Scene 1: The classroom in the morning a little before class is to start. The teacher is there alone, sitting at his desk.

Teacher: Just what the hell happened yesterday? Jeez, it was like... Just the hell did happen yesterday!?

Tanto and Waka enter; Tanto as an administrator and Waka as a student.

Waka: That is a question best to remain unanswered.

Teacher: Tanto! You're alright; I was worried. You'd been injured badly. Thank you again for saving me.

Waka, quietly to Tanto: Tanto and his pet sycophant.

Teacher: What? I didn't hear...

Tanto: He said nothing of concern. I must inform you that Tsurugi is going to be absent from class today.

Teacher: Just Tsurugi? I'm surprised that you two are here considering what happened to Tsuubo.

Waka: We have more important matters at hand than mourning him. I suppose that you have questions of us?

Teacher: You bet I do. What were-

Waka: Hold them in. The less you know the better off you're likely to be.

The 'get your butts to class' bell rings.

Teacher: People aren't going to forget what happened.

Student B enters, looking a bit down.

Teacher: B, you saw what happened yesterday, didn't you?

Student B: Has anybody see Student today?

Tanto: I believe that you will find his presence in the mirror.

Student B: Not me; the other Stu. Stu A.

Teacher: I haven't seen him. He might be sick, or he might not feel up to going to school after what happened yesterday.

Student B: Yeah, I guess that could be it. He seemed alright yesterday.

Waka: Death may be a hard thing for some people to accept. Their outward appearance may seem one of little concern, but inside and when they are alone they shatter and cannot do a thing but think and weep.

Student B: If you say so. It really doesn't seem like him though.

Tanto: Do you know him well?

Student B: I met him when he moved here a month or so ago. So far as I know I'm his only friend.

Tanto: Talk to him after school then. For now class is about to begin.

A few more students fill into the class and into their desks. Waka and Student B take their seats. Tanto stands with the teacher.

Teacher: Don't you have duties?

Tanto: I stay here for the protection of you and your students. If it is an inconvenience I may take my leave if you so desire.

Teacher: No, no. Stay. I was just making sure is all.

The 'your butt is late to class you idiot' bell rings.

Teacher: Alright. Who's here... let's see... uhm... Tsurugi is out. Student A is still missing. Bast isn't here--poor girl. She's probably taking this hard... Tsuu--ahem. Tommy, has anyone seen Tommy?

Student B: Not since we left the cafeteria yesterday. I think he stayed there to write some more.

Teacher: I guess he finally convinced the doctor that severe writers block is cause to stay home from school.

The door opens and Butch steps into the classroom.

Butch: Is Bast in here?

Waka: No, fool, she mourns to one who is your better. Leave this place and go to your class.

Butch: So she's not here?

Student B: That's what he said you idiot.

Butch: Alright, I'll go to her place then. We can be alone.

Waka: Leave her be or Tsuurugi will kill you. I pray thee, leave her be. I myself might abandon my pacifi-

Butch: Tsurugi? I'll kill him just like I killed his friend.

Student B: You what!?

Waka: You didn't kill Tsuubo. The darkened soul did while he protected Bast.

Butch: I didn't kill him? He musta' just been out cold then. I'll finish the job.

Teacher: Did you not hear him? He just said that Tsuubo is already dead. Now please leave my students alone. Stop hurting them by talking about their loved one who has pasted away. Leave my class!

Butch does so with reluctance. Teacher sighs.

Teacher: I- I... I just don't feel like teaching today. J- Just have a freeday or something.

The teacher sighs once more, sits at his desk, and just stares into space in though as his class goes to pieces for a full period.

Scene 2: Bast's bedroom. She is still in a state of rest from Tsurugi's sleep spell the night before. She stirs slightly. Then with the violent movement of a yawn and a stretch her blanket is tossed from her and she is up, though still not awake.

Bast: Man, what an odd dream. Free of Butch; yeah I wish. Tsuubo was pretty cool though. [She yawns] I just wish it hadn't turned into a nightmare.

Bast gets up from her bed and walks to the bathroom. Her jaw goes slack as her arms hang lifeless as her sides, and all sleep disappears from her being as her eyes take in the blood stained into her shirt. Her legs give out from under her as she falls to her knees.

