*The scene opens in the middle of Loliusin Hollow, in a familiar clearing. One of the trees is marked with a carving done by Lierlo and Apathy, but the most notable features are the two graves. Kuja is stood by the fresher-looking one of the two, talking to it.*
Kuja: Well, quite a lot has been going on lately, Mihako. *He laughs a little.* But that's the same as always, isn't it?
Thorn: *Approaches where Kuja is stood.* Ah, there you are.
Kuja: Oh, Thorn, you surprised me. Sorry, were you looking for me?
Thorn: Oh, sorry, sort of. I just wondered where you were.
Kuja: *Smiles a little.* I just came to talk to Mihako's grave. I used to sneak out to the crypt and do that when she was there. I liked to keep her updated with all the latest news from the castle, even if she couldn't hear a word I was saying. Is that strange?
Thorn: It's not that strange. People still talk to relatives who are in comas, even if they can't hear them. It's kind of nice, in a way.
Kuja: *Sighs.* Part of me wishes I hadn't been so outwardly mean to her. I owe her a lot really. She did so much for me after I blew up Daichi and ended up in Thana...
Thorn: I'm sure she knew you cared for her really, even if you didn't really show it.
Kuja: I hope so. I shouldn't brood over it too much, I suppose. You can't change the past, so I'll just add it to my ever-growing list of regrets.
Thorn: I guess you're right. Mihako wouldn't want her big brother to be unhappy, I think.
*Just then, a shadow falls around them. Out of the darkness steps Alexander.*
Kuja: Father?
Alexander: *His tail slips out and starts wagging furiously. He pounces on Kuja, licking his face.*
Thorn: Uh, hi there.
Kuja: Eurgh father, what are you doing?!
Alexander: Oh sorry, yes. Humans don't do that. Got to remember that. Ahem. *Gets off him and stands up.* I'm sorry, but I find it hard to stay in character when I'm excited.
Thorn: So, um, what brings you here?
Alexander: Kuja's mother and I... We're having a baby!
Thorn: Wow, you are?
Kuja: *Looks a bit shocked.* Really? But how? Mother had enough difficulty having me...
Alexander: Well… Let's just say we Shadowkin don't conceive in the same way as humans.
Kuja: I see... Um, congratulations.
Thorn: Yes, congratulations. *Smiles.*
Alexander: Thank you! Heather's so happy about it, which is rather good. I've been in the doghouse for a while for eating the faces off her koi carp... *Looks a bit embarrassed.*
Thorn: Well, best wishes to you both, then.
Kuja: Yes, just as long as you don't do that to the baby...
Alexander: Cut me some slack! I may have never reproduced before myself, but I know better than that. I'm still nervous about it, though.
Thorn: Well, it won't be so bad for you, because it's not you having it.
Alexander: What makes you say that?
Kuja: *Suddenly looks very disturbed.* Thorn, use your Dark Angel powers. Can you feel what I'm feeling?
Thorn: Oh my... *Smiles a little.* The new life...
Kuja: Well, uh... just pinch some of mother's memories of raising me and you'll be fine...
Thorn: Yeah, that might help...
Alexander: *Nods.* Oh, I almost forgot. King Cain would like to speak with you.
*Alexander takes hold of a shadow and pulls it from the ground. The shadow then forms into a small, silhouette-like projection of Cain.*
Kuja: Now that was a neat trick.
Thorn: I agree.
Alexander: Oh, don't be impressed with such a simple shadow spell.
*The projection becomes more detailed and speaks with Cain's voice.*
Cain: Thank you, Elryss.
Thorn: Elryss...? Is that your actual name?
Alexander: Yes, it is, 'Elryss Veskar.' But I'm Alexander now, so that doesn't matter.
Thorn: *Nods and addresses Cain.* You wanted to talk to us?
Cain: Yes. I was reading the prophecy and one part of it seemed significant to me. 'In friends are foes and foes are friends…' I've remembered something that might be helpful to you. When we were travelling through the Void, for a brief moment I felt a deep loathing for one among your number.
Kuja: You did?
