*They drive on for a while, Lahrne quietly amusing himself by reading one of his new books, and Kuja slumped sleepily in one of the chairs. Suddenly, without warning, there is a banging sound coming from under the dashboard.*
Lahrne: Oh no! Are we going down?
Thorn: I hope not...
*The banging continues.*
Kuja: Keep it down...
Thorn: *Checks around the dashboard. Underneath the dashboard is quite a large space with what appears to be a door on it.* ...The hell? *Opens the door slowly.*
Larzel: Aaaaah! *Jumps out from under the dash, knocking Thorn out of the way. She is hopping on one foot, holding the other.* Oh, ow ow ow ow ow!
Thorn: Larzel...? What were you doing under there? Are you hurt?
Larzel: I was stowin' away, and yeah I'm hurt! D'ya think I do this fer my own entertainment?! Somethin' bit me!
Thorn: That Shaggy Beast you bought?
Larzel: No, stupid, it's in its cage. It was somethin'... in there...
Thorn: *Peers cautiously through the door.*
*There is nothing in there. But after a moment, a section of the wall moves forward as if it is alive and tries to bite Thorn. He jumps back.*
Thorn: Argh! Biting wall!
Kuja: Yeah, watch out. It does that sometimes...
Thorn: *Laughs.* Installing a biting wall... some kind of security?
Kuja: No, not really. I just wanted the biting wall.
Thorn: Oh.
Kuja: But... I suppose it could be a security device. It ferreted out this pink-haired freeloader, didn't it?
Thorn: Hmm... I didn't think of that.
Kuja: *Turns to Larzel.* This isn't a bus, you know. You can't just hitch a ride on it whenever you like.
Larzel: Yeah... um, well...
Thorn: I think we should take you back to your mother. She'll be worried about you.
Larzel: No! Rather be blasted out inta space than be taken back to her!
Kuja: Well, that can be arranged. Do you want to jump out the airlock or shall we throw you out?
Thorn: Heh... you're back to normal. Larzel, do you really mean that? Your mother can't be that bad...
Larzel: You don't know her, mate.
Thorn: Look, I knew my mother until I was fifteen. Then I ran away from home, got killed, went to Hell, eternal damnation, yada yada. But in those years I knew her, sometimes I wanted her to die, other times, I didn't. What I'm trying to say is... you'll feel better soon. You certainly don't want to go away from your mother.
Larzel: Oh fer... Okay, ya guilted me inta it. I'll catch the next Airbus back to Furan when we get to Dalimoor and call my mum to tell her I'm okay. Happy?
Thorn: Sure, just as long as you do that.
Larzel: I will! Geesh... *Goes over to Lahrne.* What'cha reading, lil' fella?
Lahrne: ...Huh? What?
Larzel: Heh, talk about engrossed...
Lahrne: Yeah, whatever. *Goes back to reading.*
Larzel: *Goes and sits down by the dash.*
Kuja: Touch nothing.
Thorn: I second that. I think labelling them was good for people who didn't want to cause mischief, but an aid for people who did. *Hides the Death Ray button with his hand.*

*They drive on for longer, Lahrne totally oblivious to everything but his book, and Kuja keeping his gaze closely fixed on Larzel's every move. They finally arrive back home and get off The Destiny.*
Larzel: I guess I'll be seein' ya, then.
Thorn: Yeah, take care Larzel.
Larzel: Smell ya later, feather butt! *Runs off.*
Thorn: Well. Kuja, you wanna get to bed? You can get some proper sleep.
Kuja: No, I've actually become rather partial to sleeping on the cold, hard dungeon floor. *Grins.*
Thorn: Eh heh...
Kuja: I'm kidding. Come on, get bookworm and we'll go inside.
Thorn: Okay. Lahrne, come on, you can read that book inside.
Lahrne: *Nods, but doesn't look away from the book. He follows Thorn and Kuja, but still with his eyes on the book.*
Thorn: Lahrne, what book is that?
Lahrne: *Puts the book behind his back.* You know, that one about the thing and the stuff.
Thorn: The blood ritual book?
Lahrne: How'd you know?
Thorn: Instinct.
Kuja: What? You let an eight-year-old child read a book on blood rituals? When I was his age, I... well, I don't actually remember what I did, but are you sure Lahrne should be reading that sort of thing?
Thorn: He's tough. And anyway, we deal with that kind of thing all the time. And... he's a Dark Angel. He needs to know about blood and... things.
Kuja: What do you mean, 'we deal with that kind of thing all the time'?
Thorn: Blood rituals, Ares coming back... blood drinking… you know.
Kuja: Yeah... eww... sorry I asked.
Thorn: *Shrugs.* It's better he gets to know about these things when he's young.
Kuja: There comes a time in every young person's life when they need to have the parent-child blood talk.
Thorn: *Laughs.*
Kuja: Come on, inside, now.

