Scene 1: Lunch time the next day. The cafeteria is bustling with activity as students file into lines to receive their daily ration. Student A sits quietly and eats his lunch as Student B chatters on endlessly next to him. Tommy sits at a table along with a composition book and a well chewed pen. Tanto stands by the double doors to the outside. Tsurugi is with him; both are silent. Tsuubo leans on a wall just off from the lines regarding his meal with disgust. Waka stands beside him with his meal as well.
Tsuubo: Alright... I agreed to come to this damned America. I agreed to come to this school and pose as some student to see just what the hell Tsurugi's little brat brother is up to. But I'll be damned if I'll eat this shit. What the hell is this supposed to be!?
Waka: I believe that the menu claimed it's identity as Salisbury steak.
Tsuubo: I don't give a censored what the censored it censored is! Tsuubo dumps his meal into a trash can.
Waka: Then why did you inquire-
Tsuubo: Haven't you ever heard of a censored rhetorical question?
Waka: Censored this, censored that. I doubt your ability to even start a relationship, much less ever come anyplace within the proximity of that action.
Tsuubo: Come now, you know damn well I'm a hundred times more attractive to women then you.
Waka: Shall we have a competition then?
Tsuubo: That would be completely rude and free of taste. I'm game. That girl there is cute. Tsuubo points to girl sitting by herself. She is cute indeed, dressed in cutoff jeans and a simple T-shirt. She wears an odd crystal pendant, and a few rings as well. Her movements could only be described as feline.
Waka: She is indeed. She seems familiar.
Tsuubo: Her name is Bast. She has English with us.
Without another word Waka moves over to where Bast sits. Tsuubo watches him with a careful eye.
Waka: Dear lady Bast, who has beauty beyond the stars. I am humble in thine every divine presence. A rogue am I, fully unworthy of your grace, but, if it should please you, I would worship your beauty for all time. Ah, it ashames me so that I must dishonor you with my speech but I am so overcome by your power that I cannot help but to ask, wouldst thou date with me?
Bast: I... uhm... look, I'm sorry, but I'm not really into dating other girls. Perhaps later I'll start to explore, talk to me then.
Waka: I am a male, m'lady. (he bows)
Bast: Oh! Sorry... I'll ah... still have to decline though, thanks.
Waka: Please my worship, I would gladly give my life for you. Tell my how I can be yours!
Tsuubo, coming over: Stop it Waka, it's so pathetic it's sad. (he looks Bast in the eyes. They, like her motion, remind one of a cat.) Bast, you wanna go out with me sometime?
Bast shrugges: Why not. At least you're not a sycophant like her... er... him...
Waka: I AM NOT A SYCOPHANT! Bast: ...I'm not sure how my boyfriend would take it though.
Tsuubo: Boyfriend?
Waka: We saw you here alone, we assumed...
Bast: He's still in line. Ah, here he comes! His name is Butch, by the way. Er... I'd leave if I were you guys. I only stay with him at this point 'cause I'm scared of what he might do to anybody else I hook up with.
Tsuubo: I stand by you and I keep my offer to date you, sweet Bast.
A rather large gentleman nears the table of Bast. Large strong, not large fat by the way. Very large. Benchpress a tank... with one arm--the weak one--large.
Butch: Hey, Bast. Who are you guys? You better not think of movin' in on me.
Waka: No ,actually we were just asking Bast about our English homework. Pages two-twenty-six through three-fourty-five. Got it. I'll see you later, bye.
Tsuubo: I wasn't thinking of movin' in, I was in the process of doing so when you so rudely interrupted me.
Butch: Are you sayin' you're movin' in on me!?
Waka: Not very bright, is he?
Bast: I dated him for his looks; a mistake I hope I'll never make again.
Tsuubo: That is exactly the point I was trying to convey, dullard. I suggest that you find a seat elsewhere. Bast isn't yours.
Butch: She is mine!
Bast: Actually, no, I'm mine. I just went out with you... (under breath) idiot.
Butch: Not yours? So you did leave me for him! I'll kill him!
Bast: That's not what I said you idiot! Guys, run.
