Act 4

Scene 1: The place where shadows live. A large stone alter has been placed in the center. Shito stands before it with a dagger in his grip. Beneeth his shirt there is a faint blue shine. To his sides are Tommy and Student B. Bast is still chained to the wall, but she does not struggle. Her look is one of complete hopelessness. Tathark and Lillith guard her.

Bast: Tsuubo... where are you...?

Bast's shadow seems to heave a sigh though her body does not.

Shito: The time draws near. Get onto the alter.

Tommy: You mean me, right? Yesyesyes! Soon I'll say goodbye to my writers block forever! I'll turn out novels like the entire staff of TSR, but faster! And better! And--

Shito: Indeed. If you are quite through...

Tommy: Yesyes; fine good.

Tommy climbs onto the alter.

Shito: It would probably be best to wait longer, as the girl's mother stresses my concentration. However, the attentions of my sibling and his companions has been drawn to us, and if our dear lady Lillith can find us then I have no doubt that my brother will soon as well if he has not already. Therefore I see little choice in the matter beyond continuing, and soon. Tommy, I shall take from within you the power that you hold and use it to take my revenge for the evils that my brother has done onto me. In return I shall do all that is in my ability to... [sigh] Enhance your writing talent.

Tommy laughs megalominiacly once more.

Shito: Are you in agreement with these terms?

Tommy: Yes. Completely. Totally. Get on with it!

Shito: Very well. I must have no interuption during the right; my concentration is streached thin as it is.

Tathark: We will guard you lord.

Student B: Yes, you are safe.

Shito: If I were you I would be more worried for my own safety. After this Bast, you shall be joining my ranks.

Bast: Never...

Shito: Your voice is faltering; you are not so sure of your ability to resist. Your faith in your new boyfriend has diminished. You are feeling lost and alone. How sad. If you would give yourself willingly I could unlock your demonic powers right now. I'm certain that you will be happier once that is done.

Bast: I'm fine; I don't want any favors from you.

Shito: Suit yourself. After Tommy's power becomes my power I shall not need precaution and conservation of my abilities. Then you will have no choice. Still, it would be much easier on us all if you were to just give in.

Bast: I... No. Tsuubo will come. You know he will; otherwise you wouldn't have told your flunkies to protect you.

Tathark: Flunky? Heh. Call me what you will. You have not been with us long enough to know any of what there is to know. You will learn in time.

Bast: In time. In time. I keep telling you, never. I'll hate you for as long as I live and for eternity after that.

Shito: Enough banter. The time has come.

Shito raises his dagger in both hands above Tommy. The glow beneeth his garment grows slowly as his hands take position. In a single swift motion Shito slits one of his wrists. His blood falls into a crimson pool on Tommy's chest. Then the stream of life fluid slows into droplets and them stops as the wound closes impossibly fast. Shito takes Tommy's wrist and holds it over the pool. Tommy's blood soon joins Shitos as his wrist is cut extrating a small cry of pain along with the blood. Shito presses Tommy's wrist into the mixed blood. He then begins chanting strange words. The shadows around his sing in chorus to his chant.

Scene 2: Back to the hotel room. Tsuubo sits concentrating on his shade. The others have readied to go. Tsurugi holds his twin katanas at his sides. His mark glows crimson with the light of an ember. Tanto wears now a soft leather armour. Not quite the standard for a samurai, but the freedom of movement it allows has worked its way into his preference. He polishes his sword as he wispers a prayer to the sun goddess. Waka's clothing has changed as well. Rather than prep clothing his garb is a white Chinese shirt and a pair of loose black pants. For the first time he can almost be fully identified as male. He carries no weapon. Tsuubo stands up suddenly and all eyes turn to him. Tsurugi's blades turn to mist and fade away. They will return when he calls.

Tsuubo: I suggest we get this censored party underway.

Tsurugi: We're ready, has something happened?

Tsuubo: Shito has started the right to drain the power from its owner.

