ASTA Episode 1.11 "Dana"
Astwihad uses Dana, a deranged, tortured vampire slayer, as a pawn in his mind games with Asta.
TEASER
~CEMETERY~
~Present~
Asta raced through the cemetery, a stake gripped tightly in one hand, a determined expression on her face. She skipped and dodged tombstones and fallen branches as she weaved through the dark graveyard.
Just ahead of her was another female. Her untangled, dark hair was whipping around her face as she ran. She was dressed untidily in a green and white checkered shirt over a dirty white tank top and pants. Her boots were caked with dried mud. She was weaponless.
The other girl was just as fast as Asta was. She matched Asta’s every step and pace.
Asta grunted and poured on more speed. Her legs ate up the distance between her and her opponent. Then when Asta was only inches away, the Slayer threw herself at the other girl, catching the girl at her legs. The two girls tumbled to the ground in a blur of limps and hair. A moment later, the two stood up and faced each other. Asta was panting slightly while the other girl had a fierce expression on her face.
The other girl was Dana the Vampire Slayer.
Asta heard footsteps approaching her from behind. Ashley, dressed in black, came up to her and leaned close to her ear.
ASHLEY: Make sure she doesn’t live this time round.
Asta nodded. Ashley produced a dagger and pointed the handle to Asta.
ASHLEY: Here. This might do the trick instead of a wooden stick.
Asta looked down at the dagger briefly before returning her gaze to Dana. She wrapped her hand around the dagger, at the same time dropping the stake to the ground. Asta raised the dagger towards Dana, the blade gleaming under the moonlight.
ASHLEY: Make sure she doesn’t live. And then it’s game over.
With a cry, Asta raised the dagger and ran straight to the other vampire slayer.
~HOUSE~
Xander’s eyes fluttered open and he groaned softly. He pushed himself to an upright position and rubbed the back of his head tenderly. He winced when he touched a large bump there. He adjusted his eye patch before taking a look around the living room.
Andrew was slumped in the couch out cold while Pike was lying face down on the floor next to Xander, unconscious as well.
Xander got to his feet slowly and went over to Pike. He turned the other man over and checked his pulse. Dry blood was around his nose and Xander wonder whether he broke it. When he got a strong pulse, he gently slapped Pike’s cheek. Pike moaned in response. His eyes started to flutter. Xander stood up and hurried over to Andrew. He did the same thing for the Watcher. A few moments later, both men were awake and looking at Xander in confusion.
PIKE: What just happened?
XANDER: I don’t know. The last thing I remember was -
ANDREW: Dana!
PIKE: She knocked us all out?
XANDER: (frowned) No…no, that’s not what happened. Asta was here - I remember.
ANDREW: Asta and Dana…
XANDER: They were both fighting and…and something happened after that. Then we woke up here. It’s all hazy - I can’t remember what happened after the fight.
PIKE: Well, if Dana wasn’t the one who knocked us out, then who did?
XANDER: It was Asta. That I remember - vividly.
XANDER: Asta! Think about what you’re doing.
Asta raised the baseball bat.
ASTA: She’s mine.
The Slayer swung the bat at Xander’s head.
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
Navi Rawat as Dana
Ray Stevenson as Flynn
Created by Irene Issac with Beck Schwarz
Based on the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
END OF CREDITS
ACT 1
~BAR NONE~
~2 hours ago~
Tabitha was sitting in the booth across from Xander and Asta, grinning from ear to ear. There were four glasses of coke on the table in front of them. A plate of fries was next to one of the glasses.
Xander had his hands on the table, fiddling with his thumbs while Asta was leaning against her seat, her hands on her lap. The two of them smiled back at Tabitha politely.
TABITHA: Isn’t this nice?
XANDER: Well, sure!
TABITHA: To have dinner with your friends…
Xander nodded hard.
XANDER: It sure is!
Tabitha looked in the direction of the kitchen.
TABITHA: I’m going to check on David. I’ll be right back.
XANDER: Take your time.
Tabitha flashed them another big smile and slid out of the booth. She made her way towards the kitchen. Once she was out of earshot, Xander turned to Asta, his enthusiasm from earlier vanishing almost immediately - terror replaced it.
XANDER: What are we going to do?
Asta cast a glance at the exit of the restaurant.
ASTA: I think we can make the run for it.
XANDER: You want to run?
Asta grabbed Xander’s arm and leaned closed.
ASTA: We are having dinner with Tabitha and her boyfriend! Don’t you understand what that means?
Xander nodded grimly.
XANDER: Awkwardness. Lots of it.
ASTA: And none of it fun. So I say we make a run for it. She won’t know.
XANDER: Well, the empty table might give it away.
ASTA: W-We’ll leave a note - say that I have a stomach ache or something.
XANDER: This is Tabitha we are trying to fool. She works in a law firm.
ASTA: Ok, do you have any suggestions then?
XANDER: We’ll tell her.
ASTA: Tell her what? That we hate the idea of us having dinner with her and her boyfriend?
XANDER: Yes! (pause) But just not in those words.
ASTA: You tell her then.
Before Xander could object, Tabitha came bounding back to their table with another big smiled.
TABITHA: David will be along in a few minutes. A customer had his order mixed up and David’s trying to sort out the mess.
XANDER: That’s alright, we can wait.
TABITHA: I’m really sorry though. It makes me regret for coming here in the first place. But this is the only place we can get good burgers - and it’s free!
XANDER: Good and free food. It’s hard to turn that down.
Tabitha grinned as the three of them fell silent. Asta nudged Xander in the ribs.
XANDER: Ow!
TABITHA: What?
XANDER: I meant, Tabby! I have to be honest with you.
Tabitha frowned slightly.
TABITHA: What’s up?
XANDER: We - Asta and I - don’t feel quite comfortable having dinner with you and David.
Asta stayed silent but nodded to show her agreement with Xander. Tabitha’s smiled disappeared.
TABITHA: What? Why?
XANDER: It’s just that we don’t really know David all that well and it’s a bit…awkward.
Asta nodded again.
TABITHA: But that’s the point. You guys don’t know David and David don’t know you guys so I thought it’s about time we get together and know each other.
Xander sputtered, searching for another reason to tell Tabitha that this was a real bad idea.
TABITHA: Look, it will be fine. Just pretend that we are on a double date!
Asta and Xander exchanged glances. Then Xander burst out laughing. Loudly. This time it was Asta and Tabitha to exchange looks. When Xander realized that no one else was laughing with him, he stopped and looked at the two women.
XANDER: No one else saw the funny in that sentence?
Asta folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow.
ASTA: What’s so funny about us being on a date?
XANDER: Because! It’s us. On a date.
ASTA: Uh-huh. And?
XANDER: And it’s funny! We don’t even like each other!
Anger flashed across Asta’s face. Tabitha shook her head, chuckling. She lifted her glass to take a sip of her drink.
TABITHA: Bad move, Xan.
ASTA: What is that suppose to mean?
Xander twisted in his seat so that he was looking directly at the Slayer.
XANDER: No, no. I didn’t mean it in a bad way.
ASTA: Oh, you mean there’s a good side to that?
XANDER: I just meant that we don’t like each other in that way - in a romantic sort of way. That’s all. Right?
Asta looked away from Xander. She picked up her drink and took a big gulp.
XANDER: Right?
Asta looked at Xander.
ASTA: What? Yes! That’s right!
