*A little time has passed since the gang's last adventure. Today, it is rainy and they are all gathered in TV Chamber. Lahrne and Kitzie are watching cartoons. Thorn has Kuja on his lap, who is reading a medical book. Laurenza is sat with Red and has Ana in her arms. Rin, looking quite recovered, is making eyes at Ares over his whittling project. Lierlo and Apathy are watching the rain patter against the window. Tifanel and Chiara are sat far apart, decidedly not looking at each other, as if they've fallen out. Chiara is dressing Tabitha in baby clothes for some reason.*
Kuja: Chiara, why are you dressing Tabitha? She's a Demon cub, if you haven't noticed. She doesn't want or need clothes.
Tifanel: *In a nasty way.* Because she's a daft girl.
Ares: What happened? Have you fallen out?
Red: Again.
Chiara: Yes we have, Ares, and you can tell Tifanel for me that his insults don't hurt me.
Ares: I'm pretty sure he heard you say that...
Tifanel: Don't take any notice. She's not talkin' to me, you see.
Laurenza: What's this all about?
Tifanel: Chi is mad with me 'cos she found out I had a tiny, insignificant crush on Red a while back. It's kinda stupid she's so angry about it considerin' I was over it real quickly.
Red: Should I be offended or flattered that you did?
Kuja: I'd be very offended. I'd say you're worth more than his immature, perverted affections.
Tifanel: Kuja, you're an asshole.
Red: Gosh, high praise indeed from Kuja.
Laurenza: It's nice he respects you so much, Red. It's not often you hear Kuja say nice things.
Lierlo: Well, that was really a compliment wrapped in an insult, so I suppose it balances out.
Red: Or something like that. Thanks, Kuja.
Kuja: *Smiles.*
Tifanel: *Looks a bit annoyed.* Yeah whatever, so what I was saying was she's pissed about this stupid lil' crush I had.
Chiara: Ares, you can ask Tif that if this crush was so stupid and little, why does he still keep her picture in his sock drawer?
Red: You keep my picture in your sock drawer? Okay, that's starting to border on creepy.
Tifanel: Look, I'd just forgotten it was there, okay? It was under all my socks!
Thorn: Maybe you could give it to Laurenza instead. I'm sure she'd have better use for it now and Chiara will forgive you.
Red: You hope.
Laurenza: You should, Chiara. This is silly and childish.
Lierlo: It doesn't matter who Tifanel used to have affections for or not. What matters now is that he cares for you.
Daimonion: *Appears in the room, holding one of Tifanel's DIY hammers.* Shall I knock some sense into her? *Looks hopeful.*
Red: Don't you dare, you rotten little bastard.
Chiara: *Backs off from the hammer.* Yeah, I've forgiven him! Don't worry!
*Just then, there's a knock on the door.*
Tifanel: Heh heh, for once I don't have to get that. Go on, Dai.
Daimonion: I hope you trip on your sword and impale yourself on it. *Goes to answer the door.*
Rin: That Daimonion certainly isn't very amiable, now is he?
Red: Of course not. He never has been.
*They hear the door open and some people talking, before they walk inside. Heather and Alexander are shown into the room by Daimonion, who then takes his leave. Alexander looks particularly excited for some reason, taking in his surroundings eagerly.*
Kuja: *Looks surprised to see them.* Father? Mother? What are you doing here?
Heather: Sorry about just turning up like this, but after I told Alex where you lived, he insisted we come and visit you.
Laurenza: *Seems a little confused.* But Kuja, I thought your father was...
Kuja: *Nonchalantly.* Dead? Oh, as a doornail, yes. This isn't my real father.
Red: Not one to beat around the bush, are you?
Kuja: Well, it's true.
*Alexander's tail slips out and starts wagging enthusiastically.*
Kitzie: *Gasps.* He has a tail! Oooh!
Ares: A tail? What is he?
Kuja: He's a Shadowkin... some kind of shadow Demon that can take the memories and likeness of a person and become them, or something. Hmm, well... I suppose for all intents and purposes, he is my father.
Ares: Oh, I see. Nice to meet you.
Alexander: Yes, hello. *Seems slightly distracted for some reason.*
Chiara: A Shadowkin, huh? That sounds kinda weird, but I guess it's nice to have a replacement dad if you lose yours.
Lahrne: It's no fun losing a parent...
Thorn: But it is nice to have someone be a replacement, right?
