*A few days pass. We rejoin the action with the gang gathered for breakfast as usual. Laurenza and Red are still on their holiday, but Rin and Tifanel are also missing from their numbers. Chiara, wondering where they are, is glancing around.*
Chiara: Where's that daddy of mine? And that boyfriend of mine, for that matter.
Lierlo: Well, I can't say where Tifanel is, but I do know that Rin stayed with a lady friend last night. Michelle, I believe her name was.
Chiara: Really? I thought he was dating someone called Christina.
Kitzie: Rinny told me it was Samantha.
Thorn: I was told his lady friend was called Rebecca.
Ares: And I heard she was called Erika.
Kuja: Forget it, all of you. We all know Rin's with a different girl every night, because he only seems to go after girls that want nothing to do with him.
Chiara: *Shakes her head.* Silly daddy. Okay, so Rin's with a lady called Mistina or Christelle or something, but where's Tifanel?
*As if to answer her question, Tifanel enters the hall, carrying with him several unripe pumpkins.*
Ares: Oh, it's Halloween already?
Lahrne: Yes! I'm gonna eat so many sweets!
Kitzie: Yummy! Yummy!
Tifanel: Calm down, kids, it ain't quite time for that yet. *Turns to Kuja.* Hey Kuja. Something's up with The Destiny. It won't fly and it's in a bad mood.
Chiara: The ship's in a bad mood? *Looks confused.*
Kuja: Well, it is alive. What happened, Tifanel?
Tifanel: I turned the ignition and it wouldn't start. I then started tryin' to see what was up, y'know, lookin' under the dash to make sure I didn't mess up anything when I went under there the other day. Nothin' was outta place there, so I had a look at the engine. The Destiny got a bit shirty then and kinda... attacked me.
Ares: Maybe it just doesn't like you.
Kitzie: But Tiffy has flown it lots of times before. Mrs. Destiny likes him, I'm sure.
Kuja: Then have you been bothering it, Tif? If you've damaged it in any way...
Chiara: Hey, don't blame Tif!
Lierlo: Chiara's right. Perhaps it just needs fuel. Without fuel, it won't start. Also, if it is alive, as you say, it will be hungry and that will explain its unfriendly behaviour.
Thorn: Good idea, Lierlo.
Kuja: Nonsense. The Destiny's fuel is incredibly efficient. It lasts for a decade! I filled her up when I was about fifteen, maybe a couple of years before. That was...
Apathy: ...Roughly a decade ago.
Ares: Oops.
Kuja: Yes, all right. It probably needs refueling.
Tifanel: Heh, funny this should happen, actually. I was just about to refuel The Fate after breakfast, 'cos that lil' ship's fuel doesn't last quite as long.
Lahrne: Can't you use The Fate's fuel for The Destiny?
Kuja: They don't run on the same thing.
Chiara: *Looks thoughtful.* What does The Fate run on, then?
Thorn: Tifanel... is that what the pumpkins are for...?
Tifanel: Yep. The Fate runs on green pumpkins, believe it or not.
Ares: A ship… running on pumpkins? Now I've heard it all.
Kuja: Mihako built it. 'Nuff said. The Destiny, on the other hand, doesn't run on something you can just nip into your local garage for. Or your greengrocer's for that matter.
Thorn: What does it run on, then?
Kuja: Something called a Trinstilon Crystal. We'll be able to find some in the Wrae Mountains on Yochi, with a bit of luck. I think my father must have discovered them at the same time as researching the Etheraals, seeing as though he built The Destiny around then. I'll go there after breakfast.
Lierlo: You're going alone?
Kuja: I'll have to take The Fate, and you know how small it is. I'm sure I can handle fetching a few crystals on my own, anyway.
Ares: It's just a good job you know where to get some.
Kuja: Yes. *Drinks up the last dregs of his tea.* Well, I'm done here. I'll go and get some things together for the trip. *Leaves the hall.*
Thorn: *Watches him leave and looks thoughtful for a moment.* Hmm... *He gets up and follows Kuja.*

