*The next morning, everyone is gathered in the main room. Laurenza is making a bit of an uproar about something. It seems a lot of items belonging to the gang have gone missing.*
Laurenza: *Holds up her tiara to show a section of it has been removed.* The emblem on my tiara has gone missing. Has anyone else lost something in the night?
Kuja: Yes, as a matter of fact, I have. My ring has gone walkabouts and I'm a bit pissed about it. It was pretty new.
Red: And my reading glasses have gone, too. I'm just glad I don't need them right now.
Tifanel: This ain't funny. I'm missin' a bandolier.
Thorn: I agree, my necklace has gone.
Rin: I believe my favourite whittling knife has been taken from my jacket pocket. This is quite an epidemic.
Laurenza: *Glares accusingly at Ryo, Vanda and Niko.* Well?
Vanda: Well what?
Laurenza: Where are they?
Vanda: Are you calling us thieves?
Tifanel: Well, none of the stuff was missin' before we came here!
Thorn: Let's not jump to conclusions, though...
Ryo: Yeah, cool it, you guys. Just look around ya. This place is full of lil' Demons, so they probably saw somethin' shiny and ran off with it.
Niko: *Looks apologetic.* Yes, they can be like magpies sometimes. We will have your things back before you go, so don't worry.
Kuja: ...Fine.
Red: I hope our things do turn up...
Vanda: Hey, we've got a little time before we have to make a move towards the temple, so why not look for your stuff now? If the Demons did take your things, they can't have gone far. They'll just be around the house somewhere.
Rin: A superb idea.
Laurenza: Yeah, let's start now, shall we?
Thorn: Let's.
Red: *Starts looking around for her glasses.*
*The rest of the gang join Red in the hunt. They start poking around in the nooks and crannies of the house for their missing things, in case the little Demons have stashed them there. Laurenza secretly splits off from the main search party and slips into Ryo's room. She starts quickly sifting through his things.*
Red: *She looks up and notices Laurenza isn't about. She wonders where she is for a moment before looking for her. After a little while, she finds her in Ryo's room.* Ahh, here you are.
Laurenza: *Jumps a little.* Oh, Red! I thought you were Ryo coming in for a moment. *Carries on rifling through his things.*
Red: Nope, it's me. I assume you think Ryo did it by the fact this is his stuff...
Laurenza: Yeah, don't you? I can't shake this feeling I've met him before and he's acting all shifty, so… Aha! *She takes out a small, gold and silver brooch. It has a white cat's head on it, the Rendemal family emblem.* Look here…!
Red: *She looks slightly surprised.* Well, well... I should've seen that coming. Has he anything else of ours too?
Laurenza: I'll have a look.
*At that moment, Ryo walks in.*
Ryo: What the hell d'ya think you're doin', going through my stuff like that?
Laurenza: *Thrusts the emblem towards him.* What are you doing with this? This belongs to my family. I knew you were the thief!
Ryo: No, you dozy cow! It was the emblem from your tiara that's missin', not your damn brooch. I've got that 'cos it's mine! *Takes off his shades, revealing sky blue eyes just like Laurenza's. His hair is now back to its natural colour and style, something he has not done for so long it makes him almost unrecognisable, but there's no hiding the family resemblance in his eyes. It's Li.*
Laurenza: *Gasps and drops the brooch in surprise.*
Red: *Looks surprised.* It's you!
Laurenza: Li... Does Emilio know it's you?
Ryo: No, we all started over, remember? *Sighs.* Now do ya see why I wanted you to go? You said if you ever saw me again, you'd have me killed!
Red: Oh yes... I nearly forgot about that.
Ryo: Hah, easy for you. You don't have a royal warrant ordering your death.
Laurenza: Li, I never thought I'd see you like this. I never expected to see you doing good!
Ryo: People can change, Laurenza! After all you've been through, after all you've seen, I thought you of all people would know that... *Leaves the room.*
Red: Well... I certainly didn't expect to see Li here...
