ASTA Episode 1.04 "Something Evil This Way Comes"
TEASER
~MOTEL ROOM~
XANDER: Ok. You ready?
Asta nodded as the two of them circled each other slowly. In her hands was a crossbow and Xander was weaponless.
XANDER: Keep your eyes on me. Try to read me as much as you can and from there, plan out your next move. Understand?
Asta nodded again. The two of them continued to circle each other. Asta stared into Xander’s eyes trying to read him as much as possible. Then Asta hesitated, lowering her crossbow just a little.
ASTA: You think this is a good idea? I don’t want you to get hurt.
XANDER: It’s not like we haven’t done this before.
ASTA: But the last time -
XANDER: Asta. I’m gonna quote Nike here and say, just do it.
ASTA: But that time -
Xander shot her a look.
ASTA: Alright fine.
Asta shook her shoulders to loosen the tensed muscles there and raised her crossbow, narrowing her eyes a little.
ASTA: Eat dust, pirate!
Xander shook his head and held up his hand. Asta straightened.
XANDER: Don’t call me a pirate. I’m not Xander, I’m a demon.
ASTA: But I can’t pretend that you’re a demon. You look too cute with that eye patch and that fierce expression.
XANDER: I look cute all the time so don’t use that as an excuse. Let’s try this again. Go!
ASTA: Eat dust!
Asta squeezed the trigger of the crossbow and a thwack sound was heard but no bolt was released.
XANDER: And I’m dust.
Asta lowered the crossbow and looked at Xander questioningly.
ASTA: So? Was that better? I mean it wasn’t original. But…it sucked, didn’t it?
XANDER: I won’t say suck…
ASTA: Ok, ok. I think I got it this time. I’m just warming up so that time isn’t counted. Let’s try again. Go!
Xander tackled her to the ground and the crossbow went flying to the other end of the basement. Xander straddled Asta with a relatively menacing look on his face.
XANDER: You will die now, Slayer!
Asta burst out laughing and Xander rolled his eyes.
ASTA: This is not going to work. And you’re heavy.
XANDER: (sighed) You’re right. Maybe we should call it a day. I’m sure Andrew wants to do some real training with you. Next lesson - punning!
But the two of them didn’t move. Instead they stared at each other, staying exactly where they were, breathing hard.
ASTA: (softly) Sounds good.
The two of them seemed to have the inability to move as Xander sat on top of Asta and Asta lay on the ground, gazing up at the older man. She swallowed hard.
Then Asta broke the tense silence.
ASTA: You’re really heavy.
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
Richard Dean Anderson as Brother Tam
Matthew James as Argros
Created by Irene Issac with Rebecca Schwarz
Based on the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
END OF CREDITS
ACT 1
~MOTEL ROOM~
~later~
XANDER: Ok, are we all packed?
ASTA: Yup. There isn’t much to pack actually.
XANDER: Good. Andrew?
Andrew came out of the bathroom with his hands full of toiletries.
ANDREW: Almost done.
XANDER: (groaned) No, Andrew. You’re not stealing the motel’s toiletries.
ANDREW: I’m not stealing - just taking.
ASTA: And the difference is?
ANDREW: That I’m not stealing? Look, the shampoo here does wonders for my hair. I have to take them.
XANDER: And the soap and shower cap?
ANDREW: I like the soap smell and the shower cap protects my wonderful.
XANDER: And the tampons?
ANDREW: (grinned) Those are just souvenirs.
XANDER: Ok you know what? I’m not going to bother anymore. Just hurry up will you? The cab is already waiting for us.
ANDREW: Five minutes. That’s all I need.
He dumped all the toiletries into his duffel bag and frowned.
ANDREW: I feel like I’m missing something.
ASTA: (scoffed) The bathrobes maybe?
Andrew brightened.
ANDREW: The bathrobes!
Xander looked at Asta sternly.
XANDER: You had to say that didn’t you?
Asta gave him a sheepish smile.
ASTA: Sorry.
Xander picked up two of the bags and nodded to the rest.
XANDER: Let’s start loading the cab. He might take awhile.
ANDREW: Has anyone seen the bathroom slippers anywhere?
~PIKE/TABITHA’S HOUSE~
~later~
Tabitha swung the door open and grinned at her visitors.
TABITHA: Glad you guys could make it.
XANDER: It’s not like we had a choice. We kinda stopped paying for our room and we got ourselves kicked out.
TABITHA: (laughed) Come on in.
Tabitha stepped aside and allowed Xander, Asta and Andrew to step into the house, lugging a few bags behind them.
TABITHA: Oliver! We got company.
PIKE: Be right down.
TABITHA: Sorry about the one-man welcome wagon. Ollie got this new book a few days ago and hasn’t stop reading it since.
XANDER: Don’t worry about it. Just show us to our room and we’ll be fine.
TABITHA: Great. The guest room is all set up for Asta and you boys can take the basement.
Andrew stopped short and blinked at Tabitha.
ANDREW: The basement? We are sleeping in the basement?
TABITHA: It’s not a big house and the basement is spacious enough to accommodate the two of you.
ANDREW: But it’s the basement. Bad things happened there.
Tabitha patted his shoulder in reassurance and smiled.
TABITHA: Not in my house, Andy.
She picked up one of Asta’s bags and led her towards the staircase.
TABITHA: Come on. I’ll help you set up.
Xander took Andrew by his elbow and started pushing him towards the direction where the basement was.
The basement was just slightly bigger than the Summers’ one back in Sunnydale. There were two cots, - one near the stairs and another against the wall under a small window - two chest of drawers beside each bed and folded neatly on the pillows were white towels and a thick blanket.
XANDER: Pick a bed.
Andrew made a beeline to the bed nearer to the stairs.
ANDREW: So I can escape the basement in under 30 seconds if something nasty happens.
With a roll of his eyes, Xander padded towards the bed under the small window and placed his bags on it. Standing on his toes, Xander grabbed the handle of the window and gave it a tug. It didn’t budge. After making sure that the window won’t open no matter how hard he tried, he sat down on the cot and bounced lightly, testing out the mattress.
XANDER: No complaints so far.
ANDREW: I still don’t see why we had to move out of the motel.
XANDER: Firstly, that was not a motel. Motels don’t have rats, roaches and bedbugs. Secondly, we don’t know how long we are going to be here and we were using the Council’s money to pay for the room. Even though Giles is kinda overall in-charge, stuffy Englishmen are in charge of finance and they refuse to give us more money. And thirdly, three of us in that one room? I would prefer to sleep on the street.
Andrew crossed his arms over his chest and pouted, flopping onto his cot. He looked very much like the young, geeky Andrew from a year ago than the Watcher that he now was.
ANDREW: I want to go back to England. I miss drinking tea.
XANDER: (chuckled) Well, I’m sure Tabby makes great tea.
ANDREW: No she doesn’t.
Xander shook his head, amused.
XANDER: Fine. Be that way.
Xander stood up, unzipped his bag and started taking out his clothes.
XANDER: By the way, you taking Asta out for patrolling tonight?
ANDREW: Yup. Wanna tag along?
XANDER: I always tag along. Asta wants me there cause you scare her.
Andrew’s eyes widened in surprise.
ANDREW: Scare her? Wow. I didn’t know I was that intimidating.
XANDER: No, not scare her in that way. She’s scared that you might get her killed. Anyway, I promised her that I would teach her some stuff so I’m coming whether you like it or not.
Andrew narrowed his eyes at the man opposite of him.
ANDREW: Stuff? What kind of stuff? Slayer stuff? Cause you can’t do that you know. I’m her Watcher so I’m supposed to teach her all the slayer stuff - not you. She’s my slayer and I’m her Watcher.
XANDER: I know you are and I’m not saying you’re not. Besides, the ‘stuff’ I’m teaching her has nothing to do with Slayer stuff.
ANDREW: Good. Just make sure it’s not slayer stuff. I can handle teaching her that, thank you very much.