Butch: Is Bast Okay? Take me to Bast!

Tsuubo, under breath: At least he didn't say 'my Bast.'

Waka: So where is the little creep hiding?

Tsuubo: First thing's first. Tsurugi, why did you stick us in this censored cheap hotel room? I mean, lavish as this is, wouldn't the penthouse have been all the better?

Tanto: Tsuubo, I know not why you request an answer to this now, perhaps another time you will have the opertunity to complain, but for the time being--

Tsurugi: Wait. I didn't get the penthouse because it was already taken...

Tsuubo: Exactly.

Waka: Well, I suppose he did manage to avoid the cliche. Shall we go?

Tsuubo: He expects us to. Tath, Lil, and another are guarding him; not to mention his lesser troops.

Tsurugi: Another?

Tsuubo: Even I don't believe it, I'll put it that way. You'll see.

Butch: Where's my Bast!? Take me to her now!

Tsurugi: You'll see her soon. [he turns to Teacher] You.

Teacher: Yes? Don't try to make me leave.

Tsurugi: If you insist on coming then stay back and don't count on us to save you.

Teacher: I understand. I only wish that I could be of some help.

Tsurugi: If you and bright boy here can get Bast to safety you will be a great help to us.

Butch: I'll save Bast!

Teacher: I'll do what I can, but if we're agaisnt anything like we were yesterday I doubt that will be much.

Tanto: Do not risk yourself; we will handle things.

Tsuubo: We're wasting time here. Let's go!

Waka: And just how do you plan to go to them, through the front like a guest?

Tsurugi: We may as well, the resistence should be the same.

Waka: So we shall walk knowingly into the lion's den.

Tsurugi: Verily.

Scene 3: The penthouse where shadows are alive. Shito's flame is large in his chest now. His hands are covered in both his and Tommy's blood. Tommy looks pale from his loss, but a twisted grin is still on his face.

Tommy: Better--better than... Miller, Locke, Lao Tzu...

Shito's hands work in quick motions over Tommy's body. His chant continues and the shades about his continue to echo the chant. A light blue mist hangs over the blood--rises from the blood. It twists and turns with the wind of the movement of the child's hands.

Student B: How long is this going to take?

Tathark: I don't know, I've never seen it before. Appearantly to take the power from someone a mage must find them before their ability has been awakened. After that the energy cannot be removed. That is why our master did not simple take the power of Lillith.

Student B: What is this power anyway?

Tathark: It is the power of the earth that dwells in everything--flows freely about and through everything. It is the power source of magic, ki, and other such abilities. With training the ability to use this force can grow, but there are--but once in a very rare while--children born with extreamly high natural capacity to use this energy. That is, appearantly, what Tommy is. Rather than train for a thousand years to gain power equal to his our master will simply take the power that Tommy cannot use anyway.

Student B: A thousand years? That's an amazing amount of power. Does he really have that much.

Tathark: Godlike, if it were unlocked. Our master shall be strong indeed.

Student B: What will he do with so much power?

Tathark: You ask too many questions. He'll--

Tathark stops as Shito's chant does. Shito glances to the shaded door to their room.

Shito: Ready yourselves. My spies tell me my brother is near. I shall be finished soon; keep them from me till then.

Shito returns to his chant as Tathark and Student B take position between him and the doorway. Lillith move next to them.

Bast: Mother... stop!

Lillith doesn't even acknowledge her. The demon queen's human mind is fully repressed.

Tathark draws his broadsword and wields the mighty blade is one hand. The other holds a dark dagger.

Scene 4: Outside the door to the penthouse the companions are gathered.

Tsuubo: They know we're here; but they don't know that we know that they know.

Waka: Unless you just told them of course.

Tsurugi: It doesn't matter.

Waka: I don't suppose we could just knock on the door and ask for Bast back?

Tsurugi and Tsuubo hold Butch back as he starts walking toward the door with arm outstreached to knock.

Butch: Bast is in there, let me go to her!