*Kuja is in his room, packing a small travel bag.*
Thorn: *Comes into the room.* Hey.
Kuja: Hello Thorn, come to give me a goodbye kiss?
Thorn: Not exactly. I was wondering if you'd let me come with you.
Kuja: I can handle this alone. I'm quite capable of looking after myself. Oh Tabitha, get out of there. *Fishes Tabitha out from his bag.*
Thorn: I don't doubt that. I'd just feel better if I came with you.
Kuja: And I'd feel better if you didn't. You heard me saying I'm going into the Wrae Mountains, right? That's Etheraal territory, and they don't take kindly to visitors.
Thorn: I know. That's kind of why I want to come with you.
Kuja: *Picks up Tabitha and strokes her ears.* Are you thinking I'll run into Tabitha's mother again, or something?
Thorn: I'd be lying if I said that wasn't it, Kuja.
Kuja: Thorn, I told you I couldn't help what I was doing! I was in Etheraal form so Etheraal instincts are what I had to follow! If you haven't noticed, I am not now in that form, so I'm quite capable of remaining faithful to you. Don't you trust me?
Thorn: I don't doubt you being faithful to me at this moment, Kuja. *Looks purposely thoughtful for a moment.* But of course there's the times your faith in me slipped in the past. Remember Paige... and the incident with the knife?
Kuja: *Flinches as if Thorn's words hit him across the face. He looks very hurt.* Thorn... I'm eternally sorry for what I did to you. I'll never forgive myself for that... *Looks like he might cry.* I have to suffer the fact I did it in my nightmares... It all comes back to me in an instant and I have to relive the whole horrible experience once more. If you bring it up to hurt me like this... I just don't think I could go on...!
Thorn: *Looks a little guilty.* Kuja... I didn't say that to be spiteful. *Puts his hand on his shoulder.* I'm really sorry. I do trust you, of course I do, and I hope you feel the same back about me. I want to come with you to be with you. I like being with you.
Kuja: *Holds Thorn close, looking a lot happier.* It's okay, Thorn, and I'm sorry for being so standoffish about you coming with me. Of course you can come along; I'll enjoy the company.
Thorn: *Touches his face gently and kisses him.* Apology accepted. Oh, if I'm coming too, I ought to get some things together.
Kuja: Yes, you do that. *Hoists his bag onto his shoulder and slips Tabitha under his clothes.* I'll meet you on The Fate. *Leaves the room.*
Thorn: Will do. *He heads off to his room to pack his own bag.*

*A few minutes later, Thorn joins Kuja on The Fate. Kuja is stood at the dashboard, powering the ship up. Tabitha is sat in the captain's chair, spinning round and round.*
Thorn: Tabitha's piloting today, I see.
Kuja: She just thinks she is. I'm very glad The Fate actually still works. I was afraid it wouldn't start ever since Mihako took her permanent nap.
Thorn: We're lucky it does.
Kuja: We are. The Fate, and The Destiny for that matter, has a link with their owners. They'll only start for their owners or people their owners deem friends. If anyone I didn't know or like tried to start my ship, it wouldn't. When Mihako went, I thought The Fate would start rejecting us, but fortunately our friendship seems to have transcended death.
Thorn: Well, you are her brother, after all. I guess she really liked you.
Kuja: Even if the sentiment didn't always appear to be returned. *Smiles some and sends The Fate up into space.* I was thinking, Thorn, it might take us a little while to find these crystals. Why not stay at my house until the job's done?
Thorn: Your house?
Kuja: Well, my parent's house, really. But I was born there and I'm sure I'll inherit it when my mother passes on.
Thorn: Oh, of course. That sounds like a nice idea; it'll be nice to see your mother again, won't it?
Kuja: *Nods and goes over to Tabitha. He tickles her under the chin.* It'll give your grandmother a chance to get used to you, won't it, Tabitha?

