Ryanna : *she smiles* Perhaps you can introduce me to Mage Kali sometime later...

Kaleo: She taught me...Lady Csilla taught me the fire spell, though, being a dra~ *He stops himself.*

Kaleo: I mean...

Ryanna : *she looks at him oddly and smiles* What?

Kaleo: Uh...well...You'll see...soon...

Kaleo: *the nervous mage begins running his hands through his dusty blond hair, sighing* So anyways...if you need anything else...please do not hesitate to let me know...I shall go and tend to your steed...

Ryanna: *she nods* I thank you...please be gentle to her...

Kaleo: *he bows* You have my word...I swear to it...

***

**With his son now gone from view, the cloak from the dark man evaporates instantaneously, underneath, a great sorceress, his skin peeling, a slight ooze beading down from atop his forehead, many traits of an evil titan.**

Dante: *he sneers looking over the vast deserted landscape that once was lively and colorful* If only Nelo knew how he is just a piece of the puzzle just waiting to be put in place. Soon enough though he will realize and I will have to destroy him. Shame he was my favorite, but with great power comes great sacrifice...*he blinks his eye once and a serge of fire erupts onto an abandoned farmhouse* All who stand in my way....shall perish...

~Exit All.~

***

ACT X, SCENE 2 - High Tower Castle - Emptiness - 4 p.m.

***

**Elder Tassidus walks over to the parapets, sighing as he looks at the outside world...completely oblivious to the charmed castle...**

~Enter Elder Tassidus.~

Tassidus: *he sighs deeply * So many lives lost, can we truly amass our forces and unite to prevent the disaster of all disasters...the Armageddon...

Tassidus: *he overlooks the edge of the palace, seeing the earth beginning to decay from all the destruction that had spattered it, the scent of blood reigning high* 

***

**On the other side of the great castle, the changeling Trillean, is returning to the interior as she heaves a sigh. Entering a room, she takes a seat on a chair that is next to a soothing warm fireplace, its blessed heat filling the air. Kaede enters moments later, sensing a trouble surrounding her soul.**

~Enter Trillean and Kaede.~

Trillean :  Storms, storms were raging in my own home.

Kaede: *he looks up at her from the floor as he sits with his legs crossed* Oh? What kind of storms?

Trillean : My father is a good king. But revolts were rising and I was leading as Lady Sovereign while he was away.

Trillean : It was too much for me. So when he came back, I took up a harp and my mother's sword and fled...

Kaede: *he nods, patting her on the shoulder* It is...alright...

Kaede: *he sighs* I ran too...

Trillean : And on top of that, I was seeing an elf my father wasn't to pleased about...

Kaede: *he laughs*  You and elves...I'm surprised, not many of your kind associate with elves...

Trillean : That they do not.

Kaede: Perhaps it is because they often tend to be pompous.

Kaede: *he chuckles lightly* Ari is an exception, but she was a pariah as well it seems...

Trillean : That and my father had another reason.

Kaede: *he raises his eyebrows* Oh? Why in the world would your father have ANOTHER reason? Typically a member of the royal house only needs a single reason to win the majority of the people...

Trillean : *She smiles grimly.*

~Enter an unnoticed Csilla, from the hallway.~

Csilla: *the high mage looks up, towards a tower in the distance, looking back she blinks, seeing the two friends who are deep in conversation. Without a word, she quickly, quietly, sneaks off*

***

**Having the right tools in place for studying, Ryanna heads over to various bookshelves with a ladder, climbing the ladder, she peers through the various texts for the right book...not long after, she comes down carrying three books, all covered in dust... Tygar peers over at her every now and then, observing her fragile figure.**

~Enter Ryanna and Tygar.~

Ryanna : *sighing a bit from the weights of the books, she slumps them down on the desk* 

Ryanna : *tucking some of her hair behind her earlobe, she seats herself and opens one of the books, skimming the pages and occasionally reading their contents*

Ryanna: *taking a feathery quill pen, she dips the tip in ink and starts writing things down on the paper, eyes going back and forth between the book and paper, stopping from time to time to refill the tip* 

***

Tassidus: *he glances into the library from outside, seeing Ryanna reading frantically with a book as well as writing.  Focusing his eyes to a far right corner, he also sees the Prince of Tigera lost in thought with a book of his own. He smiles, seeing as he is no longer needed in her presence for now, suddenly, his earlobes perch high hearing a sound, he ducks behind a statue* 

Csilla: *she takes a right from near the library entrance, retreating down another hallway * 

Tassidus: *he comes out from his perched position,  having seen the high mage-tress rush off in her own direction from within the tower. He re-enters the tower and follows her as quiet as possible...* 

***

Kaede: *he looks Trillean in the eye* You don't have to tell me if you don't want to... 