Tsuubo: Do you wanna die you censored idiot!?

Butch: I won't die. I gotta see Bast.

Tsuubo: Like hell you won't die! Leave this to us!

Butch: If I save Bast she'll like me more than you, then she'll be my Bast forever.

Tsuubo: The only thing you'll have forever is your gods damned stupidty!

Waka: Tsuubo, calm down. If we're going to just enter why must we prolong things?

Tsuubo: We mustn't; Shito has almost finished the right to take the power. Who's going to open the door.

Tendrils of pure enrgy the same color as Shito's flame extend from Tsurugi's body. The move about him in rythmic--almost hypnotic--paterns.

Tsurugi: I have a key. Dawn Requiem: (The tendrils move out a bit in front of him, pointing toward the door. Three weave together into one and then three of the largers ones weave together into an even larger one and so on.) Final Fury (Three large collections of Tsurugi's enegry extend from his body now. The energy streams from his left arm where his hand is ablaze to the wrist to form one of the collectives. From his right arm comes another and a third central congregation of energy come before his chest. These three shoot forward at great speed and weave together into a battering ram of spiritual energy. All this happeneing as Tsurugi speaks those words. The energy nears the door) Bla--(and the energy stops it advance and retreats back to Tsurugi as the door swings open on its own accord. Shito's voice calls from behind a viel of darkness that conceals the room beyond the door.)

Shito: Brother, brother, brother. That would have been so crude of you. Honestly, you could have just let the large child knock and saved yourself a bit of time.

Butch: You should have let me knock so I could see my Bast sooner.

Tsuubo: Quiet Butch.

Shito: Do come in. I would love to chat with you a while, but I am more than a bit busy. Therefore I have arranged some entertaiment for you until such a time as we can reach the climax of the evening.

Tsurugi: It is most likely a trap ready to spring.

Tsuubo: No. His darkness spell may keep you all from seeing within, but I can see. There is no danger simply in entry, but once we enter the danger shall never stop.

Tsurugi: Tsuubo and I shall enter first then. Waka, behind us. Then the humans with Tanto as rear guard.

Waka: If that is what shall pass as a plan of action then it is all we have.

Teacher: I'm ready.

Tsurugi: Famous last words. Let's go.

Scene 5: The door to the penthouse opens into a large central room. It is here that Shito is preforming the ceremony. He has returned to his chanting now. Tsuubo steps through the door first. The others follow as planed.

Tathark: Greetings. We are the entertainment of which my master spoke. I don't believe any introductions should be necessary. Look Bast, your prince has come.

Bast: Tsuu.. bo... Tsuubo!

Butch: Bast!

Butch runs toward her and is not stoped. Tsuubo runs after him but is stoped by Tathark's black blade pressing against his neck.

Tathark: Do you think that I will let you reclaim your shadow tactics so easily? Oh, don't look so surprised. Of course we knew of the stalker.

Tsuubo jumps back from Tathark's blade

Tsuubo: Bastard...

Tathark: Not if my parents told me the truth all those years. Now, are you all ready, of can we give my lord even more interuption free time before the battle even begins?

Student B: High General. Allow me to prove myself in battle with them, I beseech you.

Tathark: I refuse. Only a fool would fight alone.

Teacher: You... you're Stu B! W- what are you doing here!? You know, the black face paint really doesn't suit you.

Stdent B: This is not paint, fool! These are the proud marks I bear of the demon whose power my lord has granted onto me. You'll pay for saying otherwise!

A shot of darkness extends from the shades that surround Student B and make way for his teacher. The teacher cringes back in fear as the solid shadow races for him. It collides with Tanto's sword and evaporates. Student B smirks. Tsurugi and Tsuubo break off to either side. Tsurugi faces the demon queen, Tsuubo the elven shade.

Tsuubo wields his knives, three to a hand, as he move around Tathark. He is trying to find an opening to reclaim his shadow, but none reveal themselves. He stops his movement and stands calmly faceing Tathark.

