Slaying: The Next Generation

Episode 5: Natural Uneasiness

Samantha (V.O.)

You won't believe what's happened in the last few days . . .

Cut to: Damian and Samantha introducing Willow and Kennedy in Rosedale Park

Samantha:

We've brought a couple of guests and some much needed help. (They step aside as Willow and Kennedy walk from behind them shocking the crowd) This is Kennedy Suarez, a slayer who fought beside the original slayers in the final battle in Sunnydale. (The group exchanges their hellos.)

Damian:

And this is . . .

Alicia (interrupting):

The one who awakened the entire Slayer line – Willow Rosenberg!

Cut to: Amelia meeting Araya in her dream

Amelia (bewildered):

Who are you?

Araya (calming):

Calm down. I'm not here to harm you. My name's Araya the Elemental Witch of the Winds.

Cut to: Amelia's revealing what she learned about Damian

Amelia (defeated):

She also told me that she thinks that Damian might become a magical overlord.

Damian (shocked):

What?! A magical overlord (he chuckles) yeah right. Like that'll happen.

Willow:

She's not the only one who thinks that. The other goddesses I work with think the same thing.

Samantha:

Even I seem to think that way sometimes.

Cut to: Yarza forming a plan for finding the Orb of Orin

Yarza:

Lucy, we need to raid those libraries like you suggested some time ago.

Lucy:

I'll get a group of demons together and see what we can find.

FADE TO BLACK

Cut to: Rosedale Magic Center – Mid-Afternoon

Near the park outside of the downtown financial district sits a single-story shop known to the warlocks and witches in Rosedale as the Magic Center. Various magical items can be found here from spellbooks to charms, crystals and various stones used in spells that are cast throughout the city. Willow, Samantha and Damian enter the shop and are greeted by an older woman in her mid-fifties standing at 5'2" and wearing a blue outfit with a white cover and various jewels.

Samantha:

Madam Larissa. Are you here?

Madam Larissa:

Hey, my lovelies.

Damian:

We brought a guest with us today. (Willow walks up to the woman and shakes hands.)

Madam Larissa:

For the love of Hecate, the living goddess! (She bows out of respect.)

Willow:

I wish people would stop doing that.

Madam Larissa (smiling):

It's a pleasure that's all. So what can I do for my two employees?

Damian:

We're just showing our new friend where the shop is. By the way, have those crystals I ordered arrived yet?

Madam Larissa:

Of course, they're in the back. Just let me go get them. (She walks behind the counter into a back room.)

Samantha:

You're talking about those element crystals you needed for that spell you're still working on?

Damian (to Willow):

I'm sort of working on an original spell that would allow a witch or warlock to channel a particular element increasing the spell's power.

Willow:

Using the power of nature to boost someone's overall power – good one but remember not to go overboard – it's not all sunshine believe me.

Madam Larissa:

(She returns with a blue box decorated with green, red and brown designs.) Here you go future overlord.

Damian (annoyed):

I really wish people would stop calling me that. (He takes the box and looks inside revealing eight crystals all glowing a separate color: red, yellow, blue, green, beige, white, lavender and orange.) I'm not this overlord everyone thinks I am or going to become.

Madam Larissa:

You're selling yourself short Damian. Everyday you're in here advising young witches and warlocks in the ways of magic and you do better than I do. You have a strong mind and don't take chances when it comes to the magicks.

Samantha:

So, what are your intentions with this spell?

Damian (thinking):

Well, I was going to channel a witch's or warlock's power through the crystal increasing the element's power and effectiveness; but with Amelia's power, I'm thinking about using the crystal's element power as a conduit to aid in the development of the coven as a whole. I hope it'll aid in development of those who are to be in this thing.

Willow:

I can help you with that.

Damian:

Thanks.

Madam Larissa:

This is what I am talking about Damian. (Damian looks at her with a strange look.) You're always looking to expand the use of magic instead of focusing on your own abilities. (She walks over and takes a red book from the bookshelf entitled "Lords of Magic.") I want you to have this book. It'll explain much more than I can.

Damian:

Thanks I guess. (He takes the book and flicks through several pages.) I'll read through it when I get a chance. I better get some regular crystals as well.

Madam Larissa:

I've just got some new ones that I can package for you.

Samantha (smiling):

You're going to make an excellent overlord, D.