Laurenza: Me neither... Oh, this has made things really awkward. I don't think we should tell the others. It'd only cause trouble...
Red: *Nods.* True, we don't want to set Tifanel off…
Laurenza: Yeah, that would be bad...

*Laurenza and Red rejoin the others. 'Ryo' has put his sunglasses back on and none of them speak of what just happened. It seems none of the missing items have been retrieved yet.*
Tifanel: *Turns to the girls.* You guys had any luck? We haven't found anythin'.
Red: *Shakes head.* Nope, no luck.
Kuja: Darn...
Vanda: You'll have to call of the search for a while, 'cos it's time for us to go.
Thorn: Oh, right. Good job we don't desperately need any of the items, isn't it?
Red: *Laughs a little.* I might need to read something...
Niko: I think you'll be all right. As long as you can fight, you won't have a problem.
Red: I'll be fine.
Ryo: Let's get this show on the road.
*Leaving Niko behind, they follow Ryo and Vanda towards the temple.*

*They soon arrive to find it is perhaps a crumbling shell of its former glory. A handful of Manjimau are milling around in the overgrown grass outside. There is no sign of any Hallowed Knights.*
Vanda: Good, it looks like we got here before the Hallowed Knights. Most of the Manjimau will be inside the temple, I think.
Red: Let's make a move, then.
Ryo: Okay. My team, with me, into the temple.
*Just before they manage to split up, a group of Hallowed Knights spring out from hiding places behind bushes and trees. They are led by a tall man with flowing, pale blue hair and red-brown eyes. His uniform, unlike the others, has a shiny silver leaf on it, suggesting higher rank.*
Man: *Steps towards them slowly.* Those who are bound to the path of darkness, yet refuse to turn to the light, prepare to be cleansed by the white hands of Amyrian...
Red: ...Oh boy.
Kuja: I thought we were shot of that annoying catchphrase, but no such luck...
Red: Pity.
Ruther: Warrior-Priest Ruther Philan, reporting for duty. The oracle told me you would be coming, heathens. You're not helping these vile Demons!
*The other Knights draw their spears. Half of them form a protective formation around Ruther. The rest guard the temple entrance.*
Ryo: Right, it's on now! Like I said before, my team... head for the temple! We can take these guys out.
Tifanel: Yeah! *Unsheathes his blade.* I've been spoilin' for a fight! *Goes with Ryo towards the temple.*
Laurenza: Well, here goes. See the rest of you later. *Joins up with Ryo and Tifanel.*
Red: Good luck, you lot. *Goes with Laurenza, Ryo and Tifanel.*
*The Hallowed Knights on the threshold of the temple raise their spears.*
H. Knight: By the powers of light, you shall not pass!
Red: Oh, can't you just go away?
Laurenza: I had enough of you lot the last time we came to Palamoor. I'll show you the power of light! *Draws Windsong and holds it high.* Shining Blade! *Her sword glows with white power, making it appear twice the size. She strikes a couple of Hallowed Knights and knocks them out.*
*The rest of the Hallowed Knights start charging towards them, spears poised.*
Tifanel: Hey Red. A little support fire would be nice right now, if ya catch my drift.
Red: Yeah, I'm catching it. *She draws her pistols out their holsters and takes aim at the Hallowed Knights, shooting several of them, and injuring them enough to render them useless in their positions.*
Ryo: Lemme give ya a hand there. *Holds out his hand and the sparkling image of a crossbow appears in it.* Shining Arrow! *Many bolts of white energy join Red's bullets in the assault on the Hallowed Knights.*
Tifanel: *Looks a little surprised by the spell for some reason and watches it with curious interest, taking his eyes off the remaining Hallowed Knights.*
*One of the Hallowed Knights that is still in action clobbers the distracted Tifanel around the head.*
Red: Tif, shift a little to your left, will ya? *Takes aim and shoots at the Knight that hit Tifanel.*
Laurenza: And try paying a bit more attention so you don't get hit like that...
