*Back on board The Destiny, the gang prepare to return to Castle Medra.*
Tifanel: Right, let's head for home.
Lierlo: After all of that, I could really do with a nice down and a nice cup of tea.
Lahrne: And maybe a dog biscuit! Wait, no... *Changes back to his normal form.* That's better.
Thorn: Hmm... Yeah, I'm sure we all could. A sit down that is, not a dog biscuit...
Tifanel: Lahrne, come and find that mega-speed button you pushed before.
Thorn: And try to double-check. Disco music and self-destruction won't help right now.
Lahrne: I think it was this one... *Hits a button.*
V.O: HELLO KUJA. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DESTROY TODAY?
Lahrne: Not that one.
Thorn: *Smiles.* Something tells me it's a good thing I didn't know Kuja a few years ago…
Tifanel: Yeah… Ya should've heard the rumours from Yochi that convinced Laurenza to recruit him into the Circle. Yeah, they showed what kinda powers he has, the kind that could help the Circle pack a punch, but they were pretty damn horrific too. Part of me hopes they were just rumours.
Thorn: Who can say?
Li: Pfft, I don't care either way. *Pushes Lahrne out of the way.* Let me try findin' that button. *Presses another button, and the chair Lierlo is sat in starts to spin round and round.*
Thorn: I guess it would help if some of these were labelled.
Lierlo: I don't like merry-go-rounds!
Li: Hang on, hang on, I'll sort it. *Presses the button again and it stops.*
Lierlo: I am going to ask Kuja what purpose that 'make Lierlo's chair spin' switch has.
Lahrne: Got it! *Pushes the speed button and the ship accelerates, Lierlo flying off his chair.*

*They arrive back at the castle, and they all get off the airship.*
Lahrne: And so, with the mission completed and the sacred relic uncovered, the Furan Alliance victoriously return to the castle.
Thorn: I better go up and give this to Kuja, pronto.
Lierlo: Yes, go ahead.

*Thorn goes up to Kuja's room, and finds Laurenza is watching over him, stroking his hair.*
Thorn: Hey, we got the antidote.
Laurenza: Oh! Thorn... *Stops.* You startled me.
Thorn: It's okay. I don't mind.
Laurenza: He must really love you, you know. He came round a couple of times, and the only things he said were 'Thorn, Thorn, where's Thorn?'
Thorn: Oh... look, I'm sorry.
Laurenza: It doesn't matter. *Tears fall down her face as she leaves the room.*
Thorn: *Looks at Kuja.* These aren't the only wounds I'll have to heal.
Kuja: *Opens his eyes.* Thorn...? *Weakly holds out his arms towards Thorn.*
Thorn: It's okay. I have an antidote that'll help you. *Lifts Kuja up into a sitting position and places the antidote on his lips.* Come on, drink this.
Kuja: *Drinks it. For a moment after, he appears to glow.* Yuck.
Thorn: Kuja? Are you okay?
Kuja: *Nods.*
Thorn: Thank god. *Hugs him.*
Kuja: Ow…
Thorn: Oh, sorry. *Lays Kuja down.* Okay, Magick time. *Starts to heal Kuja with Magick.*
Kuja: Whew, that's much better, thanks. *Hugs Thorn.* Oh... what happened to your wing?
Thorn: Hmm... I was so worried about you I forgot how much that hurt. *He folds in his wing and there is a flash. As the wing unfolds, it is good as new.*
Kuja: I take it you went through a lot to get that antidote.
Thorn: Yeah. It was worth it, though.
Kuja: If only I had been able to use my Magick, this never would have happened.
Thorn: Yeah, I get it.
Kuja: What's the world coming to these days? You're flying on your Dragon, minding your own business, and some anti-Magick freaks harpoon you down and kick your butt.
Thorn: That's an anti-Magick freak for you. No decency.
Kuja: What happened to my Dragon, anyway?
Thorn: I don't know, when we went back, it had gone.
Kuja: Oh, it can't have gone far...