Cain: I couldn't see who it was, as you were all deep inside me, but I definitely felt suspicious of one of you. I don't mean to worry you, but my instincts tell me one of your friends may be plotting against you...
Thorn: That's rather worrying.
Kuja: Just a little...
Cain: If you all come to me, I should be able to figure out which of you it was. But I'm quite tired today, so if you could leave it until tomorrow.
Thorn: Sure, we'd appreciate that, if you could.
Alexander: I'll come with you too. I'd like to see King Cain. So until tomorrow, then. *He waves and disappears into the shadows with the Cain-projection.*
Kuja: ...Great. We have a traitor among us. Is it you, Thorn?
Thorn: What? No! Of course not!
Kuja: *Smiles.* Didn't think so. It's not me either.... At least I'm not aware of it being me. I suppose we should go and tell the others.
Thorn: Definitely. I hope that somehow, Cain is wrong about this...
Kuja: You're not the only one.

*Thorn and Kuja go inside to find the others. Most of them are gathered in the TV Chamber. Laurenza is sat with Red and Ares, and she has Ana in her arms. Tabitha jumps at Kuja, who catches her and puts her in her usual spot inside his robes. Tifanel, Rin and Chiara are together, but Chiara looks a bit down for some reason. Lahrne appears to be attempting some kind of Magick on a candle.*
Kuja: *Watches Lahrne for a moment, but decides the news is more important than asking him what he's doing.* Cain thinks one of us can't be trusted.
Ares: What?
Red: Did he say which one of us he thought it was, by any chance?
Kuja: *Shakes his head.* He couldn't see them.
Laurenza: Oh, this isn't good news at all.
*An unpleasant wave of suspicion sweeps over them.*
Ares: I hope you don't all think it's me. I'm over doing that kind of thing.
Laurenza: No, I don't like to think it's any of us.
Kuja: So all of us that were there on the trip through the Void need to go and see him tomorrow, so he can remember whom it was he felt suspicious of.
Red: That's almost everyone, I think.
Tifanel: Aw man, I hope it wasn't Lierlo or Apathy. Can't do much with him bein' in hospital right now.
Rin: I believe we'll just have to see what Cain says. If it turns out that none of us is the troublesome traitor, we'll have to think about bringing Lierlo sometime.
Red: Either that, or we wheel Lierlo, hospital bed and all, with us.
Rin: I... don't think that would be at all appropriate somehow...
Lahrne: *Holds his hand over the candle flame. It freezes motion for a moment, then flickers to life again.* Ohh, nuts! *He looks a bit frantic for some reason.*
Thorn: What's up, son?
Lahrne: I'm trying to get ready for my Time Magick test. Lyrian's coming to test me to make sure I've been practicing... *Looks guilty.* ...And I haven't...
Thorn: Oh, I see.
Ares: Maybe we could help you?
Lahrne: Yeah, daddy can help me. I need to practice on something living. *Looks at Thorn hopefully.*
Thorn: Um, okay then. What are you going to do?
Lahrne: Just freeze you and slow you down and stuff. Don't worry, I'm not gonna hurt you.
Thorn: That's okay then. I trust you.
Lahrne: *Jumps Thorn into a hug.* Thanks! You're the best daddy ever!
Thorn: *Hugs him back.* Eh heh, thanks. I try.
*Chiara looks even sulkier for some reason. She gets up and leaves the room.*
Ares: Chi…?
Rin: What's the matter with my little angel, I wonder? *Goes after her.*
Kuja: Time of the month.
Red: Who knows?
Ares: I hope she's okay.
Kuja: Never mind her. Guess what, everyone, I'm going to have a little brother or sister.
Red: Really?
Laurenza: That's wonderful news.
Tifanel: *Grins a little.* Aren't your folks a bit old for that?
Kuja: Tifanel, just because you'll never, ever have sex it doesn't mean everyone else is a virginal loser.
Red: That was a little below the belt, don't you think?
Tifanel: Yeah... You're a bastard, Kuja. You don't know anythin'.