Tsuubo: Tsuubo Sei, founder and master of the Ita-i Boei school of all purpose martial arts, shall run from no big ugly possessive idiots.
Butch: An artist. Ha! I'll eat your paintings for breakfast!
Waka: This is sad.
Bast: You're telling me...
A group of students has already begun to gather around Tsuubo and Butch. Student A and B are still seated.
Student B: ...so anyway my grandmother said, 'Sonny boy, that wasn't a crab. It was my foot.' And then my father said- Hey, what's going on over there?
Student A: First off, I must ask if you ever shut up? Second, I'll tell you that your father's attempt at changing the subject was rather on the sad side.
Student B: No, not part of the story, that; there.
Student A: A fight, most likely.
Student B: Let's watch! It could be fun!
Student A: Indeed.
Tsuubo: Alright, now look, a martial artist doesn't paint.
Butch: It doesn't?
Waka: No, you see, there are many forms of art. Sculpture, music, drawing, painting, and the like.
Tsuubo: A martial artist studies the art of fighting.
Butch: I played that game in the arcade, it was cool. Hey, what were we talking about again?
Tsuubo: Just how many censored times you've been hit in the head, be it through football or your censored idiot parents!
Butch: Once a week or so, why?
Tsuubo: No real reason. (sigh). Fine, if you want to fight, then com'on. (drops into a defensive position.)
Butch: 'bout what?
Tsuubo, annoyed tone: Me taking Bast away from you, you censored fool!
Butch: Oh yeah! Let's go! Butch starts to take a swing, but he cannot as Bast is clinging to his arm.
Bast: Butch, honey, don't hurt him! He doesn't mean anything to me; I'm yours, now and forever!
Tsuubo: Bast, I won't allow you to sell your soul to this censored bastard. Besides (The color and white of his eyes leaves. Black reflective pools are all that remain. A faint crimson glow comes from the back of his left hand. The glow comes from a mark in the shape of the Japanese kanji, tsuu; pain.) I can take a little pain. (he smirks)
Tsurugi: Shit.
Tanto: This was bound to happen.
Tsurugi: Well?
Tanto: Well what?
Tsurugi: You're the administrator, go administer. Make them take it outside.
Tanto: As you like. Tanto moves from his spot near the doors toward the growing crowd; a crowd which has formed a circle around Tsuubo, Waka, Butch, and Bast. He tries to ask students politely a few times to no avail. Since this course of action seems unyielding Tanto sighs and reluctantly pushes his way through the mass. Tsuubo sees him and his flame fades as his eyes return to normal. Student B: Shit... admin. I guess the fight is off.
Student A: Is it now? That would be a shame.
Tsuubo: Sir, I am fighting for a woman's honor, if you would please to not interrupt us and stop our fight I would be most grateful.
Bast: You idiot! This is your chance to keep from getting killed.
Tsuubo: I won't be killed; you're worrying too much. Besides, the fight isn't off. Is it, administer Tanto?
Tanto: You may have your fight if you so wish, but you cannot have the battle here. Select a place outside of the school's building.
Butch: So does this mean we don't fight?
Tsuubo: We fight, and in a place where you and your kin has been humiliated one hundred times past. That way is should not be as painful for you this time.
Scene 2: The school's football stadium. At least a fourth of the school is piled into the bleachers. Tsuubo and Butch face each other in the center of the field. Tsurugi and Waka stand on either side of Bast near the combatants. Tanto and Teacher are opposite of them. Students A & B managed to snag front row bleachers. Teacher: Are you sure this is right? I mean, we usually don't allow fights here.
Tanto: I shall take responsibility. Besides, if not here then the handball courts perhaps?
Teacher: That's not what I meant...
Student B: This is gonna be some show.
Student A: Indeed.
Student B: You say that a lot.
Student A: Verily.
Bast: You're his friends, right, make him stop!
Tsurugi, looking closely at Bast: Don't worry about Tsuubo, he can take care of himself. I do not believe that we have been introduced. I am Tsurugi TsukiKaze. [bow]
Bast: Bast. Bastalanthia Lilininth.
Tsurugi: A fine name. It is a pleasure to meet you, Bastalanthia.