Tifanel: *Rubs his head.* Yeah, sorry...
Red: It's okay, just watch yourself...
Ryo: We don't have time to be cleanin' up your spattered brains from the floor. Okay, the Knights have been cleared out, so let's move.
*They go inside the temple.*

*The action switches back to Vanda's squad who remained outside. They are also facing off against a group of Hallowed Knights. Ruther is behind his subordinates, so to get to him, they will have to defeat them.*
Kuja: Don't these people have better things to do than get beaten silly by us?
Thorn: I guess not.
Ruther: My men are protected by the highest power. They will not fall to the likes of you!
*A Hallowed Knight rushes towards Rin. Rin just stands there quite casually, so the Knight stops his charge in surprise.*
Rin: Hello there. *Takes a small bottle from inside his jacket. He carefully unscrews the top and pours the contents in a circle around the Knight's feet.* There we go.
H. Knight: *Stands there, seeing nothing has happened, and laughs at Rin. Suddenly, the ground explodes beneath him and he falls into a large hole.*
Rin: Fabulous. *Takes hold of his giant bottle weapon.* Would anyone else care for a drink?
*The Hallowed Knights look a bit nervous and focus on the others instead.*
Thorn: *Holds his hand out towards the Hallowed Knights.* Centé! *He casts the fire spell at them, scorching them.*
*A lot of the Hallowed Knights have their cloaks set on fire. They run around like headless chickens for a moment, before taking them off and stomping on them. Blackened and angry, they go for Kuja this time.*
Kuja: *Dodges their flying spears as best he can as he casts a spell. A strange Magick circle formed of unrecognisable runes spreads beneath him.* Foulest ghouls come grasping from the abyss... Nightmare Spectre! *Ghastly images of monsters surrounded the Hallowed Knights. They shoot dark energy from their mouths at them.*
Rin: *Watches Kuja's spell in action with a strange expression on his face.*
*Most of the Hallowed Knights have run away or been struck down by now. Only one remains. He goes to strike Vanda, but she gives him a swift kick to the genitals. He joins his comrades on the ground. Ruther is now on his own.*
Thorn: Just one left now. What do you think we should do with him, guys?
Kuja: I don't know... I was thinking maybe have a tea party with him...
Ruther: *Smiles.* Well done. You beat my men thoroughly, so I commend you on your skill. I was hoping you wouldn't die so easily. It has been a while since I've had a good fight... *Draws twin spears that have lethal-looking points and crosses them. His eyes darken.* May Amyrian's light shine on your path all the way to the afterlife!

*Back inside the temple, Ryo and the others are making their way through it, looking for the resident Manjimau.*
Ryo: We need to find and rescue the Manjimau. They could anywhere in these temple ruins.
Red: I'd imagine they'll be pretty far in, as it'll be more sheltered there, right?
Tifanel: Yeah, that makes sense. It shouldn't be too hard to find 'em, then.
Laurenza: At least there's none of those Hallowed Knights in here.
*Two Hallowed Knights jump down from the ceiling.*
Laurenza: ...Why did I open my big mouth?
Red: Murphy's Law, isn't it?
H. Knight: Halt! You are not authorised to enter this place. Leave now or be smote by the mighty power of Amyrian!
Tifanel: I'm more than sick of these guys...
Red: I agree... *She draws her pistols out their holsters once more.* How about you try doing the leaving this time, hm?
H. Knight: Not a chance! *Looks like he is going to strike Red, but it was just a feint to catch them off guard. He throws his spear at Ryo instead, striking his shoulder.*
Ryo: Argh! *Stumbles backwards.*
Laurenza: Li!
Tifanel: What? *Is distracted by Laurenza calling out 'Li,' giving the other Knight the chance to throw his spear at him too. He is also struck.* Damn...!
Red: *Looks rather angry that her friends are getting hurt and she takes shots at both the Knights.* You guys just don't know when to quit, do you?