Kuja: *Smirks.*

*Rin finds Chiara stood in the Main Chamber. She is gazing rather wistfully up one of the portraits of previous monarchs that line the walls. The painting is of a powerful woman with striking eyes, and is labelled as being 'Windsong Rendemal.'*
Rin: *Joins her under the picture and salutes it.* Hello Winny.
Chiara: That's her, isn't it? That's my mum…
Rin: I never noticed this picture before, but then again, I don't spend a lot of time in here. *Touches the canvas gently.* It's a good likeness, but she was even more stunning in real life.
Chiara: How did she die?
Rin: Now that I couldn't tell you. I wasn't aware she had myself until fairly recently.
Chiara: So this is what she looks like… All I had was a really vague memory of her, so it feels kinda weird to be looking at her like this. Laurenza really is the spitting image of her, isn't she? When I first saw her, I had this mad idea that she was my mum, so I threw myself at her. *Laughs a little.* It was kinda embarrassing.
Rin: You both resemble her. I often see her in the two of you… Little things you do remind me of dear Winny so much.
Chiara: *Looks a little sad for some reason.* Daddy, did she love you at all?
Rin: *Sits on Laurenza's throne and runs his fingers over one of the ornate arms.* I don't believe she did, actually. I'm not sure if you know about the Malaphaescite, but--
Chiara: *Interrupts him.* Oh I do, it was that weird black stone with the evil lady in it.
Rin: Yes, that's right. Windsong was known as the 'Oracle of Spirits,' the carrier of the Malaphaescite, and shards of it would be passed on to any female children she had.
Chiara: Mine got removed, didn't it? I can just remember the ritual…
Rin: *Nods.* But it's not only daughters that get the shards. When the Oracle has intercourse with a man, she transfers a shard to him as well, but only if she considers this person to be her 'true love…'
Chiara: Oh… so you didn't get one?
Rin: *Shakes his head.* But I am to understand Laurenza's father did. *Sighs.* It seems I didn't mean anything to Windsong whatsoever...
Chiara: *Her expression grows even gloomier.* Well, don't feel too bad. That makes two of us that mum didn't love at all.
Rin: Chiara, angel…
Chiara: It's true, though. I've tried to ignore this, but it's just too painful to take sometimes… If she really loved me, she wouldn't have abandoned me and pretended I didn't exist!
Rin: *Puts his arm around her.*
Chiara: *Pushes him away a little roughly, her eyes fiery.* And you didn't care either! You gave me away to be raised by someone else, and never made any effort to find me again! Gramps said… gramps said when you lost me you didn't even cry! *Beats him with her fists.*
Rin: *Doesn't make an effort to stop her. He hangs his head.* You're probably right… Even now, I don't think I love you.
Chiara: *Backs off from him, looking shocked.* You… don't?
Rin: It's the way I've always been, though. Every time, I try to make excuses… Back then, I told myself it was because you were a newborn child and I hadn't yet bonded with you. Now, I say it's because I haven't known you for long...
*Rin gets off the throne and passes to the window. He presses his palms against the cold glass.*
Rin: But I suppose I should to face facts, shouldn't I? It's as I told you before… I just cannot get close to anyone. I don't believe I'm capable of love.
Chiara: Daddy… *Her anger subsides into sympathy.*
*Rin leaves.*
Chiara: That can't be true…

*Rin and Chiara are very reserved for the rest of the day. Rin shuts himself in his room and doesn't answer to anyone's knocks or calls. Chiara also remains quietly in her room. Concerned, Laurenza goes to find Ares and Red.*
Laurenza: I'm worried about Rin and Chiara. They've been shut up in their rooms all day ever since Chiara ran out of the TV room earlier on.
Red: You think we should go see if they're okay?
Laurenza: *Nods.*
Ares: Let's go. I hope they're all right.

*They go to Chiara's room first and knock on the door. She opens it.*
Chiara: Oh, hey girls.
Ares: Hey Chi. Are you okay? We came to see how you are.
Chiara: Yeah, I'm okay… I guess. Never mind about me, though, I'm worried about daddy.