Thorn: I assumed it had flown home or something.
Kuja: Hmm, might have done. So, you had to go into Furan to get me that antidote? That must have been a nightmare.
Thorn: It was, but like I said, it was worth it.
Kuja: Thank you. *Kisses him.*
Thorn: Don't mention it.
Kuja: My head still feels a little bit funny, I think I fell off my Dragon and bumped it.
Thorn: *Strokes Kuja's hair.* Aww.
Kuja: *Leans against Thorn.* Love you.
Thorn: Love you more.
Kuja: No, I love you more! *Laughs a little.*
Thorn: *Laughs.*
*There is a knock on the door.*
Thorn: *Goes and opens the door.*
*Li and Tifanel are stood there, looking awkward.*
Li: Oh look, no one's in. Let's go...
Tifanel: No, Li. We're gonna do this. Kuja awake yet?
Thorn: Yeah.
*Li and Tifanel walk into the room.*
Tifanel: Hi Kuja...
Li: We just wanted to say...
Tifanel: Well, Thorn kinda made us say...
Li: ...Sorry.
Tifanel: Yeah... sorry. Bye.
*They leave almost as quickly as they came.*
Thorn: ...I didn't make them say it. I just... persuaded them.
Kuja: Ahh, it doesn't matter. At least they apologised... in their own special and oh so personal way.
Thorn: *Smiles.*
Kuja: Now, let's get some privacy, shall we? *Points at the door.* Huh? *Points at the door again.* Why isn't it working?
Thorn: Your Magick...
Kuja: Hang on... *Cups his hands.* Pyro! *They remain empty.* Damn! Pyro! Pyro! *Nothing happens.*
Thorn: It might be something to do with the antidote...
Kuja: Or maybe I'm just tired?
Thorn: Maybe. You should take some proper rest.
Kuja: Yeah, I will then.
Thorn: I'll come check on you later...*Leaves the room and closes the door.*

*The sound of quiet crying can be heard from Laurenza's room. Thorn knocks on Laurenza's door.*
Laurenza: I'm not in.
Thorn: Laurenza, can we talk?
Laurenza: I don't feel like talking.
Thorn: Are you sure?
Laurenza: No...
Thorn: Can I come in?
Laurenza: Yeah.
*Thorn goes in. Little Ana is fast asleep in her cot. Laurenza is curled up on her bed, crying.*
Thorn: *Sighs.* There's nothing I can say that'll make you feel better...
Laurenza: Everything reminds me of him! *Touches the left side of her bed.* He always wanted to sleep on this side... he's left a little dent in it... and the pillow still smells like his hair...
Thorn: *Sits on the bed next to her.* I can only make you feel worse. All I've ever done is ruin your life.
Laurenza: No, you don't ruin my life. It's my fault... I took him for granted.
Thorn: It's not your fault. You and Kuja had something beautiful, and I've just ruined it. I'd rather you be angry with me than yourself… I deserve it.
Laurenza: *Shakes her head.* I... I just think it's nuts... You two used to hate each other!
Thorn: I know. But... love's like that, isn't it?
Laurenza: Yes… When I first met Kuja, we were fighting each other.
Thorn: Well, there you go.
Laurenza: That was a long time ago now...
Thorn: *Nods.*
Laurenza: I just have to accept it. He's with you now, and even though it hurts, I have to move on...
Thorn: Yeah... you're right.
Laurenza: *Smiles a little.* He's really ticklish under his arms and on his feet.
Thorn: *Laughs.*
Laurenza: Um... and he likes to be cuddled a lot.
Thorn: I know that.
Laurenza: Oh well. I guess you would know that by now.
Thorn: Anything else you think I should know?
Laurenza: Nothing else I'd like to say aloud.
Thorn: *Laughs some.*
Laurenza: *Laughs too.*
Thorn: It's good to see you laughing again.
Laurenza: I'll try and do it more often.
Thorn: Good.
Laurenza: How is he now, anyway?
Thorn: He woke up and couldn't use his Magick, so he's resting right now.
