*The next morning, in the dining hall, the gang are gathered for breakfast. Tifanel is nursing his head while Kitzie is curled up in his lap, whimpering slightly.*
Laurenza: Kitzie, what's wrong?
Kitzie: Bad dream...
Thorn: Did it... have a voice?
Kitzie: *Nods.* It... said lots of mean things.
Adrienne: Freaky, we must have had one of those shared dreams. I had one too.
Thorn: I don't think they were dreams... I was wide-awake when I heard that voice.
Adrienne: You heard something? You said you didn't!
Thorn: I didn't want to worry you, it was early in the morning, I didn't want to wake everybody up and start a panic.
Kuja: Yes, a breakfast time panic is always much easier to deal with.
Li: I didn't hear anythin' last night.
Laurenza: You were out cold.
Li: Right.
Lierlo: What did this voice say?
Kitzie: ...Don't wanna say.
Thorn: Just things we already know about my tendency to kill people.
Adrienne: Same here. Told me I shouldn't give up doing something that I love for Thorn. Said I should keep killing.
Thorn: I'll bet it said the same thing to you, right Kitzie?
Kitzie: ...Said: 'You like the taste of human flesh, don't you? You like to drink people's blood? Why should you fight off the urges when you like it so much?'
Thorn: Oh my god...
Kitzie: *Cries.*
Tifanel: *Gives her a cuddle.*
Lierlo: That's awful.
Thorn: We need to get rid of this thing.
Ana: What is it?
Thorn: I don't know, maybe some kind of spirit.
Lierlo: Could be.
Ana: So, what do we do? Go around yelling 'Hey Mr. Crazy Voice Guy, come out so we can exorcise you'?
Thorn: Exorcism... hmm. *Heads off into his room and comes back a little later with a huge dusty book.*
Kuja: Gotta love research.
Thorn: I think there's a way. *Flips through the book.* ...Might as well try... hmm. Damn. Needs to be done at night. I guess we've got a bit of a wait.
Kitzie: *Sniffles.* I don't like him... We gonna get rid of him?
Thorn: *Smiles and nods.*
*Suddenly, without warning, there is a loud thud from somewhere in the distance.*
Laurenza: What is it now?
Kuja: One mysterious event at a time, please.
Tifanel: Do you want me to go and check it out?
Laurenza: Please.
Tifanel: *Goes out the castle.*
Laurenza: ...Dramatic life
Thorn: Well, I suppose it beats absolutely nothing happening ever... or does it?
Laurenza: I don't know which I'd rather have.
Li: Is your life always like this then, sis?
Laurenza: Pretty much.
Kuja: Okay, I'm thinking it's someone coming to murder us... or the Crazy Voice Guy has called in backup and it's the Crazy Thud Guy coming to off us all.
Tifanel: *Comes back in a few minutes later with another guy dressed in a travelling cloak and hood.* ...That's definitely the problem. It'd would've been dislodged in the crash, but I reckon I'll be able to fix it and you'll be up and flyin' again in no time. Why don't you hang here while I fix it?
Stranger: No, I don't want to impose. I'll go check into the hotel in the village.
Tifanel: They're not too fond of strangers in Dalin.
Kuja: What's the point in having a hotel, then?
Tifanel: It won't take too long. I'm sure Laurenza won't mind you sticking around until it's done.
Laurenza: Hmm, I guess it'll be okay. ... Unless you're here to kill us.
Stranger: What? No, no. I wouldn't...
Laurenza: Sorry, I didn't mean to... We were just having a weird conversation.
Allen: Where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself. *Pulls down his hood. He has mid-length very dark brown, going on black hair, deep green eyes and cat ears. He is very handsome.* My name is Allen. Allen Foehn.
Adrienne: Allen…
Allen: *Turns to Adrienne, as if he has only just noticed her, and eyes her with certain dislike.* Oh, hello Adrienne.
Adrienne: How did you get to this time zone?
