ASTA Episode 1.21 "Saoshyant"

[shred]

TEASER

~AIRPORT~

The private plane landed smoothly at Hades Valley airport. As soon as the jet came to a complete stop and the seatbelt signs were off, Andrew grabbed a folder and bolted out of his seat. He didn’t waste any time running towards the exit.

A large Englishman stepped before Andrew just as he was about to step out of the plane. Andrew skidded to a halt, almost colliding into the other man.

MAN: Mr. Wells?

ANDREW: Andrew. Mr. Wells makes me sound old. And really I’m not that old. Not that I’m saying that being old is a bad thing. It’s just bad for me. Because, you know, I like being young.

The man blinked at him, not sure how to respond. He was one of the two men who travelled in the plane with Andrew, not counting the pilots.

ANDREW: I have to go now.

MAN: Of course. But just to remind you, Mr…Andrew…that if you need any help at all…

ANDREW: I know. I’ll call. But I think we have everything we need. Well, not really. I would have wanted Buffy to come with us but –

MAN: She can’t.

Andrew scowled.

ANDREW: I know. Giles told me she can’t and why she can’t.

MAN: Just letting you know that if you need our services, we are here. We’ll be in Hades Valley until this crisis is over.

ANDREW: Yeah, I know that too. But you and I both know that you can’t. Help, I mean. Well, not you specifically though I’m sure you’re a very strong man and are very competent in a fight. It’s just that from the information I got from Giles, the only person that can help is Asta.

Clutching the file close to his chest, Andrew moved past the man and sprinted down the steps.

ANDREW: Too bad, she’s evil.

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

They were coming at her at all directions. There were five of them in total and they all looked identical. Asta dropped into a fighting stance with her sword grasped before her and prepared herself for an attack.

Instead, the demons hung back, glaring at her. One of them, presumably the leader, took a step forward.

DEMON #1: We were hoping to run into you.

ASTA: It’s your lucky day.

DEMON #1: Can we talk?

ASTA: Like I’m interested in anything you have to say.

DEMON #1: I think we got off to a wrong foot. I was hoping we can deal with this like adults.

ASTA: Looks who’s talking.

Another demon stepped forward to join its leader.

DEMON #2: Listen, Slayer. We want to make things right. The last thing we need is a Slayer after us.

DEMON #1: We have bigger problems than you.

DEMON #2: Like surviving in this town.

DEMON #1: We thought with you here things would be easier for us. You know, like we have a protector or something.

ASTA: Why the hell do I want to protect a bunch of demons?

DEMON #1: The same reason you would protect humans. We are no worse than them, Slayer.

ASTA: You guys have got to be kidding me.

DEMON #1: Look, if you’re going to be a bitch about it…

ASTA: Are we here to talk or to fight? I don’t have all day. I got other demons to kill.

The demon leader shrugged.

DEMON #1: Fine. But don’t say we didn’t try to be civil.


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]

The demon was not the only one around. He had buddies. Three of them. They all looked the same – tall, silver with a snake-like tongue that looked like it could extend out of their mouths by more than a meter. The demon and its buddies surrounded Frank as he writhed in pain on the ground.

DEMON: Do you know what I heard, Frank? My buddy Leo over here told me that he saw you with the humans.

FRANK: I –

But the rest of his words died in his mouth as the demon kicked him across the face.

DEMON: Don’t lie to me Frank!

Frank spat out blood as he nodded.

FRANK: Ok…

DEMON: Ok what?

FRANK: Ok, I won’t lie to you.

DEMON: So you’ll tell me and my buddies where the humans are?

Frank nodded.

FRANK: But on one condition.

Demon blinked, not expecting to hear that from the other demon on the ground. He exchanged puzzled glances with his buddies.

DEMON: Condition?

FRANK: Yeah. You do something for me and I’ll tell you where they are and how to get them.

The demon looked at his friends, contemplating Frank’s condition. The demon on the right shrugged.

DEMON #2: Why not? I’m feeling charitable.

The first demon turned to Frank and knelt down beside him.

DEMON: Alright then, Frank. Tell me where the humans are.

#########################################
~HIDEOUT~

XANDER: You’ve got to be kidding me.

Andrew showed them the folder he had with him.

ANDREW: It’s all in here. Everything we need to know about Ahriman is in here. Or at least the information and Giles and his friends were able to find. It’s not a lot but it’s enough to know who we are dealing with and what to expect from him.

Pike took the folder from Andrew’s hand and started going through the notes.

ANDREW: It also tells us about Asta.

Pike looked up from the folder and glared at Andrew.

PIKE: I don’t see a manual here, Andrew.

ANDREW: Like I said, it’s not much but enough.

PIKE: There’s nothing in here on how to defeat Ahriman so how is this information enough?

ANDREW: Well, we have a theory.

XANDER: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Back up a minute here. What’s this about Ahriman’s blood in Asta’s veins?

ANDREW: That’s part of the theory.

PIKE: Ok, Watcher, start from the beginning.

ANDREW: Asta’s not just a slayer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~CEMETERY~

Asta was fighting another species of demons now. There are about six of them. Short and stocky but moved as fast as she did. They did not have eyes – just a small mouth and two holes punctured just about their mouths as a nose. One of them swung its tentacle-like arm towards her. Asta caught it and it was then when she realised that they had their eyes on the palms of their tentacle-like arm. She used it to her advantage, plunging a dagger that she had into the eye. The demon let out a squeal that almost burst her ear drums.

ANDREW: (v.o) Asta isn’t just human either. There’s a philosophy, a Mazdean philosophy, where it is believe that life originates from 2 principles, Ahura Mazda and Ahriman. Ahura Mazda represented light while Ahriman represented darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HIDEOUT~

XANDER: Ahriman? Our buddy Ahriman?

ANDREW: Yup.

PIKE: You said that life originated from them, so that means it was a million years ago right?

Andrew nodded.

PIKE: And he’s still around?

ANDREW: He’s a demon, Pike. Demons are generally immortals until they are killed, like vampires.

XANDER: So nobody gotten round to kill him during all these years?

Andrew rolled his eyes in annoyance.

ANDREW: Guys! Can you let me finish my story before you ask me your questions?

Xander raised his hands in surrender.

PIKE: Sorry. Continue.

ANDREW: Right. Where was I?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~CEMETERY~

Asta was almost done with disposing all of these short demons. While fighting off the last one, she caught a few figures entering the cemetery at the corner of her eye.

ANDREW: (v.o) Ahura Mazda is full of only goodness, no evil and does not tolerate it. In order to have balance in the world, Ahura Mazda created Ahriman. Both Ahura Mazda and Ahriman then govern the universe. But like all things evil, Ahriman refused to abide by the lights laws, and thus a battle raged between the two.

The last of the short demons were killed. Asta turned to face the new arrivals, who turned out to be vampires.

VAMP#1: Slayer! We’ve been looking for you.

Asta didn’t reply as she wiped sweat off her brow.

VAMP#1: (grinning) We wanted to join in the fun.

Asta twirled the dagger in her hand.

VAMP#1: You don’t mind right? Seeing how you’re just killing everyone that crosses your path, we thought we come and make it easier for you. ‘Cause we really want to cross your path.

Asta let the dagger fly out of her hand and watch it head straight into the heart of the vampire that was talking. The vampire didn’t even blink when the blade hit its heart. It looked up at the Slayer and laughed.

VAMP#1: You seriously think that a knife will kill us? Kill me?

Asta smiled.

ASTA: I just wanted to have some fun.

She leaped towards the vampire, her hands slipping into the back pocket of her jeans to pull out a stake.

ANDREW: (o.s) Ahriman created many of the evil things. All the evil in the world to fight the good things Ahura Mazda created. The battle went on for centuries.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HIDEOUT~

XANDER: What does this got to do with Asta?

ANDREW: I’m coming to that. Be patient.

PIKE: It’s hard to be patient when we have demons after us, my sister possibly dying and a rogue slayer going insane.

Andrew folded his arms across his chest and glared at the two man before him.

ANDREW: Well, you have to be if you want to know how all this is connected to Asta.

Pike sighed.

PIKE: Continue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~CEMETERY~

Before the dust of the first slain vampire could settle on the ground, Asta was already pouncing on the next one. This time, she used the dagger to take its head off.

ANDREW: (v.o) There’s a prophesy in one of the books that Giles found. It says that eventually, Ahriman will be defeated by the coming of a Saoshyant or Saviour. Ancient texts refer to three great souls who are designated to be Saoshyants. The third of these will destroy evil and bring forth the reign of righteousness. The coming is referred to in the Farvardin Yasht, which says he will be the son of Zarathustra and will be conceived through a virgin called ‘the all-destroying’.

Within minutes, the vampires were all dust blowing in the wind. But Asta’s battle didn’t stop there. The short, stocky demons that Asta thought she killed started to move. One by one, they slowly rose from the ground, their broken bones snapping into place and their torn flesh mending itself.

ANDREW: A few centuries ago – we are not exactly sure when – the first of the Saoshyants managed to defeat Ahriman. As only the third Saoshyant is only able to kill Ahriman, the Saoshyant was only able to defeat Ahriman by binding his essence to one of the Hellmouths on earth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HIDEOUT~

XANDER: Let me guess. That Hellmouth is right here in Hades Valley.

Andrew nodded.

ANDREW: We weren’t sure at first but it would make sense that he would be here. Asta was called to come here by Ahriman. Her visions and everything involved Hades Valley and the Hellmouth here so it’s logical that Ahriman’s essence is bound here.

PIKE: I still don’t get how Asta is involved.

ANDREW: I’m coming to that.

PIKE: (mumbling) That’s what you keep saying.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~CEMETERY~

ASTA: Ashley! I don’t know whether you can hear me but some help would be nice.

She braced herself for an attack from the newly resurrected demons.

ASTA: Or at least tell me how to kill these things! Ashley!

ANDREW: (o.s) After Ahriman was defeated, this Saoshyant did with the nasty with one of Ahriman’s blood relative.

XANDER: (o.s) You mean, they both mated?

ANDREW: (o.s) What part of ‘did with the nasty’ don’t you understand?

XANDER: (o.s) I’m just trying to understand why a human would mate with a demon.

PIKE: (o.s) Maybe she was a good-looking demon.

ANDREW: We are fuzzy on the details but we are sure that they did mate. Anyway, because of this, every generation that came from this…pairing carried Ahriman’s blood in them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~HIDEOUT~

XANDER: Asta. She’s part of this generation.

ANDREW: She is indeed.

PIKE: So you’re saying that she’s part Saoshyant, part…Ahriman.

XANDER: And part slayer.

ANDREW: Yes. And she’s also the Saoshyant that would defeat Ahriman.

XANDER: The second Saoshyant.

PIKE: Wait. How do you know that she’s the second Saoshyant and not her grandmother?