Bast: Oh my gods; it was real. I didn't dream it; it was real. No, I get it. I'm still dreaming. A dream is as real as any reality whilst you are in it's grasp, or some such other thing that mother likes to say. Alright. If I know it's a dream then I should be able to control it, right? [She closes her eyes] I want Tsuubo, alive and well, to be lying on my bed. [She opens her eyes and walks back to her room. Tsuubo isn't there.] Okay, alright, well. So this either isn't a dream or it is a dream and I can't control it or I'm currently going through denial. Denial it is then. [Bast sits on her bed and wraps her arms around herself.] It's my fault, it's all my fault. He wouldn't--he wouldn't be dead if he hadn't tried to save me. I killed him. It's the same as if I'd stabbed one of his own knives through his heart I... He was so brave and nice and he saved me. He died to save me and I killed him and... Gods, why did he have to die? He was so much better than Butch. I think I was starting to-- [The doorbell rings] Mother will get it or they'll go away. Alright, look, Bast. He was just a guy. If he wanted to throw his life away for you, it's not your problem. Besides, they seemed to know the guy that was leading those things. There probably wouldn't have been anything wrong if Tsuubo and his friends hadn't shown up in the first place. He just showed up anyway. You couldn't possibly be in-- [the doorbell rings once more.] Where the hell is mom!? Anyway... [She sighs] Alright, who do you think you're fooling Bastalanthia. Of course you--

Voice: Fooling yourself about what?

Bast turns to the door to her bedroom and almost faints dead away on the spot. For there leans Tsuubo, full and whole. He is dressed in a loose fitting black dress shirt with a white T-shirt underneath. A band across his shoulder and around his waist holds twenty of his throwing knives. He smiles at Bast.

Bast: Ha! So it was a dream! Am I ever glad of that! It's a bit sad that I'll never see you again when I wake up, but at least you're not dead.

Tsuubo: Bast, It wasn't a dream. I was dead.

Bast: Wh- what are you saying? Are you a ghost then? Are you going to haunt me for killing you? [Tsuubo laughs]

Tsuubo: Nope, not a ghost. I was dead, not am. [sigh] I think I owe you a bit of an explanation.

Tsurugi walks in wearing a black fighting outfit with white trim. He carries no visible weapon. Nothing conceals from Bast his inhuman features.

Tsurugi: Lady Bastalanthia. [He bows] I hope you are well. I need to speak with your mother, but it seems she is out.

Bast: I haven't seen he--wait a minute! Just what and who the hell are you guys!?

Tsurugi: That depends. Do you want the pretty lie or the truth that will challenge your sanity?

Tsuubo: I refuse to lie to her, Tsu. You see Bast we're gods and--

Tsuubo stops as Tsurugi slaps him across the back of the head.

Tsurugi: We are not gods.

Tsuubo: We could be, if we tried... But anyway, Bast, we aren't human.

Bast: Oh, gee. Thanks for clearing that up for me. What the hell are you?

Tsurugi: There are many races within the spans of the infinite universes. We belong to but-

Bast: You're gonna try to tell me you're aliens from outerspace?

Tsurugi: Aliens? Yes. That's a good way to put it, but from otherspace, not outer.

Bast: Huh?

Tsuubo: It doesn't matter, let's just say that we're not from around here. We are both members of a race known as Kotobukian; Waka is as well.

Bast: So you guys are related then? That would explain why you all look so alike.

Tsurugi: Not quite. Just as your reality is not mine, neither is Tsuubo's, nor Waka's, nor Tanto's.

Tsuubo: In short, no, we are not related.

Bast: That still doesn't tell me how or why you came here, what attacked us, and how you came back to life!

Tsuubo: It's censored simple really. Tsu here has a little brother named Shito. That censored little kid wants revenge on Tsurugi for some reason or another and we've just all gotten caught up in it. He's pulling together his resources so to speak. Those things that attacked us; they're what's left on earth when someone evil dies. Demon of a sort, though not very powerful as demons go until they get old.

Tsurugi: That bastard elf Tathark was one of them. I killed him over three centuries ago. Needless to say he has become quite powerful in that time.

Bast: Three hundred years. That's impossible! You'd have to be--

Tsuubo: I did rise from the dead, remember.

Bast: No. I won't except this; it's some kind of elaborate trick.

Tsuubo: Tsurugi, leave us.

Tsurugi bows and exits.

Tsuubo: My name, when my parents gave it to me, was supposed to mean 'End to the Pain.' I was born with this mark, see? [Tsuubo grips with left wrist and concentrates, bringing life to his flame] In Japanese--we called it Kotobukian--that symbol means pain. It's called a Mark of Destiny, and it's supposed to show what my life will be like. Ever optimists my parents named me 'End of the Pain.'