Damian (irritated):

Don't you go and start. (He sits at a nearby table with his things.)

Cut to: Amelia's Residence – Early Evening

Next door to Damian's home sits a single-story home belonging to the Henderson family. The residence is painted in an olive green with well cared for lawn in front and back. Inside, it's a typical family home with family pictures decorating the walls which are painted a bright blue. In the backyard, Amelia works on her wind spells as her mother, Danielle who's a witch in her own right, and her father Devon who's a high level warlock, watch with a keen interest.

Amelia (focused):

This is the spell I used on those gator demons the other day. (Holding out her hands, waves of silver blades are mixed in with the waves of silver wind.)

Danielle (smiling):

Who would've thought our little girl being an elemental witch?

Devon:

Eh, she still has a long way to go. I'm not sure about her running with that vampire slayer and her friends.

Amelia:

Come on dad, I'm safer with them anyway. Besides, Mindy's my best friend and she's a Seer plus Damian and Samantha have been training me these last few weeks.

Danielle (comforting):

Relax dear. She's in good hands and word around the magical blogosphere is that the earthbound goddess is in town.

Amelia:

It's fact. Willow is in town and she and her girlfriend are staying next door at Damian's while she's here in Rosedale.

Danielle:

Well, it's worth introducing ourselves to the goddess don't you say Devon?

Devon:

Why not? I want to get a personal assessment of Damian for myself to see if he's worth training our girl.

Amelia:

Just don't embarrass me like you always do. Besides, Damian might become the most powerful magical being on the planet next to Willow.

Devon (scoffing):

Is that right? Now I really want to meet this guy.

Danielle (calming):

Steady yourself dear. You know how you get when you meet someone whose power exceeds yours. Tone down the superiority complex.

Devon (sarcastic):

Yeah, yeah I know. Show my respect to those in the craft.

Amelia:

Don't worry so much, dad. You'll like Damian. He's nice after all.

Danielle:

I'll call him and make arrangements for a meeting. (She walks into the house followed by Devon and Amelia.)

Cut to: Rosedale Cemetery – Night

Chris and several other vampires carry several bags of books through the cemetery on their way back to the caves.

Male Vampire:

You sure Yarza wants these books?

Chris:

You're not questioning a direct order are you? He'll dust you faster than the Slayer would. Let's get these books to Yarza so he can do whatever.

Male Vampire:

I'd rather deal with the Slayer that with that power hungry maniac.

Alicia (mocking):

Aw, I'm honored. (The vampires turn around and see Alicia and Dana leaning on headstones listening in) What does Yarza want with those books?

Chris:

That's none of your business Slayer.

Dana:

Man these guys are full of answers tonight.

Alicia (to Dana):

I know right? I guess we'll just have to beat it out of them.

Chris:

I'm not letting that happen – get them! (The group drops their bags of books and charges after the two ladies.)

Dana (sprinting):

I'll get the books. (She rushes past the vampires and after Chris while Alicia fights the other vampires.)

Chris:

Silly girl (he sidesteps her attack) you think you can get to me then you have another thing coming.

Dana:

We just want to know what the books are for. (She kicks Chris in the side of the head knocking him out cold.) I'll guess I'll find out for myself. (She picks up a book and flicks through the pages.)

Female Vampire:

Get away from them (she tackles Dana to the ground forcing the book out of her hands. Several more females rush out of the bushes and behind other headstones. Chris staggers back to his feet.)

Chris (chuckling):

Did you really think you'd beat me that easily? Get the books and get back to the caves.

Female Vampire:

You got it Chris. (The vampires grab the books and rush into the night.)

Dana:

So that's your name . . . wait, aren't you Chris McDaniels?

Chris (realizing):

That'd be me (his face shifts to normal). Hold on, Dana Wilson – from freshman year?

Dana:

Yeah. Why are you running with someone like Yarza?

Chris:

I was sired by Lucy Wheeler; you remember, the girl from freshman biology.

Dana:

You're serious? Lucy? That girl was strange from the start but I'd never imagine that. (She turns toward Alicia still fighting with two of the vampires from Chris's group.) Hey Alicia?

Alicia (yelling):

Just a moment (she stakes the last two vampires she's fighting and rushes over) what is it?

Dana:

Guess who this is? Remember freshman biology?

