Slaying: The Next Generation

Episode 15: Burning Nightmare

Alicia (V.O.)

Well, a lot has happened in the last few months . . .

Cut to: Damian receiving the powers of the seal from his ancestor

Terrence:

The seal itself is the symbol of our family. Each dragon head on the seal represents an aspect of one's persona: power, audaciousness, truthfulness, humility, astuteness and insight; and it's necessary to decide who can bear the mark of the dragon. You, my son, have been chosen to be the lord over all magic in this world. In your case, the seal is your symbol as the new lord of magic.

Under the light of the moon and the magic between us, the seal and Odin's wish; I now pass on the powers of the Seal of Azarth on to my descendant: Damian DiMarco! (The seal suddenly shrinks down around Damian's feet and he gains a soft bluish-white glow as his power increases. Damian closes his eyes as the seal rises to his hands and into his being. He opens his eyes revealing they have changed to a bluish-white swirl. His eyes return to normal as the seal hits his upper left forearm and etches a bluish-white image onto his skin of a dragon holding the seal down to his wrist. He cringes as the etching continues as the dragon's body winds around the lower part of his arm and just below the palm, the image forms in the center of the seal of an open spell book.) My child, you have taken the first step to become the lord of all magic in the world.

Cut to: Samantha getting the mark of the dragon on her arm

You see, I'm the one who's to imprint my family's insignia onto you in the same way I did to Damian several weeks ago.

Samantha:

Huh?

Terrence:

Like this (he puts out his hands and conjures the seal and imprints it onto Samantha's left arm. She grimaces as the seal imprints just below her palm on her wrist. The dragon rises from it wrapping around her arm holding the seal in a way similar to the mark on Damian's and Mindy's arm. It etches itself in a lavender hue. In the center of the seal, an image of a spell book and a bluish-white spiral heart appears in deep lavender as the light fades along with Terrence.) Now I've linked you to Damian, your group's seer that Carolyn watches over, and anyone else my descendant marks.

Cut to: Mindy, Kimberly, Dana and Alicia all getting Damian's dragon mark on their arms

FADE TO BLACK

Cut to: Downtown Rosedale – Midday

Shoppers are browsing the downtown shopping district soaking in the good weather that has fallen over the area in recent days. In a Payless shoe store, Devin is looking for a new pair of shoes to go with a new outfit he picked up earlier in the day. In the last few days, he hasn't been sleeping well as nightmares have plagued him and it has begun to affect his powers.

Devin (yawning):

Now if I can only find the right pair of shoes (he picks out a pair of black New Balance shoes with red trim). These will do nicely. Now to pay for these and get out of here (he walks to the register to check out).

Cashier:

Nice choice (she admires the shoes as she checks him out and bags his shoes) I like that color combination.

Devin:

I know and thank you. (He takes his bag and walks out of the store. Outside, he notices Amelia, Mindy and Nicole window shop and joins them.) Hey.

Mindy (smiling):

Well, looks who's finally ungrounded. It's good to see you in the daylight.

Devin:

Ok, so blowing up the abandoned building wasn't my best idea but we got rid of those demons didn't we?

Amelia:

Dude, you look worn out for someone grounded for the last two weeks.

Devin (yawning):

I haven't gotten much in the way of sleep lately. I've been having these strange nightmares ever since I blew up that building.

Mindy:

What kind of nightmares have you been having?

Devin:

I can't remember. Some nights, I don't remember anything past sunset . . . (he stumbles back and collapses on the sidewalk scaring everyone as he loses consciousness.)

Nicole (scared):

Devin! Are you ok?

Amelia (freaking):

This is bad girl. He's out cold. We need to get him out of here. (They manage to get him upright and grab his bag.)

Mindy:

Good thing the Magic Center is right around the corner. Let's take him there. Samantha's working today so maybe she can shed some light onto this situation. (They slowly make their way to the end of the block where the Magic Center sits.)

