*A small amount of time has passed since the gang's last adventure. On this particular day, they are gathered in the TV Chamber as they often are. Some are watching the news on the TV, whereas others are less interested and pursuing their own interests. Daimonion is buzzing round, seeing to his various cleaning duties. Chiara seems to be bemoaning something to anyone who will listen.*
Chiara: Have you seen? The freezer is almost completely empty! Someone's eaten all the food!
Kitzie: There's no ice cream... *Looks sad.*
Laurenza: *Smiles some.* I think the missing food can be traced to us eating it over the course of the past week.
Red: Yeah, funny how that works out, isn't it?
Ares: Maybe we should go shopping.
Kuja: Yeah, Tif will get round to it sometime.
Tifanel: What? *Looks a bit annoyed.* Why is this sorta thing always my responsibility? What ever happened to the chores rota we were supposed to have?
Lierlo: Oh yes...
Red: Supposed to do and actually do are two very different things. Besides, you're good at those kinds of things.
Ares: That cute apron suits you best, too.
Tifanel: *Isn't pacified by that.* Nah, ya know what I think it was? It's 'cos you guys were all couples. 'Oh Tif, he's a single loser, so he ain't got nothin' better to do than cook and clean for us.'
Laurenza: No Tif, that wasn't it...
Chiara: And anyway, you're not a single loser now you've got me! So there everyone, he's not your slave!
Kuja: No, that's Dai.
Red: Exactly.
Daimonion: *Gives them a poisonous look.*
Lahrne: Heh heh yeah, Dai's our bitch-slave!
Kitzie: *Gasps.* Lahrney said a bad word!
Thorn: Lahrne, I don't want to hear you using words like that.
Kuja: Your virgin mouth is too young to say such naughty things.
Thorn: That's right.
Lierlo: Yes... to return to our original point, we should just send Daimonion shopping later.
Daimonion: Oh thanks, make me stick my hands in an ice-filled freezer why don't you? I'm a fire Demon if you've already forgotten. That's just cruel.
Apathy: Well, it wouldn't be much of a punishment if we made you do things that were pleasant, now would it?
Red: You took the words out of my mouth. I was going to say that you've done far worse, Daimonion.
Daimonion: ...I hope you all choke to death on your own saliva. *Leaves the room.*
Rin: Chipper as always, that Daimonion.
Ares: He's so crude…
*The news programme on the TV moves on to its next item.*
Anchorman: Now it's time for MirenNews' Intergalactic Hotspot, bringing you the biggest stories from all across the Taro System! *A jingle plays.* Today's top story: destruction on Beikus.
*The TV shows a scene of total desolation. There is nothing to see but a smoking hole in the ground.*
Anchorman: An entire city, decimated in minutes.
Chiara: Yikes!
Thorn: God, there's nothing left.
Anchorman: Eyewitnesses describe the scene to our field reporter.
*We see a reporter talking to the witness. They are bird people.*
Witness: It was terrible. Roc's Cliff… it's just… gone! You can see the smoke for miles.
Witness 2: It was like an oncoming storm... First a rumble, then lights in the sky… then… Oh, it was just horrific! The destruction… it happened so quickly!
Tifanel: Geez, that sounds bad.
Rin: Whatever could have caused such unspeakable damage?
Ares: Something big and something bad.
Red: A giant rampaging lizard. I bet it was one of those.
Laurenza: I don't know. I don't think something like that could destroy a city so quickly.
Lierlo: Listen everyone, it might sound heartless, but I think we have more important things to worry about right now.
Apathy: There's not much we can do to help Roc's Cliff now, and we have a real danger heading our way... according to the prophecy.
Thorn: Well, yes. Anyway, I'm sure that if we went in to help, we'd probably get in the way. I bet they already have a cleanup operation in progress. *He smiles as though he hopes this is the case.*
Chiara: So, has anyone had any ideas about what the prophecy means?
Kuja: Well, no. To be honest, what with all the things that have been going on lately, I haven't really had time to think about it.
Thorn: I know what you mean. I haven't forgotten about it, it's just not been the first thing on my mind.
Tifanel: I just ain't got a clue where to start.
Chiara: Um... I could try reading the cards. They might reveal some stuff about the future... in easier to understand words than the prophecy.
