A/N: This won't exactly follow the tests that are run in the Asylum before the showdown with Irenicus, mostly because a lot of them are good as a game, bad as a tale. So, prepare for things to be in only medium detail and/or fairly different to how it would normally go in game :)

General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.

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The Slayer

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Imoen watched as Jaheira and Maiyn discussed how to proceed and she felt herself shivering slightly. A cape was draped across her shoulders, and she looked around to see the knight smiling warmly to her before moving on, now cloak-less himself. She pulled her new clothing close around her, thankful for the extra warmth, and listened as Maiyn began to speak.

"We'll split up," the ranger said. "Jaheira and Kivan know roughly what lies up that way, so Sime and Xan -- go with them and check out the rooms fully. I'll go with the others in another direction and we can meet back here if we find anything."

Jaheira nodded, and led the way down her own corridor with her procession in tow. Imoen thought she almost saw a look of hurt on Xan's face as he looked past her to the ranger, but it passed in an instant and he slowly followed the others as Maiyn began climbing the flight at the opposite side.

She paused, and Imoen watched as she seemed to lose her balance. A gentle cry was all it took for Xan to instantly be by her side, allowing her to lean on him as she turned and sank to the stairs. Jaheira and Kivan were looking back at her, concerned, but she waved at them to continue and murmured something gently to the enchanter by her side. His face was etched with worry as he protested, but she shook her head insistently, then smiled to him. For a second, the thief saw his face light up and an expression of fondness crossed it. Then gently, he squeezed his leader's hand and returned to his own group, looking back on several occasions to check that she was still all right.

A few minutes passed before she stood again, and Anomen offered her his arm to climb the stairs. She declined politely and made her way up slowly with Minsc close behind. Imoen followed Anomen, and the four entered a dimly lit passage that stretched ahead of them into the gloom. They slowly made their way down it until they reached a junction, and Maiyn frowned as she pondered.

"Minsc and I will go this way," she said, signalling to the right. "Will you go with Anomen, Im?"

"Sure thing," smiled the thief, immediately trotting off down their designated route. The priest of Helm followed her closely for a short while, then cleared his throat.

"My Lady Imoen, it would ease my heart significantly if you would allow me to go first in this evil place," he said quietly.

Imoen grinned at him. "I'm no lady, Anomen, though the sentiment is quite nice. But really, just plain Imoen will do."

"You are far from plain... Imoen," he replied, flushing slightly. Imoen was sure her cheeks were also reddening, and she shuffled slightly, moving over so he could pass her and take the lead. This seemed to make him much happier, and in all honesty the thief didn't mind one bit. The recent trauma she'd undergone was still fresh in her mind, and it was comforting to know that he was looking out for her; she was no longer alone. There was also the small matter of her not having any armour; Xan had been gracious enough to pass her a small pouch before they'd separated, though, which contained a number of spell components, then he'd apologised for not remembering to take some spare robes. She assured him she'd be just fine in her tunic and shirt, and now she'd acquired a cloak too.

She watched as Anomen cautiously progressed down the corridor, coming to a door at the end. He pushed it open to reveal a small room, statues of distorted people lining the walls, and a solitary chest sitting in the middle. They exchanged a puzzled look and proceeded inside cautiously. When he was happy there were no immediate foes, Anomen seemed to relax and he let out a loud sigh. Imoen approached the chest and reached out to open it.

"My lady!" he exclaimed in horror, causing her to jump. "I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you -- but are you sure it is safe to open that?"

She grinned slightly. "It's just a chest, Ano," she shrugged. He visibly winced at her nickname, and she made a mental note to continue using it until he mentioned it. "I guess my sister didn't tell you I was trained by the best thieves that passed through Candlekeep!" she proclaimed happily, running her fingers gently along the length of the box as she felt for any hidden traps. She caught a slight look of surprise on his face when she looked back to him.

"She, ah," he said, composing himself with effort, "she mentioned you were skilled as a mage. She neglected to speak of your... other abilities."

"It's all right, Ano," she smiled. "I don't steal from people... well, not any more, anyway. I tend to just pick the odd lock, disarm the odd snare... you know how it is."

"Ah, yes," replied the knight unconvincingly. She giggled quietly to herself, and opened the lid of the chest carefully. When he saw nothing was happening, and no monsters were about to charge into the room due to the action, Anomen approached her side and peered over her shoulder as she studied the contents.

He frowned slightly. "It's just a store of junk," he dismissed, standing back up.

Imoen shook her head. "I don't think so," she said softly, pulling a note from the depths. She read it quickly, then passed it to the priest and gathered up all the miscellaneous items in the chest. He studied the parchment and then looked around at the statues.

"Some kind of riddle?"

"Looks like it! I think it's up to us to figure it out, too."