Cut to: Magic Center – Midday

Samantha is restocking the shelves ahead of an upcoming rush due in a few days. Madam Larissa is taking inventory of her stock when Mindy, Nicole and Amelia drag an unconsciousness Devin into the shop garnering their attention.

Amelia (freaked):

Madam Larissa! Samantha! We got trouble.

Samantha (concerned):

What's going on?

Mindy:

It's Devin. We were downtown when he collapsed and we don't know why. We brought him here to get him out of the sunlight.

Madam Larissa:

This doesn't feel natural. When did this happen?

Amelia:

He dropped to the ground a few minutes ago. We brought him here to get him out of the sun and the wondering eyes outside.

Madam Larissa:

It's ok. You did fine bringing him here. What would make him collapse like that?

Mindy:

He mentioned something about having nightmares the last few nights.

Samantha (curious):

Nightmares . . . that sounds interesting to me. Lay him on the table so I can have a look at him.

The girls lay Devin onto the table and Samantha walks up to him. She holds her hands out as they and her eyes glow lavender along with her tattoo as she peers into his mind and sees flames everywhere. Then a creature made of gaseous fumes emerges from the flames blowing smoke causing her to disconnect from his head knocking her into a nearby bookcase.

Whoa. There's a demon in his dreams and it has taken control of his subconscious.

Madam Larissa:

Should we just get that thing out of him before more harm comes to his mind?

Samantha:

One major problem: I have no idea how to do that. The demon is in his dreams and it only emerges when he's unconscious and he's not completely out of it. The only person who knows how to pull demons out of people is Damian.

Mindy (remembering):

That's right. He returned Lucy to normal after he gained the power from his ancestor in the Mist of Lost Souls.

Samantha:

Unfortunately, he won't be back in town until tonight. He's with his mom visiting family across the river in Vicksburg. That has his attention right now.

Amelia (concerned):

So, what are we going to do about Devin?

Samantha (shaking her head):

I can stabilize what's going on in his head but we'll have to wait for Damian before we decide on a course of action. I can manipulate dreams but messing with the human mind is dangerous even with magic. I don't have the knowhow to deal with this.

Madam Larissa:

Try your best and maybe Willow can do more when she gets here later on.

Samantha (worried):

I just hope he makes it until Damian gets back.

Cut to: Lake Bluestem – Early Evening

The sky transitions into darkness as the moon rise over the lake outside of town. Kimberly continues to adjust to her powers as she swims deep in the lake in her demon form. Elena and Melody hang on the beach catching up on their respective lives as Dawn hangs with them. Buffy helps Alicia train with the scythe as the two engage in a sparring session as Dana watches them.

Alicia (admiring the Scythe):

So this thing is the weapon you used in the final battle of Sunnydale.

Buffy:

Yeah. It kills vampires in three different ways. It's very effective when you're against a number of opponents.

Dana:

That thing is one badass weapon. I would guess someone with that thing might be next to invincible.

Buffy (smirking):

Almost.

Melody (overhearing):

Just as long as you're not using it on me then it's a cool weapon.

Elena (to Melody):

Relax. I've explained that you're a part of our team now so take it easy.

Dawn:

I was wondering: did either of you two tell Damian about what went down between you two?

Elena:

We'll tell him when we get the chance.

Kimberly emerges from the lake and changes back to normal. As she reaches for her bag, her cell phone rings getting her attention.

Kimberly:

(She answers her phone.) Hello.

Amelia:

Samantha's called an emergency meeting. We have trouble at the Magic Center.

Kimberly:

What's going on Amelia?

Amelia:

We'll explain when you all get here now hurry! (She hangs up leaving Kimberly dumbfounded.)

Dana:

Is something wrong Kim?

Kimberly (concerned):

That was Amelia calling. Something's going down at the Magic Center and Sam's called an emergency meeting. We better get over there and see what's what. (The gang gathers their things and head for the Magic Center except for Melody and Elena.)