Red: Why?
Chiara: He's afraid he can't love anyone.
Laurenza: He thinks he has commitment issues, yeah...
Chiara: No, what he said sounds more serious than that. He doesn't think he can ever get close to someone 'cos he can't love. He said he doesn't even love me… and I'm his own daughter...
Ares: Whoa, really...?
Red: I kind of hope for his own sake he's exaggerating.
Laurenza: Me too. That can't be the case, surely. Let's go talk to him.
Ares: You should come too, I think, Chiara.
Chiara: I was gonna. Poor daddy...

*They go to Rin's room and knock on the door. There's no answer, so Chiara just barges in.*
Rin: My, that wasn't very polite.
Chiara: But we wanted to come and comfort you!
Red: That and you didn't answer the door.
Rin: *Smiles a little.* This is all very thoughtful of you all. *Unusually, he doesn't make a flirtatious comment to Ares.*
Ares: *Looks surprised for a moment that he doesn't attempt to hit on her, but doesn't question it.*
Laurenza: Rin, love is a fickle entity, honestly. It's impossible to understand. You might think you'll never find it, and then it comes to you from the unlikeliest of places. *Smiles at Red.*
Red: *Smiles back at her.* And sometimes, after you lose it, you think you'll never find it again. And then you do. Love is surprising sometimes.
Chiara: They're right, daddy. You just haven't found the right woman yet! …Or man!
Rin: ...I don't believe that's really the problem.
Chiara: Oh, you mean like not loving me? But like you said, it's probably because I was taken from you so early and now I'm back, we haven't been together very long.
Laurenza: Thorn once told me something when I was worried about Ana and me. He said parent and child bonds take time to form. Just spend time with Chiara, Rin, and give her a chance. I'm sure you'll come to love her.
Chiara: *Nods enthusiastically.*
Red: I think giving her a chance is the very least you could do, Rin.
Rin: It's worth a try. I do hope you're right, everyone.
Ares: Me too.
Chiara: Now won't you come downstairs, daddy? I want to read your fortune.
Rin: Of course, angel, I'll be right down.
*The girls head downstairs. Rin hangs back for a moment, looking thoughtful. He quotes the prophecy.*
Rin: 'Leave well alone what fears to feel...'

*The rest of the day passes mostly without event. Night falls. In the Shadow Realm, with its permanently twilit sky, it is impossible to tell whether it is night or day, but it appears to be time for rest as Cain is fast asleep. A furtive figure enters the scene, using the many shadows and trees to keep themselves hidden. Raising a hand, they begin casting a spell, its unusual runic Magick circle causing ripples on the wet ground. A ball of black energy is shot upwards, causing the sky to be plunged into darkness.*
Cain: *Wakes with a start, being a plant and sensitive to changes in light.* What's going on? *He brings his head out, blinking into the new night.* What happened to the sky?
*The figure creeps up behind Cain and uncorks a bottle with the dangerous chemicals symbol on it, before pouring its entire contents into the lake. This foul yellow-green liquid quickly begins contaminating the clear water in which Cain is rooted.*
Cain: *Begins hissing and screeching, his tendrils flailing wildly.*
*The intruder tosses the empty bottle into the lake and begins to walk away. A black velvet ribbon drops into the poisoned waters, as Cain continues to scream and thrash.*

*The next morning, the gang is gathered at breakfast table as usual. The atmosphere is a little tenser than usual, as today is the day they will find out from Cain whom he suspects. Kuja, however, looks quite relaxed in that haughty way of his. He has a small bag of hair accessories in front him and is putting his hair into a ponytail. Rin's hair is down and not in its usual plait.*
Kuja: We'll get going as soon as my father arrives, okay everyone?
Thorn: Sounds good to me.
*Daimonion comes in, carrying a bundle of shoes.*
Daimonion: I've cleaned all of your shoes. Rin, your boots were particularly dirty. *Screws up a soil-covered handkerchief.* What have you been doing?
Kuja: Oh you know, the usual. Jumping into open graves...
