Cain: We were having a good time, she was laughing, I was laughing. 

Trillean: You idiot!! You knew father was coming to see us, yet you went beyond Tygar's rules! Now, we'll all pay for your foolishness... 

Kaede: *he falls on Tygar, grunting...the two falling on the ground* 

Kaede: *he tries to hold Tygar down* You must calm yourself!! Cain didn't know what he was doing! He made a mistake!

Sirona: *she gets to her feet slowly looking over at Ari* You didn't need to push so hard....

Tygar: *he sends his new grappling hook into Kaede sending him upward*

Tygar: GOING UP!

Ari: Tygar!! What are you doing!!

Kaede: *he feels himself being lifted off the ground, he groans from the surging pain, but he lifts himself off and falls towards the ground, landing on his feet, he head back over to Tygar, not allowing him a second to move*

Tygar: *he roars at his opponent's stubbornness* Don't you ever learn...! *he attempt to repeat the same move...*

Kaede: *quickly, he slides under his feet...*

Kaede: *...and comes up from behind, locking Tygar's arms in a tight grip-hold*

Tygar: *struggling from the grip, he uses his elbow and begins to punch Kaede in the face, one after another*

Kaede: *he winces in pain* Ugh! *he loses his grip as his jaw begins to bleed*

Sirona: *she winces* Looks like my skills will be put to use already...

Tygar: *he cackles as his success in freeing himself from the move*  Haha!!

Trillean: *she snorts at the intimidating tiger* Tygar! You must stop this nonsense! 

Tygar: *he launches his claws upward again grabbing onto the ceiling, he is lifted to the top*

Tygar: *gazing down at the scene, he aims his other claws at Cain, ready to strike*

Ari: *she rushes to get in front of Tygar to get his attention.* Tygar! Stop this, now!!

Sirona: *she runs after Ari* Be careful! He's locked on!

Cain: *He smirks lifting his hand up and putting up a shield* Bring it...

**Meanwhile, It's at that very moment that Csilla is frantically searching for traces of her friends. She enters the backside of the garden and it's only then that she can see the group from a distance...**

Csilla: KAEDE!!!! *she shouts*

Csilla: TRILLEAN!!!!! TYGAR!!!!!!

Kaede: *he makes a desperate move as he leaps upon the wall and grabs onto Tygar's legs* 

Tygar: *he roars as they begin to wobble left and right* Get off...too much weight!!

Sirona: *she hears Csilla's voice and calls out for her attention* OVER HERE!

Kaede: *he screams in rage* TYGAR YOU MORON!!! STOP THIS AT ONCE!!!

Trillean: *She takes out her bow and arrow and aims one directly at Tygar's heart, she prepares to let it fly*

Tygar: *his claws release their grip as they crash into the floor together...claw marks left in the ceiling tile as well as a arrow from Trillean's bow*

Kaede: *he turns to Trillean, seeing her intentions* HOLD!!! Don't fire!

Trillean: *she shakes her head sadly* Family over friends. Sorry Kaede... *she lifts up her bow*

Ari: *she stands from afar watching as the act before her takes place, she can't even speak a word*

Sirona: Don't shoot!

Csilla: *she turns towards Sirona's voice and runs as fast as she can towards the group* I'm coming!!!

***

**Still asleep, even in her dreams, Ryanna can feel the tension and the clash of her friends in prime. Nightmares begin to plague her own mind as she silently screams out for her parents, then all is silent...**

Ryanna: They march...the Army of the Dead marches onward...

***

**While the battle ensues in the gardens, over in the main castle gate groves, an Oisin is snoozing soundly in warm spot. He smiles peacefully as his dreams take him away from High Tower. Near Jove under a flowering bush is a black key, dim for anyone to see, yet it is there awaiting it's master. It is the key to Dante's room.**

~Exit All.~

***

ACT XIII, SCENE 2 - High Tower Castle - Speed is of the Essence - 2 p.m.

**Tygar and Kaede are down, but not for long as they both get up once again, fighting fist to fist combat now. Trillean meanwhile holds her bow steady as she prepares to release an arrow...towards the two...**

~Enter Sirona, Kaede, Tygar, Trillean, Cain, Ari and Csilla.~

Trillean : *Her eyes glow white, as she aims*

Sirona : *she glances over at Trillean witnessing what is about to take place, again she pleads* No! Don't do it!!