Lahrne: Maybe...
Lierlo: *Looks thoughtful.* Shadowkin... I think I know the legend of them. They're supposedly a race created a long time ago from the offspring of the great shadow lord Eclis and the forest spirit Nassara.
Apathy: An ancient and peaceful race that doesn't often enter our world...
Alexander: *Looks around the room, mumbling quietly to himself.* Perfect... this place is perfect.
Ares: Shadows and plants? I guess they must love dark forests, then.
Thorn: I'm kind of not surprised. It can be very tranquil, deep in the woods. It's nice to go and meditate out in a place like that sometimes.
Heather: Alex, come over here and talk to Kuja, you silly man. *Turns to Kuja.* So how have you been?
Kuja: I'm okay. Father will be pleased, because I've decided to study to become a doctor.
Heather: Oh, that's a wonderful idea, isn't it Alex?
*Alexander remains quiet, still looking eagerly around the room, with his tail going thump thump thump against the floor.*
Thorn: Well, I think it's a good idea, anyway.
Red: Just work on your bedside manner first, won't you?
Tifanel: *Laughs some.*
Kuja: Yes, all right...
Laurenza: Kuja, is your father okay? He seems a little... distracted.
Chiara: *Waves at Alexander.* Hey Mr. Kuja's dad man?
Alexander: *Suddenly rushes out the room.*
Heather: *Shakes her head and sighs.* I don't know what's gotten into him. When I told him you lived in a big, Magickal castle like this he practically dragged me here to see it. I know he's excited, because he can never keep his tail hidden when he is… It's a little awkward sometimes. But I don't know why he's acting so strange, though...
Ares: Maybe he's just happy to meet us.
Rin: Unfortunately, I didn't really get that impression. He seemed quite indifferent to us, but vastly interested in the castle itself.
Kuja: Well, I'm going to go see what his problem is.
Thorn: Okay then.

*Heather picks up Tabitha, whilst Kuja and Thorn go after Alexander. Lierlo and Apathy also look interested, so they follow them. They find him standing by the fountain in the entrance hall.*
Kuja: Father, what's the matter with you?
Alexander: This place...
Thorn: What about it?
Alexander: This castle… It's absolutely bristling with Magickal energy. Can't you feel it? Magick... and Magickal things... They're drawn here...
Lierlo: Well, Castle Medra is a mostly Magickal construction.
Thorn: And pretty much everyone here is of a Magickal persuasion.
Alexander: This is the perfect spot. Come, everyone, come on through! *He spreads his arms and his tendrils extend.*
*A shimmering portal suddenly opens over the fountain, and a huge wave of water rushes out, flooding the entire hall. Hordes of Shadowkin come leaping out along with it, some more visible than others. They mostly look like small animals, but with thorny bits or tendrils made of shadows. They swarm all over the castle.*
Kuja: *Gets drenched.* Oh, just look at my clothes...!
Thorn: *Tries not to step on any of the little creatures.* Laurenza isn't going to be pleased about this.
*Lierlo and Apathy, being fire Spirits, look a little pathetic soaked through.*
Lierlo: I can't say we are either...
Apathy: *Pulls a face and lifts a shadow creature off his shoulders. *
*The rest of the gang come rushing into the hall.*
Tifanel: What the heck is goin' on?
Laurenza: What's all this water... and all these things?
Red: Did... someone leave the bath running?
Apathy: Mr. Greyfare is to blame. They all came through a portal he summoned.
Kuja: What on Dalimoor are you doing, father?
Alexander: As I said before, my world is being destroyed. This castle has a powerful Magickal centre, so it seemed like the perfect place to able to forge a strong link with my realm to help save the last of my people.
Kuja: *Looks annoyed.* Did you have to flood the castle whilst doing it?
Alexander: How was I supposed to know that would happen? I didn't ask them to bring a bloody river with them!
Red: What are we going to do with them now, then?
Kitzie: Can't we keep them?
Laurenza: *Shakes her head.* It's like the Manjimau thing. They can't stay here.
Kuja: Thanks for asking us first before you did this, father.
Alexander: Look, I'm sorry. I got carried away.
Thorn: It's okay. We'll deal with it.
Red: Somehow.
Rin: I'm certain Daimonion will clear up this water for us, if only grudgingly.