Red: Pursuing girls, too, I should suspect.
Rin: I would appreciate it very much if you refrained from making fun of me, my dears. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how I managed to get them that filthy.
Daimonion: Well, just try wiping your feet before you come in, hmm?
Ares: Are we ready to go?
*Alexander arrives out of the shadows.*
Kuja: Now we are.
Laurenza: *Turns to Alexander.* Hello. Congratulations on the baby, Mr. Greyfare.
Ares: Yes, congratulations.
Alexander: Thank you. *Claps his hands together.* Shall we make a move?
*Alexander, Thorn, Kuja, Laurenza, Red, Ares, Chiara and Tifanel head out to the Shadow Realm. Rin stays behind for one moment to grab a bobble from Kuja's bag and plait his hair, but he quickly catches up with the others.*

*In the Shadow Realm, things don't look right. The lake's water has become a nasty yellow-green colour. Cain's tendrils are hanging limply from his trunk when they are normally very animated, and they can hear him breathing heavily.*
Ares: Cain doesn't look so good. Is he okay...?
Tifanel: Geez, this water looks filthy. There's somethin' weird in it. *Fishes the empty bottle out of the lake.* Aha, this must've been the stuff. Not sure what it was, but there's a skull and crossbones on the label. That can't be good.
Red: That usually means poison. Who'd want to poison Cain?
Alexander: Who indeed? *Looks angry and worried at the same time. He goes over to Cain's trunk and the knothole in it widens. He looks inside.* My King...!
*The others go over to Cain and look inside too. Cain's head is lying down with his eyes half open. He looks very unwell.*
Thorn: Cain, how did this happen?
Ares: Can we help at all?
Cain: *Weakly.* Poison… poison in the water...
Chiara: Who did this?
Cain: Don't know... The sky... it was dark.
Red: We ought to try and find an antidote and fast.
Thorn: *Nods.* We don't know whether it's a deadly poison or just one that will make Cain sick, though.
Tifanel: Well, whatever it is, Cain'd feel much better if we cleaned some of this dirty water outta the lake.
Kuja: Are you volunteering, Tifanel?
Tifanel: ...Yeah, okay, I'll do it. Just you guys go and find some medicine or somethin'.
Red: You make it sound like finding medicine for a tree will be easy.
Thorn: I'll help you if you want, Tif.
Chiara: Me too. I won't mind getting dirty if it's to help Mr. Treeman.
Tifanel: Thanks guys.
Laurenza: But yeah, where are we going to get help for Cain?
Tifanel: Shame you ain't studyin' to be a tree surgeon, Kuja.
Ares: Would some kind of herbal remedy or something help?
Kuja: Maybe. Where's Lierlo when you need him? Remedies for Demon-tree ailments seem like the kind of random, esoteric knowledge he'd have.
Red: He's right where we left him, in the hospital.
Laurenza: We can't really bother him with requests for help when he's trying to recover.
Chiara: Lolo has lots of books. Why don't you try looking in those?
Red: It's as good a starting point as any.
Alexander: Yes, you go. I'll do my best to take care of King Cain in the meantime.

*With Thorn, Chiara and Tifanel staying in the Shadow Realm, the rest return to the castle. Daimonion is still in the dining hall, polishing the table.*
Kuja: Let's just hope Lierlo has a secret interest in trees and a vast library on the subject.
Daimonion: *Without looking up from his cleaning.* I'd say if you want to know something about a plant, you should ask the experts.
Ares: Experts?
Daimonion: Until now, I never used to stay in one place in the mortal realm for very long. You know what they say about a change being better than a rest. But let's get back to the point. I spent a little time in the Vanaro System, on this planet called Ozoma. It's home to the Ylcian people, and a race more in tune with nature you won't find. If anyone knows about plants and trees, it'll be them.
Laurenza: Vanaro... Vanaro. Isn't that where you're from, Kuja?
Kuja: Yes I know, but I didn't do much there other than blowing up Daichi and killing people. I never got round to much travelling.
Rin: So you believe these Ylcian people might have some medicine for a suffering Demon tree?