Bast: Likewise, really. And call me Bast.
Tsuubo: Hey, Tsu. You offered to ref this censored fight, so start the damned thing already.
Tsurugi: As you like. All right, no killing. That's it, begin.
Teacher: Ki- ki- killing!?
Butch: Begin what?
Tsuubo: Our fight you shit headed, gods damned, incredulously stupid, censored lummox!
Butch: Oh, right, that. Tsuubo's eyes go black and his flame starts to burn.
Butch: You alright?
Tsuubo: Of course I'm alright! You haven't even done anything!
Butch: But you're on fire...
Student B: What the hell!?
Student A: Interesting.
Tsuubo: Just attack me you bastard!
Butch: Okay. Butch lumbers forward and delivers a swing of a mighty fist... Bast: I can't watch! [turns away and covers her eyes.] ...which plows right through the air where Tsuubo had been. Instead he is standing two feet to the right of his previous location. Butch growls and swings his left arm into a motion which connects a solid backhand to Tsuubo's face. The sound echoes about the stadium. Bast gasps. Tsuubo does not budge. His flame is brighter.
Tsuubo: Good hit, really.
Butch: Why aren't you out cold!?
Bast: How isn't he dead! Tsuubo doesn't bother to answer. Rather he jumps forward, hits Butch in his unguarded stomach, and retreats. Butch doubles over for a moment in pain. He straightens up with a snarl.
Tsuubo: Now we start the fight. Are you ready?
This time is it Butch that does not answer. He charges Tsuubo who falls into a defensive position. Tsuubo grabs Butch's outstretched arms and flips him onto his back. Another blow to the stomach follows and then more retreat.
Tsuubo: Getting angry?
Butch, getting up: I'll kill you!
Tsuubo: Now now, we must remember the rule tha-
Tsuubo stops as he and his fellows start to glance around the stadium. They feel something. The next thing that Tsuubo feels are Butch's arms wrapped tightly around his throat.
Tsuubo: I'm sorry but I don't have time for this!
In a flash Butch is flying. When he lands twenty feet away from Tsuubo he does not get up. Only the rise and fall of his breast gives hint that he is still alive. Tsuubo joins Tsurugi and Waka in a ring around Bast.
Tsurugi: This is the last thing we needed.
Tsuubo: That's probably why that little censored brother of yours is doing it now!
Bast: What are you guys talking about?
As if on cue several shadows emerge from the ground. In their lead is a shade in the form of an elven male. Some of those sitting in the bleachers flee instantly. Student B: Maybe we should go. This is too weird for me.
Student A: Go if you like. I want to see what happens.
Student B: If you're staying I will too I guess.
Teacher: Just what the hell is going on here!?
Tanto: Demons. I'd suggest that you stay near me. You are within their circle, they'll kill you if you tried to flee. Teacher faints. Tanto: At least now the only way he may get in the way is to trip over. Tanto draws a sword, gleaming white, seemingly from no where. Bast: Wh- What the censored!?
Tsuubo, wielding three small throwing knives in each hand: Don't worry about it. I'll protect you.
Tathark: So, brat, where's queeny? Tsurugi's eyes are black. On the back of his left hand in crimson burns the kanji that is his name. He holds twin blades of night and day. Tsurugi: Well safe from you.
Tathark: Such a shame. I guess you destroyed my one chance to have her when you killed me. This girl you circle, perhaps I shall take her when you are defeated.
Tsuubo: You won't touch her!
Three knives leave Tsuubo's hold. They embed themselves deeply into Tathark who hisses in pain. Tathark: Silver blades? Cute, but it shall not be enough. Kill them.
Tsurugi: Good luck.
The demonic shades close into a circle around Bast and her guardians. A smaller ring forms around Tanto.
Tsurugi: Tsuubo, guard Bast. Waka...
Waka: I am not a warrior, but I shall do what I am able.
Tanto: We must protect the innocents.
Tsuubo: I don't think these bastards are interested in the blood of censored innocents!
The shadows start to rush inward. One is stopped immediately as six blades leave Tsuubo's hands. It falls to the ground and vanishes in a puff of black smoke. Tsuubo already has new knives waiting. More demons have their sights on him.