Alexander: And don't worry about the Shadowkin. They'll find their own places to live in this world, just like I did. I just... I just had to help them the last of them out as quickly as I could. The Shadow Realm is being destroyed… our beautiful and peaceful home, torn apart at the seams. It's not fair… we've never harmed anyone else, why do we deserve this?
Ares: Who's doing it?
Alexander: The ancient enemy of all. I will not speak their name.
Tifanel: Well, that's helpful...
Kuja: That's what he said last time. You won't get him to elaborate.
Chiara: Well, whoever's doing it sounds mean. They shouldn't bust up someone else's world!
Ares: I agree.
Heather: In that case, I'm glad you got out, Alex.
Alexander: Those of us who can escape already have. You saw me let out the last of them. That only leaves our King, but he cannot leave...
Laurenza: Your King?
Alexander: Yes. He is kind and generous, and everyone respects him. He's truly a great leader.
Thorn: Why can't he leave?
Kuja: Is it a bit like the captain going down with the ship, so he has to stay even as his world falls apart around him?
Alexander: *Shakes his head.* No, I mean he literally can't leave. He's unable to move on his own.
Red: Oh. Why?
Alexander: He's just not very mobile.
Lierlo: *Thinks for a moment.* Do you think we should help him?
Chiara: We can't leave him alone as his world ends...
Thorn: No, because not only would he perish, the shadow people would also be without a ruler.
Laurenza: You're right. Let's go and rescue him.
Alexander: Would you? Thank you ever so. We… we really don't want him to die. But… it might be difficult to move him. Because of how he is, he can't use portals and he can't be teleported by standard means.
Tifanel: Aw, damn...
Kuja: Well, what about bringing him on The Destiny?
Red: That sounds like it should work.
Alexander: Yes, well, if you are to do this, you should do it quickly. The paths between our worlds are collapsing as we speak.
Thorn: Let's go then.

*Heather stays behind to look after Ana, Kitzie, Lahrne and Tabitha. The rest of the gang heads out to The Destiny along with Alexander. As The Destiny takes off, the Shadowkin form a circle in the air above it. Between them, they summon a portal that The Destiny flies through. As they are passing through the dimensions, they talk.*
Kuja: So father, how have you been settling in to life with mother?
Alexander: It's been difficult adapting to human life, but I'm enjoying my time with her.
Ares: What kind of stuff have you been doing?
Chiara: Ares! Isn't that a little personal?
Ares: What? Oh! I didn't think of it like that!
Tifanel: Heh heh heh...
Alexander: Well... that sort of thing aside... we've been doing normal things for human couples. Taking walks together, romantic picnics in the park... You get the idea.
Thorn: That sounds nice.
Alexander: It is. *Looks around.* You know, Kujata, I can't say I like the colour you've painted The Destiny.
Lierlo: I suppose bright purple can't be to everyone's taste...
Red: There's worse.
Ares: Lime green?
Red: Yeah, that's pretty vomit inducing.
Tifanel: Or shocking pink. Remember that tacky honeymoon resort on Palamoor?
Chiara: Aw, but Fidea is cute!
Red: If your idea of cute involves being tacky, then yes.
*They laugh a little, then there is a moment of silence, before Alexander sighs some.*
Thorn: What's the matter?
Alexander: I was just thinking about our King. Even if we can get him through to your world, he won't able to integrate into society as easily as the rest of our kind.
Laurenza: Oh, why's that?
Alexander: You'll see when you meet him. But it's mainly because he relies on the habitat and climate of our world. The Shadow Realm is a Demonic realm… part of the Underworld but not actually in Hell. *Smiles some.* I suppose you could call it a suburb of Hell. It is a world locked in a permanent twilight, the point between light and darkness where shadows can thrive. Despite that, it is full of sunshine and life, water and flora spread throughout the whole world. It rains frequently and is never too cold. These are the conditions we need to survive, our King especially...
Thorn: Oh, I see. That is quite specific, isn't it?
Apathy: It is.
Lierlo: It also sounds fascinating to see, though. I'm looking forward to arriving there.
Laurenza: Me too. It sounds beautiful.
Kuja: So you can't live anywhere else in the Underworld?
Alexander: *Shakes his head.* Places like Hell are too hot, the Netherworld is too dark... Believe me, we've considered the options.
Ares: Oh, that's really a shame.
Thorn: But will our world be suitable for you?
Alexander: I'm getting on okay.
Laurenza: I hope there's a place somewhere that will be suitable.