Trillean : *the arrow is released*

Trillean : *It connects...with...Kaede...*

Tygar : *he holds his eye as the green starts to come back into view from the previous burning red, the force of the impact sends him down on the ground*

Kaede : *his eyes widen, rolling back in his head as the arrow pierces him in the chest*

Sirona : *she screams silently in her head as she brings both her hands up to her eyes* Oh...god...!

Ari : *she gazes over at Kaede, the arrow clearly visible, but not its tip* Kaede!

Sirona : *she runs to Kaede as he begins to lean forward*

Kaede : *he collapses on the hard flooring next to Tygar who is only bewildered* 

Trillean : *she shakes her head, not daring to believe what she has just done* Oh by the Gods!

Csilla : *she stops in her tracks, her eyes wide with disbelief*

Sirona : *she reaches him quickly, pulling him into her lap* Csilla help me! He's dying!

Cain : *He rushes over leaving his sister crying on her own*

Tygar : *he awakens, only to looks up at Kaede's limp form and see an arrow buried in his chest*

Csilla : *she rushes over to her fallen cousin, tears begins to form* 

Sirona : Look at me Kaede!

Kaede: *he remains motionless*

Sirona : *she shifts back into her original form*

Csilla : Kaede... It is Sirona and Csilla. Can you hear us calling to you?

***

Cain: Damn it all... This shouldn't have ever happened..

Tygar : *he gets up looking towards Cain, snarling* You are one to talk...

Cain : I should talk? If you hadn't gone ballistic this wouldn't have happened furr-ball!

Tygar: *he stands there struck down as he attempts to regain his composure, his anger boiling again*

Ari : Tygar!

Tygar : *he looks up at the real Ari, forcing himself to look away, the force too much to bare* Stay...away...from me...

Ari : *she grabs Tygar's arm* Tygar, look at me!

Tygar : *feeling the touch, he growls shoving her to the ground, he glares over his shoulder down at her with eyes of untruthfulness*  Let me be!

Csilla: *she looks over at Tygar quickly, and tosses the pendant towards him. As if the jeweled relic had a mind of it's own, it begins to wraps itself around Tygar's neck. A holy light ensues his soul as he hears his mother's song, the words cradling him.  He begins to calm down substantially*

Cain : *he takes his gaze away from Kaede, turning towards the fallen elf on the ground sobbing lightly, he holds his hands out to her with remorse* 

Cain: Ari... I didn't mean to cause a conflict, truly...

Ari : *still shocked beyond words, she sits on the ground, the teardrops flowing from her eyes* Tygar, I thought that...

Tygar: *his movements stop as he turns his head around to look at Ari with eyes of ambiguity, he feels a pain ensue him and he falls on his front, motionless again, but breathing. The pendant glows on his back bathing him in a pool of crystal blue light*

Tygar : *his body begins to convulse as a mist begins to flow out of his right ear in the flow of a straight line* 

Ari: *her eyes widen at the scent of evil leaving Tygar's body, praying that this will be its last days there* 

Cain: *he comes up besides Ari, sitting on the ground next to her* Evil shall plague that cat no more...

Ari: *she sobs a bit letting out a deep breath* Let us hope so...

Tygar: *the luminous glow subsides and the dazed mumbles take over the feline prince.*

Ari : Tygar, I thought you trusted me. Nothing happened...

Tygar : *he slowly gets up and looks at her with tear-stung eyes* You lie...something did happen...*he covers his watery eyes* He was on your damn chest, I saw the kiss!

Cain : *His guilt overcomes him as he walks up to Tygar, his tone calm* There was no kiss.

Ari : *slowing walking toward him* He never kissed me, I wouldn't let him, you know that!

Ari: Tygar... please look at me. *She reaches out to him in vain.*

Tygar: Admit it, you enjoyed the company that he provided you with. Your heart may very well question your feelings towards him as we speak, and if that be the case...

Tygar: *tears begin to escape from his eyelids, his voice almost breaking up*

Ari: It was nice to talk to someone, yes, but I was not looking for anything in it! Why would I, when... I have... you.  *She yells through her tears her tone starting to become sensitive with the beat of her heart.*

Tygar: *his pendant begins to glow a bright sky blue again, the rage creeping back into his will, but the light keeping it from seeping once again* It's truly hard to believe...after seeing what I saw from my own two eyes...

