*Back at the castle, Rin rushes inside and slams the door, most likely waking up half the inhabitants. Chiara, Laurenza, Red, Thorn and Kuja come quickly down the stairs, wondering what's going in.*
Chiara: Daddy? What's wrong?
Rin: I've just seen a ghost or possibly a zombie!
Red: It wasn't just a nightmare, was it?
Rin: Oh no, I was quite awake. I wasn't in bed.
Kuja: Then you were sleepwalking, and it was a nightmare after all.
*The castle door opens and Mihako strolls in. Her face is completely devoid of any emotion.*
Rin: Arrrgh! It's the ghost or possibly zombie!
Kuja: *Looks stunned.* Mihako?!
Thorn: What...? Why is she back here?
Red: Oh, I bet Lierlo will be happy to see her.
Laurenza: I think we should call him right away.
*They contact Lierlo and he comes to the castle immediately. They all study Mihako, who is very quiet and looks oddly vacant.*
Kuja: But how is she back? I thought the spirit seal was pretty much permanent.
Lierlo: *A little coldly.* And I thought her AoD transformation was also permanent.
Kuja: Well… it was! Just look at her eyes. Those aren't the eyes of a human…
Lierlo: *Turns to Mihako.* Mihako?
Mihako: ...
Red: How very odd.
Thorn: And you found her, right Rin?
Rin: I did.
Kuja: ...Were you poking around in the crypt again?
Rin: *Looks awkward.* Well...
Lierlo: *Looks a little angry.* What the fudge were you doing touching her coffin?
Kuja: Oh, Rin's just weird, we all know that. He's into women and into dead stuff, so I guess necrophilia isn't beyond him.
Red: It's far too late at night to be dealing with the kinds of mental images that provides, Kuja, thank you very much.
Rin: And a man could be offended by that sort of flippant comment!
Laurenza: She wasn't dead anyway, you know that. She was just…
Lierlo: *Nods.* Rin must have upset the enchantments on her somehow, waking her up again...
Mihako: *Stares blankly at Lierlo.*
Red: I feel she's staring right into my head, like she's looking into my brain. It's really off-putting.
Laurenza: Isn't it? Is she okay?
Thorn: It's hard to tell. *Waves his hand in front of Mihako's face.*
Mihako: *Doesn't respond.*
Lierlo: Hm... She's been asleep for a very long time.
Kuja: And you're never exactly in your best state of mind when you're in AoD form.
Laurenza: I'm not sure what we should do with her... Maybe we should just put her to bed and think about it in the morning.
Red: In the castle, or back in the crypt?
Lierlo: In the castle, of course. Can you sort her out? I'm actually quite busy still, even at this hour.
Thorn: Sure, we can sort her.
Red: Don't stay up too late. Sleep is good for you.
Lierlo: Thank you. Goodnight everyone.

*Lierlo leaves for the Spirit World and the others return to bed, putting Mihako in Kitzie's room. Not even ten minutes later, the silence is broken by a loud, high-pitched scream. Kuja sits up in bed, growling under his breath.*
Kuja: Oh, what now?!
Thorn: Oh no, that sounded bad.
Kuja: It sounded like it was Kitzie screaming. I suppose we should go see what's going on.
Thorn: I was just about to go myself, certainly.
Kuja: I'll come with you.

*The two of them head to Lierlo's room, where Kitzie was sleeping that night. They find Mihako stood outside her door, holding a vase.*
Thorn: Mihako? What are you doing?
Mihako: *Says nothing.*
Kuja: Still not a word, eh? We'd better ask Kitzie what happened. *Goes into the room.*
Thorn: Kitzie?
Kitzie: Thorny, I had a bad dream! I thought I saw Mihaky trying to hit me with a vase, but Mihaky's not around anymore...
Kuja: Sorry Kitzie, but it really happened. Mihako's back from the grave.
Thorn: It's true. But we're going to help her out, so don't worry, okay? It'll be alright.
Kitzie: Um, okay. *Looks a bit confused, but too tired to ask questions.*
Kuja: Thorn, I think it would be best if we put a sleep spell on Mihako for the rest of the night. Would you do the honours?
Thorn: Sure, I can do that. *He holds his hand out towards Mihako.* Take a nap.
