*The scene opens in a suburban home that appears to be somewhere on Earth. A young blonde girl is curled up in her bed, cowering under the covers as the sound of shouts echo up from downstairs. A door slams and the child winces. She then turns to a photo of herself, assumedly with her parents, on a beach holiday. The father, a pleasant-looking man, is buried up to his neck in the sand. The mother, blonde like her daughter, is stood nearby with her girl. Both are laughing, their smiling faces recognisable as Evelyn and young Iris.*
Iris: Mummy… Daddy…
*Evelyn and her husband's heated voices are heard from downstairs. There the two of them are yelling at each other.*
Evelyn: Why don't you just calm down?
Man: I'm not angry!
Evelyn: You are angry! You're slamming doors!
Man: Okay then, I am. But maybe I've got a good reason to be!
Evelyn: What's wrong now?
Man: Your chest of drawers in the back room. It's full of drawings of him!
Evelyn: *Looks rather embarrassed he found them.* Oh… Well, I don't have a photo of him, so I tried to draw him.
Man: Right, yeah, fine. But did you really need to draw him dozens of times?
Evelyn: I… *Doesn't know what to say for herself.*
Man: *His fury subsides into sadness.* You're still in love with him. You've always been in love with him.
Evelyn: Darling…
Man: I don't know why you even married me! I was never what you wanted…

*Meanwhile, back at the castle. A day or so has passed since the incident with Mihako. Unexpectedly, Kuja seems to have taken her death a little hard. Lierlo is still in hospital. Chiara, Rin, Ares and Thorn are sat together in the TV Chamber, thinking about Lierlo.*
Chiara: I hope Lierlo is doing okay.
Ares: Yeah, me too.
Chiara: You know what, I've been thinking lately.
Rin: About what, angel?
Chiara: About how me, Ares and you, daddy, joined this little gang really late on. Everyone else knew each other for ages before, but we had to take in a lot of stuff… a lot of weird stuff, which was never really explained to us. I always thought Lierlo and Apathy were twin brothers, and then they go and hold hands and kiss and stuff…
Thorn: It's true. I mean, it's not to the same degree as you guys, perhaps, but when I arrived at the castle, there were a lot of people here who had already known each other for ages too. Most of them aren't here anymore, but still.
Chiara: Oh, so you do know how I feel a little. But thinking about it again, I never asked you guys to explain anything to me, so I guess I'm a little to blame too...
Rin: I always find it's better not to ask questions, so people will return the courtesy.
Chiara: What do you mean?
Rin: I mean if you don't ask about other people's idiosyncrasies, they won't probe into your own.
Ares: I guess that's true. But it's not really a case of probing into people's lives.
Thorn: If people are comfortable around you, they'll sometimes tell you things because they trust you, even if you don't ask.
Chiara: Yeah, that's true.
Rin: Isn't it rather a shame about what happened to that Mihako? I believe Kuja is rather cut up about it.
Thorn: Wait, he is?
Rin: Well, I assumed so. I saw him moping around earlier before he went into his room. Perhaps you should go and speak with him to determine if he is all right?
Thorn: I think I might.

*Thorn goes upstairs and enters Kuja's room. It appears to be deserted, other than Tabitha sat growling slightly on Kuja's bed. Thorn notices a pile of books with most of their pages torn out and screwed up. Handwritten papers nearby have also been shredded.*
Thorn: Kuja? Are you in here?
*Thorn hears Kuja's voice behind him.*
Kuja: I wasted so much time.
Thorn: *Turns around.* There you are.
*Kuja has a strange look in his eyes. He picks up one of the books, titled 'Regaining Lost Personalities,' and starts tearing the pages out in a frenzy.*
Thorn: Kuja!
Kuja: What? These books are useless now. Believe it or not, I spent a lot of time trying to find a way to help Mihako return to normal, so she could be woken up again. I didn't tell anyone, because that would ruin my image, wouldn't it? Everyone thought I hated Mihako. *Smiles a little bitterly.*
Thorn: You could've told me. I wouldn't have thought any less of you. You did whatever you could to try and help, I'm sure, like any big brother would.
Kuja: *Nods some.* I know... I really did care for her deep down. She was a reflection of myself in some ways, and my only sister.
Thorn: *Looks like he isn't entirely sure what to say that would help the situation, so he offers Kuja a hug instead.*
Kuja: *Goes to accept the hug, but hesitates and backs away.* Mihako... The two of us were always connected somewhat. You remember how we acted when either of us was in AoD form? The Etheraal's blood ties works for their own kind as well as their prey. Her death, it feels like a deep wound to me… *His eyes flicker fire-red.* Maybe you should leave me alone for a while, Thorn...
Thorn: Are you sure?
Kuja: *Growls at him.*
Thorn: I'm going, I'm going. *Leaves quickly.*