Elena:

We'll catch up with you at the shop. We have something we need to do first. (The friends walk off in the direction of the graveyard.)

Cut to: Damian's Home – Early Evening

Damian and Natalie arrive home after dealing with their family issues across the river. Willow and Kennedy are with them as they all settle in on the sofa as they try and distress.

Damian (frustrated):

I can't believe that fool went and got himself arrested like that – what a drag.

Natalie:

I know Damian but your uncle has to learn his lesson.

Damian:

You're right. There's little we can do about it but let him rot in that jail cell for a while.

Natalie:

Do anyone have any ideas for dinner? I know it's already dark but I think we could use a bite after that.

Damian:

Whatever you come up with will be fine. Just as long as we eat something before we crash. You know how I like my midnight snacking.

Kennedy:

You're not as bad as I am that's for sure.

Willow:

At least I had the chance to see one of the south's most haunted cities.

Damian:

Yeah, Vicksburg has a very rich, haunted history regarding everything that's happened there during the Civil War era.

Kennedy:

I was surprised that there was a Slayer there not to mention that she has a team like yours D.

Damian:

Hey, after what you all did in Sunnydale, it's not surprising that there are teams out there. You set the standard that all Slayers and their friends follow these days. Danielle is doing fine and while we were there, we got to check in on her and the group she has put together. She's doing fine but their witch shared something rather concerning. (Damian's phone vibrates in his pocket getting his attention. He takes it out noticing a number of missed calls.) Looks like I've missed a few calls. (He plays back several messages from Samantha and Amelia regarding the situation about Devin and his affliction.) That's interesting. (He sets his phone down concerned.)

Willow (curious):

Is something going on?

Damian:

Not sure, I played back several messages from Amelia and Sam saying something happened to Devin earlier today and they called a meeting at the Magic Center.

Willow:

We have to find out what's going on.

Damian (to Natalie):

Sorry to bail out like this on a school night mom but this might be an emergency.

Natalie:

I understand now go ahead. Don't be out too long.

Damian:

Don't worry. We'll be back before it gets too late (he, Willow and Kennedy rush out toward the heart of the city.)

Cut to: Rosedale Caves – Night

Xarxas sits on a table reading a document when several swamp demons, tall individuals covered in mud and swamp gas, enter the main chamber getting his attention.

Xarxas:

How dare you disturb my quiet time? What is it?

Swamp Demon #1:

Forgive the intrusion my master. One of our brothers has brought pain to one of the warlock's coven.

Xarxas:

Best news I've heard in weeks. What's going on?

Swamp Demon #1:

As you know, our kind can infiltrate the dreams of our victims and torture them to death.

Swamp Demon #2:

Our brother has infiltrated the dream of their novice warlock and he's close to death.

Xarxas:

Well, if that's the case then this should be fun to watch. Where's that lead warlock now?

Swamp Demon #2:

He left town earlier today but he might be back now and it's almost midnight.

Swamp Demon #3:

That's when the infection reaches critical and the fire warlock dies.

As the conversation continues, Melody listens in from an adjacent tunnel along with Elena who she brought to the caves showing her the hideout. They stay out of sight as they continue to listen to the conversation between Xarxas and the swamp demons.

Melody (to Elena whispering):

To whom are they talking about?

Elena (whispering):

I think they're talking about Devin. We heard at the lake that something had happened but I had no idea it was this.

Melody:

The rest of your friends are in serious trouble then. Those swamp demons tend to travel in packs. Whatever these idiots have done is only going to get worse.

Elena:

I have to warn the others about this before they try to help him.

Melody:

I'll go with you. (They walk back down the tunnel staying out of sight.)

Cut to: Magic Center – Night

Samantha continues working on keeping Devin stable while the rest of the group read various books to find a way to extricate the demon haunting their friend's dreams.

Alicia (frustrated):

Nothing useful in here (she throws the book onto the counter startling everyone). Damn, I still have no idea what in the hell we're looking for.