*The three of them go inside, and find Roreille sat holding some papers, looking a little disappointed.*
Thorn: Roreille, what are you doing here?
Roreille: Oh hello Thorn, Kuja, child. I am here because Laurenza wanted this information on Spirit World real estate, but she does not seem to be here at the moment.
Thorn: She won't be long.
Kuja: Just curious, but why is Laurenza shopping for houses in the Spirit World?
Roreille: I do not know really. Someone like her would be better off purchasing some property in the mortal world as she has lived there for all of her life. Houses in the Spirit World can be very difficult, as they sometimes suddenly decide they want to be a field full of Marcoos. That can be rather annoying, especially when you are in the shower.
Thorn: *To Kuja.* Do you think she's moving out?
Kuja: I don't know. She hasn't said anything about it... has she?
Thorn: Not to me.
Roreille: Laurenza has not said anything about moving out? I am sorry… you should not have heard it from me.
Thorn: Hey, it's all right.
Kuja: I wonder why, though...
Thorn: Maybe us... being together, maybe she's still upset about it. The whole... you being momentarily in love with her kind of thing wouldn't help much either.
Kuja: Oh great, I'm forcing Laurenza out of her own home...
Thorn: Hey, it may not be our fault. She may not even sbe moving out. Let's just see, okay?
*There is a loud crash from outside.*
Lahrne: Wah! *Drops his book.*
Thorn: What was that?
Kuja: I don't know. It came from outside.

*They go outside to find that Mihako's airship has made a less than perfect landing and the gang, slightly dazed, are all climbing out of it.*
Mihako: I told you that I am a good driver.
Li: Yeah... life flashing before my eyes kind of good...
Tifanel: If anyone has seen my nervous system, I want it back.
Thorn: Laurenza? Roreille's here to see you about a property in the Spirit World...
Laurenza: Oh, right. Roreille, I'll talk to you in a minute.
*Roreille goes inside.*
Laurenza: First, I guess I have something to tell you all. Listen, I might be... moving out for a little while, because I need some time to... get my feelings straight. I don't know when, and I don't know for how long. You can all stay here in the castle while I'm gone, and Li will be in charge.
Li: Whoo! Oh yeah! The Liman will be the boss man! ...Uh... I mean, dearest sister, please do not go...
Kuja: Li in charge... Can we go back into space so I can jump out of the airlock?
Thorn: I'm sure it will be... different.
Laurenza: Don't worry, guys. It won't be forever.
Thorn: Take as long as you need, Laurenza. I trust you'll feel better after our holiday, anyway.
Kuja: Holiday?
Kitzie: HOLIDAY!
Lierlo: Yes, Kuja. We've decided to take a holiday, to get away from it all. We're going to Calanoa.
Kitzie: It's got water slides!
Li: And bikini volleyball!
Tifanel: And mini golf!
Kuja: Forgive me if I'm not jumping up and down with excitement.
Thorn: You don't think it's a good idea?
Kuja: I'm sure it's a wonderful idea to everyone except me.
Li: Gee Kuja, did they invent the word 'party-pooper' 'specially to describe you?
Kuja: Well, I don't play golf, I'm not a fan of swimming pools and I don't enjoy running around in ladies' beachwear.
Lierlo: But I'm sure there are lots of other things to do there that you would enjoy, Kuja.
Mihako: *Sounds like she has swallowed large chunks of the brochure.* All you can eat buffet every weeknight. Subject to availability. Not available to self-catering customers.
Kuja: Oh wow, another reason why I really must go.
Thorn: Oh yeah, I invited Bo and his friends to join us as well.
Kuja: And just when you thought things couldn't get worse...
Laurenza: Kuja, you're being ridiculous. We'll all go and have a good time, and you can stay here and be bitter all on your own, if you want. *She goes inside to talk to Roreille.*
Li: Party-pooper. *He goes inside.*
Tifanel: Spoilsport. *He goes inside.*
Kitzie: Stinky, grumpy, stupid poop-head! *Goes in.*
Lierlo: At least think about it, won't you, Kuja? *He and Mihako go in.*
Thorn: So, I'm guessing Calanoa isn't gonna be fun for you, right? If you did come, that is...
Kuja: It's not that... it's just the whole, 'Kuja, hey, you've been insane for the past couple of weeks! Let's go on holiday! Whee!'
Thorn: I... I wanted to do it mainly because of you...
Kuja: You did?
Thorn: I figured you could do with some rest and relaxation. I figured we all could. But, especially you, you've been through a lot.
Kuja: Yeah... so you invite Bo and all of his pet shop pals.
Thorn: I... I'm sorry, I just wanted a way to say thank you to those guys... I'll tell them to forget it if you really want me to...
Kuja: Now that would be incredibly selfish of me, especially since I'm not even going on this holiday.
Thorn: Oh, you aren't?
Kuja: You all go and have a good time. *He goes inside.*
Thorn: Hmm... *Stands outside for a bit and then goes inside.*
*Inside, Thorn is pounced on by Lahrne.*
Lahrne: *Grabs Thorn's arm.* Daddy! Kuja said he wasn't coming on holiday!
Thorn: He is. He just doesn't know he is.
Lahrne: We're going to blindfold him and tie him up and force him to come?
Thorn: ...If we have to.
Lahrne: Ooh! Can I do it? Can I do it?
Thorn: Ermm, we'll talk about it closer to the time.
Li: *Walks past Thorn and Lahrne and goes outside.*
Lahrne: *Picks up his book.* We need to bring all the stuff we bought inside.
Thorn: Oh yeah.