Bast: That's cool and all, but--you'll forgive me for saying so--hard to swallow.

Tsuubo: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be immortal? Even for a moment, even with just a passing thought, have you ever wondered?

Bast: Sure, who hasn't. To always be young; to always have enough time to do whatever I want. I could know everything and do anything forever.

Tsuubo: Have you ever thought about how long forever is though? I have, and it's a very long time. Immortality it pain, Bast. My parents named me 'End of the Pain,' but there are different ways that it can be read. 'Darkening Pain' is my favorite, but the most accurate would probably be 'Life of Pain.' It might be hard for you to understand, but had I stayed dead, I would have been happy. The end to my pain would have come. I've learned to live with it, and it's not so bad as it used to be. I think I can even accept my fate now, but I still miss the rest of death for a bit after I come back. It's kinda funny really, when I think about it. So many people want to live forever. Religions everywhere promise them their immortality in their god's kingdom after they die. I'll live for all eternity and never really want to.

Bast: I- I think I can understand. It's still really hard for me to believe what you're telling me. I even saw what happened and it's hard for me to believe.

[Tsuubo takes one of his knives and cuts open his left wrist. The flame bursts into vibrant life with the introduction of pain to his system. Bast gasps]

Tsuubo: It's alright, it won't burn anything.

Bast: You're hurt you idiot!

Tsuubo: It's alright.

[The blood flows freely for a few seconds. Tsuubo wipes it away on the bottom of his T-shirt. Not the slightest scratch remains on his wrist.]

Tsuubo: Do you believe me now?

Bast can only nod slowly.

Tsuubo, smiling: Censored good! Tsurugi, you can come out of your hiding now.

[The door to Bast's closet opens and Tsurugi steps out.]

Tsuubo: Watching us like that. You can be as bad as Katana.

Tsurugi: No one is as bad as Katana; he's pretty disgraceful.

Bast: Damnit! You just gave me more questions you ass! How did you get there, you left through the door!

Tsuubo: Teleportation.

Tsurugi: It's pretty complex at first, but once you've been practicing for twenty years or so it's simple as can be.

Tsuubo: And before you ask who Katana is, he's just another one of us who was too busy questing for censored panty shots in Japan to join us.

Bast: Nice guy. So Tanto is one of you too then?

Tsurugi: No, he is human. His life's span is increased by virtue of the sun goddess to whom he is in service. He can still die if he wants to, but at this point he's interested in fighting evil eternally for her.

Bast: You are some really weird people.

Tsuubo: You should meet Tsu's other friends. Elves and dryads and clones, oh my.

Tsurugi: Perhaps sometime, but for now, where is your mother?

Bast: She should be here. She doesn't work or anything. We live off of some inheritance she got, or maybe it's insurance from when my father died. I don't know, but she doesn't usually do anything during the day.

Tsurugi: Gods, she wouldn't, not after I tol--

Bast: Wouldn't what? What are you talking about?

Tsurugi: Nothing, nothing at all. She's probably just at the store or something.

Bast: Those things tried to kill me yesterday, if my mother's a target now I want to know.

Tsurugi: Don't worry yourself, they were only after you because you were within their circle when they attacked. If for some reason they do come back Tsuubo will be here to protect you. And Tsuubo, could I talk to you for a moment.

Tsuubo: Sure. Bast, I'll have to ask you to stay here.

Bast: I understand.

[Tsurugi and Tsuubo go to the living room where they can talk in private.]

Tsurugi: She didn't follow.

Tsuubo: She doesn't eavesdrop, unlike some people. Now, what do you want.

Tsurugi: I didn't tell you after you revived, but Bast is a Lilim.

Tsuubo: She's a Li--

Tsurugi: Quiet, her mother says that she doesn't know, but it means that she might be the being of power that Shito is after.

Tsuubo: What's so special about her being a Lilim, they're all over the place in some worlds.

Tsurugi: Listen, he mother is their queen, Lillith. Bast is the product of Lillith's love, now do you understand.

Tsuubo: That puts her above most of that kind, but even still, I feel no great power from her.

Tsurugi: Guard her well none the less. Even if she doesn't have the power, Shito might think she does, and Tathark set his eyes on her.

Tsuubo: I'll guard her well no matter what she is, you don't need to try to impress me.

Tsurugi: Alright, do so. I'll look for my brother. Bid lady Bastalanthia well for me.