*Mihako falls asleep. They take her back to bed and return to their own, hopefully for the last time that night.*

*The next morning, the gang is gathered in the TV chamber. Mihako is staring unseeingly out of the window. Kitzie looks a little wary of her.*
Laurenza: *Sighs.* She's been there for hours. I don't think she's all there anymore.
Kuja: Was she ever there at all?
Red: The lights were on, but she sometimes wasn't in, and when she wasn't she left the door open.
Chiara: You guys are kinda mean. I don't know this girl, but still...
Red: We're always like that.
Rin: Perhaps I can spark some life back into her with some tender affection. *Grins.*
Kuja: If you lay even one dirty finger on my sister, you'll have to answer to me.
Rin: Oh, she's your sister?
Kuja: Yes, but even if she wasn't, I wouldn't let you take advantage of her when she's in such a state.
Red: I agree, it's hardly polite or nice to do so.
Tifanel: I'm worried about Lierlo. I'm kinda glad he's barely here at the moment.
Kuja: Oh?
Tifanel: It's 'cos I reckon Mihako's still tryin' to kill him. You said she attacked Kitzie last night, right?
Kuja: Yes, but...
Tifanel: Whose room was Kitzie sleepin' in?
Thorn: Oh hell, you're right.
Laurenza: It was dark and late... She must have remembered that was his room and not noticed it wasn't him in the bed.
Kuja: That makes sense. She seems to be in a state somewhere between her normal self and AoD form, so perhaps her hunting skills aren't quite up to scratch.
Red: We ought to warn Lierlo that she's probably going to come after him.
Laurenza: He's going to be quite busy, though. I think he has the evening off tonight, so we could tell him then. Until then, we should keep an eye on Mihako.
Red: That'll work.

*The gang gradually disperses, going off to do various things. Kuja takes Mihako with him. Rin settles down in the chair and dozes off after a while. A slightly hazy scene opens. The roar of an airship is heard, harsh and almost animalistic. The source of the sound, an advanced and dangerous-looking behemoth of a craft, lands flawlessly on a stretch of grass. As the hatch opens, we see catch a glimpse of the inside. The technology of the ship is highly developed, alien to the eyes of a human, with an admirable level of craftsmanship. The gangplank descends and its passengers alight from it, revealing themselves to be Pyralis and Faolan. They start walking through the grass. It is dusk, and the surroundings are quiet and still.*
Pyralis: Ahh, it was good to be in the air again.
Faolan: Sure is. I'd wanted to take the Hunter out for a spin for ages.
Pyralis: I'd have preferred it if you didn't waste my time doing tricks, though. I'm starving, so the faster we got here the better.
Faolan: What do you care? It's not like your bothered about them being fresh.
Pyralis: I should beat you for asking a stupid question like that. You know very well I can't just eat from my stores without putting any back. And anyway, I'm also here for the thrill of the chase.
Faolan: The hunt… *Runs his tongue over his fangs.* Yeah, I'm looking forward to it too… *Looks around.* So where are we again?
Pyralis: Does it matter? As long as the meat's good and there's lots of it, I don't care where we are.
Faolan: Call it idle curiosity.
Pyralis: *Shakes his head.* Everywhere in the Humiverse is the same.
Faolan: I think we're in the Taro System.
Pyralis: Have we been here before?
Faolan: *Smiles a little.* We have. In fact, I think we went to this planet only a little while ago.
Pyralis: Whatever. As long as there's lots of nice, ripe Humies practically begging to be eaten… *Chuckles a little.* Hmm, isn't this dump called 'Dalimoor?'
Faolan: No, I think that's the planet next door, the one hidden behind a barrier.
Pyralis: Hah hah, I don't know who those Spirits are trying to kid with their quaint little spells. They think they've done such a good job at hiding that place, but they're no match for us.
Faolan: Yes, it's all very cute. They can disguise them all they like, but you'll never beat a Fleeter at anything.
Pyralis: Well said, Faolan.
Faolan: Yeah, so this place is called 'Palamoor.'
Pyralis: Pfft, these Humie planets have such stupid names. I can't keep them all straight. Well, whatever this place is called, I must say we got here in record time. It's small, but the Hunter must be the fastest vessel in the whole fleet.
Faolan: No doubt about it.

*They reach a forest and dart into it, using the foliage as cover and showing off their extreme skill as hunters. If there were any other creatures nearby, they would ambush them completely unnoticed. To their chagrin, however, there is not a soul in sight.*
Pyralis: *Growls.* This is terrible. I haven't seen even one morsel.