*Outside, they see Li walking down the hill towards Dalin.*
Lahrne: Wonder where he's off.
Thorn: Down to the pub, maybe?
Lahrne: *Goes to the airship and tries to Magickally move one of the bags, but he isn't very good at it. The bag moves very slowly in short, jerky jumps.*
Thorn: You... want me to help?
Lahrne: No. I'm better than I was before. I could only make them wobble before.
Thorn: Good.
Lahrne: I got this one. You do the rest.
Thorn: *Clicks his fingers, making the bags fly into the castle.*
Lahrne: I'll be able to do that one day.
Thorn: I bet you will.
*After several minutes, Lahrne has managed to get the bag inside. He is then faced with the stairs.*
Lahrne: Ohh...
Thorn: Lahrne... you don't have to...
Lahrne: *Sits on the stairs.* I don't think I could...
Thorn: *Sits and puts his arm round Lahrne.* You did good to get it that far, I'm impressed.
Lahrne: Yeah, but I wish I was more powerful.
Thorn: Yeah, you really are my son...
Lahrne: *Cuddles Thorn.*
Thorn: Heh...
Lahrne: *Falls asleep in his arms.*
Thorn: *Holds Lahrne close and makes the bag zoom to the others. He then goes upstairs.*
Lahrne: *Mumbles something about a tank in his sleep.*

*Thorn takes Lahrne to his room and lays him down on his bed. He then goes to his own room. There is a knock on Thorn's door, which Thorn opens.*
Lierlo: Thorn, I just wanted to say that I think it's such a shame that things keep happening so you and Kuja can't be happy together… the thing in Furan, the Angel of Death incident... I thought the holiday would be a good chance for you two to have some time together, away from all the woes of home. I'm sorry Kuja is so reluctant to come, but maybe he will change his mind if we convince him that he will enjoy himself.
Thorn: You got any great ideas how he could do that?
Lierlo: Well, I don't really know... I was just... I'm sorry.
Thorn: It's not your fault, but thanks for saying anyway.
Lierlo: *Nods.* Hmmm, maybe if he looks at the brochure, he might see something there he will like. I think Mihako still has it.
Thorn: Hmm, maybe you're right.
Lierlo: I'll see if I can get her to part with it. *He goes to his room.*
Thorn: *Sits on his bed and waits.*
*A moment later, Lierlo returns with the brochure.*
Lierlo: Kuja's in his room, but he would be more likely to look at the brochure if you ask him to, don't you think? *He gives it to Thorn.*
Thorn: Yeah, you're right, thanks. *Thorn leaves and goes to Kuja's room, and knocks on the door.*
Kuja: What's the password?
Thorn: My lips... against yours.
Kuja: *Opens the door.* No, but that'll do.
Thorn: I thought it would.
Kuja: What did you want, anyway?
Thorn: Just wanted to show you something, is all.
Kuja: *Grins a little and lets Thorn in.*
Thorn: *Is looking through the brochure.* Calanoa... Calanoa... oh, here we are. *He passes the brochure to Kuja.*
Kuja: Oh, so this was your evil scheme all along! Fool me with promise of nookie and then force me to look at holiday brochures. You're sick.
Thorn: I... just wanted you to see if there was anything you liked about it is all... then I'm all yours.
Kuja: *Looks at the brochure.* No. No. No. No. Oooh...
Thorn: What?
Kuja: Had you going there for a minute, didn't I?
Thorn: Oh...
Kuja: No thanks. Not ever. No...
Thorn: *Looks down.*
Kuja: Thorn... It doesn't matter if there won't be anything I want to do, or that I will be with people I can't stand, I'm still going to come.
Thorn: You are...?
Kuja: Of course I am. I thought about for a while and then realised... *He moves towards Thorn and kisses him.* Anywhere you go, I'm there.
Thorn: Well, good. *Hugs Kuja.* It'll be great anyway, I know it will.
Kuja: Yeah, now...*Pushes Thorn onto the bed.* What were you saying before about being all mine?
Thorn: I said... as soon as I knew if there were anything you liked about Calanoa, I'd be all yours.
Kuja: That's not fair!
Thorn: But I know that there's nothing you like about Calanoa, so... screw me!
Kuja: Yes sir!
*And it would take very little imagination to figure out what happens next.*