Alicia (wide-eyed):

Chris McDaniels! I wouldn't have guessed you'd be working for Yarza or that you'd be a vampire.

Chris (smirking):

Or that you'd be a slayer.

Alicia:

I guess a lot changed for all of us in the last year and a half. So who turned you?

Dana (sighing):

Lucy Wheeler.

Alicia (remembering):

Wasn't she a practicing witch? How could she get turned so easily?

Chris:

She's a witch alright – she claims to be the elemental witch of earth and has won over Yarza's trust.

Dana (to Alicia):

Uh oh, this is bad girl.

Alicia:

I know. Damian is not going to like this at all.

Chris:

Damian DiMarco? (Both girls nod.) I forgot he's a warlock and I know he's crazy strong and dangerous.

Dana:

I wonder if those two still hate each other.

Chris:

It wouldn't surprise me. That breakup was so nasty it wouldn't surprise me if they don't kill each other whenever their paths cross.

Alicia:

Let's hope it doesn't come to that. The best thing right now should be to keep them apart until further notice although she is important for that coven thing that Damian's trying to put together.

Chris:

No wonder Yarza has been so scared lately. He's freaking about that and wants the coven for himself for something crazy.

Alicia:

Why doesn't that surprise me? Damian won't let it happen but Lucy – I don't know.

Dana:

Put it this way: this is the type of thing that keeps life interesting – that's for sure.

Alicia:

(She looks at her watch realizing the time.) Oh shit, we need to get going. It was great talking to you Chris but remember that the next time I see you, we have to fight.

Chris:

I'll remember that Slayer. Later ladies (he nods before rushing off after the rest of his clan.)

Alicia (to Dana):

Oh brother, wait until Damian hears about this. (The girls head toward their homes.)

Cut to: Damian's Bedroom – Midnight

Damian reads through the book "Lords of Magic" that Madam Larissa gave him with keen interest learning about the various magical overlords that have existed through the ages. Willow peeks in and notices the young warlock buried in the book.

Willow (observing):

You've been in that book for ages.

Damian (sleepily):

Yeah, I can't turn away from it once I started. The magical lords in his book go all the way back to ancient Egypt. It's fascinating. I'll tell Madam Larissa when I next see her.

Willow:

Glad you like it. You're getting closer to your own magical past. Good night D.

Damian:

Good night. (She closes the door and he returns to the book before drifting off to sleep. A half-hour later, the book begins glowing and envelops the sleeping warlock into a strange dream.)

Cut to: Salem, MA – December 1692; the Salem Witch Trials – Afternoon

Townspeople are in a panic as men and women are carted out of various homes and taken to a courthouse with a modified apparatus. As people enter the makeshift courthouse, another group of three females and two males enters a large dwelling just outside the town's city limits. Standing at the entrance of his home, Damian of the past is guiding the individuals into a nearby dwelling far from the eyes of the city's mob.

'Damian':

Come on move it! (He waves them inside before entering the home and slamming the door as a group of people with pitchforks and torches walks by.)

Woman #1:

Thanks Terrence. We did right picking you to lead us.

Terrence:

Not a problem but we don't have a lot of time so we should get started immediately. (He turns to a Caucasian female, Amelia of the past, wearing a blue dress with a beige apron cracking a smile.) Elizabeth, take the lead.

Elizabeth:

Of course, everyone surround our coven leader. (The group surrounds the young man as he holds out his arms.) Under the light of Hecate, grant our lord the power to protect our bloodlines and seal our powers from those wishing to do us harm.

Terrence:

Light of the sun, dark of the moon, and life through earth; seal these powers until you're needed once more! (Waves of magic fly from the individuals in the circle and into Terrence as a strange symbol envelops everyone in the room. The symbol takes the shape of a six-point star with each end turning into a dragon's head. The symbol disappears into him.) Now we are connected to each other no matter how much time passes.

Woman #2:

What do you mean? (A black haired Caucasian woman, Lucy of the past, turns to the leader with a questioned look on her face.)

Terrence (consoling):

Our time together in this life may be done, Sarah, but I've made it so that our souls will find each other again when the situation arises. There's no telling what will bring us back together, but at sometime in the future, your descendants will find my descendant and your powers will return once more.

Elizabeth:

That's good. We are very fond and loyal to each other – right Sarah?