ANDREW: We believe it’s kinda like how the Slayer calling works. The same can’t be said for Ahriman’s blood though. Throughout the generation, Ahriman’s blood gets passed on – like a stain that can’t be removed no matter how many times you wash it with human blood.

XANDER: So how does she beat Ahriman exactly? With her blood?

ANDREW: It doesn’t matter. As long as she is the one who is holding the weapon that caused the final blow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~CEMETERY~

Asta stood in the middle of an open field in the cemetery. Littered on the ground around her were the demons from earlier. She wiped sweat and blood from her brows as she slowly made her away out of the cemetery. In the distance, she could hear a loud cry of something inhuman. Her grip tightened on her sword and started running towards the gates of the cemetery.

[shred]

ASTWIHAD: Yes. Just like you and me.

ASTA: That’s hard to believe. I’ve been hearing from you that demons are no good. You made me believe that they are evil. How is he any different?

ASTWIHAD: Yes, I did make you believe that. You trusted what I had to say. So why can’t you trust me now?

ASTA: I don’t know. All this is just so confusing right now.

ASTWIHAD: Ok, let me ask you this. Do you believe that that you’re evil?

Asta stared at Astwihad, hesitating.

ASTA: No. I don’t believe I’m evil.

ASTWIHAD: Ahriman is part of you, Asta. His blood runs in your veins. If Ahriman was evil, you would felt it in your bones. Wouldn’t you?

ASTA: I…I guess so.

ASTWIHAD: Look, how about you make yourself a cup of tea? Relax a little. The sun is coming up soon so you won’t have much to do. Then both you and I will sit and talk. Whatever questions you have, I’ll answer them. How does that sound?

Asta sighed and nodded.

ASTA: Yeah ok.

Astwihad smiled as he took her elbow and led her towards the backroom.

ASTWIHAD: Good. I promise you, Asta, I’ll take care of you.

ASTA: What about my friends?

ASTWIHAD: What about them?

ASTA: They are out there with the demons. I want them to be safe.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t worry about them. I’ll take care of them. I’ve already taken care of Tabitha.

Asta stopped in her tracks, making Astwihad to stop with her.

ASTA: What do you mean?

ASTWIHAD: Tabitha’s better now. She’s healed. I went to the hospital earlier and did my thing.

ASTA: She’s ok?

ASTWIHAD: Very much so. She should be with your friends right about now. Don’t worry, you’ll see her soon. I’ll bring them here. I’ll take care of them.

Relief flooded Asta’s face as she pulled Astwihad in a tight hug.

ASTA: Thank you so much.

ASTWIHAD: Anything for my favourite slayer.

#########################################
~HIDEOUT~

A loud crash came from below, startling the men.

XANDER: What was that?

VOICE: Humans!

PIKE: Shit!

Andrew turned to Pike, looking panicked.

ANDREW: I thought you said we were safe here!

Pike went to their weapons and started giving them out.

PIKE: Not anymore.

Xander and Andrew looked at the weapons Pike handed to the in horror.

XANDER: You can’t be serious! Who knows how many are down there.

Heavy footsteps were heard downstairs. They were heading closer to the stairs that led up to second floor of the warehouse.

PIKE: Look around, Xander. We are trapped. We can only do one of two things – fights those demons or break the boarded up windows and jump. Honestly, fighting those demons gives us a heck of a lot better chance of survival than jumping.

Andrew peered over Pike’s shoulder to take a peek at the boarded up windows.

ANDREW: I don’t know. We are only two floors up.

PIKE: Heads up, Watcher!

Andrew whirled around, just in time to see four tall, silver demons coming up the stairs.

ANDREW: I still think jumping is a good idea.

And with that, the three humans and four demons charged each other.

#########################################
~MONASTERY~
~Backroom~

Asta was lost in thought when Astwihad walked in with a smile on his face.

ASTWIHAD: Feeling better, Asta?

Asta blinked as she looked at him.

ASTA: What?

Astwihad sat down across from her. He reached out for her hand and gave it a squeeze.

ASTWIHAD: Are you feeling better? Getting your strength back? There’s still more to do.

Asta looked down at her empty coffee cup.

ASTA: Yeah. Sure.

ASTWIHAD: (frowning) What’s wrong?

She didn’t answer as she continued to stare intently at the cup.

ASTWIHAD: Asta?

ASTA: I want to see my friends.

Astwihad sighed with a hint of frustration.

ASTA: I know you said you’ll take care of them but I…I just need to see them to make sure they are alright. And Xander…

ASTWIHAD: What about Xander?

Asta looked up, finally meeting Astwihad’s gaze.

ASTA: I still don’t know what happened between him and Sebastian. I just think that maybe I jumped into conclusions. I need to talk to him. I…

ASTWIHAD: You miss him.

This time the anger in his voice was unmistakeable.

ASTWIHAD: Even after everything that has happened with Sebastian?

ASTA: But that’s the thing, I don’t know what happened with Sebastian. Everything happened so fast and I didn’t get a chance to let Xander explain. I just freaked, you know.

Astwihad leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. He looked at the slayer pointedly.

ASTWIHAD: You want to see your friends right now? During a time where demons are on a warpath?

ASTA: I’m sure five minutes wouldn’t hurt.

Astwihad barked out a humourless laugh.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t be delusional, girl! We are in an important battle right now and you want to see your friends? You’re the slayer, Asta. Do you know that for generations, Slayers always worked alone? They didn’t have the luxury of friends. And do you know why? Because of this! Friends distract you during crucial times. They make you weak – mentally and emotionally. If I had my way, I wouldn’t have allowed you to stay friends with those humans.

Anger flashed across Asta’s eyes.

ASTA: What is that suppose to mean?

Astwihad’s face darkened as he stood.

ASTWIHAD: You’re the Saoshyant, Asta. Act like one. Focus on the task at hand. We still have a lot to do. I don’t have time for your friends. Now, are you ready? I still need you to patrol a few areas before the sun is up.

ASTA: Fine.

The slayer stood and stalked out of the backroom without another word.

#########################################
~HIDEOUT~

They weren’t halfway through the fight with the demons when the place started to shake. Pieces of the ceiling started to fall around them as the ground rumbled.

DEMON #1: What the –

DEMON #2: What’s going on?!

Pike shrugged as he kept his eyes on the roof above them.

PIKE: An earthquake?

XANDER: Do you even have earthquakes here?

The second demon turned his buddies with fear in his eyes.

DEMON #2: We have to get out of here before the place goes down!

ANDREW: That’s a very good idea.

The demons turned to leave but stopped in their tracks when they noticed that someone was in the way.

DEMON #1: Get out of the way, lady!

LADY: Trust you to get into trouble as soon as I’m not around.

DEMON #1: What?

PIKE: Tabby?

Tabitha stepped forward with a big grin on her face. David stood close behind her.

TABITHA: Hey, little brother. Oh and this appearance and the little earthquake was suppose to be a distraction for the demons.

Pike grinned as he took out the nearest demon. Andrew and Xander took out two more while Tabitha and David took care of the last remaining demon.

Andrew tossed his weapon aside as he dusted himself off.

ANDREW: Well, I guess that was easier than jumping out of the window.

TABITHA: (frowning) You wanted to jump out of the window? Are you nuts?

ANDREW: Thanks to you I don’t have to now. And…why are you looking so alive?

Tabitha rolled her eyes.

TABITHA: Why thank you, Andy.

Pike rushed towards his sister and enfolded her into a big hug. A moment later, he pulled away and studied his sister’s face, concern written all over his face.

PIKE: Are you ok?

TABITHA: I feel fine, Oliver.

XANDER: Well, you certainly look fine. And not a scratch. What are you on and can I have some?

Pike ignored Xander as he continued quizzing Tabitha.

PIKE: You sure you’re ok?

TABITHA: I’m sure.

PIKE: What happened? I mean, you were at death’s door and now you’re not!

TABITHA: (laughing) Death’s door? Is that what the doctors said?

PIKE: Not in those words but it sure felt that way. God, Tabby, I was so worried. I thought I lost you.

ANDREW: You should have seen him. And David for that matter. They were a total wreck.

Tabitha flashed Andrew a smirk.

TABITHA: And you weren’t?

Andrew shifted uncomfortably as he felt all eyes on him.

ANDREW: Erm…I was. I just, you know, hid it better.

Tabitha turned to Pike and smiled softly, touching her brother’s face in reassurance.

TABITHA: Don’t worry, little brother, you didn’t lose me.

PIKE: So what happened? What did you do?

TABITHA: Honestly, I have no idea. I woke up and I found myself in a hospital with David beside me. And I felt great. I asked him what happened and he told me…

DAVID: We were lucky.

Pike frowned.

PIKE: What’s that suppose to mean?

DAVID: It just means that we had a little help, that’s all. She’s fine now. Does it matter how she got that way?

PIKE: Actually David, it does.

XANDER: Don’t mean to gang up on you, David, but I agree with Pike. I’ve seen people rise from the dead and they weren’t all fine and dandy.

TABITHA: Guys! I wasn’t dead. And I do feel fine and dandy.

Pike moved away from Tabitha and approached David.

PIKE: What’s going on here, David? Where did you get this little help?

TABITHA: Oliver, please. Don’t do this. Not here, not now.

PIKE: Of course now! Who knows what will happen to you five minutes from now.

TABITHA: But I’m fine! I’m a witch, Ollie. I would know if something’s wrong.

PIKE: I just don’t trust this.

TABITHA: You mean you don’t trust David.

PIKE: Yes, that’s exactly what I mean! He doesn’t know anything about demons or spells. He could have gotten some cheap spell to make you well again. A spell that would backfire and kill you!

TABITHA: (scowling) What a thing to say to someone who almost died.

DAVID: Look, Pike, I would tell you what happened if I could. But I can’t because…I don’t really know what happened myself.

PIKE: You’re lying! You know what happened and the reason why you don’t want to tell us is because you know this isn’t legit.

DAVID: It is. If there’s one thing I can tell you, it’s that. Trust me.

PIKE: Yeah, well. That’s the problem. I don’t.

XANDER: You know, I think we should take this discussion somewhere else. Those demons were able to find us. Who knows how many are out there who are heading this way. And we still need to find Asta.

Tabitha looked around, finally noticing that they were a member short.

TABITHA: Where is she?

XANDER: Long story. But we’ll fill you in on the way out of here.

ANDREW: Where are we going to go? Unless Pike has another secret hiding place, we are kinda stuck here.

TABITHA: Another what?

DAVID: What about the house? I’m sure the demons are gone from that place when they realise that we are not there anymore. It’s probably the last place they’ll look.

XANDER: First place they’ll look when they realise we are not here.

Pike run his hand through his hair as he headed towards one of the cots.

PIKE: Ok, just shut up and let me think for a minute here.

They all fell silent as they watch Pike sat down on the cot and buried his head in his hands. They exchange glances when Pike stayed in that position and didn’t move.

ANDREW: Pike?