Dana (calming):

Relax babe. (She hugs her girlfriend.) We're looking for something that can help pull that thing of out Devin's head without turning his brain to mush.

Alicia:

This is getting even more difficult by the second. I wonder if we can even help him before it's too late.

Samantha:

I'm doing the best we can, all we can do is hope that Damian got my message and he gets here before midnight.

Kimberly:

(She closes the book tossing it back on the shelf.) Whatever this thing is; there's no record of it anywhere in here.

Lucy and Chris enter the store with a list of supplies and noticing everyone scattered about with some buried deep in various books.

Lucy:

Why the sudden research session and what's with Devin unconscious on the table?

Samantha:

Lucy. Sorry we didn't call you – we have a bit of a situation with Devin. Some demon has infiltrated his dreams and is slowly killing him.

Chris (curious):

What kind of demon it is?

Nicole (worried):

That's the thing – we don't know. We don't have the slightest on how to get to it in order to save him.

Mindy:

Our research is getting us absolutely nowhere. Chris, do you have any ideas what kind of demon could do something like this?

Chris (thinking):

We've had some run-ins with spectral demons in the past but I wouldn't know where to start.

Lucy:

Not to mention there are demons out there that no one in here has encountered yet.

Madam Larissa:

You're right Lucy. We're just going to have to keep searching.

The group resumes their research when Damian, Willow and Kennedy enter the shop and notice all of the commotion as various individuals start tossing books across the room. He notices Samantha working her magic over Devin and walks over for a closer look.

Damian:

How bad is it?

Samantha (elated):

Damian! (She hugs him tight.) It's been a long day and we're still lost.

Damian:

It's ok Sam I'm here now. (She lets go and he turns to the group.) Ok, I want to know what happened to him and how you all ended up with your faces in books.

Amelia:

Earlier today, Devin collapsed as he was talking to us about nightmares he was having.

Mindy:

When he fell, Nicole, Amelia and I brought him here since Samantha specializes in analyzing dreams.

Samantha:

When I peeked into his head, I saw this gas-demon thing and he threw me out of his head. I've tried to get back in to no avail. So, I called the rest of the gang and they've been in research mode since and now that you're here, maybe you have a solution or two.

Buffy:

Since then, we've been trying to find an alternate route but we haven't found anything on that front or the demon in his head.

Elena and Melody rush into the store and notices the group telling Damian everything that happened as they get him up to speed on the situation.

Damian:

Humph. This is an interesting situation. Well, first things first, let me get a look at this thing.

Samantha steps aside as he walks up to the unconscious warlock. Damian focuses as he holds out his hands and his eyes start swirling a bluish-white and the Seal of Azarth forms in front of him. Devin gains a bluish-white glow as images flood from his mind into Damian's seeing the swamp demon tear through various areas of Devin's subconscious. The group watches on as Devin floats in the air but unbeknownst to Damian; however, the section of the seal representing humility glows very brightly as a dragon emerges from the glowing section of the seal to the amazement of the group directing their attention. The dragon splits off into three striking Chris, Melody and Elena on their left arm as the dragon insignia engraves itself on all three of them. On Chris's left arm, the dragon etches itself in a deep brown hue and below his palm on his wrist sits the seal etching itself in a deep brown hue but in the center sits a dilapidated tree. On Elena's left arm, the dragon etches itself in a bright yellow hue and below her palm on her wrist sits the seal but in the center is the yin and yang symbol along with a sun symbol and both engrave themselves in a yellowish-blue swirl. On Melody's left arm, the dragon etches itself in a sky blue hue and below her left palm on her wrist sits the seal but in the center etches only the sun symbol etched in a yellowish-blue swirl. Damian powers down as he catches his breath after peeking into Devin's mind as his dragon tattoo starts glowing in conjunction with everyone else who bears the mark as the link between them establishes itself.

Nasty little bugger that is. (He turns to Melody still staring at her dragon tattoo as it cools down.) You might want to keep Rizu from finding out about that.