Laurenza: *Is upset too.* Looks like we'll have to teach you! *Slashes at them with her sword.*
*The Hallowed Knights are defeated.*
Laurenza: *Crouches near Tifanel and Ryo.* Are you two okay? Let me heal you.
Tifanel: Don't worry about me. My wound will heal itself pretty quickly. But why did you call Ryo 'Li…?'
Red: Come on, Tif, admit it. His jerkoffish attitude reminds you of Li, doesn't it?
Tifanel: Yeah... I guess so, but...
Ryo: Don't bother, Red. I ain't gonna hide it anymore. *Takes of his sunglasses.* It's me, Tif... It's Li.
Tifanel: *Looks stunned but doesn't say anything. He is then suddenly on his feet, with his sword poised at Ryo.*
Ryo: *Is just fast enough to block Tifanel with his own sword, unmistakably Li's custom broadsword, Loretta.*
Laurenza: Oh no...
Red: Oh no is right...
Tifanel: Bastard... You're dead!
Ryo: Tif, stop it!
Laurenza: Tif...
Red: Now isn't the time or place, really...
Tifanel: *Doesn't seem to be listening. He smiles in a nasty way.* Royal decree, Li... If I ever saw you again, I'm supposed to kill you. And you know I'm very loyal to my Queen…
Ryo: This is why ya should've gone home when I told you to!
Tifanel: And miss out on this pleasure? *Pushes his sword hard against Li's.* No way!
Laurenza: I don't think he's listening to us...
Red: He might listen to you... After all, he's most loyal to you.
Laurenza: True, but I think he's only following the orders that appeal to him right now...
Ryo: *Holds Tifanel off the best he can.* I know you're mad at me 'cos of all the things I did and I don't blame ya, but can't ya see I've finally started tryin' to atone for 'em?
Tifanel: *Sneers.* Yeah, sure. I You're just usin' Niko and Vanda, like you used the Hallowed Knights for your own means… I bet you're hopin' Vanda will think you're some kinda hero and put out!
Ryo: Shut up! *Sends a spell at Tifanel, involving two white doves flying from his free hand. Their tail feathers produce a trail of energy that strikes Tifanel and knocks him back.*
Laurenza: Ouch, poor Tifanel. But... if we tried to break their fight up, we'd probably only get hurt ourselves...
Red: Sad but true... unless I shoot at them. But I don't want them to get shot, so...
*Tifanel jumps up and launches himself at Ryo. They lock in close combat, striking at each other and trying to parry the other's attacks. As he has always been, Tifanel is the faster and stronger of the two. Ryo sends another spell at Tifanel and he backflips out of its path. He then rolls around the back of Ryo and kicks him down.*
Tifanel: *Stands over Ryo.* Say goodnight, old pal...! *Drives his sword downwards into Ryo's chest. However, instead of piercing his flesh, the sword clanks against him hard and the tip is bent out of shape.* What the...?!
Red: *To Laurenza.* How'd he do that?
Laurenza: I really don't know...
Ryo: *Pushes Tifanel away and runs off further into the temple.*
Tifanel: Li!
Laurenza: I think we'd best get after him...
Red: I agree. Let's go. *Heads after him.*
*Tifanel and Laurenza follow. Tifanel, being fast and agile, quickly catches up with Ryo. He is just about to grab him when Ryo falls over.*
Tifanel: Li?
Ryo: *Gets up and starts trying to run again, but one of his legs has gone completely stiff, so he can only drag it along the ground.*
Red: Li? Are you okay?
Laurenza: What's wrong with you?
Ryo: Nothing...! Just leave me here. *Glares at Tifanel.* You obviously can get by without me, considerin' ya wanted to kill me so badly. Go on, get the Manjimau and go back to your new best friend, Tif!
Tifanel: *Smirks a little.* Jealous, are we?
Laurenza: Stop it, you two. *Realises something.* Oh! The Manjimau! Yes, we'll save the Manjimau and get Li out of here. *Looks sternly at Tifanel.* Alive.