Tsuubo: Later.

[Tsurugi vanishes]

Tsuubo: Shito after Bast, yeah right. Today's gonna be an easy day.

Scene 3: The lunch bell rings at the school and droves of teens rush to take the daily slop. Tanto and Waka walk calmly to the cafeteria, Tanto's educator lap-dog trails behind them.

Waka: Today has been pretty quite thus far.

Teacher: Do you expect something to happen?

Waka: I don't, but Tsurugi knows best the details of our foe.

Tanto: If Tsurugi says that we should watch then it shall hold worth.

Teacher: So, is he like your leader, or what?

Waka: Leadership is determined situation to situation. In this case he knows best.

Teacher: Ah. And just what are you guys?

Waka: I asked you to keep your questions to yourself, please do so.

Teacher: Alright...

Waka: I wish to thank you.

Teacher: For what?

Waka: You handled Butch nicely. You serve Tsuubo well by doing that. I just hope that the buffoon doesn't keep his mind to take after Bast.

Tanto: Even if he does, she has protection.

Teacher: From who?

Waka: Just a comrade of our, no one for you to be concerned with. Trust me, everything is within our control.

As they walk they pass Student B who is just entering the last digit into his locker combination.

Student B: Damn it Stu. It's so boring here withou--what's this? [Student B pulls a note from his locker] "B, meet me behind the gym at lucnh. Your friend, A." Well, that answers that. Let's see... Lunch just started; so I guess I have time to grab a bite to eat first.

Scene 4: Bast's home: Living Room.

Tsuubo: It's been three hours and not a problem.

Bast: That's good. Only, we're running out of stuff to do here.

Tsuubo: We could play battleship again.

Bast: I'm tired of battleship. I'm sure we could find something to do in my bedroom.

Tsuubo: I wonder why your mother hasn't shown up yet.

Bast: She's fine, I'm sure. Tsurugi said he'd handle things, and I trust that. With mom gone we get to be alone for a while.

Tsuubo: Bast, have you ever heard of Lilim?

Bast: Lilim? No, not at all. Is that some new band?

Tsuubo: Not quite. The are a breed of demon, spawned from... from the original female.

Bast: Lillith? My mother told me that she was named after her, but most people think Eve.

Tsuubo: It was Lillith. Now, these creatures, Lilim, are not like some other demons. They may live and look like and love humans. They are creatures of a sexual nature, most of them following physically hedonistic values. Perhaps with the love and marriage and rape through the centuries breeding half and quarter and eighth part Lilim, everyone today has a piece of your mother's namesake within them.

Bast: Sex-demons? Like in that Japanime stuff?

Tsuubo: That's a stereotype, and many demons seek sexual relations with humans. That is how they reproduce. Lilim just aren't always destructive in the matter. Sometimes part Lilim can live through life as just humans with a heightened libido. They never learn what they really are.

Bast: Ah well, it doesn't really matter. That stuff's all just fairy tales and crap anyway.

Tsuubo: Is it? So are immortals, elves, and demons.

Bast, shrugging: Whatever. Why are you telling me this anyway?

Tsuubo: Just a way to pass the time.

The doorbell rings

Tsuubo: I better get that.

Tsuubo gets up and opens the door. He is rushed and wrapped in a warm embrace.

Butch: Bast!

Tsuubo slips free from Butch's arms just short of being kissed. A rapid blow to the stomach send Butch out the door to be seated on the concrete walkway outside.

Tsuubo: Watch who you're glomping you censored idiot! I'm not Bast and you had better get any idea of hugging her out of your censored mind this instant!

Butch: You're not Bast.

Bast: Gods, not again.

Butch: You shouldn't pluralize God, he gets angry. Hey, you?

Tsuubo: Yeah?

Butch: You're dead.

Tsuubo: Yes, I'm dead, you're dead, she's dead, we're all dead. This is hell, the devil is coming and you better run because he has his sites set on you.

Butch: Shouldn't it be warmer?

Tsuubo: The union of lost souls complained about the heat, so the devil decided to cut back on the torture and save on his heating bill at the same time. You hear that, he's coming, you better run.

Butch: I ain't afraid. I'll beat him up, just like I beat you.

At this Tsuubo's eyes are instantly black pools and his hand is aflame.

Tsuubo: What did you say?

Butch: Shouldn't it be warmer.

Tsuubo: After that.

Butch: I ain't afraid.

