*We last left out heroes locked in a silly battle between Li and Tifanel. It appeared to have no end until Red and Scorn turned up… Scorn smiles when she sees Li. Red looks bored and impatient, as usual.*
Scorn: Well, hello there.
Li: H...h... *He seems to have lost all verbal skills as he gives the two ladies a once-over.*
Red: I think the word you're looking for is 'hello'.
Li: *Gazing at them dreamily, slightly opened-mouthed.* Yeah... hello...
Scorn: So... are you going to let us in or what?
Li: *Snaps out of his trance.* Oh... oh yeah! Of course. *Suavely.* Do, come in. *He steps aside.*
*Scorn enters, with Red close behind.*
Li: So what can I call you luuuurvely ladies, or will 'Beautiful Strangers' do?
Red: I'm Cecily. But call me Red.
Scorn: Yeah, please do. Last time a guy called her the 'C' word, she... well, let's just say that guy'll never have kids again...
Li: And you, sweet cheeks?
Scorn: I do hope you were talking about the ones on my face.
Li: *Grins.* What's your name?
Scorn: Scorn. No 'sounds like Thorn and/or corn' jokes, please.
Li: *Stares at them both.*
Scorn: So, is the said Thorn in today?
Li: *Ignores her question.* You ladies look a little familiar...
Red: We've been here before. We came to fight that ghost friend of yours, but I don't remember you.
Li: Charming.
Scorn: You don't? I do! I think he's really cute!
Li: Ain't it the truth, babe? Well, you're lookin' at lot less... translucent since I last saw you.
Scorn: Well, so are you. I really like your...
Red: *Clears her throat.*
Scorn: Oh, right... Um, we kind of need to speak to Thorn and I guess it wouldn't hurt to chat to the owner of the castle, too.
Red: So you be a good little boy and go fetch them.
Li: THORN!
Thorn: *Comes down to them.* Li? What is it? Oh… Red, Scorn. Is something wrong?
Scorn: Thorn! Oh, great. Everything's just great. It's all great! Just great!
Thorn: Okay, what's wrong?
Scorn: Well, we kind of need a place to crash.
Red: We were staying in that cave that belonged to you, but we can't live in there anymore. It's...
Scorn: ...On the property ladder!
Red: Destroyed.
Thorn: Destroyed? How the hell did that happen?
Scorn: Well, wanting to keep close to you, should you ever need us again, we decided to stay there. One night, while experimenting with various spells and what have you, but suddenly it all went screwy. The spell went kablooey and your cave...
Red: Kaboomey.
Thorn: So, you want to stay here. Well, it's not really my decision. It's up to Li.
Li: This is my place, after all.
Scorn: Really? Well, good. So, you're not going to turf out two damsels in distress, are you?
Li: Of course not. How could I turn such pretty faces out on to the streets?
Scorn: You could grab us and throw us out the door.
Red: He doesn't really seem the physical type.
Li: What? I am so the physical type! Watch this! *He draws his sword. It is overly large, and has the foot of a small animal tied to its handle. He swings it a few times whilst chanting the appropriate battle cries.*
Red: Ooh, impressive. Thorn, come and find us rooms, there's things I need to tell you. Scorn? You coming?
Scorn: No thank you. I would much rather stay here and err... yes.
Li: *Smiles.*

*Thorn has managed to find two spare bedrooms, side by side. He is busy getting fresh bed linen, while Red sits on the bed.*
Red: Leave that a moment, Thorn, and come and sit down.
Thorn: Okay. *Sits down next to her.*
Red: Okay, I'm going to cut right to the chase. That's my style after all.
Thorn: What is it?
Red: The spell Scorn and me were trying to do… we were spying on Hell. Something's happening down there. They're desperate for a leader. Ever since Lucifer was killed, they've been in turmoil. And then there was Ares... Well, they want a leader, and we think they're coming to get you.
Thorn: I would never lead them. They know that.
Red: That's what we thought. *She pulls something out of her pocket, and upon closer inspection, Thorn sees it is a photograph.*
Thorn: What is that?
Red: A few nights ago, we were in a bar in Gygal, a planet not far from here. There was this man in there, waving his holiday snaps around. Scorn and me didn't think anything of it, until he starts talking about an 'Angel' he saw. He managed to get a photo of it, this photo, in fact. He took it in Calanoa, a week or so ago. A Dark Angel with black wings and flaming red hair destroying a place called...