XANDER: I’m sure you can. Anyway, this is just a one time thing - I won’t tag along for your patrolling anymore. But if I hear one more complaint from Asta that you screamed like a girl and make her feel like she’s about to die, I’m tagging along like a leech.
ANDREW: (scowled) I don’t scream like a girl.
Xander stopped unpacking his bag and faced the younger man. His eyes twinkled mischievously. He nodded to the floor behind Andrew.
XANDER: Andrew, rat.
Without turning around, Andrew screeched loudly and leapt onto his bed.
ANDREW: Get it away! Get it away!
Xander returned to his unpacking, a satisfied smile on his lips.
XANDER: Just like a girl.
~ASTA’S BEDROOM~
TABITHA: And this is your bedroom.
Tabitha pushed the door open and revealed to Asta their guest bedroom. Asta stepped in and looked around in satisfaction.
ASTA: This is a really big room.
TABITHA: It’s the biggest in this house. My parents use this room whenever they drop by for a visit - which is like never.
Asta dropped her bag to the ground and explored the bedroom. There was a queen size bed at one end of the room, a built-in closet, dresser and a television set on the other side of the room.
TABITHA: So I’m going to leave you to unpack. If there’s anything you need, just let me know.
ASTA: I think I need some towels?
TABITHA: Knew I forgot something. Just give me a minute and I’ll go get them for you.
ASTA: (smiled) Sure thanks.
Tabitha gave her one last smile before exiting the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Asta walked around the room, taking a peek into the closet and the dresser. Both the closet and the dresser were relatively empty. There were only a handful of hangers in the closet and an old, woolen blanket. In the dressers, however, there was nothing at all.
Asta then walked towards one of the bedside tables that had two drawers. She opened the top drawer and found that there was nothing inside. She pulled open the second drawer and inside was a photo frame that was placed face down.
She picked up the photo, turned it over and a middle aged couple stared back at her. At the corner of the photo a message was scribbled.
ASTA: “Parents, 2000”.
She set the photo down on the table. Someone knocked on the door and Asta turned to see Tabitha popping her head in.
TABITHA: Hey. Got you your towels.
ASTA: Thanks.
Asta stood up and went to Tabitha to grab the towels. Tabitha frowned at something behind her.
TABITHA: Where did you get that from?
ASTA: Huh?
Tabitha pushed past her and went to the bedside table where the photo of her parents was. She picked up the photo frame and scowled at Asta.
TABITHA: This photo. Where did you get it from?
ASTA: Oh that. It was found in one of the drawers. I thought it would be better if it was placed outside instead in somewhere where no one can see it. Don’t worry, it doesn’t bother me. It’s a great picture.
TABITHA: No, it’s not. Photos like these are meant to be in places where no one is supposed to see. So leave it alone.
ASTA: I don’t understand. It’s just a picture of your parents.
TABITHA: It’s doesn’t change a thing. I mean it, Asta, don’t mess with things like this.
ASTA: Things like what?
Tabitha shot her another glare.
TABITHA: Just don’t.
ASTA: Ok, I won’t. I’m sorry…I didn’t know.
TABITHA: Well, now you do.
Tabitha ripped the photo frame open and pulled out the picture of her parents. She tossed the photo frame into the rubbish bin that was under the dresser and then she crushed the picture into a ball. Without a word and a glance towards the younger girl, Tabitha stalked out of the room.
All Asta could do was stare at Tabitha’s back in confusion and in surprise.
~HADES VALLEY, 1924~
~night~
A man about 30 years old, donned in an old monk’s robe, hurried down the quiet streets of Hades Valley. He was half running and half jogging and every minute or so, he would glance back over his shoulder to see if anyone was following him. Behind him, the street was deserted but that didn’t calm his nerves at all. Instead, it caused his heart to race much faster.
There were only a few more minutes of night left and dawn was approaching fast. He came to an intersection, took a moment to look out for traffic before crossing the street. Once he crossed the street, he found himself a few feet away from the monastery. The man let out a sigh of relief and picked up his pace. A minute later, he pushed the heavy oak door open and stepped into the safe haven. He closed the door behind him and allowed himself to relax a little.
MAN: Brothers! I have returned!
The interior of the monastery was dark. A few torches dotted the place but didn’t manage to light up the place all that well. The man squinted against the darkness and made a quick scan. The place was unusually empty.
MAN: Brothers? Are you here? I have returned with news.
The man went to the wall nearest to him and plucked the torch from its holder. Raising it high above his head, he ventured further into the monastery.
MAN: Brother Chang? Brother Lee? Please show yourselves.
The man stubbed his toe on something, causing him to lose his balance a little. He lowered his torch and let the fire illuminate the ground before him. The man gasped when he saw his fellow brother sprawled on his stomach on the floor. He was lying on a pool of blood and his eyes stared blankly at the alter that was situated at the other end of the monastery.
MAN: Brother Lee!
The man dropped to his knees beside the dead monk. He touched the head of his brother and bowed his head in grief. He muttered a quick prayer and pulled his hand away. His fingers were coated with blood. Swallowing back a cry of shock, the man wiped his fingers against his robe and looked around the monastery, hoping that his other brother didn’t suffer the same fate.
His dark eyes landed on the alter and he frowned slightly. The alter consisted of a statue of a golden Buddha that was three times as big as him. In front of the statue was a wooden railing where joss sticks and various offerings could be placed. Considering how late it was, there were only a few burnt joss sticks left and all offerings were cleared.
The monk cautiously approached the alter, his eyes trained on the Buddha statue. Lifting the torch, he swept the fire across the face of the statue and cried out in shock. From the Buddha’s golden eyes, thick, dark blood came trickling down its cheeks. The blood dripped from the statue’s chin and formed a puddle on the ground.
MAN: Oh my.
The monk took a step back, squeezing his eyes shut. He opened his mouth and started to chant loudly in Chinese. He was in the middle of his chant when he felt the ground beneath him vibrate. The man stopped his reciting and froze. He didn’t dare glance over his shoulder.
Footsteps pounded loudly behind him and it felt like the newcomer was coming closer and closer to him. Slowly and warily, the man turned around. His eyes widened in surprise when his gaze landed upon the newcomer.
The demon before him was more humanlike than demon. It was the same height as him, had human features and moved in a very humanlike way. The only thing that identified the creature as a demon was the bright, fiery red skin and the ice blue eyes. There were scars on the demon’s naked torso. The only piece of clothing that the demon had on was a piece of white linen cloth that hung loosely from it waist, covering its private area.
And then there were those claws that were stained red with blood.
MAN: Y-you!
The demon cocked its head. It curled its fingers, letting the sharp claws dig into its own palms. Its icy blue eyes focused on the monk.
MAN: Demon! How dare you! Y-you cannot enter here!
The demon didn’t say a word in response - it just continued to study him. The man trembled under its scrutiny.
MAN: You better leave at once. I command you to leave.
The demon’s gaze flickered away from the monk to something behind him. The demon tilted his head to the other side. The man took this chance to charge the demon with the torch he was holding. The demon blinked at him in surprise. As soon as the man was near enough the demon to set it on fire, the demon stretched out it red coloured hand and grabbed the monk’s throat, wrapping his fingers and claws around him and lifted him of the ground.
The man dropped the torch and clawed at the demon’s hands, coughing and choking. From this close, the man could see how blue its eyes were. The red skin made its eyes shine like blue gems.
DEMON: You’re no use to me. You’re protected.
With a flick of its wrist, the red demon flung the monk to the other side of the monastery. The monk slammed against the wall and slumped to the ground. He landed next to the dead Brother Chang - his head was twisted precariously to one side and there was a deep gash that ran diagonally across his face.
MAN: Chang…
The demon came towards him as the edges of the man’s vision began to dim. He groaned softly, unable to pick himself up. The demon stood in front of him now, grabbed the back of his robe and picked him up.
DEMON: You didn’t die.