*They drive on through space for a while and finally arrive on Yochi. The Fate lands on a large plot of land and the three of them descend. Before them stands a huge and impressive mansion of a respectable heritage. It exudes wealth and prosperity, which may be surprising to Thorn, as Kuja never mentioned this before.*
Thorn: *Looks surprised and stands speechless for a moment or two before speaking.* Good grief. You never mentioned you lived in a huge house before.
Kuja: You never asked. *Casually.* Anyway, it's not that big, is it?
Thorn: Well, it's larger than I was expecting, yes.
Kuja: The estate has been in the family for generations. My father was from a long line of famous and highly paid doctors. I suppose I've let the team down by not becoming one myself.
Thorn: I don't think so. You're not defined by who your parents were and what they did. Unless you'd like to be a doctor, in which case I won't stop you.
Kuja: *Shrugs.* I've never really thought about it. Come on, let's not stand on the threshold all day. We don't to delay my mother from squeezing the life out of me any longer. *Goes inside.*
Thorn: *Goes with him.*

*Inside, they have entered a lavish entrance hall. There is a large staircase to the upstairs and doors leading to rooms off to the sides. Along the walls are portraits of previous owners of the house, all men, and the most recent of which can be recognised as Alexander. A haggard-looking maid greets them as they step off the doormat.*
Maid: Hello, Master Kuja. We weren't expecting you.
Kuja: Yeah, we were just in the area and thought we'd drop by.
Maid: Your mother and aunt are in the parlour. I'll go and announce you. *Exits to the right.*
Thorn: *Looks impressed at the sight of the big house and the maid.*
Kuja: *Smirks the tiniest bit at Thorn's reaction.* This way. *Follows the maid.*
Thorn: Righto. *Goes with him.*
*They go into the parlour, a room full of expensive and fashionable furnishings, to find Heather and another woman sat on a chaise longue. The other woman looks enough like Heather to be her sister, with the same dark blue eyes, but she is much fairer and has a vivacious air about her.*
Heather: Kuja! *Practically throws herself at him and cuddles him tight.*
Kuja: *Goes a bit purple.* I'm glad to see you too, mother, but you have to let me breathe...!
Heather: *Loosens her grip some.* It's so good of you to visit. Oh, and Thorn, it's lovely to see you again too.
Thorn: Hi Heather, long time no see.
*The other woman stands up and goes over to them.*
Woman: *Gives Kuja a once-over.* So, you're the famous lost son I've heard so much about.
Heather: Yes, that's Kuja. Kuja, you were probably too young to remember Violet. *Gestures the woman.* She's your aunt. She stayed here a lot after and your father... disappeared... It was so hard... I couldn't bear to be alone.
Kuja: *Looks slightly guilty.*
Thorn: How have you been since we last saw you, Heather?
Heather: Fine, thank you. I've missed taking care of little Ana a bit, she was such a sweet baby, but I've been okay really. Violet's been here when I needed her and I've got Duchess to pamper if I want.
Thorn: Duchess?
Kuja: *Represses a shudder.* Ugh, it's mother's ghastly old cat. She's as old as the hills and I'm convinced she's already died, but no one has had the heart to tell her.
Thorn: *Tries not to laugh.* That's not very nice. I'm sure she's a lovely cat.
Heather: She is. She's a little dear. Kuja's just never liked animals, unless they're Dragons, right sweetheart?
Violet: Yes, let's not waste time talking about Heather and the silly cat. I see them every day, but you are an exciting new factor, Kuja. A very handsome one too, but I must say your hair is a very interesting colour.
Heather: I wish you wouldn't dye it like that. It was a lovely colour to begin with.
Violet: And what fun tattoos you have. They're all the rage with kids today.
Kuja: *Sighs.*
Thorn: *Gives Kuja a look that says 'Just grin and bear it.'*
Violet: So what brings you here, anyway? It's not like young men to visit their mothers... unless they want something. *Winks.*
Kuja: We're on Yochi for business, so we thought we'd stop by.
Thorn: *Nods.*
Heather: That was nice of you. Well, please don't rush off just yet. It's been a while since I've seen you and it'd be nice if you stayed a while.
Kuja: We were probably going to stay here for a day or so anyway.
Violet: Everybody wins! Kuja, why don't you show your friend around? I'm sure he'd like that very much.
Thorn: Yes, I should like to see your house, Kuja.
Kuja: Fine. *Leads Thorn out of the room, mumbling something quietly about Violet being a nosy busybody.*
Thorn: *Pretends not to hear Kuja grumbling.*