*Thorn rejoins the others downstairs and tells them to avoid Kuja for the time being, as Mihako's death hasn't brought out the best in him. A few minutes later, loud bangs and Tifanel yelling fills the air. It sounds like he is fighting someone or something.*
Rin: What's that rowdy noise?
Ares: Sounds like Tif yelling.
Thorn: Think we should check it out?
Chiara: Yeah, he might be in trouble!
Ares: Come on, let's go see.
*They go upstairs to find Tifanel outside of Kuja's room. He is bleeding badly and his clothes are burnt.*
Chiara: Tif!
Ares: Ouch, that looks nasty.
Rin: Goodness, what happened?
Tifanel: All I did was take Kuja his laundry and he just… attacked me! I think he's feelin' a bit AoD-y today. I hit him with the wrong end of my sword and got him to go away, but he still managed to give me a nice few scratches and a fireball before leavin'...
Thorn: Oh no... I would've warned you to avoid him, but you weren't around. Damn. Where did he go?
Tifanel: Back into his room. I really wouldn't go in there right now unless you want somethin' bitten off.
Thorn: Oh, I see. I say we should just leave him completely.
Rin: Good idea. We need to help Tifanel, anyway.
Tifanel: *Gets up.* Ahh, don't worry about me. I heal real quickly.
Ares: Lucky, huh?
Tifanel: Yeah, I guess. It still hurts somethin' wicked, though.
Chiara: Poor Tif. *Hugs him.*
Tifanel: Ow...
Thorn: Sorry about that, Tif.
Tifanel: Heheh, I think I'll live.

*We rejoin Pyralis and Faolan for the moment. They leave the forest and walk towards the city, sticking to the shadows. Night has fallen, making it easier for them to move unseen. There are not many people about, however. Faolan has blood around his mouth and staining his claws, still fresh from his recent kill.*
Pyralis: *Watches someone pass with narrow eyes.* Just look at them… Humies, pfft. They're hideous with their… *Spits the words out as if they're filthy.* …Love and their compassion. Emotions spilling out all over the place… It turns my stomach.
Faolan: It must be pretty cool to have your True Sight, Chief. I'm kinda jealous.
Pyralis: Don't be. It's a hard power to keep under control.
Faolan: Yeah, there is that.
Pyralis: *Glances around.* Slim pickings tonight.
Faolan: You could've had that child. It was very tender and fresh. Here, taste some of that… *Offers him his claw.*
*Pyralis licks the blood from it and Faolan smiles to himself.*
Pyralis: Mmm, yes, that was good. I might have had it all to myself if I'd known it was a Spirit. *Spots two humans walking slowly along.* Oh look, there's two prime cuts.
Faolan: Excellent, let's give chase.
*The two of them spring into action, streaking across the grass like streamlined vehicles. As they prepare to strike, the humans suddenly turn round and watch them, as if they were expecting them.*
Pyralis: So calm in the face of death… *Rears back, ready to strike, but suddenly feels a shooting pain in his back leg.* Agh… What was that?
*There is a rushing sound and Pyralis is struck again by two more projectiles. Faolan scarpers away, concerned only with saving his own skin. Pyralis blacks out.*

