriman fell silent as he thought over what Astwihad said.
AHRIMAN: You do remember that we are running out of time.
Astwihad rolled his eyes.
ASTWIHAD: Of course! How can I forget when you keep reminding me?
AHRIMAN: Good. Then make sure she’s on our side soon. If not, our plans might not take place.
ASTWIHAD: Oh come on! Don’t be so negative. Our plans will take place with or without her. It’s just that without her, things will get very…messy.
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Post by shred on Dec 12, 2008 13:22:48 GMT 10
ACT 2
~DINER~
~Later~
The 24-hour diner was nearly deserted when Asta stepped in twenty minutes later. A large man behind the counter looked up at her briefly before returning his attention back to the television overhead. He was watching a rerun of Wheel of Fortune.
A 40-something waitress came up to Asta with an empty coffee pot in her hands. She snapped her gum at the Slayer.
WAITRESS: Can I help you?
ASTA: Erm…yeah. Could I have a cup of coffee and some…pancakes?
WAITRESS: Pancakes?
ASTA: Yeah. Pancakes. I like my breakfast early.
The waitress shrugged.
WAITRESS: Whatever makes you happy, hon.
As the waitress moved away from her, Asta went to one of the booths in the back. She slide in and took a look at the handful of costumers in the diner. A trucker sat at the counter, watching the television and a couple of waitress were seated a few booths away from Asta having a midnight snack.
A minute later, the middle-aged waitress came towards Asta’s table with a full coffee pot and a mug. She set the mug down and filled it with steaming black coffee.
WAITRESS: Had a long day?
Asta looked up the waitress and blinked.
WAITRESS: I said, did you have a long day? You look like hell.
Asta produced a weak smiled as she reached for her coffee.
ASTA: Yeah, I did. A very long day.
WAITRESS: What are you doing out here anyway? Shouldn’t you be tucked into you bed right about now.
ASTA: Long story.
The waitress laughed.
WAITRESS: I got all night, hon. And as you can see, I’m not busy.
ASTA: I really like to be alone right now. So if you don’t mind…
WAITRESS: Oh come on, hon. I was just being polite.
MAN: Susan! Leave the poor child alone!
Both Asta and the waitress, Susan, turned towards the counter. The large man was not looking at the television anymore but at them. A scowled darkened his features.
SUSAN: I was just being polite, Frank!
FRANK: The child looks like she has been through hell and back, the last thing she needs is you being polite! Now get your ass over here!
Susan rolled her eyes before gazing back at Asta.
SUSAN: There’s free refill and I’ll get your pancakes in a minute.
Asta forced another smile.
ASTA: Thanks.
Susan snapped her gum and moved away from Asta’s table. She ignored Frank and went into the back where the kitchen.
FRANK: If you need anything else, just holler.
ASTA: Thanks, Frank.
Frank nodded and returned back to his game on the television.
The pancakes arrived ten minutes later. Asta dug in as if she didn’t eat for days. It was when she had a fourth refill and her second plate of pancakes when the door of the diner opened and a short man dressed in a dark trench coat entered. The collar of the trench coat was pulled up and the red cap he wore was pulled down low, almost making his face disappear.
He went up to the counter, sat down and ordered a cup of coffee. He then turned and looked at Asta. Asta looked away, pretending to be engrossed in her meal. But at the corner of her eye, she saw that the man had her eyes on her throughout the entire time he was here.
Ten minutes later, he finished up his coffee, slapped a couple of bills onto the countertop and left the diner. Peering through the window, Asta saw that the man didn’t leave entirely. He stood outside of the diner, leaning against a telephone booth.
SUSAN: Hey, hon.
Asta jumped slightly, startled. Susan dropped a piece of paper onto her table.
SUSAN: This was left for you.
ASTA: (frowning) From who?
SUSAN: That man outside.
ASTA: Did he say who he was?
SUSAN: Nope.
ASTA: Did he say what he wanted?
SUSAN: Nope. He just told Frank to pass this to you.
Susan left before Asta could press her for more details.
The Slayer stared at the paper for a whole minute before looking out at the man. He was looking straight at her, as if willing her to read the note. Asta’s curiosity took over and she unfolded the paper.
ASTA: “If you want answers, follow me.”
Asta looked up again but this time the man was nowhere to be seen. Acting fast, Asta dropped some bills onto the table before bolting out of the diner.
When she came out, Asta caught a glimpse of a trench coat rounding a corner. She headed towards that direction. As she turned around the corner, she found herself in a deserted alley. All she saw was overflowing dumpsters and rats. No man in trench coat in sight.
ASTA: Hello?
No reply came.
ASTA: Look, I had a really long day and I’m not really in the mood for hide and seek. But if you insist on playing, can I hide instead and you go seek?
A noise came from her left and Asta jumped slightly, immediately dropping into a fighting stance. A second later, a rat scurried out of one of the dumpsters and past Asta’s feet. She watched it as it shot out of the alley. Asta rolled her eyes as she turned her attention back to the front, relaxing slightly.
A vampire stood in front of her, smiling.
VAMP: Hello.
Asta blinked.
ASTA: Erm…hi.
VAMP: Are you lost?
ASTA: Not really. I’m looking for someone.
VAMP: Who?