Sarah:

Yeah. (Noises from outside gets everyone's attention as a mob gathers around the dwelling.) Uh oh, we need to get out of here.

Terrence:

You all go out the backdoor. I'll hold them for as long as I can. (The group shuffles out except for Brenda and Avery.)

Man #1:

What about you?

Terrence (worried):

Don't worry about me; just go!

Elizabeth:

We're staying here with you. We're prepared to face our fate if it comes to that.

Voice:

Open up Terrence! We know Elizabeth Gregg and Sarah Putnam are in there.

Terrence (smiling):

(He opens the door and steps outside in front of the mob.) Hey guys, what can I do you for?

Man #2:

Just hand over the women and you won't be charged.

Terrence:

Before I even give a damn, what do you want with Brenda and Avery?

Man #3:

They are charged with the use of witchcraft and corrupting others in the process.

Terrence:

You all realize how ridiculous this sounds? Witchcraft; give me a break. You seriously believe this nonsense?

Man #3:

Doesn't matter. We want to purge this town of all influences by the devil. (He peeks behind the young man.) Elizabeth, Sarah, we know you two are in there so come on out.

Terrence:

You all seriously need to chill a second here. You think that . . . (Brenda and Avery walk out from behind Terrence with hands raised.)

Sarah:

Hold on Terrence. We surrender.

Terrence:

Are you young women sure about this?

Elizabeth:

Yeah. It's time we proved our innocence in front of these insolent fools. (The women are taken by the mob into the heart of the city.)

The sun sets as the town gathers in the square to see six women get lynched to death for the crimes of practicing witchcraft and in their eyes bringing on the wrath of the devil. Among the six women are Sarah and Elizabeth who were among the six convicted and sentenced to immediate death. The town's minister, a middle-aged man named Samuel Parris, stands before the individuals with a rifle slung over his left arm.

Samuel:

Tonight, these six women have been accused and convicted of conspiring with the devil and bringing unknown terror onto our peaceful town. For these last few months, we've been focusing our search on every person who's ever been in contact with the women before you this evening. Mind you, our interrogations will continue and more women will be sought out and convicted. (Cheers rain out from the crowd.)

Terrence (pleading):

Hold on there, Minister. (He walks onto the stage and confronts the angry mob in front of the doomed women.) What are we doing here? Persecuting some women for being themselves? We say what we're doing is purging this town of the devil, but actually we're playing right into the devil's hands with our actions. We learn through the teachings that we should never act out of fear as that is frowned upon in the heavens but look at us. Our fear is literally killing some of these women up here right now. They're your wives, girlfriends, mothers, daughters. We shouldn't be punishing these women like this.

Samuel:

This isn't your place to talk Terrence. You have no right to be up here so step off or else.

Terrence:

Not a chance Minister – you're the reason this is even happening in the first place. To condemn your own flesh and blood is unforgivable. Someone needs to put you in your place.

Man #4 (yelling):

Get off the stage Terrence! You're the one talking nonsense.

Terrence:

Give it a rest! I'm the one talking here. You guys really need to look inside yourselves . . . (From atop a nearby rooftop, a man with a rifle points at Terrence's head and fires a shot killing him instantly. The crowd cheers as the women are hung to death.)

Cut to: Damian's Bedroom – Morning

Damian awakes in a cold sweat as the morning sun glares into his bedroom.

Damian (stunned):

What the hell? (He stares at the book on his pillow open to the page he fell asleep on about the witch trials.) That's it! No more reading mystical books before bed.

Willow:

Morning, sleepyhead. (She cracks his door open and sees his face.) You look like you just saw a ghost or something.

Damian:

What do you think? I fell asleep reading that book and had the strangest dream about the witch trials.

Willow:

Interesting, you can tell me about it over breakfast. (She leaves him in his room.)

Damian (staring at his book):

Whoa. I really need to get a grip. (He rolls out of bed and into his closet.) Who was that Terrence man that those poor women were calling me? In addition, who was that priest Samuel and why did he persecute his own child? There's more to that book than meets the eye and I need to talk to Madam Larissa.

Cut to: Rosedale High – Lunch

The first lunch period begins as those on that period rush for the lines before they get too long. Alicia and Dana head to Mr. Elvoy's room since it's empty during his off period.