Tsurugi rushes toward a grouping of three shades. His sword of light lashes out, cutting deeply into the flesh that is not flesh of the first creature. It does not die. A hand armed with claws fit to cut through steel as they do butter lashes out. The arm and the hand and the claws of that hand fall, severed by the blade of night. Now it dies. Tsurugi's eyes are black and a crimson flame is alive on the back of his left hand around the kanji that is his name, sword. The two remaining denizens of Hades flank Tsurugi. They rush at him as one from either side.
Waka moves away from Bast to draw the creatures from her. Two demons choose him as their prey. One meets with him as the other hangs back to watch. It grins at him with an unearthly hunger and attacks.
Waka: Please, (dodge) if we could (roll) not fight (jump) it would be (handspring backwards) most kind of you.
The shade continues its assault as the other joins him.
Tanto finds himself in the middle of four living shadows and also with a teacher below him to trip over. Behind him comes the first attack. Tanto turns and drives his weapon into the front of the darkness and out its back; the shadow evaporates. A knife whips from his hand into the creature that had been in his front. Now behind him it had thought to ambush. Now its hand wraps around the silver hilt of the knife with a burning hiss as his flesh is seared by the purity. The blade is pulled from its body. Dropped, it falls to the earth. The shade to Tanto's right feints an attack as a true attack comes from the left. The claws don't slice too deeply into Tanto's arm-flesh, but more than enough to draw blood which stains the earth red. The trickster demon falls dead, the attacker licks crimson from its claws.
Tsuubo: Bast, stay back!
Five shadows remain in front of Tsuubo. There had been more, but they fell to his skillful throws. Now only six knives of purity remain on his person. He brandishes three in his left hand, aflame to the wrist. Two remain in store. The last he holds in his right hand. This one he drives into his own flesh. Through the palm and out the center of the pain on the other side. Both Bast and the demons are equally confused; Tathark is interested. The flame jumps from his wrist to take half his forearm and grows darker. The demons are unconcerned, Bast is frightened, and Tathark is worried; he has seen the growth of flame before. Knives switch places so that two are wielded in each hand.
Tsuubo: Shadow Tactics: Shadowless Dance!
The two assailants draw closer to Tsurugi. Their claws swipe his unguarded sides as he stands calmly between them. Millimeters from his flesh they stop, but not by their own will. From Tsurugi's body extend blue tendrils of pure spiritual energy, ki. The tendrils weave together over the regions at which the attack was aimed to form a shield. Tsurugi plunges his swords into the earth and clenches his hands into fists.
Tsurugi: Dawn Requiem...
Waka: Now look, (dodge) I don’t want to fight. (sidestep) My guess is that you don’t wish to die, (twist) so can’t we just reach-
A dodge just a bit too short leaves Waka with a torn shirt, but barely a mark on the skin.
Waka: No, I suppose we can’t, now can we? (sigh)
Teacher: (groan) Mo- mommy? Mommy, I had the strangest dream… I-
Tanto: It would have been better if you had stayed within that dream. For now, try not to distract…
A shadowed arm leaps for Teacher. The arm retracts just short of being amputated by Tanto’s blade.
Tanto:…me.
Teacher: It isn’t over; I’m still asleep!
Tsuubo charges one of the shades. He makes no effort to defend and a clawed swipe rips right through his midsection. Right through indeed. The arm passes through his body as if it were not even there. The last thing the demon sees is a silver gleam heading for its eye.
One of the bolder shadows tries to reach Bast. Two blades sink into its back, stopping it short. A third shade falls trying futility to strike Tsuubo’s noncorporeal body. Tsuubo turns to the remaining two with a devilish grin. The three rush at a central point of collision. Tsuubo is almost upon them when a silver shito, one of his own knives, sinks into his back. He turns to see a grinning Tathark.
Tathark: The Shadow Tactics are interesting techniques; it makes me wonder how you learned them. No matter. You’ll find that I am not weak like my minions. I can touch without pain the silver that can touch you. Kill the girl, I’ll handle him.