XANDER: Good.
Xander turned to Tabitha.
XANDER: So your whole double date thing would never work with us.
Tabitha didn’t reply. She was eyeing Asta, who was avoiding her gaze. The teenager kept looking everywhere except at Tabitha.
Before Tabitha could press her for more information, David walked up to their table and slide into the booth beside Tabitha.
DAVID: Sorry I took so long guys.
TABITHA: That’s alright. You didn’t miss much.
DAVID: So shall we order?
~CEMETERY~
Pike waited patiently while the vampire dug itself out of its grave. He was crouched down in front of the fresh grave, a stake dangling from his hand. When half of the vampire’s body was out, the creature stopped its digging and stared up at Pike, finally noticing him.
Pike smiled brightly.
PIKE: Hi! Need help?
VAMP: Erm…yeah. I seem to be stuck.
PIKE: Well, that’s a first. Is it your foot?
VAMP: I think so.
PIKE: I could help you but I don’t think I’m strong enough to pull you out by myself.
VAMP: Maybe you could -
PIKE: Usually I have my sister with me.
The vampire took a quick look around.
VAMP: Where is she?
PIKE: She’s having dinner with her boyfriend and with two of my other friends.
VAMP: Why aren’t you there? Didn’t she invite you?
PIKE: Oh, she did. She invited me first but I didn’t want to go.
VAMP: How come?
PIKE: Because I don’t like the idea of me having dinner with my sister and her boyfriend.
VAMP: You don’t like him?
PIKE: No. (pause) I don’t know. It’s…complicated.
VAMP: When is it never? Was your sister upset that you didn’t go?
Pike frowned.
PIKE: I don’t know. I never really thought about it.
VAMP: Maybe you should give the guy a chance. I’m sure he’s alright.
Pike scoffed.
PIKE: I don’t think so.
VAMP: Tell me, kid, why don’t you like him? Is it his character? His looks?
PIKE: No, nothing like that. He’s a great guy. He’s good for Tabby - he makes her happy. (pause) And he’s pretty hot so it’s not his looks.
VAMP: Ok…then what is it?
PIKE: I don’t know.
VAMP: Look, kid, for your sister’s sake- give him a chance. I’m sure he’s a good guy.
PIKE: He is a good guy.
VAMP: So I don’t see why you need to hate him.
PIKE: You’re probably right.
He smiled at the stuck vampire.
PIKE: Thanks, man.
VAMP: No problem. Just doing what I can to help.
The two of them stared at each other.
VAMP: You think maybe you could help me get out of here?
Pike rolled his eyes.
PIKE: Oh right! What was I thinking?
He turned around and picked up an axe which he had hidden behind his back. He turned back to the vampire. The creature looked at him in terror.
VAMP: What are you doing?
PIKE: My job.
He swung the axe and lobbed the vampire’s head off its body. The vampire disappeared in a cloud of dust.
A dark, unmarked van rumbled along the road that led towards Hades Valley’s domestic airport.
The driver of the van was nodding off to sleep at the wheel. Beside him, his colleague was slouched in the passenger seat, fast asleep. In the back were two men and a girl, Dana the vampire slayer, strapped to a gurney. She was unconscious.
Andrew, who was one of the people in the back of the van, looked nervously at the other man. The man across from him was called Flynn and he was part of the Watchers Council. Flynn was only a few years older than he was and had a fierce expression on his face. He was bald and he had a goatee. Underneath the thick coat that he wore, Andrew could tell that he was well built. Both of them were dressed similarly in dark clothes.
ANDREW: She sure is knocked out, isn’t she? Hasn’t woken up since we left L.A.
Flynn did not respond to Andrew’s observations. He kept staring at the young Watcher, scowling slightly.
ANDREW: And you haven’t spoken since we left L.A. Isn’t that…nice.
The deranged Slayer between them stirred and Andrew had to grab his seat to prevent himself from jumping in surprise. Fortunately for him, Dana did not wake up. She mumbled something unintelligible before going silent again.
Andrew looked at Flynn and laughed nervously.
ANDREW: If she wakes up now, we are so dead - unless you don’t mind jumping out of a moving vehicle. From what I read from her file, I wouldn’t mind doing that. I would like to keep my hands attach, thank you very much.
Andrew laughed again. Flynn kept staring.
ANDREW: You know I heard this story where -
All of a sudden, Flynn came flying at him, both of his hands outstretched. Andrew’s eyes grew as big as saucers. He screamed and slid down in his seat to avoid the hands. Flynn clapped his hands together loudly above Andrew’s head and pulled back, returning to his seat.
Flynn showed the scared Andrew his right palm. Smacked right in the middle of the British man’s hand was a squashed mosquito.
ANDREW: Oh! You killed a bug. I thought you were going to kill me!
Flynn dusted off his hands and leaned back in his seat. He folded his arms across his chest and resumed his staring. Andrew took a quick look around the van, wondering if there were anymore mosquitoes. He looked back at the other man and smiled nervously.
ANDREW: Next time, can you just warn me before you do that? I don’t ever want to see my life flash before my eyes like that ever again anytime soon.
At that moment the van came to a screeching halt, throwing Andrew and Flynn forward. Andrew ended up in Flynn’s lap. The two of them hit a partition that separated the driver from the passengers in the back of the van. A window was craved out of the partition.
ANDREW: I would like warning for that too!
Andrew scrambled out of Flynn’s lap
ANDREW: Make sure Dana’s alright.
The bigger man nodded and went to the Slayer’s side. Andrew slide the window opened. The two men in front were wide awake and were looking at each other, puzzled.
ANDREW: Wayne, what happened?
Wayne, the driver, looked at the Watcher and shrugged.
WAYNE: I don’t know. My eyes drifted close and when I opened them, I saw a man standing in the middle of the road. I stepped on the brakes to prevent the van from hitting him. Then he was just…gone.
ANDREW: What do you mean ‘gone’?
WAYNE: Exactly what it means. One minute he was there and the next, I couldn’t see anyone.
Andrew turned to the other man.
ANDREW: Did you see anything, Paul?
PAUL: Nope. I was asleep the whole time. Woke up when the van stopped.
ANDREW: Well, everyone’s ok right?
Wayne and Paul nodded.
ANDREW: Ok, good, then let’s keep driving. We need to be at the airport in 20 minutes or Giles will have my head.
Before Wayne could put the vehicle into gear and step on the gas, the doors at the back of the van flew open, startling the four men in it. Andrew whirled around and gaped when he noticed that the opened doors revealed a silhouette standing a few feet away from the van in the dark of the night.
ANDREW: (to Flynn) Have I ever told you that man that I can’t see scare me?
He looked at the British man.
ANDREW: Ever since my kidnapping, I have a fear of strange men.
Flynn stared back at Andrew, blankly. Andrew turned back to the silhouette.
ANDREW: Erm…who are you? Do you need help?
MAN: No. But what I need is that girl.
Andrew’s jaw dropped when he heard the man’s voice. It was the same as the man who kidnapped and tortured him not too long ago.
ANDREW: It’s you!
ASTWIHAD: Nice to see you too, Andrew. But I’m not here for you. I’m here for the girl.
ANDREW: You’re not taking her - unless you go through me.
Andrew crouched next to Dana legs and gave the mysterious man, what he hoped, was a fierce expression. He heard the man sigh.
ASTWIHAD: Very well.