PIKE: Shh! I’m thinking.

ANDREW: Could you, maybe, think a little bit faster? We don’t really have a lot of time.

Pike snapped his head up and glared at the Watcher.

PIKE: I don’t see you coming up with some bright ideas!

Andrew stepped back in surprise.

ANDREW: Sorry, I was just saying –

DAVID: Look, he was just trying to help ok?

Pike shot David a glare but didn’t say anything. Instead, he rose to his feet and headed towards to the cupboard. He started taking out all the weapons that was stored in there and started dumping them on the empty cot.

PIKE: We’ll stock up on weapons. There’s an empty backpack under that bed. One of you can start packing them.

Andrew quickly scrambled to work.

XANDER: Hey! What about Frank?

PIKE: What about him?

XANDER: He helped us with this place, maybe he can help us out again. Maybe he and his demon friends has a place –

PIKE: I don’t think so.

XANDER: Is Frank your only demon buddy? I’m sure you have other allies out there that haven’t turn on us yet. What about you, Tabitha? Do you have a Frank of your own?

TABITHA: Who the hell is Frank?

PIKE: Forget about Frank! You know, if you really want someone to come up with something brilliant, why not ask Mr. Bright Idea over there? (to David) I mean, he came up with this brilliant idea to make Tabby well again so maybe he has a special spell that would help us get out of this mess!

TABITHA: Pike, not this again…

PIKE: Aren’t you curious, Tabby? At all?

TABITHA: Of course I’m curious! David told me he had help. I feel fine and I know enough magick to know that this is legit. Once this is over, I’ll find out what really happened. But right now, I don’t think we are in the position to find out what happened to me as we have a more pressing issue at hand. Plus, I trust him, Pike, and maybe you should start doing the same.

Pike’s gaze remained on David for a few more moments before he looked away. He stalked towards Andrew and grabbed the backpack full of weapons.

PIKE: Let’s go.

XANDER: Where?

PIKE: To the monastery. We are finishing this once and for all.

XANDER: Wait. I don’t understand. Why the monastery?

PIKE: Like Andrew said, Ahriman is bound to the Hellmouth. And my guess is that wherever Ahriman is, Astwihad is as well. Wherever Astwihad is, Asta would be right behind him.

He shot David a dark look.

PIKE: And once this over, you are telling me everything that happened or this little apocalypse would be the least of your problems.

[shred]

ACT 3

~MONASTERY~

Asta stood at the doorway of the monastery, gazing out at the street before her. There were a large group of demons on the street and they didn’t seem to notice her watching them. There were demons of all kinds and they didn’t look like they were about to do anything threatening. They were just there surrounding the place. Asta’s grip tightened around the sword that she held in one hand.

She heard footsteps behind her and then felt a hand on her shoulder.

ASTWIHAD: Everything ok, Asta?

ASTA: What’s going on?

Astwihad looked out at the street and shrugged.

ASTWIHAD: What do you mean?

ASTA: There are so many of them. I don’t think I can take them all.

Astwihad chuckled. He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

ASTWIHAD: You don’t have to worry about them. They won’t hurt us.

Asta frowned at her teacher.

ASTA: What do you mean?

Astwihad sighed, looking sad.

ASTWIHAD: There’s going to be a war - between us and the demons. Those demons out there decide that it’s best to be on our side.

ASTA: A war? You didn’t say anything about a war.

ASTWIHAD: I know. I was hoping we would avoid one but unfortunately we couldn’t. I’m sorry we had to come to this.

Asta turned back to the street.

ASTA: So they are on our side?

ASTWIHAD: They are.

ASTA: I can’t believe this. We actually have demons helping us?

ASTWIHAD: Not all demons are evil, Asta.

Asta raised an eyebrow.

ASTWIHAD: Most of them are, yes. But there are a small few that know their place in the world.

ASTA: And what’s that?

Astwihad grinned brightly at the slayer.

ASTWIHAD: To serve Ahriman.

ASTA: So they are here to protect Ahriman.

ASTWIHAD: And us.

ASTA: What about my friends? They need to know about this war. They should be prepared. Bring them back here maybe.

Astwihad took his hand away from her shoulder and started walking away from the entrance.

ASTWIHAD: I don’t think so.

Asta followed him.

ASTA: Why not? They are my friends, Ashley. They need to be safe!

Astwihad whirled around and glared at Asta.

ASTWIHAD: My name is Astwihad. It’s not Ashley anymore.

ASTA: I’m sorry. I’m just so use to you being Ashley –

ASTWIHAD: Well, get used to me being Astwihad! I’ve always been Astwihad, Asta, never Ashley. Remember that.

Asta blinked, suddenly looking afraid.

ASTA: I’m sorry.

ASTWIHAD: And as for your friends, well, I can’t help them. They don’t understand the situation we are in. They don’t understand you. Bringing them here would just cause more trouble and that’s the last thing we need right now.

ASTA: So you’re just going to leave them out there?

ASTWIHAD: It’s the best I can do under the circumstances.

ASTA: But you’re a damn warlock! You have powers. You made Tabby better and you’re telling me you can’t keep my friends safe?

ASTWIHAD: Damn it, Asta! Listen to yourself! How can you call them friends after what they did to Sebastian? They kept secrets from you. They didn’t tell you who you are and you consider them friends? I, on the other hand, have been nothing but honest with from the very beginning. I even saved Tabby because I know how much she means to you – even though I believe she would be better off dead.

ASTA: What?

ASTWIHAD: If you so badly want your ‘friends’ to be safe, go and get them yourself. I have a war to prepare for. I plan on saving the entire human race. You can come and help me when you’re done saving your little friends.

ASTA: You don’t mean that.

Astwihad shook his head, his patience wearing thin.

ASTWIHAD: Here’s another lesson for you to learn, Asta. You have the world to protect, not just five people. If you want to do your job right, if you want to be a hero, you have to make some sacrifices.

ASTA: You’re wrong.

ASTWIHAD: Believe whatever you want, Asta. I’m tired of arguing with you.

And with that, Astwihad spun on his heels and stalked off into the backroom. A movement caught Asta’s eye. She turned and found herself looking into Ahriman’s bright red eyes.

ASTA: Oh!

AHRIMAN: I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Astwihad.

ASTA: Sorry.

AHRIMAN: You shouldn’t be. Astwihad always had a temper. But he is right. Sacrifices have to be made in time of war.

ASTA: I can’t do that to my friends.

AHRIMAN: If they were in your position, do you think they would do the same?

Asta looked away.

ASTA: I…I don’t know.

AHRIMAN: It seems to me that you don’t know your friends very well.

ASTA: Maybe not. But I’ve been told many times that I’m a protector. Shouldn’t I be protecting them as well?

AHRIMAN: If you think it’s for a greater good and not for selfish reasons.

Asta fell silent, not sure how to respond.

Then Ahriman froze, his head cocking to one side.

AHRIMAN: It’s time.

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

Pike was on his cell phone as he and the rest hid in one of the stores that faced the monastery. From where they were, they could see at least twenty or so demons surrounding the monastery – as if protecting the old building from unwelcome visitors like themselves.

PIKE: Thanks. I’ll keep in touch.

He hung up and stuffed his phone into his pocket.

XANDER: You have a plan I hope.

PIKE: I managed to get in touch with Frank. He was on the one who ratted out our whereabouts.

ANDREW: That rat!

PIKE: Not voluntarily I might add. But he’s willing to help us out.

DAVID: How?

PIKE: He has more connections than I do. I explained to him about Ahriman and our situation and he said his connections would be very interested in this piece of information. He told me he’s sure we’ll get some on our side. Some of them are already making their way here. We should get a significant number here in minutes.

XANDER: Which is…good?

TABITHA: (grinning) Very. When we are caught in a battle, we won’t be outnumbered.

ANDREW: (nodding) We’ll have our very own demon army.

PIKE: I’m not sure whether we’ll get an army but we’ll definitely get some brawns one our side and make the fight a more even sided one.

DAVID: Whoa, whoa! Did you say “when we get into a battle”? I was hoping we could avoid a battle.

PIKE: David, stop being so naive! There are demons after us because they want us dead. And I, for one, am not going to give in that easily. There will be a battle, if not a war.

XANDER: What about Asta? We need to get to her. We need her to defeat Ahriman.

PIKE: I know. But we can’t saunter in there and grab her. We need to wait till we have numbers on our side before we can enter the monastery. Who knows how many are there in that place.

TABITHA: (to Andrew) You sure no one in England can help us? That little friend of yours – Buffy is it? We sure can use her help.

ANDREW: I’ll get in touch with Giles again but I doubt we can get hold of Buffy. Last I heard she is in the middle of planning a big tussle herself.

XANDER: Where?

ANDREW: (shrugging) I don’t know. They didn’t say. It sounded big though.

PIKE: Well, let’s hope it’s not big enough for them to abandon us. We need all the hands we can get.

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

Asta looked puzzled as Astwihad came out of the backroom with determination set on his face. He had changed from his robes into a dark turtleneck and matching pants.

ASTA: What’s going on?

ASTWIHAD: The war, Asta. That’s what’s going on. The war is about to start so I suggest you prepare yourself. There are some weapons in the backroom that you might want to use. I doubt that sword will help much.

Astwihad made his way to the entrance of the monastery with Asta following closely behind.

ASTA: Wait. The war is starting now?

ASTWIHAD: Of course! When do you think it would start?

ASTA: I don’t know. A couple of hours from now maybe. I’m not prepared!

Astwihad stopped and faced Asta. He placed both hands on her shoulders and looked intently into her eyes.

ASTWIHAD: You are. Everything I’ve been training you for, it’s for this. You’re the Slayer, Asta. You’re the Saoshyant. You are prepared.

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

Andrew peered out of the store’s window.

ANDREW: I see our army. I think there are about 20 demons?

PIKE: That’s pretty good to start with.

XANDER: What are we going to do with Asta?

PIKE: We’ll have to distract the demons out there while someone goes in and get Asta out. Somehow we need to convince her that she’s on our side.

ANDREW: What about Astwihad?

TABITHA: I’ll handle him.

PIKE: What are you thinking, Tabby?

TABITHA: (grinning) He likes his magicks. Well, so do I.

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

Astwihad made his way into the backroom with Asta trailing behind him. He went to the far wall where he slide it aside – revealing the wall to be bogus. The wall exposed a large collection of weapons hanging neatly.

ASTWIHAD: I want you by my side at all times. Do you understand?

Asta nodded.

ASTWIHAD: Whatever you do make sure they don’t get the upper hand. Once they do, it’s all over for us.

Asta skimmed her eyes over the weapons as Astwihad continued on.

ASTWIHAD: We’ll let our friends do most of the grunt work outside so we’ll stay in here. We need to protect Ahriman. His powers are still bound to the Hellmouth. He can’t use them.

Asta nodded again. She watched silently as Astwihad started taking down some weapons.