Lierlo: And I suppose Apathy and I could commune with the spirits of forest and flame. They might have foreseen something.
Laurenza: Yeah, those are good ideas.
Tifanel: Hm, hey Kuja? You're poetic, ain't ya? Can't ya try and figure out what the hell some of the phrases are supposed to be sayin'?
Kuja: I could, I suppose. Let's see... 'Heed my words, O Fated Child...' Of course, that means 'Kill Tifanel! Destroy Tifanel!'
Ares: You're sure it's about Tif?
Red: I think he's just being patronising.
Rin: I should certainly hope so.
Tifanel: Kuja, you're such an ass.
Thorn: C'mon Kuja, be nice.
Kuja: Yes okay, I'll seriously look into it.
Chiara: Good, now some of us have some starting points. Let's go go go!
*They split up to do what they can towards figuring out the prophecy. Chiara lays out her cards on her bedroom floor and starts to divine with them. Lierlo and Apathy venture into Loliusin Hollow and light a fire. Lierlo studies the flames whilst Apathy communes with the trees. Kuja studies the verse, with Thorn doing what he can to help. Laurenza and Red look into some books uncertainly; thinking they probably won't find anything but it's worth a try. The kids, being children, just go off and play. Tifanel and Rin doss around with a couple of beers, perhaps being even less help than the children.*

*A little later, Daimonion is stood alone in the kitchen, leaning against the freezer. He is gazing into that crystal orb full of twinkling lights of his, with a glum yet thoughtful look on his face. Rin enters the room to get another beer.*
Rin: Greetings Daimonion, you're looking rather pensive. Are you by chance thinking about the prophecy as everyone else is?
Daimonion: No. I have more important things to consider. *He turns the crystal in his hands a few times before speaking again.* Rin, what do you think evil is?
Rin: *Looks a little surprised by his unusual question.* Oh, are feeling a little philosophical today, Daimonion?
Daimonion: *Looks somewhat gloomy and doesn't answer him.*
Rin: Well… if you were to ask my opinion, I would say that there is a subtle difference between simply being bad and being evil. Being bad is just doing wrong, but being evil is doing wrong and knowing what you do is wrong. If you, say, kill someone and know it is heinous but still revel in the fact you did it… now that is being evil.
Daimonion: *Appears to cheer up a little.* Hmm, by that definition, I'm not evil.
Rin: *Raises an eyebrow.* Oh?
Daimonion: All the horrid things I've done to humans… *His usual self-assured smirk returns to his face.* …They totally deserved them.
Rin: *Shakes his head in a disbelieving manner.* So you truly believe the harm you've caused people was right?
Daimonion: Humans made me what I am, so they got back exactly what they gave. I've seen generation after generation, and they never change their ways. Humans are all characterised by the same things: their abuse, their neglect, their overwhelming greed and incredible selfishness. *Laughs dryly.* And it's my race that are labelled Demons.
Rin: But your people take souls…
Daimonion: *Snorts.* Take? They happily trade them with what we have to offer. If they're stupid enough to hand over their immortal soul for worthless baubles in their mortal lives, that's their prerogative.
Rin: You are one tortured individual, Daimonion.
Daimonion: *Looks up at him for the first time since they began talking.* As are you.
Rin: I don't think I understand what you mean.
Daimonion: I've been in your dreams. I've seen what haunts your unwaking moments. What is it you're hiding behind those amber frames of yours?
Rin: You can… spy on my dreams?
Daimonion: *Loses his melancholy look and smirks again.* One of the many perks of being a Djinn. I just can't figure you out, though, and it really bothers me. Your essence is clouded… Who are you really, Rin?
Rin: *The direction their talk has taken seems to cause him disquiet.* I think this conversation has gone on long enough. Good day to you.
*Rin tries to leave, but Daimonion vanishes and reappears in front of him, blocking his exit.*
Daimonion: Don't run away. I'm just going to take a good look at you, that's all.
Rin: Really now, there's no need to try stirring things up like this…
*Daimonion stares Rin down, and after a moment, Rin returns his gaze. For a split second, a strange flicker fills Rin's eyes.*
Daimonion: *Flinches slightly, his face looking somewhere between surprised and frightened.* Storm… bringer?