Allen: What do you mean?
Adrienne: Never mind… *To herself.* Oops. Did I leave a rift between our two time zones?
Allen: *Turns back to Laurenza.* I don't want to be any trouble. I'll just sit here quietly until my ship is fixed.
Laurenza: *Is staring at Allen, slightly open-mouthed.* ...Oh! It's no problem, really.
*Thorn glances at Allen with a displeased expression and then flicks through his book, absent-mindedly.*
Kuja: Honestly Laurenza, anyone would think you've never seen a man before.
Laurenza: *Blushes slightly.* Yes... well...
Tifanel: I'll go get my big box o' tools and take a look at your ship, Allen. *Walks off.*
Laurenza: What made you crash, anyway?
Allen: I'm not really sure. It probably was engine failure or something. I'm no expert in ship mechanics.
Kuja: I didn't think Tifanel was either, but here he is, offering to fix it for you...
Allen: This is a very nice place you've got here, miss... Laurenza, was it?
Laurenza: Thank you, this castle has been in my family's possession for quite a long time.
Allen: You would be royalty, then?
Laurenza: *Nods.*
Allen: *Bows.* Your majesty.
Laurenza: Oh, there's no need for formalities. I've kinda outgrown them. Let me introduce you to my friends.
Kuja: *Suddenly, harshly.* I'm Kuja, her boyfriend.
*Thorn looks up and smiles at Kuja.*
Laurenza: *Points out the others.* My brother, Li. Tifanel, he's the one who's gone out to fix your ship. My daughter, Ana. This is Kitzie; and Lierlo, our resident ghost. That's Thorn and his girlfriend Adrienne.
Allen: I know Adrienne. Nice to meet you all.
*The others greet him.*
Allen: I'm a travelling musician from the planet Felax. I play the flute. *He produces his instrument. It is long, smooth and shiny, and highly decorated.*
Laurenza: Nice instrument.
Kuja: *Elbows her.*
Allen: I specialise in Magickal music. There is a lot of ancient Magick to be found in music. Music can have the power to soothe tortured souls, ward away evil spirits and many other things.
Kitzie: Play us a song!
Allen: *Looks to the others.* Do you mind?
Laurenza: Go ahead.
Allen: *Puts the flute to his lips and pipes up a soft, sweet, flowing tune. After a minute or so, he stops playing.* It's still a work in progress. It's not very good...
Lierlo: I thought it was quite nice.
Allen: Thank you.
Tifanel: *Comes back in, thick, black oil smeared all over him.* Uh, I think I underestimated the severity of the problem. It might take a little bit longer than a couple of hours... *Grins foolishly.*
Kuja: *Sighs.* We've got lots of spare rooms upstairs if you'd like to take your stuff up...
Allen: You don't have to take me in. I'll be all right.
Laurenza: It's no problem. Come on, I'll show you around. *She takes him upstairs.*
Adrienne: ...Totally ignored me... like I was a complete stranger.
Thorn: Well, I did to him. It was... unfair of me.
Adrienne: Haven't seen him in nearly four years and he hardly talks.
Thorn: *Gets up and goes to Adrienne.* Hey, it's all right.
Adrienne: The nerve of that guy! I'm going to give him a piece of my mind. *Marches off.*
Kuja: How fast can you fix that ship of his, Tifanel?
Tifanel: Uh... Might take a while...
Kuja: *Ignites some fire between his fingers and points it at Tifanel.* How fast can you fix that ship of his, Tifanel?
Tifanel: As fast as I can! *He goes back out to it.*
Kuja: Thorn... This Allen guy just turns up and steals the attention of both our girls. He won't get away with that.
Thorn: *Looks down and shakes his head.* I don't want to cause any trouble.
Kuja: Yeah, I guess I shouldn't either. My relationship with Laurenza at the moment is ropey enough.
Thorn: The best thing you can do is respect Allen, that'll make Laurenza respect you more.
Kuja: You're right.