Cain: *he becomes silent as the events rewind and play once again in his mind*

Ari: Yes, we might have gotten carried away, but I only have eyes for you Tygar, why must you be so stubborn?  Do you deny me the pleasure of having a good time? Nothing bad happened...

Tygar: *he signs* Frolicking through the gardens like two children whose curiosity stretches to the limit. Laughing, giggling, so entwine with each other. I never saw you move a mere twelve feet from him... Now don't go and tell me that you didn't like it...

Ari: I need to get out and play sometimes, Tygar.  I can't stay locked in the castle all the time!  And how could I not have liked it, when you have fun, you enjoy yourself, but that's besides the point. You are being far too envious about this.  Not everyone has an evil agenda.

Cain: I admit, I did get a little two close to her, and for that I am sorry... I couldn't contain myself, I deserve to be chastised, but not like this...

Cain: But she is right, you can't keep her locked up like some kidnapper Tygar, she must enjoy the comforts of freedom...

Tygar: You keep your mouth shut, or I'll remove it! *he snarls at Cain*

Ari: Tygar, you've been too gentle with me.  I'm not a delicate flower like some other women...

Cain: I have a right to have a say in this, I could never ask for a thousand pardons in forgiveness, all I ask is that you treat her like the prince that you are, and respect her wishes... *he leans against a wall and becomes silent*

Tygar: *his pendant glows again, he feels a sudden decrease in himself as a whole, as he gets down on one knee*

***

**While Tygar, Ari and Cain have gathered into a small corner, the others gather around Kaede, attempting to revive him from the recent devastation.**

Sirona : Don't move....

Kaede : *he opens his eyes quickly as his body begins fighting off a surge of pain, his mind becomes tense, asking questions, seeking answers* What...what's happening? Have they stopped fighting? Are they hurt? Tell me! *his rage suddenly decreases to a mere pause as his eyes close and his voice becomes shallow again* 

Trillean: Kaede! Open your eyes...

Csilla : *she observes the wound on her cousin and shudders* Sirona...we have to get him to my mother. His wound is far too severe for me to heal on my own...

Sirona : *she looks up at Csilla knowing that time is short* We don't have time for that, here, you remove the arrow, while I heal him. This may be the only chance I get to see if my teachings have paid off...

Sirona : *she smiles down at him, then up to Trillean* Don't worry, everything will be alright...

Csilla : *the high mage cocks her head, gazing towards Sirona, testing her courage*  Are you ready for this, Sirona?

Sirona : *she swallows hard, her figure becoming nervous* Yes.

Csilla : *she nods in reply as she takes one arrow in each hand. They vanish at the sight of her touch*

Sirona : *she slowly places her hands over his wounds, applying pressure while her fingertips begin to emit a soft pale green glow*

Sirona : I can feel his inner presence, it's still very tense, you'll have to calm him down, or I could do more damage that what's already in him...

Csilla : *she nods in understanding as she brushes her hands alongside her cousin's cheeks* Be at ease, my cousin...

Trillean : *She looks up with a tear stained face, she begins to crawl over towards the others. Reaching her hand out she pulls it back* What have I done? Why...

Csilla : *she wraps an arm around Trillean, to ease her sobbing* Do not feel you shall be the one to take all the blame. This should never have happened, but the dark forces...they grow, they slowly are consuming our surroundings...

Csilla: *she turns back to Kaede, as she begins to tell a story* Kaede, I know you can hear me, I want you to relax, cleanse your mind of all pain, and feel only pleasure. Remember long ago, we were children...

Sirona : *her hands begin to warm, the glowing green warmth spreads forth from between her fingers. The radiance begins it's entrance into the wounds, as Kaede's entire body illuminates a sea green*

Csilla : When we were but 'hatchlings', running around High Tower without a care in the world, ah such is the bliss of childhood. 

Sirona : *closing her eyes in concentration, she works the tendrils of healing energy around his punctured lung, slowly weaving the cells together*

Sirona : *she moves outwards, around the veins, repairing tears, ceasing further blood from escaping the lesion*

Csilla : Remember the day I fell from the Oak tree? Remember how you caught me?

Trillean : *She takes out a small blade and cuts away a lock of her hair, before placing it in his shaking hand* I do not know if this will be of any help, but I want to believe that it can...

Sirona : *sweat beads on her forehead, her breathing becoming more labored as she stitches the outer flesh together, until the wounds slowly close. She takes the hair from Trillean and applies it like a further coating of protection from infection*

Csilla : *she continues* You were my hero then, you are now, and you always...will be...