Rin: *Smiles strangely.* You can call me what you like, underscum, but it won't help you now. *He opens the freezer and grabs Daimonion roughly.*
Daimonion: *Drops the crystal globe in surprise and it rolls under the table.*
Rin: *With a slightly frenzied look on his face, he shoves Daimonion's head in the freezer, shuts the lid and then sits on it.*
Daimonion: *Screams loudly.*

*Later, the gang are gathered at the dinner table, waiting for Daimonion to bring their food. They are discussing their findings on the prophecy.*
Laurenza: So has anyone come up with anything?
Thorn: The only thing I managed to find was a penny on the floor.
Laurenza: Yeah, Red and I didn't come up with much either...
Kuja: I had a thought.
Ares: What is it?
Kuja: Maybe the 'Forest, Flame, Light, Abyss' mentioned refer to places.
Red: Well... two of them could be at least. Unless 'flame' means Hell and 'light' means the sun.
Lierlo: Yes, the forest is pretty self-explanatory, but maybe 'flame' could just mean a hot place.
Apathy: Like a volcano.
Lierlo: Like a volcano. And light... maybe a sunny place?
Chiara: 'Abyss...' Uh, how about a big, dark hole in the ground kinda place?
Thorn: Isn't that the usual meaning for it?
Chiara: Yeah okay, so I just wanted to be included in the conversation...
Thorn: Eheh, sorry.
Rin: This 'places' theory seems to hold up quite well. Perhaps the 'vessel of valour's fist' is referring to a vehicle in which to travel to them.
Tifanel: Like The Destiny?
Rin: Like The Destiny.
Red: Sounds about right to me.
Laurenza: At the end, it says 'lest call the storm, 5 would be none.' Does that '5' mean the four places plus the vehicle?
Chiara: Gah, are they all gonna be destroyed?
Kitzie: Oh no! Maybe Rocky's Cliff was one of the places and it already got blowed up!
Ares: Unless it's referring to five people...
Tifanel: I dunno… that seems a bit too far out. I reckon they're places. So, was Roc's Cliff one of them? Are we too late?
Lierlo: I shouldn't think so. Roc's Cliff didn't really fit any of those descriptions.
Apathy: It was a city, not a forest or a volcano. It wasn't particularly sunny either.
Kuja: It is a hole in the ground now.
Red: *Looks like she's trying not to laugh.*
Lierlo: That was... a little uncalled for, Kuja.
Kuja: Oh well. This places thing, it was only an idea anyway. Did anyone else have any luck?
Lierlo: Our communing was as vague as usual, I'm afraid. The only thing that we got out of it was they kept mentioning a storm. The word features in the prophecy, yes, but they didn't go on to explain what it meant.
Chiara: *Looks a little surprised.* Oh, that's funny.
Ares: How do you mean?
Chiara: When I was reading the cards, one of them kept coming up time and time again. The 'Oncoming Storm' card...
Thorn: I wouldn't imagine this is a coincidence. These things never are.
Laurenza: Not at all... Do you remember the news programme about Roc's Cliff this morning? There was something one of the eyewitnesses said...
Red: Oh yes, that's true.
Kuja: 'It was like an oncoming storm...'
Ares: It's a little bit creepy, don't you think?
Lahrne: Sure is! Storm, storm, storm! It's come up way too many times today.
Lierlo: Perhaps the destruction of Roc's Cliff was related to the prophecy after all...
Apathy: Hmm... The storm doesn't have to be an actual storm per se. Perhaps it's metaphorical.
Thorn: You think so?
Kuja: The prophecy is written in verse. I'm fairly certain it's not meant to be taken literally.
Thorn: True, true.
*They ponder what it could mean in silence for a moment, but this is broken by Daimonion bringing in the dinner. He has strange, burn-like marks all over his face. He also looks sullen and moody, more so than usual. He sets down the plates in front of everyone, everyone except Rin.*
Tifanel: Uh Dai? I think ya missed one...
Daimonion: Oh no, I don't think so.
Ares: What happened to your face?
Daimonion: *Ignores her question.* ...Enjoy your meal. *Disappears.*
Red: Oh that Daimonion, cheerful as ever.
Laurenza: *Looks at her plate, then over at Rin's empty placemat.* Rin, did something happen between you and him?
