*We last left our heroes at Castle Medra, when Laurenza and Thorn had decided to marry. It is morning, and everyone is going about their usual routine, but excitement is in the air due to the upcoming wedding. Laurenza is sat in the castle grounds throwing flower petals into the lake. Thorn is watching from the other side. Laurenza runs out of petals and stands to find another flower.*
Laurenza: *Sees Thorn on the other side and smiles at him.*
Thorn: *Picks up a bundle of hyacinth and smells them, then smiles back.*
Laurenza: *Walks around the side of the lake to him.* Hey.
Thorn: Hey, I was looking for you...
Laurenza: Well, here I am.
Thorn: Seeing you, I forgot what I was going to say...
Laurenza: *Smiles.* Maybe if you close your eyes, you'll remember.
Thorn: *Closes his eyes.*
Laurenza: *She kisses him.* Remember anything?
Thorn: I love you...
Laurenza: Is that what you wanted to say?
Thorn: It's what I feel, and that's important.
Laurenza: Good, because I feel the same way too. Um, I mean about you, not about myself.
Thorn: *Smiles.*
Laurenza: I wanted to ask you something.
Thorn: Yes?
Laurenza: I was wondering… do you have any family? Not that I'm saying you don't, but it's just, is there anyone to invite to the wedding?
Thorn: No... That's why I want to marry you, to start a new family. Something I can love and look after, like I was before...*He looks down.*
Laurenza: Don't worry about it, all my family are gone too. My parents are dead and my brother was exiled. But you've got me now.
Thorn: I know.
Laurenza: But I do miss them sometimes and I wonder how life would be different with them still around. I would still be Princess, for one.
Thorn: You wouldn't rather be Queen?
Laurenza: I don't know. I like being Queen, but I don't have them. But if I still had them, I wouldn't be Queen.
Thorn: I see...
Laurenza: But what happened in my past can't be changed, so there isn't much use thinking about what might have been. All that matters is you're my future.
Thorn: Laurenza…
Laurenza: Hmm?
Thorn: …Nothing.
Laurenza: Fair enough.
Thorn: We should head back inside; it's getting on. There is still much to do.
Laurenza: Indeed.

*They go back inside the castle and find its beautiful walls are in flames.*
Laurenza: What?! What happened?
Thorn: FREEZE! *The flames stop.* Don't touch the flames. They may have stopped but they can still hurt...
Laurenza: Thanks, Thorn. But who would set the castle on fire? And why? *Runs further into the castle and finds Arkun laying injured.* Arkun! What happened?
Thorn: Arkun?
Arkun: My lady, Thorn... I'm glad... you're all right.
Thorn: Are you all right?
Arkun: It's just... a scratch.
Thorn: Not any more it's not. *The wound is gone.*
Arkun: Thank you.
Laurenza: Who did this, Arkun? Who did this?!
Arkun: It was Azinder. No doubt about it.
Laurenza: Azinder? Azinder's here?
Thorn: Azinder?
Laurenza: He's an evil man I knew a long time ago.
Thorn: He's here?
Laurenza: It looks that way. But why has he come back? What does he want?
Thorn: Where is he and how hard can I kill him?
Laurenza: He could be anywhere in the castle. I'll take the ground floor and Thorn you take the upstairs.
Thorn: Right. *He runs upstairs.*
Voice: Run, run as fast as you can...
Thorn: I'm not leaving.
Voice: I believe the next part of the rhyme says, "but you can't catch me," however, I wasn't a gingerbread man last time I checked...
Thorn: If you're the one who did the damage downstairs, you're gonna be the same material as a gingerbread man pretty soon...
Voice: *Makes himself visible. He is dressed in a long cloak and is carrying a large staff.* Ah, another violent one. They're all the same. I take it you're another one of the Queen's... ahem... boys?
Thorn: I'm her fiancée, and you're annoying me.
Azinder: No, actually, I'm Azinder the Black Mage, at your service.
Thorn: Ah, not another so-called 'Mage' to fight. How embarrassing...
Azinder: Oh, you want to fight me? If this is over the damage done to the castle, I never take credit for what others do. I think you might find a certain blonde boy with a hat is to blame for the fire here... *Raises his staff and Falos appears.* If you want a fight, fight him. I have no time or patience for a petty scrap with a little boy...
Thorn: Okay, let's sort this out rationally. *He summons Laurenza and Arkun.*
Laurenza: What's going on here? *Sees Azinder.* Argh! Azinder!
Azinder: Hello, my dear Laurenza. Long time no see... How is life on the throne?
Laurenza: You vile creature! How dare you come back to this castle and vandalise it like this?
Azinder: I didn't, it was the Magick of blondie here that did the damage. *Taps Falos on the head with his staff.*
Thorn: Falos, is this true?