Thorn: 'Coral Springs Resort'?
Red: It was you, wasn't it?
Thorn: No! Well, yes, but... no. He looks like me, in the face, but I have no red hair or black wings… *Shakes his head.* There was this moment during the holiday when I got really angry and started destroying the place, but I couldn't remember any of it, and then when I woke up I...
Red: Calm down, Thorn.
Thorn: What is it Red? Is this guy… really inside me?
Red: I don't know.
Thorn: So... what has this got to do with Hell needing a new leader?
Red: We had a hunch that Hell might try and send you crazy, or... turn you into this fellow redhead, so they can have you as a leader.
Thorn: I guess it makes sense...
Red: Don't worry Thorn. Whatever this guy is, whether he's you or not, we aren't gonna let him take over Hell.
Thorn: *Nods.*

*Back with Scorn and Li...*
Li: Nice outfit.
Scorn: I look better with it off. Oh god, did I just say that? Whoops!
Li: I bet you do. *Winks.*
Scorn: Eh heh heh...
Li: Do you wanna stand in a draughty corridor all day? My room's much nicer.
Scorn: Why sure.
*They go to Li's room, but on the way meet with the gang who are still warring with each other.*
Li: Look at the children and their kiddie games.
Tifanel: What? This was all your idea!
Scorn: Oh, you big kid, you.
Li: Eh heh...
Tifanel: What's with the girl?
Li: Oh you know me, always eager to see more females around the place.
Tifanel: Get out! Only the other day you said you were glad Laurenza was gone, 'cos it was 'one less broad to nag us.'
Li: Go away and play with your lil' friends, Tif. I have better things to do than argue with you. *He rubs the chalk line out with his foot and then leads Scorn to his room.*
Tifanel: Jerk...*Li's room is a complete pigsty, the floor covered in empty food wrappers, dirty clothes, fag ends and naughty magazines. Li rushes around, trying to tidy it up a little.*
Li: It's not usually like this...
Scorn: Oh please, you don't have to tidy up just for me. I've been living in a cave for a month.
Li: Yeah, well, um... there might be some stuff you won't wanna see. *Throws the calendar he got for Christmas over his shoulder.*
Scorn: *Giggles.*
Li: *Blows a kiss at her, but makes like he missed.* Oh crap, I missed. Want me to try again a little closer? *Grins.*
Scorn: How about... *Sits on his lap.* This close...?
Li: Oh yeah, that's much better.
Scorn: Heh, you men. You only want one thing, don't you?
Li: *Checks her out.* No, on the contrary. I'm quite welcome to have both of them. *Grins.*
Scorn: I didn't see that coming. Hmm... It's been a while since I've been with a guy... But I guess that old habits die hard. *Kisses him.*
Li: Mmm... Nice.
Scorn: So, it's been quite a while for you too, hasn't it?
Li: *Looks a little down.* Yeah...
Scorn: And, I'm guessing you don't wanna talk about it?
Li: No, I can. My last girlfriend… I haven't had a girlfriend for a few years.
Scorn: Oh, that's a shame.
Li: *Shrugs.*
Scorn: *Hugs him.*
Li: *Hugs her and gets a nice look down her top.*
Scorn: Hey! *Grins.*
Li: Oops, my eyes are so bad. Bad, bad eyes!
Scorn: *Laughs.* I think they're pretty good.
Li: *Grins and lowers his goggles over his eyes, so they look really stupid.*
Scorn: *Laughs.*
Li: What? What's so funny?
Scorn: You.
Li: I'm a comedy genius.
Scorn: Heh heh...
Li: *Hugs Scorn again and slips his hands under her top.*
Scorn: You're desperate to get under there, aren't you? *She takes it off.*
Li: Hello there...
Scorn: Hello.
Li: *Takes off his shirt also, to reveal he's actually quite well toned.*
Scorn: Well, check out you...
Li: Yeah, I work out.
Scorn: Hmm... It shows.
*There's a knock on Li's door.*
Li: *Shouts to whoever it is.* Get lost!
Scorn: But it might be important. Come in!
Tifanel: *Walks in.* Hey Li... ohhh. *Checks out Scorn.*
Scorn: Hi there.
Li: Tif, go away!
Tifanel: *Still looking at a particular part of Scorn's anatomy.* Uh... *Blinks and then looks to Li.* Li, aren't you gonna come and finish the war? Your troops need you.