The demons turn their attention to Bast. They move at her with such speed that it seems that they are flying. Their claws are ready to draw of her blood and rend her flesh.
Tsuubo: Bast! Shadow Tactics: Path of Shadows.
Tsuubo’s form sinks into his shadow. The demons draw closer to Bast. Tsuubo rises out of her shadow; his knives lay on the ground where he had been. His back is to the demons as he wraps his arms around Bast to protect her. Their claws enter his flesh and his eyes go wide. The flame on his arms takes his entire arm. His eyes go from black to blood; trails of blood-tears trace down his face. On the back of his right hand another kanji flares to life.
The shields of ki twist and warp. The spiritual energy wraps around the hands of the attackers. The shades try to pry their arms free of the grasp of Tsurugi's spirit, but they are unable. More arms of ki lash out. The creatures find their necks tightly in their grasp; Tsurugi smirks as the creatures writhe and are lifted from the ground.
Tsurugi: You minions should be honored; you get to die in much the same way that Tathark did so long ago. Isn't that right, Tathark?
Tsurugi turns to see Tsuubo's blade leave Tathark's grip and enter its master's back. His gaze then takes in the claws of shadow entering his companion's back.
Tsurugi, sighing: Gods damn it.
The shades fade away as Tsurugi halfheartedly snaps their necks.
Waka: This is really getting tiresome, now stop!
The demons do not listen. Waka sighs as his hand snaps upward like a snake's strike to connect a shadowed chin with open palm. A chop to the neck with his other hand sends the monster to the ground. Waka twists and sidesteps to avoid an attack from the monster to his back. Half through his twist his foot comes to the side of the shade; at the end is a backhand to its face. This one falls as well; then both are up.
Waka: This is no end of annoyance. Could you, if you please, stay down a bit longer; I wish to see how my fellows are faring. (dodge) You really never care to grant me even the slightest request, do you? (flip, sigh) Alright, Tsurugi is almost finished. Tsuubo is, oh, hit in the back how quain-
A hit connects, and this one does more than damage his clothing. A line of crimson runs down a slash along his cheek. It is not deep, but it would scar.
Waka: You... you damaged my face! How shall I even win favor with lady Bast like this!? You have brought this on yourselves.
With but a few simple words a twin set of balls of flame leap from either of his hands to encompass the shaded souls. Their bodies contort to the pain they feel from their preview to the fires of hell.
Waka: Honestly, if I couldn't heal this I would really have gotten angry.
Different words no less simple are spoken with Waka's hand on his cheek. He takes a clean cloth from one of his pockets and wipes the blood from his face; there is no mark.
Waka: Now, back to my comrades. Tsuubo is--oh my. Heh. Next, Tanto...
Teacher: GET ME OUT OF HERE!
Tanto: I have advised you not to distract me; now please, once more, be quiet.
Teacher: I wanna wake up!
The three remaining shades hang back, out of Tanto's weapon's reach; they wait for him to make the next move. And so he does. His sword swings in a great arc which the shades all easily avoid. What one is unable to avoid is a downward strike from an impossibly fast recovery. Its evaporation comes from two segments. Two remain; one injured. The injured one falls next, his job finished with a second knife through the throat.
Tanto: I owe apologies to Tsuubo; the shito is usually his weapon of choice. Do you, final shade, wish to continue along to your fellow's fate?
Teacher: Killitkillitkillit! Save me!
The last shade charges Teacher. Tanto is instantly between it and its prey with his sword outward. The shadow impales itself on the katana. Before it dies its claws rake across Tanto's chest, leaving five bloody trials. Tanto's weapon returns to where it had come.
Teacher: I'm saved, thank god! You're hurt, I'll call 9-1-1
Tanto: Call no one.
An edge in Tanto's voice causes the teacher to freeze where he stands. Tanto looks for a moment at Tsuubo before walking toward him, Bast, and their two remaining attackers.
Mamoru; protect. The new flame from Tsuubo's right hand grows to take its arms as well. The demon-claws move within him, cutting him further. Both flames, now black, grow to take his body. Both the claws and their hands are removed by flame. Bast barely even feels warm; two tears of blood fall to her hair. The shades draw back in agony. Short agony. One dies by day, the other dark; Tsurugi stands behind them and his swords stand through them.