Falos: I'm sorry... I did set fire to the castle... But he forced me to do it! *Points at Azinder.* He put a spell on me or something!
Thorn: *Looks deep into Falos' eyes.* You know, I'll tell if you're lying.
Falos: I'm not lying. I wouldn't do such a thing... but he would, and use someone else as his scapegoat!
Azinder: *Smirks.* Ah well, but I didn't actually do the damage with my own powers, so it's not my fault.
Thorn: *Punches Azinder hard in the stomach, making him fall to the ground.*
Azinder: *Stands up and raises his staff. Thorn is grabbed by an unseen force and is thrown against a wall.* I said before. I'm not here for a little fight.
Laurenza: Thorn! *Goes to him.* Don't fight him, his powers are unbelievable!
Thorn: *Struggles against the wall.* So... are ...mine.
Azinder: The reason why I'm here is that I was looking for you, Laurenza. When I couldn't find you… *Laughs.* …I got a little bored...
Thorn: *Stands up.* Oh, shut up. You know, I've met too many people like you in my time. They're called weak. They hide behind their little barbs, but let me tell you something, Azinder, there comes a time when they just need to shut up, or be shut up.
Azinder: Weak? My people know not the meaning of the word.
Thorn: And that will be your downfall.
Azinder: The opinions of a fool are not worth taking into account.
Thorn: I agree.
Azinder: *Ignores Thorn.* Now, my dear Queen...
Laurenza: Azinder, what do you want with me? Wasn't killing my family enough? Are you coming to finish the job?
Azinder: *Laughs darkly.* Is that what you're saying now? Hmmm... No, no. My mission here is much greater.
Thorn: You've come to cater for our wedding?
Azinder: Silence! *Throws him against the wall again.*
Thorn: Oh, that tickles...
Azinder: My Queen, are you aware of the war between the Demons of the Unknown Universe and the Hell Demons of the Known Universe that is happening as we speak?
Laurenza: I am, but what about it?
Thorn: Oh, strong, hard and against the wall, just how I like it.
Azinder: *Again ignores Thorn.* I am from the Demon Fleet, from the Unknown Universe, and we are currently recruiting.
Laurenza: I'll never join the Demons. Never ever! But... I'm mortal. Why do you want me? And I'm sure there are others with dark powers much greater than mine...
Azinder: You say you're a mortal, do you? Hmmm… We have our reasons for choosing the ones we seek out. Think about it, Laurenza, if you know what's good for you, you'll change your mind. Until then, I bid you adieu. *Teleports away.*
Thorn: Are you okay?
Laurenza: I should be asking you that. You got thrown against a wall!
Thorn: It was fun, seeing the child struggle to keep my mouth shut.
Laurenza: *Sighs.* I had enough of him the first time.
Thorn: It's okay. He's gone, and I'll be ready for him next time.
Laurenza: But I want to know why he wants me to join the Fleet, when my powers can't even compare with others, like… like you for instance. You're much stronger than I am.
Thorn: Perhaps... he has feelings for you?
Laurenza: I don't think so. A man like him knows nothing but hate.
Thorn: I can understand why...
Laurenza: You can?
Thorn: He obviously doesn't receive anything but hate, so that's what he sends out.
Laurenza: You're probably right. But I can't sympathise for him after what he has done.
Thorn: I know.
Laurenza: If you don't mind, I need some time alone. I think I'll go to my room.
Thorn: Me too, I need to prepare.
Laurenza: Yes. *Walks off to her room.*

*In Thorn's room.*
Azinder VO: Don't you think its funny...?
Thorn: What?
Azinder: *Appears in the room.* It's funny how history has a way of rewriting itself to make it easier on people's minds...
Thorn: Uh huh…
Azinder: Like I said before, I don't take credit for what others do, but still our dearest Queen seems to be under the delusion that I killed her parents.
Thorn: Perhaps she's right.
Azinder: Oh no. This is not a trick like before with that foolish child, Falos. And I am no liar.
Thorn: Nor am I prepared to believe you.
Azinder: Believe me or not, I'll tell you anyway. She was just a little girl of six, the most spoilt and selfish child you could imagine. One day, when she felt her parents had been particularly cruel to her, perhaps they didn't buy the toy train she wanted or something, I came to her...
Thorn: *Turns away a little, but continues to listen.*
Azinder: Her parents were unbearable goody-goodies, but she had something different: hatred, and a thirst for power, so I granted her wishes and awakened her dark power. But this small taste of power wasn't enough for her. She wanted more, in the form of the power to rule over people, so it was bye bye to mummy and daddy... Whether you believe me or not is entirely up to you.