*They are stood in the entrance hall at the bottom of the stairs.*
Kuja: It might sound like a bit contradictory since the house is so large, but there's really not much to see, unless you're fascinated with dusty old furniture and ugly china plates. Oh, I suppose we could go laugh at the bidet.
Thorn: *Laughs a little.*
Kuja: No, I'll play the good host and give you the grand tour! *He put unnecessary emphasis on the last two words.* Thrilling.
Thorn: Shall we get it over with, if you're less than bothered about doing it?
Kuja: *Sighs a little.* I'm sorry Thorn, I'm being very awkward, aren't I? It's so boring to me because I lived here for good portion of my life, but it must be more exciting to an outsider.
Thorn: It's okay, I understand. I'd like to see your house anyway, if you don't mind too much.

*Kuja shows Thorn around the Greyfare Estate, giving explanations for the many rooms and passageways it holds. Notable places include a beautiful kitchen, with a well-stocked pantry full of exotic food; a games room, complete with a pool and bridge table; and an orchard of apple trees behind a Koi carp pond in the house grounds. At the end of the tour, Kuja and Thorn are back at the base of the stairs.*
Thorn: You sure are lucky, having this great house.
Kuja: Do you think so?
Thorn: *Nods.* It's really interesting.
Kuja: Well, perhaps one day we'll get sick of the castle and move in here.
Thorn: Yeah, maybe.
Tabitha: *Wriggles free of Kuja's clothes and drops to the floor. She zips up the stairs.*
Thorn: Oh!
Kuja: Etheraal on the loose! Tabitha, you pain, get back here! *Chases after her.*
Thorn: I'll help you! *Runs after them both.*

*They follow Tabitha into a small room that seems to have been abandoned for many years. It appears to be a study, as there is a solid, wooden desk at the far end, but all of the other items are stashed in cardboard boxes. These are objects such as paper documents and books, things you'd expect to find in a study, but also model kit airships. Tabitha has pulled a quill pen from one of the boxes and is licking the feather.*
Kuja: Hah... a quill pen, eh? So predictable...
Tabitha: Grrr... grr... *Looks like she's not going to give it up easily.*
Thorn: *Looks around, as if he'd quite like to peer into those boxes.* Whose room is this?
Kuja: It's my father's study. Mother kept all of his things, mine too, all neatly boxed up for us in case we ever came back and wanted them. *He takes a framed photograph from one of the boxes. It's a family portrait of Heather, Alexander and young Kuja. He suddenly looks very upset.* She told me it took her a long, long time to admit that we weren't coming back... to let us go…
Thorn: Kuja... *Puts his hand on Kuja's shoulder supportively.*
Kuja: *Clings to Thorn unexpectedly and starts to sob.* It's all my fault...! It's my fault mother is alone! I... I didn't hate father and I didn't mean to kill him. *Cries some.* And you know what, Thorn? I miss him!
Thorn: *Holds him close. He looks as if he feels very sorry for Kuja.* Kuja... It's not your fault and I'm sure your father knows you didn't intend to kill him. It's just one of these things that happened...
Kuja: *Leans against Thorn and just cries.*
Tabitha: *Looks up at Kuja and droops her ears. She whines.*
Thorn: *Holds Kuja close and strokes his hair a little.*
*Thorn eventually manages to calm Kuja down. Later, they have dinner with Heather and Violet. It was a very good meal prepared by a hired cook, once again showing how well off the Greyfares really are. That night, Kuja doesn't bother giving Thorn one of the many spare rooms, as he asks him to sleep in his bed. Thorn doesn't seem to mind at all.*

*The next morning, Thorn is woken by the sound of low growling at the foot of the bed.*
Thorn: *Opens his eyes.* ...Uh?
*Stood on the bed are Tabitha and an ancient, overweight white Persian cat with a diamond collar. They are yowling at each other.*
Thorn: Oh, I guess that's Duchess. *Goes to pick up Tabitha.* C'mon, break it up.
*Tabitha struggles and kicks against Thorn, whilst Duchess saunters up the bed and snuggles against Kuja's face. Kuja wakes suddenly.*
Kuja: Bloody cat! OUT! *Shoves Duchess off the bed.*
Duchess: *Slinks out of the door.*
Thorn: Good morning.
Kuja: Yeah, great. What better way to start the day than almost choke on a cat? *Takes Tabitha from him.*
Thorn: I'm sure she's a very nice cat when it pleases her to be.
Kuja: And it never does. She's spoilt something rotten. *Gets out of bed.* I think we'll go looking for those crystals after breakfast.
Thorn: Sounds reasonable.