Rin: I don't believe so. I just think he's in one of his moods.
Red: When isn't he?
Tifanel: Don't worry, Rin, you can have some of my food. *Shares his dinner with Rin.*

*They eat. Not long after they've finished, a small, fluffy and bronze-coloured creature appears in the room. It's Eila. It looks very flustered and flies around the table in a frenzy.*
Lierlo: That's Eila, Jadarthfeyr's Spirit's Familiar!
Ares: Oh! What is it doing here, I wonder?
Kuja: What's up with her?
Apathy: I'm not sure. She's not making any coherent sense.
Chiara: I can't understand a word either. She's just babbling, the poor thing.
*At that moment, Jadarthfeyr appears.*
Thorn: Oh, hey Jadarthfeyr.
Jadarthfeyr: *Grabs hold of Eila.* Oh calm down, you useless thing. All you had to do was deliver a simple message…
Lierlo: A message?
Jadarthfeyr: *Sighs.* I am sorry to interrupt you at a mealtime, Lierlo, but I am afraid I have some bad news...
Chiara: Uh oh.
Thorn: Oh no, what is it?
Jadarthfeyr: I am afraid it is your sister, Lierlo. She has been... attacked.
Laurenza: That's terrible!
Red: Is she okay?
Jadarthfeyr: She is in hospital, but the wounds were fortunately not lethal. Though I would recommend that you go see her.
Lierlo: Of course!
Apathy: We'll go now.
Thorn: Do you want us to come too?
Rin: I would quite like to comfort the lovely Roreille in her time of need.
Lierlo: Please do, she's a friend as well as my sister.
Red: Have we got any grapes to take with us?
Chiara: Yeah, you've gotta take grapes to someone in hospital!
Lierlo: Can we just go?
Thorn: Yes, let's.

*A portal is summoned and they enter the Spirit World. They arrive in the hospital. It is very clean and white, and like the rest of the Spirit world, very Magickal. The doctors seem to be practicing healing spells as well as medicine. They find Roreille propped up by pillows in one of the beds. She has bandages round her middle.*
Thorn: Hi, Roreille.
Roreille: Oh hello, Lierlo and friends. I am glad you came.
Lierlo: Roreille... What happened?
Roreille: I was stabbed by a Magickal sword.
Red: Ouch, that's nasty.
Chiara: Who would do that? And why?
Jadarthfeyr: It was probably an assassination attempt. She is in a position of high political power, which I suppose is always a dangerous role to hold.
Ares: The main thing is that it was a failed attempt.
Rin: That's very true. I'm quite relieved to see you are still in one beautiful piece, my lovely. Would you like me to kiss your wounds better?
Roreille: ... *Gives him a look.*
Red: Rin, please, this is hardly the time or place.
Apathy: *Shakes his head.* It never is.
Lierlo: Are you okay, Roreille?
Roreille: Yes, but I am going to need time to recover, though. I cannot perform my duties as head of the Luneblanche Lower Council for a while, so I am glad you came here when you did, Lierlo…
Lierlo: Where are you going with this...?
Thorn: Do you need Lierlo's help with things?
Roreille: Yes. I want him to take over my position.
Ares: You can do that, can't you, Lierlo?
Laurenza: I'm sure he can. What a good idea.
Lierlo: I don't know... The Spirit Elders--
Roreille: *Interrupts him.* ...Have no choice in the matter. You are my next of kin.
Red: I guess it's sort of been decided for you.
Tifanel: You're perfect for politics anyway, 'cos you talk all posh.
Lierlo: Um, thanks...?
Roreille: …Yes, that aside, you will make a difference I am sure. Just… Jadarthfeyr and I… we are the only ones here that know about you and Apathy. I am not sure it would be such a good idea for Mr. Bancroft or the Elders to find out about him…
Red: So what do you suggest Lierlo does with him?
Roreille: I suggest he keeps himself hidden during the time they are working.
Apathy: *Doesn't look too pleased about this.*
Lierlo: Oh, does he have to?
Roreille: It would be for the best.
Ares: Sounds like it would be safer this way.
Lierlo: Perhaps you're right. I can only imagine how they'd react if they knew. They can't be happy with me taking up the post to begin with, so let's not give them an excuse to get me dismissed.