ASTWIHAD: And if you need any help, let me know.

ASTA: I think I can handle it

ASTWIHAD: Of course you can. But just remember I’m always here.

He stepped back with an armful of weapons and looked at the Slayer beside him.

ASTWIHAD: Now, pick your favourite and let’s get to work.

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

Armed to the teeth with weapons, Asta and Astwihad exited the backroom. Asta quietly followed Astwihad as he walked towards the main doors of the cemetery. Asta caught a glimpse of what was going on outside and gasped.

ASTWIHAD: Well, well, well. Look what we have here.

Right across from the demons that surrounded the monastery was Xander, Andrew, Pike, Tabitha and David with a small army of demons flanking them on both sides.

Astwihad flicked his gaze to Asta with an amused smile on his lips.

ASTWIHAD: It looks to me that you’re friends are doing quite well for themselves.

Asta didn’t reply as she stared at the scene before them.

ASTWIHAD: I told you they would try to stop us. These mere humans don’t understand the work we’re doing.

ASTA: There must be some sort of mistake.

ASTWIHAD: And what would that be, Asta?

ASTA: They wouldn’t do this to me.

ASTWIHAD: Why are you even surprise?

Astwihad turned to smile at the Slayer.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t worry, Asta. Once they realise that they are on the losing end, they’ll know just exactly who we are.

Asta took a step back.

ASTA: I…I need a minute.

ASTWIHAD: Don’t take too long.

Asta turned to go when Astwihad’s next words stopped her.

ASTWIHAD: Oh and Asta? Don’t let me down.

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

XANDER: You sure this is a good idea?

PIKE: It’s the only idea.

XANDER: I’m not talking about having these demons helping us. I’m talking about –

PIKE: I know. Like I said, it’s the only idea we have. It’s better than nothing.

He turned to Andrew who was beside him.

PIKE: You ready, Andrew?

Andrew nodded, grim determination set on his face.

ANDREW: Just give me the signal.

Pike turned back to Xander.

PIKE: You ready?

XANDER: Tell me why I have to do it and not somebody else?

Pike rolled his eyes.

PIKE: Like who?

XANDER: Andrew! He’s the Watcher around here.

Tabitha, who was standing behind Xander, leaned forward, bringing her lips close to his ears.

TABITHA: True. But the way I see it, this situation doesn’t call for a Watcher.

XANDER: It calls for a guy with an eye patch?

A smile played on Tabitha’s lips.

TABITHA: No, it calls for a Xander. And last time I checked we only had one.

XANDER: I still don’t understand the plan.

TABITHA: It’s simple. Go in there and get Asta out.

XANDER: It’s sounds so easy…

TABITHA: And it is. Trust me. You’re the man for the job.

XANDER: And you’re sure Ahriman won’t zap me with his rays while I’m in there.

TABITHA: According to the information Andrew got, no. Ahriman is bound to the Hellmouth and so are his powers. He will only be able to use his powers when he is released completely. He’s harmless until then.

XANDER: Ok. Just make sure he’s not released while I’m in there.

TABITHA: Xander?

XANDER: Yeah?

TABITHA: Shut up. You’re going to be fine.

#########################################
~BACKROOM~

Asta paced the length of the backroom, looking agitated.

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.

Asta ran her hands through her hair, shaking her head.

ASHLEY: You said you wanted to learn more about yourself – what a Saoshyant is. Well, this is your chance. A Saoshyant get rid of the evil in this world.

XANDER: I hope you know what you’re doing.

ASTA: I’m the slayer. I’m protecting the world.

XANDER: Just make sure you won’t regret this.

Asta leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath.

ASTA: I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

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

XANDER: I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

PIKE: You’re up, Xand man.

Xander glared at the other man.

XANDER: Don’t ever call me that.

PIKE: (chuckling) Sorry. You looked nervous so I thought I lightened the mood.

XANDER: Well, that’s not going to help.

Xander took in a deep breath and steadied himself.

XANDER: I’m ready.

PIKE: Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.

XANDER: (nodding) Good. ‘Cause I like my back. Don’t ever let anything happen to my back.

PIKE: You’re back is safe with us.

Pike turned to face the demons behind him.

PIKE: Let’s go!

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

Asta watched anxiously from the monastery’s entrance as her friends and their demons started charging the demons that stood in front of the monastery.

ASTWIHAD: Remember what I’ve taught you, Asta.

Asta swallowed as she raised her crossbow.

ASTWIHAD: Remember who you really are.

ASTA: I’m the Saoshyant.

Her grip on the crossbow tightened. She squared her shoulders.

ASTA: I’m the Slayer.

ASTWIHAD: Ahriman!

AHRIMAN: Right behind you, Astwihad.

ASTWIHAD: You can handle this?

Ahriman laughed.

AHRIMAN: Astwihad, do you even know who you are talking to?

ASTWIHAD: I’m just saying that this might get messy. And these demons aren’t like the ones during the good old days.

AHRIMAN: No, they’re not. They are much more soft.

ASTWIHAD: Well, you still don’t have your powers yet so just make sure you’re prepared.

AHRIMAN: I know how to fight Astwihad. I was the one who taught you.

Astwihad rolled his eyes.

ASTWIHAD: And you never let me forget it. (to Asta) Stay with Ahriman. I’m going to join the party.

ASTA: But I thought you told me to stay with you.

ASTWIHAD: Asta, are you going to question me all day or are you going to do what you’re told?

ASTA: Sorry.

ASTWIHAD: Now, stay here, I won’t be long.

[shred]

ACT 4

Xander ran as fast as his legs could carry him. A quick glance over his shoulder told him that his friends and Astwihad’s demons were already clashing with each other. He veered off to the left and headed towards the side of the monastery. Just as he expected, he spotted a window. As soon as he reached it, he pried it open and climbed in.

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

Somehow, a demon managed to get into the monastery. With a crossbow ready, Asta fired an arrow straight in its chest. The demon fell to its knees but didn’t die. Asta struck the demon across its face with the butt of the crossbow, which rendered the demon unconscious.

Ahriman was standing at the railing, motionless. He had his eyes close and his head tilted upward to the ceiling.

AHRIMAN: It won’t be long now.

ASTA: For what?

Ahriman looked at the Slayer’s direction, his red eye glowing bright.

AHRIMAN: For me to be released and for my powers to be restored.

ASTA: What happens then?

Ahriman cocked his head.

AHRIMAN: Didn’t Astwihad tell you?

ASTA: Lately, he hasn’t been telling me much.

AHRIMAN: Don’t worry. You’ll soon understand the purpose of this all.

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

PIKE: Andrew! David! Go to the east side and see if there’s another way in! And whatever you do, don’t let any demons see you. We can’t attract their attention towards the monastery while Xander’s in there.

ANDREW: Do you see Asta anywhere?

PIKE: She’s probably inside with Ahriman. I doubt they want her out here. They need her on their side. As long as she’s alive, she’s the strongest player they’ve got. Now, go!

Andrew nodded and took off running with David on his heels.

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

Two more demons got through and Asta was able to take them out easily. A smile of satisfaction played on her lips as she stood her ground, waiting for more to enter.

An arrow whizzed past her head and hit Ahriman’s chest. The two of them turned towards the backroom in surprise. Xander stood at the door of the backroom with a crossbow in his hands. Another arrow was already locked and loaded.

XANDER: Hi.

ASTA: Xander?! How did you get in here?

AHRIMAN: Who is this?

Xander looked at Ahriman in surprise – as if he had noticed him for the first time.

XANDER: You must be Ahriman. No one told me you’re huge.

ASTA: You shouldn’t be in here, Xander. How did you get in?

XANDER: You left a window open.

Asta took a step forward and as she did Xander shifted to train the crossbow at her head.

XANDER: Don’t. Just stay where you are.

Asta froze.

ASTA: So you think I’m evil now?

XANDER: No, I don’t.

ASTA: But here you are with a crossbow aimed at my head and looking scared to death.

XANDER: I don’t think you’re evil. You think you’re evil. And when you think you’re evil, you start doing evil things. When you start doing evil things, I get really nervous. Hence, the crossbow and the scared expression.

ASTA: I don’t think I’m evil.

XANDER: Yeah? Then why are you with the bad guys and not out there fighting with us. You should be taking this big guy down.

ASTA: I can’t. He made me who I am. Do you destroy the one who made you?

Xander shook his head.

XANDER: You got it all wrong. He’s blood may be running in you but that doesn’t mean you’re like him or he made you. You don’t owe him anything.

ASTA: I owe him and Astwihad my life. They taught me everything I know. And everything that Ashley did…He helped Tabitha! He made her better – for me! Doesn’t that say something?

XANDER: He helped her? But David said…Astwihad must be the help that he was talking about.

ASTA: He helped me so much, Xander. He was there when…

XANDER: When what?

ASTA: When you weren’t.

XANDER: Because you kept running away – from us, from me. You didn’t let us help you. Asta, trust me when I say that I would never abandon you. I would never do that to my friends.

Asta scoffed.

ASTA: Friends?! You didn’t tell me about who I am when you found out. You were a jerk to Sebastian and you killed him!

XANDER: I didn’t!

ASTA: Ashley was more of a friend you would ever be, Xander.

XANDER: Why? Because he told you what you wanted to hear? Because he seemed to have all the answers? What makes you think that those answers are the ones you need? They taught you nothing! Asta, don’t you get it. This is their game they are playing with you. Everything that they’ve told you, they are all lies. They twisted the truth to make you believe that you’re fighting on the right side. You’re not.

ASTA: How do you even know that? You don’t know the first thing about me or my life or how I am!

XANDER: I know who you are. You’re a Saoshyant. You are the only one in this world who has the power to bring Ahriman down. He is here to bring chaos. You let him win, you’re letting evil win. They brought you on their side so that they’ve got a powerful Saoshyant on their side. They are unstoppable with you.

ASTA: You’re lying.

XANDER: Open your eyes, Asta. Everything that has been happening, doesn’t it make you wonder? Did Astwihad ever tell you why Ahriman is here? What he’s going to do once he is released?

ASTA: Shut up! You’re not my Watcher. You’re not anything! You can’t just come in here and feed all this and tell me to believe them. You sound just like them!

XANDER: Asta, listen to me! I know this is confusing and overwhelming but I need you to trust me on this. Please.

Asta was close to tears as she shook her head.

ASTA: Why are you doing this?

XANDER: I can’t let you slip away, Asta. I know there’s some part of you that know that this doesn’t feel right to you. To be fighting us, to be fighting me. I can see it in your eyes. This is me doing everything I can to help you fight this. If I can’t get through to you…I honestly don’t know why I’m doing this. But Tabitha has this theory and I guess I’m putting it to work. If you know without a doubt that you’re doing the right thing, then use that crossbow and put an arrow in me right now.

Xander didn’t let go of Asta’s gaze as Asta stared at him. A vary of emotions washed over her face.

