*The scene that opens is slightly hazy, as if it is being viewed from far away. The location is very dark and uninviting. The sky above is washed black-blue like spilt ink and there are no stars, as if they are unwilling to cast their light into such an unholy blackness. The only things that illuminate this blanket of darkness are the lights of hundreds of ships overhead; tiny glowing pinpricks, like makeshift constellations. The landscape is strange mixture of untamed plants and ugly, sprawling metal constructions. This is the Metal Planet of the Unknown Universe, home to the Demon Fleet. There are many strange Demons milling around, each more weird and fearsome-looking than the last. One Demon calls out to its companion, who seems to be running too far ahead of him. It speaks in an ancient tongue.*
Blue Demon: Chief, slow down!
*This Demon is a quadruped, with a single retractable, blade-like claw sticking from each of its front paws. There is a similar blade on the end of its long tail. Its skin is blue-grey and its spiky hair is of a similar colour. One of its eyes is navy, while the other is brown.*
Tan Demon: *Turns back to him, sneering, but does not stop running.* It's not my fault if you're too slow, Fao.
*This Demon is roughly the same age as the other, but it appears to be a biped that crouches down to all fours when moving fast. It is a tan colour, with smooth mahogany hair and hawk-like yellow eyes. Where its navel should be, it appears to have another mouth. Its tail is long and curls upwards, ending in a stinger. It has a circular medallion around its neck, with the word 'PYRALIS' engraved into it.*
Blue Demon: *Grins in a sneaky way.* If I'm too slow, maybe you should just give me a ride! *He lunges forwards and his paw blades extend with a soft clink. He plunges them into the tan Demon's tail.* No complaining now, you can just drag me along.
Tan Demon: *Lets out a roar and thrashes his tail about, trying to shake the blue Demon loose.* I'll kill you for that!
Blue Demon: Will ya? *Rips his blades back out again.* Just try! *Pounces on him and starts tugging at his ear with his fangs.*
Tan Demon: *Sinks his own teeth into his companion's front leg.*
*A much older Demon, apparently of the same species as the tan Demon, comes out of a building up ahead. Rather than trying to break up the fight, he stands before them for a few minutes, smiling proudly.*
Old Demon: Right, that is enough for now. I have something important to tell you, so you can resume killing each other later.
*The older Demon shepherds the two youngsters inside. The scene then fades to white.*

*We join our heroes in the middle of the night at Castle Medra. A few months have passed since their escapades on Palamoor, and the new arrivals seem to have settled in quite nicely. Rin wakes suddenly for some reason, and sits up in his bed.*
Rin: Not this again…
*He fumbles around blindly for his glasses and puts them on, before crossing the room and switching on the light.*
Rin: If it's not the old leg keeping me up with its aches and pains, it's this… I don't know. *Thinks for a moment before throwing on some clothes.* Perhaps a quick stroll around the grounds will help take my mind off it and allow me to board the dreamland express once more…
*Taking his cane, Rin leaves his room and descends the stairs quietly, making sure he does not disturb the others. He exits the castle and walks down the grounds. It is a quiet and slightly humid night. The altar catches his eye and he approaches it.*
Rin: I do wonder what this is for. It looks like the sort of thing that gives way to a secret passage in the movies. *He knocks on the lid a few times with his cane and jumps back at the sound of groaning stone. The top of the altar drags itself backwards to reveal a set of steps.* Oh how exciting! There is a secret passage! *He sighs and shakes his head.* Dear me, Rinford, you've been alone for far too long. You really ought to stop talking to yourself… *He goes down the steps.*

*There is a short, musty passage that Rin follows into a small, flagstone room. There are several stone and wooden coffins, the former laid flat on the floor and the latter propped up against the walls. There is a faint but unmistakable smell of death in the air.*
Rin: *Sits on top of a stone crypt and takes in a deep breath. Strangely, he does not seem repulsed by the repugnant scent of the room.*
*He remains there undisturbed for a good few minutes, his eyes closed and a look of peace on his face. Up on the grounds, it seems that Thorn has also come out for a midnight stroll for whatever reason. He notices the lid of the altar has been removed and examines it curiously.*
Thorn: Is someone in here? *Goes down the steps and has a look around.*
*He spots Rin sat in there. Rin snaps his eyes open at the sound of Thorn's footsteps.*
Thorn: Rin? What are you doing down here?
Rin: *Looks a little surprised and embarrassed.* I… um… I decided to go exploring the castle grounds.
Thorn: In the middle of the night?
Rin: Heh… well, it certainly seems that way, doesn't it?
Thorn: Right… I'll leave you to it, then. *Goes back on up.*
Rin: *Laughs a little.* That boy must think I'm quite mad now.