*That afternoon, back in the castle, some of the gang are together in the TV Chamber. Kuja looks like he's calmed down and Tifanel has recovered. It is raining hard outside. They hear a knock on the door.*
Chiara: Door! *Looks around.* Where's that Djinn?
Kuja: Outside, doing some gardening.
Laurenza: In the rain?
Kuja: Aren't we cruel?
Ares: Maybe it's him at the door. Maybe he got locked out.
Red: Chance would be a fine thing.
Thorn: Even still, we ought to get the door.
Kuja: Thanks for offering, Thorn.
Thorn: I di-- *Shakes his head.* Never mind. *He goes and answers the door.*
*Standing there is a blonde woman, her hair lank and damp because of the rain. Her blue eyes are slightly puffy, as if she's been crying. It's Evelyn, whom Thorn met briefly once before.*
Evelyn: Oh hello, I'm looking for Tifanel. Is this the right place?
Thorn: That's right. Come in, out the rain.
Evelyn: Thank you. *She steps inside.* I think I've met you before, but if you don't remember me, my name's Evelyn.
Thorn: Ah yes, I remember. I'm Thorn. I'll take you through to Tif.
*Thorn leads Evelyn through. Tifanel looks shocked to see her.*
Tifanel: Evelyn! *Can't help himself. He leaps up and grabs her into a tight hug, despite her being soaking wet.*
Evelyn: *Hugs him back for quite a while.* Hi Tif.
*Chiara looks rather worried by this sudden turn of events.*
Tifanel: *Finally lets go.* What are ya doing here?
Evelyn: You left your address with me and said I could come and see you if I was ever in trouble.
Ares: Did something happen?
Evelyn: It's my husband...
*Chiara looks more relaxed.*
Evelyn: ...Things aren't working out between us.
*Chiara becomes anxious again.*
Thorn: *Looks concerned for Evelyn.* Is there anything we can do to help?
Evelyn: Well, I just had to get out of the house for a day or two. *Looks from Tifanel to the others.* Um, would I be imposing too much if I asked to stay here?
Ares: I think that would be okay. Wouldn't it?
Thorn: I reckon so.
Laurenza: Of course. Any friend of Tifanel's is welcome here.
Evelyn: Oh, thank you very much!
Tifanel: C'mon, let's go find you a room.
*The two of them go upstairs. Chiara watches them go with a troubled expression.*
Ares: *Looks over at her.* Are you okay?
Chiara: Who is that woman?
Rin: I'd quite like to know that as well. It's a shame she said she was married, but then again, that's never stopped me before...
Kuja: *Gives Rin a look and speaks to him as if scolding a naughty dog.* No. *Turns to Chiara.* Evelyn, Tifanel's childhood friend and first love. They were separated for a long time. I was told during this time Evelyn married and had a child, and Tif thought she was dead. When they were finally reunited, they weren't able to get together because of Evelyn's marriage and other things I won't go into.
Red: Worried he'll leave you, Chi?
Chiara: *Nods slowly.* Tif still loves her. He told me in a way a while back… and if her marriage is breaking up…
Laurenza: *Looks sympathetic.* Oh Chiara...
Ares: He wouldn't leave you... would he?
Laurenza: I don't think so. Tif cares about you, so he's not going to break off your relationship just because she's turned up. He's better than that.
Chiara: I hope so...

*A little later, Evelyn and Tifanel have rejoined the others. The two of them are sat together and Chiara is in the chair opposite, giving them a burning gaze. Evelyn seems to be reminiscing about old times with Tifanel.*
Evelyn: Tif, do you remember that day I was teaching you about body parts?
Tifanel: Eh heh... *Looks awkward.* Yeah…