Red: I'm sure there will be.
*They hear something drumming against the outside of The Destiny that sounds a bit like hail.*
Ares: Is that hail...?
Kuja: In a portal? I don't think so. You don't get weather in here.
Tifanel: Then, uh, what is that?
Alexander: It's the portal itself. It must be falling apart. Our world has little time left...
Thorn: I hope we make it okay, then.
Chiara: Me too. Can't you make the ship go faster?
Kuja: Of course. Hang on to your underdrawers. *Goes to the controls and increases the speed.*

*They reach the Shadow Realm just as the portal completely collapses behind them. They crash land into the ground and are jolted about a bit. Alexander bangs his head and is knocked out.*
Chiara: Oof, that hurt.
Laurenza: Is everyone okay?
Kuja: Father isn't. I think he's been knocked unconscious.
Ares: Oh no, now we'll have to try and find our way around without his help.
Kuja: *Nods.* I'll stay here with him, so you'll have to go and find the King.
Lierlo: I hope he's not too far away.
Red: Me too.
Thorn: Let's hurry and find him, then.

*They head out of The Destiny and take a look at the Shadow Realm. It looks like it used to be lovely, with a blazing orange sky above and dappled shadows being cast from the many trees and plants. Unfortunately, it has been mostly destroyed, either burning up or fragmenting away into nothingness. They are stood ankle-deep in a wet marsh. A few yards in front of them, the marsh opens into a small lake. A huge tree rises from the centre of it, its long, winding roots plunging deep into the water. There's no sign of any Shadowkin.*
Red: So... where is this King of theirs, then?
Lierlo: We'd better look for him. It's a shame we don't have more time to study the scenery, because it looks so interesting.
Apathy: What's left of it, that is.
Chiara: Yeah, it's so pretty. *Gazes over the lake.* Hey, look at that tree. Maybe he's hiding in there.
Ares: That's an idea.
Tifanel: I'd probably hide in a big-ass tree like that if my world started fallin' around me. Let's take a looksee.
Laurenza: *Looks to The Destiny and where they came from.* Um guys, have you noticed the portal's not there anymore?
Apathy: We'll worry about how to return home in a moment. Finding the King is our first priority.
Thorn: Let's go check out that tree, then.

*They cross the marsh and the lake to reach the three. It is very, very tall with purple leaves. Its roots are in the lake, but a lot of the water has gone. There is a large knothole in the trunk, large enough for a person to fit through. They climb inside. In the tree, it doesn't seem like a tree at all, but more like the inside of an animal. The walls are slightly slimy and sinewy, with tendrils stretching from the ceiling to the floor.*
Ares: Ooh, I don't think I like it in here.
Red: It kind of makes me think this is what it would be like to be eaten alive. Only without the being chewed up bit.
Chiara: Oh yuck!
Tifanel: Maybe the King isn't in here after all.
*They hear a soft voice, barely more than a honeyed whisper, both alluring and haunting at the same time.*
Voice: You're right.
Thorn: Oh... well, do you know where he is, then?
Red: Wait a minute. I'm not sure I want to take directions off a disembodied voice.
Thorn: God, that's true. We all know what happened last time one of those appeared.
*Lierlo looks uncomfortable. Apathy just sneers. Thorn, looking a little guilty, mumbles an apology based on that he didn't mean it like that to Lierlo.*
Laurenza: Yeah... but right now this voice is our only lead.
Red: It's true. So, can you tell us whereabouts he is, then?
Voice: I can. You see, the truth is the King's not in here...
*A tendril comes out of the wall and a face pops out of the end. He has long, dark purple hair that's almost black like the shadows and light purple eyes. He's wearing an elaborate headdress.*
Voice: ...It's that you're in the King.
Ares: *Blinks.* You're the King?
Red: The Shadow people are lead by a giant tree?
Chiara: That's scary and weird!
Lierlo: Well, the legend did say they descended from a forest spirit as well as a shadow lord...
Thorn: Makes sense to me.
Tifanel: So you're the King, then?
Cain: Yes. I am King Cainzerus Shadowkin, but just 'Cain' will be fine.
Ares: Nice to meet you, Cain.
Tifanel: Yeah, hi. *Looks a little weirded out as one of Cain's tendrils shakes his hand.*
Thorn: We're actually here to rescue you.
Laurenza: That's right. One of your people sent us.