Trillean: Well you see, my mother often changed into a wolf. 

Kaede: *he blinks* And that was a problem? 

Trillean: One day when we were on an embassy trip, she transformed and went onto hunting ground. 

Trillean: She killed a deer, some elven hunters found her and put... an arrow... through her heart...

Kaede: *he gasps, looking away with sorrow* I....I'm sorry... 

Trillean: *She nods* There is nothing to be sorry for, we got revenge. 

Kaede: *he closes his eyes* I...ah...they should have known she was different...changelings are different from normal beasts...

Trillean: What?

***

**From a private room under the watchful eyes of Ulric, the wolf who lead Kaede and his companions through the forest, an elf before him sleeps peacefully. Suddenly though, the elf begins to stir...**

~Enter Ulric and Ari.~

Ari: *the young high elf stirs beneath the silk sheets of the bed, as if something were troubling her mind*

Ulric: *seeing her jerking movements, he rushes over to her side, placing his hands on her tense shoulders he shakes her a bit calling out to her* Ari! Ari! Wake up!

Ari: *her chaotic movements come to a crawl and finally cease as her eyes open for the first time in nearly a day, when her visions clears, she clears her throat* Where...where am I?

Ulric: You reside in the castle of High Tower, I have brought you here under the authority of Csilla...

Ari: *she blinks in a confused matter* Where's Kaede? Trillean? Ryanna? ...and Tygar?

Ulric: *he smiles gently* They should be here by now. If you feel at ease, you may get up and stroll the castle if you wish...if you need anything, just summon me and I shall arrive by your side. Please...make yourself at home...

Ari: *she studies his eyes looking for any traces of evil, but she finds none. Relieved, she motions with her hand for Ulric to leave, and she looks down on herself snarling* I'm still in these rags, well, might as well change into something more comfortable...

***

**Csilla edges towards a door of the main tower chambers, but stops suddenly at the scent of a familiar presence. She senses what seems to be Kaede and her manner lightens, almost a kid-like appearance creeps onto her face, but upon turning around, it turns out not to be Kaede, but his elderly look-alike, Tassidus. Her smile quickly drowns into a frown.**

Csilla: *she heaves a sigh* Tassidus. 

Tassidus: *he folds his arms in front of his chest and forces a small smirk walking slowly towards the young mage-tress*  Hello Csilla... 

Tassidus: No hiding from you I see, you're eyes are not just for beauty, Kaede speaks the truth...

Csilla: *with a stern look, the young women blocks the door with her body and crosses her arms over her chest.* What do you want?!

Tassidus: *he shakes his head* Nothing really 'niece'...

Csilla: *she smiles sourly*  Then would you please return to the Castle. I have business I must attend to. 

Tassidus: *he shakes his head* What is going on here? You are hiding something...aren't you....?!

Csilla: *frowning, she attempts to push him away only enlarging the distance between her and him slightly* Nothing, Dear Uncle, nothing at all. I have something I must do alone! So if you would be so kind...

Tassidus: *he nods* Very well then, I shall not invoke my presence on you just yet... but... we must meet and talk matters through before long...could you send word to the other mages? 

Csilla: *the female mage sighs* Tonight I shall assemble the High Council, so we may speak then...now please...just...go...

Tassidus: *he turns* Many thanks...niece... *he walks away from her* 

Csilla: *the high mage-tress sighs looking the elder on, a thousand fears racing out of her*

Csilla: *She opens the Tower door and enters...but the door does not close all the way*

***

~Meanwhile...~

**Nelo Angelo, flying across the bleak heaven would be approaching a dark forest where he sensed the presence of his sister. Commanding his steed to drop low, he jumps off in mid-air, and begins to creep through the forest. Random birds would flee upon his entrance. Still, her presence strains from his position, still it is very faint to him. He would then begin to have flashbacks and he would lay unconscious in the forest on his back, his eyes would close...**

~Flashback...~

~Enter a younger version of Nelo and Arshes.~

Young Nelo: Arshes, I promise to never let anything ever happen to you. 