ASTA: Well, definitely not you.
The vampire cocked his head and frowned slightly.
VAMP: Aren’t you that Slayer?
ASTA: Who wants to know?
VAMP: I do. (pause) So you are the Slayer.
ASTA: I am.
VAMP: Good. I always wanted to kill a Slayer.
Asta reached into the pocket of her jacket and took out a stake.
ASTA: That won’t happen.
The vampire smiled and took a step forward. Asta raised up her hand, stopping him from coming closer.
ASTA: Wait. Before we fight, I need to ask you something. Did you see a short guy in a trench coat around here earlier?
VAMP: A short guy in a trench coat?
ASTA: Yeah. And he had a red cap on.
VAMP: A trench coat and a red cap. Yeah I saw him.
He nodded to something behind Asta.
VAMP: Ain’t that him.
Asta blinked in surprise, not expecting that answer from the vampire. She dropped her guard and whirled around. Sure enough, the short man in a trench coat and red cap stood behind her.
ASTA: Hey, I’ve been looking –
The remaining words died off as the vampire ploughed into Asta from behind. As she tumbled to the ground, she heard a clatter as she lost her grip on her stake and it went skidding into the dark depths of the alley. Asta quickly twisted around and found the vampire towering above her.
VAMP: Gotcha.
#########################################
~HOSPITAL~
David pulled up a chair next to Tabitha’s bed and sat down at her side. Tabitha lay still as he took her hand into his. Her face was pale and the only colour came from the few bruises on her temple and cheek. Her breathing was shallow and David had to look hard to make sure she was indeed breathing.
David kissed Tabitha’s hand and stroked her hair.
DAVID: Come on, baby. You got to wake up. We need you.
David swallowed hard as his eyes started to tear.
DAVID: Call me selfish but I need you. I need you so bad, Tabby. Probably more than your brother or the rest do.
No response came from Tabitha. Not even a flinch. David sighed. He drew circles around the top of Tabitha’s hand with his thumb absentmindedly. He took in a deep breath as his gaze focused on his thumb caressing Tabitha’s hand.
DAVID: You know, when you first told me about this whole demon hunting gig, I thought you weren’t serious. I mean, yeah, I knew you were serious about it because, hey, I saw these vampires and demons you were talking about but I always thought it was some sort of phase your brother was going through and that he dragged you along for the ride. And being the loving sister that you were, you followed. I never knew that it was actually your life, that day in and day out, you would go out there and really fight demons and vampires – not because of your brother but because you wanted to.
David looked at Tabitha’s face as a lone tear trailed done his cheek.
DAVID: I never knew that you were serious enough to have books on how to kill these demons or books on how to do these strange spells or know people who have books on how to kill these demons or books on how to do these strange spells or connections to people…
David trailed off as he chuckled.
DAVID: You get what I’m saying right? I just never knew you were that serious.
He brushed his tear away with the back of his hand as he brought Tabitha’s hand to his lips.
DAVID: I don’t know if this is the kind of life I want to lead. I can’t keep worrying about you whenever you got out fighting with your brother and your friends.
He reached out and touched Tabitha’s bruised face.
DAVID: I don’t want you to be serious about this anymore, Tabby. I don’t think I can do this. Please…please don’t be serious anymore.
It was then when Andrew burst through the door, wide-eyed and panting. David jumped up from his seat in surprise, dropping Tabitha’s hand in the process.
DAVID: What?
ANDREW: They found us. We got to go!
#########################################
~ALLEY~
The vampire was sitting on top of Asta now and he wasn’t exactly a light vampire. Asta tried to twist beneath the creature, hoping to find some avenue of escape. Instead, the vampire tightened his thighs around her hips, making her immobile.
VAMP: This would be a lot easier on you if you don’t struggle.
Asta scowled.
ASTA: I don’t think so!
The vampire struck her across her face.
VAMP: Hey! Shut up!
Asta blinked, trying to clear her vision. When it did, Asta saw that the vampire’s attention was not on her but to the guy in the red cap behind her.
VAMP: Hey, mister. Could you give us some privacy? I don’t really like it when people watch me while I eat.
Asta tried to move again but the vampire clamped his hand on her throat. He looked down at her and snarled.
VAMP: I said, stop moving.
He looked up at the guy again.
VAMP: Hey! Can you leave?
No response came from the other man. So the vampire shrugged.
VAMP: Fine. Watch me then.
ASTA: Or at least help me!
The vampire on top of her started to roll his eyes but froze in mid-action. A flicker of fear sprung onto his face. With his thighs immobilizing her and his hands on her throat, it was hard to see what made the vampire grow scare. Whatever is was, it can’t be good.
ASTA: What’s going on?
The only reply Asta got was the vampire’s head snapping back. He tumbled backwards, releasing Asta. She used this moment to push the vampire completely off her body. Once he was off, she craned her neck to see what was going on from behind.
The guy in the red cap was just a few feet away from her. A baseball bat was in his hands.
ASTA: Oh. Erm…thanks?
A loud roar resounded throughout the alley. Asta turned just in time to see the vampire leaping straight at her. The slayer rolled out of the way just in the nick of time. The vampire flew right at the guy in the red cap. The two of them toppled to the ground and started struggling with each other. Asta stared at them, not sure whether to help or to run.