**Flashback time.**
*In the Owens Lab, young Evelyn and Tifanel are together in his containment unit. Evelyn has some words written on flash cards. She's showing Tifanel his eyes in a small mirror. She has a card with the word 'eyes' on it in the other hand.*
Evelyn: These are called 'eyes.' One eye, two eyes.
Tifanel: Eyes…
Evelyn: Very good! This is a 'nose.' *Grabs Tifanel's nose.* Honk!
Tifanel: *Looks shocked.*
Evelyn: Oh, don't worry. It's funny.
Tifanel: Funny… *Smiles a lot.* Funny! *He tries to look at his nose and goes cross-eyed.*
Evelyn: *Giggles.* Now that is funny!
Tifanel: *Looks down and points to his chest. He gives Evelyn a questioning glance.*
Evelyn: You want to know what that's called?
Tifanel: *Nods.*
Evelyn: We were just doing the face today, but okay. That's your 'chest.'
Tifanel: Ch… chest.
Evelyn: That's right. So let's go through what we've done so far, okay? Where are my eyes?
Tifanel: Eyes! *Points at Evelyn's eyes.*
Evelyn: Very good! How about my nose?
Tifanel: *Honks her nose.* Nose! Funny!
Evelyn: *Laughs.* It sure is. Okay then, where's my chest?
Tifanel: *Grabs her breasts.* Honk!
Evelyn: *Blushes a lot.* Tif, no!
Tifanel: *Backs off a little, looking scared.*
Evelyn: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. You just…. You just don't touch a girl there, okay?
**Flashback over.**

*Back in the present day, Evelyn and Tifanel are both laughing.*
Evelyn: You really embarrassed me, Tif.
Tifanel: Yeah yeah, I wasn't to know, was I?
Laurenza: *Smirks.* Oh, I don't know. He is a man, so he probably did it on purpose.
Red: I was thinking that.
Tifanel: Hey, that ain't true!
Laurenza: I'm sorry, Tif. Just think of it as payback for all the times you've said sexist things about women in the past.
Tifanel: Yeah, okay.
Chiara: *In a carrying voice.* Hey Ares, isn't it cute that Tif and Evelyn have funny memories together? We've been through some good times too, haven't we? Probably loads more than a childhood friend that's been missing from his life for YEARS!
Ares: Well, sure. Apart from the run in with the Gryphon wasn't all that fun.
Chiara: Yeah, but other than that, we've had some great times together and none of them involved sexual harassment!
Laurenza: *Sighs.* Chiara...
Evelyn: I'm sorry, Chiara, if you feel threatened by me. I'm not here to steal Tifanel from you. You are his girlfriend, right?
Chiara: Yeah. ...Wait, you're not?
Evelyn: I'm still married for one.
Ares: See? Nothing to worry about.
Rin: I believe the young lady just needed a friend in this difficult time for her.
Evelyn: That's right.
Chiara: Mmm, okay. *Doesn't look too convinced.*
Laurenza: *Looks like she wants to change the subject.* I'm going to go visit Lierlo. Does anyone want to come with me?
Kuja: Oh, I do.
Thorn: I'll come with you.
Red: Yeah, me too.
Laurenza: Okay, let's go.

*The four of them head to the hospital and find Roreille up and about, stood next to Lierlo's bed. Lierlo sits up and looks happy to see them.*
Laurenza: Lierlo?
Lierlo: Hello, yes, it's me.
Red: Hey, how are you?
Lierlo: If you're asking how the bump on my head is, it's getting better. But you all seem to think I'm crazy...
Laurenza: Oh Lierlo, we don't think you're crazy, just… not well.
Thorn: We just want to help you.
Kuja: You attacked Nathaniel Bancroft... *His eyes flash momentarily.* ...And killed my sister.
Lierlo: *Looks down.* I'm not proud of what I did. I'm so sorry...
Roreille: You need to think about Apathy and what he really is.
Lierlo: Apathy...
Thorn: What happened to him, anyway?
Lierlo: I don't know. For the first time in a while, I can't see him or hear his voice... *Looks a little depressed about it.*
Kuja: That's unusual.
Roreille: Hmm. Well, Lierlo, if we could return to the original subject. I was talking to a doctor whilst you were sleeping and they think you have Personality Projection Syndrome.
Kuja: *Looks interested.* What's that?
Roreille: A Spirit mental illness. Sufferers are those that hate themselves in the extreme, to the point that all of their negative feelings and self-perceptions become a separate personality. Lierlo's is a serious case, as he actually willed Apathy into physical existence.
Red: Are only Spirits affected by it?
Roreille: I believe it is similar to multiple personality disorders that other races suffer from, but this particular variation with the second personality taking on a reality of its own is unique to us.
Lierlo: *Looks somewhat disconcerted.* This is an actual condition? There have been documented cases before?
Roreille: Yes, but it is quite rare for a case as serious as yours.
Red: Wow, you're making history, in a way.
Thorn: I guess so. Is there anything we can do to help him?
Laurenza: *Lowers her voice so Lierlo can't hear her.* Just wait a moment. Is this something that is necessarily bad? Lierlo and Apathy love each other.
Kuja: I know the sentimental parts of us would say what does it matter if he is happy. But it's not a healthy situation for him to be in, is it? You know what happens when Apathy takes completely over him…
Thorn: I kind of think Kuja has a point.
Roreille: As do I. There is also always the danger that if retreats completely within himself, he might totally shut out everyone else.
Red: And friends don't let friends become recluses, right?
Laurenza: Right. *To Lierlo.* We really think you should at least talk to a doctor about this. We are just trying to help.
Lierlo: I know. I will.
Thorn: That's the spirit.
Laurenza: Get well soon, Lierlo.
Lierlo: We'll see about that, won't we?