Cain: Oh really? That's very kind of you. *Looks slightly mournful.* It's such a shame we have to leave. This is the perfect place for my people and I to live. Well, that's no surprise as it is our natural habitat. All we wanted was to live in peace here, raise our children and be happy… Then they came and took it all away from us.
Red: Who is this 'they' anyway?
Cain: Their name shall not pass my lips.
Lierlo: I'm starting to see a pattern here...
Red: Yeah, I should've guessed.
Chiara: Let's just call them the big meanies for now. Poor Shadowthings!
Cain: Shadowkin.
Chiara: Yeah, that's what I said.
Laurenza: We'll help you, though.
Thorn: *Nods.* Sure will
Cain: I really appreciate the gesture, but just how are you going to move me?
Tifanel: Yeah, that's a real good question, actually...
Rin: He is rather a large specimen. Let's take a look at him from the outside and consider our options.

*They step outside Cain and start sizing him up. Kuja and Alexander (now conscious) approach them, as Cain brings his head outside.*
Alexander: Your Highness!
Kuja: *Looks confused.* Um, what?
Thorn: Uh, their King is that large tree, Kuja.
Cain: I certainly am. *Waves at Kuja with a shadowy tendril.*
Kuja: Well... now that's something you don't see every day.
Red: Sure isn't.
Lierlo: We were just discussing how we're going to get Cain out of here.
Apathy: *Looks up at Cain.* I suppose we'll have to dig him up and squeeze him onboard The Destiny.
Red: Did we bring the spades?
Kuja: Yes, because we always remember to take a bunch of spades whenever we leave home, just in case...
Chiara: I dunno… Tif always seems to carry loads of tools with him. He might have a couple of spades too.
Tifanel: Eh heh... Not this time, I'm afraid.
Ares: Darn.
Alexander: *Controls the shadows, so they rise from the ground and then take on the form of spades.*
Red: Well, that works too.
Laurenza: Looks like we'll be able to do this after all.
Kuja: Wait a minute. I don't think I want a dirty great tree in my ship. It'll ruin the upholstery.
Red: Oh, be quiet. We can clean it.
Alexander: And it's not your airship, so it's not your decision.
Kuja: I'm sorry, father, you were too busy being dead to fly The Destiny, so I didn't think it would matter if I took it.
Alexander: ...Point taken. But in any case, we're taking my King on board whether you like it or not.
Thorn: It's about the only option we have.
Laurenza: But remember the portal's gone. How are we going to get home?
Lierlo: *Looks like he has an idea, but it doesn't please him much.* It seems we'll have to fly there long way...
Ares: How long will it take?
Lierlo: Longer than taking a portal, though I can't give you an exact time.
Tifanel: Uh, just a sec. What 'long way?' I didn't think you could go through dimensions without a portal or somethin'.
Apathy: He's talking about flying through the Void.
Rin: I don't believe I'm familiar with that term in this context. What is this 'Void?'
Lierlo: It's the rift between dimensions. It's nowhere... nothing... and pretty much impossible to travel through on foot and very dangerous in a vehicle that's unprepared. That's why we use portals whenever we can, as they safely bridge the Void.
Ares: That's a little bit scary.
Thorn: We'll be okay on The Destiny... won't we?
Laurenza: I hope so.
Cain: I can use my powers to surround the vehicle with a bubble of air, as there isn't any in the Void.
Red: Ah, that would be very helpful, actually.
Laurenza: Thank you, Cain.
Tifanel: *Takes up a spade.* Guess we should get on with the diggin' now.
Thorn: Good idea, let's.

*They all start helping to dig Cain up (well, mostly all of them. Kuja mainly stands around telling the others what they're doing wrong). It is tiring and sweaty work, and they have to be careful they don't hurt Cain's roots with the sharp edges of the spade. Soon they have him dug up.*
Cain: Oh dear, I feel like I might topple over any minute.
Chiara: Don't do that! You might fall on us!
Red: We'd better hurry up and get him in The Destiny, then.
Laurenza: But how are we going to lift him. He must weigh an awful lot...
Chiara: This looks like another job for my strength spell. Illusion of Strength!
*Her spell creates bangles of purple light around everyone's wrists.*
Tifanel: Hey, cool, I remember this. This spell will let us lift Cain no sweat. C'mon everyone. *Takes hold of Cain.*
Kuja: I think we'll have to turn him on his side to get him through the door, though...