She wasn’t sure who the bad guy was in this so helping one of them might lead to something worse. She couldn’t run either. She wanted to know what the guy in the red cap had for her.
So she lay on the ground and waited.
The struggled between the vampire and the man grew more intense. Due to his height and weight, the vampire certainly had the advantage. All the other man could do was block the vampire’s blows and duck from the heavy punches.
When it seemed that the vampire had the upper hand and was about to dispose the man in the red cap, the man’s hand shot forward and the vampire crumbled into dust. The man dropped the stake he used and got to his feet. He dusted himself off before grabbing his baseball bat which he lost something during the fight.
He looked at Asta. From the ground, Asta stared back.
ASTA: Erm…thanks again…for that. I…erm…
She started climbing to her feet.
ASTA: You didn’t have to do that. I had things under control. But thanks anyway.
She brushed herself off and plastered a smile on her face.
ASTA: So…erm…do I know –?
She stopped short when she noticed that something was wrong. The man lifted the baseball bat and swung.
ASTA: Hey – !
The rest of her words died in her mouth as the bat cracked against her temple. The last thing she saw before darkness engulfed her was the man’s hand reaching for her.
The hand was not human.
#########################################
~HOSPITAL~
DAVID: ‘They’? Who are ‘they’?
ANDREW: The demons! The demons who want to kill us!
David’s eyes widened.
DAVID: They are here? But this is a hospital.
Andrew came up to David, grabbed his arm and started pulling him towards the door.
ANDREW: Doesn’t mean demons can’t enter. Look, we got not time to discuss this – we need to leave.
David stood his ground.
DAVID: I’m not leaving. Not without Tabitha.
David yanked his arm away from Andrew. The young Watcher rolled his eyes in frustration.
ANDREW: Well, we can’t take her.
DAVID: Then I’m not leaving!
A loud crash came from the hallway, stopping the two men in mid conversation.
DAVID: What was that?
Andrew scowled.
ANDREW: I did say the demons found us.
DAVID: What about Pike and Xander?
ANDREW: We split –
Another crash was heard and then a scream rang out.
ANDREW: – Up.
DAVID: You got a plan?
ANDREW: Yes, I do. To run. To run far away from here. But you don’t want that.
DAVID: I told you, not without Tabitha.
ANDREW: Then we are screwed.
A large figure appeared in the doorway. David instinctively went to Tabitha’s bed. Andrew stood beside him.
The figure – a large demon that was dressed as if it was a part of some biker gang – snarled before looking over its shoulder.
BIKER DEMON: In here boys!
David and Andrew swallowed hard.
DAVID: Did he just say ‘boys’? As in more than one?
ANDREW: We are so screwed.
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Post by shred on Dec 12, 2008 13:24:45 GMT 10
ACT 3
The place was in darkness.
It was so dark that Asta could not make out where she was. She could not tell whether she was in a room, a boot of a car or in a box. She did, however, know that her hands were tied up behind her back and her feet were bound as well. She was thrown to her side on a dusty floor.
She tried to pull against her restrains but the throbbing pain at her temple restricted her movements. Every time she made large movements or moved her head too much, a flash of pain exploded behind her eyes, causing her to go limp. Asta gave up after a couple of tries and decided to see if she could figure out where she was.
Asta squinted through the darkness, trying to see if she could make out any shapes that could indicate furniture or even a door. All she saw was more darkness.
ASTA: Hello?
Her voice sounded loud so Asta guess, the place she was in might be a small room.
ASTA: Hello? Anybody there?
No response came.
ASTA: Hey! You better let me out of here. You don’t know who you’re dealing with!
Then the room exploded into light, causing Asta to slam her eyes shut. The bright light caused another searing pain to burst in her head. A moment later, she heard footsteps entering.
Asta opened her eyes and looked up. The man who knocked her out stood towering above her. He still had his trench coat and red cap on, covering his identity. His hands were behind his back and he seemed to be studying Asta.
Asta, squinting against the bright light, tried to get a look at his face. Before she could make out his features, the man crouched down in front of her. Asta froze.
The man took off his red cap and Asta gasped at the familiar face.
Slick smiled at her, his small sliver teeth gleaming brightly under the lights.
SLICK: Oh, I know who I’m dealing with, Asta.
#########################################
~HOUSE~
Xander ducked behind a bush as two demons walked by. They were talking loudly, frustration written all over their green faces.
DEMON #1: The humans are not in there!
DEMON #2: How was I suppose to know that? I didn’t see them leave. Did you?
DEMON #1: No.
DEMON #2: That’s right. So don’t go blaming this on me!
Their conversation drifted off as the two demons walked further away from Xander. Once he was sure that he was in the clear, Xander peered around the bush and took a quick look at the house. There were a handful of demons milling around. They were getting anxious, frustrated that there was no more action coming from the house. The barrier was still up, blocking the demons entry. Upon closer inspection, Xander realised that the barrier was dangerously close in coming down. The mystical green dome shimmered, wobbled and now and then flickered – as if the power was draining.
Looking worried, Xander reached from his cellphone and speed dialled Pike’s number. Pike picked at the second ring.
PIKE: Yeah?