Faolan: Have patience, Chief. I'm sure we'll come across something in time.
*At that moment, a small boy, no older than two years old, comes running past them. He has long red hair and big blue eyes. The child appears to be chasing a fox, and doesn't notice the two Demons concealed close by. He drops his stuffed cat as he passes them, but doesn't seem to realise this.*
Faolan: Well, it's better than nothing…
Pyralis: Bah, a cub. There will be so little meat on it, it's hardly worth the effort.
Faolan: Fine, if you don't want it… *Streaks off after the child like a bolt of lightning.*
Pyralis: *Sighs and shakes his head.*
*After a few moments, Pyralis' ears prick up at the sound of the boy screaming in anguish. A cruel smirk spreads across his face.*

*Rin is woken by the sound of the gang back in the TV chamber again. They are watching some documentary. He yawns and adjusts his glasses. After a moment or so, Nathaniel Bancroft appears in the room.*
Thorn: Oh, hello again.
Laurenza: Mr. Bancroft? What are you doing here?
Nathaniel: You are all good friends of D'lor, are you not?
Red: Yes. Why?
Nathaniel: I wish to know the truth about this 'Apathy' person.
Chiara: Um...
Kuja: You know the truth, he's Lierlo's twin brother. Perhaps your good pal Siun didn't tell you everything like you thought.
Nathaniel: So you too will continue to fob me off with these lies...
Red: It's your choice if you don't believe us.
Rin: I believe you are just desperate to find any excuse, any scandal, to get rid of Lierlo. You don't like him being in that position and, more importantly, in such close a proximity to you.
Nathaniel: What are you suggesting?
Rin: He reminds you too much of your own son.
Laurenza: No wonder you and Siun got on. You were both ashamed of your boys.
Nathaniel: Do not be so ridiculous. *His expression hardens.* I have no son.
Thorn: If you're going to be like that, we suggest you should leave.
Nathaniel: *Shakes his head.* I am not leaving here until I am satisfied. I must remind you that I came here to question you about the D'lor boy, not for you to make baseless accusations about me.
Rin: Baseless? It's no lie that you have a son!
Chiara: Yeah, I've met him!
Ares: It's true.
Laurenza: Hating and neglecting your own child to the point of pretending they don't even exist... What a terrible thing to do. How could anyone be so cruel to their own son?
Thorn: *Looks less than impressed.* It always baffles me how people can be so cruel as to disown their own children.
Nathaniel: *Looks unperturbed.* Stop this nonsense.
Laurenza: I couldn't say for certain about your son, but we know that Siun's behaviour towards Lierlo did him pretty bad emotional damage. It's probably the same for yours.
Nathaniel: *Smirks a little.* Yes, I can believe that. The rumours about D'lor's mental state, and indeed his involvement in his father's death, are not pretty...
Laurenza: Ack... *Quietly, to the others.* Roreille did her best to cover up Siun's murder, so only a small number of people know about it. We'd better shift the focus back off Lierlo again…
Red: Can we just throw him out instead?
Kuja: That sounds very tempting, but I want to make sure he doesn't ever want to come back. If we keep teasing him about his son, he'll think twice about bugging us again.
Thorn: Sounds like a good plan to me.
Kuja: *Turns to Nathaniel.* Aren't you worried that Shiloh is your next of kin? He's going to be the next ruler of your clan when you retire. Don't you think he'll use his newly gained political powers to exact some kind of revenge on you?
Nathaniel: *Laughs quite a lot for some reason.* Really now, let us cease this foolishness. I will get to the bottom of this 'Apathy' business myself. *He leaves, still laughing to himself.*
Kuja: *Looks a bit wrong-footed.* What was so funny? I thought I'd made a fair point.
Thorn: You did, or at least I thought you did.
Rin: *Shakes head.* Spirits born without Magick, like Shiloh, have the same lifespan as an average human. This means Shiloh will probably be outlived by his father by a very, very long time. I believe this is what amused him so.
Thorn: He's a cruel man.
Chiara: He sure is. Ooh, I could just kick him in the goolies!
Red: *Laughs.* I'd like to see that.
Tifanel: I'd pay good money to see that.