Tsuubo: It seems that I must fight you without tricks.

Tathark: And so you must.

One of Tsuubo's daggers flashes out. Tathark deflects it with his own dagger of a different type. The shito embeds itself in the floor, and the shadows that had covered the floor receed from its purity.

Tsurugi: Lillith, release yourself from my brother's dark control!

Lillith: I do not want to.

Lillith lashes out with a clawed hand which Tsurugi easily avoids.

Tsurugi: Think of your daughter.

Lillith: She will join us.

Tsurugi: Do not make me harm you.

Lillith's hand comes again, but this time Tsurugi does not dodge. The hand connects with a shield of his energy and stops.

Tsurugi: Your full power is still sealed. You cannot hurt me, do not make me harm you.

Teacher: Stop this at once or you'll have a full three weaks lunch detention.

Student B: I would so much like to see you enforce your threat, but it is a pity would will not live long enough to do so.

Waka: This is true comedy here. This child actually believes that he can stand agaisnt you, Tanto.

Tanto: It would be wise not to underestimate him. He is not the being he was.

Student B: How right you are.

Several of Tsuubo's blades lay near Tathark's feet. None have made their way past his defense.

Tathark: Isn't this so sad. You can't attack me directly because your puny little blades will offer no defense against my sword. On the other hand my sword and single knife with my skill can deflect any number of your weapons. If you can't get past me then you can't reclaim your shadow and you can't possibly have a chance of getting past me without that.

Tsuubo: I can and I will. Afterward I'll deliver you to the gates of hell itself.

Tathark: Such an empty threat. You may as well just stand there and wait for your time to run out.

Lillith's hands fly faster than flame and yet they cannot reach Tsurugi's flesh. Suddenly her arms drop to her sides. She summons up an invisable burst of power directly in front of her. Tsurugi is pushed back only a foot.

Tsurugi: If that is the best you can do you have no chance of defeating me. Give in.

Lillith: Never.

Tsurugi, sighing: Very well...

Tsurugi raises his left hand. A silver mist quickly forms around it. In a forth of a half a second the Katana of Light is in his grasp and embedded through Lillith's right shoudler. She shows no sigh of acknowledgement save a wicked grin.

Waka: Watch out!

Waka leaps to the side, dragging Teacher with him. Tanto moves the opposite direction. A blast of shadow make contact with the ground that had supported their feet. The hardwood floor spliters at the point of impact. Tanto and Waka are up and ready faster than Tsurugi's sword had returned. Teacher is up a second later.

Tanto: That first attack you made...

Student B: Was weak intentionally. You'll have little luck in deflecting my true strength. Now you shall die dear teacher., administrator, and fellow student.

Teacher: Tsurugi was right, I wish I hadn't come!

Waka: Now is not the time to whine!

Student B directs another bolt of solidified darkness at Waka. Waka handsprings backward gracefully.

Student B: There is a simple tactic to use when your opponents can avoid your every attack... Make should that they cannot.

Student B kneels and places his right palm flat in the layer of darkness which covers the floor. The dark move like water's waves at his touch. Each member of the trio feels a numbing sensation crawling up their legs as the shadow rises from the floor and entraps their lower appendages. They struggle and try to move but find that their legs will not obey.

Waka: This is bad.

Teacher: I'd say so.

Tathark: You're running out of knives Tsuubo...

Indeed, Tsuubo only has four of his small blades remaining in his possestion. The rest dot the floor with rings free of darkness about each.

Butch: Bast, you okay? I'll protect you and I'll rescue you and then you'll love me!

Bast: I'd rather have the elf!

Butch: What? Now he's movin' in on me!? I'll show him!

Butch move away from Bast toward Tsuubo and Tathark.

Bast: No, wait, Butch! (sigh) Ah well.... Go Tsuubo!