Tsuubo: After that too you censored moron! What the censored was the last censored thing that you censored said!?

Butch: Oh. I beat you.

Tsuubo: That's what I though you said.

Butch: Could you move so I can see my girl?

Tsuubo: She is not your girl!

Butch: She's yours now?

Tsuubo: No! She is hers!

Butch: She's turned gay?

Tsuubo: A censored rock has advantage over you in IQ testing!

Butch: How does a rock censored?

Bast: Guys, guys, calm down! Butch, we broke up, don't you remember?

Butch: We did?

Bast: Uhm... yup! You said that you wanted to date the cheerleading squad and that I was holding you back.

Butch: I don't remember that.

Tsuubo: You must have hit that censored head of yours. That would make you forget.

Butch: You think so?

Bast: Butch, why don't you go home and then never talk to me again, alright?

Butch: No. I don't remember breaking up. If I did I take it back. Bast, you're mine.

Tsuubo: Like censored hell she is.

Butch: You said we were in hell.

Tsuubo: That was a trick you fool!

Butch: So I don't get to fight the devil?

Tsuubo: No!

Butch: I'll fight you then.

Tsuubo: Try it then.

Lillith, behind Butch: Gentlemen.

Butch, turning: Hi, Ms. Bast's Mom.

Lillith: Lillith, call me Lillith, or even Lil. Is Bast here?

Bast comes to stand next to Tsuubo.

Bast: Right here mom.

Lillith: We're going out. Say good-bye to your friends.

Tsuubo: It would be better for both you and here if you were to stay here with me.

Lillith: You must be Tsuubo. Tsurugi told me about you.

Tsuubo: Oh? What did he say?

Lillith: He told me that you would be watching my daughter, and that I should kill you if you tried to keep me from taking him.

Lillith's wings sprout from her back as the marks of a demon appear on her flesh.

Bast: Mom, what are you...

Bast collapses into sleep.

Butch: I need a nap.

Tsuubo: You will not take her easily, I will protect her. No, who are you.

Lillith: I am her mother. To think I went to battle lord Shito last night... He showed me the truth path. Now I take my daughter to him so that he may show her the way as well.

Tsuubo: He's gained control of the demon within you! Fight it!

Lillith: I do not want to. My lord requests Bast, and so I shall deliver her.

Butch: You won't take her!

Lillith: What determination you have. Resisting my spells of sleep is not easy.

Butch: Bast is mine!

Lillith places her hand on Butch's forehead.

Lillith: Nighty-night. [Butch collapses] Now it is just you and me...

Tsuubo: I won't be quite as easy as him.

Lillith: ...and my ally.

Tsuubo: Wha-

A shadowed sword stabs through him before he can finish; his flame grows to half his arm.

Tathark: With the energy field that Lillith generates you didn't sense my approach. It's a shame really. You might have been able to win.

Tsuubo: I... won't let... you take her...

Tathark: You can't stop us.

Lillith: She will be shown the truth by our master!

Tathark: It's quite sorry, isn't it? When Shito takes their minds away. I was fortunate, Shito left me with my will and thoughts while others become mindless serving slaves. Bast will have that fate, though... I am fond of her, perhaps she'll keep her will and be mine.

Tsuubo: I'll kill you first!

Tathark: Your companion already did me that service.

Tathark rips his blade from Tsuubo's flesh. Tsuubo falls to the ground; his flame is gone.

Tathark: He'll revive in an hour. Take her.

Lillith: Yes general.

Lillith picks Bast up from the ground as her wings shrink and her marks vanish. Tsuubo's hand rests within Bast's shadow. He speaks in a voice so meek barely even he can hear.

Tsuubo: Shadow Tactics: Shadow Stalker.

And he dies once more. Lillith and Tathark leave. The sun casts shadows about the ground from many sorts of objects. From the ajar door. From the house itself. From each blade of grass. Yet, no shadow falls from Tsuubo.

Scene 5: Back at the school: Behind the gym.

Student A: Just what is taking that idiot so long? He must not have gone to his locker; that would be great. One day he decides to not go to his locker and it happens to be the day I have to talk to him. Alright, stay calm. You know what happens to you when you get over excited. Deep breaths; relax. Good. Now, he always goes to his locker so it's reasonable to assume that he did go to his locker today. Since that is the most probable scenario the fool is probably stuffing his face in the cafeteria on the slop that they force feed us telling himself that I can wait a while. I suppose I can wait a while, but I should have chosen a place a bit more away from the sun.