*Later. Allen is exploring the castle, whistling his song. Kitzie comes up behind him.*
Kitzie: *Jumps on his back and grabs his ears.* Ears!
Allen: Ahh! I know they're soft and fuzzy, but please let go!
Kitzie: Soft and fuzzy! Soft and fuzzy! Like mine! Like mine!
Allen: You're hurting me...
Adrienne: Let go of his ears, Kitzie.
*Adrienne comes up behind them.*
Kitzie: Aww... okay. *Jumps off him.*
Adrienne: Allen Foehn! It's been nearly four years. Aren't you going to say anything to me?
Allen: Anything.
Adrienne: Don't be like that!
Allen: It has not been nearly four years. You're exaggerating.
Adrienne: It doesn't matter if it has or hasn't. It's still been a long time. Don't you want to catch up?
Allen: I don't. I don't want to get involved with you again. I've moved on, you've moved on.
Adrienne: You've got a new girlfriend?
Allen: No, no. I meant I've moved on with my career...
Adrienne: Your stupid music…
Allen: But you've got a boyfriend. Go to him and leave me alone.
Adrienne: Fine. If you hate me that much, I will. *Walks off.*
Kitzie: Grown ups... *Shakes her head.* Ears! *Jumps back on Allen.*

*Adrienne is walking through the corridors, slightly angry, towards the stairs. On the way she bumps into Li and Tifanel.*
Li: I just found the present you got me. Blonde hair dye?! It's natural!
Tifanel: Sure it is.
Adrienne: Did you find yours, Tiffy?
Tifanel: I'm just opening it now. *Takes out of a bag a six pack of beer.* This... is... the... best... gift... ever!
Adrienne: Well, I'm glad you like it! *Marches up the stairs and goes into Thorn's room. She slams the door.*
Thorn: Adrienne? Is something wrong?
Adrienne: He doesn't want to talk to me.
Thorn: Allen?
Adrienne: Yeah. Said he doesn't want to get involved with me again. Said he's moved on. All I wanted to do was talk to him!
Thorn: Well, are there any important things you need to tell him?
Adrienne: No, I just wanted to... know why...
Thorn: I see. Well, maybe he's not comfortable talking about it
Adrienne: I haven't spoken to him since he dumped me... He never told me why... He just... left!
Thorn: Hey, he'll be gone soon. You don't need to worry about him. You have a new life now, and so does he.
Adrienne: Yeah, I know, Candy Cane. *Clings to Thorn.* But I just wish he'd just tell me what I did wrong.
Thorn: You don't know it was something you did wrong.
Adrienne: Yeah... Maybe he found someone else? But he said he didn't have a new girlfriend.
Thorn: Does it matter?
Adrienne: No, it doesn't. I hope he goes away as soon as possible.
Thorn: Well, Kuja persuaded Tifanel to get his ship up and running as soon as possible, so I don't think he will be here long.
Adrienne: I saw Tiffy a few minutes ago. He wasn't working on Allen's ship.
Thorn: Why not?
Adrienne: I don't know. Let's go ask him.

*Adrienne and Thorn go downstairs and they are met by Tifanel.*
Tifanel: Ooh, don't go in the main chamber. Laurenza and Kuja are having a shouting match...
Thorn: Why?
Tifanel: Something about Allen, I think.
*Shouts from the main chamber can be heard.*
Adrienne: Why aren't you working on Allen's ship?
Tifanel: I need my big wrench and it's gone walkabouts.
Adrienne: Then why don't you go look for it?
Tifanel: Eeesh, you guys are like slave drivers. I offer to help someone out and I'm forced to get it done yesterday.
Thorn: If he's making Kuja and Laurenza argue, then I think he should be gone as soon as possible.
Tifanel: Have you actually spoken to the guy? He's so nice he could give Lierlo a run for his money. He's not doing anythin' wrong. So I don't know what you lot have against him.
Thorn: Because he's making people worry and argue.
Tifanel: Just by being here?
Thorn: *Looks over to the main chamber.* It would seem so.
Tifanel: Maybe if people just ignored him, he wouldn't be a problem.
Thorn: Maybe.
Tifanel: Because he's not the problem. Everyone else is. I'll go look for that wrench, shall I? *He walks off.*
Adrienne: Why did Tiffy stick up for Allen so much? Ooh, when's the wedding?
Thorn: I don't know.
*Laurenza comes out of the main chamber with a very uncomfortable looking Allen in tow.*
Allen: Really, you don't have to.
Laurenza: I want to.
Adrienne: Laurenza, what was all the shouting about?
Laurenza: Kuja being a jealous, paranoid git. Allen wanted to look around Dalin. I offered to give him a tour and Kuja got a little upset.
Allen: I didn't mean to cause any trouble.
Laurenza: It's not your fault. He's so possessive sometimes.
*The two of them leave the castle. Thorn goes into the main chamber to look for Kuja, who is pacing around, looking absolutely livid.*
Thorn: Kuja...
Kuja: *Snappily.* What is it?
Thorn: Don't get angry 'cos of that idiot.
Kuja: A bit late for that now, isn't it?
Thorn: Hmm... I see he hasn't put his spell on you then?
Kuja: What do you mean?
Thorn: Ahh, nothing. It's just… doesn't it seem a bit... Pied Piper of Hamlin to you? He comes, plays a song and now Tifanel and Laurenza are going around licking his shoes... Well, not literally.
Kuja: Now that's a thought. Maybe that's what's going on! He's some... woman-seducing thing... what do you call it? An Incubus, or something? Nah, I don't think he's a Demon. It probably is his music.
Thorn: Or maybe... we're just jealous, because he's getting both our girlfriend's attention.
Kuja: No. There's definitely something sinister about him. When he gets back, let's give him the third degree. *Sits down.* I'm gonna wait here till they return.
Thorn: Yeah, me too. *Sits down.*
Kuja: Haven't you got anything better to do?
Thorn: I've prepared the spell for tonight. But I probably won't be doing it. Laurenza will probably just get our new Pied Piper to do it.
Kuja: Oh, the Evil Ominous Voice in the Air. I forgot about that.
Thorn: You wouldn't have forgotten if you'd heard it, I can tell you.
Kuja: Come to think of it, no one's heard it all day. Maybe it's the Evil Ominous Voice in the Air Which Only Happens at Night.
Thorn: Well, that's convenient. My spell can only work at night.
Kuja: Gotta love coincidences.
Thorn: *Nods.*