Tathark: Have a pleasant day; I would stay to see your sorrow, but I must say farewell.
Tathark vanishes; no one bothers to turn to look.
Tsuubo releases Bast and weakly sits on his knees next to her. Tsurugi stands over him.
Bast: Gods; Tsuubo! We have to get you to a hospital!
Tsuubo: I'll... be fine.
Tsuubo tries to stand, but he finds that his blazing legs won't obey his mind. Waka and Tanto join Tsurugi now; Teacher is behind Tanto like a lost dog given scraps of meat.
Tsurugi: Waka, heal him.
Waka: I refuse; one receives what one deserves. Besides, Tanto is injured as well.
A loud sound resonates around the field as Bast's hand connect solidly to Waka's face.
Bast: Bastard! If you can do something, then do it!
Waka: Will'st thou date me?
Bast: Not if you were the last man alive.
Waka: Your choice then.
Bast: Wait, I--
Tsuubo: Bast... don't give that... censored asshole the pleasure... Are you alright, Bast?
Bast: I'm fine, you- you saved me.
Tsuubo: That's good... Tsurugi... next time you die for the girl, alright?
Tsurugi: As you like.
Tsuubo's flames dies and with it he does as well.
Tsurugi: Bast, I'll take you home.
Bast, crying, angry: How the hell can you be so calm!? He-- He...
Tsurugi: He's gone. It's all right. I'll take you home.
Bast collapses to the ground over Tsuubo and into her tears.
Student A: You were correct, that was fun.
Student B: But--
Student A: However, I have had enough fun for today, I'm going home.
A short distance from Tsuubo Butch stirs. With a groan he sits up. Tsuubo's body soon comes to his attention.
Butch: Did I do that? I don't remember nothin'. I guess I won. Bast is mine.
And with that he lapses back into unconsciousness.
Scene 3: Tsurugi and Bast stand outside the door to her house. She is a not exactly in the best of shape. Her face is still wet with tears, and her clothes are stained with blood. A woman comes to the door. She is to beautiful what Bast is to cute. She ushers her daughter inside; Bast walks dead to her bedroom where she collapses onto the bed and into rest. Her mother has yet to move from the door; she simply stands there looking over Tsurugi as he does her. At length she gestures him inside.
Lillith: Who are you?
Tsurugi: I would ask you the same question. I can feel strange energies from you.
Lillith: As I do for you. Now answer my question along with the second of what has happened and I shall answer yours.
Tsurugi: Very well. I am Tsurugi TsukiKaze, son of Sei. There were two fights in school today. The first was between a companion of mine and your daughter's now x-boyfriend. The second was between my fellows and opponents of a more shaded nature.
Lillith: You survived an attack from them!? Then I shall tell you. I am-
Tsurugi: You have an energy pattern like that of a Lilim, but it is stronger than any I have encountered. The last name you have selected, Lilininth, also gives clues to what and who you are. The sleep spell I wove over your child was to allow us to talk, now please, do so.
Lillith: I am Lillith.
Tsurugi: The Lillith? That would explain a bit, your highness. Then I guess the reason you are here is because of the gathering of the demons. Your children are drawn as well.
Lillith: How do you know of the gathering?
Tsurugi: I know a great deal, but the reason that the gathering is within my knowledge is because my brother is causing it. I have come here to stop him.
Lillith: I came here to try to defeat him. I have been unable to find him.
Tsurugi: With all respect that you are due m'lady, you have no hope to defeat this child. Please, leave things to me and my companions.
Lillith: I cannot! I must protect my chil-
Tsurugi: Bast, she is your child, is she not?
Lillith: Yes. Despite what the legends say I am capable of love with a man, true love. Bast is the result of that.
Tsurugi: There is a power somewhere in this area. I know not whose it is, but I feel that its owner is whom my brother truly seeks. Bast...
Lillith: Bast doesn't even know what she is. So far as she is concerned she is just a typical highschool girl.
Tsurugi: But could she have some power within her that not she nor you knows about?