Young Arshes: *the young beauty giggles* Really?

Young Nelo: *he nods, smiling* Of course, that's what big brothers do....*he would then playfully stoke her hair and hug her*

Young Arshes: Aww, thank you brother! ...I promise to do my best too...

~End of Flashback...~

Nelo Angelo: *Sweat would cover his face as his breathing becomes heavy*

Nelo Angelo: Arshes... *He would slowly get up and remember the promise he made to her*

Nelo Angelo: *Grabbing his head confused of what to do, he shakes violently* I can't grab control of myself! What kind of person am I?! *He would drop to his knees* Why? ...Why does this have to be this way. Arshes...Father...

***

**Skimming quickly through the pages, her eyes jolts to a picture on the right page of the book she is studying, she blinks for a second and then her mind starts jittering**

Ryanna: Wait a second...

Ryanna: *she slowly takes off her necklace and holds it out in front of her, examining it*

Ryanna: *cursing under her breath* It's the same...exacting the same as pictured in this book!

Tygar: *from the corner, he looks on at the young women, who begins to bounce around in a frenzy of movement, he brings a paw to his forehead and gets up from his position* 

Ryanna: *she goes back to the book, reading out loud a sentence of text* "...The Pendant of the Elves is a sacred treasure handed down through generation and generation of royal family members, mainly between mother and daughter..."

Ryanna: *slowly puts the book down on the desk and places a hand to her stressed forehead* This pendant and the pictures in this book are one in the same, but...I am no royal family member....*she questions herself for a quick second* Or...am I...?

Ryanna: "This treasure of the elves is known for its unknown and power magic, which rarely has been seen. Known only to have barrier and healing magic, the rest is unknown..."

Ryanna: "Some believe that the pendant is a curse, rather than a gift, that it touched the force of darkness and became a mere toy for them to use against the foes of the light..."

Ryanna: *she curses again* Oh no...so...it maybe is true then...I have...merely been toyed with by the darkness...I am a threat to every single person on this planet...

Ryanna: *she focuses back on the book and begins to read every detail written* 

Ryanna: *she whispers slowly as her other hand clutches the part of her lower arm*...Mother...why didn't you tell me... 

Tygar: *he looks at Ryanna in concern, but says nothing for fear of her reaction. He then walks out of the library and back into the towers main corridor* 

***

Trillean: What do you mean YOU should have known?! *her eyes begin to look like that of a betrayed person* 

Kaede: *he stutters a bit explaining himself* Ah...you misunderstand me Trillean...I meant the hunters... 

Kaede: I was tripping over my own words... 

Trillean: *She shakes a bit* I...I am sorry... 

Kaede: Do not be...it wasn't your fault...

Trillean: Well, either way, the hunters paid for their crimes so I guess it really doesn't matter anymore...

Trillean: *She looks around sensing the presence of someone missing*  Where has Csillia gone to? 

Kaede: *he turns around* Get used to that, she likes to disappear, usually on important business, I'll bet she went to summon the elders, and to discuss our journey...past, present, and possibly even future... 

Trillean: Should we go try and find her?

Kaede: *he shakes his head* That will not be necessary, when she is ready, she will call to us...it is her way... 

Kaede: *he continues to walk, looking at another cathedral...* 

Kaede: This is...where my father...

Kaede: *he quivers, looking away* I didn't know they... 

Trillean: *she inquires thoughtfully* They... what? 

Kaede: This is his grave....I didn't know they raised one to him... 

Elder Man: Did you really think we hated him? *A deep voice from behind asked from out of nowhere*

**The two turn to meet the gaze of an elderly figure, yet another mage of the tower, but not just any mage, the symbol on his forehead shows his title as the high mage of the castle. His robes are elegant and he wields a large cane.**

~Enter the High Mage, Frode.~

Kaede: *he stares aghast, then nods towards the incoming elder mage* No...I knew you didn't...but the union wasn't exactly sanctioned... 

Frode: *The old Mage laughs and approaches the two with slow steps* 

Trillean: Who...who is that? *She puts her hand on the hilt of her sword, ready to make battle at anytime if necessary*

Frode: When is true love ever sanctioned? 