Daimonion: It's not impossible.
Ares: It's worth a try.
Laurenza: Wow, Dai, you're being unusually helpful. Have you finally turned over a new leaf?
Daimonion: Hah hah, no. I was hoping you'd let me tag along. Ylcian blood is delicious, something of a delicacy for us Demons.
Red: Oh, you little sod. I should've known you were using it for your own gain.
Laurenza: Then no, you can stay here.
Daimonion: Curses. Lots of them. Horrible ones.
Red: The same to you, Daimonion, the same to you.
Rin: So, to Ozoma then.
Lahrne: *Perks up.* Ooh, if you're going on an adventure, let me come too!
Kitzie: And me!
Laurenza: Um Lahrne, I think you should stay here and prepare for your Magick test...
Red: I agree. Your father would say the same thing.
Lahrne: Aw man…
Ares: It's for your own good. Don't you want to pass?
Lahrne: Yeah, okay.
Rin: Right then, you all go on ahead. I would like to speak with Daimonion for a moment.
Laurenza: Okay Rin, we'll see you on The Destiny.
*Lahrne goes off to study his Magick and the gang head out to The Destiny. Rin approaches Daimonion, who is still cleaning the table.*
Daimonion: What is it, Rin? Do you want your glasses wiping off? Because you obviously can't see that I'm busy right now.
Rin: Despite what you say being rather unfriendly, it's good to see you're talking to me again, Daimonion.
Daimonion: Well, don't think that means I've started trusting you.
Rin: *Rests his hands on the table.* I'm sorry. I really don't know the reason for… what happened.
Daimonion: What, shutting me in the freezer? I thought you were pretending that didn't happen.
Rin: Now I don't approve of misleading your friends any more than the next man, but you have to realise that sometimes it's better to tell a little white lie if it's to avoid trouble. If I had told the truth, there would have been some rather awkward questions.
Daimonion: *Stares at him for a moment.* I can't fathom you at all, Rin. Either you know nothing about yourself, or you know everything and are playing everyone for a fool.
Rin: I admit there are things I know which I keep to myself, but I believe everyone hides things. *Shakes his head.* No, I know everyone hides things. I could see their secrets and lies, floating around them like a dark cloud, if I only cared to look. But you, Daimonion, you seem to know things about me that I don't.
Daimonion: I have some vague suspicions, that's all.
Rin: But still… It's enough to make you avoid and mistrust me. I'd really appreciate it if you just told me what you think.
Daimonion: I'd rather not.
Rin: Why?
Daimonion: Because I would cause more trouble telling you than I would by holding my peace. Let me give you an analogy. Imagine a locked chest, whose contents were an alluring mystery to you, but one day you managed to peek inside to find it held a ferocious tiger. Now you knew there was tiger inside, you wouldn't be in such a hurry to open the chest anymore, now would you?
Rin: I think I see what you mean. If you let the cat out of the bag, it will only run among the pigeons and savage them.
Daimonion: …You're mixing your metaphors, but yes, that's what I mean. I don't want to tell you something that's potentially dangerous.
Rin: Then I suppose that's quite kind of you, Daimonion. I appreciate your concern for me.
Daimonion: *Gives him a wry, mysterious smile.* Who said anything about doing this for you? I'm keeping quiet for my own sake. *Throws the duster at Rin before vanishing from the room.*
Rin: *Screws the duster up, looking confused by Daimonion's words.* How puzzling…

*Rin joins the others (Red, Ares, Laurenza, Kuja and Kitzie) on The Destiny and Kuja sets the course for Ozoma.*
Laurenza: So what's this Ozoma place like?
Kuja: Haven't a clue. Let's ask The Destiny.
The Destiny: PLANET OZOMA, FIFTH PLANET OF THE VANARO SYSTEM. THREAT: VERY LOW. DEVELOPMENT LEVEL: LOW. ATMOSPHERE…
Kuja: No, don't go all textbook on us. What's it like really?
The Destiny: HAVING NEVER BEEN THERE, YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE.