AHRIMAN: Enough!

Xander jumped back in surprise as Ahriman’s voice rumbled across the monastery.

AHRIMAN: I do not have time for this. Asta, kill him.

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

DAVID: This window doesn’t budge either.

ANDREW: That’s the only one I can see. There’s no way in from this side.

DAVID: So what now?

ANDREW: We’ll go round and see if there’s a way in on the other side.

The Watcher was about to run when a cry of pain stopped him. David was doubled over with his hands clutching his chest. Andrew looked at David in alarm.

ANDREW: Are you ok?

David nodded, panting slightly.

DAVID: I’m fine.

ANDREW: You don’t look fine.

David flashed him a weak smile.

DAVID: I’m fine. Really.

Andrew studied the other man for a brief moment before nodding. He didn’t look convinced.

ANDREW: Ok. Let’s go.

DAVID: You go ahead. I…I need to find Tabby.

ANDREW: But –

DAVID: Go! I’ll be ok.

Still clutching his chest, David turned and sprinted in the direction where Tabitha was. Andrew stared after him.

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

Asta hesitated.

AHRIMAN: Kill him! He’s here to destroy us, Asta! Are you just going to stand there and let him?

ASTA: I –

AHRIMAN: Fine! I’ll kill him myself.

Xander’s eyes widened in surprise as Ahriman moved towards him. He directed his crossbow at Ahriman and fired an arrow. The arrow bounced harmlessly off Ahriman’s chest.

XANDER: Right. Of course.

Xander fumbled with his weapon as he struggled to load another arrow. Ahriman was within reaching distance of Xander.

ASTA: No! Don’t!

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

As soon as David found Tabitha, he grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards a relatively safe corner.

DAVID: Come on!

TABITHA: David, what are you doing?

David didn’t answer. As soon as they were away from the fighting, he turned to Tabitha and took her face in his hands.

DAVID: Ok, listen to me very carefully.

TABITHA: What’s going on? If you’re panicking, now is not the right time to do it. We are in a middle of a fight here!

DAVID: Yes, I noticed that but this can’t wait.

The frantic look on his face made Tabitha pause.

TABITHA: David, you’re scaring me.

DAVID: You know I love you right?

TABITHA: Of course!

DAVID: You’re the love of my life. The past year has been just great. I don’t know what my life would be like without you in it.

TABITHA: You’ll probably be monster free.

DAVID: It doesn’t matter. It just made me love you even more. But hated Pike even more as well.

TABITHA: David, what is this all about?

DAVID: I just wanted you to know that I did it because I love you. And I always will. Dead or alive.

TABITHA: David –

DAVID: And do me a favour. Wait till at least six months before you start dating again ok? And this guy must not be better than me alright?

Tabitha removed David’s hands from her face, looking angry.

TABITHA: You better tell me what’s going on right now, David Boone!

David looked away, swallowing. A moment later, he spoke.

DAVID: Astwihad…or Ashley…or whatever his name is, was the one who made you better. He came to me at the hospital and told me he could make you well again. But under one condition.

Tabitha shook her head in disbelief.

TABITHA: I don’t like the sound of this…

DAVID: I told him I would do anything to make you better again because I can’t imagine my life without you. Plus, Pike would kick my ass if something happened to you.

Tabitha grabbed David’s arm.

TABITHA: What did you do?

David continued as if he didn’t hear her.

DAVID: And I know you’ll do the same thing for me.

TABITHA: Damn it, David! What did you do?!

David took Tabitha’s hands and stared intently into her eyes.

DAVID: Promise me that you won’t blame yourself for this.

Tears sprung into Tabitha’s eyes as she squeezed David’s arm.

TABITHA: God David, you don’t know how much you’re scaring me right now. Please tell me what’s going on. Please.

DAVID: Promise me and I’ll tell you.

Tabitha nodded, unable to speak. Tears started to flow down her cheeks as David leaned forward and kissed her.

DAVID: I love you.

TABITHA: I love you too.

DAVID: And I’m sorry.

David pulled her in his arms as Tabitha started crying.

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

PIKE: Tabitha! A little help here.

Pike glanced over his shoulder and spotted Tabitha walking slowly away from a dark corner. Tears were streaming down her face and she looked to be in shock. Her hands shook and her lips trembled as she staggered forward. Without warning, she fell to her knees, sobbing.

Pike turned back to the demon he was fighting, feeling anger sweeping through him. With one thrust, he killed off the demon. He didn’t wait for another to come towards him as he ran towards his sister.

PIKE: Tabby? What’s wrong? Are you hurt?

Tabitha looked up at her brother, sobbing.

TABITHA: He’s dead, Ollie. He’s…dead.

PIKE: Who?

Tabitha continued to sob harder. Pike pulled her into his arms and tried to console her. He looked over at where Tabitha was coming from and his eyes widened in surprise at what he saw.

David’s lifeless body was propped up against the wall of one of the closed shops. He didn’t seem to be wounded or bleeding. He looked perfectly fine except he wasn’t moving. Or breathing.

The sound of something roaring in pain brought Pike back to the situation at hand.

PIKE: We have to get you out of here.

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

Time seemed to have stopped as Xander watched in horror as Ahriman’s hand reached for him. In the corner of the eye, he saw Asta running towards him. Something slammed into his side and he felt himself being thrown to the ground. Something landed on him heavily, causing the wind to be knocked out from him. He heard Ahriman roared in frustration.

Andrew pushed himself off Xander and offered a hand towards him.

ANDREW: You ok?

XANDER: Yeah, thanks. That was a close one.

ANDREW: We got to get out of here. He sounds angry.

Andrew pulled Xander to his feet. They whirled around when they heard footsteps behind him. Asta came up to them and started pushing them towards the exit.

ASTA: Get out of here!

XANDER: I’m not leaving you.

ASTA: I’ll be fine. Just go!

Andrew grabbed Xander’s arm and started dragging him towards the doors of the monastery. Xander kept his eyes on the Slayer.

XANDER: I can’t leave you here with him.

ASTA: Like you said, I’m the most powerful player he got. He won’t touch me.

XANDER: But –

ASTA: GO! Andrew, get him out.

ANDREW: On it!

Another yank and the two men were stumbling out of the monastery and straight into a war zone.

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

Astwihad shoved the demon aside and plunged a dagger into another. He whispered a phrase under a breath and the demon that was charging towards him howled in pain before going up in flames.

Astwihad was having fun. He grinned as he turned to face another demon. The next demon that rushed towards him was short and small. Astwihad rolled his eyes. He grabbed its neck with one hand and lifted it up in the air.

ASTWIHAD: This is too simple.

He snapped the small demon’s neck and let its limp body fall to the ground. It was then when he spotted Xander and Andrew running out of the monastery. Astwihad frowned. He didn’t like that picture at all.

He sprinted to the monastery.

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

ANDREW: They are everywhere!

XANDER: Fight them off as best you can. We got to get to Pike and Tabitha.

ANDREW: And David.

XANDER: I thought he was with you.

ANDREW: He was. Then he left to find Tabitha.

Xander shook his head in disbelief.

XANDER: That man is going to get himself killed one day if he keeps this up.

ANDREW: That’s what love would do to you. DUCK!

Xander dropped to the fall just as a large stone-like arm whizzed past his head. Xander raised his crossbow and shot an arrow. The arrow pierced the demon’s eye and the demon stumbled back.

Andrew grabbed Xander by the back of his shirt and dragged him with him.

ANDREW: We so need to find Pike and Tabitha.

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

When Astwihad entered the monastery, he found Ahriman towering over Asta.

ASTWIHAD: What the hell is going on in here?

Asta and Ahriman turned to face him.

ASTWIHAD: I just saw two of you little friends scurrying out of here. I hope they were running because you scared them away.

Astwihad looked at the both of them, waiting for an answer.

ASTWIHAD: Well?

ASTA: I want to know what he’s doing here.

ASTWIHAD: What?

ASTA: Ahriman. You never told me why he’s here. Or what this war is about. Come to think of it, you hardly told me anything.

Astwihad sighed.

ASTWIHAD: Great. This is just great.

AHRIMAN: Astwihad, I don’t have time for this.

ASTWIHAD: And you think I do?

ASTA: What is going on here?!

ASTWIHAD: I’m sorry, Asta, but I’m afraid your time with us is over. You’re not needed anymore.

ASTA: What are you talking about?

ASTWIHAD: (to Ahriman) I’m going to get the ritual ready. We are almost there. If she tries to escape, kill her.

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

Xander was having a hard time keeping the demons at bay. Even with Andrew and a handful of other demons helping him out, he could feel that the demons on Ahriman’s side was gaining the upper hand and his team was losing the battle.

XANDER: I don’t think we can keep this up any longer! Any brilliant ideas, Watcher?

ANDREW: I have one but I doubt it’s something you would want to hear.

XANDER: Right this moment, I’ll take anything.

ANDREW: Run.

XANDER: What?

ANDREW: That’s my idea. We run.

Xander swung his axe and chopped off the head off a vampire. He turned towards Andrew and helped him finish off his demon.

XANDER: Run?

Andrew nodded, panting.

ANDREW: Unless you have another better idea.

A loud screech was heard behind him. Turning, he saw a large, skinny blue demon running towards him and Andrew. It bared its long, sharp teeth and equally mean-looking claws.

XANDER: Run!

And they did.

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

XANDER: Pike! We gotta go! Now!

Turning towards the direction Xander’s voice was coming from, Pike saw Xander and Andrew running towards him. Behind them was a scary looking demon that was gaining on them fast.

PIKE: I got it! (to Tabitha) Stay right here, ok?

He moved away from Tabitha and got ready for the demon. Xander and Andrew ran full speed towards Pike. When they were inches away from him, they veered off suddenly to the right. The demon behind them never anticipated their sudden change in direction and kept barrelling towards Pike. He calmly lifted his axe and let their momentum and speed drive the axe through the demon’s body. The two halves of the demon dropped to the ground harmlessly.

XANDER: Thanks.

PIKE: Anytime.

ANDREW: There’s more!

Pike rolled his eyes as he quickly moved beside his sister.

PIKE: There always is.

Xander nodded towards Tabitha. She was now leaning against her brother, who had his arm around her waist.

XANDER: Is she alright?

PIKE: No. She…found David.

XANDER: What do you mean?

PIKE: (grimly) David’s dead.

Xander and Andrew gaped at Pike, not quite believing what they heard.

XANDER: Oh man.

Andrew looked over his shoulder anxiously.

ANDREW: I think we take my suggestion a little seriously.

Xander nodded in agreement when he saw what made the Watcher so nervous.

XANDER: Good idea.

PIKE: And that suggestion would be?

XANDER: Run.

ANDREW: Like the wind.

VOICE: But we just got here.

The three men looked up at the sound of the new voice. A familiar redhead smiled back at them.

WILLOW: Hey guys!