Butch nears Tathark's turned back. The elf does not notice Butch as his full concentration is centered on Tsuubo's blades and when they might fly and ow they might be deflected. This concentration is broken as Butch's fists--joined as if he were playing Vollyball--slam into his upper back. Tathark's armour keeps all damage from the blow, but the surprise of it causes him to fall forward.

Butch: Bast is mine!

Tsuubo: I don't believe I'm saying this, but thanks Butch. I think I owe you one.

As Tsuubo says this he jumps over Tathark's form with a flip and a spin to land facing him from next to Bast. Tathark stands with a growl and whirls to face Tsuubo. He ignores Butch as he moves back to Bast. Tsuubo smirks and falls to one knee. He places his left palm into the darkness as Student B had done with his right.

Tsuubo: Shadow Tactics: Stalker Reclaimation!

A wave of darkness moves up Tsuubo's body. The flame of pain ignites and takes his hand to the wrist. Color and white leave his eyes to make a darkness to rival that around the room.

Tathark: Shit...

Tsuubo: Are you ready to dance?

Tsurugi dodges a lunge from Lillith. He spins and slams his elbow into her back causing it to arch. Lillith does a rapid turn and slashes her claws. The back of Tsurugi's forearm conects with her wrist, stopping her attack's advance just sort of his face. The hand on the blocking arm clences and a tendril of energy extends from its wrist to bind hers. Tsurugi steps back rapidly. The unexpected motion which pulls Lillith's arm with it due to the binding also manages to pull the majority of the remainer of her body as well. She falls to her knees before Tsurugi.

Tsurugi's tenticle of ki releases and Lillith and she starts to rise. She cannot finish her assent, however, as five new lines of energy leap from Tsurugi's arms, hands, and wrists to bind her around each wrist, each ankle, and around her neck. The energy flow into these lines increases and so does the size. What had once been the thickness of a powercord grow to that of a powerline. Lillith is lifted from the ground. She does not struggle but rather simply glares into Tsurugi's expressionless face.

A collective of darkness begins to form around the extended hand of Student B. The large conglomeration spilts into three small but no less deadly formations of energy.

Student B: I hope that you sit well with your god.

Waka: There is no danger here to me, but do either of you have a plan to combat this calamity?

Teacher: All my mind is working to keep from wetting my pants.

Tanto: Our combat is with this child, not Calamity, but I have no idea to handle either.

Student B: Enough talk!

The bolts of energy leave his hand.

Waka, sighing softly: Then I suppose I must handle matters.

Waka's soft face hardens into a firm glare directed towards the rapidly approching shade. He speaks a single word in a voice strong and firm and actually masculine. There is a bright flash of light directly in front of him. Student B is forced to shield his eyes as his dark bolt and his dark power that had hung around him are banished by the luminace. When the light has died enough to see once more there remains a small ball of light hovering in front of Waka. On Waka's left cheek just below his eye there burns a red flame and mark.

Waka, voice still masculine: My destiny mark is that of 'wa' meaning peace and harmony. When my peace is broken beyond a certain point it burns in protest as a reminder of what should be. (the flame dies and Waka's voice returns to its normal effeminate nature. His face softens back up as well.) I suggest that you never make it burn again.

Tanto leaps at Student B and takes him to the floor. Tanto's sword presses none too lightly agaisnt his throat. The darkness that would aid him is still kept at bay by Waka's light. However, the light is not strong enough to cut far enough into the room's eternal night to aid their comrades.

Tsuubo: Shadow Tactics: Shadowless Dance!

Tsuubo wields his four remaining shitos so that a bladed edge extends from either side of eight hand. He rushes Tathark who backs away warilly. Tathark looks frightened. He stops his retreat as if resigned to his fate. He cannot die after all; only be taken out of action for a while--his healing is as fast as Tsuubo's--but that would mean failing his master, and he couldn't do that...

Tsuubo: Now I've got you!

Tathark: I don't think so.