Chiara: Lolo, just remember to be careful. It wouldn't be fun if you got attacked too!
Roreille: *Smiles knowingly.* I do not think he has to worry about that.
Red: Exactly.
Chiara: Why? Why? Does he have amazing kung fu skills or something?
Roreille: Um, no. I just meant the attacker is not exactly in the position to hurt anyone else. *She smirks again.*
Lierlo: Roreille...?
Apathy: You... attacked yourself?
Thorn: Wait, what? Really?
Roreille: Yes. I know it seems extreme, but it was the only way to get Lierlo into the council. He is truly the best person for the job, but the Elders would just not accept that. *Looks down.* I suppose I did not help matters by getting them to agree in the first place, then changing my mind…
Laurenza: Oh Roreille...
Red: Well, I guess if it were you attacking yourself, you'd make sure you didn't die.
Lierlo: Yes, but you really didn't have to go to such lengths just for me...
Jadarthfeyr: I tried to stop her, but she was quite determined.
*At that moment, Nathaniel Bancroft arrives in the hospital. It seems he came to wish Roreille well, as he has a bunch of grapes.*
Chiara: *To herself.* Oh darn, he managed to get some grapes!
Thorn: You're popular today, Roreille.
Roreille: Dear me... I wish I were not, though. So much for Apathy going unseen...
Nathaniel: *Walks towards them. He greets Lierlo.* Ah, D'lor, when I heard you were here I came to welcome you to the fold as well as wish your sister well. *Notices Apathy and looks confused.* Oh? Just who are you?
Lierlo: *Thinks quickly.* Um, this is Apathy, my… twin brother.
Nathaniel: What is this? I knew Siun D'lor quite well... *Firmly.* And I knew he had only one son.
Kuja: Well, it seems you knew wrong.
Red: Looks that way.
Apathy: I was a bit of a bad child... the black sheep of the family, if you will, so father hid me away.
Nathaniel: *Shakes his head.* But Lierlo was the black sheep, so in that case, you would have been hidden away together. He did his best to do that anyway, as having Lierlo was shame enough. If he had two, well… I think that would have been too much for him to take. *He narrows his eyes.* There was no twin brother.
Rin: But there he is, stood before you in the flesh. You cannot seriously deny his existence?
Nathaniel: That I cannot. We shall just see who you really are in time, I suppose. *To Roreille.* I hope you get well soon. *He hands her the grapes and then leaves.*
Red: Cheery fellow, isn't he?
Jadarthfeyr: Oh do not mind Nigel. He always seems to be in a bad mood.
Ares: *Smiles* I don't think that's his name.
Roreille: Do not worry about it. Jadarthfeyr is not too good with names.
Jadarthfeyr: I do not deny that. But never mind me, worry about the D'lor boys. This is rather worrisome, do you not think?
Tifanel: I'll say. That guy's suspicious of Lierlo and Apathy right off the bat. That's gonna make your job a lot harder, guys.
Thorn: Just a little. Won't Nathaniel wonder why Lierlo brings his twin with him all the time?
Red: Tread carefully.
Apathy: We'll have to think of some cover story.
Lierlo: I think Apathy and I should go after him, and try to pick up the pieces.
Laurenza: That's a good idea. Good luck, you two.
Lierlo: Thank you. Roreille, get lots of rest and recover quickly, won't you?
Rin: The world should not be denied of your beauty for too long. Come friends, now is a good time to take our leave.
Thorn: Sounds like it would be the best idea.

*They leave the hospital and begin traveling through the portal to the moral realm. Along the way, they have a conversation.*
Kuja: You know, there's something that's been bothering me, Rin. That man, the leader of the Airgris clan, I believe. His name's Nathaniel Bancroft…
Rin: You're wondering if he's a relation, I assume. Well, I suppose he is, in a way. He's Shiloh's father.
Ares: Oh, he's your grandfather?
Rin: Not biologically, but for all intents and purposes, yes.
Chiara: Gramps' dad...
Rin: They haven't spoken for years, though. It's quite the family feud.
Thorn: That's a shame.
Tifanel: What're they feudin' about?
Red: It's probably something ridiculous, like who did or didn't clean the toilet.