XANDER: I’m at the house. It looks like the barrier is going to come down any minute.
PIKE: That’s ok. There’s no on in there.
XANDER: If the demons figured out that the barrier would not be up much longer, they’ll go in there and trash the place. For the fun of it.
PIKE: Damn. Tabitha won’t like that.
XANDER: Exactly. Any ideas? A bright one would be good right about now.
PIKE: How many demons are there?
XANDER: Not much. Maybe about 10, 15.
PIKE: Can you take them?
XANDER: Of course I can. Just let me call upon my super powers. Or wait, I forgot. I don’t have any!
PIKE: Right. I’ll take that as a no.
XANDER: Take that as a no way in hell. There’s 15 of demons and one of Xander. Do the math, Pike.
PIKE: Ok, ok. Let me think.
XANDER: Make it quick. I can’t hide behind this bush any longer. There are too many ants and they are getting into my pants.
A chuckle was heard from the other end and Xander scowled.
XANDER: Where are you anyway?
PIKE: I’m heading back to the hospital. When we split up, I saw Andrew running towards the hospital. I’m going back there to make sure none of the demons followed him. Tabitha’s there helpless and I don’t want the demons knowing that.
XANDER: Ok. Any chance of you coming to me? These demons look like they are not going to stop coming after us until they make us pay. We need weapons to protect ourselves and those weapons are in house.
Pike sighed. He didn’t speak and Xander thought for a moment that he hanged up.
PIKE: I’ll call you back.
XANDER: What? Why?
A dial tone echoed in Xander’s ears.
XANDER: Pike? Pike?!
#########################################
~HOSPITAL~
DAVID: Come one, Andrew. We don’t have all day.
ANDREW: What do you want me to do?
The large demon at the door started advancing towards them. A wide smile split his face, revealing razor sharp teeth and a snake-like tongue that darted out now and again. Its friends were no where to be seen. Not yet anyway.
DAVID: I don’t know. Do something.
ANDREW: Any suggestions?
DAVID: Well, you’re a teacher right? Asta’s teacher? Shouldn’t you be the one with all the suggestions? Use your powers or something.
Andrew glanced over at David in exasperation.
ANDREW: Firstly, I’m not her teacher. I’m her Watcher.
David looked sceptical.
DAVID: Is there a difference?
ANDREW: And secondly, Watcher’s don’t have any powers.
DAVID: So what good are you?
Andrew didn’t get a chance to respond. The two men jumped out of the way as the demon’s large hand swiped at them. The biker demon was about to turn and go after the men again when he noticed Tabitha on the bed.
BIKER DEMON: Well, look at this. I’m killing three birds with one stone.
DAVID: No, you’re not!
David leapt onto the biker demon’s back and wrapped his hands around its thick neck.
DAVID: Get away from her!
ANDREW: David!
Anger flashed across the demon’s face and started to shrug David off its back. But David hung on tight.
#########################################
ASTA: Slick.
SLICK: Slayer. Do you know what a pain in the rear you are?
ASTA: Not as much of a pain as you. What do you want from me?
Slick rolled his eyes as he tossed his red cap aside.
SLICK: You destroyed my shop, Slayer. What do you think I want from you?
ASTA: I didn’t destroy anything. I was just cleaning your mess!
SLICK: Mess? I don’t call my shop a mess and you shouldn’t either.
ASTA: I can called it whatever I want, demon. You shouldn’t even be alive.
Slick scoffed.
SLICK: Says the girl who’s tied up.
ASTA: You know these ropes won’t hold me for long. I’m the slayer.
The small demon chuckled. He stood up and folded his arms across his chest. He looked at her expectedly.
SLICK: Go on. Let’s see how strong you really are.
Asta grunted as she pulled against the ropes. She felt the ropes loosen a little and before she could do anything about it, Slick swung his foot at Asta’s face. The demon’s foot caught Asta’s jaw hard, causing her to roll over to her other side.
Asta groaned as new waves of pain flooded through her body.
SLICK: Not as easy as it seems, huh, Slayer? Remember, you’re the one tied up here.
Asta looked up at Slick, scowling.
ASTA: What do you want from me?
SLICK: Payment. You did destroy my shop.
ASTA: I don’t owe you anything. I should be killing you and all your demon friends. You’re killers, nothing but evil beings.
Slick’s expression turned thoughtful.
SLICK: I guess you are right. When you come right down to it, we are killers. We are evil beings.
The demon smiled widely. He looked positively gleeful.
SLICK: So guess what I’m going to do to you!
#########################################
~HOUSE~
It was the only way Xander could think of getting into the house without attracting much attention. But that did not mean that it was easy.
He was wiggling halfway through the window of the second story room when the windowpane came down hard on his back. Xander bit the insides of his cheek to keep himself from crying out loud in pain.
He twisted as much as possible and tried his very best to push the pane up wider. Either the windowpane was stuck or he didn’t have enough energy as the pane did not budge an inch.
He twisted the other way and tried. No luck either.
So Xander came to a conclusion that he was stuck.
#########################################
~HOSPITAL~
Andrew grabbed a chair and lifted it over his head.
ANDREW: David, get off!