Sirona : *she opens her eyes slowly, her body feeling the stress of exhaustion*

Sirona : *she looks over at Csilla, her breathing shallow* Check...them...for me...ma'am...

Sirona : *she swallows hard*

Sirona : *she removes her palms from his skin*

Csilla : *she places a healing touch on her shoulders relieving her tensions slightly* You did well Sirona, only nature can take it's course from here... 

Trillean : Will he live?

Csilla: *She closes her eyes* Only time will tell...

Trilean: *she looks over to the other corner, where a half-elf speaks to a tiger prince* What about them?

***

**Ari moves into Tygar, grabbing both his hands, getting his full attention. Tygar is forced to abide not having anywhere to escape. His ears take a listen at last.**

Ari: *She inches closer even closer, her eyes shimmering* Tygar, look at me...

Tygar: *shaking a bit, he looks up into her eyes* What have you to say to me now?

Ari: I am not like the woman inside of a music box.  You have to let me out eventually, but, when that times comes, I want you to still hold the key, so that whenever we both desire it, we can unite once again...  I want you to be with me though in that instance.

Tygar: *his voice suddenly becomes more calm and more sincere* I know, but, I'm afraid...

Tygar: I'm afraid I may lose you...

Ari: I'm not going anywhere.  Especially if you come with me.  But you can't smother me, and I can't smother you. it's a balanced trade.

Ari: *She reaches out a hand to him.*

Tygar: *he looks up at the hand, and slowly he reaches for it*

Ari: *She keeps her hand out, waiting for him to take it*

Tygar: *his own hand begins to edge back slightly, his eyes becoming lost within his own tears*

Tygar: *But then, he quickly slings it forward, into her own hand, he holds on tightly with all his strength and love*

Ari: *Tears spill down her cheeks and she smiles.* Thank you...

Tygar: *he closes his eyes for a moment before reopening them* I was blinded by jealously, I should have trusted you more, but, I was too afraid to my heart go...

Tygar: I know...things don't always run as written on a script...but still, I...

Ari: I know.  Trusting people is hard.  But once you learn it's value, then you can truly feel at ease...

Ari: I've been alive a long time and you're the first... *Her own words startle her into silence.*

Tygar: *his eyes beg an explanation* The first?

Ari: *She closes her eyes and nods.*  The first... in just about everything...

Ari: The first man I've trusted, the first man I've truly considered a friend, the first man... I've loved.

Tygar: *his eyes grow wide* You...love...me...?

Tygar : Oh...Ari...*he collapses into her arms...*

Ari : *she holds him and pets him gently, her body shaking slightly as her muscle relax. She begins to cry quietly* Dammit Tygar, you know I don't love anyone else. I never could.

Tygar : *crying* I was...so afraid...that I might lose...you...Ari...

Tygar : *he smiles as he sees her teary eyes* And I've never told you...how much I love...you...

Ari : *she smiles* Just having you near is enough...

**Cain observes the happenings going on in front of him, he cannot help but feel envious towards the couple as he feels a small trace of loneliness confront him. He begins to make for the outside gates mumbling under his breath.**

***

**Trillean continues to look over at Kaede alongside her companions, after what seems to be an eternity, the waiting is rewarded with a slight moan that escapes from the man's lips, he intakes a deep breath and begins to cough, life-giving air filling his systems once more...**

Trillean: *her eyes light up at the human elfs' awakening at last*

Kaede : *his eyes creak open slightly* I...remember...

Kaede : But, I'm no hero...I'm just a fool with good friends... *he chuckles lightly before feeling a slight course of pain erupt in his chest*

Sirona : *she breaths a deep sign of relief* Thank heavens...

Kaede : Sirona...I owe you...

Sirona : *she smiles, shaking her head* You don't owe me a thing, seeing another person alive is enough gratitude for me...

Csilla : *seeing her cousin's eyes again, she smiles wholeheartedly and plants a kiss on his cheek* Don't you leave me again, you big fool! *she embraces her cousin*

Kaede : *he laughs, then groans again* Oh...don't make me laugh...it hurts...

Sirona : *she looks at Kaede, still holding him* I guess the healing process has started. My work here is done...

Kaede : *he turns to Trillean who has now covered her knees with her hands, feeling cold, he speaks* You okay? You look like a mess...