Red: I hope we'll be able to manage that...
*They each grab a part of Cain and slowly turn him on his side. They then try and squeeze him through the doors of The Destiny. It's very tricky as it's such a tight fit. Tifanel shoves Cain forward too much and accidentally bumps him against the roof. Cain hisses and clips him round the ear with a tendril.*
Tifanel: Ack, sorry!
*They manage to get him in somehow. However, with him in there, there's not much room for anything else.*
Ares: Now I know how sardines feel.
Chiara: There's not enough room for us all to sit. What are we gonna do?
Cain: You can sit inside me.
Thorn: Oh, good idea.
*Cain opens the hole in his trunk.*
Alexander: Kuja and I will work the controls. We'll join you in a minute.
Red: Okay, sure.
*Alexander and Kuja carefully pick their way through bits of Cain over to the dashboard, whilst the others climb inside. It's less comfortable this time, as Cain is on his side, so they're not on the 'floor.' They're on some of the strange, squishy and sinewy things that line the walls. Cain doesn't seem be enjoying them sat on them much.*
Cain: *Makes displeased hissing noises.*
Ares: It's kind of squishy. I'm not sure I like it.
Red: At least it's not moist too.
Cain: It normally is, but right now I'm rather parched.
Chiara: Poor Mr. Treeman. Let's hope the trip isn't too long.
Thorn: I agree, being dug up can't have made it much better.
Laurenza: I can't imagine it did. *Jumps suddenly.* Oh!
Red: Laurenza?
Laurenza: Something just tickled me!
*A strange little creature is behind Laurenza. It is blue and very stretchy, with a long nose and floppy ears. It has no eyes and no limbs, and a tiny, round mouth. It is poking Laurenza with a long, thin tongue.*
Red: What is that?
Laurenza: *Turns round and sees it. She backs away quickly.* I don't know, but I don't think I like it...
Cain: *Moans.* I need water...
*The little creature starts licking Laurenza again.*
Red: *Gives the creature a look.* Stop that.
*It looks sad and its ears droop.*
Chiara: Aww, I think it's kinda cute myself. What is it?
Lierlo: Well, we are inside Cain, so I would say it is part of his body.
Chiara: *Looks a bit creeped out.* Maybe it's not so cute after all...
Ares: It's creepily cute.
Tifanel: Cain said he's thirsty, so maybe it's tryin' to get water from us.
Ares: That's true. Did anyone bring any water?
Tifanel: Yeah, I've got a bottle of water in my jacket pocket. *Takes it from the inside pocket and undoes the lid.*
*The creature sticks its long tongue into the bottle and sucks up the water as if it's a straw.*
Ares: Poor little thirsty guy.
Chiara: Yeah, I feel sorry for it.
*The creature finishes the water and scurries away. A moment later, The Destiny takes off with a lurch, making them all fall into Cain's wall. Cain makes a disgruntled noise.*
Thorn: Sorry about that.
Tifanel: I get the feelin' this is gonna be a looong trip...
Lierlo: Everyone, just hang in there. We'll be home before you know it.
Red: I hope so, Lierlo.
*Kuja and Alexander climb in.*
Kuja: When we get home, we'll have to have serious thoughts of where to put Cain. We can't just plant him in our back garden...
Chiara: We can't?
Alexander: The climate might be too variable for our kind. If we take the role of an indigenous species, as I did, it's okay. However, King Cain hasn't that option.
Chiara: Aw... *Looks disappointed.* I wanted to make a tyre swing...
Ares: What if he'd objected to that?
Thorn: What's wrong with using a regular tree for the swing?
Chiara: It wouldn't be the same. A normal tree doesn't talk and wouldn't be able to push you!
Tifanel: *Shakes his head.* Chi...
Ares: Wouldn't it hurt him, having a swing attached?
Lierlo: I'm sure it would.
Alexander: We'll have no more talk of this. Let's return to the topic at hand.
Rin: Yes, well I was thinking, what about the Spirit World? The environment can be changed at will, so I believe it would be quite suitable for him.
Thorn: That sounds like it could work.
Apathy: Hmm... But Cain is a Demon. The Elders won't like that at all. We'll have to ask them first.
Ares: Oh, that's true.
Laurenza: It's worth a try, though isn't it?
Red: I'd have said so, yes.