His hand shot forward and grabbed Andrew by the collar of his jacket. He yanked him out of the car and brought Andrew’s face close to his. The man face was still shrouded in darkness and it was impossible for Andrew to make out his features.
ASTWIHAD: I do not have time for you, Andrew.
ANDREW: FLYNN!
The man head butted Andrew and dropped him like a stone to the gravel. Half a second later, Astwihad saw Flynn running towards him with his head ducked. Astwihad moved out of the way and caught the other man with an outstretched hand. Flynn tumbled to the asphalt, his hands flying to his neck. He was coughing hard as he writhed on the floor in pain.
Astwihad heard noises coming from the front of the van and he waved a hand at it, jamming the doors. The two men in the driver’s seat were now locked in the vehicle. Astwihad glanced over at Andrew. The Watcher was on his back, holding his forehead.
Astwihad left the Watcher and went to the van. Dana the vampire slayer was still strapped to the stretcher unaware of what was happening around her. Astwihad grabbed hold of the gurney and tugged it out of the van.
He unbuckled the straps on Dana and pulled the girl onto his shoulder. He pushed the gurney aside. He walked past Flynn and then came to Andrew. He looked down and smiled.
ASTWIHAD: It was certainly nice to see you again, Andrew. Take care!
With a wave, Astwihad walked away from Andrew, Flynn and the van with the two Council men trapped inside. Andrew lifed his head to see where the man was going with Dana but darkness came and pulled the Watcher into unconsciousness.
ACT 2
Tabitha, David, Asta and Xander stood at the front door of Tabitha’s house as Tabitha rummaged through her purse for the key.
Xander stretched out his hand and offered it to David.
XANDER: It was definitely nice to meet you David. It has been fun.
DAVID: Same here. It has been a pleasure.
Tabitha paused her searching to roll her eyes at the two men.
TABITHA: Fellas, you don’t have to be so formal. You’re friends now.
Xander and David shot each other a nervous smile. Xander looked to Asta, who was beside him, for help.
ASTA: Erm…so dinner was nice. Loved the burgers.
DAVID: (smiled) Thanks.
TABITHA: Told you David’s place had the best burgers in town.
She finally found her key and waved it around triumphantly. She inserted the key into the lock and frowned.
DAVID: Tabby?
Tabitha twisted the door knob and pushed the door open.
TABITHA: Huh. It’s been open all along. Oliver must be home.
She turned to the three.
TABITHA: Well!
ASTA: I should go and…you know.
Xander nodded in understanding.
XANDER: Yes, I think you should. I’ll tag along.
ASTA: That’s alright. I’ll be fine on my own. (to David) I’ll see you around, David.
DAVID: It was nice meeting you.
With a wave, Asta hurried down the driveway and disappeared.
TABITHA: Ok, while Asta go do her thing, why don’t we get some coffee inside?
DAVID: I don’t mind.
Xander looked uncomfortable.
XANDER: Sure…I guess.
Tabitha spotted something behind Xander and her eyes widen.
TABITHA: Oliver!
Xander turned and saw Pike coming up the driveway with a huge axe in his hand. Pike froze when he saw the three of them in front of him. He quickly threw the axe into the nearby bushes.
PIKE: Guy! What are you doing here?
DAVID: Tabby lives here, Pike.
PIKE: I know that. I just didn’t expect you all to come home so early. How was dinner?
DAVID: It was good. So sorry you weren’t there.
PIKE: The feeling’s mutual.
Pike came up to them.
PIKE: Well, I’ll leave you three alone then. I’ll be inside.
Without another word, Pike entered the house. David jerked his thumb towards the bushes.
DAVID: He forgot his…axe.
XANDER: I’ll get it.
As Xander jogged towards the bushes to pick up Pike’s axe, David turned to Tabitha, pulled her close and pecked her on the cheek.
DAVID: I think I should go.
TABITHA: What? No! Stay for coffee.
DAVID: It’s fine - really.
Tabitha took his hand and pulled him into the house. Once inside, she spotted Pike standing at the entry to the living. He looked surprise.
TABITHA: Ollie?
Pulling David with her, she went up to her brother. She peered over his shoulder and blinked when she saw Andrew and three other strangers in the living room. They stared back at her.
Out of the corner of her eye, Tabitha saw Xander coming up to them with Pike’s axe. His jaw dropped.
XANDER: (muttered) Holy English men.
Andrew took a step forward, smiling nervously. He eyes flicked from Pike, to Tabitha and then to Xander. He didn’t seem to notice David.
ANDREW: Hi guys.
TABITHA: Andrew, what’s going on?
ANDREW: I need your help. It’s Dana.
Tabitha heard Xander take a shape intake of breath and knew it was not good news. She turned and tugged David towards the front door.
TABITHA: You know what? You were right. I don’t think coffee is a good idea right now. I’ll call you tomorrow.
She nudged David outside and prepared to close the door. David’s hand shot out and stopped the door from closing.
DAVID: Tabby, what’s going on? Who were they?
TABITHA: Honestly? I don’t really know. Never seen them before in my entire life. But don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
David looked disappointed as he nodded.
DAVID: Ok.
TABITHA: I’m really sorry, David. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.
DAVID: Sure, whatever.
Tabitha stepped forward and kissed him on the lips.
TABITHA: I love you.
Tabitha gave him one last smile before shutting the door. David sighed as he turned to go.
DAVID: Man, I hate relationships.
Asta strolled down the street, which led towards the monastery, and gazed around the area. Everywhere she looked, there were couples. On her right was a teenage couple. They were leaning against the wall of an alley and were making out furiously. On her left was an elderly couple. They strolled past her with their hands interlocked. They looked at her and smiled. Asta returned their smile.
Once the older couple was gone, her smile dropped and Asta sighed wistfully. Up ahead, she saw a family of four heading her way. She ducked her head and continued her walk down the street.
After walking for some time, the sound of gravel crunching underneath someone’s foot reached her ears. She slowed to let the person behind her pass. Instead, the stranger behind slowed down as well. She sped up, so did the person.
Asta slowed down again and this time on purpose. Her hand crept to the waistband of her jeans. Then without warning, Asta whipped around, pulling out a stake from her waistband and raising it high above her hand. She faced the stranger and brought the stake down.
Ashley blocked her arm before the stake could reach him. He smiled broadly at her.
ASHLEY: Hi!
ASTA: Geez, Ashley! You scared me. I thought you were some vampire or something.
ASHLEY: I’m surprised. Usually you could tell whether a person is a vampire or not.
Asta lowered her arm and tucked the stake away.
ASTA: So I’ve been told. Are you following me?
ASHLEY: Nope. I’m looking for you actually.
ASTA: Yeah? What’s up?
Ashley gestured for her to walk and she did. He fell into step beside her.
ASHLEY: I have a test for you.
ASTA: A test?
ASHLEY: A test. Or maybe you can call it a game - it doesn’t matter. I’m here to help so I’ve come up with a test that would help you learn more about your strength, your speed and your Slayer powers.
ASTA: And you want me to do this test…game?
ASHLEY: Of course. You promised me that if I helped you with Sha’s infection, you would let me train you. You can’t go back on your word now, Asta. I wouldn’t like it if you did.
Asta narrowed her eyes at Ashley.
ASTA: Are you threatening me?
ASHLEY: (smiling) Of course not.