Melody (surprised):

How did you do that? Rizu mentioned that you have been expanding your power but I didn't imagine anything like this.

Damian:

I didn't set out to do that but I felt the link while I was looking into Devin's mind. That branding thing tends to happen when someone has a quality the seal seeks. I don't know what went down between you two but it's good.

Melody:

Thanks for the warning. By the way, we found out that a swamp demon is inside your friend. He'll be dead by midnight if you don't do something.

Mindy:

Can't you just rip it out of him the same way you did to Lucy when you ripped out her vampire side?

Damian:

Not really (the group looks to him). Taking out a soul is one thing, but taking a demon out of a dream without destroying Devin's mind – not likely. There's only one surefire way to save him without hurting him – go into his dream and kill the demon.

Dawn (laughing):

That's not even remotely possible.

Buffy (chuckling):

Dawn's right. There's no way to go into someone's mind . . . (she looks at the seriousness in his face and her mood straightens out as she stops her sister from laughing) you're serious.

Damian (serious):

When haven't I been serious? There is a way to save him – how many of you know the movie "Inception"?

Alicia:

Wait a second . . . you know how to do that?

Damian:

Here's the deal: ever since we left the Mist of Lost Souls several months back, Sam, Lucy and I have been hard at work working on a new spell letting us train in our minds without costing Madam Larissa a small fortune in restoring the shop's training area. It involves linking your minds into a single place where you can get years of training in a few hours.

Kennedy (pondering):

That sounds a lot like that anime "Dragonball Z Kai" that I watched a while back.

Damian:

Something like that Ken. We haven't figured out all the bugs yet but it's pretty much our best move right now.

Nicole (determined):

How does this spell work?

Lucy:

We're going to need four individuals: one must be a regular person to serve as an anchor between the other three in the dream world and Damian and Sam, one a Slayer to do the fighting and two magical people as a power supply.

Alicia:

I'll volunteer.

Dana (to Alicia):

Then I'm coming with you.

Nicole (defiant):

Wait . . . I want to do this. Devin's a part of the group with Amelia, Mindy and I so I should be the one to go.

Lucy:

That means that I'm going along with one of you other magical people.

Willow:

I'm in. What do we do Damian?

Damian (sighing):

Alright, the four of you need to sit around the table and – (screams are heard outside getting everyone's attention. Melody rushes from the window panicked.)

Melody (freaked):

Xarxas and several of those swamp demons are heading in this direction. If he finds me in here then I'm in serious trouble.

Damian:

Kennedy, Elena and Dana should go and hold them off. Melody, you stay here. The last thing we need is Xarxas telling Rizu about your arm. (The slayers rush out of the store along with Dana.) Buffy, Kimberly, Dawn and Mindy should stay and keep an eye on us in case they do get inside. (The four individuals stand behind the counter as Willow, Nicole, Lucy and Alicia sit around the table.)

Buffy:

I don't mind hanging back this time.

Samantha (to Damian):

We need to get this started.

Damian:

We should. (He turns to the table.) You four relax and let Sam and me do the rest. One more thing: we can only maintain this connection for twenty minutes, which in the dream world is about two hours. Find the demon, kill it, then Lucy will bring all of you back. Nicole, you're the anchor between them and us so if anything happens to you then there's no way Lucy or us can bring you all back. (Nicole nods acknowledging her role.) Alicia, you're to do the actual fighting against the demon while Willow and Lucy help Devin regain control of his mind.

Willow:

We got it.

Nicole:

Let's go already.

Damian and Samantha stand on opposite ends of the table and hold out their arms as their eyes and dragon tattoos start glowing. Both conjure the seal in front of them as energy radiates from them covering the five individuals. The four sitting around the table slowly slump over as they fall asleep. The energy spins around them as their essences separate from their bodies and spiral into the unconscious Devin. On Damian's seal, the symbol representing audaciousness starts to glow brightly as energy rises from in the form of a dragon. The dragon then strikes Nicole's left arm etching itself in a lime green hue. Below her palm on her wrist sits the seal but in the center, several lime green stars etch in. The symbol cools as Damian and Samantha keep the energy going.