The monk cracked a smile.
MAN: I will soon. Y-you killed my brothers?
DEMON: No I didn’t. I only killed that one.
The demon pointed to Chang as he said this.
MAN: And B-brother Lee?
DEMON: This one killed him.
MAN: What? B-but why? They were brothers!
DEMON: They were evil. I touched them and they were evil.
MAN: Who are you?
DEMON: I am Argros.
Without another word, the demon tossed him to the other side of the room. This time, the monk slipped into unconsciousness almost immediately.
ACT 2
~HADES VALLEY, PRESENT DAY~
~Monastery~
~night~
GIRL: Ab, are you sure about this? The sign says “Keep Out”.
AB: So? Relax, Tasha, it will only just take a short while. I just want to take a quick tour.
GIRL/TASHA: What if we get caught?
AB: Nah, we won’t. Look at this place, I don’t think this place is rigged with a proper alarm system and there isn’t any security guard around so I don’t think we’ll get caught.
TASHA: I don’t know…
AB: You can stay here if you want but Josh is coming with me. Right Josh?
Josh nodded, snapping his chewing gum.
TASHA: I’m not going to stay here all alone.
AB: Then come with us. We’ll go in, have a look and then come out. It won’t take more than 10 minutes, I promise.
TASHA: (sighed) Fine.
Together with Josh’s help, Ab pushed the heavy door open. It only opened slightly but it was enough to let the three of them through. Clicking a flashlight on, Ab went into the monastery with Josh and Tasha in tow.
JOSH: Whoa! This place is massive, bro!
AB: Hell yeah.
Unlike 20 years ago, the monastery was in a mess. The Buddha statue laid on the ground in pieces, burn marks were everywhere and there were a few layers of dust on everything. Some of the walls were marred with graffiti and there was garbage of all kinds strewn on the floor.
TASHA: This place is disgusting. I think there are rats in here.
Ab rolled his eyes and shone the flashlight at Tasha.
AB: If you are gonna complain the whole time, I would prefer if you waited outside.
TASHA: Alright, I’ll keep quiet. But if I see a rat, we are getting out of here.
The three of them continued walking around the main hall of the monastery, looking for anything interesting.
AB: Is that it? There aren’t any other rooms but this?
JOSH: Looks like.
AB: Damn, this sucks.
TASHA: Can we go now?
Something fell with a loud crash somewhere in the monastery and the three of them froze.
TASHA: What was that?
Ab pointed his flashlight to the corner on his right. There was nothing there but a tattered gold curtain that was faded with age. Half of it hung on its railings while the other half drooped to the ground. It rustled slightly
AB: It came from there.
Tasha came up to Ab and grabbed his hand. She started pulling him away from the corner.
TASHA: Ok, this is not fun anymore. Let’s go.
Ab jerked his hand away and stepped a little closer.
AB: Hello? Anyone there?
JOSH: Dude, let’s go man. I’m starving.
AB: In a minute. There’s something behind that curtain.
TASHA: It’s just a rat. We are the only ones here.
JOSH: Could be some homeless dude.
AB: Well, whatever it is, I’m going to check it out. You guys can wait outside.
TASHA: Oh no, we are not leaving you here alone.
There was the same noise again and the curtain rustled a bit more. Ab jumped back, dropping his flashlight in the process. The flashlight clattered to the ground and flickered for a moment. However, it managed to stay on.
Ab picked up the flashlight and slowly inched towards the curtain. Once he was near enough to touch it, he reached out and pushed the curtain aside, revealing an entrance to another room.
AB: Jackpot!
More sounds - and this time much louder - came from the room. Gesturing for Tasha and Josh to follow, he continued to inch his way further into the room. The room looked very much like a kitchen with a rusty looking sink at one end and a few blackened and rusted pots and pans around the floor.
And there was a baldheaded man, who looked like he was covered in red paint, pattering around the kitchen like he owned the place. He only had some pants on and nothing else - no shoes or a top.
AB: Hey! Who the hell are you?
The red man stopped in his tracks and glanced over his shoulder, his piercing blue eyes narrowing at Ab.
AB: Dude, what the hell are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here.
TASHA: Ab, he looks angry. I think we should leave.
AB: Shut up, Tasha.
He turned back to the man, aiming the flashlight directly into the man’s eyes. The man didn’t even flinch or blink. He kept staring at Ab.
AB: Do you live here? Do you even understand a word of English?
The man turned around and cocked his head.
AB: Ok, you know what? I think we are disturbing you so we’ll leave now alright? Sorry for interrupting whatever you were doing. We didn’t know anyone was here. So…we’ll leave now.
Ab turned around and was about to push his friends out of the room when the floor beneath them started to shake.
TASHA: Oh shit!
Ab dropped his flashlight again and the torch rolled towards the red coloured man. He turned around to grab the flashlight before it could roll any further but the man grabbed his shirt and lifted him off the ground.
AB: Hey! What the hell are you doing? Let me go!
Ab struggled hard against the man’s grip but he held on tight. The man lifted his other hand and snarled, revealing a row of sharp silver teeth.
Ab screamed for dear life.
The demon touched Ab’s forehead. As soon as the finger made contact with Ab’s skin, the tip of its finger began to glow a bright red. Ab’s scream was cut off and a moment later his eyes began to glow an intense blue. The demon let go of Ab and the boy dropped to the ground with ease.
JOSH: Ab, man. You alright?
Ab turned and faced Josh and Tasha. He grinned evilly, his eyes glowing vividly.
TASHA: Josh? What’s wrong with his eyes?
JOSH: Let’s get out of here.
Josh grabbed Tasha’s hand and began to yank her out of the room. But Ab was too fast. He leapt at them, tackling the two of them to the ground. He straddled Josh and bared his teeth.
JOSH: Ab, what is wrong with you?
Ab lifted his hand and started punching Josh in the face ruthlessly. Tasha screamed in horror.
TASHA: Ab! Stop it!
A few minutes later, Ab stood up over the dead Josh. He turned to Tasha and advanced towards her.
TASHA: Ab! No! Please no!
She screamed one last time before Ab ripped her throat with his bare hands. Argros stood at a distance and watched with a small smile on its red face.
~CEMETERY~
XANDER: You know what pun means, don’t you? It’s a play on words. To quote an online dictionary, “it’s a humorous use of words that involves a word or phrase that has more than one possible meaning”. Now, punning is important. Punning makes you smarter than your opponent. It also makes light of the situation. But mostly importantly, punning throws your opponent off; you’ll definitely catch that demon or vampire off guard. I mean, you’re in the fight of your life and then you make a pun. Your opponent would be like, “What? What does that mean? Does that even make any sense?” and then, wham! You stake him - or chop its head off. So punning is very important.
ASTA: (nodded) Right. Punning, important - check!
XANDER: Now, the trick in executing a good pun comes down to timing. You can pun anywhere to any demon but you can’t do it anytime. If you lose your timing and pun at the wrong time, you’ll just come off as lame. So timing is important.
ASTA: Right. Timing, important - check!
ANDREW: (sighed) Is this even important? I should be teaching her some slayer moves.
XANDER: In a minute, Andrew. (to Asta) Where was I? Right, timing. Ok, so when do you pun? The best time would be when you first meet your opponent and just before it dies.
ASTA: Why?
XANDER: Because I see Buffy doing that and it works all the time.
ASTA: Right.
XANDER: So when you first meet -
ANDREW: Ok that’s enough!
Xander stopped in mid sentence and the two of them stopped walking to stare at Andrew in surprise.
ANDREW: You guys having been talking about this for the past half an hour and in case you didn’t notice, we haven’t come across a single vampire. And I think it’s because you’re scaring them away.
ASTA: Oh sorry.
ANDREW: And also, I should be teaching her stuff - slayer or non slayer stuff. I’m her Watcher so I should be teaching her!
XANDER: Yeah but you were never good at punning. But you’re good with Star Wars references so maybe you can teach her that.