Laurenza: Okay. What's wrong with his Magick?
Thorn: It... just didn't work.
Laurenza: Weird.
Thorn: It's never happened to me before, but my Magick works differently to his.
Laurenza: I don't think it's ever happened to him either, before now.
Thorn: Then maybe it does have something to do with the antidote I gave him...
Laurenza: That flask you were carrying? Did it come from Furan?
Thorn: Yes...
Laurenza: Then we're not entirely sure we can trust it, I guess...
Thorn: There was some sort of machine in operation at Furan that could stop Magick... maybe it had some sort of effect on the chemicals.
Laurenza: Maybe.
Thorn: Well, if so, I know just the person to speak to.
Laurenza: Who?
Thorn: *Clicks his fingers, summoning Larzel in front of them.*
Larzel: Hey! What in the bleeding hell d'ya think you're doing? I was in the middle o' somethin' real important, an' you just Magick me here like that! Honestly...
Thorn: There will be plenty more Magick used on you if you don't tell me what I want to know.
Larzel: What I do?
Thorn: The antidote you gave me. Are their any side affects you know about, or were banking on?
Larzel: For the last time, that one's the real deal! There ain't nothing wrong wi' it!
Thorn: Okay. But... the person we used it on... they can't use their Magick. Do you know anything about that?
Larzel: Nope. All it was s'posed to do was undo the anti-healing-Magick effect placed on him.
Thorn: You're probably right... I'm sorry for bringing you here.
Larzel: *Sarcastically.* Oh, it's no problem at all!
Thorn: Ermm... what were you in the middle of doing?
Larzel: MYOB.
Thorn: Fine. I'll let you get back to it. Return.
*Larzel disappears.*
Laurenza: What on Dalimoor was she supposed to be?
Thorn: I dunno.
Laurenza: Well, at least I've got an idea what to come as on Halloween.
Thorn: *Laughs.*
Ana: *Wakes up and starts crying.*
Thorn: Oh dear...
Laurenza: Excuse me, I've got to go to work... *She goes to the cot and picks up Ana.*
Thorn: I'll see you later, then. *Leaves the room.*

*Thorn goes to one of the chambers, where he finds the rest of the gang watching TV. Mihako is sitting very close to the screen, apparently fascinated.*
Lierlo: Thorn, how is Kuja?
Thorn: He's resting. After I gave him the antidote, he couldn't use his Magick. I asked Larzel about it, and either she was lying, or she doesn't know why either.
Lierlo: Oh...
Tifanel: He can't use his Magick? Maybe I should invite him to trainin' tomorrow.
Lierlo: Oh, I don't think he'd be interested in that... Tea? *Offers Thorn a cup.*
Thorn: Umm... No thanks.
Li: Mihako, move. I can hardly see the screen.
Kitzie: *Is sat on top of the TV.* I can see fine!
Lahrne: This show is stupid anyway.
Li: Blasphemy!
Tifanel: How could you say that? Jim Terano rules!
Lierlo: I have to agree with Lahrne. The plot is nonexistent, and the bulk of the programme is made up of cheap slapstick humour and crude jokes.
Li: Who died and made you a critic?
Tifanel: If you don't like it, ya don't have to watch it.
Lierlo: Fair enough. *Grabs the remote and changes the channel, making Mihako jump back in surprise.*
Li: Hey!
Tifanel: Change back!
Lahrne: *Goes to Thorn and pulls on his jacket.* I'm bored.
Thorn: Yeah well, there's not much to do around here, apart from save the world, that is.
Lahrne: Can we do that?
Thorn: Sure, I'll go start destroying the world and you stay here and count up to 100. Then you come and find me and stop me.
Lahrne: Okay! 1, 2, 3, 4...
Thorn: Heh heh...
Lahrne: You're not destroying it!
Thorn: Yeah, I gave up that a looong time ago.
Lahrne: Can I play with the sword you gave me?
Thorn: Sure. Experiment with it, but don't break anything or kill anyone.