Laurenza: *Smiles and shakes her head.* No, Lierlo was actually telling me about this a little while back, I think. They fell out over the fact Shiloh was born without any Magick.
Ares: He was? That's unfortunate.
Kuja: A Spirit without Magick?
Rin: It's a very rare disability that some Spirits are born with.
Chiara: How sad. He's like a fish that can't swim...
Ares: He seems to get by all right despite that.
Rin: Yes, I shouldn't worry about him.
Laurenza: Lierlo also said he sympathised with Shiloh, as his family situation reminded him of his own. Just like Siun with himself, Nathaniel was always ashamed of his son, especially being in the political position he is.
Kuja: Nathaniel and Siun... Kindred spirits, eh? Oh, excuse the pun.
Red: That was bad, Kuja.
Chiara: Oh well. But let's not waste time talking about meanie-pants great-gramps. I'm more bothered about Lierlo and Apathy.
Ares: Me too, I hope they'll be okay.
Tifanel: We'll just have to wait and see, I guess.

*They arrive back at the castle. They find Daimonion cleaning the corridors, but as soon as he sees Rin, he vanishes away.*
Tifanel: Geez, what is up with the lil' weirdo today?
Red: He's always weird, but he seems to be more so today.
Laurenza: Yeah, ever since dinner he's been acting so odd. I'm going to go see if he's okay.
Red: I'll come with you. I don't really want you going off to see him on your own.
Laurenza: Okay, thanks Red.
Red: It's okay.
*The two of them head upstairs. Daimonion has claimed one of the spare rooms as his own, but he hasn't done much to it in actual fact. The bed has never been slept in and most of the furniture still has dustsheets covering them. No lights are on, but there is a fire lit in the grate. Some trinkets and personal effects on the chest of drawers are outlined in the firelight.*
Laurenza: Dai?
*They spot his eyes glowing in a corner of the room.*
Red: Well, at least we know he's in here.
Daimonion: What do you want?
Laurenza: Will you tell us what's wrong with you?
Daimonion: *Says nothing.*
Red: We're only trying to help you.
Laurenza: It's true. Those marks on your face… Please tell us, did something happen between you and Rin?
Daimonion: Why is it people often ask questions they don't want to hear the answers to?
Red: Human nature. It just happens like that. Are you going to tell us, or not?
Daimonion: He shut my head in the freezer, if you must know.
Red: Did you do anything to deserve it?
Daimonion: You'd think so, but for once I can honestly say I didn't.
Laurenza: Then why... why did he do it?
Daimonion: Now there's a question I would rather not know the answer to. I have my suspicions, but I must be wrong. In any case, I really hope I am
Laurenza: Dai…?
Daimonion: I have nothing more to say, only that I really need my Soul Record back. *He takes a mop from leaning against the wall.* I'd better finish my chores. *He leaves.*
Red: I'm almost worried about him.
Laurenza: I know what you mean. I wonder what he meant... Maybe we should go talk to Rin.
Red: Well, it's worth a try, at least.
*They find Rin in his room. Daimonion's crystal globe is on his desk and he is looking at it.*
Laurenza: Rin.
Rin: Greetings, lovelies. Isn't this pretty? I found it in the kitchen. I think it belongs to Daimonion. He must have dropped it.
Red: You ought to give him it back.
Rin: I will, don't worry.
Laurenza: Rin, can you tell us what happened when you met Dai in the kitchen today?
Rin: Hmm... We had a rather deep conversation about the meaning of evil.
Red: Anything else?
Rin: I don't believe so.
Laurenza: So you didn't push him in the freezer? Dai says you did.
Rin: Really? I don't recall doing anything like that. Are you sure he's not just telling tales to get me in trouble?
Red: He has burns across his face. I'm not entirely sure who to believe, but you have to admit, it does all look very suspicious, doesn't it?
Rin: It does. *Hands Laurenza the orb.* Will you be a darling and return this to Daimonion when you get the chance? I promised Tifanel I'd join him in a drink. *He leaves.*
Laurenza: That didn't really clear things up at all. I don't know... Those marks on Dai's face must have come from somewhere, but he's not averse to lying… And if Rin did push him in the freezer, did Dai do something to provoke him?
Red: Well, I would hope so and it wasn't that Rin just did it because he could. That is, if he did it.