David glanced up, saw what Andrew was about to do and jumped off the Biker demon. As soon as David detached himself from the demon, Andrew brought the chair down as hard as he could on the demon’s head. The chair smashed against the hard skull, shattering into pieces.
The biker glared angrily at the Watcher and reached for him. Andrew took a step back, surprise that the chair did not do any damage. Before the demon could grab at Andrew’s shirt, its eyes rolled back into its sockets and the demon slumped to the ground.
Andrew and David blinked at each other.
ANDREW: Well. I expected it to work faster.
DAVID: At least it worked.
VOICE: Kingston!
David and Andrew looked up. Four similar biker demons stood at the doorway. They did not look a least bit happy.
DAVID: The boys?
ANDREW: The boys.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The hospital was in chaos. Demons were running amok, destroying everything in their path. A handful of biker-like demons were terrorizing the nurses at their station, while smaller demons turning over furniture and scaring patients out of the hospital.
In the midst of the chaos, they did not notice Pike dashing into the hospital and heading straight to the ward where his sister was.
He stumbled upon more demons at Tabitha’s room. There were four of them blocking the doorway. He couldn’t see whether Andrew and David were in the room or whether they were alive.
Pike took out a switchblade from his pocket and crept up to one of the demons at the back of the pack. The blade might not be able to bring down the big demons but it would do enough damage to give him, David and Andrew enough time to plot their next move.
Once he was close enough, he wrapped an arm around the neck of the demon and sliced its neck. The demon gurgled and choked as it fell to the ground. The noised attracted the attention of the other three demons. They all turned towards Pike in surprise.
Pike didn’t bother with a snide remark or a witty pun as he went after the next demon nearest to him. He plunge the switchblade into the eye of the demon to his right, yanked it out before turning to the next demon. That demon was already on him. The large creature grabbed Pike and threw him into the room. Pike skidded across the floor and stopped in front of Andrew and David.
The two men looked down at Pike.
DAVID: Pike.
PIKE: David. Andrew.
The remaining two uninjured demons lumbered into the room, snarling and roaring at the three men. David quickly scrambled towards Tabitha while Andrew went for another chair. Pike climbed to his feet and started swinging his blade at the demons, trying to keep them at bay until he could think of something more effective to bring the demons down.
Behind the creatures, Pike saw the other two demons slowly getting to their feet. He had to hurry or it would be four large demons against 3 rather powerless men.
PIKE: Any bright ideas, Andrew?
Andrew looked irritated as he came up beside Pike with a rather large chair.
ANDREW: I don’t understand why everyone is asking me for ideas. Can’t you think of one your own?
PIKE: Well, you are the Watcher.
ANDREW: So? Doesn’t mean I have powers that summon bright ideas!
DAVID: Guys…now is not the time to argue.
PIKE: Do you have any bright ideas?
DAVID: Hey, I’m not the one who does this for living. I should be asking you that question.
Pike rolled his eyes as he swung his blade again. He got lucky and managed to nick one of the demons, drawing blood.
ANDREW: I think we’ve established that none of us has any bright ideas.
PIKE: Well, that’s too bad. Sooner or later the demons downstairs will find us and these two will be the least of our problems.
Andrew’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Pike.
ANDREW: You mean there’s more out there?
PIKE: I mean we are dead meat if we don’t get any ideas soon.
#########################################
ASTA: Ashley was right about you demons. You’re nothing but trouble.
SLICK: Oh come on! We can be fun too!
ASTA: You’re sick.
SLICK: Yeah, well, sometimes we can be that too.
Slick sighed as he crouched down beside Asta again.
SLICK: Look, I know what you’re thinking.
Asta shot the demon a glare.
ASTA: Really?
SLICK: That you want to kill me. That all demons like me should die a very painful death and you should be the one responsible for inflicting that death. (pause) Am I right?
ASTA: Let me go and we’ll see how right you are.
Slick chuckled, shaking his head.
SLICK: You’re a funny girl, you know that.
Asta didn’t reply. Instead, she gritted her teeth and pulled against her ropes.
ASTA: What do you want from me, Slick? If you want to kill me, do it now. I had enough of hearing you talk.
SLICK: Well, that’s too bad. You’re not in the position to tell me what to do here. Remember, you’re the one tied up and I’m the demon who can kill you anytime.
Asta stopped struggling and let herself sag to the floor, looking defeated. She sighed.
ASTA: Just…just tell me what you want. You want to tell you I’m sorry about what I did to your shop? Fine, I’m sorry ok? Just let me go and maybe we can work things out.
SLICK: Like civilised people?
A scowl darkened Asta’s features.
ASTA: You’re a demon.
SLICK: Exactly. We can’t be civilised. So no, I can’t let you go.
ASTA: And here I thought I could talk some sense into you. You want to know why I destroy your shop? Killed those demons in that bar and burnt it down? I’ll tell you why. Because you demons don’t deserve to be in this town. You’re nothing but trouble. You kill, you murder, you terrorise people and destroy families. I’m just doing what you demons did to us. You deserve what I did and more. Lots more. So I’m warning you. Let me go now or when I get out, you would regret you ever met me.
Slick looked at her for a moment.
SLICK: You done?
ASTA: I said –
SLICK: I’ve heard all of this before, Slayer. You can threaten all you want but I’m not letting you go until you pay back what you did. You destroyed my community.