Lahrne: Yay! *Gets the ManusBlade and runs outside.*
Lierlo: I hope you've got another one, Thorn. You know what kids are like, you'll never get that back.
Thorn: Mmm... Up in my room somewhere I think. Umm... I'm gonna check on Kuja.
Lierlo: Okay.
Li: Have fun.
Thorn: Err... right. *Leaves and goes up to Kuja's room.*

*Up in Kuja's room, Kuja is snuggled up in bed, fast asleep. Thorn sits by him. Kuja's room is full of various things, mostly books, but one item does not seem to fit in with the others. Half-sticking out of one of his drawers is a cuddly toy.*
Thorn: *Walks up to the drawer and pulls out the cuddly toy. It is a very cute, fluffy feathered swan. He smiles.*
Kuja: *Snuffles in his sleep.*
Thorn: *Lays the swan next to Kuja on the bed.*
Kuja: *Turns over, so that he is snuggled close to the swan.*
Thorn: *Sits down again.*
*Thorn sits next to Kuja for quite some time.*
Kuja: Mmn... *Wakes up, with the swan in his face.* Mmmf!
Thorn: *Picks the swan up.* Hey, you're awake.
Kuja: Yeah, and almost suffocating.
Thorn: Sorry.
Kuja: *Sees the swan.* Where did you find that?
Thorn: It was sticking out of your drawer.
Kuja: Oh... it's nothing. Laurenza gave it me a while back cos it reminded her of me, with the feathers, you know. *Touches the feathery bits of hair on his head.*
Thorn: Yeah, I see.
Kuja: I don't look like a swan, do I?
Thorn: No, you don't. Hmm, can you use your Magick?
Kuja: I don't know, I'll give it a try. Pyro! *Nothing happens.*
Thorn: I didn't think it would. *Sighs.* One crisis after another...
Kuja: Grrr! What is wrong with me?
Thorn: I wish I knew.
Kuja: I'm just not me without my Magick...
Thorn: I know how you feel.
Kuja: It was the only thing that I was really good at, and now it's gone.
Thorn: Not gone... We'll get it back, and even if we don't, you've got me. I've got plenty to share.
Kuja: I want mine back. It's special to me, so having yours just wouldn't the same...
Thorn: I know.
Kuja: *Looks sulky.*
Thorn: I'm sorry.
Kuja: Don't apologise. It's not like saying you're sorry is going to bring it back.
Thorn: I just... wish I could do more.
Kuja: *Hugs Thorn.* You could help me like this.
Thorn: *Hugs back.* Yeah.

*The following day, after the usual breakfast gathering, the gang are about to go their separate ways when Tifanel calls Li and Lierlo over to him.*
Tifanel: You guys coming to training, then?
Li: What? Now?
Lierlo: No time like the present.
Li: I hate it when people are perky this early in the morning...
Tifanel: Hey Kuja.
Kuja: What?
Tifanel: Heard you can't use your Magick. Can I sign you up to Tif's Ultimate Sword Fighting Class?
Kuja: I'll pass.
Lierlo: The incident in Furan made me realise how little help I am without my Magick in a battle situation. Kuja, you could benefit from learning non-Magickal combat too.
Kuja: Oh, fine. I'll come once.
Li: This oughta be good...
Thorn: Well, have fun you guys...
Tifanel: You can come along too, if you want, Thorn. Join in or spectate.
Thorn: Mmm... Okay. Thanks. *He teleports away and within seconds he is back, blowing the dust off a ManusBlade.*

*The guys go to the training room, opposite the armoury. It is a wide open area with a wooden floor and training dummies.*
Tifanel: *Hands each guy a stick.* We're not going to start with using real weapons yet, so you can put that down a second, Thorn.
Thorn: Hmph. *Sheathes his weapon.*
Li: Sticks? What are we, five year olds?
Tifanel: Well, some of the less experienced fighters in here might end up hurtin' someone, or themselves, if they have a real weapon.
Kuja: *Twirls his stick.* I feel like Kitzie.