*The next morning is a tranquil and slightly lazy day. The gang are gathered in the TV Chamber, each trying to find a way to pass the time. Lahrne and Kitzie want to watch cartoons on the TV, but it seems that it isn't working. There is nothing but snow on the screen and Tifanel is fiddling with the antenna, making the picture crackle and fade into focus every so often. Lierlo and Apathy are sharing a bowl of ice cream, taking it in turns to eat a spoonful each. Kuja is sat on Thorn's lap, watching them despairingly. Ares, Red and Laurenza are doing each other's hair. Chiara and Rin were playing noughts and crosses, but Rin seems to have lost interest in the game and is busy fantasising about the girls instead.*
Kuja: *Sighs.* There's more than one spoon in the castle, you two.
Lierlo: We know that, Kuja.
Apathy: We just like sharing.
Chiara: Wow, it's really cool when you guys finish off each other's sentences like that.
Tifanel: You think so? It kinda gives me the creeps. *Crouches by the TV and shifts the antenna over to the left a bit.*
Tabitha: *Comes sauntering into the room and flomps herself down on Tifanel's legs.*
Tifanel: Geez Tabby, that's like the worst place you could sit right now.
Kitzie: *Giggles.* Naughty.
Thorn: Maybe you should move her, Kuja.
Lahrne: I'll do it! *Wriggles his little wings in Tabitha's direction.* Here Demon, Demon, Demon…
Tabitha: *Gets off Tifanel and goes to Lahrne. She tries to grabs his wings in her tiny paws.*
Kuja: Don't tease her, Lahrne. You'll end up getting something bitten off again. *Gets off Thorn and goes and scoops Tabitha up.*
Laurenza: *Puts some hair slides into Red's hair.* Can't have that happening. Tif, why don't you get someone in to fix the TV, because I don't mean to be rude, but you really don't have a clue what you're doing… right?
Tifanel: Heheh… nope. *Grins foolishly.*
Kuja: As much as I doubt the reliability of Tifanel's 'keep messing with it until it works' method, I'd much rather he attempt to fix it than call another crazy TV repairman.
Thorn: Me too.
Red: Bad history with them?
Laurenza: Yeah. Last time we called one they turned out to be one of the Wildfire boys who had a bit of a vendetta against Thorn.
Kuja: It really didn't end well.
Ares: It seems even ordinary things like fixing the TV end up exciting… or dangerous around here.
Chiara: Oh, do tell us some awesome stories about what happened before I came here, please!
Lierlo: Good grief… Where to start?
Thorn: How long have you got?
Tifanel: Uh… how about the time we went and kicked the Demon Fleet's ass? That was pretty wicked.
Kitzie: Yeah, we were strong!
Chiara: Sounds fun! *Turns to Rin.* Are you listening, daddy?
Rin: *Blinks.* …Yes, I totally agree with Thorn.
Thorn: I didn't say anything…
Rin: Ah… *Smiles in an embarrassed way.* I do apologise. Perhaps you could recap for me a little?
Ares: They're going to tell us a story about them fighting the Demon Fleet.
Rin: I see. Well, if it's as interesting as one of the captivating tales from the life of old Rin, I'm all ears.
Tifanel: *Stops messing with the TV and sits by them.* It was great. You should've been there.
Lahrne: Wish I could've been there! I would've kicked the Fleet's butt!
Chiara: You're probably going to think I'm stupid, but 'Demon Fleet?' What's that?
Apathy: How I lament over the lack of book reading amongst the youth of today.
Lierlo: Saying that makes us sound like we're really old… But don't be mean, Apathy. If she doesn't know, she doesn't know.
Kuja: Though there are many kinds of Demon, they can broadly be put into two main categories: Hell Demons or Demons of the Fleet. Hell Demons, as you might imagine, come from Hell. Chances are, all the Demons you've ever seen were Hell Demons. Fleet Demons, on the other hand, did not originate from Hell. It's disputed how they actually got here, but most people agree that they descended from the 'Demon Mother…' some entity said to have been brought here accidentally from an alternate dimension thousands of years ago.
Lierlo: That's right. They live in the Unknown Universe, a dark and uncharted realm mostly separate from our own, in artificial dwellings and a fleet of spaceships.
Rin: *Listens carefully to their explanation, a strange expression coming over his face.*
Apathy: The Fleet are very technologically advanced; but unfortunately, they focus most of their ingenuity on war machines. They are obsessed with conquest, so more often than not, the only reason they come into our realm is to enslave or destroy innocent planets.
Chiara: So all in all, they're not very nice people?
Thorn: That's about the size of it.
Kitzie: They're really mean. They give Demons a bad name!
Laurenza: I second that. Personal experience from knowing Azinder taught me that.
Kuja: And my time banished to their realm, no thanks to Li, allowed me to become more acquainted with the Fleeters. They really are different. Loyalty is very important to them, but friendship and love… they're quite shameful. When you're one of them, you're just as likely to be killed by a friend, or even a member of your own family, as your enemies.
Ares: How awful.
Tifanel: Yeah, just an all round nasty lot, those Fleet Demons. Lucky we put 'em out of commission for a while, huh?
Rin: …
Red: Is there something wrong, Rin?
Rin: *Looks at bit distant.* …Fascinating conversation, really. I hate to be so impolite, but you must excuse me a second, dear friends. I'm not feeling ever so well. *Gets up and walks out.*
Chiara: *Watches him go, looking slightly concerned.* Daddy?
Kitzie: Is Rinny gonna puke?
Lahrne: Ew! *Laughs.* You're gross.
Tifanel: You reckon someone should go and see if he's okay?
Chiara: Yeah, I will. *Goes to Rin's room.*