[shred]

ACT 5

XANDER: Willow?

Xander took a step forward, not quite trusting his eyes. He grinned widely as he came towards her to hug his friend when Willow held up her hand, stopping him.

WILLOW: Hold that thought.

She waved her hands at the demons coming at them. A loud pop was heard before a shimmering green shield shot up into the air.

WILLOW: That should hold them off for awhile. Come on. We have to go. Follow me.

She turned and started heading away from the monastery. The rest looked at each other before following the redhead.

PIKE: Where are we going?

WILLOW: I know a place. We need to regroup before we face them and Ahriman again.

XANDER: You have a plan?

WILLOW: No. But I have backup.

ANDREW: Buffy’s here?

WILLOW: No. She wanted to tag along but she was needed in England. So I told her I would take care of her with my band of posse.

XANDER: Posse?

WILLOW: (shrugging) Just something I’m trying out. We’ve got to hurry if we want to lose these demons.

TABITHA: No.

All eyes turned to Tabitha. It was her first word since what happened to David. Pike placed a hand on her shoulder.

PIKE: Tabby, I know what you’re thinking but we need to keep a level head at the moment.

Tabitha glared at her brother.

TABITHA: I don’t care. Astwihad killed David. I don’t care how many charts or strategies you have. I know what I’m going to do.

Pike looked puzzled.

PIKE: What are you talking about?

XANDER: David made a deal with Astwihad. Heal Tabitha in exchange for his life.

PIKE: What?

TABITHA: (to Xander) You know about this?

XANDER: Not until just now. Asta told me that Astwihad was responsible for you getting better and when you said what happened to David, I put everything together.

TABITHA: Asta knew…

XANDER: But I don’t think she knew that David gave his life. Astwihad probably twisted some tale to make him look like the good guy.

TABITHA: I’m going.

PIKE: Tabby, you can’t just go after him yourself.

TABITHA: Watch me.

Tabitha turned and ran back in the direction of the monastery.

PIKE: I’m going after her. You guys go back and regroup with the rest of Willow’s friends.

XANDER: No! You both need us. You can’t do this alone.

PIKE: Well, I can’t let Tabitha go by herself either. Either you stay go and get everything sorted out or you’re coming with me now.

ANDREW: I’m coming with you. Asta is still in there with Astwihad and she’s my responsibility.

XANDER: Count me in. (to Willow) Will?

WILLOW: Go. I’ll be right behind you.

The three men ran back into the battle without another word.

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

TABITHA: You son of a bitch.

Astwihad was crouched down in front of the railing. He looked up from the ritual he was preparing and scowled when he saw Tabitha standing a few feet behind him.

ASTWIHAD: Ah, Tabitha! Nice of you to drop by.

TABITHA: Get up.

ASTWIHAD: I was hoping this would happen a little later but better early than never…

TABITHA: I said get up!

Astwihad turned back to what he was doing, keeping his back towards her.

ASTWIHAD: What do you want, Tabitha?

TABITHA: I want you to get up and fight me you coward.

ASTWIHAD: I don’t want to fight you.

TABITHA: Well, too bad.

ASTWIHAD: You want to know why I killed him, Tabitha?

Astwihad looked at the witch over his shoulder.

ASTWIHAD: You want to know why I saved you?

Tabitha continued to glower at Astwihad mutely.

ASTWIHAD: Just say the word and I’ll tell you why I did what I did. But only when you say the word.

He turned back to his work.

TABITHA: Why?

ASTWIHAD: Why what?

TABITHA: Why did you kill him?!

ASTWIHAD: Because I saved you. It was part of the deal. He gives up his life for you.

TABITHA: Why? Why did you save me? You could have let me die.

ASTWIHAD: You’re right. I could have. You’re one strong witch, Tabitha, and trust me, you’re the last person I want to get into a fight with. But this is all part of my wonderful plan.

TABITHA: You didn’t have to kill him.

ASTWIHAD: So what did you want me to do? Let him go?

Astwihad laughed.

ASTWIHAD: I’m evil! I don’t do favours.

TABITHA: Shut up! I’m not here to chat.

ASTWIHAD: But you asked.

Astwihad stood up and faced Tabitha.

ASTWIHAD: Ahriman needed to be released so he can take his rightful place as ruler of this wretched world. But I need a lot of power in order to complete the process. I have a lot of power but not enough. You, my dear, have a lot of power as well. With our powers combined…

He smiled, his eyes twinkling.

ASTWIHAD: Just imagine what we can do.

TABITHA: You’re more stupid that I thought you were. You honestly think that I would help you release that thing?

ASTWIHAD: Of course not! I don’t need you to help me do anything. I just need to use your powers.

Tabitha felt the air behind her move. Before she could whirl around, something grabbed her from behind. Two large hands clamp her arms to her side, making her immobile.

ASTWIHAD: And Ahriman here is going to help me with that.

#########################################
~BACKROOM~

Asta struggled against her restraints that chained her to one of the walls. She yanked and pulled until her wrists were rubbed sore and bleeding.

A noise came from the window next to her. A moment later, a figure came tumbling into the room.

ASTA: Andrew!

ANDREW: Asta! Thank god you’re alive.

ASTA: You need to get me out of here. Astwihad is about to release Ahriman and I think I heard Tabitha out there.

Andrew looked around the room for a weapon.

ANDREW: Do you, by any chance, know where the keys are?

ASTA: No, but I know where you can get something sharp.

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

TABITHA: Let me go!

ASTWIHAD: In a minute. I just need something for yours and then you can leave. But I can’t promise you that you’ll leave this place alive.

Astwihad approached her with a flat disc in his hand. It was the size of his palm and it had a small square hole in the centre.

TABITHA: Pike! Help!

VOICE: Get away from her.

ASTWIHAD: Ah, Asta! Glad you could join us. I guess it’s only fitting that you should watch your friend die.

He turned and smiled at Asta. His gaze flickered towards Andrew, who stood beside his slayer.

ASTWIHAD: And you brought along a friend. Well, I guess the bigger the audience, the better.

ASTA: Get away from her.

ASTWIHAD: Or you’ll what?

ASTA: Get away from her or I sweat to god, I’ll kill you.

Astwihad laughed.

ASTWIHAD: Listen to yourself. You sound like you would actually go through with it.

ASTA: I had enough of your games, Ashley.

ASTWIHAD: For goodness sake, Asta. Get my damn name right!

ASTA: Let her go. It’s me that you want.

ASTWIHAD: Erm…not really. I want her. I don’t need you anymore. You helped me bring chaos to Hades Valley and that chaos brought Ahriman closer in being released. Your job is done.

ASTA: But I’m also the only one who can stop you and Ahriman.

ASTWIHAD: True. But you don’t have the strength to do that. You have to go through me to get to Ahriman and I honestly don’t see you beating me.

ASTA: Wanna bet?

Astwihad just smiled.

ASTWIHAD: How about we do this some other time? After I end the world.

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

Pike and Xander crouched down at the doors of the monastery and watched the whole scene before them unfold.

XANDER: What are you thinking? You distract Astwihad and Ahriman while I get Tabby?

PIKE: Something along those lines.

XANDER: Ahriman might be powerless but he seemed to be invincible.

PIKE: He’s not the one I’m worry about at the moment. Astwihad is the one with the power.

XANDER: We can draw his line of fire towards us. Hopefully that would give Asta and Andrew to take out Ahriman and get Tabitha out of there.

PIKE: Sounds like a plan.

Pike stood up and took a few steps forward.

XANDER: Hey! What are you doing?

PIKE: Drawing his line of fire.

XANDER: I was hoping we could talk about this a little more.

PIKE: (to Astwihad). Hey!

Astwihad turned towards the entrance. Surprise sprung on his face. He then looked annoyed.

ASTWIHAD: You.

PIKE: Come and get me, you moron!

XANDER: Is angering him a good idea?

PIKE: (to Astwihad) What are you waiting for?

ASTWIHAD: I do not have time for this?

Pike approached Astwihad, twirling his battle axe in one hand.

PIKE: Come on. I don’t have all day.

Astwihad scowled as he turned to face the other man.

ASTWIHAD: You seriously want your ass kicked don’t you?

PIKE: Yup. I really, really do.

ASTWIHAD: Alright then. Don’t say I’m not a man of my word.

XANDER: Asta!

Asta leapt into the air and slammed her body into Astwihad, bringing them both to the ground.

XANDER: Ok, that works too.

PIKE: Get Tabby!

Xander ran towards Ahriman and Tabitha. Andrew did the same. Pike rushed towards Asta and Astwihad. As Xander and Andrew started coming towards Ahriman, his grip on Tabitha loosened and the witch used that moment to pull herself free. Andrew swung his weapon he had from releasing Asta at Ahriman. It bounced off Ahriman’s chest harmless. Xander used the butt of his crossbow to hit Ahriman. It didn’t make a scratch but Xander kept hitting anyway. Andrew joined in, hitting the demon with his weapon.

Ahriman roared – more in annoyance than in pain. He lifted his large hand and swiped it at Andrew. Andrew flew across the monastery upon impact. The Watched hit a wall and crumpled to the ground unconscious. Ahriman turned to face Xander. He flicked an arm at Xander, causing him to slide across the floor. He crashed into the opposite wall, losing his weapon. Xander groaned as he tried to get himself back on his feet. He picked up a discarded sword.

Asta and Astwihad were on their feet, circling each other.

ASTWIHAD: So now you’re turning your back on me? I don’t get you, Asta. One minute you were with me and my cause, now you’re not. What gives?

ASTA: You always taught me that my job was to get rid of evil – and that’s what I’m doing.

ASTWIHAD: And what makes you think I’m evil?

ASTA: You were going to kill my friends.

ASTWIHAD: Oh so all of a sudden you care for your friends? What about the past couple of days when you didn’t give a crap about them?

ASTA: I didn’t say that. You told me you would take care of them. I trusted you.

ASTWIHAD: And that’s a wrong move, Asta. You don’t trust the bad guys.

ASTA: Yeah. That was another thing I learnt. So what were you going to do with me once you and Ahriman took over the world?

ASTWIHAD: Kill you of course. You are the only one who can take Ahriman down. Once Ahriman has full power, you are no threat to us – because you’ll be the first one we kill.

A large energy ball slammed into Astwihad chest, causing him to crash into the wall behind him. He took a chunk off as he fell to the ground.

Tabitha stepped towards Astwihad, looking grim.

TABITHA: Ok, I had enough of your talk.

Another energy ball formed in her hands. Before she could throw it at Astwihad, Ahriman stepped in front between Tabitha and Astwihad. He had Asta by her throat and he held her tight against his chest.

AHRIMAN: You want to kill me? You have to go through your Slayer.

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

The fight outside against Ahriman’s and Pike’s demon armies continued to rage on. In a distance, a large group came marching towards. Some of the demon stopped their battle to glance a curious glance at the newcomers.