Tathark raises his useless blade is a pathetic attempt at defense. Tsuubo draws nearer; his blades are ready to strike. His torso nears the outstreached sword. Tathark make no movement. He simply hold his sword steady. Tsuubo give a premature cry of victory which shifts into a cry of pain as he discovers that Tathark's weapon is not so useless as it had seemed. Tathark's feinted fear shifts to a grin as his blade buries itself to its midsection through the left side of Tsuubo's midsection. Tsuubo's head is down, his eyes hidden from Tathark's gaze.

Tathark: As pure as it is Silver can be tainted by darkness. This blade is wrought of such silver. Your Shadowless state will not save you from its bite.

Tsuubo: Fool...

Tathark: What?

Tsuubo: Don't you realize? All this does... Is make me stronger!

Tsuubo's head raises with a smirk plastered across it. The flame of his hand grow to consume half his forearm. Rather than trying to pull himself free of the blade Tsuubo leaps forward and impales himself further. One of his blades drives its way through Tathark's neck. The dark-elf's spectural body falls and it does not stir. Tsuubo wrenches the black blade from his body. His flame now has his entire forearm. This glance turns to Bast.

Tsuubo: You alright?

Bast: Yeah. It would be nice to have these chains off me though.

There are two flashes and the sound of air being cut in two trails. Then a clang of metal agaisnt metal. Bast is freed and two silver knives are embedded into the wall behinded with the broken ends of two chains hanging just above them.

Bast: Thanks!

Tsuubo: Save your thanks for when we get out of here alive. But you're still welcome, nevertheless. [Tsuubo's attention turns to Tsurugi] Tsu, you still busy?

Tsurugi, turning his head from Lillith's glare to Tsuubo: A bit.

Tsuubo: All right then. I guess I'll be the one to interupt the little censored and save the day.

Tsurugi: No! That probably wouldn't be good for us...

Tsuubo: What do you mean?

Tsurugi: Just don't do it. Er... Tsuubo, behind you...

Bast: Tsuubo, watch out!

Tsuubo starts to turn, but as he does so a black-silver dagger sinks into his right shoulder and a shadow-armoured arm wraps around his throat. Tsuubo's flame extends to half his upper arm.

Tathark: I'm not as easy to defeat as you think!

Tsuubo spins trying to break free of Tathark's grip, but the elven shade turns with him. The dagger is twisted within Tsuubo's flesh causing his flame to take another forth of his bicep. Tsuubo's left elbow slams repeatedly into Tathark's midsection, but still the warrior does not release. Tathark pulls his dagger free and then holds it high; its aim is one that will sever Tsuubo's spinal cord. The dagger begins its descent.

Shito: Stop!

The dagger obeys, as does everyone else. All eyes are turned to the demonic cherub.

Shito: I have but one final word to the mystic translation to speak before you meet your ultimate doom, dear brother. If you have any final words I suggest that you say them now.

Student B, still with Tanto's blade agaisnt his Adam's Apple: Lord Sei, help.

At the word 'Sei' Tsurugi's eyes go black, and his flame leaps across half his arm. The expressionlessness leave his visage to be replaced by a look of anger. Lillith is droped to the ground. She bounds toward Tsurugi in attack. Without their master's eyes turning from Shito Tsurugi's tendril intercept the attack. They rebind her and toss her effortlessly away. She crouches to attack again, but an upheld hand from Shito stills her.

Tsurugi: What did you call him?

Shito: He called me 'Lord Sei,' brother. It is a name that I have used quite often.

Tsurugi: You dare to disgrace my father's name?

Shito: Would you rather I disgrace mine's? Of course you would. You always hated my father.

Tsurugi: I did not.

Shito: Then why did you leave your studies with him to learn from your elf friends when you were five?

Tsurugi: Because I had learned all he could teach me. You knew all he did by the same age.

Shito: That is still no cause for you to hate him as you did.

Tsurugi: I--

Shito: You hated our mother too. You hated her for loving my father after yours died.

Three forths of Tsurugi's arm is now swallowed by flame.

Tsurugi: Enough!