ANDREW: No! I’m her Watcher! Watchers don’t teach their Slayers about Star Wars.
ASTA: Guys, yelling isn’t going to help with our patrol. (pause) Or it’s going to make it worse by telling all the vampires and demons out there where we are.
ANDREW: I forbid you from joining us on patrol!
XANDER: What? You can’t do that?
ANDREW: Yes, I can and I just did. Don’t push me or I’ll call Buffy and get you sent back to England.
XANDER: You are going to deport me? That’s ridiculous.
ASTA: Guys…please. Not right now - where we are open targets for vampires and demons and what not.
ANDREW: Well I can if I told Buffy that you’re interfering with my work!
XANDER: I distinctly remember you coming to me for help and that’s what I’m doing. I’m helping!
ASTA: Andrew, Xander…seriously. Demons…
ANDREW: This is not helping! This is interfering! And I don’t need your help anymore. So…go away!
ASTA: Vampires…
XANDER: Fine. I’ll go away but if you come to me begging and whining about how you can’t deal with your Slayer, you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to laugh in your face and say “No way, Andy!”
ANDREW: Fine! Go ahead! See if I care.
ASTA: Vampire!
Something in Asta’s voice made Andrew and Xander stop their bickering to turn to look at Asta.
ANDREW/XANDER: What?
ASTA: Vampire! Right behind you!
Andrew and Xander turned around while Asta pulled out a stake. The two men jumped back, giving Asta space to work. The vampire was a teenage boy. His clothes were drenched with blood and his bright blue eyes shone brightly in the dark of night.
Asta put in a punch but the vampire caught her fist easily and gave a sharp twist. Asta cried out in pain and went to her knees. Behind her, Andrew pulled out a sword from its sheath that hung on his back and ran towards the vampire. As soon as he was close to the vampire, he swung his sword. But the teenager was fast. He jumped back, releasing Asta at the same time, just as the sword nicked the front of his T-shirt.
Andrew pulled back, frowning.
Cradling her arm close to her chest, Asta got up and took that moment of distraction to stake the vampire. She raised her stake and aimed it at the teenager’s heart.
ANDREW: Asta, wait! He’s not a vampire!
Asta heard Andrew’s warning and instinctively shifted her arm. Instead of stabbing the stake into the vampire’s heart, she stabbed his shoulder. The boy didn’t flinch in pain when the stake sunk into his flesh. Asta moved away from him in surprise as the boy pulled out the wood and threw it to the ground.
The teenager bared his teeth, his blue eyes twinkling menacingly.
XANDER: Andrew! What’s going on? What is he?
ANDREW: He’s human.
ASTA: He is?
ANDREW: Yes. Can’t you tell?
ASTA: No. But how do you know he’s not a vampire?
ANDREW: The blood on his shirt. Vampires aren’t usually messy eaters. Also, he hasn’t vamped out which is highly unusual. When in the fight of your death, vampires usually want to be at their most powerful. They are at their most powerful when they vamp out. And how can you not tell he’s not a vampire? Slayers have the power to do that.
ASTA: We do? You didn’t teach me that!
Andrew shot a dirty look towards Xander.
ANDREW: And I wonder why.
XANDER: Don’t you dare blame me for this, Andrew!
ASTA: Ok, let’s fight with this not-vampire thing before we fight each other ok?
ANDREW: Just don’t kill him.
Asta looked at the ground around her. She spotted a long branch and picked it up. Swirling it around, she went towards the teenager. She started attacking him with the branch but he managed to duck most of her hits. Only a few struck him but he didn’t falter. He kept coming at her and Asta kept striking him. When she thought she had his pattern down, Asta aimed a roundhouse kick squarely at his chest and then smacked him across his face with the branch.
The teenager went down to the ground and stayed still. Asta, Andrew and Xander kept their distance and waiting with baited breath to see whether he would get up and come at them again.
Asta blinked at the unconscious teenager, looking slightly amazed.
ASTA: Wow.
XANDER: You were awesome.
ASTA: Oh, wow.
XANDER: Ok, so what do we do with him?
ANDREW: I don’t know. I think he’s been possessed by something. Maybe we should tie him up. I am guessing the blood on him is not his and that means he might be dangerous. We can’t let him loose like this.
XANDER: Tie him up with what? We don’t have any rope.
ASTA: We can use his shirt.
XANDER: Good thinking.
ASTA: Maybe we can call the cops too. He might be less dangerous to the public if he was behind bars.
XANDER: Andrew, would you mind calling the cops? My cell phone got kinda crushed when we are fighting the vamp gang.
Andrew nodded and took out his cell phone. He flipped it opened and started dialing. In the meantime, Asta cautiously walked towards the teenager and started taking off his shirt with Xander’s help. Once that was done, they tied his hands together with his legs so that there was no way he could run when he regained consciousness.
ANDREW: The police are on their way.
ASTA: Should we leave him here or stay till the cops arrive?
XANDER: We’ll stay until we are sure the cops come. In the meantime…
He knelt down beside the teenager and started patting him down.
ASTA: What are you doing?
ANDREW: Are you robbing him? That is not cool, man.
Xander rolled his eyes at Andrew.
XANDER: I’m not robbing him. I’m looking for an ID. Identification can probably help us in our research in finding out what possessed this boy.
Xander reached into the back pocket of the boy’s jeans and took out a brand new leather wallet. He flicked it open and searched through its contents. He found the teenager’s ID card.
XANDER: Abraham Fox. And he’s only 17. He lives in 21 Craven Street.
ASTA: That’s quite far from here.
XANDER: You know where is it?
ASTA: Yeah. My grandparents used to live there before they moved to Boston.
XANDER: Good. Remember the address. We might have to take a look at his place.
Suddenly, the earth started to tremble, taking the three of them by surprise.
XANDER: Whoa. Is that an earthquake? Cause earthquakes are never good.
Xander, Andrew and Asta came together slowly, forming a loose circle while looking around the area.
ASTA: Look! Over there!
Xander and Andrew looked at the direction Asta was pointing at. Just somewhere off to their right, a figure came striding towards them.
ASTA: You can see it right?
XANDER: Yup.
ANDREW: I hope it’s not another possessed teenager.
The figure came closer and the three of them could make out its features.
ASTA: He’s human. (pause) He’s a red human.
XANDER: Demon, Asta. I think he qualifies as a demon.
ASTA: It’s your bickering. Told you it would attract the nasties.
ANDREW: Ok, enough blaming, more chopping?
Andrew pressed the sword he was holding into Asta’s hand and gave her a nudge.
ASTA: You want me to fight that thing by myself?
ANDREW: He doesn’t look that strong.
ASTA: The ground shakes when he walks!
ANDREW: As your Watcher, I order you to fight him.
XANDER: Don’t worry, Asta. We got your back.
She turned towards the demon, raising the sword in front of her. The demon stopped just a few feet away from Asta and the rest. His blue gaze dropped to the teenage boy behind them.
ARGROS: You killed him?
ASTA: No. But I’ll kill you.
Argros burst out laughing and its voice sounded like rocks falling down a cliff.
ARGROS: Try.
Asta leapt, her sword raised high above her head and brought it down, aiming at the demon’s head. Argros didn’t even blink as it took a swipe at her, slapping her away like a rag doll. Asta crashed into a tombstone and stayed down.
XANDER: Our turn!
But before Xander could even pick up a weapon of sort, Argros came towards him and flung him away. Xander hit a tree and crumpled to the ground. Argros turned to Andrew and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. With his free hand, the red demon touched Andrew’s forehead. Andrew squeezed his eyes shut, terror all over his face. The demon’s fingertips glowed red and a second later, Andrew’s eyes snapped open and it blazed blue. The demon dropped him to the ground and walked towards Ab. The teenager was already starting to stir.
Asta got to her feet slowly. She spotted Andrew and went towards him, concerned.
ASTA: Andrew?
Andrew turned towards his slayer and smiled evilly.