ASTA: Well, I’m not going back on my word. I just didn’t think you had a training session planned out already.
ASHLEY: The faster we start the more you’ll learn.
ASTA: I guess.
Ashley grinned.
ASHLEY: Then you’ll do the test?
ASTA: What’s the test about?
ASHLEY: I think it’s better if I show you the test.
ASTA: Ok…
Ashley took her hand and started leading her towards the monastery.
ASTA: Where are we going? That’s the Hellmouth.
ASHLEY: I know.
Asta went silent as she let Ashley dragged her towards the front steps of the old monastery. He pushed the door open and the two of them stepped into the main hall. The place was lighted up with candles and fire from torches that were mounted up on the walls.
ASTA: Did you do this?
ASHLEY: Wasn’t difficult. You don’t want us groping around in the dark right, do you?
ASTA: Yeah…right. I don’t.
ASHLEY: Come on, she’s inside one of the rooms.
ASTA: She?
Ashley did not reply as he continued to lead her. The two of them entered a room at the end of the main hall. The room was small and was dimly lit with a single light bulb overhead. Ashley dropped her hand and smiled at her.
ASHLEY: Here’s your test.
He pointed to something in the middle of the room.
Asta gasped when her eyes landed on what he was pointing at. Huddled in the middle of the room was a young girl about Asta’s age. The girl was shivering violent and was mumbling in a foreign language. She looked she had been to hell and back.
The girl was wearing a checkered shirt, pants and boots. It was difficult to see the girl’s face as her dirty, black hair was covering her face. The girl did not bother to push it out of her eyes.
Asta stared at Ashley, stunned.
ASTA: Who is she?
ASHLEY: This, Asta, is Dana - the vampire slayer.
~HOUSE~
~Living room~
~later~
Xander, Tabitha, Pike and Andrew and his friends were all gathered in the living room. They were all standing around, studying each other.
Pike broke the silence. He looked pointedly at Andrew.
PIKE: Ok, what’s going on, Andrew? And who are they?
ANDREW: These men are from the Council. They helped me extract Dana from L.A.
The Watcher pointed to the big, bald man.
ANDREW: That’s Flynn.
Then he pointed to the other two.
ANDREW: And that’s Paul and Wayne. Guys, this is Pike -
Tabitha raised a hand, cutting him off.
TABITHA: I don’t think the introductions are necessary, Andrew. I’m sure they know who we are.
She was eyeing the other three men suspiciously.
ANDREW: Right.
XANDER: Ok…now can you explain to us what’s going on?
TABITHA: And who the hell is Dana?
XANDER: She’s the Slayer that Giles asked Andrew to pick up in L.A.
TABITHA: And I assume she’s…
ANDREW: Missing. Yes.
XANDER: She got away?
ANDREW: No, someone took her.
PIKE: Took her? How?
ANDREW: We were on the way to the airport and we were stopped by a man. He single-handedly beat all four of us and took her with him. I didn’t see where he went after that. I kind of blacked out.
TABITHA: And this man…he was…?
ANDREW: I don’t know who he was and neither did I see his face but he was the same guy who kidnapped and tortured me.
Tabitha looked shocked.
TABITHA: Are you sure?
ANDREW: Yes. He called me by my name and I recognized his voice.
XANDER: And the plot thickens.
FLYNN: Yes, considerably.
Everyone looked at Flynn in surprise. This was the first time any of the Council men said a word. Andrew was doing most of the talking and they were standing in the background, listening, watching.
FLYNN: Not only is Dana a slayer but she’s…different. This makes the situation all the more delicate.
PIKE: Different how?
XANDER: And please don’t say she’s like Faith. ‘Cause trust me when I say I’ve been there and done that and so not doing it again!
ANDREW: No, she’s nothing like Faith.
FLYNN: Dana suffers from a form of psychosis. She is marred by delusions, hallucinations, incoherence, and distorted perceptions of reality.
PIKE: So in simple terms, she’s a psycho?
Flynn was not fazed.
FLYNN: Yes. And because of this, she is not only a danger to herself but to others around her.
XANDER: So we should be glad we don’t have her, no?
FLYNN: Dana is at the state where anything can influence. If this man - whoever he is - who took Dana knows about her condition, he could brainwash her, make her his instrument and he’ll make us her enemy.
ANDREW: Then he’ll release her and will have a psychotic serial killer on our hands - where we are the serial killings.
FLYNN: With her Slayer powers, speed and strength, it’s almost impossible to stop her.
ANDREW: I’ve seen what she’s capable of. She sawed off Sp…one of Angel’s men’s hands because a picture in her head confused her and made her think that he was a bad guy. Just imagine what this man could do with her if he brainwashes her with many pictures.
XANDER: I’m guessing no picnics and fruit baskets then.
FLYNN: Hardly. So you understand how serious this situation is.
The three of them looked at each other. They understood it quite well.
PIKE: So what’s your plan? How are you going to get her back?
ANDREW: We were hoping you guys could help us. We can’t get her back by ourselves.
XANDER: Did you call the Council? Or Giles? We could ask him to sent back up down and -
ANDREW: No! We can’t let Giles know that we lost her. This is my mess that I have to clean and I’m taking responsibility. I can’t let Giles down again.
PIKE: This is a bit of a tall order here, Andrew.
ANDREW: I know but we got Asta so it’s not like we are totally powerless.
XANDER: Asta has never come up against with a Slayer before. Anything can happen. For starters, Dana can whip Asta’s ass and then kill us all.
TABITHA: Xander!
Xander just shrugged.
XANDER: I’m trying to be realistic here.
PIKE: Do we know anything else about this girl besides the fact she’s a psycho? Her strengths, her weaknesses…
ANDREW: No. We…don’t really know a lot about her - except what we already told you.
PIKE: How much time do we have before the Council finds out that Dana’s gone?
FLYNN: We were supposed to be on the plane that would pick us up hours ago but we have contacted the pilot and told him to return to tomorrow.
ANDREW: We told Giles that we would be staying in Hades Valley for the night. He expects Dana in London tomorrow night.
XANDER: He didn’t ask why?
ANDREW: He did. I told him that Dana was giving us trouble and it was impossible for us to fly with her in this state. Told him a night’s rest would help her calm down and he agreed. He didn’t at first but I managed to convince him. But if we don’t get Dana to London by tomorrow night, he would know something is up and he’ll probably send Buffy to kick my ass.
PIKE: Ok, so that gives us less than 24 hours to find Dana. Know where to start?
Andrew rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed.
ANDREW: No. We have no clue as to where he took her or where they are now.
TABITHA: Wait, there’s something I don’t get. Why did you bring Dana to Hades Valley in the first place?
FLYNN: If the Senior Partners in Wolfram & Hart find out about her, they would want her for themselves.
ANDREW: With everything that went in on L.A, I wouldn’t be surprise if they already got the lowdown of who Dana is and what she’s capable of.
~MONASTERY~
~room~
Asta and Ashley stood over Dana as they watched her curled up in a ball in the middle of the dimly lit room. Every now and then, Dana would yell something incoherent, twitching and writhing on the floor as if in pain.
Asta crouched down beside Dana and watched the other Slayer with sadness in her eyes.
FLYNN: (v.o) Dana is an unpredictable weapon. In the right hands, she’s harmless but in the wrong hands -
TABITHA: (v.o) She’s a ticking time bomb.