Shito: That's why you killed them.

All of Tsurugi's left arm is ablaze

Tsurugi: I...

Shito: You know its true. Until you started to see the human girl our people had an understanding with the humans. We leave them completely alone and they don't raze our village. You broke that little agreement with your selfish love for the human. The deaths of our entire clan rest on your shoulders; are you proud?

Tsurugi: I cannot deny it, and I have to live with that for eternity.

Shito: But you didn't love her, did you, brother? You loved our dear friend Landria, but you took second best with the human so you wouldn't hurt your beloved princess. What about hurting your own people, eh, Tsurugi Sei?

Tsurugi: I know what you're trying to do, Shito Zathax, and it will not work.

Shito: Oh, and what would that be?

Tsurugi: Your power is over demons and those of thier blood. You cannot lock onto and command the demonic blood in my veins unless I change and release it.

Shito: Perhaps. I suppose we'll see in a moment, shall we not?

Tsuubo: I think now would be a good time to stop him...

Tanto: I find that I must agree.

Tsurugi: We can't! Believe me, there's a very good reason.

Shito: And now... the climax of this evening's show is about to begin. Kathegirnth'atharith!

The blue mist hanging over Tommy begins to swirl and climb up Shito's arm. It billows out to cover his entire body. Tommy falls unconsious as the mist flows from him. Shito's flame glows brightly through the vapor. Shito's look is one of triumph, but it quickly shifts to one of confusion.

Shito: What's this?

Tathark: Sire?

Shito: He has no power... None! But--but his blood was perfect! What's going on!?

Tathark: Sire, calm down before--!

Shito's flame winks out as his concentration breaks. His pupils shift from those of a serpent to those of a child. He starts crying. Tathark rushes to his side to try to calm him. Another type of cry fills the room. It is one of pure rage and hatred; a wail to make blood run like a frigid stream. The demon queen is free.

Tsurugi: I was afraid this would happen.

Tsuubo: Afraid what would happen?

Tsuubo does not get a verbal answer. Lillith rushes Tsurugi. She reaches him and her claws meet his shield. There is a sound like that of ripping paper combined with the shattering of glass as her hand bursts through Tsurugi's barrier to embed her talons in the right side of his chest. Tsurugi shows no sign of pain. He simply glares at her as an electric charge rapidly builds within his body. Lillith recoils as a shock enters her hand and travels up her arm. She stands in concentration, gathering power.

Tsurugi: She's free.

Bast: Then why is she still like that!?

Tsuubo: Bast, stay back. She is free from more than Shito's control.

Tathark: Master, calm down!

Shito: It's so unfair! Everything was perfect, but then he had to screw it up by not being the being of power!

Tsurugi: Tathark, I suggest you calm him down quickly. We may need all the help we can get.

Tathark: I won't take orders from you! [He glances at Lillith] But I will do as you say for my master.

Student B: What's wrong with my lord!? My lord? Wait... He's not...

Tanto's sword leaves Stu's neck. The Samurai stands and then helps the student up.

Waka: It seems that you are freed from his control as well.

Student B: What's going on?

Tanto: Tsurugi explained Shito's condition once. He said that his brother's maturity is hightened by his demon blood, but when he is excited and unable to concentrate...

Waka: His mind reverts to that of a child--a bratty one at that--and he is all but powerless until he regains control.

Tathark: ...so if you be a good boy and calm down I'll take you out for ice cream later. Okay?

Shito: 'kay!

Shito jumps up and sits on the alter. He twiddles his thumbs and hums to himself.

Tathark: It won't be long now!

Tsurugi: The same goes for her!

Lillith stands as if in prayer. Mist of blue and crimson swirl about her as the shadows that were to be Shito's troops fall into order under her. Her hands part; she points a single finger at Tsurugi. The darkness follows her direction and surges toward him. Tsurugi vanishes from the line of fire and reappears next to Shito. Lillith regathers her expended energy. A small spark comes from Shito's chest like a lighter striving to light. The mark ignites and the symbol of demon can be seen glowing light an ember. Now the flame expands quickly. Shito's eyes resume their reptillian nature.