ASTA: Oh crap.
~MOTEL ROOM~
XANDER: Ok. You ready?
Asta nodded as the two of them circled each other slowly. In her hands was a crossbow and Xander was weaponless.
XANDER: Keep your eyes on me. Try to read me as much as you can and from there, plan out your next move. Understand?
Asta nodded again. The two of them continued to circle each other. Asta stared into Xander’s eyes trying to read him as much as possible. Then Asta hesitated, lowering her crossbow just a little.
ASTA: You think this is a good idea? I don’t want you to get hurt.
XANDER: It’s not like we haven’t done this before.
ASTA: But the last time -
XANDER: Asta. I’m gonna quote Nike here and say, just do it.
ASTA: But that time -
Xander shot her a look.
ASTA: Alright fine.
Asta shook her shoulders to loosen the tensed muscles there and raised her crossbow, narrowing her eyes a little.
ASTA: Eat dust, pirate!
Xander shook his head and held up his hand. Asta straightened.
XANDER: Don’t call me a pirate. I’m not Xander, I’m a demon.
ASTA: But I can’t pretend that you’re a demon. You look too cute with that eye patch and that fierce expression.
XANDER: I look cute all the time so don’t use that as an excuse. Let’s try this again. Go!
ASTA: Eat dust!
Asta squeezed the trigger of the crossbow and a thwack sound was heard but no bolt was released.
XANDER: And I’m dust.
Asta lowered the crossbow and looked at Xander questioningly.
ASTA: So? Was that better? I mean it wasn’t original. But…it sucked, didn’t it?
XANDER: I won’t say suck…
ASTA: Ok, ok. I think I got it this time. I’m just warming up so that time isn’t counted. Let’s try again. Go!
Xander tackled her to the ground and the crossbow went flying to the other end of the basement. Xander straddled Asta with a relatively menacing look on his face.
XANDER: You will die now, Slayer!
Asta burst out laughing and Xander rolled his eyes.
ASTA: This is not going to work. And you’re heavy.
XANDER: (sighed) You’re right. Maybe we should call it a day. I’m sure Andrew wants to do some real training with you. Next lesson - punning!
But the two of them didn’t move. Instead they stared at each other, staying exactly where they were, breathing hard.
ASTA: (softly) Sounds good.
The two of them seemed to have the inability to move as Xander sat on top of Asta and Asta lay on the ground, gazing up at the older man. She swallowed hard.
Then Asta broke the tense silence.
ASTA: You’re really heavy.
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
Richard Dean Anderson as Brother Tam
Matthew James as Argros
Created by Irene Issac with Rebecca Schwarz
Based on the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
END OF CREDITS
ACT 1
~MOTEL ROOM~
~later~
XANDER: Ok, are we all packed?
ASTA: Yup. There isn’t much to pack actually.
XANDER: Good. Andrew?
Andrew came out of the bathroom with his hands full of toiletries.
ANDREW: Almost done.
XANDER: (groaned) No, Andrew. You’re not stealing the motel’s toiletries.
ANDREW: I’m not stealing - just taking.
ASTA: And the difference is?
ANDREW: That I’m not stealing? Look, the shampoo here does wonders for my hair. I have to take them.
XANDER: And the soap and shower cap?
ANDREW: I like the soap smell and the shower cap protects my wonderful.
XANDER: And the tampons?
ANDREW: (grinned) Those are just souvenirs.
XANDER: Ok you know what? I’m not going to bother anymore. Just hurry up will you? The cab is already waiting for us.
ANDREW: Five minutes. That’s all I need.
He dumped all the toiletries into his duffel bag and frowned.
ANDREW: I feel like I’m missing something.
ASTA: (scoffed) The bathrobes maybe?
Andrew brightened.
ANDREW: The bathrobes!
Xander looked at Asta sternly.
XANDER: You had to say that didn’t you?
Asta gave him a sheepish smile.
ASTA: Sorry.
Xander picked up two of the bags and nodded to the rest.
XANDER: Let’s start loading the cab. He might take awhile.
ANDREW: Has anyone seen the bathroom slippers anywhere?
~PIKE/TABITHA’S HOUSE~
~later~
Tabitha swung the door open and grinned at her visitors.
TABITHA: Glad you guys could make it.
XANDER: It’s not like we had a choice. We kinda stopped paying for our room and we got ourselves kicked out.
TABITHA: (laughed) Come on in.
Tabitha stepped aside and allowed Xander, Asta and Andrew to step into the house, lugging a few bags behind them.
TABITHA: Oliver! We got company.
PIKE: Be right down.
TABITHA: Sorry about the one-man welcome wagon. Ollie got this new book a few days ago and hasn’t stop reading it since.
XANDER: Don’t worry about it. Just show us to our room and we’ll be fine.
TABITHA: Great. The guest room is all set up for Asta and you boys can take the basement.
Andrew stopped short and blinked at Tabitha.
ANDREW: The basement? We are sleeping in the basement?
TABITHA: It’s not a big house and the basement is spacious enough to accommodate the two of you.
ANDREW: But it’s the basement. Bad things happened there.
Tabitha patted his shoulder in reassurance and smiled.
TABITHA: Not in my house, Andy.
She picked up one of Asta’s bags and led her towards the staircase.
TABITHA: Come on. I’ll help you set up.
Xander took Andrew by his elbow and started pushing him towards the direction where the basement was.
The basement was just slightly bigger than the Summers’ one back in Sunnydale. There were two cots, - one near the stairs and another against the wall under a small window - two chest of drawers beside each bed and folded neatly on the pillows were white towels and a thick blanket.
XANDER: Pick a bed.
Andrew made a beeline to the bed nearer to the stairs.
ANDREW: So I can escape the basement in under 30 seconds if something nasty happens.
With a roll of his eyes, Xander padded towards the bed under the small window and placed his bags on it. Standing on his toes, Xander grabbed the handle of the window and gave it a tug. It didn’t budge. After making sure that the window won’t open no matter how hard he tried, he sat down on the cot and bounced lightly, testing out the mattress.
XANDER: No complaints so far.
ANDREW: I still don’t see why we had to move out of the motel.
XANDER: Firstly, that was not a motel. Motels don’t have rats, roaches and bedbugs. Secondly, we don’t know how long we are going to be here and we were using the Council’s money to pay for the room. Even though Giles is kinda overall in-charge, stuffy Englishmen are in charge of finance and they refuse to give us more money. And thirdly, three of us in that one room? I would prefer to sleep on the street.
Andrew crossed his arms over his chest and pouted, flopping onto his cot. He looked very much like the young, geeky Andrew from a year ago than the Watcher that he now was.
ANDREW: I want to go back to England. I miss drinking tea.
XANDER: (chuckled) Well, I’m sure Tabby makes great tea.
ANDREW: No she doesn’t.
Xander shook his head, amused.
XANDER: Fine. Be that way.
Xander stood up, unzipped his bag and started taking out his clothes.
XANDER: By the way, you taking Asta out for patrolling tonight?
ANDREW: Yup. Wanna tag along?
XANDER: I always tag along. Asta wants me there cause you scare her.
Andrew’s eyes widened in surprise.
ANDREW: Scare her? Wow. I didn’t know I was that intimidating.
XANDER: No, not scare her in that way. She’s scared that you might get her killed. Anyway, I promised her that I would teach her some stuff so I’m coming whether you like it or not.
Andrew narrowed his eyes at the man opposite of him.
ANDREW: Stuff? What kind of stuff? Slayer stuff? Cause you can’t do that you know. I’m her Watcher so I’m supposed to teach her all the slayer stuff - not you. She’s my slayer and I’m her Watcher.
XANDER: I know you are and I’m not saying you’re not. Besides, the ‘stuff’ I’m teaching her has nothing to do with Slayer stuff.
ANDREW: Good. Just make sure it’s not slayer stuff. I can handle teaching her that, thank you very much.