*Chiara knocks on the door and then lets herself in. Rin's room is very tidy, with everything neatly lined up in its proper place. The only notable objects include a large collection of bottles, some whittle sticks (mostly carved into the shape of the naked female form) and an attractive little trinket box on his chest of drawers. Rin is sat on the end of his bed.*
Chiara: Daddy, are you okay? Do you need a doctor?
Rin: Don't concern yourself too much, princess. I… just need a lie down, I believe.
Chiara: Okay, you make sure you get nicely rested and feel better ASAP!
Rin: *Smiles some and lays back on his bed.*
Chiara: *Has a bit of a nosy around Rin's room. She approaches the chest of drawers and notices the trinket box.* Ooh, this is pretty. What's in it?
Rin: My treasures. Go ahead, have a peek.
Chiara: *Carefully opens it.*
*Inside are various pretty things, such as necklaces, shells and polished stones. There is also a curious shard with three-quarters of the letter 'P' engraved on it. It seems to be a shattered fragment of something much larger.*
Chiara: *Picks up the shard and holds it up. It winks in the afternoon sun pouring through the window.* What's this?
Rin: I honestly couldn't tell you, sweet Chiara. I've just had it for as long as I can remember.
Chiara: Is that a 'P?'
Rin: It seems that way. I don't think I have a middle name for real, so I adopted the 'P' as a middle initial. It makes my name sound more impressive, wouldn't you say?
Chiara: *Giggles.* Yeah, maybe. *Her nose wrinkles suddenly as she catches a whiff of a horrible smell coming from somewhere in the room.* Ugh… Hey um… It kinda smells in here…
Rin: *Looks slightly uncomfortable for some reason.* Oh, do you think so? *Has a sniff.* My! I suppose it does. It must be... um... my dirty socks! I must get these washed…
Chiara: Quickly… Yuck! *Covers her nose.* I'll let you get some rest then, daddy. *Leaves quite rapidly, with half a mind to tell Tifanel to wash all of Rin's clothes.*

*The rest of the day passes uneventfully and night falls on the castle. We are again given a view of the Metal Planet as if through a slightly misted lens. This time, the scene opens inside the building we saw earlier. It is a filthy room that looks like a wild animal's den. The floors are dirty, littered with rotten food, bones and parts of decaying bodies. The two tan Demons and the blue-grey Demon are in there.*
Tan Demon: *Looks up at the older Demon with contempt.* What do you want, old man?
Old Demon: *Raises a paw and gives the younger Demon a nasty clip around the ears.* You'll address me as either 'father' or 'Lord.'
Tan Demon: Fine… *The corners of his mouth twitch into a smirk.* …Lord old man.
Old Demon: *Unpredictably, he does not look angered by his son's cheek, but instead he smiles, and surveys him with some small admiration.* You're a fine child, Pyralis… but soon a child no longer. Now you boys are growing up, you will start noticing females for their suitability to carry your children. The mating season is drawing nearer, so you will find yourselves desiring a mate.
Pyralis: I hope some more suitable females arrive for the mating season. Around here, I've not seen any that look strong enough to survive childbirth.
Blue Demon: *In a tentative tone.* Do you only look at them for how good they are at making children?
Pyralis: *Looks at him blankly.* What else is there?
Blue Demon: Oh um… *Turns to the older Demon.* Spyridon… um… so… it isn't normal to want another not just for mating? What if you wanted to be with them because of who they are and how they make you feel?
Spyridon: No, Faolan. It is shamefully un-Fleet to feel such things. *Eyes him with great suspicion.* Why do you ask, boy?
Faolan: *Lowers his gaze.* Just… curious…