ASTA: You destroyed mine!
SLICK: You killed my fellow demon.
ASTA: You killed humans.
SLICK: You destroyed my home.
ASTA: You destroyed mine.
SLICK: So why am I called a demon and not you?
Asta bared her teeth as she glared at Slick.
ASTA: I’m not a demon.
SLICK: By nature maybe. But you have all the characteristics of a demon. What makes you different from me, Slayer?
ASTA: I’m not a demon!
Slick stood up.
SLICK: Fine. Let’s play it your way then. I’m a demon and you’re not. So I shall do what every demon would do. Kill.
Asta’s eyes widen with fear.
SLICK: Oh don’t worry, Asta. I’m not going to kill you. Well, not yet anyway. I just want you to feel what I felt when you came in and destroyed my shop and killed my friends.
Slick grinned before turning on his heels and left the room.
As soon as Slick disappeared, Asta struggled against her ropes again. This time she felt the ropes loosened a little. That spurned her on to continue to pull at her ropes. The rough material rubbed her wrists raw as she tugged on them. She gritted her teeth to prevent herself from crying out in pain.
It took her almost ten minutes for one of her hands to break free from the ropes. By that time her wrists were sore and bleeding. Keeping an eye out for Slick, Asta slowly climbed to her feet and headed silently towards the direction Slick disappeared to.
The room wasn’t as small as she first thought it was. It looked like she was in some warehouse. It wasn’t clear whether this warehouse was in use or not.
Asta spotted a metal door a metre away and started to jog towards it. She was almost a few feet away from the door when it swung open, catching Asta by surprise. Slick appeared and he blinked when he saw Asta standing before him.
SLICK: Oh. You’re leaving? So soon?
He took a step forward with his baseball bat in hand. Asta was paying so close attention to the little shopkeeper that she didn’t notice two demons behind Slick.
SLICK: But you haven’t met my guest yet.
Slick nodded towards his two demon friends and Asta took that opportunity to look up. She gasped when she finally noticed that the demons brought someone with them.
ASTA: Ashley.
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Post by shred on Dec 12, 2008 13:26:37 GMT 10
ACT 4
~HOSPITAL~
ANDREW: I got a plan!
Pike grunted as he swung his knife again.
PIKE: It’s about time!
Pike got lucky and managed to cut a large gash across the abdomen of one of the demons. The demon roared in pain and fell to its keens.
PIKE: Telling us the plan right about now would be nice, Andy!
ANDREW: We need to get out of this room.
David, who had a broken chair leg in his hand as a weapon, glanced at Andrew. He didn’t look very happy about that idea.
PIKE: I thought we all agreed that’s the basic idea?
ANDREW: We need to get out of this room and lead the demons away from the hospital and Tabitha. They are drawn to us.
Pike jumped back and aimed a kick at the second demon’s chest. The demon stumbled back and into the path of David. Tabitha’s fiancé took the opportunity to plunge the broken chair leg into the demon’s back. Roaring, the demon spun round and started advancing towards David with the piece of wood stuck on its back.
DAVID: Gah!
The demon was almost on top of David when Pike ran up to it. He grabbed the wood sticking out of its back and yanked it out. The demon let out another roar of pain. That gave David enough time to slip out of its grasp and away from the demon. Pike didn’t wait for the demon to recover before swinging his knife and plunging into the demon’s neck. He pushed it in deep into the neck and didn’t pull out until the demon grew still.
PIKE: Well, two down and lots more to go.
ANDREW: Is it time to run now?
PIKE: Definitely. Let’s go.
DAVID: Whoa, whoa, whoa! I’m not going anywhere.
PIKE: Damn it, David. Andrew is right. The demons are drawn to us. We need to get their attention and then lead them away from the hospital. Away from Tabitha.
DAVID: No way! I told you before and I’m telling you again – I’m not leaving Tabitha here all alone.
PIKE: David, you’re not helping!
DAVID: And I don’t see how us running away is going to help Tabitha.
PIKE: Look, the demons don’t know that Tabitha is hurt. Once they see us running free, they’ll think she’s with has. They won’t bother finding an injured Tabitha.
ANDREW: Guys, we better hurry and make a decision. The demons are not gong to wait for us.
PIKE: Come on.
Pike headed towards the door of the room with Andrew in tow. David didn’t move.
DAVID: I mean it, Pike. I’m not leaving.
Pike scowled and cursed under his breath. Pike stalked up to David and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt.
PIKE: Listen to me, Dave. You’re coming with us. Because trust me when I say that I’ll kill you if Tabitha get hurts. And you staying here? Will get Tabitha hurt. You understand?
Determination set on David’s face. He raised his chin defiantly.
DAVID: I’m not –
Pike raised his knife. The tip of the blade coming very close to David’s neck.
PIKE: I said you’re coming with us.
The two men glared at each other. Andrew looked on anxiously.
ANDREW: Come on, come on. We got to go.
Pike let go of David and hurried out of the door. Andrew was about to follow when he realised David didn’t move. He stopped and turned towards David.
ANDREW: David?
David was leaning over Tabitha and was whispering something into her ear. Once he was done, he kissed her forehead.
ANDREW: David. We got to go.
David looked at Andrew, his face grim.