Ashley walked up to Asta and placed a hand on her shoulder. Asta looked up at him. He smiled.
TEASER
~CEMETERY~
~Present~
Asta raced through the cemetery, a stake gripped tightly in one hand, a determined expression on her face. She skipped and dodged tombstones and fallen branches as she weaved through the dark graveyard.
Just ahead of her was another female. Her untangled, dark hair was whipping around her face as she ran. She was dressed untidily in a green and white checkered shirt over a dirty white tank top and pants. Her boots were caked with dried mud. She was weaponless.
The other girl was just as fast as Asta was. She matched Asta’s every step and pace.
Asta grunted and poured on more speed. Her legs ate up the distance between her and her opponent. Then when Asta was only inches away, the Slayer threw herself at the other girl, catching the girl at her legs. The two girls tumbled to the ground in a blur of limps and hair. A moment later, the two stood up and faced each other. Asta was panting slightly while the other girl had a fierce expression on her face.
The other girl was Dana the Vampire Slayer.
Asta heard footsteps approaching her from behind. Ashley, dressed in black, came up to her and leaned close to her ear.
ASHLEY: Make sure she doesn’t live this time round.
Asta nodded. Ashley produced a dagger and pointed the handle to Asta.
ASHLEY: Here. This might do the trick instead of a wooden stick.
Asta looked down at the dagger briefly before returning her gaze to Dana. She wrapped her hand around the dagger, at the same time dropping the stake to the ground. Asta raised the dagger towards Dana, the blade gleaming under the moonlight.
ASHLEY: Make sure she doesn’t live. And then it’s game over.
With a cry, Asta raised the dagger and ran straight to the other vampire slayer.
~HOUSE~
Xander’s eyes fluttered open and he groaned softly. He pushed himself to an upright position and rubbed the back of his head tenderly. He winced when he touched a large bump there. He adjusted his eye patch before taking a look around the living room.
Andrew was slumped in the couch out cold while Pike was lying face down on the floor next to Xander, unconscious as well.
Xander got to his feet slowly and went over to Pike. He turned the other man over and checked his pulse. Dry blood was around his nose and Xander wonder whether he broke it. When he got a strong pulse, he gently slapped Pike’s cheek. Pike moaned in response. His eyes started to flutter. Xander stood up and hurried over to Andrew. He did the same thing for the Watcher. A few moments later, both men were awake and looking at Xander in confusion.
PIKE: What just happened?
XANDER: I don’t know. The last thing I remember was -
ANDREW: Dana!
PIKE: She knocked us all out?
XANDER: (frowned) No…no, that’s not what happened. Asta was here - I remember.
ANDREW: Asta and Dana…
XANDER: They were both fighting and…and something happened after that. Then we woke up here. It’s all hazy - I can’t remember what happened after the fight.
PIKE: Well, if Dana wasn’t the one who knocked us out, then who did?
XANDER: It was Asta. That I remember - vividly.
XANDER: Asta! Think about what you’re doing.
Asta raised the baseball bat.
ASTA: She’s mine.
The Slayer swung the bat at Xander’s head.
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
Navi Rawat as Dana
Ray Stevenson as Flynn
Created by Irene Issac with Beck Schwarz
Based on the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
END OF CREDITS
ACT 1
~BAR NONE~
~2 hours ago~
Tabitha was sitting in the booth across from Xander and Asta, grinning from ear to ear. There were four glasses of coke on the table in front of them. A plate of fries was next to one of the glasses.
Xander had his hands on the table, fiddling with his thumbs while Asta was leaning against her seat, her hands on her lap. The two of them smiled back at Tabitha politely.
TABITHA: Isn’t this nice?
XANDER: Well, sure!
TABITHA: To have dinner with your friends…
Xander nodded hard.
XANDER: It sure is!
Tabitha looked in the direction of the kitchen.
TABITHA: I’m going to check on David. I’ll be right back.
XANDER: Take your time.
Tabitha flashed them another big smile and slid out of the booth. She made her way towards the kitchen. Once she was out of earshot, Xander turned to Asta, his enthusiasm from earlier vanishing almost immediately - terror replaced it.
XANDER: What are we going to do?
Asta cast a glance at the exit of the restaurant.
ASTA: I think we can make the run for it.
XANDER: You want to run?
Asta grabbed Xander’s arm and leaned closed.
ASTA: We are having dinner with Tabitha and her boyfriend! Don’t you understand what that means?
Xander nodded grimly.
XANDER: Awkwardness. Lots of it.
ASTA: And none of it fun. So I say we make a run for it. She won’t know.
XANDER: Well, the empty table might give it away.
ASTA: W-We’ll leave a note - say that I have a stomach ache or something.
XANDER: This is Tabitha we are trying to fool. She works in a law firm.
ASTA: Ok, do you have any suggestions then?
XANDER: We’ll tell her.
ASTA: Tell her what? That we hate the idea of us having dinner with her and her boyfriend?
XANDER: Yes! (pause) But just not in those words.
ASTA: You tell her then.
Before Xander could object, Tabitha came bounding back to their table with another big smiled.
TABITHA: David will be along in a few minutes. A customer had his order mixed up and David’s trying to sort out the mess.
XANDER: That’s alright, we can wait.
TABITHA: I’m really sorry though. It makes me regret for coming here in the first place. But this is the only place we can get good burgers - and it’s free!
XANDER: Good and free food. It’s hard to turn that down.
Tabitha grinned as the three of them fell silent. Asta nudged Xander in the ribs.
XANDER: Ow!
TABITHA: What?
XANDER: I meant, Tabby! I have to be honest with you.
Tabitha frowned slightly.
TABITHA: What’s up?
XANDER: We - Asta and I - don’t feel quite comfortable having dinner with you and David.
Asta stayed silent but nodded to show her agreement with Xander. Tabitha’s smiled disappeared.
TABITHA: What? Why?
XANDER: It’s just that we don’t really know David all that well and it’s a bit…awkward.
Asta nodded again.
TABITHA: But that’s the point. You guys don’t know David and David don’t know you guys so I thought it’s about time we get together and know each other.
Xander sputtered, searching for another reason to tell Tabitha that this was a real bad idea.
TABITHA: Look, it will be fine. Just pretend that we are on a double date!
Asta and Xander exchanged glances. Then Xander burst out laughing. Loudly. This time it was Asta and Tabitha to exchange looks. When Xander realized that no one else was laughing with him, he stopped and looked at the two women.
XANDER: No one else saw the funny in that sentence?
Asta folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow.
ASTA: What’s so funny about us being on a date?
XANDER: Because! It’s us. On a date.
ASTA: Uh-huh. And?
XANDER: And it’s funny! We don’t even like each other!
Anger flashed across Asta’s face. Tabitha shook her head, chuckling. She lifted her glass to take a sip of her drink.
TABITHA: Bad move, Xan.
ASTA: What is that suppose to mean?
Xander twisted in his seat so that he was looking directly at the Slayer.
XANDER: No, no. I didn’t mean it in a bad way.
ASTA: Oh, you mean there’s a good side to that?
XANDER: I just meant that we don’t like each other in that way - in a romantic sort of way. That’s all. Right?
Asta looked away from Xander. She picked up her drink and took a big gulp.
XANDER: Right?
Asta looked at Xander.
ASTA: What? Yes! That’s right!
XANDER: Good.
Xander turned to Tabitha.