Samantha:

I guess it worked.

Damian:

We'll see soon enough.

Cut to: Downtown Rosedale – Night

Dana, Elena and Kennedy stand watch outside the Magic Center as Xarxas and several other gator demons round the corner and approach the shop.

Elena:

Remember, we can't let any of them get inside. Beyond us, the only ones who stand a chance is Buffy and Kimberly but she's still adjusting to her abilities.

Dana:

We have no choice but to keep them at bay until the others rescue Devin from his dreams.

Elena:

I just hope they can do it. That plan of theirs is crazy.

Kennedy:

We just have to trust that they know what they're doing.

Xarxas walks up with his demons and notices the three individuals standing in front of the door. Cracking a smile, he walks up to them as they all take fighting stances.

Xarxas:

Well, what do we have here? A nice distraction before we witness the end of the warlock's coven.

Elena:

We're not letting that happen – you walking toxic waste bucket! You're not getting past us and that's that.

Swamp Demon #2:

You don't have a chance to stop us. We're getting in there to see my brother end the warlock's coven!

Kennedy:

Yeah, that's not going to happen.

Xarxas:

I guess we're going to have to smash our way in. (He takes a swing at Dana who ducks before she lands a punch to his mid-section knocking him over in pain.)

Dana:

Like we said, you're not getting in here.

Xarxas:

We'll see soon enough. (The demons charge after them as a battle breaks out.)

Cut to: Devin's Dream World

Devin's subconscious is rough and barren as fires burn out of control throughout the landscape. A once serene scene now sits scarred with smoke and toxic fumes. In the middle of the burning inferno, Alicia, Willow, Lucy, and Nicole arrive into Devin's dream noticing the chaos around them.

Nicole (scared):

I know that Devin said that his dreams have been whack but this is a goddamn nightmare! (She puts her hands up in frustration and notices the dragon insignia on her arm.) What the . . . when did I get this?

Alicia (admiring):

You must've been marked when our minds transferred here.

Nicole:

Mindy's going to flip when she sees this if she hasn't already.

Lucy:

Ok ladies, we need to do what we came here to do and deal with the other mess later.

Willow:

At least transfer spell worked. We're in Devin's dream world.

Alicia:

That's true so where's this demon that needs to be put down?

Nicole:

We don't have long in here and these flames are spreading like mad. We need to find Devin and get his mind right and get out of here.

The group wonders around looking for signs of the demon and Devin until they come across a wide-open field but it's ablaze along with everything else in the landscape. Standing in the center of the field is Devin tied to a pole barely conscious and the demon standing next to him.

Lucy:

That thing's hideous.

Swamp Demon #4:

Well, looks like you four have strayed into a place where you don't belong. This warlock is mine!

Alicia:

Not going to happen (she charges after him and tackles him into the flames). Get Devin. I'll handle this creep.

Lucy:

We have to deal with these flames first.

Willow:

I'll more than take care of the flames (she puts her hands up as they gain a soft white glow) I learned this from Amelia – tornadus terminatum! (Gusts of wind blow from her hands blowing a pathway straight to Devin.) Go! (Lucy rushes through the pathway reaching an unconscious Devin.)

Lucy (shouting):

Devin! (She nudges him to try stirring him from his slumber.) Wake up! (She holds out her hands as they start to glow a deep forest green.) Maybe getting you down will bring you around – terminus restricto! (His restraints magically disappear and he plops from the pole into her arms. He slowly starts to regain consciousness.) Devin, are you in there somewhere?

Devin (groaning):

(He starts going in and out of consciousness.) Lucy . . . what are . . . you doing here? (He drops out of consciousness again as the dream world around them begin to destabilize.)