*Laurenza and Allen didn't return until the evening. By this time, Kuja is beyond angry. The castle doors open, and Allen and Laurenza walk in.*
Kuja: *In a fury.* Do you know what time it is? Where have you been?!
Laurenza: *Laughs and speaks in a calm voice.* You're not my father, Kuja.
Kuja: But I am your boyfriend, or have you forgotten that?
Laurenza: *Raises her voice a little.* Oh for goodness sake, Kuja. Stop being so jealous! He's a friend. Or am I not allowed to have friends? Am I not allowed to go out with friends?
Allen: *Looking slightly distressed.* I... I'll go to my room.
Kuja: You're not going anywhere, buddy. We've got a few questions for you.
Laurenza: *Sighs.* Leave him alone Kuja. He hasn't done anything wrong.
Kuja: Why were you out so late?
Laurenza: Because we went to a lot of different places! You're just being ridiculous now, Kuja! Allen, you can go to your room if you want. *She walks off.*
*Allen starts to go but Kuja grabs him by the collar.*
Kuja: Hello, little piper. Will you answer our questions for us?
Allen: I'm a flute player...
Thorn: The flute is a pipe... technically.
Allen: I suppose so.
Kuja: What have you done to our friends? Our girlfriends?
Allen: Nothing! Please let me go.
Kuja: Not until I've got an answer out of you! Constrict! *Throws him down and binds him with Magickal ropes.*
Thorn: Nice one.
Allen: I haven't done anything, I wouldn't!
Kuja: *His eyes are shining with malice.* That's what they all say! *Clicks his fingers and the binds shock Allen.*
Allen: *Cries out.*
Thorn: Kuja, that's enough, let him go.
Kuja: But he... Fine. *Still shaking with anger, Kuja undoes the binds from Allen.*
Allen: *Is quivering with fear.* I.. I... I didn't do anything...
Thorn: We're sorry. Kuja, what we have is only an assumption. Innocent until proven guilty, yeah?
Kuja: What about the song?
Thorn: *Shakes his head.*
Kuja: The song you played! What did it do?
Allen: *His voice is high pitched and fearful.* It wards away evil Spirits! That's all it does... that's all it does...
Thorn: Really? Well, we'll have to wait and see if it worked, won't we?
Allen: *On the verge of tears.* I don't know! It's not finished... I'm not a very good Magickal Musician! *Breaks down crying, and hunches up against the wall, shaking and sobbing.*
Kuja: *Looks away.* Oh... maybe I went too far...
Thorn: Hey, Allen, get up, we're sorry.
Allen: P-please don't hurt me!
Kuja: I won't, Allen. I'm sorry.
Allen: *Gets up, though still shaking.*
Kuja: I shouldn't have done that to you, Allen, without the proper evidence.
Allen: *Runs away from them and up the stairs.*
Thorn: He's probably going to tell Laurenza
Kuja: *His eyes flash malevolently again.* Of course, he'll go crying to her and we'll be in big trouble ...
Thorn: Yeah, well. I better get started on that spell, or you'll be told all this again by the Evil Ominous Voice in the Air Which Only Happens at Night.