Red: I almost forgot them, too.
Tifanel: Yeah... *Looks a bit guilty.* C'mon, then.

*Back outside, the others have started a battle with Ruther.*
Ruther: *Holds his crossed spears towards the gang.* Airas, with blades of air, sharpen my will! *He twirls the spears and they begin to glow. A spiral of air rushes out from the weapons' tips and blasts them.*
*Vanda and Rin are blown right over. Kuja shields himself with his Magick and manages to stay standing. Thorn follows Kuja's lead and shields himself with Magick, too.*
Rin: *Pulls his scarf down, as it was blown up into his face, and hauls himself back to his feet.* My, that was unpleasant.
Vanda: *Gets up.* You're telling me.
Ruther: That was merely a taste of the power Amyrian has blessed with me.
Kuja: Hey, just a minute... I thought Amyri'ites were against using Magick.
Thorn: Those in power always fancy themselves above the law...
Vanda: You got that right. They say that common people using Magick is bad and that only the High Priests and the elite should be allowed to use it.
Thorn: *Shakes head.* Hypocrites. C'mon, let's deal with this guy.
Kuja: Just what I've been wanting to do. *Points his fingers at Ruther in a 'gun' gesture.* Oh raging fire that eradicates the evil... Come forth and purify the corrupt one! Flaming Arrow! *An arrow-shaped flame is shot towards Ruther.*
Ruther: How foolish, for I am the force of good! Yaewyth, of storming tides, quell this evil! *Once again, he spins his spears and they glow. This time, they create a pillar of water that quenches Kuja's spell.*
Rin: Oh... quite disappointing. I thought he was going to be toasted...
Thorn: Don't worry, Rin. He still might be toasted. *He holds a hand in the air.* Element of Fire, bring your fury! Power of rain and fire, be combined! Fire Rain! *The sky glows a brilliant scarlet and large fireballs shower down.*
Ruther: Divine Goddess, of pure intentions, protect me from harm! *His whirling, shining spears create a Magickal barrier that shields him from the spell for its duration.* You like your fire, don't you? You'll burn in the scorching flames of Hell! Solatis, of burning desire, ignite my passion! *His own fire spell is produced by his spears. Flames rush towards the gang.*
Kuja: *Dodges them with a Magick-aided jump.*
Vanda: *Squeals a little and runs out of the way.*
Thorn: *Holds a hand out in a 'stop' motion.* Freeze!
*The flames stop just short of barbequing Rin. They linger in the air before him and singe the tips of his hair.*
Rin: You burnt my hair... *Looks furious.* How very rude! *Jumps towards Ruther and starts beating him with his bottle.*
Ruther: Oof...! Agh! Fiaran, with frozen wings, harden my defences! *His spears build an ice wall around him, which Rin continues to assault with his bottle.*
Vanda: Heh... I didn't expect Rin to do that...
Thorn: He did burn Rin's hair...
Vanda: Hee hee, how impolite of him! *Watches Rin trying to break his way through Ruther's ice fort.* You know, Thorn, I've noticed something...
Thorn: Hm?
Vanda: Doesn't it look like all of Ruther's Magick comes from his spears?
Kuja: Hmm... She's got a point. Every time he casts a spell, the spears glow for a moment...
Thorn: Is that so? Then let's deal with this problem at the source, shall we?
Vanda: Right! I'll help Rin... distract Ruther. You go for the goods. *Joins Rin in attacking the ice.*
Kuja: We'll need to blast through his ice barrier and destroy those spears...
Thorn: Right. *He nods and draws the ManusBlade.* Ignis! *His ManusBlade transforms into a column of fire and he starts attacking the ice with it.*
*He melts a hole through the ice barrier, giving him a clear shot at Ruther's spears.*
Thorn: Ah ha! *He points straight at the spears.* Decay!