*After getting dressed, Kuja and Thorn head downstairs to have breakfast with Heather and Violet. They are already in the dining room, waiting for them. Duchess is sulking in her basket in a corner.*
Heather: Morning, boys. Sleep well?
Thorn: Yes, thanks. Duchess gave us a wake up call, though.
Heather: Oh, how cute.
Kuja: *Sits at the table.* Yeah, so cute I want to wring her neck.
Thorn: He doesn't mean it.
Violet: So Duchess went round all the rooms this morning?
Heather: Oh Vi, haven't you figured it out yet? Kuja and Thorn were woken by the cat at the same time because they slept together. They're... you know... *Giggles.*
Violet: Ohhh...
Thorn: Yes. Like that.
Kuja: Don't embarrass me, mother.
Heather: Sorry. *Passes them the toast rack.* So, what are you two doing today?
Kuja: We need some fuel for my airship and around here is the only place I know you can get it from.
Heather: Your ship? Is it still the same one, your father's, The Fortune or whatever it's called?
Thorn: The Destiny, that's the one.
Kuja: Yes, but we had to come on The Fate this time, as The Destiny's out of fuel.
Heather: I thought that cute little ship you came on was a lot smaller than the one I remembered.
Tabitha: *Climbs on to the table and starts licking the spoon that was in the marmalade.*
Thorn: It's a good job I didn't want any of that, you scamp. *Smiles.*
Violet: Now if you two boys behave yourself, maybe when you get back, you'll find Heather has baked one of her famous chocolate cakes.
Heather: Ooh, that's a nice idea. Kuja always loved my cakes, so I'm sure you will too, Thorn.
Thorn: I hope so. *Smiles.*
Kuja: Oh, you will. It'll give us an incentive to get this job done today.

*After breakfast, Thorn and Kuja take The Fate north a small distance to the Wrae mountain range. They have to land at the base, as there's nowhere at the summit where they can put the airship. The Etheraal cave is high in the cliffs, up paths far too steep and treacherous to walk. They exit the ship and look up.*
Thorn: It's still a long way up. I hope Etheraals don't get vertigo.
Kuja: It'd be silly if they did, considering they make their homes high up in volcanoes. *Shields his eyes from the sun.* It looks like we'll have to fly up there. Levitation! *A stream of light weaves around him and he rises into the air.*
Thorn: *Spreads his wings wide and flies up after Kuja.*

*They reach the cave and enter it. The cave is filthy and the air reeks of blood. The Etheraals are all gathered in the centre of the cave, feasting on the wings from a flock of geese. They haven't yet noticed Thorn and Kuja, as they are busy eating. It may be notable that all the Etheraals seem to be full grown; there are no young ones.*
Kuja: *Whispers to Thorn.* The crystals will be deep in the volcano. Getting past the Etheraals might not be easy...
Thorn: *Whispers back.* Think it would be a good idea to put them to sleep?
Kuja: *Quietly.* It might be advisable... But can you can you knock out a group this size?
Thorn: I don't know, but it's worth a shot, right?
Kuja: *Nods.*
Thorn: *Holds his hands out towards the Etheraals.* Take a nap!
*The Etheraals tumble backwards, falling asleep.*
Thorn: *Smiles as if he wasn't entirely expecting that to work and is pleasantly surprised.*
Kuja: Don't just stand there, come on! *Walks past the Etheraals and goes deeper into the cave.*
Thorn: *Goes with him.*