*Rin is woken suddenly by a loud rapping on his bedroom door. Judging by the amount of light streaming through a crack in his curtains, it's safe to assume that it's now morning. Rin turns over and pulls the covers over his head, doing his best to pretend he's still asleep.*
Chiara: *Calls from the other side of his door.* Daddy! It's gone noon! I was gonna come and get you for breakfast, but Thorn said I should let you sleep in case you were still feeling sicky, but now Kuja said you might've died in your sleep, but I didn't believe him, but I thought I should come check on you anyway…!
Rin: *Sits up and reaches for his glasses, deciding it would be easier to get up to listen to Chiara waffle outside the door all day.* Okay angel, I'm fully conscious now. There's no need to make such a rumpus outside my door.
*Rin gets dressed and makes quite a performance of doing his hair, before leaving his room to find Chiara still stood there, waiting for him.*
Chiara: Are you feeling better today, daddy?
Rin: Yes, angel, but thank you for your concern. *Looks at his watch.* Good gravy, you weren't kidding. I do apologise for sleeping in so late.
Chiara: Don't worry about it. You were feeling poorly, so you had to get better, right? You might've missed breakfast but you're just in time for lunch. Tif is making something really nice.
Rin: I see. I'd best not be so rude as to miss this meal as well, then.
*They go down to the dining hall.*

*Sometime after lunch, Rin heads out into the grounds. It is a warm, sunny day with a cool breeze that is satisfying on the skin. To his pleasant surprise, all of the girls are sat by the lake. Chiara is fishing, and Ares is watching with some interest for any nibbles on the line. Red and Laurenza have their bare feet in the water. Kitzie is making daisy chains.*
Rin: *Approaches them and leans on his cane, a dazzling smile set firmly on his face.* Good afternoon, my lovely ladies.
*Red, Ares and Laurenza exchange significant glances, as they know what's coming.*
Kitzie: Hiya Rinny!
Rin: *Gestures to the area surrounding the lake.* A place filled with natural splendour such as this can only be improved by beauty such as yours, ladies.
Laurenza: Rin, you're such a flatterer, but you know you're wasting your time with Red and me…
Ares: And I'm sorry, but I'm not really interested.
Red: I thought I'd made this clear from the start.
Rin: It's always worth the effort, though. I won't be discouraged! *Smiles and winks, before returning inside.*
Chiara: Poor daddy, he never catches a break.
Laurenza: Well, I'm in a relationship…
Ares: He's just not my type.
Red: He's a man.
Laurenza: *Laughs a little.*
Chiara: Yeah… there is that…
*After a few moments, Lahrne comes outside, looking a bit anxious about something.*
Lahrne: Uh, Kitzie… Tif wants you inside.
Kitzie: Aww… okay. *Puts down her half-finished daisy chain and scampers off in.*
Lahrne: *Sits down where she was and turns to the other girls. He fiddles with the grass for a moment before speaking.* Uh… I was wondering if you could help me, being girls and everything…
Ares: We'll do our best.
Laurenza: What is it?
Lahrne: What do girls like?
Chiara: A tackle box. I'd really like a new tackle box.
Laurenza: That's nice. Um, don't take Chiara as a yardstick for all girls, Lahrne…
Chiara: What? What?
Lahrne: I'm serious! I want to know what a girl would want as a present!
Red: You want to give something to Kitzie?
Lahrne: *Blushes.* How… how'd you know?
Laurenza: Well, there's not many girls your age to choose from here.
Red: And it was hard not to notice that you like her.
Lahrne: Yeah, okay. I want it for Kitzie.
Chiara: Aww, how cute!
Laurenza: Well, what does she like? Something pretty, like flowers?
Lahrne: She can get flowers whenever she wants. *Kicks over the daisy chain gently.* I wanna impress her. How d'ya impress girls?
Chiara: Tif can fit five eggs in his mouth at once. That's pretty impressive.
Laurenza: Chiara, you're really not helping. *Shakes her head and sighs.* Just be sweet and understanding, Lahrne. That will show you care.
Red: I agree with the sentiment behind your suggestion, Laurenza, but I think Lahrne wants something more… tangible he can give to Kitzie.
Lahrne: Yeah, I need present ideas.
Chiara: Well, how about you make her something? That's sweet, caring and a gift!
Lahrne: Hey, that's a good idea! I think I know what I might do. Thanks! *Runs off inside, looking much happier.*
Ares: That was a good idea, Chiara.
Chiara: See? I'm not totally unhelpful. *Sticks her tongue out at Laurenza. Something tugs on her line.* Oh oh! I've got something! *She stands up and begins reeling in.* It's big, but it isn't putting up much of a fight!
*The line slowly hauls itself out of the water, dragging with it a rather nasty sight. Caught on Chiara's hook is a waterlogged corpse. It seems to have been there for a while, as it is quite an advanced stage of decomposition. The body also seems to have several chunks of it missing, as if it had been attacked by an animal.*
Chiara: *Looks absolutely revolted, but unable to remove her gaze from the awful sight.* That's…. that not a fish!