Li: No, can't you see I'm... tryin' to get to know Scorn better?
Tifanel: But you said chicks are only good for laying.
Li: What d'ya think I'm trying to do?
Tifanel: Can't you at least clean up your half of the mess the war made in the castle first?
Li: I'll do it later. *Picks up his shirt, rolls it into a ball and throws it at Tif.* Go!
Tifanel: Fine, fine. I'll leave you two to screw each other's faces off then. *He leaves.*
Li: Git...
Scorn: Naww, I think he's kinda cute.
Li: You must crazy. Tif wasn't good lookin' even to his mamma.
Scorn: *Laughs.* You're funny.
Li: You're damn right.
Scorn: So...
Li: Aw, let's not beat around the bush any longer. We both know where this is going. *Winks.*
Scorn: Uh huh.
*Li and Scorn do the Rump 'n' Bump.*

*Meanwhile, Tifanel has returned to the war zone where Lahrne, Kitzie and Mihako are still duking it out.*
Tifanel: Okay guys. Pack it up, war's over.
Lahrne: Aww, who won?
Tifanel: No one, call it a draw. Now let's get this mess cleaned up.
*Tifanel starts cleaning and Lahrne, Kitzie and Mihako help him.*
Lierlo: *Looks out of the room.* Is it safe?
Tifanel: Yep. Li'll be no threat to us now. He's waaaay too busy all holed up in his room with that Scorn girl.
Lierlo: *Starts helping Tif clean up.* Oh, I didn't know they were friends.
Tifanel: They're not. He's just looking for nookie. *Starts mopping up rather violently.*
Kuja: *Walks out of the room.* Don't take your anger out on the floor. I'm sure Li will forget Scorn and come running back to you soon enough.
Tifanel: Are you implying that I'm gay with Li?
Kuja: Ooh, clever. Do you want a prize?
Tifanel: Geesh! Unlike you, Kuja, I'm not gay! I'm not mad at Li 'cos I'm jealous, I'm mad 'cos he's my best friend but he always treats me like trash when he's with some girl.
Lierlo: That's not very nice of him.
*Mihako, Kitzie and Lahrne are laughing as they clean, as Mihako keeps trying to sweep Kitzie or Lahrne up with the dirt into her dustpan.*
Kuja: *Watches them and smiles a little.*
Tifanel: Kuja, are you going to stand there all day or help with the cleaning?
Kuja: I wasn't the one who played an infantile little war-game and trashed the castle in the first place. *Walks off.*
Tifanel: *Makes to throw his mop at Kuja's back as he walks away.*

*Back with Thorn and Red.*
Thorn: So, how did you think they'd make me go... redheaded?
Red: *Raises an eyebrow.* You make it sound like a bad thing.
Thorn: Oh, sorry... I err...
Red: It's okay. Well, we were looking into the subject. If there are spells out there that can separate a person's evil side from their good side, we couldn't find them. That's good, though. If we don't know of a way to separate him from you, then they probably don't.
Thorn: Do you think it's wise? Just keeping him inside of me?
Red: It wouldn't be wise to let him out either, not after what I told you about Hell. No, you'll just have to keep him under control. Oh, and stay away from a place called 'Finn'.
Thorn: Never heard of it.
Red: It's a place in the Unknown Universe that has the power to separate different aspects of a person.
Thorn: Okay, I gotcha, just... keep evil me under control and stay away from a place called Finn. How difficult can that be?
*Thorn is suddenly standing in the middle of a deserted battlefield. Dark storms clouds linger in the black night sky. The occasional clash of thunder splits the horizon and casts the area into light for a few seconds. Thorn opens his eyes, barely seeing in the darkness.*
Thorn: Well, this isn't good.
*He looks around, his eyes slowly starting to become accustomed to the darkness. He strains his eyes to see a rotten, wooden sign jammed into the ground. On it, the word 'Finn' is scrawled.*
Thorn: Great, just great. They must have been listening. Red gave them the idea...
*A chilling voice resounds from behind Thorn.*
Voice: Time's up, Thorn.
*Thorn spins around.*
Thorn: Oh no...
*Stood behind him is himself, identical, except this Thorn has flaming red hair.*
????: I thought you'd be pleased to see me.
Thorn: Who are you, really? How did you get here...? Are you the darkness within myself? You're that, aren't you?
????: Correct.
Thorn: *Looks around.* Am I dreaming?