ANDREW: She’ll be fine.
David nodded. Ten minutes later, Pike, David and Andrew were running down the hallway of the hospital, making as much noise as they could. In a few minutes, they were leading at least twenty demons out and away from the hospital.
#########################################
~HOUSE~
Something grabbed Xander’s ankle and he yelped in surprise. He tried to look over his shoulder, hoping that it was either Pike or a friendly neighbour coming to help. Being in the position that he was it, it was hard to see past his back.
XANDER: Hello? Who’s there?
The response was a growl and then a sharp tug.
XANDER: You know what? I’m quite fine here. You don’t have to help me.
When the demon didn’t let go of his ankle, Xander started to kick, hoping that somehow he’ll be able to lose the demon’s grip on him.
As the demon tugged and Xander kicked, he felt his body slipping. Before he could grab onto something that would prevent him from slipping out of the window and down into the clutches of the demon, Xander felt the grip around his ankle disappear. The sound of fighting was heard. And then there was silence.
XANDER: Hello?
VOICE: What the hell are you doing up there?
XANDER: David?
DAVID: Xander, are you stuck?
XANDER: Hmmm…yes?
DAVID: Geez. Ok, hang tight. I’m going to pull you down.
XANDER: I shouldn’t be hanging tight –
David gripped his ankles and gave a huge tug. Xander slipped out of the window and fell onto the other man.
XANDER: – If I want that to happen.
David pushed Xander off him and stood up. Just a few feet away from the two of them was a demon that was chopped into half.
DAVID: You’re welcome.
XANDER: Thanks. What are you doing here? Where are Pike and Andrew?
DAVID: We split up. Pike wanted me to come and get you. Being back in the house is not safe.
XANDER: I’m starting to gather that.
David picked up his sword.
DAVID: We got to get out of here.
XANDER: Where are we going?
DAVID: Pike says he knows a place. We’re meeting him at Willows Cemetery.
XANDER: How is a cemetery safer than our house?
DAVID: We just have to make sure the demons don’t follow us. Come on.
With that, the two men run away from the house.
#########################################
ASTA: What are you doing with him?
SLICK: Stay back or my friends will finis him off.
Asta couldn’t tell how badly Ashley was hurt. The demons held him by his arms. He was slumped forward, giving her the prefect view of the top of his head. He hasn’t move since they brought him in so Asta guessed that he was unconscious.
ASTA: Let him go! He has nothing to do with this.
SLICK: I’m the one in charge here. I get to decide who I want to take hostage.
Slick raised his bat.
SLICK: Now. Sit. Back. Down.
Asta didn’t move. She kept her eyes on Ashley.
ASTA: If you hurt him…
Slick barked out a laugh.
SLICK: Who says I haven’t already?
He turned to the demons.
SLICK: Leave him here. But get the girl.
The demons nodded. They dropped Ashley to the floor and started to approach Asta. The Slayer dropped into a fighting stance as the demons came towards her.
SLICK: You better cooperate or your friend here will get hurt real bad.
ASTA: Touch him and –
SLICK: And what? You’ll do this to me?
Slick swung his bat and struck Ashley in the stomach.
ASTA: No!
SLICK: No? So you’ll do this instead?
This time, the bat struck against Ashley’s back. Asta let out a cry before running towards Slick. The two demons jumped in her way, cutting her off. They grabbed her hands and held her back. Slick chuckled as he circled Ashley.
SLICK: You like that feeling, Asta? That feeling of hopelessness as something you cared about gets hurt and you can’t do anything about it?
He hit Ashley again.
SLICK: Tell me, Asta. Do you like it?
ASTA: Ashley was right about you. You’re nothing but demons. Pure and simple.
SLICK: Don’t forget evil. According to him, we’re evil too.
ASTA: You know, I once felt bad for you demons. But seeing how right Ashley is, I just want to kill you very badly right now.
Slick laughed. He tossed the bat aside and reached behind his back. He pulled out a dagger with a smile.
SLICK: Shall we have a go then?
Slick waved a hand at his two demons. The demons stepped back, letting go of Asta. She was about to take a step forward when a wave of dizziness passed through the Slayer. The room spun, causing her to stumble. She fell to her knees.
ASTA: What…?
VOICE: Asta…
Asta looked up, trying to find the source of the voice. All she saw was Slick and the two demons. They spun around her slowly as another wave of dizziness washed over her.
ASHLEY: There are three great souls and they are called Saoshyants or Saviours. These three Saoshyants destroy evil and bring forth the reign of righteousness onto this world. You, Asta, are one of the Saoshyants.
SLICK: Come one, Asta. Do what you have to do.
VOICE: Asta…
The image of Slick started to blur and slowly melted away, leaving behind someone else. It was Ashley.
ASTA: Ashley? What’s…what’s going on?
ASHLEY: Do what you have to do. Do what a Saoshyant has to do.
ASTA: I don’t understand…
ASHLEY: Of course you do.
ANDREW: That’s Astwihad. He works for Ahriman.
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.
Asta gasped as things finally start to make sense.
ASTA: Astwihad…
ASTWIHAD: (smiling) That’s my girl. You’re catching on.
ASTA: But it can’t be. You’re Ashley.