There were at least 20 armed teenager girls – maybe more – approaching the battle. Willow led the charge towards the demons.

As soon as Willow and her army of Slayers neared the demons, the Slayers started fanning out; taking any demons that came at them.

Willow made her way towards the monastery.

[shred]

ACT 6

ASTA: Do it!

Tabitha stared at Asta and Ahriman, not sure what to do next. Xander came up to Tabitha with a sword in his hands.

ASTA: Do it, Xander!

Xander gaped at Asta in horror. His hand that held the sword trembled slightly.

XANDER: I –

ASTA: It’s the only way!

Ahriman burst into laughter.

AHRIMAN: Look at you! You can’t even do something simple.

XANDER: I’m not killing a friend.

AHRIMAN: I know. That’s why you humans will fail and I will rule this world like I’m suppose to.

ASTA: Xander! Look at me.

He did.

ASTA: It’s all my fault. I got Sebastian and David killed. I didn’t trust you and I didn’t listen. Because of that, this happened. I deserve this. You have to do this in order to make things right – in order for me to make things right. Please, Xander. Just do it.

Ahriman narrowed his eyes at Xander as Asta looked at him, her eyes pleading with him.

ASTA: Sacrifices have to be made in time of war. I get that now.

Xander looked at the sword and then back Asta. Fear filled his eyes. He shook his head.

XANDER: There has to be another way.

ASTA: Xander, one thing that Astwihad taught me is to do my job. This is it. This is my job. I’m the Slayer. I’m the Saoshyant. This is the only way.

XANDER: No. I can’t. I’m sorry but…I just can’t.

Ahriman roared again with laughter, causing the place to tremble.

AHRIMAN: Fools! The world would be mine and every one of you will burn! (to Asta) Starting with the Saoshyant.

ASTA: Xander! Do it!

Before Xander could protest further, someone grabbed hold of his hand and pried the sword away from him. Tabitha looked at him grimly.

TABITHA: It’s the only way.

She turned away from him and faced Asta. Then she started advancing the slayer.

XANDER: No!

Ahriman’s eyes widened in surprise when he noticed Tabitha approaching him with determination.

AHRIMAN: You wouldn’t dare.

XANDER: Tabby, no!

ASTA: Do it!

XANDER: NO!

ASTA: DO IT!

AHRIMAN: No!

Tabitha drew back the sword and plunged it into Asta’s abdomen. She made sure the sword went deep enough that it went through Asta’s body and pierced Ahriman from the other side.

Both Asta and Ahriman roared in pain. Tabitha released the sword and Asta’s hands reached out to grip the handle. White light coursed through the Saoshyant’s hands and travelled through the sword. The light spread throughout Asta’s body. And then Ahriman’s.

Ahriman let out another roar. So did Asta.

XANDER: Asta!

Xander rushed up to the Slayer and yanked the sword out. Ahriman stumbled back while Asta fell forward and into Xander’s waiting arms. With his free hand, Xander tossed the sword towards Tabitha. The blade of the sword was dripping with Asta’s blood and Tabitha used it to her advantage. She raised the sword and swung at Ahriman’s head. The sharp blade and the blood made the cut easy.

Ahriman’s howl was cut short as his head rolled back and fell to the ground. His body followed suit a moment later. The earth started to shake.

Xander looked around nervously, the unconscious Slayer in his arms.

XANDER: What’s going on?

TABITHA: We’ve got to get out of here.

XANDER: And go where?

They heard a cry of anguish behind them. Whirling around, Xander and Tabitha came face to face with Astwihad. A few meters away from him on the ground was a bloody Pike. Andrew and Willow rushed to his side.

ASTWIHAD: You morons!

With a yell, Astwihad rushed towards them. His face was a mask of absolute fury. A ball of fire started to grow in his palms.

Xander’s eyes widened in surprise when he realised the fireballs were aimed at them.

XANDER: Tabby!

TABITHA: On it! Just get Asta out of here!

Nodding, Xander scooped Asta in his arms and started running to safety. Tabitha stepped forward, putting herself between Xander and the onrushing Astwihad.

ASTWIHAD: You bitch!

TABITHA: You bastard.

A fireball came hurling towards her head. Tabitha whispered something under her breath and the fireball dissipated before it could reach its target. The second one came towards her and Tabitha was able to put it out as easily.

TABITHA: Guess what I can do. But I think you already knew that.

That made Astwihad even more livid. He was still coming towards her. But his blind rage and his absolute determination to get to Tabitha made him miss the sword that Tabitha still had. He spotted it late and the blade went through his heart.

Astwihad looked stun as he looked at the sword sticking out of his chest. He clawed at the blade as he tried to pull it out of his body. Tabitha grabbed hold of the sword and plunged the blade even deeper. Astwihad cried out in pain and fell to his knees.

TABITHA: You don’t know how good this makes me feel.

Blood poured out of Astwihad’s chest and mouth as he coughed and sputtered.

TABITHA: Who knew you could bleed this much. Who knew you could bleed.

Tabitha twisted the blade even further as Astwihad reached out to her helplessly. Tabitha gripped the handle with both hands and yanked it out of Astwihad’s chest.

TABITHA: This is for David.

The blade sliced through Astwihad’s body.

The earth continued trembling. Tabitha looked around, trying to assess if there were anymore dangers around. She spotted Pike being helped to his feet by Willow and Andrew and Xander cradling Asta as he crouched near the doors of the monastery.

TABITHA: We should go!

ANDREW: Any suggestions as to where?

TABITHA: As long as we are far away from here. Who knows what’s going to happen.

WILLOW: You guys get out of here. I’ll deal with this.

ANDREW: What are you going to do?

WILLOW: I have to make sure Ahriman’s bound to the Hellmouth. (to Tabitha) You might have cut off his head, but that’s not enough. He’s not dead – just inactive. Only the third Saoshyant can truly kill Ahriman.

TABITHA: What about Astwihad?

WILLOW: Oh he’s dead. You made sure of that.

Cracks started appearing on the ground. More so around the bodies of Astwihad and Ahriman.

WILLOW: It’s the Hellmouth. It’s not liking the fact these two are dead. Or maybe it does. I’m not quite sure on that.

The ground beneath Tabitha’s split open. Tabitha jumped back before she could fall through the chasm in the ground. It widened and travelled the length of the monastery.

PIKE: Tabby, come on!

Pike, Andrew and Xander – who was carrying the wounded Slayer – were already making their way out of the monastery.

Watcher gestured for Tabitha for her to join them.

WILLOW: Go! Don’t worry about me. I’ll be right behind you.

Tabitha nodded and quickly made her way towards Andrew, Xander and her brother. The five of them stumbled out of the monastery and into the street. The demons that were fighting on the street were seen fleeing the scene. All the Slayers were still on guard, making sure none of the demons had the courage for more.

They stopped at an overturn car to look back at the monastery. Willow joined them a moment later – looking winded but please.

In Xander’s hands, Asta started to stir. Her eyes fluttered open.

ASTA: What happened?

XANDER: Everything’s going to be fine.

ASTA: Is –

XANDER: They are dead. You did it.

Asta nodded.

ASTA: Thank you.

XANDER: For what?

But Asta’s eyes were on Tabitha. Tabitha looked at the Slayer before averting her gaze.

XANDER: W should get you to a hospital.

Asta shook her head as Xander helped her to her feet.

ASTA: I’ll be fine. It’s just a sword wound. Nothing major.

Tabitha, who had her eyes focused on the crumbling monastery, nodded.

TABITHA: She’ll be fine. I made sure I didn’t hit any vital organs.

Xander didn’t look happy at that.

XANDER: Are you sure?

Tabitha stayed silent. Asta placed a hand on Xander’s arm.

ASTA: I’ll be fine.

Willow looked over at the two and smiled.

WILLOW: Don’t worry, Xander. I’ll patch her up when we are back in safety.

Then the walls of the monastery started to crumble inwards, pulling away Asta’s and Xander’s attention from each other. Big chunks of the ceiling started to cave in. The six of them watched in silence as the monastery came down like house of cards.

The earth stopped shaking.

The friends exchanged glances.

ANDREW: Does this mean we win?

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

Twenty minutes later, the six friends trudged into Tabitha’s and Pike’s house with the group of Slayers in tow. Exhaustion was already setting in and most of them struggled to make their way into the living room. They sank into chairs and random spaces on the floor of the living room and the rest of the house as soon as they could. Willow brought in a first aid kit and started tending to the wounded with Andrew’s help. Asta was awake and alert as Willow patched her up.

The Slayers started cleaning up the house – some even going into the kitchen to make a meal for those who were hungry. Everyone worked in silence.

Tabitha left the living room as soon as she was sure Pike was fine. Her brother only suffered a dislocated shoulder and had some cuts and bruises on his face and body.

Andrew, Willow and Xander left the living room and went into an empty room. As soon as they were out of sight from the rest, Xander pulled Willow into a hug.

XANDER: You don’t know how glad I am to see you.

WILLOW: Me too.

The two broke apart, smiling. Andrew jumped into a hug with Willow.

ANDREW: Thank you for saving us.

WILLOW: You’re welcome, Watcher.

Xander rolled his eyes and pulled the Watcher away from his best friend.

XANDER: That’s enough, Andrew.

Andrew flashed them a sheepish smile as he stepped back.

ANDREW: Sorry.

XANDER: (to Willow) So Slayers huh?

WILLOW: I was fresh out of demon armies.

XANDER: It still worked.

ANDREW: And Giles was ok with this?

WILLOW: It was his idea. Well, Buffy was the one who suggested it and Giles wasn’t really keen on it but she managed to convince him. Buffy only wanted ten girls to come with me. Giles told us to take more.

XANDER: And Buffy…

WILLOW: There’s something brewing in L.A that needed her attention so I told her to take care of that.

XANDER: Well, we are still glad you came. Your timing couldn’t have been better.

WILLOW: I think it could have. I’m sorry about Tabitha’s friend.

Xander sighed.

XANDER: You couldn’t have prevented that. David made a deal with Astwihad. Heal Tabitha in exchange for his life.

ANDREW: So what now?

WILLOW: I have to call Giles and give him an update on the situation. I’m sure he would like you guys back in England – especially Asta, now that we have a better idea of who she is. Pike and Tabitha can join us.

XANDER: Yeah. But not before I take a nice, year long shower.

PIKE: And sleep. Sleep would be nice.

The three of them turned and saw Pike leaning against the doorway.

PIKE: Sorry to interrupt. I was looking for Tabitha and I heard you guys. So England huh?

XANDER: Think of it as an all expanse paid vacation.

WILLOW: Giles might go all ‘good lord’ on it but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. You helped stopped the world from utter chaos after all – it’s the least he could do.

PIKE: We’ll think about it. I’m not sure Tabby…there’s still things we need to take care of.

XANDER: We understand.

Willow turned to Xander.