Thorn: I'm not sure whether I believe you or not. This may be just a fairy tale you made up to drag me away from Laurenza and onto your side. Or it may be true, in which case I don't really care. Everyone has the instinct to gain more power, even me. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to rest.
Azinder: Every word is true.
Thorn: Sure, and I'm the Archangel Gabriel.
Azinder: You creatures are so terribly dull.
Thorn: You Demons are so terribly persistent.
Azinder: That we are. But I have more important things to do than sit around and chat all day. Duty calls...
Thorn: I won't let you hurt her…
Azinder: *Vanishes.*
Thorn: *Teleports to Laurenza's room to see if she's okay, but finds she is not there. He starts to chant.* One amongst many... Many fade to one... Show to me... The chosen one...
*Laurenza is on a ship headed towards the dank blackness known as the Unknown Universe.*
Thorn: *Looks up, his majestic wings spread out, and he takes flight. He blasts through the roof, driven by rage and love. While flying, gaining on the ship, he begins to chant.* Passage to the realm of shadow, I call through the misty path to the dead. Reveal to me Scorn and Red, let them aid me in this fight…
*Two winged ghosts of Dark Angels are now flying with Thorn. They are female, dressed slightly differently, and are slightly transparent. The three of them land on the deck.*
Azinder: I don't remember sending out invites for a party...
Thorn: Nevertheless, we're crashing.
Azinder: Ah well, I didn't think I could get very far without you interfering. I suppose you want a fight, then?
Thorn: No, if you took Laurenza against her will, I want to get her back. Where is she?
Azinder: Guess.
Thorn: Where is she?
Azinder: You're no fun...
Thorn: Where is she?
Azinder: She's on this ship. *Grins.*
Thorn: I'll say it one more time, and this time, tell me exactly where she is. WHERE IS SHE?!
Azinder: Chill, chill. *Points to a door.* Through there.
Thorn: *The door opens.* You're very helpful.
*He and his friends go through it and find Laurenza on a bed, sleeping.*
Thorn: *Wakes her up.*
Laurenza: Leave me alone.
Thorn: Do you want to stay with these people, Laurenza?
Laurenza: Yes. I have no need for you.
Azinder: Hmm… It obviously seems she doesn't want you anymore. Why don't you just give up? *Raises his staff and Thorn is clouted in the head by a beam of light.*
Thorn: Argh…*Pauses for a moment. He then slips the ring off his finger and throws it on the floor, then teleports away.*

*We rejoin the action at a cave in the side of a mountain. There is a spring nearby, lightly trickling across thousands of small, smooth pebbles. It is lined with many unlit candles. This is Thorn's home. There is some noise outside the cave, like several people talking.*
Voice: Are you sure this is the right place?
Voice 2: I'm sure as sure can be, my Magick has never failed me
Voice 3: How about the first seven places it wrongly sent us to?
Voice: Well, someone better go in...
Voice 3: I'm not, what if there are bears again?
Voice 2: Bloody cowards, the both of you...
Voice: Why don't you go in, Kuja?
Thorn: *Comes outside.* Can I help you?
Kuja: Thorn. Am I glad to see you. Wow, I never thought I would say that...
Thorn: *Is holding a large knife in one hand. His wrist is bleeding badly.*
Falos: What have you done to yourself?
Thorn: Okay, okay, my hair may be a little unkempt, but...
Falos: I mean your wrist... It's all bloody.
Thorn: What do you care?
Tifanel: Are you tryin' to bump yourself off?
Thorn: But does it mean anything? It'll probably happen again, won't it?
Tifanel: What d'ya mean? We only live once.
Thorn: Unless you're doomed to the midpoint of life and death for an eternity…
Kuja: Will you can it with the metaphors? Falos, bandage his wrist! I'll get some water.
Thorn: I'll show you what I need. *Starts to drink the blood from his wrist.*
Falos: Ew... That's kinda gross.
Thorn: *Stops.* It doesn't help. Not anymore.
Tifanel: I'm not sure if this is the best time to ask, but do you know where the Queen is?
Thorn: *At this, Thorn collapses to a heap on the ground.*
Falos: Oh gosh, we've got to do something... Kuja, can't your Magick help?
Kuja: I'm not sure if he wants to be helped...
Falos: Well, we can't just leave him there!
Kuja: Can't we? Why should we help him? Would he do the same for us?
Tifanel: He may be our only clue to finding the Queen!
Kuja: Tif... if he knew where she was, chances are he wouldn't be here. He'd be with her.
Thorn: Unless he chose to leave her.
Falos: You're still alive?
Thorn: Only one thing can kill me.
Kuja: Literal speech?
Thorn: I'm sorry, I was out of my mind... She... let me go. She wanted me to go.
Tifanel: Do you know where she is?
Thorn: Yes.
Falos: Did something... bad happen between you?