XANDER: I’m sure you can. Anyway, this is just a one time thing - I won’t tag along for your patrolling anymore. But if I hear one more complaint from Asta that you screamed like a girl and make her feel like she’s about to die, I’m tagging along like a leech.
ANDREW: (scowled) I don’t scream like a girl.
Xander stopped unpacking his bag and faced the younger man. His eyes twinkled mischievously. He nodded to the floor behind Andrew.
XANDER: Andrew, rat.
Without turning around, Andrew screeched loudly and leapt onto his bed.
ANDREW: Get it away! Get it away!
Xander returned to his unpacking, a satisfied smile on his lips.
XANDER: Just like a girl.
~ASTA’S BEDROOM~
TABITHA: And this is your bedroom.
Tabitha pushed the door open and revealed to Asta their guest bedroom. Asta stepped in and looked around in satisfaction.
ASTA: This is a really big room.
TABITHA: It’s the biggest in this house. My parents use this room whenever they drop by for a visit - which is like never.
Asta dropped her bag to the ground and explored the bedroom. There was a queen size bed at one end of the room, a built-in closet, dresser and a television set on the other side of the room.
TABITHA: So I’m going to leave you to unpack. If there’s anything you need, just let me know.
ASTA: I think I need some towels?
TABITHA: Knew I forgot something. Just give me a minute and I’ll go get them for you.
ASTA: (smiled) Sure thanks.
Tabitha gave her one last smile before exiting the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Asta walked around the room, taking a peek into the closet and the dresser. Both the closet and the dresser were relatively empty. There were only a handful of hangers in the closet and an old, woolen blanket. In the dressers, however, there was nothing at all.
Asta then walked towards one of the bedside tables that had two drawers. She opened the top drawer and found that there was nothing inside. She pulled open the second drawer and inside was a photo frame that was placed face down.
She picked up the photo, turned it over and a middle aged couple stared back at her. At the corner of the photo a message was scribbled.
ASTA: “Parents, 2000”.
She set the photo down on the table. Someone knocked on the door and Asta turned to see Tabitha popping her head in.
TABITHA: Hey. Got you your towels.
ASTA: Thanks.
Asta stood up and went to Tabitha to grab the towels. Tabitha frowned at something behind her.
TABITHA: Where did you get that from?
ASTA: Huh?
Tabitha pushed past her and went to the bedside table where the photo of her parents was. She picked up the photo frame and scowled at Asta.
TABITHA: This photo. Where did you get it from?
ASTA: Oh that. It was found in one of the drawers. I thought it would be better if it was placed outside instead in somewhere where no one can see it. Don’t worry, it doesn’t bother me. It’s a great picture.
TABITHA: No, it’s not. Photos like these are meant to be in places where no one is supposed to see. So leave it alone.
ASTA: I don’t understand. It’s just a picture of your parents.
TABITHA: It’s doesn’t change a thing. I mean it, Asta, don’t mess with things like this.
ASTA: Things like what?
Tabitha shot her another glare.
TABITHA: Just don’t.
ASTA: Ok, I won’t. I’m sorry…I didn’t know.
TABITHA: Well, now you do.
Tabitha ripped the photo frame open and pulled out the picture of her parents. She tossed the photo frame into the rubbish bin that was under the dresser and then she crushed the picture into a ball. Without a word and a glance towards the younger girl, Tabitha stalked out of the room.
All Asta could do was stare at Tabitha’s back in confusion and in surprise.
~HADES VALLEY, 1924~
~night~
A man about 30 years old, donned in an old monk’s robe, hurried down the quiet streets of Hades Valley. He was half running and half jogging and every minute or so, he would glance back over his shoulder to see if anyone was following him. Behind him, the street was deserted but that didn’t calm his nerves at all. Instead, it caused his heart to race much faster.
There were only a few more minutes of night left and dawn was approaching fast. He came to an intersection, took a moment to look out for traffic before crossing the street. Once he crossed the street, he found himself a few feet away from the monastery. The man let out a sigh of relief and picked up his pace. A minute later, he pushed the heavy oak door open and stepped into the safe haven. He closed the door behind him and allowed himself to relax a little.
MAN: Brothers! I have returned!
The interior of the monastery was dark. A few torches dotted the place but didn’t manage to light up the place all that well. The man squinted against the darkness and made a quick scan. The place was unusually empty.
MAN: Brothers? Are you here? I have returned with news.
The man went to the wall nearest to him and plucked the torch from its holder. Raising it high above his head, he ventured further into the monastery.
MAN: Brother Chang? Brother Lee? Please show yourselves.
The man stubbed his toe on something, causing him to lose his balance a little. He lowered his torch and let the fire illuminate the ground before him. The man gasped when he saw his fellow brother sprawled on his stomach on the floor. He was lying on a pool of blood and his eyes stared blankly at the alter that was situated at the other end of the monastery.
MAN: Brother Lee!
The man dropped to his knees beside the dead monk. He touched the head of his brother and bowed his head in grief. He muttered a quick prayer and pulled his hand away. His fingers were coated with blood. Swallowing back a cry of shock, the man wiped his fingers against his robe and looked around the monastery, hoping that his other brother didn’t suffer the same fate.
His dark eyes landed on the alter and he frowned slightly. The alter consisted of a statue of a golden Buddha that was three times as big as him. In front of the statue was a wooden railing where joss sticks and various offerings could be placed. Considering how late it was, there were only a few burnt joss sticks left and all offerings were cleared.
The monk cautiously approached the alter, his eyes trained on the Buddha statue. Lifting the torch, he swept the fire across the face of the statue and cried out in shock. From the Buddha’s golden eyes, thick, dark blood came trickling down its cheeks. The blood dripped from the statue’s chin and formed a puddle on the ground.
MAN: Oh my.
The monk took a step back, squeezing his eyes shut. He opened his mouth and started to chant loudly in Chinese. He was in the middle of his chant when he felt the ground beneath him vibrate. The man stopped his reciting and froze. He didn’t dare glance over his shoulder.
Footsteps pounded loudly behind him and it felt like the newcomer was coming closer and closer to him. Slowly and warily, the man turned around. His eyes widened in surprise when his gaze landed upon the newcomer.
The demon before him was more humanlike than demon. It was the same height as him, had human features and moved in a very humanlike way. The only thing that identified the creature as a demon was the bright, fiery red skin and the ice blue eyes. There were scars on the demon’s naked torso. The only piece of clothing that the demon had on was a piece of white linen cloth that hung loosely from it waist, covering its private area.
And then there were those claws that were stained red with blood.
MAN: Y-you!
The demon cocked its head. It curled its fingers, letting the sharp claws dig into its own palms. Its icy blue eyes focused on the monk.
MAN: Demon! How dare you! Y-you cannot enter here!
The demon didn’t say a word in response - it just continued to study him. The man trembled under its scrutiny.
MAN: You better leave at once. I command you to leave.
The demon’s gaze flickered away from the monk to something behind him. The demon tilted his head to the other side. The man took this chance to charge the demon with the torch he was holding. The demon blinked at him in surprise. As soon as the man was near enough the demon to set it on fire, the demon stretched out it red coloured hand and grabbed the monk’s throat, wrapping his fingers and claws around him and lifted him of the ground.
The man dropped the torch and clawed at the demon’s hands, coughing and choking. From this close, the man could see how blue its eyes were. The red skin made its eyes shine like blue gems.
DEMON: You’re no use to me. You’re protected.
With a flick of its wrist, the red demon flung the monk to the other side of the monastery. The monk slammed against the wall and slumped to the ground. He landed next to the dead Brother Chang - his head was twisted precariously to one side and there was a deep gash that ran diagonally across his face.
MAN: Chang…
The demon came towards him as the edges of the man’s vision began to dim. He groaned softly, unable to pick himself up. The demon stood in front of him now, grabbed the back of his robe and picked him up.
DEMON: You didn’t die.
The monk cracked a smile.