Ares: I guess we'll find out when we get there.
Red: I hope it isn't full of giant squids or nasties like that.
Rin: Oh no, I can assure you there's nothing of the sort.
Kuja: *Gives Rin a weary look.* Oh, let me guess. You've been there on a mystical quest to rescue the Princess of Doojangle and steal the Magick Sword of Jallyop from the evil giraffe King.
Red: Have you ever considered writing children's books, either of you?
Rin: I can't say I have.
Kuja: I'm not a big fan of children.
Red: You should. You two come up with the most outlandish things I've ever heard. Kids would love it.
Rin: Your words wound me, both of you. I haven't actually been to Ozoma, no, but I have heard of it at least. It's supposed to be a very lush planet full of natural beauty.
Ares: That sounds quite nice.
Laurenza: It does. I just hope these Ylcian people can help Cain after all. I'm worried about him.
Red: Me too.
*They sit quietly for a few moments. Rin looks like he's worrying about something.*
Red: You look unusually thoughtful, Rin...
Rin: I was just... wondering if the Ylcian women are attractive.
Red: Oh, I'm sure you'll find some girl who catches your eye.
Ares: You always do.
Kitzie: Silly Rinny.
Kuja: Just don't forget what we came for, Rin. I don't want you wasting time chasing after woman after woman.
Rin: I won't, I won't. *Looks over at The Destiny's controls, a sudden desire in his mind.* Kuja my dear friend, do you think I could possibly… have a go at flying The Destiny?
Kuja: Why? It has an auto pilot function. And what do you know about flying an airship?
Rin: Please, I just had this sudden urge to give it a go.
Red: Don't let him, he'll probably crash us and we'll all die.
Kitzie: Oh no!
Laurenza: I'm sure he won't. It can't hurt to let him try just for a few minutes, really.
Red: Well, it's up to Kuja.
Kuja: *Sighs.* Oh go on then. Just be careful. I don't want Red's scenario to play out in real life.
*Rin walks up to the dashboard and takes the ship off autopilot. He then takes the controls and handles them with a surprising finesse. He starts pressing a series of buttons with a level of competence you wouldn't expect him to have. The Destiny increases in speed quite considerably, but continues to fly smoothly.*
Ares: Wow, Rin. I didn't know you knew how to fly an airship so well.
Rin: To be perfectly honest, neither did I...
Laurenza: Maybe he's got a natural talent for it?
Red: Looks that way.
*An odd look fills Rin's eyes. He jerks the controls suddenly and makes the ship turn a sharp somersault, throwing everyone about.*
Kitzie: Eeek!
Ares: Ouch!
Red: Rin, what the hell are you doing?
Rin: *Shakes his head and steadies The Destiny again.* I'm... sorry, I do believe I got a little carried away…
Kuja: *Rubs his backside.* You don't say.
Ares: Maybe you should give Kuja the controls back...
Rin: Yes, I think I will...
*Rin sits down again and Kuja takes the controls.*

*They arrive on Ozoma. The Destiny lands on a stretch of burned and blackened land. There are a couple of dirty trenches dug into the ground, which is scorched, dusty and devoid of any vegetation. The gang look around and wonder where all the 'natural beauty' Rin mentioned is.*
Kuja: ...Are we in the right place? I thought you said Ozoma was 'lush', Rin.
Red: That implies trees. I see none.
Laurenza: This place looks like a battlefield…
Voice: GET DOWN!
*A person suddenly becomes visible and leaps towards them, arms outstretched. The gang are knocked back into one of the trenches, just as a powerful spell lands in the spot they were standing and explodes violently.*
Ares: What the…?
Kuja: I'd rather not spend all of today being knocked over, thank you very much.
*The gang looks at the person who shoved them. He appears to be a young man, with a boyish cuteness, in his mid to late teens. He is wearing robes the colour of grass and no shoes, as his feet are rather big and only have two toes. He seems to be some sort of insect person, as on his head are two blue antennae, but he also has small, red and skeletal wings that strongly resemble Etheraal wings. Shaking his long purple hair out of his emerald eyes, he looks up at them.*
Man: What are you doing here? You could get yourselves killed!