Student B rounds a corner

Student B: Hi! Sorry I'm a bit late, but I was hungry and...

Student A: Indeed. I had suspected as much.

Student B: So, uhm... just what is it that you want to talk to me about? Why aren't you in school today?

Student A: There are many things of greater importance than school.

Student B: So you didn't stay home out of sadness from that guy dying yesterday?

Student A: Hardly. Would I be here if I were? No, I want to talk to you is all. Since I came here a month ago you have been nice to me and I would like to show my appreciation in my own way. In short, I have something for you.

Student B: I- I'm sorry Stu, but I'm not into drugs.

Student A: I'm not talking about drugs, cretin, I'm talking about power.

Student B: Whatever it is you're on man, I don't think it's good for you, listen to yourself. You talk like you're insane.

Student A: I assure you, I am fully competent and in complete control of my actions. Do you accept my offer?

Student B: You're high man. I've leaving.

Student B turns to leave. He tires to walk away, but he cannot move from his position. Arms of shadow reach out from his own to bind him. He whirls around as best he can to face Student A.

Student B: It's more of those things from yesterday; run!

Student A: In--

Student A's body turns dark, and to Student B's horror it starts melt away into the shadow below. A smaller form is contained within the shadow mass that had been Student A. It stretches and smiles evily as the last bit of darkness leaves it to join in holding B. The new form has the eyes of a serpent and speaks with the voice of a cherub twelve years of age. The entire transformation takes less than a twentieth of a moment.

Shito: --deed.

Student B: Wh- what the hell!? Who the hell are you!? Where's Stu!?

Shito: I am Shito Sei, at your service. [He bows] I am also your friend Stu; he was an illusion to allow me to attend your school.

Student B: Sei? Like Tsuubo and Waka? What do you want!?

Shito: Tsuubo, Waka, and Tsurugi, though my brother now takes the name TsukiKaze. What I want is revenge against my brother for all the evil that he has done to me. I am here to gather aid in that task. What I want now though is as I said. I wish to show you my appriciation my own way for the service of your friendship--even though you annoyed my 99% of the time and nearly ruined my ever important concentration on several occasions.

Student B: I don't want anything from you, just let me go!

Shito: That is because you have yet to see what I have to offer you. There is a being of great power in this area that will grant me the ability I need to defeat my sibling once and for all. I will, however, need generals to lead my troops into battle against him. That is why I desire you.

Student B: No! Just let me go! I thought you were my friend!

Shito: Friend? Ha. No, I am not your friend. In truth, you get on my nerves endlessly. Still I feel that I own you something for your idiotic attempt to show me your friendship. Therefore I shall make you into one of my demonic generals. That task might just destroy your annoyance.

Student B: No, I--

Shade surges into Student B's body, filling every aspect of him and crowding down his soul. The shadow outside of him wells up around him, devouring him.

Shito: Don't fight your destiny...

A small blue glow can be seen beneath Shito's shirt. The shade closes fully around Student B; he is drowning in the darkness. Then he is gone. Shito stands over the place B had been with a dark grin completely out of place on his angelic face.

Shito: The pieces are set, dear brother. The move is yours.

Shadows cling to Shito as if they were an extension of his own body as he walks, hands in pockets, aways from the school and toward the place where shadows dance as if alive.

Scene 6: Bast's Home. Tsurugi is kneeling next to Tsuubo.

Tsurugi: Wake up. Tsuubo, get up; now. [sigh] Baka ga nemurenai de yo! [Trans: Don't sleep you idiot!]

Tsuubo, eyes slowly opening: Tsu? Tsurugi? . . . Bast! Where is she!?

Tsurugi: That's what I'd like to know. What happened here?

Tsuubo, sitting up: I am such a censored idiot. I let that censored bastard Tathark get me. Gods damn it. They took her.

Tsurugi: Shito and Tathark?

Tsuubo: No, her own mother! She's under Shito's control now. She went to fight him yesterday.

Tsurugi: Lillith... There's no way he could overcome her.

Tsuubo: She's been living as a human for years; she might have lost control of some of the demon within her.

Tsurugi: Perhaps, but even then he would have needed hours of direct physical contact to take her.

Tsuubo: If she went for him yesterday then he would have had the time.

Tsurugi: Verily. At this point though she shouldn't be too deeply within his grasp. We might be able to save her. Bast on the other hand... She has no control over her Lilim blood whatsoever...