XANDER: So your whole double date thing would never work with us.
Tabitha didn’t reply. She was eyeing Asta, who was avoiding her gaze. The teenager kept looking everywhere except at Tabitha.
Before Tabitha could press her for more information, David walked up to their table and slide into the booth beside Tabitha.
DAVID: Sorry I took so long guys.
TABITHA: That’s alright. You didn’t miss much.
DAVID: So shall we order?
~CEMETERY~
Pike waited patiently while the vampire dug itself out of its grave. He was crouched down in front of the fresh grave, a stake dangling from his hand. When half of the vampire’s body was out, the creature stopped its digging and stared up at Pike, finally noticing him.
Pike smiled brightly.
PIKE: Hi! Need help?
VAMP: Erm…yeah. I seem to be stuck.
PIKE: Well, that’s a first. Is it your foot?
VAMP: I think so.
PIKE: I could help you but I don’t think I’m strong enough to pull you out by myself.
VAMP: Maybe you could -
PIKE: Usually I have my sister with me.
The vampire took a quick look around.
VAMP: Where is she?
PIKE: She’s having dinner with her boyfriend and with two of my other friends.
VAMP: Why aren’t you there? Didn’t she invite you?
PIKE: Oh, she did. She invited me first but I didn’t want to go.
VAMP: How come?
PIKE: Because I don’t like the idea of me having dinner with my sister and her boyfriend.
VAMP: You don’t like him?
PIKE: No. (pause) I don’t know. It’s…complicated.
VAMP: When is it never? Was your sister upset that you didn’t go?
Pike frowned.
PIKE: I don’t know. I never really thought about it.
VAMP: Maybe you should give the guy a chance. I’m sure he’s alright.
Pike scoffed.
PIKE: I don’t think so.
VAMP: Tell me, kid, why don’t you like him? Is it his character? His looks?
PIKE: No, nothing like that. He’s a great guy. He’s good for Tabby - he makes her happy. (pause) And he’s pretty hot so it’s not his looks.
VAMP: Ok…then what is it?
PIKE: I don’t know.
VAMP: Look, kid, for your sister’s sake- give him a chance. I’m sure he’s a good guy.
PIKE: He is a good guy.
VAMP: So I don’t see why you need to hate him.
PIKE: You’re probably right.
He smiled at the stuck vampire.
PIKE: Thanks, man.
VAMP: No problem. Just doing what I can to help.
The two of them stared at each other.
VAMP: You think maybe you could help me get out of here?
Pike rolled his eyes.
PIKE: Oh right! What was I thinking?
He turned around and picked up an axe which he had hidden behind his back. He turned back to the vampire. The creature looked at him in terror.
VAMP: What are you doing?
PIKE: My job.
He swung the axe and lobbed the vampire’s head off its body. The vampire disappeared in a cloud of dust.
A dark, unmarked van rumbled along the road that led towards Hades Valley’s domestic airport.
The driver of the van was nodding off to sleep at the wheel. Beside him, his colleague was slouched in the passenger seat, fast asleep. In the back were two men and a girl, Dana the vampire slayer, strapped to a gurney. She was unconscious.
Andrew, who was one of the people in the back of the van, looked nervously at the other man. The man across from him was called Flynn and he was part of the Watchers Council. Flynn was only a few years older than he was and had a fierce expression on his face. He was bald and he had a goatee. Underneath the thick coat that he wore, Andrew could tell that he was well built. Both of them were dressed similarly in dark clothes.
ANDREW: She sure is knocked out, isn’t she? Hasn’t woken up since we left L.A.
Flynn did not respond to Andrew’s observations. He kept staring at the young Watcher, scowling slightly.
ANDREW: And you haven’t spoken since we left L.A. Isn’t that…nice.
The deranged Slayer between them stirred and Andrew had to grab his seat to prevent himself from jumping in surprise. Fortunately for him, Dana did not wake up. She mumbled something unintelligible before going silent again.
Andrew looked at Flynn and laughed nervously.
ANDREW: If she wakes up now, we are so dead - unless you don’t mind jumping out of a moving vehicle. From what I read from her file, I wouldn’t mind doing that. I would like to keep my hands attach, thank you very much.
Andrew laughed again. Flynn kept staring.
ANDREW: You know I heard this story where -
All of a sudden, Flynn came flying at him, both of his hands outstretched. Andrew’s eyes grew as big as saucers. He screamed and slid down in his seat to avoid the hands. Flynn clapped his hands together loudly above Andrew’s head and pulled back, returning to his seat.
Flynn showed the scared Andrew his right palm. Smacked right in the middle of the British man’s hand was a squashed mosquito.
ANDREW: Oh! You killed a bug. I thought you were going to kill me!
Flynn dusted off his hands and leaned back in his seat. He folded his arms across his chest and resumed his staring. Andrew took a quick look around the van, wondering if there were anymore mosquitoes. He looked back at the other man and smiled nervously.
ANDREW: Next time, can you just warn me before you do that? I don’t ever want to see my life flash before my eyes like that ever again anytime soon.
At that moment the van came to a screeching halt, throwing Andrew and Flynn forward. Andrew ended up in Flynn’s lap. The two of them hit a partition that separated the driver from the passengers in the back of the van. A window was craved out of the partition.
ANDREW: I would like warning for that too!
Andrew scrambled out of Flynn’s lap
ANDREW: Make sure Dana’s alright.
The bigger man nodded and went to the Slayer’s side. Andrew slide the window opened. The two men in front were wide awake and were looking at each other, puzzled.
ANDREW: Wayne, what happened?
Wayne, the driver, looked at the Watcher and shrugged.
WAYNE: I don’t know. My eyes drifted close and when I opened them, I saw a man standing in the middle of the road. I stepped on the brakes to prevent the van from hitting him. Then he was just…gone.
ANDREW: What do you mean ‘gone’?
WAYNE: Exactly what it means. One minute he was there and the next, I couldn’t see anyone.
Andrew turned to the other man.
ANDREW: Did you see anything, Paul?
PAUL: Nope. I was asleep the whole time. Woke up when the van stopped.
ANDREW: Well, everyone’s ok right?
Wayne and Paul nodded.
ANDREW: Ok, good, then let’s keep driving. We need to be at the airport in 20 minutes or Giles will have my head.
Before Wayne could put the vehicle into gear and step on the gas, the doors at the back of the van flew open, startling the four men in it. Andrew whirled around and gaped when he noticed that the opened doors revealed a silhouette standing a few feet away from the van in the dark of the night.
ANDREW: (to Flynn) Have I ever told you that man that I can’t see scare me?
He looked at the British man.
ANDREW: Ever since my kidnapping, I have a fear of strange men.
Flynn stared back at Andrew, blankly. Andrew turned back to the silhouette.
ANDREW: Erm…who are you? Do you need help?
MAN: No. But what I need is that girl.
Andrew’s jaw dropped when he heard the man’s voice. It was the same as the man who kidnapped and tortured him not too long ago.
ANDREW: It’s you!
ASTWIHAD: Nice to see you too, Andrew. But I’m not here for you. I’m here for the girl.
ANDREW: You’re not taking her - unless you go through me.
Andrew crouched next to Dana legs and gave the mysterious man, what he hoped, was a fierce expression. He heard the man sigh.
ASTWIHAD: Very well.