Thorn: She wanted me to go.
Falos: But I thought she loved you...
Thorn: Maybe she does. I still love her.
Kuja: Where is she?
Thorn: On a ship, headed for the Unknown Universe, but Azinder, he's too strong. If you try to get her back, you'll die.
Kuja: Then it's a good thing that I have my will already written.
Tifanel: We save her, or die tryin'. We can't stand by and do nothing.
Thorn: We?
Tifanel: If you would come with us, that is.
Thorn: I cannot show my face to the Queen.
Kuja: If you're sure...
Thorn: I… I do not know.
Falos: But the least we can do is try.
Thorn: Fine. *Stands up and smiles, as the familiar dark glint reappears in his eyes and his attitude suddenly changes.* Maybe it'll be fun, watching all of you die.
Kuja: The feeling's mutual, Thorn.
Thorn: Let's go.
Kuja: We could take my ship, The Destiny.
Thorn: Then what are we waiting for?
Kuja: *Throws down some flash powder and they all teleport to the bridge of The Destiny.*
Thorn: Nice.
Kuja: I know. *Sets auto-pilot for the Unknown Universe.* Toilets on the left, the fire exit is to your right and straight ahead are the controls for the Death Ray. Wondrous vessel this, built by the man who called himself my creator. It is part machine, part living thing.
Thorn: Can't it go any faster?
Kuja: Sure. *Pushes a button and it goes into hyper drive.*
Thorn: We have to reach Laurenza soon. She's going into battle with Hell Demons.
Tifanel: Bloody hell…
Kuja: There's a Demon Flagship on our scanners... You think it's the one?
Thorn: More than likely.
Kuja: Ready to board?
Thorn: *Spreads his wings.* I am.
Falos: Me too.
Tifanel: Let's do this.

*Kuja docks the ship onto the Demon Flagship and they board it. On the bridge of the ship, Azinder is there with Laurenza.*
Thorn: *Flinches when he sees her.*
Azinder: Oh, I see you're back again, this time with different friends.
Laurenza: What do you want now?
Thorn: Ask these three. They were so eager to find you.
*They all talk at once, things like: 'My lady! We were so worried! Come home with us! What are you doing here?'*
Laurenza: Shut up! I'm a grown woman and can make my own decisions, and I don't need a group of imbeciles like you babysitting me.
Thorn: Maybe she's right…
Falos: No, this isn't like her! Azinder has messed with her mind!
Azinder: I'd prefer it if you didn't spread wild rumours about me...
Tifanel: Thorn, say somethin'! Try and get through to her...
Thorn: *Steps towards her.* You had everything, Laurenza. Friends. A kingdom. A castle. A fiancée. The only thing you'll ever have if you let this guy control you... is death.
Laurenza: Thorn... I… I…
Thorn: You what? You're sorry? You want to go back to the way things were?
Laurenza: *Rubs her head.* I'm sorry... will... you ever forgive me?
Thorn: It's not that simple.
Laurenza: *Tears form in her eyes.*
Thorn: Don't cry. I thought you were a grown woman.
Laurenza: *Turns to Azinder.* It's all your fault! *Blasts him with dark energy.*
Azinder: *It hits him with little effect.* Aww, Isn't this little soap opera going to your liking? What a pity...
Thorn: *Hits Azinder with his own power that has been charging for a day. This dark energy is combined with a double helping of rage and strength.*
Azinder: *Is knocked back for a moment. He then looks up, an evil flash in his eye and reveals his true Demon form. He roars and shoots fireballs in every direction.*
Thorn: *Grabs Tifanel's sword and stabs Azinder with it several times.*
Azinder: *Roars with pain and falls, but bites hard into Thorn's arm before hitting the ground.*
Thorn: *Gasps in pain and collapses.*
Laurenza: Thorn... *Goes to him and holds him tight.*
Tifanel: Kuja, now will you do something to help him?
Kuja: Meh. *Shrugs.*
Laurenza: Thorn... Thorn... I'm so sorry. Kuja, for once please do something selfless.
Kuja: Oh, all right. Healing Light! *A strong healing spell is used on Thorn.*
Thorn: *Stands up.* Thank you. *Holds out hand to Kuja.*
Kuja: Yes, it's very nice. I have five fingers too.
Thorn: *Walks past him.* You can't even take a thank you. *He walks onto the bridge and pulls the ship hard-a-starboard.*
Laurenza: *Sits on a chair and leans back as fresh, silent tears run down her face.*
Thorn: Laurenza, I'm so sorry I left you here...
Laurenza: *Turns from him and hides her face.*
Thorn: What's wrong?
Laurenza: I was so... cruel to you.
Thorn: I don't care.
Laurenza: *Throws her arms around him.* Thorn, I'm so sorry…