Chiara: *Grins.*

*Meanwhile at the meeting place for the Lower Council in the Spirit World, it seems Lierlo, Apathy and Jadarthfeyr are busy debating policy and dealing with important documents. In actual fact, Jadarthfeyr is more concerned with his knitting and jam sandwiches than anything. During a break in the discussion, Jadarthfeyr strikes up some casual conversation.*
Jadarthfeyr: I think it feels different around here, do you not agree?
Lierlo: Different how?
Jadarthfeyr: It is without the woman! Popeye, or whatever her name is. Especially when Nigel is here, the room is filled with men and men only… Oh, unless you count Eila, of course.
Lierlo: Are you saying this is a good thing?
Jadarthfeyr: No, not at all, my dear boy. I was just remarking on how different it is. I suppose there will be much less frivolous gossip now. *Takes a bite of a sandwich.*
Apathy: With all due respect, Jadarthfeyr, I know my sister and I know she does not gossip.
*Nathaniel enters the room, closing the door behind him.*
Nathaniel: D'lor has a point, Sayemond. I think the only person that gossiped around here was you.
*As Nathaniel passes Lierlo and Apathy to take his seat at the desk, he kicks Apathy's foot. Whether it was intentional or accidental is unclear, and either way he doesn't apologise.*
Nathaniel: *Sits down and starts sifting through a pile of letters in front of him.* When you are not talking about jam, you fascinate us all with the juicy details of the latest scandal.
Jadarthfeyr: Well, I had been out of the loop for a long time due to that cupboard incident, so it is nice to get back into the know. Times never change, do they? Everyone is still sleeping with everyone else.
*Lierlo and Apathy exchange weary looks.*
Nathaniel: Yes, yes. *Attempts to change the subject.* So about these documents…
Jadarthfeyr: *Doesn't take the hint and continues as if he hadn't been interrupted.* Have you seen the latest issue of Saucy? They have printed some interesting things about you, Nigel.
Nathaniel: Oh, have they now? *Looks as uninterested as someone could possibly be.*
Jadarthfeyr: Yes. *Cheerily.* They say you are a raging nymphomaniac.
Nathaniel: *Is completely unfazed.* That is nice.
Lierlo: …I really think we should stop talking about this now, Jadarthfeyr.
Apathy: We should really get some of this work done. Nathaniel, did you go and see the Elders during your break?
Nathaniel: *Doesn't look up at him or even acknowledge he asked him a question. He's now slicing open some of the letters with a letter opener.*
Apathy: *Sighs.* I'm getting quite tired of you ignoring me, Nathaniel. I exist, and pretending I don't won't do anything to change that.
Lierlo: We can't work together if you won't even talk to Apathy.
Nathaniel: *Turns to Jadarthfeyr.* Does it not bother you how close Lierlo and this Apathy person seem?
Jadarthfeyr: *Knows the truth, but thinks carefully for a second about how to respond.* Well, they are twins. Twins have a certain affinity with each other, do they not?
Nathaniel: That is not quite what I meant. Lierlo and Apathy… they are too close. They seem to know exactly what the other is about to say and even finish each other's sentences.
Jadarthfeyr: Oh yes, there is that.
Lierlo: No…
Apathy: We don't do that all the time.
Nathaniel: *Shakes his head.* You are just too suspicious to take for granted, I am afraid. *Stands up, grabs Apathy by the collar and drags him away from the table. The letter opener is still in his other hand.* Just who are you really?
Apathy: *Coughs a little as Nathaniel pulling against his collar is almost choking him.*
Lierlo: *Holds his hands to his throat, trying to hide the fact he's feeling the same discomfort as Apathy.*
Jadarthfeyr: *Drops his knitting needles.* Nigel, please! You need to calm down!
Nathaniel: Nathaniel! My name is Nathaniel! And you stay out of this, you old fool!
Jadarthfeyr: Well…! *Looks slightly offended.*
Nathaniel: Now then, 'Apathy,' how about you reveal your true identity? Who, or what are you? Are you an impostor? Perhaps a Demon in disguise…
Apathy: Dear me, he must have been talking to Kuja…
*Both Lierlo and Apathy start laughing a little, until Nathaniel pulls on Apathy's collar forcefully.*
A & L: *Cry out a little.*
Nathaniel: *Didn't notice Lierlo's cry, as it was lost in Apathy's. He points the letter opener at Apathy's face.* Do you bleed as we do?