Tsuubo closes his eyes for a moment and concentrates.

Tsuubo: I don't think he's done anything to her yet. He isn't even around so far as I can tell. She is bound. I can't see much else though, just darkness all around.

Tsurugi: Your shadow--stalker?

Tsuubo: Yes. I can't do any of my Shadow Tactics until I can reclaim it though.

Tsurugi: You can find where she's held then, correct? I have been unable.

Tsuubo: I should be able to. I should have believed you when you said that Bast was the being of power.

Butch sits up with a groan. Tsurugi looks at him oddly.

Tsurugi: That is not definite, I still may be wrong.

Butch: Where's my Bast? Bast is mine, nobody else can take her!

Tsuubo: We're going to get Bast, but she isn't yours!

Butch: Take me to my Bast!

Tsuubo: No censor-

Tsurugi: He might prove useful. If not for anything else than to get Bast out of danger while we fight.

Tsuubo: You're insane if you think I'll let him near her!

Tsurugi: I'm insane then. We might need him. We have to get Tanto and Waka.

Tsuubo: What about the others? You practically have an army on call if you need it.

Tsurugi: We should be fine. If we need help we'll call for it then.

Butch: Hurry up and get me to my Bast!

Tsurugi: Right then. I'll drop you two off at the hotel, then I'll get Tanto and Waka.

Tsuubo: I can use the teleportation spell. Not well, but well enough to get me there.

Tsurugi: In only you had a second shadow to use your tactics with, eh? Try to find where Shito has her. I'll meet you at the room.

Tsurugi vanishes.

Butch: How'd he do that? Is he dead and a ghost too?

Tsuubo: I am not censored dead! [sigh] Looks like you're with me. Behave!

Tsuubo starts chanting in a strange language. Butch interrupts.

Butch: What are you saying?

Tsuubo: Your epitaph. You died and I'm to take you to hell, but I need to say a few words first.

Butch: I don't feel dead, and you said this was hell.

Tsuubo, very annoyed: Just censored shut the censored up and let me censored finish!

Butch: Will it get me to my Bast?

Tsuubo: No! It will take you closer to Bast, but she's not yours!

Butch: Yes she is.

Tsuubo: No she is not!

Butch: You wanna fight over it?

Tsuubo: I would like nothing better, but--

He is stopped by Butch's fist slamming into his jaw.

Tsuubo: I don't have time for this!

Butch: But you said you wanted to.

Tsuubo: You didn't let me finish! Now just let me finish my spell!

Butch: You said it was my epitaph.

Tsuubo's hand snakes out with two fingers extended to strike a point on Butch's neck. Butch falls unconscious. Tsuubo lifts him by the scruff of the shirt and finishes his spell to the end. They vanish.

Scene 7: The classroom.

Teacher: Has anyone seen Stu B? He was here before lunch...

Tanto: He was present in the cafeteria as well, but he departed halfway through the meal period.

Waka: What? Why didn't you tell me; Tsurugi might have ment for us to watch him.

Tanto: You were busy flirting with the cheerleading squad and asked not to be disturbed. If I remember correctly one did admit to liking girls and gave you her number.

Waka: I don't really look that much like a girl, do I?

Teacher: You mean you're a guy? I'm sorry, I never knew. [He laughs]

Waka: Very funny.

Several students gasp in amazement as Tsurugi appears in the class.

Tsurugi: Apologizes Teacher, but I must take my comrades.

Waka: Tsurugi, you didn't mean for us to watch Student B, did you?

Tsurugi: Not him inparticular. Did anything strange happen?

Teacher: He's probably just skipping class is all. His friend wasn't here today, he might have left to see him.

Tsurugi: I see. Not that it matters now. Bast has been taken, she must be the one.

Waka: That incompetent Tsuubo, I knew he--oops...

Teacher: Tsuubo, but he's dead, isn't he?

Tanto: That is a tale that takes a long time in telling.

Tsurugi: Tathark took him this time. Bast's mother has fallen under Shito's control; her power must have been strong enough for Tathark to not be detected. Tsuubo was taken by surprise most likely.

Waka: Excuses, excuses. If anything happens to sweet Bast, it's on his head.

Teacher: Wait, what's going to happen to Bast?

Tanto: She will be safe. You have a class to teach.

Teacher: I must look out for the well being of my student. I'm going with you.