Trillean : *She nods weakly* I am so sorry. I didn't mean too. But you must understand...

Kaede : *he speaks opening to the both of them trying to address one question at a time* I'll be fine...and yes, I know where you come from Trillean, although I wouldn't have taken the drastic measure that you took, killing another to get another is not a good way to end a fight, we must think logically before making any rash moves...

Trillean: *she nods saying nothing*

Csilla : *she looks over to Trillean, sensing pain from her soul* Do you need healing?

Kaede : I'm glad I'm not on you're bad side Trillean, I'd shudder to think what you would do to those who DON'T love you...

Kaede : *he stops, and stares down for a moment feeling a slight pinkness bulge into his cheeks*  I didn't say that aloud, did I?

Sirona : *she chuckles at the hasty comment of Kaede's*

Kaede : Ah well....I can't help it, that's how I feel...

Trillean : *She wraps her arms around herself* I am fine. I need to leave. The air remains fowl on these premises...

Csilla : *she nods to the changeling and gets up to go check on Tygar and Ari*

***

Tygar : *he gets up and begins to walk over to Cain shouting out his name is a annoyed tone* Cain!

Ari : *she gets to her feet, fearing the worst* Tygar, don't...

Cain : *He turns back around annoyed* What?!

Tygar : *he walks closer to him and extends his claws in front of him*

Cain : *he snarls his own fingers transforming into claws* Yes what is it? What more do you want from me?

Tygar : *he grab his hand lightly feeling the eyes of everyone watching him from behind, drawing a dead silence to the room, he speaks his proposal* 

Tygar: I may have misjudged you Sir Cain, and in my extreme foolishness, I offer a truce. Let's be comrades for this endeavor, so that we may see this fight through the end. Well? What do you say? Friend? *he smiles wholeheartedly*

Cain : *He eyes the claws narrowly, but gingerly puts his hand forward and shakes it* Alright than. Friends.

~Exit All.~

***

ACT XIII, SCENE 3 - High Tower Castle - Periled Prevalence - 3 p.m.

**Far from the group deep on the outskirts of High Tower Castle, Elder Tassidus follows a trail of incumbent darkness. Leaping to the tallest tree of which his naked eye can spot, he prepares a quick message from a pen and paper succumbed in his pouch. He shrieks a whistle calling forth his reptilian companion.**

~Enter the Elder, Tassidus.~

Tassidus: *hearing a branch snap far underneath him, his scouting eyes see the true face of fear, he curses* Cretans...so they come at last, do they...?

**Back at High Tower, Csilla, the marshal, walks slowly over to the feline prince and the slightly trembling elf female, checking to see if they too have recovered from the chaos that had been ensuing the fortress just a mere moment ago.**

~Enter Csilla, Tygar and Ari.~

Csilla : Ari? Are you all right? *she speaks coming from behind Ari*

Ari : *she glances back at the high marshal* Yes, I'm fine, just a little shaken.

Csilla : *she nods and smiles as she turns towards Tygar* He seems to have recovered too, his mother's amulet holds unprecedented powers beyond of anything I've seen in a single object. The only exception I've seen is Ryanna's pendant. There are marvelous treasures in the world that we should truly be blessed upon...

Ari: *she nods* That is true, if Tygar didn't have that amulet. Blood may have been spilt upon High Tower... And then... I'd hate to think of the aftermath of it all...

Csilla: I agree. *she gets up* Now if you'll excuse me, I must attend to Kaleo... *without waiting for a reply, she leaves the hall*

Tygar : *He ventures back over to Cain, giving him a light pat on the back* Hey...your sister needs you the most right now....*he points to Trillean who has secluded into a corner*

Cain : *He shakes his head* No, she would only lash out. She doesn't need her cowardly brother...

Cain : *He looks at Ari and smiles* Take good care of her feline prince, I'll have my eyes fixed...

Tygar : *he smirks* You say she will lash out, but there's always a chance a different answer can be expected. We must learn not to shadow from our fears. A family heritage is worth as much as honor...

Cain: *he sighs* You may be right...I guess I'll give it a shot...

Cain : *he turns to face the cat* Be on your guard.

Tygar : *he smiles* You will find that special someone someday....invite me to the wedding eh? *he pats his back again*
 

Cain : *he smiles and hugs him lightly* That shall never happen, I am forever a wanderer. It is my place in this world and I must accept it...