*They walk a few metres down the passage, then suddenly hear growling behind them.*
Thorn: Uh oh...
Kuja: I don't think your spell worked as well as we would've hoped...
Thorn: Do we have a Plan B?
Kuja: I'm trying to think of one now...!
*Three large Etheraals close in on them, snarling and gnashing their teeth.*
Thorn: Can't you tell them to leave us alone?
Kuja: I don't think they'll listen to me. Etheraals aren't the most social creatures, so they're pretty unfriendly even to their own kind. Hunting isn't the only reason why there's so few of them left!
*The Etheraals are about to strike when Tabitha leaps out of Kuja's clothes. They quickly back off.*
Thorn: Oh!
Kuja: Thanks, Tabitha. Thorn, thank you too for not breaking out the spells when things looked bad. As I said, there's too few Etheraals left to go recklessly killing them.
Thorn: That's okay.
*The Etheraals start fussing Tabitha. One begins washing her ears. Kuja goes to them and starts communicating with them. Thorn watches the Etheraals carefully.*
Kuja: I see...
Thorn: What?
Kuja: So that's why they didn't kill us. They won't attack Etheraal children or their nursing parents. *Looks around.* You may have noticed, other than Tabitha, there are no baby Etheraals here...
Thorn: Oh, I see. Lucky she came with us.
Kuja: It's strange, though. After the mating season, you'd expect there to be a lot of young Etheraals around...
Thorn: You think someone came and took them?
Kuja: I'll ask them. *Growls to the Etheraals and listens to their response.* No, they say none of them had any children because something is frightening them. Something deep in the caves is disturbing their habitat so they won't breed.
Thorn: *Raises an eyebrow.* That sounds bad. Maybe we should have a look.
Kuja: I think so too. We're heading that way as it is. Tabitha, you stay with these nice Etheraals and keep them happy, will you? *Strokes her.*
Tabitha: *Nuzzles his hand.*
Thorn: Let's go. *Heads off into the cave.*
Kuja: *Follows him.*

*The cave passage is hot and dark, but there is a tiny, flickering light in the distance ahead. This will probably be the centre of the volcano. The intense heat of the air around them reinforces this assumption.*
Kuja: It's a bit dark here, isn't it? *Holds up his hand.* Soleil! *The raised hand begins glowing like a torch.*
Thorn: It's also rather warm.
Kuja: It is a volcano. It's dormant right now, so let's hope it stays that way.
Thorn: I agree.
*They start walking.*
Kuja: These Trinstilon Crystals are big, white and glowy. You can't miss them.
*They travel further into the mountain. Ahead of them in the path is a small, soft shape, but in the low light it is impossible to see it. Kuja trips on it.*
Kuja: Wah!
Thorn: Kuja! Are you okay? *Goes and helps him up.*
Kuja: Yes, I'm fine. *Dusts himself off.* But what did I trip on? *Holds his hand-torch towards the ground, shining it on the mystery obstruction.* Oh my god...!
*It is the corpse of an Etheraal, but it is missing its face. Where its eyes, mouth and nose should be, there is just smooth skin.*
Thorn: That's... horrific!
Kuja: What the hell could have done this? Its face... it hasn't been torn off or anything, it's just... not there.
Thorn: I... I really don't know. I've never seen anything like this before.
Kuja: Whatever did this isn't going to get off lightly... *Starts walking again.*
Thorn: *Nods and follows him.*

*They go deeper still into the volcano. Strangely, the temperature suddenly drops significantly, and the fiery light ahead seems to be shaded by something.*
Thorn: Is it just me, or did things get cooler and dimmer just now?
Kuja: No, it's not just you... and I find that very odd, considering we're almost at the core of a volcano...
Thorn: That's why I was checking it wasn't just me going crazy again.
Kuja: Heheh, don't worry.
*Something slips past them suddenly. It's so quick, they only catch a glimpse of it out of the corner of their eyes, then it is gone.*
Kuja: What was that?
Thorn: I don't know, it was so fast that I only just saw it.
Kuja: Same here... *Looks ahead and spots a figure in the distance. He squints at it.* Look, Thorn, I think someone is up ahead.
Thorn: *Looks at it.* Oh yes, I see them.
Kuja: I wonder who it is.
Thorn: Me too. Do you think they might know something about that poor, faceless Etheraal?
Kuja: Let's go and ask them.
Thorn: I agree.
*They approach the figure and Kuja holds his torch up to them. They are an older man, with dark hair going silver with age and green eyes. They are wearing a white lab coat. It's... Alexander?*
Kuja: *Looks stunned.* No...