Laurenza: Um...
Man: Don't you realise you were stood in the middle of a battlefield?
Red: I guess that would explain the lack of trees...
Man: *Looks at them closely.* Oh... you're not from around here, are you?
Ares: Nope.
Man: Well, we can't stay here. Let's go to a safer place to talk. *He takes out a Magick staff and spins it. A purple glow surrounds them and they all appear to blend into their surroundings.*
Kitzie: Wow... *Looks at her hands.* Did you make us invisible?
Man: No, I just cast a Glamour on us. It makes us the same colour as the landscape, so if we move quickly, the enemy shouldn't spot us. Come on! *He makes a big jumps out of the trench.*
*The gang follow him.*

*The youth brings them to a village and removes the spell. This place more closely matches Rin's description of Ozoma than the battlefield did. It is a beautiful, lush place with many exotic plants. There isn't a road or a modern machine in sight. The buildings are all nestled high in the treetops, constructed out of natural materials and resembling beehives.*
Red: This is more like it.
Kitzie: What a pretty place!
Man: Welcome to Faoriune village. This is my home.
Laurenza: It looks really lovely.
Man: It is, despite being so close to the front lines.
*Just then, they hear a strange noise coming from the distance, resembling the sound of helicopter rotors.*
Ares: What's that?
Kuja: It sounds like a helicopter.
Man: What's a 'helly… kopter?'
*The sound slowly gets closer and closer until the source of it comes into view. It is the rapid flapping of the shiny wings of a large creature that looks like a cross between a stag beetle and an elephant. Riding on its back are a couple of the Ylcian people. It is hauling a large sack.*
Man: *Looks up.* Oh, there goes the post.
Red: That's... a very big bug.
Kitzie: What is it?
Man: A Shouwag. We ride them for all sorts of things.
Kitzie: They're a bit scary!
Ares: Yeah, I kind of agree.
Man: No, they're quite sweet really.
Laurenza: Heh heh... So, what's your name?
Aruun: Me? I'm Aruun, Aruun Ar'ciel.
Laurenza: Hi Aruun. I'm Laurenza, and this is Red. *Gestures to her.*
Red: Hello.
Kuja: I'm Kuja.
Kitzie: My name's Kitzie!
Ares: I'm Ares.
Rin: And I'm Rinford P. Bancroft, but 'Rin' for convenience.
Aruun: Nice to meet you all. *Looks at Kuja's wings, then at the rest of the gang.* Um, what happened to your antennae?
Kuja: We never had any.
Aruun: So you guys... are not Ylcians, then?
Red: Nope.
Rin: As you rightly said, we're not from around here.
Aruun: But your wings... *Points to Kuja.* ...They're so similar to mine.
Laurenza: *Quietly.* They would have some feathers on if you didn't keep pulling them off and eating them, Kuja.
Kuja: Oh shush.
Aruun: *Looks a little nervous.* Then if you're not Ylcians… I'm really sorry about this! *He takes an odd stone from his pocket and holds it towards them. It begins to glow faintly.*
Kuja: Ugh...
Kitzie: *Whines.*
Red: What? What is it?
*Kitzie and Kuja both cover their ears and cry out, as if in pain.*
Kuja: Demon... Demon Ward Charm...
Kitzie: Horrible noise...!
Red: *To Aruun.* Oh stop it. They're our friends. They won't hurt you.
Aruun: I'm sorry... This is what I have to do. *He throws the ward to the ground.* Stay back, creatures of Hell! *He crouches down and makes a huge leap into a nearby tree.*
Laurenza: Wait...!
*Two burly-looking Ylcians drop from the tree. Aruun signals to them and they grab Kuja and Kitzie by the arms, using the ward to keep them from struggling.*
Ares: What are they going to do with them?
Laurenza: *Looks forceful.* They're going to let them go!
*Before they can do anything, the Ylcians flag down a Shouwag, mount it and fly off with Kuja and Kitzie in their clutches.*