Tygar : *grins* You will see soon enough...how even that can change in an instant...

Tygar : *he turns away waving back*

~Exit Cain, Tyger, Ari and Csilla.~

***

**Sirona glances over at Kaede who still groans in slight discomfort. Concerned for his health, she emits a soft green glow again within her palms, she places her hands on top of his and smiles. Csilla kneels down to the fighter. Ari and Tygar observe in the background as they approach.**

**Enter Sirona, Kaede, Tygar, Ari and Csilla.**

Sirona: How are you feeling Kaede?

Kaede : *he looks up at Sirona, forcing a smile*  Well, I don't think I'll be sword playing for a day or two, but I am forever in your debt...

Csilla : *approaching Kaede, she suddenly stops and turns, her ears having picked up a disturbance nearby*

Sirona : *her eyes too rise up against the noise, she turns her head in its location*

Tygar : *his head snaps back around at the noise*

Sirona : *she looks down at Kaede* I need to get you inside...this looks bad...

Csilla : Do it quickly, I smell a bastard aloof...

Ari: *she approaches Kaede and gives Sirona a hand as they carry him inside, she looks down into his pale eyes*

Ari: That Tygar, he's really something else...I've never had someone care for me so deeply before, it's a whole new intake to this planet...

Kaede: *he forces a chuckle* Why not Ari? You are special, you mustn't forget that...

Kaede : Love is a healer...however painful...I still believe that...despite all that has happened...

Ari : Yes, I guess so, although, I wouldn't know. This is all still very new for me.

Kaede: Give it time, that's all I can say...

Ari: *she nods silently* 

***

**Despite all that goes on outside, Trillean has retreated to the Temple of the Sirenas. Entering the holy shine, she knees down in front of the goddess statues. Rocking herself slowly, the feelings and emotions held within her begin to show, tears making contact with the payment**

~Enter Trillean.~

Trillean : *She takes out a small knife and puts it to her wrist letting the blade cut through the skin*

**A lonely figure steps in, his shadow seems to illuminate across the entire chapel walls. His traits are clear for the wolfing to see**

~Enter Cain.~

Cain : *He enters the temple slowly standing in the doorway, observing his sister.* Orlaith...

Trillean : *She turns around and sucks in her breath for a moment before sighing* Never call me that.

Cain : Why not, it is your name.

Trillean : *She gasps as she bleeds and spreads the blood onto the feet of the Sirenas* No it is not! I am Trillean now.

Cain : You may be now, but you will always be Orlaith, the gods know this....

Cain : *He walks over to her and kneels before the statues seeing the freshly shed blood* You make homage to them, why? They are not our gods.

Trillean : They are not gods to me, but sisters.

Trillean : *She shrugs off his arm* I almost killed someone. Someone who did not deserve to die.

Cain : *He turns her face around and looks at her* You did it to protect me. I am the older brother here, I am supposed to take care of you. And I admit I have not done a very good job of it.  

Trillean : *She leans her head onto the cool marble, sighing* Just leave me be. I don't need your self pity.

Cain : Fine. *He gets up and turns away from her.* As you wish.. *Looking back a final time, he leaves her exiting out the double-wide doors*

~Exit Cain.~

**A rumble erupts across the foundations of High Tower Castle. The party drops all conversation and quickly scampers towards the genesis of the noise. The large foyer door busts open as two figures are in the midst of battle. One clearly becomes recognized by his own nephew.**

Kaede: Tassidus!!

Tassidus: *he curses, before quickly rolling to the left avoiding a strike from his opponent* 

Tygar: How the hell did HE get on High Tower grounds? *he points towards the dark figure* 

Kaede: *he gazes closely at the grunt of evil, his eyes light up* No wondered he looks so familiar...

Ari: *she gazes and gets the same reaction* Well now, it's been a while since we've seen him...

Csilla: *she drags Kaleo alongside her catching up with the group before shouting towards Kaede* What's going on, Kaede?!

Kaede: See for yourself, our reptilian foe has returned, the one called Demetri. That could only mean that Nelo Angelo isn't far off with his army...

Ari: This isn't good...we've overextended our stay...