Tsurugi: I cannot allow that. Farewell. [bow]

Tsurugi's teleportation spell runs through his mind in a half an instant, but it only took the teacher half of that half an instant to grab onto Tanto and be dragged along with the spell. The students stare blankly at the place where the four had been.

Scene 8: The place where shadows live. Bast is on the ground, still out. Her eyes slowly start to open. She sees darkness and within that darkness the form of her mother, the shade-elf, a young child, and a young man. The young man she can almost place as Stu B, from her class, but there are dark marks on his flesh and the darkness clings to him like a set of clothing. The child wears the darkness like skin; a blue flame is in the center of his chest. Shadows dance all around her. She tries to get up but finds she is bound.

Bast: Let me go!

Shito: So you're awake at last lady Bastalanthia.

Bast: Who are you? What do you want with me? What did you do to my mother!?

Shito: I am younger brother to the one called Tsurugi. Your mother is one of my servants now. Tathark you know, he is my general. Student B you know as well, he has newly joined my force. He didn't want to at first, but after I gave him the power of a demon that I control which now possesses him, he decided to join.

Bast: Possessed? Is that what you did to my mother? Let her go!

Shito: Foolish girl, don't you even know what you are?

Bast: I'm just a girl; no use to you. Let me and my mom go, please!

Shito: Indeed. You are of no use to me, child, but my general has taken a liking to you.

Tathark: No use? But sire, the being of pow-

Shito: Yes, the being of power. I would take control of the demon within her now, but it takes all of my will to bind her mother. Once I take the being of power into my control she will be next.

Tathark: But I thought that she was the being of power.

Shito: No, it is not her. My brother seems to think that she is though. He will come after her soon.

Student B: Then I am the one you speak of, lord?

Shito: You are a soldier and nothing more. As I see it the only one who can be the being with this grand power is one that I acquired yesterday.

Tathark: During the fight...

Student B: The only one who was missing during the fight was--

Tommy jumps through a wall of shadow.

Tommy: I am the being of power! [Megalomaniacle laugh.]

Student B: Him...?

Shito: Unfortunately, yes. I pray that I may take the power from him and into myself rather than need to keep him around. I would have had him last night if not for Lillith.

Tommy: Once my power is unleashed I shall write with the skill of Shakespeare! Dante! Murasaki! All the greats shall fall before me!

Tathark: I feel nothing from him, are you certain he is the one?

Shito: Honestly, no. The magical signature about him suggests it, but it is not certain. His blood seems right.

Bast: This is too stupid to be real. Then it's a dream. But the last time it was a dream it wasn't a dream and--

Lillith: It is not a dream, my Lilim child.

Bast: Li- Lilim? What are you saying? Th- that's impossible...

Tathark: She does not believe what she is even when her own mother says it.

Bast: She's not my mother! It's a demon controlling my mother's body!

Shito: Denial of the truth just because it goes against her common sense. How human a thing. The demon in her will be easy to take.

Bast: Tsuubo...

Tathark: He cannot save you. He'll never find you in time. You'll grow to like me in time.

Bast: Never!

Shito: We shall see, my dear.

Scene 9: The hotel room. Tsuubo is in a trance. Butch is still out; Tsuubo has put him on the bed. Tsurugi and the others appear.

Tsurugi: You idiot! Never, ever, ever interrupt a teleport spell! We could have ended up on the moon of Pluto!

Teacher: Sorry. I'm new at this magic thing. I told you that you couldn't go without me.

Tsurugi: Fine, you may come, but you will regret it later if you live to.

Waka: Hey, Tsuubo. Tsuubo... Tsuubo!

Tsuubo, coming out of his trance: Yes?

Waka: What's going on?

Tsuubo: I've sent my shadow with Bast to watch her.

Tsurugi: Have you found anything out?

Tsuubo: She's safe for now, and she's not the being of power.

Tsurugi: I thought not. Who does Shito believe it is then.

Tsuubo: You wouldn't believe me. You'll have to see yourself.

Tsurugi: Have you found where they are?

Tsuubo: Uh-huh.

Tsurugi: Where then?

Waka: Probably someplace cliché like a graveyard.

Tsuubo: Not even close. I'll take you there.

Tanto: We should perhaps wake up this large child first?

Tsuubo: If we must.

Tsuubo strikes another point on Butch. Butch shoots awake.

Butch: Is Bast here!?

Tsuubo: We're going to save her, get up. She isn't yours.

Butch: Yes she is.

Tsuubo: No, she is not!

Butch: She is!

Waka: Boys, stop. Now.