WILLOW: But you’re coming with me, Xander. We’ve missed you and knowing what you’ve been going through here, I rather have you in boring all England.

XANDER: (chuckling) I’m starting to think the same way. I’m going to check on Asta.

He excused himself and left the room.

Willow stared after him.

WILLOW: Is it just me or does he have a thing for her?

Pike and Andrew grinned.

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

Xander found Asta sitting on the bottom step of the stairs. He sat down beside her.

XANDER: How are you feeling?

ASTA: A little sore but I’m fine.

XANDER: Good. Well, Willow, Andrew and I have been talking and we thought it would be best if we go back to England.

Asta frowned.

ASTA: Why?

XANDER: You’ve been through a lot, Asta. Maybe it’s time you take a break.

ASTA: You guys wanna make sure I’m not evil.

XANDER: That’s not it.

ASTA: Then what is it?

XANDER: I’m sure you have lots of questions about yourself. And now that we have a good idea on what you are, Giles might be able to answer those questions.

ASTA: You mean Giles want to study me.

XANDER: I know it sounds like we are keeping you like a lab rat but we are not. We just want to make sure you’re ok. You’ve been through a lot – the last thing you need is more stress. And staying here might cause that.

ASTA: I don’t know, Xander. I have to think about it.

XANDER: Ok.

ASTA: Are you going back as well?

Xander shrugged.

XANDER: I guess. Willow and the rest want me back. And now that everything here is over…I don’t know. Maybe I’m not needed here anymore – especially since you might be going back as well. Willow mentioned something about Buffy being involved in something important. I might lend a hand there. Beside, I can’t exactly picture myself living with Tabitha and Pike without you and Andrew around.

Asta laughed.

ASTA: Yeah, me either.

A loud thumping sound came from the hallway on the second floor above them, startling the two. They exchanged puzzled glances. Pike, Andrew and Willow came up to them a moment later, all looking puzzle.

ANDREW: What’s going on?

PIKE: Tabby?

Pike jumped aside to avoid a thick book from hitting his head. More books followed. They all landed with a thud at the bottom of the stairs.

XANDER: What’s going on?

Andrew picked up the book and recognition sparked in his eyes.

ANDREW: Hey! This is mine.

PIKE: Tabby! What’s going on?

Tabitha stood at the top of the staircase with her arms full with clothes. Her face was blank as she threw them down the stairs.

ASTA: Those are mine.

TABITHA: I know.

She disappeared into Asta’s room and reappeared with more clothes.

PIKE: What are you doing?

TABITHA: I want them out.

XANDER: What?

TABITHA: The two of you don’t have to go. But her? She has to go.

PIKE: What are you talking about? Go where?

ANDREW: Two of who?

TABITHA: I don’t care where she goes. I want her out of my house!

ANDREW: Who is she talking about?

ASTA: Me.

Pike started climbing up the stairs to reach his sister.

PIKE: Tabitha, I think you’re overreacting a little here.

Tabitha scowled at her brother.

TABITHA: Am I?

PIKE: Yes! Where do you expect them to go?

TABITHA: Didn’t you hear me the first time? I don’t care!

PIKE: Tabitha…

TABITHA: No, Pike, I mean it! I want her gone. Out of my house and out of my life.

She went back into Asta’s room again and came out with more books – most of them Andrew’s. She threw them down the stairs, narrowly missing Pike and the rest at the bottom of the stairs.

XANDER: Ok, it’s been a long night. Maybe once we all had some sleep, we’ll think differently in the morning. Right now I –

TABITHA: That bitch killed David! You think I want a murderer in my house?

Xander and the rest looked shock at Tabitha’s sudden outburst. He looked over at Asta, who nodded solemnly.

ASTA: I understand.

XANDER: What? No! Tabitha, you can’t be serious.

Tabitha stomped down the stairs and headed for the front door.

TABITHA: Watch me.

She yanked the door open and glared at the Slayer.

TABITHA: Don’t ever come near me and my family again or I’ll kill you.

[shred]

ACT 7

~MOTEL~

Andrew, Xander, Asta and Willow stepped into their motel room, dumping their belongings on the floor. They were back in the same motel that they were in when they first arrived in Hades Valley.

XANDER: I was hoping we wouldn’t see this place again.

ANDREW: We’ve came full circle.

Asta silently sat on the edge of one of the beds as the men started organising their stuff.

WILLOW: I’ll call England and let them know we are returning back. It’s not like there’s anywhere else we can go.

XANDER: (nodding) Yeah, that makes sense.

WILLOW: We’ll leave first thing in the morning.

ASTA: No.

All three pairs of eyes turned to the Slayer.

ANDREW: No?

ASTA: You and Xander can go back to England. I’m not leaving here.

XANDER: Asta…

Asta turned to Xander, determination set on her face.

ASTA: I’m still the Slayer, Xander. The monastery might be gone but the Hellmouth isn’t. And as long as there is a Hellmouth, there’s always going to be demons in Hades Valley. As long as there are demons, there has to be a Slayer. My job isn’t done.

XANDER: Are you sure about this? What about everything we talked about earlier? About you not needing anymore stress right now.

Asta shook her head.

ASTA: I’ll be fine, Xander. What you said made sense but…I got to do this.

WILLOW: Well, if Asta is staying here as a Slayer, Andrew has to stay here as her Watcher.

Andrew smiled, looking a little pleased.

ANDREW: Cool. I’m actually starting to like it here.

Willow turned to Xander.

WILLOW: Do you want to stay?

XANDER: Well, there’s no need for me to be here unless…

He looked at Andrew and then at Asta. Asta avoided his gaze.

ANDREW: I think we both can handle it. Unless you want to stay of course.

XANDER: I’ll stay if I’m needed. I don’t want to be anyone’s third wheel.

ANDREW: You’re not needed. I mean, it’s not like you’re useless or anything it’s just that…We still have Pike and Tabitha here and we can use their help if we need it – even though they hate us. So…

XANDER: You’re right. I’ll just be in the way.

WILLOW: So it’s settled then?

Willow looked at Andrew, who nodded and then at Asta. Xander stared at her as well. Asta didn’t say a word, keeping her gaze away from them.

WILLOW: I’ll take that as a ‘yes’. (to Xander) I’ll let Giles know we’re coming.

Xander kept his gaze on Asta as he nodded.

XANDER: Ok.

#########################################
~LATER~

Xander found Asta in the parking lot almost an hour later. It was close to dawn and the lot was void of life. The Slayer was leaning against a car with a can of soda in her hands. Xander stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans as he approached her tentatively.

XANDER: Can’t sleep?

Asta’s eyes turned towards him briefing before looking away.

ASTA: When I had those dreams and visions, I was so afraid to go to sleep because I was so afraid to see something horrible. I still think that I would see those dreams again even though I know that Ahriman and Astwihad are gone.

Asta shrugged as her eyes dropped to her drink can.

ASTA: I guess I’m still afraid.

Xander stood beside the Slayer and rested his weight on the car.

XANDER: I know what you mean.

ASTA: Are you ready to go?

XANDER: (nodding) All my bags and I’m ready to go. (pause) And I think that’s a song.

Asta let a small smile form on her lips.

ASTA: Yeah. I think so too.

They fell into silence as the two of them drifted off into their own worlds. They were silent for a full minute when Asta spoke.

ASTA: Xander, I hope you know how much I’m grateful for everything you and the rest have done for me.

XANDER: I know.

ASTA: Good. Because I don’t think a ‘thank you’ would cover it.

XANDER: (chuckling) No. You owe us big time.

Asta smiled.

ASTA: Ok.

XANDER: But you did good.

Asta looked surprise as she faced him.

ASTA: You’re not disappointed?

Xander shook his head as he pulled out his hands and let them hang by his sides.

XANDER: Nope. You didn’t die. I didn’t die. The world didn’t end. All in all, it was a good day. I’m proud of what we did. I’m proud of you.

ASTA: Thank you. That means a lot coming from you, Xander. You’ve been such a great friend that I probably don’t deserve.

Xander cocked his head, looking thoughtful. He scratched his chin.

XANDER: Maybe not.

Asta laughed as she slapped him on the shoulder.

ASTA: I’m serious!

Xander raised his eyebrows and grinned.

XANDER: And who said I wasn’t?

Asta stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Xander’s neck. Surprise registered on Xander’s face as the Slayer hugged him.

ASTA: Thank you.

Xander hugged her back, smiling softly.

XANDER: You’re welcome.

They pulled apart and Xander stepped back, looking a little embarrassed.

XANDER: So…erm…you sure about staying here?

ASTA: I am. Ash-Astwihad taught me a lot of things. Most of them might be evil things but one of the things he taught me was how to fight and what I can do. I just need to learn what I’m fighting for.

XANDER: And you’ve got Andrew for that.

ASTA: That’s the plan.

XANDER: Well, take care of yourself. And if you need anything…

ASTA: You’ll be the first I’ll call.

XANDER: You better.

He smiled and gave Asta a squeeze on the shoulder.

XANDER: Well, I better head back. Andrew asked me to get him some snacks from the machine. He’s probably wondering where I am. Or he might have die of hunger.

ASTA: You better go then. I can’t survive with a dead Watcher.

Xander turned to go but Asta stopped him by laying a hand on his arm.

ASTA: Xander…

Xander glanced at her hand and then her face.

XANDER: Yeah?

ASTA: I…

Xander turned slowly to face her. His eyebrows were raised expectantly. Asta looked conflicted as her eyes searched Xander’s.

ASTA: Good luck in England – and with whatever you’re going to do there. Take care of yourself.

Xander’s face fell a little. He quickly covered his disappointed with a smile.

XANDER: Thanks. And good luck with you and Andrew. I’m sure you’ll do a good job here. And you’ll find the answers you’re looking for.

Asta smiled.

ASTA: Thanks. Come and visit ok?

XANDER: I will.

He turned to go.

ASTA: Xander…?

Xander stopped, glancing over his shoulder.

XANDER: Yeah?

ASTA: It’s just that…erm…We probably won’t see each other again and…

Xander faced the Slayer, frowning.

XANDER: Asta, what is it?

ASTA: (muttering) Ah, screw it.

Without warning, Asta covered the gap between them by pulling Xander towards her. Before he could react, Asta stood on her toes and kissed him. Her soda can clatter to the ground noisily.

The kiss started out awkwardly as Xander stood rigid, frozen in place. He started to soften as the Slayer wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. The kiss deepened. Xander’s arms encircled Asta’s waist and pressed her close against his body. The kiss grew passionate.

Then as quickly as it began, the kiss stopped as Asta pulled away. Her hands remained around his neck while his around her waist.

XANDER: What –

ASTA: Don’t go.

XANDER: What?

ASTA: Don’t go to England.

Asta’s hands slipped from his neck and rested on his chest.

ASTA: Please?

Xander blinked. He swallowed.

XANDER: Ok.


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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