James:

Well, it's not often that I see you two dropping in like this.

Alicia:

Sorry Mr. Elvoy; we just had to see you. We learned a bunch of stuff last night and some of it Damian's not going to like. (Damian and Samantha enter the room deep in conversation along with Willow and Kennedy.)

Damian:

What bunch of stuff I'm not going to like?

Dana:

We learned of the identities of two of the vampires that Yarza is running with: one of them is Chris McDaniels.

Samantha:

No way. Chris? That's surprising to say the least.

Alicia (sighing):

We also learned of another elemental witch in this town . . .

Damian (interrupting):

It's Lucy Wheeler. She's the elemental witch of earth.

Dana (surprised):

How do you know that?

Damian:

Don't ask; longer story. So, where's Lucy now?

Alicia (stammering):

I don't know how to tell you this either but she's now a vampire and running with Yarza.

Damian:

That's just great. There's no telling how far along that he is than we are.

Dana:

If there's any consolation, we didn't get the impression that Yarza even knows about Lucy's powers yet.

Samantha:

We can't take that chance. We'll have to turn her full human and bring her to our side for the coven.

Damian:

I'd prefer if I never lay eyes on Lucy ever again but if there's no other choice.

Alicia:

Wait a second; is it even possible to turn a vampire completely human again?

Damian (deflating):

It is. I know the spell to do it but she'd have to regain her soul before I even attempt it.

James:

I didn't like the sound of that.

Damian:

The last time I did that spell; well, it didn't go well and the person I tried to save ended up in a coma for a month.

Willow (to Samantha):

What's the deal with him and this Lucy girl?

Samantha (to Willow):

They used to date but the breakup was rather messy and in front of the school. They can't stand to be around each other.

Damian:

I need some air. (He rushes out of the room. Alicia starts after him but Samantha holds her back.)

Samantha (pleading):

Wait, stay here. I'll talk to him this time. (She rushes after him.)

Alicia (smiling):

I think someone has a crush on a certain warlock. (Samantha gives her a look before closing the door.)

James:

Let her deal with him this time. With everything we've learned; I'm surprised he hasn't imploded yet.

Kennedy:

So how bad was their breakup? From the way everyone's been talking, they made it seem like it was nasty.

Alicia/Dana:

You have no idea.

Cut to: Rosedale Caves – Afternoon

Chris and Lucy are rummaging through the various books that were obtained in the raid that Chris's group committed on the library. The conversation quickly shifts to Chris's conversation with Alicia and Dana in the graveyard.

Lucy:

So you're saying that Alicia Davidson is the Slayer? Now that's hard to believe.

Chris:

Well believe it. You might not want to hear this but Damian is with them.

Lucy (scoffing):

No shit. Well, sooner or later our paths would cross again.

Chris:

I figured you two still hate one another's guts; especially after that nasty breakup in front of the school.

Lucy:

Don't remind me. He deserved it for what he did to me. I think it's good he hasn't found anyone else since me.

Chris:

I still say you shouldn't have ripped his heart out the way you did; even if it was a disagreement over something ridiculous.

Lucy:

You're not one to speak on relationships Chris. (The two return to their books.)

Chris:

I'm just saying. Now that you're this super vampire witch, you should at least talk to him at some point about the coven he's trying to put together.

Lucy:

Whatever, if I never see Damian's face again it'll be too soon.

Cut to: Rosedale High Courtyard – Lunch

Damian finds an isolated spot to himself to think and relax in the sunny weather. The weight of everything finally dawns on him as he tries to sort out everything in his head.

Damian (thinking):

This is all too much for me right now. I really need time to clear my head. (Samantha walks outside and locates him on one of the tables.)

Samantha (relieved):

About time I found you. When you want to hide, you hide.

Damian:

That was kind of the point. It's too much for me to deal with right now.

Samantha:

Honestly, I'm surprised that you've kept it together for this long. With everything going on, how you haven't imploded is beyond me or anyone else.

Damian (chuckling):

I never would've thought once I started practicing magic that I'd end up in this situation.

Samantha (comforting):

(She pats her friend on the back.) It's ok. We just found out about everything a little bit too fast even if we're as powerful as Willow.

Damian:

I don't think I'm anywhere near that level. Anyway, between the two of us training Amelia, learning about the elemental coven and now Lucy, I feel like I'm in way over my head here.