Tassidus: *he brandishes a sword and begins to cross blades with Demetri* 

Tygar : Evil dare makes it's presence on the holy site of High Tower, then it's up to us to vanquish it! *he equips his dart claws into place and sprints towards the dancing duo* 

Csilla : *her pride in full force, she follows Tygar to the battlefield*

***

Tassidus: *he grunts, sweeping his feet at the assassin*

Demetri: *he sidesteps, leaping away with ease. He backflips through a window and stands outside awaiting his prey*

Tassidus: *he fires another arrow at the assassin, but the cloaked man catches it in a gloved white hand with ease, he rushes outside to face him*

Demetri: *the wind blows hinting at an incoming attack from behind. Turning around quickly in time to spot the incoming beast at bay, he sends the arrow that once lay silent in his hands at the speed of light towards the approaching feline*

Tygar : *his glare meets the eyes of the assassin as he barely has enough time to doge the arrow, instead, he prepares himself for its impact*

Ari: *she shouts from behind* Tygar!

Tygar : *he holds his shoulder* Ah...*he goes down on one knee*

Tassidus: *he curses, screaming in rage as he slams into the minion of darkness*

Csilla : *she kneels over Tygar*  Are you alright Tygar? Is the wound deep?

Tygar : *he pulls out arrow like a thorn in his shoulder and instantly crushes it in his fist. Preparing to strike back, the feline loads his claws into his claw hook* No...I'm fine...get the others...this could get messy...

Ari : *she stands behind, a sense of helplessness as she notices a lack of artillery * My bow... I left it... I'm going back for it. 

Tygar: Hurry! 

Ari: Tygar, don't die before I get back! *she sprints off*

Demetri: *he grunts in pain, his cloak falling back to show an emaciated head, painted white blue script alongside his face*

Tygar: *he gazes at Csilla who has now come from behind to his side* Do you think we can take him by ourselves?

Csilla : *her eyes begin to glow a bright gold* We are more than enough!

***

Tassidus: *he sneers* So...your Nelo's right hand man...too bad you won't live long enough to divulge this location to him...

Demetri: It's too late fool! Nelo's army will be here soon no matter if I return or not. Either way, you all shall perish!

Tassidus: Then allow me to rid your pathetic life of its final moments...

Demetri: Enough of your false words, show me action!

***

**Back deep inside High Tower, Sirona drops Kaede a short distance away from the battlefield that plagues the grounds of the castle. She quickly catches her breath. Kaede groans as she attempts to stand, but fails**

Sirona: You're a heavy one... *she giggles*

Kaede: Silence, I won't have my stomach hearing this... *he chuckles*

Sirona: *she hears a glass window shatter from nearby and shrieks a bit*

Kaede: I won't let High Tower be destroyed! *he attempts to stand once more, but once again... he falls*

Sirona : *she catches him again * Don't you dare move in your current estate, I forbid it!

Kaede : Damn it...

Sirona: Kaede! What will we do?

Kaede: Go on! They need your help, I'll be fine here, I've still got my fighting spirit! Go!

Sirona : I won't leave you astray. Your coming too. If you can't fight with your sword, at least give your other comrades a reason to fight!

Kaede: *he nods* Let's go join them!

Sirona: *acknowledging his wishes, suddenly wings sprout from her back and she flies the two of them quickly towards the main castle entrance*

***

**Meanwhile, back in the fray. Tygar prepares to unleash an attack on Demetri, the only thing that blocks his concentration is Tassidus who is still crossing blades with the reptile. Finally not willing to wait any longer for whomever he hits, he simply gives out a warning.**

Tygar : Elder...get down!

Tassidus: *turning around just to see the darts just being released, he ducks quickly*

Tygar : *the launch of his claw hook slams the assassin into the wall with a great crash. *

Demetri: *the foundation of the wall sector collapses as a hole is created and rubble falls on top of Demetri*

Demetri: *he expels the rubble quickly as he curses at the feline, his breathes becoming shallow*

Tygar: *pulling free his weapon, yet leaving the claws intact like spikes, he grins at the successful bout*

Ari : *sprinting down the hallway finally reaching her room, the elf takes up her weaponry and begins to run as fast as she can back to the action just in time to see a menacing glow*

Tygar : *he smiles* Two more feet higher and you would have been 'speared' old timer *he laughs*

Csilla : *She takes a few steps away from Tygar.*

Demetri : *grinning, the reptile simply pulls the arrows out from beneath his scales, green ooze leaking on their tips* Your weaponry has no effects on the likes of me, succumb to me, and I promise to make your death's quick...

Tassidus: *he grimaces* That was truly disgusting...

Tygar : *he turns away for a quick second* It's your show now Csilla!