Kaede: *he shakes* Worry not Trillean...he isn't evil...sheath your sword...

Frode: Forgive me, Young Lady, I am the High Mage, Frode.  

Trillean: *She slowly takes her hand off the hilt and gives a stiff bow* It is a pleasure to meet you. 

Kaede: *he bows slightly* I never knew there was anything left of my father after...he died... 

Frode: Memories, Kaede, their shall always be memories...

Kaede: *he shakes his head, remembering the screams of his mother as his father pushed them away on that fateful day, letting them escape as he died protecting them...*

Frode: Memories are all you need sometime. As long as you remember...no one truly dies. 

Kaede: *he nods in acknowledgement* I never...saw...him like this...may I go in? 

Frode: *the high mage smiles sadly* You may. 

Trillean: Kaede, do you need to be alone? 

Frode: You were always a trouble maker Kaede, but we loved you still, you were part of the family child...

Kaede: *he smiles weakly* I... thank you...*he looks to Trillean* For now yes, why don't you go look for Tygar, his mind needs cleansing as well, I am sure you can do much...

Trillean: *She nods and heads back to find Tygar*

***

**Tygar, meanwhile, is walking back to the cathedral, the one that drew his attention the first time he rustled past upon entering alongside his comrades. He glares at the strain glass windows, the glorious angel-like statues and the brightly-lit candles that light up the large chamber**

Tygar: *he stands in the middle of the stained glass room saying nothing, just standing there as the light of the candles and the sound of an organ soothes him*  

**Not long after leaving Kaede, Trillean quickly comes upon the chapel, smelling Tygar's abnormal scent. She carefully, but quietly walks in. Seeing the stressed hairs on the back of the cat's neck, she feels the pressure of the new weight he bares.**

Tygar: *he feels another presence in the room but he doesn't look around to see whom it may be* 

Tygar: *he cradles his left hand over his right as he begins a soft prayer, muttering in his ancient language* 

Trillean: *She takes a deep breath and slides down the marble door frame merely watching the windows glow with pure dazzle*

Tygar: *he whispers softly to a statue surrounded by glowing candles* 

Trillean: *She then would take out her harp and began to softly sing a prayer of safety*

***

**Near the gravesite of the man's father, Frode places a hand atop Kaede's shoulder, speaking soothing words to him.**

Frode: The best of both parents, you are that my child. 

Kaede: *he nods* It's hard to believe that sometimes Frode...very hard... 

Frode: *he snorts out a laugh* Still a doubter I see...

Kaede: Unless you forgot, I helped burn that city...I did kill Arshes...for a time, but the Atlantean still burned the city...I failed... 

Frode: Failed, eh? Well, what about survivors? 

Kaede: I helped kill Ryanna's parents Frode...Ryanna was the only survivor...the princess of the royal house you could say...but, she herself does not fully know about her royal bloodline...

Kaede: I was too late to help the others, the madness left me only after I had shed blood... 

Frode: *he nods sternly* I see...

Kaede: Nelo's father...he...had a hold of us...I broke free...but Arshes... 

Frode: So... there were survivors. *he emphasizes the plural-ness of the word* 

Kaede: *he furrows his eyebrows* 

Frode: The girl, you, this...Arshes...and others, who remember what happened, no? 

Kaede: *he shakes his head, turning to his father's crypt...kneeled*

Kaede: I have now learned that Arshes is alive and well, Nelo seems to be after her to combine his power with her owns, whether she will accept this or not, he will stop at nothing until his task is completed...

Frode: When all are dead, then memory becomes nothing more than history, then, Kaede, you have failed, but only then...

Kaede: That may be true...but, I have many questions, and I know not where to find the answers...

Frode: *he sighs and looks away.* Answers lay within the bounds of High Tower. 

Frode: Look around...you'll find them all, I know you will...

Kaede: *he turns to Frode* You know that Nelo is alive, as is Arshes. What madman would spawn just evil children in this world?

Frode: *he snarls* A single man...his name is...Dante...

~Exit All.~

***

ACT X, SCENE 3 - High Tower Castle - Rising Tensions - 6 p.m.