*The gang exits the hospital. They are about to leave the Spirit World when Kuja stops them.*
Kuja: Hang on a moment. Before we leave, I want to go and see how Cain is doing.
Thorn: Shall I come with you?
Red: Do you want us all to come?
Laurenza: Let's all go, I want to see him too. I've got to say, though Kuja, it's strangely nice of you to want to visit Cain.
Kuja: Oh, I have an ulterior motive. I want to ask him a few questions. I have a hunch he knows something that might help us with this prophecy thing.
Thorn: That's actually a pretty good idea.
Kuja: We'll see if my suspicions are correct when we get there.
Red: Come on then, let's get going.

*They arrive in the new Shadow Realm. It is very much like the old one, except in one piece and not on fire. It is quite picturesque, with its dusky sky and flourishing plant life. They approach Cain over a bridge made of crisscrossed roots.*
Cain: *Smiles.* Oh, good afternoon everyone. It's ever so nice for you to come and see me. I don't get many visitors, so I get rather lonely. Do come inside, I'll make some drinks.
Thorn: Why thank you.
*Cain opens up and they go inside. He brings a tray of tea out of the shadows.*
Laurenza: How are you, Cain? How's the new place shaping up?
Cain: Oh, quite well, thank you. It's almost an exact replica of the real thing.
Thorn: It looks great. Very tranquil.
Cain: I must thank you again for all your help back then.
Kuja: It's okay. Listen Cain, I wanted to ask you some questions.
Cain: Yes?
Kuja: I know you don't want to talk about them, but could you please tell us a little more about the people that destroyed your world? Can you describe them at all?
Cain: *Looks a little annoyed.* Their appearance varies. Recognising them as what they are is down to a… feeling, an instinctual reaction, more than using their appearance as judge.
Red: How... vague.
Thorn: I'm sure it will be useful, somehow.
Kuja: Not really. Okay Cain, if you can't describe them and won't mention them by name, is there a euphemism or something you call them by?
Cain: Other races have their own names for them, but we don't bother wasting our breath.
Laurenza: *Laughs a little.*
Kuja: ...You're not making this easy, are you?
Red: Doesn't look that way.
Cain: I'm sorry, we have our customs and I'd like you to respect that.
Thorn: I guess we'll not press the matter further, then.
Kuja: *Nods.* My last question is not really about them anyway. Could you tell me about how your world was destroyed?
Cain: How? Well, my domain was left to slowly burn and crumble away, because I'm the King and I suppose they wanted me to suffer. However, the rest of the world was destroyed in small sections at a time very quickly.
Kuja: Oh?
Cain: There were flashes of light and rumbling sounds, graduating into loud booms. It was like…
Red: A storm…?
Cain: Yes, just like that.
Laurenza: *Gasps a little.*
Kuja: That sounds like the same M.O. as the Beikus incident.
Thorn: Oh, that's true.
Laurenza: Could it have been... the same people?
Cain: I'm sorry, what about Beikus?
Kuja: The city of Roc's Cliff was destroyed in what appears to be a similar manner to your world.
Cain: Oh… that's very sad. We had a… disagreement with the ancient enemy that prompted their attack on us. But the people of Beikus were just innocents… Some of my people suspected they might be on the move and I'm afraid to say this confirms it.
Red: Do you think they'll strike again? And if so, where?
Laurenza: It might be us... Think about the prophecy.
Cain: You have reason to believe they're coming after you? Oh my dear children, you must be careful.