*Thorn heads up to his room to get spell ingredients. Adrienne is in, there slipping something down her top. When she hears the door opening, she quickly pulls her coat around herself.*
Thorn: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were getting dressed.
Adrienne: N-no, it's okay.
Thorn: I just need to get spell ingredients for that exorcism.
Adrienne: Right, good, good. You do that. Good.
Thorn: Are you okay?
Adrienne: I'm fine!
Thorn: Okay. *Picks up a small box and heads outside the room.* I'll give you some privacy. *Closes the door.*
Kuja: *Meets Thorn outside of his room.* Is that the stuff for the exorcism?
Thorn: Yes. I might do it down in the main chamber, there's a lot of space in there.
Kuja: I'm not sure how it all works. Does the Crazy Voice Guy have to make himself known for it to work?
Thorn: Well, the spell should just rid the castle of anything evil that hasn't got a form. Unfortunately, the only way to tell if it worked is to... wait.
Kuja: *Scratches his head.* It's just because... Well I was thinking... if Allen was telling the truth, and his music spell worked, this guy might not be around tonight.
Thorn: Maybe not. But even if he had got rid of it, I still have to try.
Kuja: Fair dues. Mind if I watch? I haven't got anything better to do.
Thorn: Yeah, sure.

*They go to the main chamber.*
Thorn: Right. *Opens his box and takes out a black candle, a bundle of talismans, some plant cuttings and a box of matches.*
Kuja: This lot is all Greek to me. My spells normally draw on the power within and don't require Magickal objects. So, what is this stuff anyway?
Thorn: *Hold up the talismans.* Hmm... Scapulas, well, these protect you from vengeful Spirits. Oh yeah, you better take one. *Hands him one and then picks up the plant cuttings.* And this, Ruxweed, when burnt in a room it stops ghosts coming in for a little while. They're both essential. I can't have that thing popping in and disturbing the spell.
Kuja: Righto.
Thorn: Okay... *Puts one of the Scapulas round his neck and lights the Ruxweed. He then strikes another match and lights his candle. He then starts to chant.* Circle of life, circle of death, unholy being, be gone!* As the spell is said, the candle burns brighter and brighter, and then extinguishes with a wisp of smoke, as a slight wind blows through the hall.*
Kuja: Big on the flashy special effects, your spells.
*Thorn doesn't seem to hear him, his eyes are closed and he is slowly swaying back and forth.*
Kuja: Thorn?
Thorn: *Takes a sharp intake of breath and snaps out of his trance.* Huh? Oh... Kuja... Did it work?
Kuja: Well, I don't know. I haven't seen anything of Nasty Voicey.
Thorn: *Shakily gets up.*
Kuja: Are... you okay?
Thorn: Fine... I think I'll lie down for a... *His eyes roll and he drops to the floor, unconscious.*
Kuja: Thorn! Thorn! Wake up! *Snaps his fingers in front of his face.* Cascade Tunnel! *Splashes some water on Thorn's face.*
*Thorn doesn't respond.*
Kuja: Looks like he'll be out for a while... *Throws some sparkles over him and Thorn is teleported to his own bed.*

*The next morning, most of the gang are assembled for breakfast as usual.*
Tifanel: Where's Thorn this morning? And Allen?
Kuja: Thorn performed an exorcism for the Voice last night, and he's a little wiped.
Laurenza: Allen won't come out of his room. He's scared out of his wits. Not only did Kuja attack him, he thought someone tried to stab him in the middle of the night.
Adrienne: *Shifts uncomfortably in her seat.*
Laurenza: Kuja, later I want a little talk about your behaviour last night.
Kuja: Yes, ma'am…

*Later, Allen seems to have summoned up the courage to come out of his room. He is sat in a chamber playing his flute for Kitzie, Laurenza and Tifanel.*
Allen: *Stops playing.* What do you think? Any better?
Laurenza: I think it is.
Allen: Tifanel, have you had any luck finding that wrench?
Tifanel: Um...
Kuja: *Walks into the room. His voice is a strange mix of triumph and anger.* I've found it. *Holds it out in front of him.*
Tifanel: *Takes it.* Nice! Where was it?
Kuja: *His voice is now shaking a little.* You know, it's the strangest thing... Under Laurenza's bed... How ever did it get there?!
Laurenza: What are you implying, Kuja?
Kuja: I'm implying, my dear Laurenza, that you purposely took Tifanel's wrench and hid it from him, so that he couldn't work on Allen's ship. Therefore, Allen has to stay longer...
Laurenza: *Laughs.* I didn't think you could get any more paranoid, Kuja. But I was obviously wrong.
Tifanel: *Uses his wrench as a good excuse to leave the room.* Well, I'll get back to it then…

*The scene switches to that night. A dark shape is seen moving around the dimly lit upstairs corridors. It enters a room. There is a muffled scream.*

*The next morning... *
Tifanel: *Knocks on Allen's door.* I was up all night working on it, but I managed to get it done. *There is no response.* Allen? Yo, Allen! *He opens the door and lets out a cry.* Oh my god! GUYS! Allen's been murdered!