Apathy: Nathaniel, stop being ridiculous. I'm not some kind of bizarre monster. The only monster in here is the person so mistrustful of his co-worker he's driven to madness such as this.
Nathaniel: *Looks a little incensed.* Madness? I am merely searching for the truth! *Presses the letter opener against Apathy's face.*
Apathy: Get away from me! *Tries to push Nathaniel's arm away from him.*
*The two struggle against each other and during their fight, the letter opener nicks Apathy's face. Both Lierlo and Apathy gasp in pain. Lierlo claps his hand to his cheek as an identical cut appears there.*
Nathaniel: *Drops the letter opener.* I am sorry, I did not actually mean to hurt you. *Lets Apathy go.*
*Lierlo and Apathy start coughing in sequence, as both are able to breathe freely again. Nathaniel watches them and also spots the blood flowing from behind Lierlo's fingers.*
Nathaniel: What…?
Jadarthfeyr: Good grief, what a turn of events. Young D'lor… both of you in fact… Are you all right?
Lierlo: Yes, I think so. *Goes over to Apathy.* You're bleeding.
Apathy: So are you. *Touches the cut on Lierlo's face.* Renewal. *An image of an opening bud appears for a moment. As it vanishes, the cut is healed on both of their faces.*
Nathaniel: *Looks like the truth has dawned on him. He approaches them with a satisfied smile.* It is just as I thought. You two… you are not twins at all, are you?
Lierlo: I think now would be a good time to leave.
Apathy: I agree.
Nathaniel: You are the same person, split into two entities. You are so convinced that your second personality exists you willed him into being! In the name of the Oracle, you are even more unhinged than the rumours suggest!
*Lierlo and Apathy open a portal and quickly leave the Spirit World.*

*The two of them arrive in the castle, joining the rest of the gang.*
Laurenza: Lierlo, Apathy? I didn't think you had any time off until this evening.
*Lierlo and Apathy both look rather concerned and don't seem to register Laurenza talking to them.*
Red: Lierlo? Apathy...?
Lierlo: Oh, sorry. We were just lost in thought for a moment.
Apathy: What did you say?
Tifanel: Uh, we just wanted to know how come you guys are back so early.
Lierlo: *Sighs.* The cat's out of the bag, I'm afraid.
Ares: Oh no, what happened?
Apathy: Nathaniel confronted us and due to a unfortunate set of circumstances, he discovered the truth.
Red: Are you okay?
Lierlo: Yes, we're not hurt. The problem is though he now thinks we're crazy… He'll tell everyone and I'm sure they'll think we're crazy too.
Apathy: I don't think we'll be able to go back to the council again anytime soon.
Thorn: Yes, but... isn't being obsessed with jam sandwiches also a little crazy, too?
Lierlo: It probably is, but they're not likely to vote Jadarthfeyr out of office. The Sayemonds are a long-established... *He says the next word with a slight coldness.* ...Pure family.
Apathy: So it's really not worth even bringing it up to the Elders. I think it would be best if we just lay low here for a while. Things are going to get really ugly there.
Thorn: Whatever happens, we'll back you up.

Chiara: I already offered to kick Nathaniel where it hurts.
Lierlo: *Smiles.* I don't think that will be necessary. By the way, where is Mihako?
Kuja: Oh, good question. I haven't seen her for a little while. Stupid girl... Where could she have wandered off to?
Thorn: She can't have gone that far, right?
Red: We can only hope so.
Lierlo: Don't worry. Apathy and I will go look for her.
Thorn: Do you need us to come too?
Apathy: We have some things we want to talk to her about, so we'd rather you didn't.
Laurenza: Okay, but in that case, please be careful. We think she might still want to hurt you.
Thorn: That's what I was worried about.
Lierlo: Thank you, but we should be fine.
Red: Good luck, then.

*Lierlo and Apathy start searching the castle and its grounds for Mihako. They eventually find her stood on the precipice of Dalimoor Head, gazing into the forest below. The ribbon she normally wears in her hair is scrunched up in her hand.*
Lierlo: Mihako…
Mihako: *Turns to face him. Her fire-like eyes are totally empty.*
Lierlo: Seeing you again… it was so unexpected.
Apathy: *Turns to Lierlo with a slight smirk on his face.* It makes you feel so guilty, doesn't it, brother? You secretly hoped you'd never see her again and didn't make any effort to try and help her.