His hand shot forward and grabbed Andrew by the collar of his jacket. He yanked him out of the car and brought Andrew’s face close to his. The man face was still shrouded in darkness and it was impossible for Andrew to make out his features.
ASTWIHAD: I do not have time for you, Andrew.
ANDREW: FLYNN!
The man head butted Andrew and dropped him like a stone to the gravel. Half a second later, Astwihad saw Flynn running towards him with his head ducked. Astwihad moved out of the way and caught the other man with an outstretched hand. Flynn tumbled to the asphalt, his hands flying to his neck. He was coughing hard as he writhed on the floor in pain.
Astwihad heard noises coming from the front of the van and he waved a hand at it, jamming the doors. The two men in the driver’s seat were now locked in the vehicle. Astwihad glanced over at Andrew. The Watcher was on his back, holding his forehead.
Astwihad left the Watcher and went to the van. Dana the vampire slayer was still strapped to the stretcher unaware of what was happening around her. Astwihad grabbed hold of the gurney and tugged it out of the van.
He unbuckled the straps on Dana and pulled the girl onto his shoulder. He pushed the gurney aside. He walked past Flynn and then came to Andrew. He looked down and smiled.
ASTWIHAD: It was certainly nice to see you again, Andrew. Take care!
With a wave, Astwihad walked away from Andrew, Flynn and the van with the two Council men trapped inside. Andrew lifed his head to see where the man was going with Dana but darkness came and pulled the Watcher into unconsciousness.
ACT 2
Tabitha, David, Asta and Xander stood at the front door of Tabitha’s house as Tabitha rummaged through her purse for the key.
Xander stretched out his hand and offered it to David.
XANDER: It was definitely nice to meet you David. It has been fun.
DAVID: Same here. It has been a pleasure.
Tabitha paused her searching to roll her eyes at the two men.
TABITHA: Fellas, you don’t have to be so formal. You’re friends now.
Xander and David shot each other a nervous smile. Xander looked to Asta, who was beside him, for help.
ASTA: Erm…so dinner was nice. Loved the burgers.
DAVID: (smiled) Thanks.
TABITHA: Told you David’s place had the best burgers in town.
She finally found her key and waved it around triumphantly. She inserted the key into the lock and frowned.
DAVID: Tabby?
Tabitha twisted the door knob and pushed the door open.
TABITHA: Huh. It’s been open all along. Oliver must be home.
She turned to the three.
TABITHA: Well!
ASTA: I should go and…you know.
Xander nodded in understanding.
XANDER: Yes, I think you should. I’ll tag along.
ASTA: That’s alright. I’ll be fine on my own. (to David) I’ll see you around, David.
DAVID: It was nice meeting you.
With a wave, Asta hurried down the driveway and disappeared.
TABITHA: Ok, while Asta go do her thing, why don’t we get some coffee inside?
DAVID: I don’t mind.
Xander looked uncomfortable.
XANDER: Sure…I guess.
Tabitha spotted something behind Xander and her eyes widen.
TABITHA: Oliver!
Xander turned and saw Pike coming up the driveway with a huge axe in his hand. Pike froze when he saw the three of them in front of him. He quickly threw the axe into the nearby bushes.
PIKE: Guy! What are you doing here?
DAVID: Tabby lives here, Pike.
PIKE: I know that. I just didn’t expect you all to come home so early. How was dinner?
DAVID: It was good. So sorry you weren’t there.
PIKE: The feeling’s mutual.
Pike came up to them.
PIKE: Well, I’ll leave you three alone then. I’ll be inside.
Without another word, Pike entered the house. David jerked his thumb towards the bushes.
DAVID: He forgot his…axe.
XANDER: I’ll get it.
As Xander jogged towards the bushes to pick up Pike’s axe, David turned to Tabitha, pulled her close and pecked her on the cheek.
DAVID: I think I should go.
TABITHA: What? No! Stay for coffee.
DAVID: It’s fine - really.
Tabitha took his hand and pulled him into the house. Once inside, she spotted Pike standing at the entry to the living. He looked surprise.
TABITHA: Ollie?
Pulling David with her, she went up to her brother. She peered over his shoulder and blinked when she saw Andrew and three other strangers in the living room. They stared back at her.
Out of the corner of her eye, Tabitha saw Xander coming up to them with Pike’s axe. His jaw dropped.
XANDER: (muttered) Holy English men.
Andrew took a step forward, smiling nervously. He eyes flicked from Pike, to Tabitha and then to Xander. He didn’t seem to notice David.
ANDREW: Hi guys.
TABITHA: Andrew, what’s going on?
ANDREW: I need your help. It’s Dana.
Tabitha heard Xander take a shape intake of breath and knew it was not good news. She turned and tugged David towards the front door.
TABITHA: You know what? You were right. I don’t think coffee is a good idea right now. I’ll call you tomorrow.
She nudged David outside and prepared to close the door. David’s hand shot out and stopped the door from closing.
DAVID: Tabby, what’s going on? Who were they?
TABITHA: Honestly? I don’t really know. Never seen them before in my entire life. But don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
David looked disappointed as he nodded.
DAVID: Ok.
TABITHA: I’m really sorry, David. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.
DAVID: Sure, whatever.
Tabitha stepped forward and kissed him on the lips.
TABITHA: I love you.
Tabitha gave him one last smile before shutting the door. David sighed as he turned to go.
DAVID: Man, I hate relationships.
Asta strolled down the street, which led towards the monastery, and gazed around the area. Everywhere she looked, there were couples. On her right was a teenage couple. They were leaning against the wall of an alley and were making out furiously. On her left was an elderly couple. They strolled past her with their hands interlocked. They looked at her and smiled. Asta returned their smile.
Once the older couple was gone, her smile dropped and Asta sighed wistfully. Up ahead, she saw a family of four heading her way. She ducked her head and continued her walk down the street.
After walking for some time, the sound of gravel crunching underneath someone’s foot reached her ears. She slowed to let the person behind her pass. Instead, the stranger behind slowed down as well. She sped up, so did the person.
Asta slowed down again and this time on purpose. Her hand crept to the waistband of her jeans. Then without warning, Asta whipped around, pulling out a stake from her waistband and raising it high above her hand. She faced the stranger and brought the stake down.
Ashley blocked her arm before the stake could reach him. He smiled broadly at her.
ASHLEY: Hi!
ASTA: Geez, Ashley! You scared me. I thought you were some vampire or something.
ASHLEY: I’m surprised. Usually you could tell whether a person is a vampire or not.
Asta lowered her arm and tucked the stake away.
ASTA: So I’ve been told. Are you following me?
ASHLEY: Nope. I’m looking for you actually.
ASTA: Yeah? What’s up?
Ashley gestured for her to walk and she did. He fell into step beside her.
ASHLEY: I have a test for you.
ASTA: A test?
ASHLEY: A test. Or maybe you can call it a game - it doesn’t matter. I’m here to help so I’ve come up with a test that would help you learn more about your strength, your speed and your Slayer powers.
ASTA: And you want me to do this test…game?
ASHLEY: Of course. You promised me that if I helped you with Sha’s infection, you would let me train you. You can’t go back on your word now, Asta. I wouldn’t like it if you did.
Asta narrowed her eyes at Ashley.
ASTA: Are you threatening me?
ASHLEY: (smiling) Of course not.
ASTA: Well, I’m not going back on my word. I just didn’t think you had a training session planned out already.