***

**Rising from his knees he would take out his book of chaos and flip to the very last page....in a pouch lies a letter from his mother. She had died before he'd really gotten to know her. Taking the letter out, he would then read it, and feel renewed strength and feelings in his blood and soul**

~Enter Nelo Angelo.~

Nelo Angelo: *He would then close the book and put it away in his pocket* I cannot let my feelings interfere with my one job and that is to kill the girl... but first I must kill Arshes. Promise or No Promise... she will die.  *He would then re-mount his reptilian companion and ride off into the evening sky looking for his sister*

Nelo Angelo: He would be riding fast through the forest and have a new look on things I have been softening up, the time of Endiness is at hand very soon, for when that hour arrives, I shall wreck havoc on this earth and close my memories. Complete power I will then possess for all-time. 

***

**The two dwell in the great chapel of High Tower. One on the floor praying softly, the other playing soft, fine music from her melodic instrument. The room begins to gleam at the sound of the melody, it truly becomes a sight to see...** 

~Enter Trillean and Tygar.~

Tygar: *whispering to himself* Father...we have survived through the attack, many were lost, but, many were saved as well, although I do not know how much longer we bare to last. My people have retreated to the Northern Mountains near the Dwarven Caverns, please watch over them...as you would with me...

Trillean: *She walks slowly over to Tygar and hesitantly places a hand on his shoulder, her melody still being played from the harp*

Tygar: *he continues* Our home, I am sad to say did not survive, a part of me yearns for it deeply, but I know, I cannot go back, all that remains are ruins and the cries of that...day...

Tygar: *he doesn't feel the touch as he clouds all other feelings from inside of his heart* Please watch over me and my friends...I still have so much to learn, I will fulfill your wishes and do what I can....*he sighs deeply and opens his eyes* 

***

**The elf called Ari, strolls around the enormous castle studying some of the fascinating architectural structures displayed around the castle corridors.**

~Enter Ari.~

Ari: *she gives a soft smile* This place is like something out of a fairy tale...

**Another high tower mage approaches, as we take a closer look we see that it is indeed Kaleo, the same mage who assisted with Ryanna.**

~Enter Kaleo.~

Kaleo: *walking up behind her he speaks out from hearing her* Indeed it is, but this place is full of history, so it's no wonder it looks that way, the older something gets, the more history it possesses. 

Ari: *she nods* That is true, it kind of reminds me...of someplace I knew...long ago...

Kaleo: *he smiles up at her* I see, well then I must be running along, if you need anything...

Ari: *she sighs* I'll let you know, I got the same lecture from another person already....so save your breath...

Kaleo: *he nods* Enjoy yourself... *he then walks down the hall disappearing*

Ari: *she whisks away some hair from her eyes and sighs* Now...where are the others at?

***

**The name 'Dante' strikes a echoing silence across the outdoor chapel. Frode takes on a look of concern as he wipes a small stream of sweat from his forehead, Kaede looks on puzzled.**

~Enter Kaede, and Frode.~

Kaede: Dante?

Frode: I know the man...when he was still a man. 

Frode: Whatever he is now...Wherever he is, he must be stopped. 

Frode: Kaede...Csilla also played a role in that event, although you will have to fish the information out from her...you should ask her later...

Frode: *he points to a large door at the end of a hallway that makes up the tower of the castle* She's in there. Whenever you are ready...

Kaede: *he nods* I shall give her time...she has had as troubled a past as I...may I go now? 

Frode: You may.

Kaede: *he nods in acknowledgement as he walks out*

Frode: *the high mage covers his head with the hood of his cloak and walks back to the Castle*

***

**The music begins to quiet down but still plays by some unknown force, as Trillean keeps her hand locked on Tygar's shoulder. The prince comes out of his prayer and turns towards her, forcing a small smile, trying to hide his emotions...**

Tygar: Is something the matter milady? 

Trillean: *She looks back at him and smiles* I know what troubles you. 

Tygar: *he turns away* You could not even begin to understand... 

**Kaede suddenly appears from the doorway, his ears attentively listening to the music, he approaches the two from the doorway. Trillean looks back and acknowledges the man's entrance with a silent nod, she turns her attention back to the feline prince**

Trillean: *she sighs* I just hate to see people sad, I try to help them whenever I can. Ryanna... I do not think anything could ease her mind. But why don't you give me and Kaede an idea...

Kaede: *he nods* It is a cruel fate my friend...we all have tasted it's bitter wine... 