Lierlo: *Sighs.* Mihako, this is Apathy. He is... well, he's many things. He's a part of myself, but also… my lover.
Mihako: *Inclines her head to one side ever so slightly, but her expression doesn't change.*
Lierlo: He's also my conscience and guide to my feelings. *He smiles ironically.* He's doing a fantastic job of making me feel terrible right now.
Apathy: But I only speak the truth. You couldn't deal with Mihako, and deep down you were glad she was no longer in your life. When you sealed her away, perhaps you did think about bringing her back eventually. But over time, you lost interest. The thought of having Mihako back wasn't a pleasant one.
Mihako: *Turns away from him again.*
Lierlo: *Goes over to Mihako, appealing to her in a slightly childish way.* But Apathy didn't help! He was always with me, telling me he was the only one I needed… Seducing me…
Apathy: I only acted on your own selfish feelings. I only did what you wanted, and what you wanted was not Mihako. He had stopped loving you for a long time. His unrequited love had left him bitter and unfulfilled. He almost despised you. When he lost you, he cried not for you, but for himself. It was his guilt and self pity that caused him to shed those tears. Not a single thought was actually for you.
Lierlo: Mihako… don't believe him! It's not true! *His eyes sparkle with tears.* I still cared for you even after you had gone!
Apathy: *Tears form in his eyes too.* They were feelings of habit, brother! They no longer had any real meaning. Don't confuse your guilt over her 'death' for genuine feelings of love!
Mihako: *Looks out across the horizon again and lets the ribbon fly into the wind.*
Lierlo: *Grabs her hand, sobbing hard.* I'm sorry… I'm so sorry! Everything that happened to you… it's all my fault! Can you ever forgive me?
Mihako: *Looks at Lierlo, and for the first time since her reawakening, she smiles. It is a smile of sadness, however.*
Lierlo: Mihako…
Mihako: *Lets go of his hand and approaches Apathy. She blows on him, as if extinguishing a candle, and he vanishes.*
Lierlo: Apathy!
Mihako: *Goes back over to Lierlo and holds his hands. She speaks for the first time.* Do not worry, Lierlo…
Lierlo: Mihako…
Mihako: *Grabs hold of Lierlo's rapier.* Everything is fine now. *She slices the tips of his wings off and shoves him over the edge of Dalimoor Head in one swift movement.*
*The whole area seems to be plunged into complete silence. There is only the sound of the rushing wind, which Lierlo's screams seem inconsequential against.*

*The scene opens in total darkness. A few distant voices can be heard, vague and almost indistinguishable from one to another.*
Female Voice: What happened? What happened?
Female Voice 2: Is he okay?
Male Voice: Did he jump again?
Male Voice 2: Everyone, just calm down. We'll find out how it happened when he wakes up.
*Lierlo's eyelids flicker slightly.*
Tifanel: Hey, he's opening his eyes!
*Lierlo, without Apathy, is lying in a bed. He is in the same hospital as Roreille, in the bed next to her in fact. A bandage is around his head. The gang are stood around him, looking worried.*
Thorn: Hi, Lierlo.
Rin: How are you feeling?
Lierlo: *Stares at them blearily, looking rather confused.* Unh...
Thorn: I'd kind of take that as he's not feeling good.
Kuja: Are you surprised? He's probably still very disoriented.
Laurenza: Lierlo, you somehow fell off Dalimoor Head. We found you on a jutting piece of rock not too far from the cliff top.
Thorn: I knew I should've gone with you.
Tifanel: Yeah, this might've been avoided. But y'know, he was pretty lucky that bit of rock broke his fall. If he'd fell all the way to the forest... *Trails off.*
Thorn: That's true...
Lierlo: Fell...
Kuja: Yes, you fell. You broke some bones, but the Spirit doctors here are skilled healers. They mended them pretty quickly. Unfortunately, they couldn't do the same for the bump on your head. There's been a bit of damage to it Magick can't help with.
Thorn: Just try and get some rest now, Lierlo.
Rin: Yes, time and sleep will be the best medicine.
Lierlo: Mihako...
Chiara: Sorry Lolo, she's not here right now. We don't know where she got to.
Lierlo: That bitch… She pushed me.
Thorn: Really...?
Laurenza: She pushed you off Dalimoor Head?
Lierlo: *Nods.*
Thorn: Oh no…
Tifanel: So she had it in for him after all.