*They sit in silence for a moment, then Rin decides to spark up conversation again.*
Rin: Do you know, dear friends, this is perhaps one of the most unusual things I have ever done.
Thorn: What, this now?
Rin: Yes, sitting inside a tree that we are transporting through the dimensions. I'd say this goes right up there with the time I hunted for the razor-fanged Rabiforax in the swamps of Beikus.
Red: *Gives Rin a withering look.* Did that actually happen outside of your head?
Apathy: I'd say no, as once again his geography is woefully inaccurate. There are no more swamps on Beikus as there are jungles on Horcia...
Rin: Oh, don't be silly, of course there are. You just have to know where to look. So, as I was saying, hunting for the Rabiforax is very unusual. You see, the Rabiforax is attracted by the smell of freshly cooked kippers, so I had to wade through the swamp with fish tied to my clothes.
Red: *Shakes her head and lets Rin get on with it.*
Ares: What does the Rabiforax look like, then?
Chiara: You don't believe him, do you Ares?
Ares: *Quietly.* Of course not, I'm just humouring him. *She smiles sweetly.*
Chiara: *Giggles.* Okay.
Rin: It's several feet tall with razor fangs, as I mentioned earlier, and colourful plumage.
Kuja: Oh, don't encourage him. He'll never shut up now.
Ares: How many legs? What kind of ears has it got? Does it have a tail?
Rin: *Looks a bit flustered by all the questions.* Well, um...
Ares: ...Well?
Tifanel: Don't tease him, Ares. I don't reckon he can answer those questions.
Ares: I'm sorry.
Lierlo: You're quite the impressive liar, Rin.
Rin: I'm not a liar. I just like to tell the truth in a creative and imaginative way.
Red: Which is nearly the same thing.
Laurenza: *Smiles some.*
*Just then, The Destiny is shook violently and it feels once again like something is slamming into its sides, however, this time much more forcefully.*
Cain: *Cries out a little and thrashes his tendrils about, getting them tangled in parts of the ship.*
Thorn: What was that?
Tifanel: It sounded like somethin' hit the side… The Void isn't collapsing like that portal, is it?
Kuja: Don't be silly. There's nothing here to fall apart.
Thorn: I hope not.
Lierlo: Well, it's not entirely true that there's nothing here...
Ares: Then... what is there?
*They look out of the knothole and can see a bit of one of The Destiny's windows. A frightening creature slams itself against the window. It is strange and bat-like, with spindly wings. Most of its body seems to comprise of a huge, round mouth like a leech that sucks against the glass.*
Red: Wow, what a pleasant view.
Chiara: Yikes, what is that thing?!
Red: Other than hideous? I don't know.
Lierlo: It's most likely an Ethaw bat.
Apathy: These creatures live in the Void, but barely exist, so they prey on any matter that passes through to make themselves more real.
Ares: That's scary.
Kuja: So how come you didn't tell us about these things before we set off?
Lierlo: I didn't want to tempt fate by mentioning them. I was hoping we'd pass through unnoticed.
Red: Oh, I thought you were going to say some kind of bollocks like 'I didn't want to scare you.'
Apathy: Well, maybe that came into it too...
*Many more of the bats thud against the window.*
Laurenza: Oh no, I don't think that window will hold out against them forever. We need to protect ourselves somehow.
Ares: What with?
Tifanel: Some kinda Magick might help.
Thorn: That sounds like a plan. Exudo! *He casts a spell which releases a protective barrier of Magick around the gang.*
*It is just in time, as a moment later hundreds of bats smash through the window and appear to absorb the broken glass. They then ram into the barrier.*
Chiara: *Clings to Tifanel and looks frightened.* I don't like this!
Laurenza: You're not the only one, Chiara.
Ares: Same here.
Lierlo: I'm not sure how long that barrier will last out against them.
Tifanel: So we'll have to fight them?
Red: Can you fight something that only just exists?
Kuja: Only one way to find out. *Starts charging a spell.* Burning rage rooted in the fiery depths of my soul...
Cain: *Shoves him with a tendril.* You are not lighting a fire inside me!
Kuja: Yes, okay, not one of my best ideas...
Thorn: Let's just use anything else on them, then.
Lierlo: I'm afraid it won't be much use. They're not afraid of anything we can throw at them. They just want to exist, so weapons or Magick would just appeal to them. They would simply absorb their matter.
Red: You could've said that when I asked... *Rolls eyes.*
Apathy: Well, he's telling you now.