Thorn: Well, you don't look like her. Can we get on with this?
Tifanel: Okay, guys... and Kuja. Let's start. You're all probably at different levels of ability. None of you will be any good, but don't worry; you'll get better with practice. But you have to remember one thing: you'll never be as good as me.
Thorn: Huh? Did my old arrogance rub off onto you at some point?
Li: Tif's always been arrogant about his sword skills.
Kuja: I'll shove his sword skills right up his...
Tifanel: Now, let's start with the basics. *Holds out his stick.* This is a weapon. You hold it in your hand like so.
Kuja: And tomorrow we'll be learning our ABCs!
Thorn: *Laughs.*
Tifanel: Oh, is this too simple for you? How about we make things a little tougher? *He attacks a wooden dummy in a series of swift, fluid strikes, fast and artistically.* There. Now you try.
Thorn: Hey, hey, progression is usually more... progressive.
Kuja: Uh, yeah... Basics are good. This is a weapon. I hold it in my hand like so. *Grins.*
Tifanel: Right, I want you to all try a horizontal slash. I'd move apart a bit so you don't hit each other. *He demonstrates one.* Your turn.
Thorn: Yah! *Swings the stick across.*
Tifanel: ...And add sound effects and battle cries if you wanna.
Li: Easy. *Swings the stick horizontally.*
Lierlo: Like this? *Swings the stick horizontally.*
Kuja: Meh. *Half-heartedly swings his stick.*
Tifanel: Not bad. Now try the vertical cut. *He demonstrates.*
Thorn: *Swings the stick vertically, minus the battle cry.*
Li: Oh, come on! *Swings stick vertically.*
Lierlo: *Does the same.*
Kuja: *With a shrill war cry, he swings his stick with just as little effort as before.*
Tifanel: Okay, this one's a little trickier. *He faces his wooden dummy and performs a jumping slice.* Do your best.
Thorn: Mind if I improvise? *He jumps up and majestically turns in midair using his wings, before bringing his stick down onto the dummy.*
Tifanel: Very nice, Thorn. But what if someone had clipped your wings and made you flightless?
Thorn: Then I wouldn't improvise. Either that or unclip them.
Tifanel: Okay, we're going for the worst-case scenario. You've got clipped wings and no Magick. Show me your move.
Thorn: Okay. *Throws his stick on the ground and raises his voice.* Give me my Magick back, you bastard!
*The guys all laugh.*
Thorn: *Grins.*
Tifanel: Seriously Thorn, just do the move.
Thorn: *Does the move normally.*
Li: It's not hard. *Does the move.*
Lierlo: *Manages to do it, but he didn't jump very far off the ground.*
Kuja: This is stupid... *He tries to do it, but trips.*
Li: *Cracks up laughing.*
Tifanel: *Hearing Li laughing, he starts too.*
Thorn: *Goes to Kuja.* You okay?
Kuja: No, I think I bruised my self-esteem.
Lierlo: That's not very nice you two, stop laughing.
Tifanel: *Stops.*
Li: *Carries on.*
Kuja: *Beats Li around the head with his stick.*
Thorn: Stop this! All of you just settle down!
Kuja: *Stops.*
Tifanel: Yeah, hard luck Kuja. You wanna try again?
Kuja: Pfft, no way.
Lierlo: You'll never be able to do it if you don't try.
Thorn: Come on, for me?
Kuja: Darn, you had to play that card, didn't you? *He focuses on the dummy, jumps into the air and brings his stick down... missing the dummy.*
Tifanel: Yeah... close enough. Now we're going to join these three attacks together to make a combo. *He cuts the dummy horizontally, vertically and then jumping attacks it in one quick movement.* Think you can manage it?
Li: Me first, me first. *He does an acceptable combo on the dummy, but not quite as awesome as Tifanel's.*
Thorn: *Does the three moves, then stands next to Kuja again.*
Lierlo: *Does the three moves, but in the wrong order.* Oh dear, that wasn't quite right... Do I get marked down for that?