Tsurugi: Brother?

Shito: I have returned. I thought I had you this time--I'm quite dissapointed.

Tsurugi: Later! For right now, can you stop Lillith?

Shito, laughing: Me? You do ever so much overestimate my power. When she first attacked me her true power was still locked.

Tsurugi: And now she is free...

Shito: Agaisnt the full power of the original female there is nothing that I or you or any of your fool comrades can do.

Tsurugi and Shito leap in opposite directions. A bolt of darkness that would have gone through them now passes between them.

Shito: I am not fond of those stronger than I. You have what little aid I can offer.

Tanto: We cannot trust this demon!

Shito: Brother, I give my word on the blood of Kotobuki and the soul of our mother that I will not betray you until this matter is settled.

Tsurugi: That's the best we're going to get, Tanto; accept it.

Tsurugi must move again as another solidification of shadow moves his way.

Waka: There must be something we can do!

Teacher: The seal of the three angels...

Waka: What was that?

Teacher: When Lillith fled Adam to the Red Sea three angels were sent to order her back. She refused, but she made a pack with the angels that she would not harm anyone bearing the seal of those angel's names. I should be able to seal away her demonic again to make her Bast's mother again.

Student B: Then do it!

Teacher: Er... I'd need her to be unconsious first...

Waka, sighing: Then it seems that your work is cut out for you, my friends.

Tsuubo: Our work, what about you!?

Waka: I have no ability in matters of war.

Tsuubo: That's a load of shit and you know it.

Tsurugi: Shut up and attack! Dawn Requiem!

Tendrils of ki extend from Tsurugi's body. They shoot toward Lillith with bladed edges and pointed head. Lillith's darkness mimics the effects of the Dawn Requiem. Tendrils of darkness and tendril of blue twist and writhe about each other, each trying to stop the others while striving to attack the other's master. Tsurugi's skill proves superior as all of Lillith's extensions of shade are choked out while his ki closes in on her. A wall springs up in front of her, and the spiritual energy strikes it. The energy cannot break through. Tsurugi draws back his power as the wall drops to reveal Lillith grinning evilly.

A bolt of lightning connects with her back, causing it to arch in pain. She turns to see Shito, his arms extended and still showing the ocasional spark of energy from the spell, will serpentine eyes glaring at her and mouth twisted into a smirk.

The next attack Lillith is prepared for. A ball of fire thrown by Waka disapates around her as she turns to face him. She is not prepared, however, for the black-silver dagger and silver shito that sink into either side of her back. She turns this time to see Tathark and Tsuubo standing side by side. Her eye also finds someone behind them.

Bast, taking a step forward: Mother, stop! Please!

Tsurugi: Shit! Tsuubo, protect Bast!

Tsuubo: From her own mother?

Tsurugi: In mythology Lillith was a child killer, and if no others were available she would kill her own!

Tsuubo and Bast: She what!

Lillith unexpectedly leaps over Tathark and Tsuubo to land between them and Bast. She advances on her daughter and the girl's ex-boyfriend at a rapid pace.

Tsuubo: Bast!

Lillith stops, quite suddenly in fact. Her eyes lock on the pendant laying between Bast's breasts from a chain about her neck. She raises her hand to strike. Butch is between Bast and Lillith in an instant. Lillith's hand starts to fall, ready to take the boy first and then her child.

Butch: I won't let you hurt my Bast!

There is a burst of pure energy. Lillith flies backward across the entire room to slam into the wall on the other side. She is sealed to the wall by an invisable force with the wings and arms spread. The darkness leaves the room so that only normal shadow and Tathark remain. Butch stands with his arms at his sides and a deep glare on his face directed at the now unconsious demon queen. Energy swirls about and through him in a grand tempest of pure power.

Shito: As so at last we find the true being of power.

END ACT IV