*The spears crumble away to mere dust in Ruther's hands.*
Ruther: You...! What have you done to my blessed weapons?
Thorn: Crumbled them away to nothing.
*The rest of Ruther's ice shield vanishes.*
Ruther: *Looks very, very scared.* Oh heck...
Rin: *Clobbers him one with his bottle, making him collapse to the ground.*
Thorn: Nice one, Rin.
Rin: Why thank you. I was a little upset about him damaging my hair.
Kuja: I never knew you were so vain.
Rin: It's not vanity, friend. Call it... pride in my appearance.
Thorn: Rin, that's the same thing...
Rin: Oh.
*At that moment, the others come out of the temple with the rescued Manjimau pups. Tifanel is helping Ryo walk, as it seems he is finding it very difficult to do on his own.*
Vanda: Heya everyone, I see you got the Manjimau all right. We beat Ruther too! *Notices Ryo.* Ryo! What's wrong?
Ryo: I'm fine... Don't worry about me.
Vanda: You're obviously not fine... What happened in there?
Laurenza: Tif and Ryo had a bit of a fight...
Red: Just a bit...
Tifanel: Yeah, but I didn't attack him in the legs! I don't think our fight had anythin' to do with this...
Thorn: Strange...Perhaps there was something wrong with it already?
Vanda: Let's get him back to the safe house. We've rescued the Manjimau and kicked some Hallowed Knights butt, so we can get out of here.

*They head back to the safe house. Niko is waiting there for them.*
Niko: Was it a success?
Laurenza: We've brought back all the Manjimau.
Kuja: And I don't think Ruther Philan will be bothering you for a long time.
Thorn: Hopefully not.
Niko: Hooray!
Vanda: Niko, go put these pups with Fred, will you?
Niko: Of course. *Takes the little Manjimau through to another room.*
Vanda: *Turns to the others.* Wait here a second... *She goes to another room for a moment, then comes back with all the stolen items that belong to the gang.*
Thorn: Those are... ours...
Kuja: So you're the thief after all.
Vanda: No I'm not! Niko is...
Red: He is?
Vanda: Yeah, he's a kleptomaniac but he doesn't know it. He takes things without realising he does it... I haven't the heart to tell him, 'cos we don't go into people's pasts here, remember? I always cover up for him and return the stuff he takes.
Red: It was probably some kind of coping mechanism from being a Hallowed Knight. I'd probably turn to crime if I had to spend any amount of time with them, too.
Kuja: *Laughs.*
Red: I'm sure you would too, Kuja.
Laurenza: *Smiles some.* Well, whatever the reason, it's nice you do that for him.
Vanda: Of course. He's my friend. Now Ryo, how can I help you? You need to tell me what's wrong...
Ryo: *Shakes his head.* I need to talk to Rin and Tif in private...
*The three of them go outside, Tifanel again helping Ryo to walk.*

*Outside, Rin starts fashioning Ryo a good walking stick, much like his own, out of a strong branch from a tree with his returned whittle knife. The three of are standing on the peak of the cliff, feeling the breeze ruffle their hair.*
Tifanel: So, what's wrong, Li? Don't lie to us any more.
Rin: You seem to have developed quite a limp that could rival my own.
Ryo: Okay, I'll tell ya, as you're probably the only person who can help me. *Rolls up his sleeve, trouser leg and pulls down his collar. It shows his skin has become hard and grey like stone.*
Tifanel: *Looks surprised.* You're… you're turnin' back into the statue?
Ryo: Seems that way.
Rin: Oh goodness, my spell wasn't as powerful as I first imagined it to be. I'm terribly sorry, friend.
Ryo: Can't ya cast it again?
Rin: There'd be little point, as it would only wear off again in time.
Ryo: Then let me come back home with ya. You could keep it goin' permanently!
Tifanel: Not gonna happen, Li.
Ryo: *Scoffs.* What, don't tell me. 'Cos you've got orders to kill me?