Kaede: *he nods a second time* Please Tygar...I haven't really gotten a chance to speak in length with you...and now is not a time for secrecy... 

Tygar: *not looking at the two of them, a tear streaks down his face and his voice becomes full of confusion, sorrow and tidbits of anger* Please...go away...I desire to be alone now...

***

**Having been shed new light on a ancient mystery, the elf princess Ryanna slams the book she was reading shut and clutches her  forehead in tension, afterwards she closes her eyes tightly and breaths quiet breaths**

~Enter Ryanna.~

Ryanna: *suddenly a small gust of wind blows past, brushing against her cloak and towards the book, it starts flipping pages like it was searching for something, or perhaps giving an omen* 

Ryanna: *the wind dies, having left a page open in the novel, she stares blankly at it, confused* 

Ryanna: *her eyes narrow as she looks at a mural, focusing on the context* 

Ryanna: *the page reveals a picture, she sees elves, dwarves and many species all lined up on one side, as if joining together for something spectacular * 

Ryanna: *flipping the page, she sees a second mural, this one showing the forces clash again a dark reptilian force, as well as a force of what appears to be undead minions with flaring red eyes of blood...a shear battle...for something...*

Ryanna: *her eyes widen slowly as the mural shows a shadow hand and in his hand...*

Ryanna: *she gasps* My...pendant...

Ryanna: *she feels the darkness within her pendant react queerly to the mural, as if it knows the truth behind the battle already*

Ryanna: *she jolts backwards, feeling her heart beat, faster and faster...but suddenly, it stops...and the glowing dims* 

**A familiar face peaks into the library and calls out to the girl sitting on the desk looking pale and stressed.**

~Re-Enter Kaleo.~

Kaleo:  Uh....Miss Ryanna? Are you alright?

Ryanna: *the girl keeps looking at the picture not turning her head to greet the fellow* Yes Kaleo...what is it? 

Kaleo: Sorry, I did not mean to startle you. 

Kaleo: High Mage Frode wants me to gather everyone together for something to eat....uh....lunch or brunch or what have you. 

Ryanna: *she shakes her head, her eyes still focused on the text in the book* No thank you...I am not hungry...

Ryanna: Tell them I am sorry, but, I need to continue my studies.... 

Kaleo: *the young mage frowns and nods seemingly understanding her situation* Okay, but in case you change your mind, the dinning hall is down the main stair case and on your left. 

Ryanna: *she nods affirmatively* Thank you, I shall remember...

Kaleo: *he waves as he steps out of the library* 

Ryanna: *the apprentices' footsteps echo until nothing but total silence fills within the library* 

Kaleo: *walking through the hallway, he hears some voices speaking from the cathedral and decides to investigate*

***

**Showing a bit of frustrating at the feline princess, Kaede attempts to get through to him, speaking his own past in the process, Trillean looks on showing approval of the man's words.**

Kaede: *he shakes his head* Tygar, I will honor your wishes, but I have walked this path before, I was once responsible for burning a whole city...the Elven Capital...I think I would know how it feels... 

Tygar: *he gets back down on one knee in front of the statue* Leave me be...please...

Trillean: *she snorts* Fine than... *She turns around and beckons Kaede with her* If he does not want our help, than we shall not give it. 

Kaede: *he frowns, patting her on the shoulder* Trillean, do not be angry with him...he is going through a rough time.

Trillean: As we all are, but still, we should not shut each other out, not at a time like this. 

Trillean: I cannot blame him for his reaction, but still it makes me worried. 

Kaede: *he turns, walking away with Trillean* Indeed...but he has lost many of his people, his entire kingdom...not an excuse, for it is mine as well...and it is a hollow excuse... 

Tygar: *he begins to feel anger in his tone, he growls reminding himself of Kaede and the elf capital of eons ago* You burned that city...I did not burn mine...I could do nothing for my city...you could have stayed clear of the elf capital...*he hisses and closes his eyes praying again*

Kaede: *he snarls* He will come around in time, we have all had to cope with such harsh things...I will never feel at ease for my mistakes...

Kaleo: *the young mage peaks into the cathedral and sees Tygar, Kaede and Trillean*

Kaede: *he turns to her, with a sad look in his eyes* I am sorry I got you involved in this...