Red: *Through gritted teeth.* Well, if you hadn't been so vague, we'd have a little more knowledge to prepare ourselves with…
Cain: I'm sorry. If you give me a copy of this prophecy you mentioned, perhaps I'll be able to help you decipher it.
Laurenza: That would be good. Here... *Takes a folded piece of paper from her pocket and hands it to one of Cain's tendrils.* I've been carrying this around for a while. Don't worry; there are plenty of copies lying around back at the castle.
Cain: I'll see what I can do.
Thorn: Good luck with it.
Cain: I'll let you know if I come up with anything. In the meantime, take care of yourselves.
Red: Thanks, we will.
Kuja: See you, Cain.

*They return home. Elsewhere in the castle, Chiara confronts Tifanel. She looks concerned.*
Chiara: Things haven't changed between us, right?
Tifanel: I … Things are complicated at the moment, Chi. Evelyn came here outta the blue. It kinda threw me…
Chiara: You didn't expect it…
Tifanel: No, not at all. The last time I spoke her… she didn't really wanna see me again. She was real mad with me, actually.
Chiara: Really?
Tifanel: It was cos of what I did back on Earth… *Under his breath.* The killin's…
Chiara: Oh, right. *Looks relieved.*
Tifanel: So just… Don't get your knickers in a twist over this, Chi. It's you I'm with now. Anyway, she won't be here long.
Chiara: *Nods.* Okay. *Hugs Tifanel.*

*The rest of the day passes uneventfully. That night, Tifanel goes into the spare room where Evelyn is staying. He finds her awake, stood by the window.*
Evelyn: I thought you might come.
Tifanel: Evelyn… You know how I feel about you and it hasn't changed.
Evelyn: *Nods.*
Tifanel: You taught me to feel, so I'm always gonna associate feelin's with you. When I found out you were alive, it was hard knowing all this time you were okay and I was separated from you. To find out you were married… that was a blow too.
Evelyn: I can understand.
Tifanel: But I learnt to deal with it. If I didn't see you, I didn't want you so much. But now you're here, I can't help myself…
Evelyn: Oh Tifanel, you should know why my marriage isn't working out. It's because I'm still in love with you and my husband is jealous!
Tifanel: *Looks quite surprised.* Really? But when I came to see you that time, you hated me…
Evelyn: I didn't hate you. I was just angry. You'd killed my father and so many other people…
Tifanel: *Stays quiet.*
Evelyn: But I realised it was all you were ever told to do… I never stopped caring about you. I just…. Everyone around me was telling me how awful you were, that my coma was your fault and what a tragedy you'd brought on the city…
Tifanel: *Nods guiltily.*
Evelyn: And Dean - my husband now - was always there. He was sweet and reliable. I just couldn't say no when he proposed.
Tifanel: But you're breaking up because of me…
Evelyn: Some things just can't be helped. *Puts her arms around him and kisses him deeply.*
Tifanel: *Kisses her back for a moment, before pushing her away.*
Evelyn: Tif…
Tifanel: I can't. I want to, but it's not fair on Chi.
Evelyn: I should've known...
Tifanel: She's right, you know, the two of us have been apart for too long to try and start something. And Chi's pretty crazy about me and I care about her too. I don't wanna break her heart.
Evelyn: You're sweet, Tif.
Tifanel: Go back to your fella and patch things up. You have a lil' girl to think about.
Evelyn: You're right.
Tifanel: Goodnight Evelyn. *Turns to leave.*
Evelyn: Tif?
Tifanel: *Looks back.* Yeah?
Evelyn: I'm so sorry.
Tifanel: *Looks confused.* What for?
Evelyn: *Speaks in a firm, almost masculine voice.* EBWU Tifanel 001, Lima Sierra Hotel. Stand by for new password input.