Samantha:

I'm right there with you and so is the rest of the team. We'll figure this out.

Damian (freaking):

I have no idea what the next step is or what to do or how to go about – (Samantha cuts him off by kissing him causing him to relax a bit as she breaks the kiss.) What was that for?

Samantha (shyly):

Calming you down for one thing and I've wanted to do that for a while. Ever since we met, I've had the biggest crush on you.

Damian:

Well, thanks for that at least. I didn't know you felt that way.

Samantha:

Well, I didn't know how you'd feel about dating again after what went down with Lucy.

Damian:

It's been over a year and a half since that day in the cafeteria.

Samantha:

It's ok. We can take things slow; that is, if you want to become a couple. It would benefit us both.

Damian:

I guess we could give it a shot.

Samantha (happy):

Yes! (She hugs her new boyfriend.) So what is our next move o' future overlord?

Damian:

I'm not going to argue about this again. Right now, we keep training Amelia and figure out how to find the Orb of Orin. Plus, I'd say we help Mindy develop her abilities as a Seer so she can gaze into anyone's future she wishes. That might give us some heads-up on what might be coming for us next.

Samantha:

Let's get back to the others before the period ends. (The couple leaves the canopy holding hands and head back to the room.)

Cut to: James Elvoy's Classroom – Lunch

The conversation deepens as Alicia and James argue about the next course of action as Kennedy backs Alicia.

James:

I'm telling you that there's no way you two are storming those caves until we know for sure that Yarza is in there. We wait until the opportunity presents itself.

Alicia:

And now is the perfect opportunity to strike.

Kennedy:

I'm with her on this one. I'm more than itching to get some action while I'm here.

James:

You both are going to get yourself killed. With a vampire witch, Yarza is untouchable for the time being.

Willow:

You should listen to him Ken. The last thing I want to happen is you getting killed because you were stupid.

Kennedy:

I know Will but I'm itching for some action.

Dana:

I say we wait. No sense walking into a hornet's nest without firepower backing us up.

Alicia:

I'm just saying; with two slayers here it'll be a piece of cake for anything he might throw at us.

James:

I say no and that's final. (Damian and Samantha reenter the room holding hands.)

Samantha (to James and Alicia):

Don't tell me you guys are arguing again. What is it this time?

James:

These two heavy hitters thing they can take Yarza's compound alone.

Damian:

Not a chance. We don't know enough about what Yarza's true motives are to do something like that. What gave you two that stupid idea?

Alicia:

I'm just tired of sitting around and waiting for the next attack . . . (she notices Damian and Samantha holding hands). What's the deal with you two and the hand holding?

Samantha (giggling):

We'll tell you later. The two of us did discuss an actual plan.

Damian:

We stay the current course training Amelia and we're going to help Mindy get a grip on her visions. Yarza was right about one thing: she needs to gain some control over them if they are going to be of any help.

Alicia:

I can't argue about that. I need to teach my sister new combat moves anyway.

Dana:

What about Lucy? Don't you need her for this elemental coven you're going to lead?

Damian (sighing):

I'll cross that bridge whenever we get to it. Just the thought of helping her makes my skin crawl.

Samantha:

Relax. We'll handle her if she ever gets out of hand.

The bell rings ending the period as the hallway fills with students making their way toward their various classrooms. The group gathers their things and prepare to head on out.

Alicia:

I guess we'll meet up later on.

Damian:

You're all invited to dinner at my place. Apparently, Amelia's parents want to meet all of us to assure their daughter's safety and after the day this has been, I'm more than glad to deal with them for a change of pace.

Dana:

I'm down if it means a free meal. What are you cooking?

Damian:

I'm going shopping right after school to get some things. When I do a dinner party, I go all out just ask my mother.

Samantha:

I'll help. (The couple leaves the room on their way to their literature class.)

Dana:

Was it me or were those two just a little too chummy.

Willow:

I'm definitely sensing a couple-y vibe between those two.

Alicia:

You don't think that Damian and Samantha are . . .

Dana:

Dating? Probably – they'll tell us when they're ready. Let's get out of here. We all have classes to get to.

Willow:

Ken and I will catch you guys after school then. (Everyone walks out as students in James' next class start trickling in.)

BLACKOUT