????: *Just laughs.*
Thorn: I know what you want to do.
????: Please try and be more polite. Call me Nega-Thorn.
Thorn: Then answer me, Nega-Thorn.
Nega-Thorn: I will tell you what will be, after I explain what is.
Thorn: Okay...
Nega-Thorn: You're wondering... what will happen now that the darkness has left your body? You're scared that you may have lost some of your powers. This is true, but I am more a manifestation of the anger and hate inside yourself, and not a representation of your dark power.
Thorn: How do you know what I'm thinking?
Nega-Thorn: You're a stupid one, aren't you? I am you, Thorn. I know what you think, what you feel.
Thorn: Right. So... now you've left me, what will happen to me?
Nega-Thorn: All the evil has been removed from you now. You remain a Dark Angel, but you are neutral. Ready to start a new path, free from darkness.
Thorn: And free from Lucifer's power?
Nega-Thorn: Yes.
Thorn: It seems like a tempting offer, but…
Nega-Thorn: There are no 'buts,' Thorn. Regardless of whether you want me to do this or not, I'm doing it. I will lead the creatures of Hell into a glorious new world. We will purge all who stand in our way. It is our time to rise up and repair the chaos that has befallen Hell recently.
Thorn: I can't let you do that. I can't let Lucifer's power return to Hell.
Nega-Thorn: *Sighs.* Oh well. I'm sorry, Thorn. *He cups his hands and a raven appears in them. He holds the raven up and it flies above their heads.* You are the Dark Angel. I am not. I'm sure you know what happens to Dark Angels who hear...
Thorn: No…*Uses a freezing spell on the bird.*
Nega-Thorn: You know, I'm kinda glad you did that. I've been looking for an excuse to try out this power of mine. *He sends a dark thunderbolt at Thorn, which hits him in the chest, explodes and pushes him down to the ground.*
Thorn: *Squirms a little.*
Nega-Thorn: Wow…that's good.
Thorn: *Stands up and draws his ManusBlade.*
Nega-Thorn: Well, you are persistent.
Thorn: I can't let you get Hell up and running again, I can't!
Nega-Thorn: I'm concentrated, Thorn. I have a purpose, you don't. You won't stop me! What makes you think you've even got a chance of stopping me?
Thorn: *Spreads his wings.* I... still have hope.
Nega-Thorn: *Spreads his wings too. They are like Thorn's, except they are jet black.* Hope? You sure are foolish without the darkness inside of you. Hope is an illusion. Anyway, the time for talking is over. Let us settle this Thorn, you and me. Let's finish it, once and for all!
*Thorn and Nega-Thorn rush at each other, swinging their ManusBlades. They clash and try to push each other back. Nega-Thorn pushes Thorn away and then swings at him horizontally. Thorn skips back, the blade barely missing his chest.*
Nega-Thorn: Damn, you're faster than I thought you'd be.
Thorn: We all have something hidden up our sleeves…
Nega-Thorn: Indeed we do. *He lunges at Thorn again, bringing his ManusBlade down towards his head, to which Thorn hold up his blade, struggling to stop Nega-Thorn from crushing him.*
Thorn: You're… stronger… I thought we were the same!
Nega-Thorn: Hah hah, I am pure, Thorn. I don't have the worries of life and love attached to me. I am the strongest now, Thorn. You don't even come close.
*Thorn rushes at Nega-Thorn with a succession of sword blows, all of which he dodges. Nega-Thorn eventually grabs the sword and pulls it out of Thorn's hand.*
Thorn: No…!
Nega-Thorn: Hmm. *Swings the two blades round.* You know what they say, two blades are better than one! Ignis…*The blades burn with pure flame.* I hope you like it hot, Thorn.
Thorn: You sure are one for the witty retorts, just like Lucifer…
*Thorn gets a burning blade slashed across his face, producing a large, smoking scar.*
Thorn: Aargh! *He falls to the ground, covering his face.*
Nega-Thorn: Aww, poor little Thorn. Gonna cry?
Thorn: *Steadily starts to get up.*
Nega-Thorn: You see, Thorn. All this time out of hell, you've changed. You're not so willing to unleash your true power, and now it's gone, you wish you still had it! You were born of darkness, Thorn. Darkness is the only thing you're useful for. You just can't cut anything else. *Smiles.*
Thorn: You're wrong…
Nega-Thorn: Well, whatcha gonna do, unleash your tear powers on me? Ooh, I'm quivering!