*The next morning, the gang is sat at the breakfast table. Tifanel and Evelyn are missing from their numbers, but despite this, Chiara looks quite satisfied.*
Kuja: It's too early to look that perky, Chiara.
Chiara: It's always too early for you to be perky, grumpyboots.
Ares: I'm glad you're in a good mood, Chi.
Red: Me too, all things considered.
Chiara: It's because Tif told me last night it's definitely me he wants.
Thorn: He did?
Ares: Aw, that's sweet.
*At that moment, Tifanel and Evelyn walk in, holding hands. Tifanel looks a little odd, his posture stiff and his eyes glassy.*
Red: ...Tif?
Chiara: What are you doing?
Evelyn: Tif decided to get together with me after all.
Chiara: No, that cant be! He doesn't want you, you silly moo!
Ares: I thought you said he said he loved you!
Evelyn: That couldn't have been true, because he slept with me last night.
Thorn: What the…?
Laurenza: Tif, is this true?
*Tifanel says nothing and then Evelyn nudges him. He nods.*
Chiara: *Stares at him for a moment, before her face turns to anger.* You lying, cheating poop! *She runs out.*
Ares: Chi! *Gets up and goes after her.*
Rin: How boorish of you, Tifanel, upsetting my daughter like that!
Kuja: I thought you didn't approve much of their relationship anyway.
Rin: That is a moot point. No one should be so callous towards my little angel.
Red: It's such typical man behaviour, trading your girl in for someone you prefer. *Shakes her head disapprovingly.*
Laurenza: What have you got to say for yourself, Tif?
Tifanel: ...
Kuja: Uh, hello?
Rin: It seems he's too ashamed of himself to speak up.
Red: I should think so too, really.
Laurenza: Go apologise to Chiara!
Evelyn: He will later. Right now, we're going to walk round the grounds, aren't we Tif?
Tifanel: Yes, Evelyn.
*The two of them leave.*
Rin: Well I never.
Thorn: Poor Chi. I hope she'll be okay.
Laurenza: Me too.
Kuja: Hmm, is it just me, or was Tifanel acting a little weird?
Red: Like the lights were on but no one was home.
Kuja: *Nods.* Do you think Evelyn's done something to him?
Laurenza: Tif's a good-natured man. It was really unexpected seeing him upset Chiara like this...
Thorn: I didn't really think Evelyn seemed like the type to do something to Tif, though. She seemed so sweet.
Kuja: Appearances can be deceiving. Tifanel had a distant look in his eyes… You don't think she's controlling him using his password?
Red: That's a good point. It's possible and I think you may be right.
Rin: I'm not entirely sure what you're talking about, but I believe it would be best if you went to talk to Tifanel. I'm going to go help Ares comfort my daughter.
Thorn: Sounds like a plan.

*Rin heads upstairs after Chiara and Ares, whilst the others go out into the grounds. They find Evelyn and Tifanel snuggled together by the altar.*
Laurenza: Is this really what Tif wants, Evelyn?
Evelyn: We both never stopped loving each other.
Kuja: You also both moved on. You're not a part of each other's lives anymore.
Red: It's true. It's not healthy to turn love into obsession.
Kuja: If he really wanted you, you wouldn't have to be controlling him.
Evelyn: I'm not...
Kuja: *Holds up three fingers.* Tif, how many fingers do you see?
Tifanel: ... *Stares blankly ahead of him.*
Kuja: You're as bad as the rest of your family, Evelyn. They only saw fit to use Tif for their own gain, just like you.
Evelyn: *Looks down.*
*Chiara comes bombing out of the castle, with Ares and Rin chasing her. She marches up to Evelyn and slaps her across the face.*
Ares: *Gasps.* Chi!
Tifanel: Evelyn! *Stands in front of her protectively and suddenly looks intimidating. He draws his sword and slashes Chiara with it.*
Chiara: *Screams and falls to the ground.*
Thorn: Oh my god!
Evelyn: *Claps her hand to her mouth.* Tif, no!
Tifanel: *Blinks and drops his sword. The soul returns to his eyes.* What have I done...?
Rin: *Rushes over to Chiara.* My poor angel...
Kuja: This is all your fault, Evelyn! If you weren't controlling Tif he wouldn't have been so over-protective of you!
Red: I think the greatest concern right now is helping Chi, don't you think?
Laurenza: That's right. We can leave the finger pointing till later.
Tifanel: Evelyn... *Gives her a disgusted look.*
Evelyn: I'm... *She trails off and then runs away.*
Kuja: Leave her. *Shoves Rin aside.* Get out of my way, I like to pretend I'm a doctor. *Examines Chiara.* This is quite a deep wound.
Red: That's perhaps a little obvious, Kuja.
Kuja: Thank you for your thoughts, Red, but how about you redirect some of that energy used to make snide comments to fetching me some bandages and water?
Red: *Disappears off back into the castle.*
Laurenza: Will healing Magick help?
Kuja: I should think so, but mine isn't quite up to healing something this serious. She's probably going to need natural recovery as well, anyway.
Laurenza: Well, let me try mine. *Crouches by Chiara and holds her hands over her.* Regenerative forces that dwell in the white realms above, I beseech you. Restore my ally with your blessed light! Healing Aura! *Tiny white lights, like shining fireflies, circle Chiara and stem her bleeding.*