Tifanel: No, that's fine. There's no set order, really. Go on, Kuja. Your turn.
Kuja: One. *Flings his stick horizontally.* Two. *Flings his stick vertically.* Three. *Jumps and bops the dummy on the head with his stick.* There.
Thorn: Hey, you did it.
Li: But it was all broken up! You're meant to do it in one go.
Kuja: Oh, go away.
Tifanel: Guys, this'll be our last activity for today. I want you to pair up and fight each other, usin' the techniques we learnt. I also want you to try parrying each other's attacks. It's easy, all you have to do is move when they try and attack you.
Kuja: *Turns to Thorn.* You're my partner.
Thorn: Okay.
Li: Tif, you're my partner.
Tifanel: No, you're going with Lierlo.
Li: Damn.
Lierlo: What's wrong with me?
Li: *Grumbles some.*
Tifanel: Okay, off you go.
Kuja: You go first.
Thorn: Okay. *Slowly swipes the stick at Kuja.*
Kuja: *Stands there and lets it hit him.*
Thorn: Hey, you're supposed to stop it.
Kuja: Can't be bothered. I'm quite happy just standing here.
Thorn: Hmm. Standing here sounds fun. *Twirls the stick in his hand.*
Tifanel: *Goes to Thorn and Kuja.* Ladies, this isn't a social event. Let's see you two duelling!
Thorn: Come on, Kuja. Hit me!
Kuja: *Swipes at Thorn, with about as much power as a kitten with a wet noodle.*
Thorn: I said hit me, not touch me!
Tifanel: Yeah, c'mon Kuja, give it more power.
Kuja: Look, I'm doing my best here! Some of us aren't on steroids! *Hits Thorn a little harder.*
Thorn: Ow.
Kuja: *Goes for Thorn a third time.*
Thorn: *Ducks.* Now you're getting it.
Kuja: Raar! *Runs at Thorn and beats him around the head with his stick, in the same way he did to Li.*
Tifanel: Kuja, when did I teach you to do that?!
Kuja: *Stops.* It's more effective...
Thorn: *Rubbing his head.* I'll say...
Tifanel: You can't win a battle randomly hitting people on the head. You gotta fight with skill, not rage.
Kuja: Maybe you do, but I like my way.
Tifanel: Okay, if you're so smart, you go and form your own fightin' class.
Kuja: Fine, I will! *He leaves.*
Thorn: *Puts his stick down and follows Kuja.*
Kuja: *Is stood outside of the room.* I'm not really forming my own group. Go back to Tif's.
Thorn: I don't wanna be in there if you're not.
Kuja: Why not? At least you can do it.
Thorn: The only reason I went is because you did.
Kuja: I don't know why I went at all. I'm not a fighter; I'm a Mage... A stupid, Magickless Mage...
Thorn: I know how you feel. When I lost my Magick... I didn't just feel useless. I felt empty.
Kuja: Kinda like the way I feel right now...
Thorn: I know... but we're gonna get your Magick back.
Kuja: Maybe... I hope... I hope we do.
Thorn: We will.
Kuja: Oh, and Thorn, I didn't hit your head too hard, did I? *Strokes his hair.*
Thorn: No... You didn't.
Mihako: *Comes walking down the corridor, wearing Tifanel's apron and is covered in flour. She is holding a tray of cookies.* I made 'cookies!'
Kuja: Very nice, dear.
Mihako: Would you like to try one?
Kuja: No thanks, I'm cookie-intolerant.
Thorn: I'd love one. *Takes a cookie and tries it.* Mmm.
Mihako: I must show Lierlo! *She goes into the training room.*
Kuja: Okay Thorn, how do they really taste?
Thorn: Not bad.
Kuja: Heh, knowing her, I thought she might've mixed half a cup of mud in with the dough.
Thorn: I assume she had a recipe book of Tifanel's.
Kuja: If it was Tifanel's, I wouldn't be surprised if half a cup of mud was in the recipe.
Thorn: *Laughs.*