Nicole (realizing):

Shit! We're running out of time and we need to get out of here – now! (She notices Alicia in battle with the swamp demon as the setting begins to fracture.) Alicia!

Alicia (struggling):

I'll need another minute! (She throws the demon off her and tries to rush back to the group when she's tackled from behind.) Get off me! (She shakes her way loose but the demon grabs her again.)

Swamp Demon #4:

If I'm going down, you're going with me Slayer!

Alicia:

I do not intend to die in this living nightmare (she reaches around and lands a punch to the gut freeing her. She grabs the demons neck and twists his head killing it. Satisfied, she rushes for Nicole and the group.) Sorry that took me so long, that was one stubborn bitch!

Lucy:

Took you long enough now let's get the hell out of here (she holds her hands over her head as all five individuals gain a soft green glow) inceptarum terminus exodus! Damian! (All five individuals disappear as the dream world collapses on itself.)

Cut to: Magic Center – Midnight

Damian and Samantha stand over the group around the table with their seals still conjured as the connection begins to wane. A section of Damian's seal representing astuteness starts glowing brightly as a dragon rises from it and latches itself onto Lucy's left arm and the dragon etches itself in a deep forest green. Below the palm on her wrist, the seal etches itself on her but in the center sits a tree – the symbol of life. Samantha's seal goes through the same process but a lavender dragon splits into two and etches itself onto Amelia and Devin's left arm. The dragon on Devin's left arm etches itself in a red-orange glow and below the palm on his wrist, the seal etches itself onto him but in the center is the symbol of fire. The dragon on Amelia's arm etches itself in a silver hue and below the palm on her wrist, the seal etches itself on her but in the center sits the symbol of wind. A signal washes over both as a swirling vortex emerges from Devin returning Alicia, Willow, Lucy and Nicole to their bodies. All four begin to stir.

Samantha (smiling):

Welcome back everyone.

Nicole (groggy)

Head rush (she tries to stand only to stumble back in her chair). That was a trip.

Alicia:

Devin should be just fine in a bit.

Willow:

Damian: you, Sam and Lucy put together one hell of a spell there. Maybe you three could teach it to me sometime.

Damian:

Why not (a loud crash is heard as Elena and Xarxas crash through a window and into the shop. Devin awakes and shakes the cobwebs from his head.) Uh oh, this isn't good.

Xarxas:

(He notices Devin sitting up on the table as he forces Elena into a bookcase.) Why is he alive? I thought that demon finished him off.

Samantha (smirking):

Sorry to spoil your fun Xarxas but we kind of took care of your little parlor trick.

Xarxas:

(He looks around in frustration and notices Melody helping Elena to her feet.) Why are you helping the Slayer Melody?

Melody (defiant):

What I do has nothing to do with you. As you obviously see, the warlock is fine and your little plan has failed miserably. Time for a retreat don't you think?

Xarxas (growling):

This isn't over. Rizu will hear about what happened here Melody. (He jumps through the broken window and runs into the night.)

Melody:

With friends like those, who needs enemies? (She shakes her head sitting on the counter next to the register.)

Devin:

Thanks gang for whatever it was you did. I don't know how that demon got inside me.

Damian:

It's ok, man. As long as you're safe, that's all that matters.

Samantha:

It's been a long day and I want some sleep. I'll catch you guys at school tomorrow. (She gathers her things and walks out.)

Melody:

Chris and I are going underground so I'll catch you all later. (She and Chris head out behind Samantha heading to the graveyard.)

Damian:

Sleep sounds like a good idea right about now. I'm heading home myself. Peace! (He walks out with Willow and Kennedy.)

Kennedy:

You guys are crazy with all of this crazy stuff.

Damian:

You want to know what's crazy: I think what happened to Devin was only the beginning.

Willow:

What do you mean?

Damian:

I'm not sure but I'll explain what Sam and I learned in Lake Charles when the time's right.

BLACKOUT