Trillean: *She looks up and smiles at him* No I got myself into this. I am just afraid if he does not learn to trust he may well...turn on us. 

Kaleo: Excuse me....eek, my timing is bad today. Sorry, so sorry...*he bows in forgiveness*

Kaede: *he turns again* Ah, Kaleo...I was about to go to Csilla, is she still in the tower? 

Kaleo: Tower?!? *he thinks for a minute* Uh...yes...I think so.

Kaede: *he smiles* What is wrong? You look pre-occupied with something...

***

**Back on his dragon steed, Nelo Angelo flies over a thin patch of forest, his eyes twitch as he hears a familiar voice call out to him...he merely smiles and swoops down towards a clearing. Stepping down from his dragon, he smiles as he stares into the eyes of his target.**

Nelo Angelo: So, I have finally found you...

**The target looks back, dressed in a dark purple of assorted garments. She looks at her attacker with eyes of uncertainty.**  

~Enter Arshes.~

Arshes: I guess you are looking for me, right Nelo? *she sighs as she glares back at the cold-blooded killer*

Nelo Angelo: *he stares back at her, his eyes hungry for a quick death, but he stands there looking at the family member with eyes of confusion, yet, his mission is crystal clear*

Arshes: I know Father is back...I could sense him. You know Nelo, he's just using you like the others. When will you realize it...

Nelo Angelo: *he interrupts her quickly in an agitated tone* Shut up!! I've heard far too much from you. I don't care what you have to say. The time has come for this planet to suffer. Starting with your death, I shall have even more power than before. The world shall bow before it's new emperor...

Arshes: *She would then drop to her knees and lower her head* Go ahead then. Kill me...if it's that important for you to kill...your own sister...then...let me die...

Nelo Angelo: *he takes out a broadsword and literally give himself a small cut, testing it's sharpness, he grins evilly as it stings slightly upon his skin. He would look at her and slowly step closer* You wish to die with honor, I respect that, it saves me the trouble of having to chase you... 

Nelo Angelo: *he swings the blade, testing it's weight* You have guts... but you are also very stupid...

***

**Kaede's mind is filled with what's happening on the other end, almost sensing his former lover's emphasis, he cringles slightly, his eyebrows furrowing**

Kaede:  Arshes...what in the world... 

Kaleo: I was told to tell you that food is being served in the Dinning Hall, just down the corridor and to the right of the Main Entrance. 

Kaede: *he shuts the image out of his head, looking back at Kaleo*

Kaleo: Excuse me, Sir Kaede? 

Trillean: *she looks at the warrior with concerned eyes* Kaede? What's wrong?

Kaede: *he shakes his head dejectedly, his shoulders slumped*

Kaleo: Are you...Sir Kaede are you okay? 

Kaede: I am sorry Kaleo, Trillean... Well, I shall join the feast in a bit...let me go see Csilla first... 

Kaleo: *the mage nods* Then I will see you two later... *he heads over to Tygar in the middle of the chapel* 

Trillean: I am going off on my own for a bit. I shall return in time for the feast...

Kaede: *he walks away, giving one more nod to her*

Trillean: *She walks off to explore the grounds a bit more*

~Exit Trillean.~

Kaede: *More images of Arshes flood his mind* Arshes...damn it...why are you offering yourself to him? Are you a fool? 

***

**Ryanna sighs contently wondering what her role would be in all this, how she would twist the cogs of fate, whether or not she could do a thing to save all that was holy...her thoughts go back to the vision at the ocean cavern**

Ryanna: *another gust of wind ensues the library quarters, her robes pick up slightly fluttering around her, she closes her eyes, feeling something whisper out to her thoughts, a voice so distant, but yet so close*

Voice: Rya..a........Ryanna......the...pen...ant....the key... to the...void...

Ryanna: *her mind begins to doze off into a distant haze as she begins to feel light headed.

Ryanna: *opening her eyes, she leans against the desk suddenly, making one of the candles wobble and fall from the table onto the ground, the candle does not catch the floor on fire, rather it merely goes out in a puff of smoke*

Ryanna: *she places one of her hands on her forehead and closes her eyes tightly as she bites her lower lip tightly*

Ryanna: *the voices begin calling out louder and louder, a slight pain begins to ensue, almost a feeling of madness* 

Ryanna: *again her eyes begin to drift off into another world, and she loses all feeling in her legs, seconds later, she falls upon her knees, all while the pain keeps on growing and the voices become more like screams than whispers* 

Voice: One is the key to ultimate domination...you are the key elf child...all shall try and claim you, but only one side shall win...will you be prepared with the burden of Fate?