*The scene fades to black. Later on, in Chiara's room, Chiara is resting in her bed. Tifanel, Evelyn, Kuja and Thorn are there.*
Evelyn: I'm sorry, so very sorry. I never meant for this to happen.
Kuja: I should think so too.
Thorn: What will you do now?
Evelyn: I... *Looks at Tifanel.* I don't know...
Tifanel: *Darkly.* Here's an idea: go home and never come back.
Evelyn: Tif? I'm also sorry for what I did to you. I guess it was really selfish...
Tifanel: Ya think? I don't think I can ever look at you in the same way again.
Kuja: *To Thorn.* He's taking this rather hard, isn't he? But then again, I don't blame him.
Thorn: *Nods.* No, I think you're right. I think anyone would react about the same.
Tifanel: Evelyn, you were the one person back then who treated me like a human, but it turns out that even you like to abuse the control your family has over me.
Evelyn: Tifanel...
Tifanel: Go home. Go back to your husband and kid, and don't come here again.
Evelyn: *Looks at him sadly for a moment, then leaves.*
Thorn: *To Tifanel.* Are you going to be okay?
Tifanel: Yeah, I'll live. I'm more worried about Chi…
Chiara: Mmn... *Starts to wake up.*
Thorn: Hey, she's coming around.
Kuja: Hi Chiara, how are you feeling?
Chiara: Like someone who got slashified, but I could be worse.
Thorn: I'm glad you're feeling reasonably okay.
Chiara: *Looks at Tifanel, then Thorn and Kuja.* Um, do you think you could let me talk to Tif alone for a sec?
Kuja: Okay, just give us a shout if you start bleeding to death.
Thorn: We'll be outside.

*Thorn and Kuja leave. Chiara says nothing for a moment and Tifanel looks awkward.*
Chiara: What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your true love?
Tifanel: Chiara, listen…
Chiara: You're gonna apologise for cutting me? Why? I did hit your girlfriend, didn't I?
Tifanel: Chi, just listen! I told Evelyn last night I didn't want her, but she wouldn't accept it. She was controllin' me, makin' me do what she wanted!
Chiara: Really?
Tifanel: Honestly. She has a sorta… power over me, but I thought more of her than to ever use it. I guess I was wrong. I ain't gonna forgive her for that.
Chiara: That's really bad…
Tifanel: I sent her packin'. I told ya, Chi, it's you I'm with now… and it's you I want.
Chiara: *Smiles.* Oh Tif… *Holds him and is silent for a moment.* But did you really sleep with her last night?
Tifanel: Geez, it doesn't matter! You're sleepin' with me tonight. I reckon it's about time we started sharin' a bed, anyway. *Grins a little shyly.*
Chiara: You mean it? But what about daddy, won't he have something to say about it?
Tifanel: Aw, screw him.
Chiara: *Laughs.* No thanks! Not him, at least. *Smirks cheekily.*
Tifanel: Eh heh…