Kuja: Don't worry about her, though. We'll deal with her later. You just concentrate on recovering, Lierlo.
Lierlo: *Sits up.* Stop it...
Thorn: What?
Lierlo: Stop calling me that.
Rin: Calling you what, my dear Lierlo?
Lierlo: That! Stop calling me Lierlo. I'm Apathy.
Thorn: You are? Oh, sorry.
Laurenza: *Shakes her head.* He's not. We're around them enough to know that Lierlo and Apathy aren't totally identical.
*Roreille comes over to them, walking carefully because of her injuries.*
Roreille: Oh, he's awake now?
Thorn: He is indeed.
Chiara: I think he's a little confused. He says he's not Lierlo.
Roreille: Ah, he is claiming his Apathy? *Looks at Lierlo.* Well, I can tell you that is not true. Apathy represents the Cielnoir and the Nature Element in him. The person sat in the bed there... *Gestures Lierlo.* ...Has a Luneblance Fire Element symbol on his forehead, as you can see.
Thorn: I was kind of trying to humour him, you know.
Kuja: Well to be fair, Thorn, we had to make sure. When you have two people that look pretty much the same…
Thorn: True, true.
Roreille: Why are you claiming to be Apathy, Lierlo? *Looks around.* Is he not with you?
Lierlo: *Shakes his head.* I am Apathy.
Tifanel: D'ya reckon that bump on his head muddled him up a bit?
Thorn: I think you could be right.
Roreille: Poor Lierlo...
Laurenza: We should just let him get some rest. I'm sure he'll be fine in time.
Thorn: I agree.
*The gang wish Lierlo well and return home, hoping he'll recover quickly.*

*A little while later, whilst they are gathered in the TV chamber again, Lierlo appears before them.*
Kuja: Lierlo, what are you doing back here? You should be in hospital, young man!
Thorn: I believe Doctor Greyfare has spoken.
Kuja: *Smiles.*
Lierlo: I'm fine. Now where is Mihako?
Laurenza: Lierlo, you really need to get better. You can worry about Mihako later.
Thorn: *Quietly.* It's a good point, though. Where is she?
Kuja: I tried looking for her, but I swear she's hiding from us.
Lierlo: I must find her. It's very important that I do. She tried to kill me! I can't take that lying down, now can I?
Thorn: Well, no, but if she tried to kill you once, what makes you think she won't try it again?
Lierlo: So won't get a chance. Now let me go find that foolish girl. I want to teach her a lesson she won't soon forget. *He leaves the room.*
Thorn: This might not end well.
Chiara: Oh no, is he gonna do something bad?
Rin: I think it would be best if we went after him.
Thorn: Definitely. Let's go.

*They follow Lierlo outside into the grounds. Mihako and he are facing it off. Mihako is in full AoD glory and still has Lierlo's sword. She is sending bolts of lightning from the sword at Lierlo, which he is doing his best to avoid.*
Kuja: *Stumbles a little and grabs hold of Thorn to steady himself.* Agh...
Thorn: Kuja? Are you okay?
Kuja: I'm fine, I'm fine! It's just my body responding to Mihako's transformation. Worry about those two, not me.
Thorn: Right, right.
Laurenza: Lierlo!
Lierlo: Lierlo's not here right now!
Kuja: Lierlo... Apathy, whoever you want to call yourself. You can't blame Mihako for what she did. It's your fault she became what she is anyway!
Lierlo: So you're saying I deserved being pushed off Dalimoor Head?
Thorn: No! Lierlo, I think he's saying you need to accept the responsibility for what you did!
Lierlo: Accept... responsibility? You're... you're right. *He smiles in a strange way.* I'm a bad, bad person. It's all my fault...
Mihako: Destroy... DESTROY YOU! *Waves of energy surge out from her.*
Kuja: *Grits his teeth and pulls clumps of grass out of the ground, probably to stop himself from beating Thorn up.*
Tifanel: Uh oh, this don't look good.
Mihako: *Starts firing shards of ice at Lierlo.*
Lierlo: *Counters them with balls of fire.*
Laurenza: Do you think we should try and intervene?
Thorn: Well, yes, but we have to be careful.
Mihako: STAY BACK. *Sends pulses of energy at the gang in a threatening manner.*
Chiara: Eeek! I guess she doesn't want us helping after all!