Ryanna: *she cries out her pain, sorrow and madness as the voices consume her world, the echoes rock the castle foundation* 

***

Kaleo: *seeing the others leave from the chapel, the young mage turns to Tygar who is still sitting on the floor, kneeled* Umm...Would you like something to eat? Tygar?

Tygar: *he goes into another vision fest, remembers the encounter with Nelo over joining his side, 

Nelo Angelo: (flashback) "You can be free from this pain, your people will live on with you and me!"

Kaleo: I...guess not... *he shrugs and leaves the cathedral to the feline himself*

Tygar: *he dries away another tear from his right eye* I...have no where left to go...it will take years to rebuild... 

Tygar: *he slams his fists on the floor* I should...have join....Father...wouldn't have died...or half my people.... 

Tygar: I can not take on this burden... 

Tygar: *he takes out a picture of his mother from his pocket* Mom...I couldn't save Father...I...I've failed you... 

Tygar: *finally, he gets up and retreats back to his room* 

***

**Sitting outside now in a garden, she crosses her legs and sighs smelling a flower wondering how the others fare. The elf sighs deeply.**

Ari:  This place is just too huge to even start looking, maybe I'll just wait until the others find me, damn it, why does this place have to be so big...what's the sense when you can't find things easy in the first place...

~Enter Ulric.~

Ulric: *he appears from behind a tree and smiles* But the bigger a place is, the more it can hold, even you can agree to that, right?

Ari: *she looks behind her seeing the familiar face of the man who she had awaken up to* I just don't like big tall places...

Ulric: If you are looking for your friends, they might be at dinner now, perhaps you should join them? We have plenty of fresh...

Ari: *her eyes quickly light up with excitement as she attempts to finish the sentence* Vegetables?

Ulric: *he laughs a little and stretches his collar a bit* ...Meat...

Ari: *she looks at him as if he had spoken the most unholy word around and growls* I'm not a carnivore...

Ulric: *he laughs* So, are you telling me you don't like meat, is that it?

Ari: *she shudders a bit and sighs* I'll join when I'm ready, right now...I just want to enjoy this moment...alone...

Ulric: *he bows* Very well...*he leaves*

~Exit Ulric.~

Ari: *she looks up at the heavens and suddenly thinks of Tygar, she gets up and exits the garden*

***

**The man called Kaede would now be walking up the steps, making his way to Csilla's room located at the end of the corridor. Upon arriving, he knocks on a door, gently rapping on it, but then notices that he could enter being that the door is opened slightly, he listens intensively to the sad, painful moans coming from inside, without further hesitation, he creeps inside the room**

Kaede: *his sword reassuringly strapped to his back, he looks to find two familiar figures, one he recognizes right away, but the other, he has to narrow his eyes for a better look*

~Enter Csilla.~

Csilla: *she rises from her knelt position and cries out to the young warrior his name* Kaede!!

~Enter an injured Mother Dragon.~

Mother Dragon: *In the center of the room is a dragon who is wounded badly, her groans increase as Kaede steps nearer* 

Kaede: *he looks at his cousin with concerned eyes* Csilla...are you alright? 

***

**Meanwhile, the elderly scholar Tassidus is once again wandering around the castle gazing at just about anything that obscures his path, nodding in appreciation for the loveliness of the artwork and sculptures. Trillean comes into view a short while later, listening to the sounds of the grounds when all is seemingly so quiet.**

~Enter Elder Tassidus and Trillean.~

Trillean: *Listening closely to the sounds, she sighs knowing what has now arrived once again* So the darkness starts does it? *The split begins from the inside out like a hemorrhage* 

Tassidus: *he looks around, coming up from behind Trillean* 

Tassidus: Eh? What's this? *he wonders*

Trillean: *she turns around sensing the elder's presence* Lord Tassidus, do not be shy. If you have questions, ask them. 

Tassidus: *he sniffs* Can no one remain hidden now? 

Tassidus: What is going on changeling? 

Trillean: No one ever could. Each one