Laurenza: *Nods.* Oh well, if they both refuse to corroborate their stories, I guess we won't ever know the truth. *Is quiet for a moment.* I wonder how Lierlo and Apathy are getting on.
Red: I hope they're doing okay.
*They return Daimonion's soul record and rejoin the others downstairs.*

*A few days pass without event. Lierlo and Apathy spent nearly all of their time in the Spirit World, managing the Spirit affairs. He visits from time to time, keeping everyone updated. It seems Nathaniel is still suspicious of Apathy. We rejoin the action one day with Thorn, Kuja, Laurenza, Red and Tifanel playing a game of Trivial Pursuit together.*
Tifanel: I hate this game. I never know any of the answers.
Red: So, essentially, you only hate it because you're losing.
Tifanel: Yeah...
Laurenza: Aw, poor Tif.
Thorn: Maybe next time, Tif can pick the game.
Red: No. I don't like playing Animal Snap.
Kuja: *Laughs some.*
Tifanel: Hey...
Red: *Smiles some* Sorry Tif.
*Just then, Jadarthfeyr appears in the room.*
Thorn: Oh! Hello.
Kuja: Jadarthfeyr. What brings you here?
Jadarthfeyr: It is my afternoon off, so I thought I would come and tell you what a marvelous job the D'lor boys are doing.
Red: They are? That's good.
Jadarthfeyr: He really is quite brilliant. Some of his ideas… revolutionary, really, and he is so young...
Tifanel: Yeah well, we all knew Lierlo's really brainy.
Thorn: Is he enjoying it?
Jadarthfeyr: He seems to be. Goodness, when I was his age... *Trails off.* Well, I cannot actually remember what I was like when I was his age. It was rather a long time ago.
Laurenza: Mm, it's easy to forget Lierlo's as young as he is. Roreille once told me he was something of a child prodigy, but he never got a chance to shine because of being put down by Siun all the time.
Red: Looks like now is his chance to prove himself.
Jadarthfeyr: Indeed it is. *Something goes 'ding!' from inside his robes.*
Thorn: What was that?
Jadarthfeyr: Oh that will be my oven timer. I am sorry, but I must return to the Spirit World now, as my jam tarts are ready. Goodbye everyone. *He vanishes.*
Kuja: Mad as a balloon.
Red: More than that, I'd say. More like mad as a blimp.
Tifanel: Heh heh heh.
*Kitzie enters the room, looking a bit sulky.*
Thorn: Hey Kitzie. Are you okay?
Kitzie: No... My room is all cold at night. The window's too draughty. I think it's broken.
Tifanel: Ahh, I'll take a look at it sometime and see if I can fix it. But y'know what? Since Lierlo ain't here, ya could use his room in the meantime so you don't catch your death of cold before I mend your window.
Red: Or if you don't want to, wear thicker pyjamas
Kitzie: Ooh no, I'd like to sleep in Lierly's room. He has pretty sheets!
Thorn: That's fair enough.
Red: We could play Musical Bedrooms so we all have a turn sleeping in his room.
Kuja: Oh, don't give Kitzie ideas.
Kitzie: *Giggles.*

*That night, Kitzie sleeps in Lierlo's room as planned, as Tifanel didn't manage to get round to fixing her window that day. Meanwhile, Rin is poking around in the Royal Crypt (as he does). He looks at one particular stone coffin.*
Rin: I've always thought this coffin looks newer than the others. *He notices the lid is ever so slightly ajar.* Hello, it wasn't like that the last time I was here, I'm sure… *Shakes his head.* Oh no, Rin, you'll spook yourself with thoughts like that. There will just be a dead body in here, that's right. No ghosts, no zombies, no nothing.
*Rin sneaks a peek inside at the body. It is a young girl dressed in pink. Her brown-blonde hair has a ribbon tied in it. It is Mihako, appearing as though asleep, though Rin would not recognise her as having never met her.*
Rin: Well hello there… *He touches her face. His fingers shine for a brief moment.* She looks awfully intact... Was she put here recently? Has there been a death that no one knows about? ...A murder?
Mihako: *Suddenly snaps her eyes open. They are fire-red.*
Rin: *Screams and runs out of the crypt, heading straight back to the castle.*