Chiara: Oh, so what will we do when the barrier breaks? I'm too young to die!
Cain: You must save yourselves. Go deeper inside me and I'll try and fight them off the best I can.
Alexander: You Highness, no...!
Red: What choice do we have?
Rin: Yes, it's true. Whilst I don't agree with your gesture, Cain, I appreciate it all the same. Come friends, to safety.

*They all go deeper into Cain, taking care where they step, as they are still standing on the delicate linings of his 'walls.' It's quite unusual how large his inside looks. They don't feel like they're inside a tree at all.*
Tifanel: It's so weird in here. Kinda like a labyrinth and not very tree-like...
Ares: And squishy. Don't forget squishy.
Rin: I'm quite glad I'm wearing boots.
Ares: I wouldn't like to be wearing sandals.
*They pass a heavy-set bunch of creatures with intimidating spikes and claws. They hiss at them.*
Kuja: Hello, handsome!
Red: Looks like some little monster's mother should've told them the punk look was out.
Rin: What in the name of the great brewery are these things, anyway?
Lierlo: Judging by the evil eye they're giving us, I'd say they were antibodies.
Thorn: Oh, and here was me thinking they were related to Larzel.
Kuja: Heheh… so don't anyone sneeze.
Ares: Or at least not on those things.
Alexander: We'll be okay. Let's just go in here. *Gestures to a door-like sphincter up ahead.*
*The chamber opens and they step inside. It is a circular room with a deep dip in the centre of one of the walls, what would be the floor if Cain were upright. It looks like this place usually holds a lot of water, but right now there is barely any in there at all. There is a tiny bit of water, less than ankle deep, at the bottom of the room. Many of those strange watery creatures are huddled in it, looking very thirsty.*
Ares: Oh, those little thingies look thirsty.
Alexander: I've a feeling this is where King Cain normally keeps his water. He lives in a lake usually, so he must need a lot, and this room is probably much more full.
Laurenza: Poor things... I have a small water spell I could use. *Casts a jet of bubbles onto them, making them squeak gratefully.*
Red: Aw, that's nearly cute.
*A droopy and pathetic water thing shuffles over to Red.*
Red: *Looks at it, sighs, and pets it a little.*
Chiara: I still think they're cute in a weird way. Can I have one as a pet?
Ares: I'm not sure you should. It'd be like having someone else's kidney as a pet.
Chiara: Wow, can I have a kidney too? I'd keep it in a jar!
Tifanel: ...You're so weird sometimes...
Kuja: 'Sometimes?'
Red: You only just noticed, Tif?
Tifanel: Heh heh...
Chiara: You're all so mean!
Red: We only say these things because we like you. Don't worry.
Laurenza: *Looks for somewhere reasonably dry to sit.* I guess we should try and make ourselves comfortable here.
Kuja: My clothes are so wet, I don't think I'll ever get them dry.
Thorn: I'm sure we will, when we get back. Whenever that'll be.
*They hear a loud crash and Cain screeching.*
Rin: Dear me, that sounds like the bats have broken through.
*They can just hear a raging battle begin outside. It sounds (and definitely feels) like the bats are slamming into Cain as they attack him. The whole place is shaken, sloshing water about. Cain screeches and the water creatures make watery, hissing noises as he does.*
Ares: Oh, poor Cain. Isn't there anything we can do to help him?
Chiara: We could shout encouraging words to him.
Ares: That could work.
Rin: Cain, if you can hear us, fight hard! Do your best!
Cain: *His voice echoes, sounding quite strained.* I am...!
Alexander: Oh my poor King, he sounds like he's in a lot of pain...
Laurenza: *Shakes her head.* I don't know about you, but I can't just stand by and listen to this. He's out there fighting all on his own... Even though it's dangerous, I want to go and help him.
Red: You know, I think you have the right idea.
Tifanel: Yeah. We're supposed to be helpin' Cain, so let's go prove it.
Thorn: I agree.

*They rush from the water chamber to the main room. Looking out of the hole in his trunk, they can see there are hundreds of the bats swarming all over the place. The Destiny's lights have all been smashed, so the area is filled with an eerie light from outside in the Void. For some reason, however, this ethereal light makes no shadows. This seems to be why Cain is having so much trouble. The bats are bashing and nipping at his roots, and he is trying to swat them away, but his tendrils keep fading away with no shadows to keep them in power.*