MAN: I will soon. Y-you killed my brothers?
DEMON: No I didn’t. I only killed that one.
The demon pointed to Chang as he said this.
MAN: And B-brother Lee?
DEMON: This one killed him.
MAN: What? B-but why? They were brothers!
DEMON: They were evil. I touched them and they were evil.
MAN: Who are you?
DEMON: I am Argros.
Without another word, the demon tossed him to the other side of the room. This time, the monk slipped into unconsciousness almost immediately.
ACT 2
~HADES VALLEY, PRESENT DAY~
~Monastery~
~night~
GIRL: Ab, are you sure about this? The sign says “Keep Out”.
AB: So? Relax, Tasha, it will only just take a short while. I just want to take a quick tour.
GIRL/TASHA: What if we get caught?
AB: Nah, we won’t. Look at this place, I don’t think this place is rigged with a proper alarm system and there isn’t any security guard around so I don’t think we’ll get caught.
TASHA: I don’t know…
AB: You can stay here if you want but Josh is coming with me. Right Josh?
Josh nodded, snapping his chewing gum.
TASHA: I’m not going to stay here all alone.
AB: Then come with us. We’ll go in, have a look and then come out. It won’t take more than 10 minutes, I promise.
TASHA: (sighed) Fine.
Together with Josh’s help, Ab pushed the heavy door open. It only opened slightly but it was enough to let the three of them through. Clicking a flashlight on, Ab went into the monastery with Josh and Tasha in tow.
JOSH: Whoa! This place is massive, bro!
AB: Hell yeah.
Unlike 20 years ago, the monastery was in a mess. The Buddha statue laid on the ground in pieces, burn marks were everywhere and there were a few layers of dust on everything. Some of the walls were marred with graffiti and there was garbage of all kinds strewn on the floor.
TASHA: This place is disgusting. I think there are rats in here.
Ab rolled his eyes and shone the flashlight at Tasha.
AB: If you are gonna complain the whole time, I would prefer if you waited outside.
TASHA: Alright, I’ll keep quiet. But if I see a rat, we are getting out of here.
The three of them continued walking around the main hall of the monastery, looking for anything interesting.
AB: Is that it? There aren’t any other rooms but this?
JOSH: Looks like.
AB: Damn, this sucks.
TASHA: Can we go now?
Something fell with a loud crash somewhere in the monastery and the three of them froze.
TASHA: What was that?
Ab pointed his flashlight to the corner on his right. There was nothing there but a tattered gold curtain that was faded with age. Half of it hung on its railings while the other half drooped to the ground. It rustled slightly
AB: It came from there.
Tasha came up to Ab and grabbed his hand. She started pulling him away from the corner.
TASHA: Ok, this is not fun anymore. Let’s go.
Ab jerked his hand away and stepped a little closer.
AB: Hello? Anyone there?
JOSH: Dude, let’s go man. I’m starving.
AB: In a minute. There’s something behind that curtain.
TASHA: It’s just a rat. We are the only ones here.
JOSH: Could be some homeless dude.
AB: Well, whatever it is, I’m going to check it out. You guys can wait outside.
TASHA: Oh no, we are not leaving you here alone.
There was the same noise again and the curtain rustled a bit more. Ab jumped back, dropping his flashlight in the process. The flashlight clattered to the ground and flickered for a moment. However, it managed to stay on.
Ab picked up the flashlight and slowly inched towards the curtain. Once he was near enough to touch it, he reached out and pushed the curtain aside, revealing an entrance to another room.
AB: Jackpot!
More sounds - and this time much louder - came from the room. Gesturing for Tasha and Josh to follow, he continued to inch his way further into the room. The room looked very much like a kitchen with a rusty looking sink at one end and a few blackened and rusted pots and pans around the floor.
And there was a baldheaded man, who looked like he was covered in red paint, pattering around the kitchen like he owned the place. He only had some pants on and nothing else - no shoes or a top.
AB: Hey! Who the hell are you?
The red man stopped in his tracks and glanced over his shoulder, his piercing blue eyes narrowing at Ab.
AB: Dude, what the hell are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here.
TASHA: Ab, he looks angry. I think we should leave.
AB: Shut up, Tasha.
He turned back to the man, aiming the flashlight directly into the man’s eyes. The man didn’t even flinch or blink. He kept staring at Ab.
AB: Do you live here? Do you even understand a word of English?
The man turned around and cocked his head.
AB: Ok, you know what? I think we are disturbing you so we’ll leave now alright? Sorry for interrupting whatever you were doing. We didn’t know anyone was here. So…we’ll leave now.
Ab turned around and was about to push his friends out of the room when the floor beneath them started to shake.
TASHA: Oh shit!
Ab dropped his flashlight again and the torch rolled towards the red coloured man. He turned around to grab the flashlight before it could roll any further but the man grabbed his shirt and lifted him off the ground.
AB: Hey! What the hell are you doing? Let me go!
Ab struggled hard against the man’s grip but he held on tight. The man lifted his other hand and snarled, revealing a row of sharp silver teeth.
Ab screamed for dear life.
The demon touched Ab’s forehead. As soon as the finger made contact with Ab’s skin, the tip of its finger began to glow a bright red. Ab’s scream was cut off and a moment later his eyes began to glow an intense blue. The demon let go of Ab and the boy dropped to the ground with ease.
JOSH: Ab, man. You alright?
Ab turned and faced Josh and Tasha. He grinned evilly, his eyes glowing vividly.
TASHA: Josh? What’s wrong with his eyes?
JOSH: Let’s get out of here.
Josh grabbed Tasha’s hand and began to yank her out of the room. But Ab was too fast. He leapt at them, tackling the two of them to the ground. He straddled Josh and bared his teeth.
JOSH: Ab, what is wrong with you?
Ab lifted his hand and started punching Josh in the face ruthlessly. Tasha screamed in horror.
TASHA: Ab! Stop it!
A few minutes later, Ab stood up over the dead Josh. He turned to Tasha and advanced towards her.
TASHA: Ab! No! Please no!
She screamed one last time before Ab ripped her throat with his bare hands. Argros stood at a distance and watched with a small smile on its red face.
~CEMETERY~
XANDER: You know what pun means, don’t you? It’s a play on words. To quote an online dictionary, “it’s a humorous use of words that involves a word or phrase that has more than one possible meaning”. Now, punning is important. Punning makes you smarter than your opponent. It also makes light of the situation. But mostly importantly, punning throws your opponent off; you’ll definitely catch that demon or vampire off guard. I mean, you’re in the fight of your life and then you make a pun. Your opponent would be like, “What? What does that mean? Does that even make any sense?” and then, wham! You stake him - or chop its head off. So punning is very important.
ASTA: (nodded) Right. Punning, important - check!
XANDER: Now, the trick in executing a good pun comes down to timing. You can pun anywhere to any demon but you can’t do it anytime. If you lose your timing and pun at the wrong time, you’ll just come off as lame. So timing is important.
ASTA: Right. Timing, important - check!
ANDREW: (sighed) Is this even important? I should be teaching her some slayer moves.
XANDER: In a minute, Andrew. (to Asta) Where was I? Right, timing. Ok, so when do you pun? The best time would be when you first meet your opponent and just before it dies.
ASTA: Why?
XANDER: Because I see Buffy doing that and it works all the time.
ASTA: Right.
XANDER: So when you first meet -
ANDREW: Ok that’s enough!
Xander stopped in mid sentence and the two of them stopped walking to stare at Andrew in surprise.
ANDREW: You guys having been talking about this for the past half an hour and in case you didn’t notice, we haven’t come across a single vampire. And I think it’s because you’re scaring them away.
ASTA: Oh sorry.
ANDREW: And also, I should be teaching her stuff - slayer or non slayer stuff. I’m her Watcher so I should be teaching her!
XANDER: Yeah but you were never good at punning. But you’re good with Star Wars references so maybe you can teach her that.