Thorn: No, you're right… I have changed… I've reformed.
Nega-Thorn: But what into Thorn? What have you become? If I have taken all the darkness from you, what remains?
Thorn: Light.
*There is suddenly a bright glow around Thorn, it engulfs him and stays for a moment. When it disappears, Thorn falls to the ground, but next to him stands yet another Thorn look-alike. This one is wearing a white coat and his hair is a light shade of blonde.*
????: Light is what remains. Like you, I am concentrated, more powerful. I have become… something you cannot comprehend. Just call me Posi-Thorn.
Nega-Thorn: You think changing your hair colour and clothing will be enough to kill me?
Posi-Thorn: No, but they're not the only aspects of me that have changed. *He holds out his hands and a wave of golden light erupts from them. It hits Nega-Thorn and slams him to the ground.*
Nega-Thorn: *Levitates back up.* Okay, I didn't see that coming
Posi-Thorn: Obviously.
Nega-Thorn: Right. You're obviously the light part of Thorn… all the good power inside of him. *Looks around.* How strange this world is… I did not think that Thorn even had a good side.
Posi-Thorn: He did and Thorn's Light side is much stronger than his Dark side.
Nega-Thorn: How admirable. *He flaps his wings and shoots up into the air.* Come on then, Thorn o' the light, come and get me. *He laughs manically and sends down some dark thunderbolts towards him.*
*Posi-Thorn transforms into thousands of pure-white doves that glide around the thunderbolts elegantly. They then flock together up in the air in front of Nega-Thorn, and turn back into Posi-Thorn.*
Nega-Thorn: Impressive. So, you think his light is stronger than his darkness? Well, we'll see about that. *He flies towards Posi-Thorn with powerful dark Magick shooting from his palms.*
Posi-Thorn: *Holds out his hand and the dark Magick shatters into millions of pieces.*
Nega-Thorn: I can't get anything past you, can I?
Posi-Thorn: I'm stronger than you. That's why.
Nega-Thorn: Don't be so stupid. I'll show you how fucking strong I am! *He slashes at Posi with his ManusBlades.*
Posi-Thorn: There's no need for that kind of language. *The blades are hitting him, but don't seem to be affecting him.*
Nega-Thorn: But… I have Lucifer's power! How can you be stronger than me? It's not possible!
Posi-Thorn: You don't get it. Thorn's power of light is much stronger than his power of darkness, I keep telling you.
Nega-Thorn: No…
*The lightning becomes stronger, the earth shakes and Nega-Thorn starts to form a ball of dark Magick in his hands. The ball grows larger and larger, before Nega-Thorn unleashes its power on Posi-Thorn. Posi-Thorn is doing the same. He has unleashed a massive ball of light Magick in Nega's direction. The two orbs collide in the air and struggle against each other. The light shines brighter than the thunder around them, gathering more and more power from Posi as the dark energy stays the same. Eventually, the light overpowers the darkness, and there is a large explosion, causing rubble and dust to fly everywhere. When the dust has settled, Posi-Thorn's voice is echoing in the air.*
Posi-Thorn: I can tell what you are thinking. After all, you are me. It ends now. Your plans have become what they began as. Do not try to steal power again, if you cannot control it. I think it's time Thorn got along without his dark side.

*In an instant, Posi-Thorn and Finn vanish. Thorn, back in his room with Red, wakes up.*
Red: Thorn? Are you okay? You just went into some sort of trance... And oh! The black tips of your wings are gone…
Thorn: *Slightly breathless.* I know. Red, he's gone, the dark self inside of me… the redhead from the photograph.
Red: Typical. I spend hours trying to get Scorn to research ways to get it out of you, and you achieve it in two seconds worth of trance.
Thorn: I think Hell is spying on us. As soon as you mentioned Finn, that's where they sent me... But it's okay now, I was split up, and the good me defeated the bad me... It was very epic. *Smiles a little.*
Red: *Looks a little doubtful.* I don't think we should be breaking out the party decorations yet. I know Hell better than you do Thorn. You've ruined every one of their plans to get a new leader. Lucifer, Ares, and now your other self… If it were me, I'd be more than a little pissed off with you.
Thorn: I don't care what they send, Red. After that last battle I feel... clearer, stronger. I say bring it on.
Red: *Stands up.* I say we should gather your friends together and prepare for battle. I can feel something coming Thorn, just trust me.