Csilla : Tassidus....move... *she speaks softly*

Csilla : Tygar, take the others and flee...now!

Tygar : *he holds his wounded shoulder that the arrow hit earlier* Ow...that stings... *he gazes at Csilla and nods*

Tassidus: *he refuses to listen to Csilla as he screams in rage, grabbing the assassin by the waist and hoisting him above his head...*

Tygar : *he leaps out of the fray*

Ari : *she quickly reappears on the scene, immediately noticing Tygar’s wounded shoulder, she runs up to him with haste* Are you alright?

Tygar : *he smiles* You should know a little wound like this is...noth…ing....*the pain finally reaches his brain as he slowly is brought to his knees, breathing heavily*

Ari: *she quickly catches him and lays a hand on her forehead* You’re be alright…just sit still…

Demetri : *within the grasp of the elder, he squirms like a child, quickly kicking him in the chest*

Csilla : *her eyes slowly close as her body Is engulfed by a golden light*

Tassidus: *he grunts at the kick and counters throwing Demetri with shattering force into a nearby tree*

Demetri : *the massive blow forces him to get up shakily*

Csilla : *the high mage cannot wait for her friends to flee and decides to revel her true form regardless. The light builds intensively until it reaches a point that almost called a sensation of pain to herself. Lastly, she shrieks as the light spreads throughout the room, enough to blind even the smallest creature in all of High Tower and it’s premises*

**The massive display of radiance forces all to cover to eyes, yet their ears cannot mute the cry of the high mage. Quickly though, the luminosity dims and the fragile voice and figure of Csilla is replaced by a midsize dragon, nearly bigger than any other figure in the room, including the assassin, Demetri.**

Sirona : *her wings flap for a moment as she stands there in awe at her fellow mage in her true form. She turns back to Kaede whom she can see not far away in the corner*

Kaede: *his eyes show surprise and even fear as he looks at his cousin. Clearly her traits are there, even in reptilian form. He looks back up at Sirona and coughs* Now the teams are balanced…

Demetri : *seeing Csilla’s true form, he simply stands and gapes, not moving for a moment...surprised that the tides of victory had changed so quickly*

Tygar : *he grabs hold of Ari's left arm* Let's give the lady some room! Everyone, get back, now!

Csilla : *The beast's eyes flash open and she roars! A plume of fire races towards Demetri*

Csilla : *She snarls as she sprints after the assassin, snapping at his heels with her fang filled mouth*

Demetri : *the dark beast screams in a high, shrill scream as the fire licks at him, and he begins to roll along the ground as the flames near his face*

Csilla : *she grins* For every ounce of beauty a gold dragon has...there is a pound of fiery.

Tygar : *he glances up at the ceiling as he spots a dark shadow* Curses...he didn't come alone...*he quickly tosses Ari out of the way as a dark undead solider nearly spears her*

Csilla : *she stops breathing fire as she locks the dark champion beneath one of her mighty, clawed feet*

Ari : *the push startles her slightly as she rolls and jumps to her feet* Reinforcements…who would have guessed…

Sirona: *she blinks at the body part that the dragon tosses aside nearly in front of her* Ick...that must have hurt...glad I'm not him right now...

Tygar : *he spawns a fiery wave of heat at the dark beast* Burn menance!!

Tygar : *he smiles as the dark minion shrieks at the dancing flames. He turns to Ari* Your turn babe!

Ari: *having prepared an attack already, she quickly unleashes a combination of knives that land directly into the soldier’s neck. A loud thud rewards her efforts.*

Tygar : *he gives her a high five* Good shot!

Ari : *she smiles* I try.

Csilla : UNCLE! *the dragon cries, charging the assassin*

Tassidus: *he grunts, ducking low beneath the sword thrust, bringing his own up in a rising slash…*

Demetri : *his eyes cry at the incoming steel, not having enough time to defend nor dodge, his own head is the victim of a brutal misfortune as it splits wide open, then falls off it’s foundations gushing blood on the floor like a endless stream*

Demetri : *it’s not long before his torso also falls off, cleaved in half by Tassidus' blade*

Tygar: I think it makes for a nice souvenir...

Ari: *she cringes slightly* Tygar!

Kaede: A worthy prize indeed...

Csilla: *she shakes her head* Put the leftovers in the fridge please...

Sirona: *she giggles as she sits on the floor*

Tassidus