ANDREW: No! I’m her Watcher! Watchers don’t teach their Slayers about Star Wars.
ASTA: Guys, yelling isn’t going to help with our patrol. (pause) Or it’s going to make it worse by telling all the vampires and demons out there where we are.
ANDREW: I forbid you from joining us on patrol!
XANDER: What? You can’t do that?
ANDREW: Yes, I can and I just did. Don’t push me or I’ll call Buffy and get you sent back to England.
XANDER: You are going to deport me? That’s ridiculous.
ASTA: Guys…please. Not right now - where we are open targets for vampires and demons and what not.
ANDREW: Well I can if I told Buffy that you’re interfering with my work!
XANDER: I distinctly remember you coming to me for help and that’s what I’m doing. I’m helping!
ASTA: Andrew, Xander…seriously. Demons…
ANDREW: This is not helping! This is interfering! And I don’t need your help anymore. So…go away!
ASTA: Vampires…
XANDER: Fine. I’ll go away but if you come to me begging and whining about how you can’t deal with your Slayer, you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to laugh in your face and say “No way, Andy!”
ANDREW: Fine! Go ahead! See if I care.
ASTA: Vampire!
Something in Asta’s voice made Andrew and Xander stop their bickering to turn to look at Asta.
ANDREW/XANDER: What?
ASTA: Vampire! Right behind you!
Andrew and Xander turned around while Asta pulled out a stake. The two men jumped back, giving Asta space to work. The vampire was a teenage boy. His clothes were drenched with blood and his bright blue eyes shone brightly in the dark of night.
Asta put in a punch but the vampire caught her fist easily and gave a sharp twist. Asta cried out in pain and went to her knees. Behind her, Andrew pulled out a sword from its sheath that hung on his back and ran towards the vampire. As soon as he was close to the vampire, he swung his sword. But the teenager was fast. He jumped back, releasing Asta at the same time, just as the sword nicked the front of his T-shirt.
Andrew pulled back, frowning.
Cradling her arm close to her chest, Asta got up and took that moment of distraction to stake the vampire. She raised her stake and aimed it at the teenager’s heart.
ANDREW: Asta, wait! He’s not a vampire!
Asta heard Andrew’s warning and instinctively shifted her arm. Instead of stabbing the stake into the vampire’s heart, she stabbed his shoulder. The boy didn’t flinch in pain when the stake sunk into his flesh. Asta moved away from him in surprise as the boy pulled out the wood and threw it to the ground.
The teenager bared his teeth, his blue eyes twinkling menacingly.
XANDER: Andrew! What’s going on? What is he?
ANDREW: He’s human.
ASTA: He is?
ANDREW: Yes. Can’t you tell?
ASTA: No. But how do you know he’s not a vampire?
ANDREW: The blood on his shirt. Vampires aren’t usually messy eaters. Also, he hasn’t vamped out which is highly unusual. When in the fight of your death, vampires usually want to be at their most powerful. They are at their most powerful when they vamp out. And how can you not tell he’s not a vampire? Slayers have the power to do that.
ASTA: We do? You didn’t teach me that!
Andrew shot a dirty look towards Xander.
ANDREW: And I wonder why.
XANDER: Don’t you dare blame me for this, Andrew!
ASTA: Ok, let’s fight with this not-vampire thing before we fight each other ok?
ANDREW: Just don’t kill him.
Asta looked at the ground around her. She spotted a long branch and picked it up. Swirling it around, she went towards the teenager. She started attacking him with the branch but he managed to duck most of her hits. Only a few struck him but he didn’t falter. He kept coming at her and Asta kept striking him. When she thought she had his pattern down, Asta aimed a roundhouse kick squarely at his chest and then smacked him across his face with the branch.
The teenager went down to the ground and stayed still. Asta, Andrew and Xander kept their distance and waiting with baited breath to see whether he would get up and come at them again.
Asta blinked at the unconscious teenager, looking slightly amazed.
ASTA: Wow.
XANDER: You were awesome.
ASTA: Oh, wow.
XANDER: Ok, so what do we do with him?
ANDREW: I don’t know. I think he’s been possessed by something. Maybe we should tie him up. I am guessing the blood on him is not his and that means he might be dangerous. We can’t let him loose like this.
XANDER: Tie him up with what? We don’t have any rope.
ASTA: We can use his shirt.
XANDER: Good thinking.
ASTA: Maybe we can call the cops too. He might be less dangerous to the public if he was behind bars.
XANDER: Andrew, would you mind calling the cops? My cell phone got kinda crushed when we are fighting the vamp gang.
Andrew nodded and took out his cell phone. He flipped it opened and started dialing. In the meantime, Asta cautiously walked towards the teenager and started taking off his shirt with Xander’s help. Once that was done, they tied his hands together with his legs so that there was no way he could run when he regained consciousness.
ANDREW: The police are on their way.
ASTA: Should we leave him here or stay till the cops arrive?
XANDER: We’ll stay until we are sure the cops come. In the meantime…
He knelt down beside the teenager and started patting him down.
ASTA: What are you doing?
ANDREW: Are you robbing him? That is not cool, man.
Xander rolled his eyes at Andrew.
XANDER: I’m not robbing him. I’m looking for an ID. Identification can probably help us in our research in finding out what possessed this boy.
Xander reached into the back pocket of the boy’s jeans and took out a brand new leather wallet. He flicked it open and searched through its contents. He found the teenager’s ID card.
XANDER: Abraham Fox. And he’s only 17. He lives in 21 Craven Street.
ASTA: That’s quite far from here.
XANDER: You know where is it?
ASTA: Yeah. My grandparents used to live there before they moved to Boston.
XANDER: Good. Remember the address. We might have to take a look at his place.
Suddenly, the earth started to tremble, taking the three of them by surprise.
XANDER: Whoa. Is that an earthquake? Cause earthquakes are never good.
Xander, Andrew and Asta came together slowly, forming a loose circle while looking around the area.
ASTA: Look! Over there!
Xander and Andrew looked at the direction Asta was pointing at. Just somewhere off to their right, a figure came striding towards them.
ASTA: You can see it right?
XANDER: Yup.
ANDREW: I hope it’s not another possessed teenager.
The figure came closer and the three of them could make out its features.
ASTA: He’s human. (pause) He’s a red human.
XANDER: Demon, Asta. I think he qualifies as a demon.
ASTA: It’s your bickering. Told you it would attract the nasties.
ANDREW: Ok, enough blaming, more chopping?
Andrew pressed the sword he was holding into Asta’s hand and gave her a nudge.
ASTA: You want me to fight that thing by myself?
ANDREW: He doesn’t look that strong.
ASTA: The ground shakes when he walks!
ANDREW: As your Watcher, I order you to fight him.
XANDER: Don’t worry, Asta. We got your back.
She turned towards the demon, raising the sword in front of her. The demon stopped just a few feet away from Asta and the rest. His blue gaze dropped to the teenage boy behind them.
ARGROS: You killed him?
ASTA: No. But I’ll kill you.
Argros burst out laughing and its voice sounded like rocks falling down a cliff.
ARGROS: Try.
Asta leapt, her sword raised high above her head and brought it down, aiming at the demon’s head. Argros didn’t even blink as it took a swipe at her, slapping her away like a rag doll. Asta crashed into a tombstone and stayed down.
XANDER: Our turn!
But before Xander could even pick up a weapon of sort, Argros came towards him and flung him away. Xander hit a tree and crumpled to the ground. Argros turned to Andrew and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. With his free hand, the red demon touched Andrew’s forehead. Andrew squeezed his eyes shut, terror all over his face. The demon’s fingertips glowed red and a second later, Andrew’s eyes snapped open and it blazed blue. The demon dropped him to the ground and walked towards Ab. The teenager was already starting to stir.
Asta got to her feet slowly. She spotted Andrew and went towards him, concerned.
ASTA: Andrew?
Andrew turned towards his slayer and smiled evilly.
ASTA: Oh crap.