Tifanel: Nah, I'll let ya off this time 'cos you're gettin' your comeuppance. This'll be worse than death…
Rin: A grudge is a terrible thing, my dear Tifanel.
Tifanel: Yeah, but I've forgiven Li way too many times in the past. I told myself I wouldn't let him get away with what he did…
Ryo: So you're just gonna let me get stuck in that damn statue again?
Tifanel: Seems that way. *Goes inside with Rin.*
Ryo: *Shouts after him.* How could you do this to me? My life is finally goin' in a direction I want it to! *Lowers his voice again.* I'm doin' good in the world… *Turns to face the precipice.* What about Vanda…?

*Back inside, Tifanel and Rin have joined the others. It's time for the gang to leave.*
Niko: Thank you ever so much for your help, everyone.
Vanda: We really appreciate it.
Thorn: Ah, no problem.
Red: All in a day's work.
Kuja: The bill will be in the post.
Laurenza: Kuja... *Shakes her head.*
Rin: No, this is the kind of thing we heroic types do from the bottom of our hearts.
Tifanel: Yeah, we he said.
Kuja: Where's Ryo? Typical. He's not even here to see us off or say thank you.
Vanda: Sorry. He's probably just gone off for a smoke, or something.
Thorn: Well, I'm sure he's grateful of our help, too.
Red: In a begrudging way, yes.
Laurenza: Hmm... Well, it looks like it's time for us to go.
Niko: Goodbye now, have a safe trip.
Thorn: Thank you.
*The gang bid their goodbyes to Niko and Vanda and board The Destiny for home.*

*Meanwhile, Ryo is staggering as fast he can away from the safe house, into the forest. He is finding movement increasingly difficult, as his body gradually returns to being the statue. He doesn't have any particular destination in mind, he just feels he has to get away.*
Ryo: I've gotta get away… I can't let Vanda see me like this…
*He finds that his feet have taken him deep into the forest, to Kayoko, the Kattsui Village. He feels this must have been his intention all along. He stumbles into the village square, resting on his walking stick, unable to go any further.*
Ryo: This is it… I can't move any more… I can feel it comin' on. Arrgh! *He changes fully into the statue once more.*
*A local Kattsui notices, with some confusion, the sudden reappearance of their missing idol statue.*
Kattsui: Mew…?
*Some days later, Vanda and Niko are out looking for Ryo. They are carefully picking their way through the forest.*
Vanda: RYO! Ryo, where are you?
Niko: *Looks around.* Ryo!
Vanda: Where could he have gone?
Niko: I could not say. At first, I thought he'd just gone for a walk, but it's been days… I hope nothing bad has happened to him.
Vanda: Don't say that, Niko, you'll make me nervous.
Niko: Sorry! Hey look, there's a small village up ahead! *Points towards Kayoko.*
*They enter the village. The Kattsui citizens are dancing around their deity statue, chanting and singing happily that it has finally returned. Niko and Vanda approach them, stopping in front of the statue.*
Vanda: Hey um, excuse me?
Niko: Have any of you… cat people… seen Ryo? Brown hair, blue eyes, medium height…
Kattsui: No one like that, mew. Not many humans come here.
Vanda: *Sighs.* Maybe he went back to his old life? If he doesn't come back to us soon… I guess we'll have to let him go.
Niko: I'll miss him. I was gonna tell him my real name soon…
Vanda: Me too. *Sadly.* I felt I could trust him… probably more than that…
Niko: I'm Emilio Nikolas, so I got 'Niko' from my last name.
Vanda: Yeah, I see. I'm Miranda Vancouver, 'Van' from my last name and 'da' from the end of my first. Good to meet you again. *Takes his hand.*
Niko: *Shakes hers.* I guess we should be getting back to the safe house. It's certainly going to be different without Ryo…
Vanda: Empty…
*The two of them leave the village and make their way out of the forest. A single tear falls from the statue's carved eye.*
Ryo: Li Ryong Rendemal. 'Ryo' from my middle name…