Astwihad didn’t answer. Asta braced herself as the room spun around again.
ASTA: How do you know all this?
ASHLEY: Let’s just say I have some expertise in this area.
ASTA: Is that why you’re helping me?
ASHLEY: Yes. It’s my job to make you better at what you do.
Astwihad raised his hand, presenting Asta with Slick’s dagger.
ASTWIHAD: Here. Do what a Saoshyant has to do.
As suddenly as it came, the dizziness vanished. Behind her, she heard the low growl of the two demons. Asta slowly got to her feet. She turned to where the unconscious Ashley was suppose to be. Instead she saw Slick in his place.
ASTWIHAD: Don’t worry about him. I’ve taken care of it.
Astwihad took Asta’s hand and pressed the dagger into her palm.
ASTWIHAD: Finish the demons off.
Asta nodded mutely. Her mind was still reeling at what just happened.
ASTWIHAD: Once you’re done, come to the Monastery. There’s someone special I’d like you to meet.
ASTA: Who?
ASTWIHAD: Don’t be late.
Astwihad flashed her a bright smile and turned on his heels. A minute later, it was just Asta, an unconscious Slick and the two demons. She turned to face them.
ASTA: This is what a Saoshyant has to do.
With that, Asta leapt into action, her dagger raised high. Once she was done, all was left was blood and demon body parts scattered on the floor.
Wiping sweat and blood out of her eyes, Asta turned and left the room.
#########################################
~WILLOWS CEMETERY~
When David and Xander entered an empty mausoleum in Willows Cemetery, they found Pike and Andrew seated at the far end of the mausoleum, facing the stone door. Andrew had a crossbow aimed at the door while an axe rested on Pike’s knees.
XANDER: Great. Weapons! Do we get one?
PIKE: These were the only ones we found in Slick’s shop.
DAVID: So what now? Do we go back to the hospital and get Tabitha?
Pike got to his feet and went to the door. He dragged it shut before regarding David.
PIKE: No, we can’t. We can’t move Tabitha without risking more serious injuries to her body. She’s safe where she is now.
XANDER: So what do we do now?
PIKE: We need to find a safe place for us to rest. The sun is almost up so most of the demons should go into hiding.
XANDER: If they are brave enough to storm through a hospital, I doubt a little sunlight will cause them to go into hiding.
PIKE: Well, whatever it is, it’s a lot safer for us to be on the streets in broad daylight.
DAVID: Do you have a place in mind?
Pike’s expression grew thoughtful. Then he nodded, a smile growing on his lips.
PIKE: Yeah. Yeah I do.
#########################################
~MONASTERY~
~Present~
The hall of the monastery was dark. Asta stood in the middle with a thoughtful expression on her face. She was looking at someone in front of her.
ASTA: Everything makes sense now. What my friends told me was true.
ASTWIHAD: You have smart friends. Do you believe them now?
ASTA: After everything that has happened…yes, I do.
ASTWIHAD: Just like I know it will. Time was needed to make you understand. Now that time has come.
ASTA: Are you responsible…for me?
ASTWIHAD: Maybe.
Asta lifted a mean looking dagger and studied its blade. Her bloody face reflected back on the blade but it didn’t faze the Slayer.
She looked up at Astwihad.
ASTA: You’re right – about something you said.
ASTWIHAD: And what would that be?
ASTA: I have to accept who I really am.
ASTWIHAD: And who are you, Asta?
ASTA: A Saoshyant.
ASTWIHAD: Yes, you are.
ASTA: Tell me, what do I have to do?
ASTWIHAD: Just what you have been doing all along.
ASTA: And my friends? They will stop me.
ASTWIHAD: They will try. But you are much too powerful than them, Asta. They are no match for you.
ASTA: You don’t understand. They’ll do everything they can to stop me – stop us.
ASTWIHAD: Then maybe we should do something about it. Time is running out. Your friends would only just be the beginning. After them, it’s the people of Hades Valley. And after that, it’s the world.
The man turned and gestured to something behind him. With the dim light, she was able to distinguish limp bodies hanging from a lone tree. Asta gasped when she recognized the dead bodies of her friends – Xander, Andrew, Tabitha and Pike.
ASTA: The world…
ASTWIHAD: All this can happen if you accept your destiny – accept who you really are.
ASTA: You’re right. I have to accept my destiny.
ASTWIHAD: And rule the world with me.
A hand reached out towards Asta and she looked at it. Asta dropped the dagger to the floor, the sound of the weapon hitting the ground echoed eerily around the hall of the monastery. Asta looked up at the person in front of her.
ASTWIHAD: Tell me, Asta, why are you here? You know who I am now. Shouldn’t you be killing me?
ASTA: Why should I?
ASTWIHAD: You tell me, Asta.
ASTA: I can’t kill you. I don’t kill my own family.
ASTWIHAD: Good. Then accept your destiny.
She reached out and took the hand. Then a large figure materialise before the slayer. Asta immediately recognized who it was.
ASTA: Ahriman.
AHRIMAN: Asta.
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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Post by shred on Dec 12, 2008 13:26:57 GMT 10
Feedback, reviews, comments and suggestions are to be left in my feedback thread. Be sure to check out the Episode Trivia thread too! Thanks for reading.  |
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