ASHLEY: The faster we start the more you’ll learn.
ASTA: I guess.
Ashley grinned.
ASHLEY: Then you’ll do the test?
ASTA: What’s the test about?
ASHLEY: I think it’s better if I show you the test.
ASTA: Ok…
Ashley took her hand and started leading her towards the monastery.
ASTA: Where are we going? That’s the Hellmouth.
ASHLEY: I know.
Asta went silent as she let Ashley dragged her towards the front steps of the old monastery. He pushed the door open and the two of them stepped into the main hall. The place was lighted up with candles and fire from torches that were mounted up on the walls.
ASTA: Did you do this?
ASHLEY: Wasn’t difficult. You don’t want us groping around in the dark right, do you?
ASTA: Yeah…right. I don’t.
ASHLEY: Come on, she’s inside one of the rooms.
ASTA: She?
Ashley did not reply as he continued to lead her. The two of them entered a room at the end of the main hall. The room was small and was dimly lit with a single light bulb overhead. Ashley dropped her hand and smiled at her.
ASHLEY: Here’s your test.
He pointed to something in the middle of the room.
Asta gasped when her eyes landed on what he was pointing at. Huddled in the middle of the room was a young girl about Asta’s age. The girl was shivering violent and was mumbling in a foreign language. She looked she had been to hell and back.
The girl was wearing a checkered shirt, pants and boots. It was difficult to see the girl’s face as her dirty, black hair was covering her face. The girl did not bother to push it out of her eyes.
Asta stared at Ashley, stunned.
ASTA: Who is she?
ASHLEY: This, Asta, is Dana - the vampire slayer.
~HOUSE~
~Living room~
~later~
Xander, Tabitha, Pike and Andrew and his friends were all gathered in the living room. They were all standing around, studying each other.
Pike broke the silence. He looked pointedly at Andrew.
PIKE: Ok, what’s going on, Andrew? And who are they?
ANDREW: These men are from the Council. They helped me extract Dana from L.A.
The Watcher pointed to the big, bald man.
ANDREW: That’s Flynn.
Then he pointed to the other two.
ANDREW: And that’s Paul and Wayne. Guys, this is Pike -
Tabitha raised a hand, cutting him off.
TABITHA: I don’t think the introductions are necessary, Andrew. I’m sure they know who we are.
She was eyeing the other three men suspiciously.
ANDREW: Right.
XANDER: Ok…now can you explain to us what’s going on?
TABITHA: And who the hell is Dana?
XANDER: She’s the Slayer that Giles asked Andrew to pick up in L.A.
TABITHA: And I assume she’s…
ANDREW: Missing. Yes.
XANDER: She got away?
ANDREW: No, someone took her.
PIKE: Took her? How?
ANDREW: We were on the way to the airport and we were stopped by a man. He single-handedly beat all four of us and took her with him. I didn’t see where he went after that. I kind of blacked out.
TABITHA: And this man…he was…?
ANDREW: I don’t know who he was and neither did I see his face but he was the same guy who kidnapped and tortured me.
Tabitha looked shocked.
TABITHA: Are you sure?
ANDREW: Yes. He called me by my name and I recognized his voice.
XANDER: And the plot thickens.
FLYNN: Yes, considerably.
Everyone looked at Flynn in surprise. This was the first time any of the Council men said a word. Andrew was doing most of the talking and they were standing in the background, listening, watching.
FLYNN: Not only is Dana a slayer but she’s…different. This makes the situation all the more delicate.
PIKE: Different how?
XANDER: And please don’t say she’s like Faith. ‘Cause trust me when I say I’ve been there and done that and so not doing it again!
ANDREW: No, she’s nothing like Faith.
FLYNN: Dana suffers from a form of psychosis. She is marred by delusions, hallucinations, incoherence, and distorted perceptions of reality.
PIKE: So in simple terms, she’s a psycho?
Flynn was not fazed.
FLYNN: Yes. And because of this, she is not only a danger to herself but to others around her.
XANDER: So we should be glad we don’t have her, no?
FLYNN: Dana is at the state where anything can influence. If this man - whoever he is - who took Dana knows about her condition, he could brainwash her, make her his instrument and he’ll make us her enemy.
ANDREW: Then he’ll release her and will have a psychotic serial killer on our hands - where we are the serial killings.
FLYNN: With her Slayer powers, speed and strength, it’s almost impossible to stop her.
ANDREW: I’ve seen what she’s capable of. She sawed off Sp…one of Angel’s men’s hands because a picture in her head confused her and made her think that he was a bad guy. Just imagine what this man could do with her if he brainwashes her with many pictures.
XANDER: I’m guessing no picnics and fruit baskets then.
FLYNN: Hardly. So you understand how serious this situation is.
The three of them looked at each other. They understood it quite well.
PIKE: So what’s your plan? How are you going to get her back?
ANDREW: We were hoping you guys could help us. We can’t get her back by ourselves.
XANDER: Did you call the Council? Or Giles? We could ask him to sent back up down and -
ANDREW: No! We can’t let Giles know that we lost her. This is my mess that I have to clean and I’m taking responsibility. I can’t let Giles down again.
PIKE: This is a bit of a tall order here, Andrew.
ANDREW: I know but we got Asta so it’s not like we are totally powerless.
XANDER: Asta has never come up against with a Slayer before. Anything can happen. For starters, Dana can whip Asta’s ass and then kill us all.
TABITHA: Xander!
Xander just shrugged.
XANDER: I’m trying to be realistic here.
PIKE: Do we know anything else about this girl besides the fact she’s a psycho? Her strengths, her weaknesses…
ANDREW: No. We…don’t really know a lot about her - except what we already told you.
PIKE: How much time do we have before the Council finds out that Dana’s gone?
FLYNN: We were supposed to be on the plane that would pick us up hours ago but we have contacted the pilot and told him to return to tomorrow.
ANDREW: We told Giles that we would be staying in Hades Valley for the night. He expects Dana in London tomorrow night.
XANDER: He didn’t ask why?
ANDREW: He did. I told him that Dana was giving us trouble and it was impossible for us to fly with her in this state. Told him a night’s rest would help her calm down and he agreed. He didn’t at first but I managed to convince him. But if we don’t get Dana to London by tomorrow night, he would know something is up and he’ll probably send Buffy to kick my ass.
PIKE: Ok, so that gives us less than 24 hours to find Dana. Know where to start?
Andrew rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed.
ANDREW: No. We have no clue as to where he took her or where they are now.
TABITHA: Wait, there’s something I don’t get. Why did you bring Dana to Hades Valley in the first place?
FLYNN: If the Senior Partners in Wolfram & Hart find out about her, they would want her for themselves.
ANDREW: With everything that went in on L.A, I wouldn’t be surprise if they already got the lowdown of who Dana is and what she’s capable of.
~MONASTERY~
~room~
Asta and Ashley stood over Dana as they watched her curled up in a ball in the middle of the dimly lit room. Every now and then, Dana would yell something incoherent, twitching and writhing on the floor as if in pain.
Asta crouched down beside Dana and watched the other Slayer with sadness in her eyes.
FLYNN: (v.o) Dana is an unpredictable weapon. In the right hands, she’s harmless but in the wrong hands -
TABITHA: (v.o) She’s a ticking time bomb.
Ashley walked up to Asta and placed a hand on her shoulder. Asta looked up at him. He smiled.