Lillith: It is possible. Tell me more of what happened at the school. Whose blood is on my child.
Tsurugi: Tsuubo Sei, one of my fellows. He protected her, as is his destiny.
Lillith: Is he alright.
Tsurugi: He died. Your daughter will most likely be shaken by it; he had just beaten Butch to win her favor when we were attacked.
Lillith: You don't seem too distraught.
Tsurugi: He died well. His life was given to protect; as a warrior I respect that and will not dishonor his death by mourning it. Bastalanthia will most likely not feel up to attending school tomorrow. Do not force her. Adieu.
With that Tsurugi is gone; Lillith stares for a moment at the air he had occupied.
Lillith: He is powerful, that one, but if what I have felt from the pull of this gathering his brother might be his equal. With an army of Hades' children he may prove the greater no matter what allies TsukiKaze holds. Indeed, one of them has already perished.
Lillith looks in on her daughter. The death of Tsuubo haunts Bast even in the land of her dreams; tears wet a tightly clenched pillow. Lillith brushes her hand over Bastalanthia's hair and then pulls a blanket over her. Lillith whispers a soft word in a forgotten language to evoke the Lilim's power over dreams. Bast's tears stop.
Lillith: Sleep well, my child. [Lillith walks outside] Apologizes, son of Sei, but I cannot allow your family feud to bring my child to danger. I shall handle thing myself.
She jumps into the air, but she does not come down. Wings sprout from her back, black wings, demon wings. Marks of a demon appear on her flesh as she catches an air current and soars skyward.
Scene 4: Waka and Tanto sit in chairs around a table playing cards in a lavish hotel room. Tsuubo's body lies on one of the beds; he looks strangely at peace. It has only been forty-five minutes since the battle.
Waka: Full house. I win once more.
Tanto: It would seem that you do. Were we playing for money you debt would only be $500 at this point. May I inquire something of you?
Waka: What knowledge do you desire?
Tanto: Why did you not heal our brother?
Waka: Do not call Tsuubo my brother. If you have not noticed, him and I do not get along as the best of comrade. Quite simply we hate each other. Also I saw no reason to waste my power.
Tanto: It will make things difficult so far as interaction at the school is concerned.
Waka: Tanto, Tanto, Tanto... You are the youngest among us, but are you still really so young as to be so naive? By letting Tsuu die for Bast I have given him the greatest gift I could.
Tanto: Her pain? His mark may be-
Waka: Her love you idiot samurai. I knew that I could not have her, not after what he had done for her. I ruined my chances further in order to ingratiate him further with her. In short, he owes me one, big time.
Tanto: She will not understand. It will be too much of a shock to her.
Waka: And after she has gotten over it she will love him for all eternity.
Tanto: I shall not attempt to feign understanding of your toying with this young child's feelings, but-
Tanto is interrupted as Tsurugi enters the room. Not by door or even window; he is simply there.
Waka: Did things go well, brother?
Tsurugi: Bast is resting, my spells made sure of that. I'm sure she needs it. She and her mother are as I had thought.
Waka: Ah! You make me all the sadder that I have given her up. Perhaps I shall have chance with her mother.
Tsurugi: How's Tsuubo?
Tanto: Still dead.
Scene 5: The place where shadows live again.
Tathark: Master, I have failed you once more.
Shito: Had I given you leave to take real demons rather than the shadowed souls left when evil men die you might have had a chance, but the weak minions that you were allotted were destined to meet their end there.
Tathark: How are they weak m'lord; that is how I fell into demonhood.
Shito: You are joined to my will. Your power has grown with mine; still grows with mine. They were new; but children to the darker world. Just as you were when I found you.
Tathark: Then my attack was meant to lose...
Shito: Indeed.
Tathark: The attack, it was to gather information about our foes, or rather is was a diversion.
Shito: Both. Neither. One or the other. Do not worry that you have failed Tathark. In all fact, you have achieved more than I'd hoped. With the death of my brother's otherworldly brother things will be complicated for them.
Tathark: Thank you m'lord.
Shito: You are welcome, High General. Soon everything shall be set into action. The being of power is all but within my grasp.