Thorn: Looks that way…
Kuja: She wants to fight Lierlo alone.
Tifanel: Heh, well that suits me. I don't fancy gettin' frozen solid by her...
Thorn: Is there anything we can do to help at all?
Chiara: Make sure they don't kill each other, I guess.
Lierlo: Tangling Eruption! *Large, spiky vines burst from the grass and wrap around Mihako.*
Mihako: *Uses her powers to twist the vines in such a way that they release her. The vines then begin bending around Lierlo, crushing him.*
Lierlo: *Screams.*
Thorn: Lierlo!
Rin: That looks quite painful...
Lierlo: Leaf... Dance! *He vanishes into the air, letting the vines fall limply to the ground. In the space where he was, there are some swirling leaves.*
Chiara: He disappeared!
Thorn: I'm sure he'll be okay..!
Mihako: *Looks confused and starts attacking the leaves instead.*
Lierlo: *Reappears in a flurry of leaves behind her. He reclaims his rapier and stabs her in the back.*
Thorn: Oh my god, Lierlo!
Mihako: *Slumps on the ground.*
Kuja: *Grabs hold of Thorn's hand tightly.*
Lierlo: *Stares at Mihako, as if he's not quite sure what he's done.*
Kuja: You bastard...! Mihako... how could you?
Lierlo: *Looks very guilty for a moment. He almost looks like he's going to apologise, but his Apathy personality takes control once more.* It had to be done. Revenge is very important... In fact, I have one more person to deal with today. *Opens a portal and leaves through it.*
Thorn: Oh no, this looks bad.
Tifanel: Where's he gone now?
Thorn: I have a fair idea...
Laurenza: Nathaniel Bancroft... He's going after him, isn't he?
Thorn: I bet he is. We'd better go after him.
Kuja: Mihako...
Rin: I can imagine young Kuja would like to stay here with his sister...
Thorn: Do you want me to stay with you, Kuja?
Kuja: *Nods some, his eye threatening tears. He clings to Thorn.*
Thorn: *Holds him close.* Then I will.
Laurenza: The rest of us will go after Lierlo, then.
Thorn: Good luck.

*They head after Lierlo through the portal and arrive somewhere in the Spirit World. Lierlo is attacking Nathaniel by throwing thorns at him. Nathaniel is reflecting them with a Magickal barrier.*
Lierlo: You pathetic excuse for a Divine Spirit! People who mistreat children are the worst there are. Do you have any idea what a child goes through when they're hated and neglected by their own father?!
Laurenza: Lierlo!
Nathaniel: Everyone, your friend has gone completely mad!
Red: I wouldn't have said completely.
Tifanel: Stop it, Lierlo. You've caused enough trouble today. *Runs at him and grabs him in a headlock.*
Lierlo: Agh, let me go!
Tifanel: Nah, we're takin' ya back to hospital, where ya should be. *Holds out his hand and concentrates hard.* Vinchente!
*Lierlo is struck by the spell and is frozen like a stiff board.*
Red: Come on, let's take him back quick.
*Tifanel carries Lierlo back to the hospital and the others follow. One of the doctors greets them, looking relieved.*
Doctor: Oh thank goodness. We have no idea what happened to him. He must have sneaked out when we were not looking. He should be in bed.
Ares: He should be in bed indeed.
*Tifanel tucks Lierlo up in his bed. They then explain to Roreille everything that happened.*
Roreille: Oh Lierlo... *She sighs in a resigned manner.* I really think it is time we stopped denying the truth and got him some real help...
Tifanel: What kinda help?
Roreille: ...Mental help.
Red: It sounds harsh, but I do kind of agree.
Laurenza: Do you really think he needs it?
Roreille: *Nods.* His dual personalities... they really need to be unified again, so things like what happened today do not happen.
Laurenza: Oh, okay. I suppose you're right. After all, we might finally get to the root of the matter… find out what caused his problems in the first place.
Ares: *Nods.*
Red: You know, maybe with some help, Lierlo might have better mental clarity. Wait, that doesn't really sound right... You know what I mean
Tifanel: Let's hope so, huh? *Looks over at Lierlo.*
*The spell has worn off now, but Lierlo has fallen asleep. Inside his mind, he is reliving his fall from Dalimoor Head. He sees Apathy in the air as he falls. He reaches out to him as he passes, but does not manage to touch him. Apathy waves to him as he plummets downwards.*