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Maiyn made her way down the passage slowly; she was still feeling weak from everything that had happened, but Bodhi's words managed to have a profound effect on her. While there was a chance of freedom, she'd push herself on, determined to achieve it -- for herself, for Imoen, and for the others who had been affected by Irenicus' actions. Minsc followed her as quietly as he could; the only noise coming from his heavy footsteps. She turned to him to offer a reassuring smile and he beamed in return.

"Boo is happy that we are all together again once more," he proclaimed. "Well, perhaps not right at this moment, but... eh, you will know what he means."

"I do," grinned Maiyn. "I'm glad too. I've missed Imoen a lot."

"So have Minsc and Boo," nodded the berserker. His tone became quieter, more sombre. "When glorious Dynaheir died, then her apprentice Imoen was taken from us, Minsc and Boo felt they had failed doubly so."

Maiyn paused, and reached up to pat his shoulders comfortingly. "You didn't fail them," she said gently. "It was Irenicus that was to blame, for both, and we'll make sure he pays for it."

A chorus of squeaks came from somewhere on Minsc's person.

"Boo says you are right," he nodded. "But we have still failed in our duty. Our witch died when we could not protect her, and what is a berserker without a witch to guard?"

"Well, I still need you," assured Maiyn, before realising that it wasn't exactly what Minsc had meant; but she knew something that was. "And, well, Imoen is a witch now, really. One day, she'll have to find herself a guard, I guess."

Minsc paused, as if he'd suddenly discovered something previously hidden from him. "Little Maiyn is quite right," he nodded, a large smile creeping across his face. "And what better way to honour fair Dynaheir, but to offer our protection to her young learner, and ensure that little Imoen comes to no more harm!"

"That would be a great idea, Minsc!" exclaimed the elf happily. Minsc's joyous expression spoke volumes and said more than he could have conveyed in words. Instead, he strode on down the corridor, and Maiyn had to almost jog to keep up with him. After a while, they wandered through an archway and into a circular room. In the centre was a tall stone wall, blocking off an enclosed space. The wall around it was covered with carvings of mouths, each with a small plaque underneath that declared, 'Place your hand within me and find the true meaning.'

Maiyn looked at Minsc and smiled. "I think, maybe, I should try this."

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Jaheira ducked the demon's claw as Kivan thrust his spear into its side. Simultaneously, Sime's arrow flew into its eye, causing it to pull back in rage. Xan stood calmly at the far end of the chamber, chanting to himself. When he stopped, he raised his index finger to point at the beast and uttered a few single words. White rays extended from his hand and enveloped the creature. A second later it fell to the ground, dead.

Jaheira crumpled to the ground, and tried to regulate her breathing. The battle had been long, but the demon hadn't appeared until the end. They'd felled a rakshasa, finished off its mephit minions, taken out a golem and then turned around to see the pit fiend blocking their exit. With only Jaheira and Kivan prepared to wade into combat, it had been fast and furious, though Sime and Xan had provided ample back-up.

Kivan looked over to the druid and smiled slightly. "It carries only a gem," he said simply. "We'll rest a few minutes before we head back to the chamber."

"I am fine-" she began, but he silenced her with one quick wave of his hand.

"You fought hard -- we both did. A few minutes will not make much difference in the grand scheme of things, and it is better to prepare for what lies ahead while we have the chance."

She nodded and relaxed slightly. Sime and Xan were examining some carving on the far wall, seemingly caught up in the design. Kivan came around to sit beside her, and together they watched their companions.

"It is good to have Imoen back with us," said Kivan conversationally.

Jaheira nodded her quiet agreement. "Though I worry about what has happened to them. It is important we escape from here and track down this Irenicus -- not only for our vengeance, but to secure their survival."

"We will," stated Kivan grimly.

The druid allowed herself to smile wryly. "This is very optimistic of you, Kivan," she observed. "Has your change of deity also affected your outlook on life?"

The ranger chuckled. "I think you're confusing me with Xan," he objected. "Surely he is the voice of pessimism in our small family?"

Jaheira felt a strange feeling course through her at his words; family. It was true, though -- they'd been together for so long, been through so much... they were like a family. But some were missing, and would never return... Kivan's hand touching her arm jolted her from her thoughts, and she smiled slightly. "My apologies," she said. "Occasionally my mind wanders."

"Everyone's does. There's not a day when I don't think of Deheriana, and wonder how she would have adapted to travelling with us."

"I miss Khalid's support. I miss the way he could talk to the girls without annoying them; the way they'd talk to him easily about anything. When Maiyn had her dream of Fenmarel's avatar... it was Khalid she opened up to."

"And he told you; and you were the one who stayed up well into the night talking about it with her."

"She would never have told me herself."

Kivan shook his head. "She would, given time. Of us all, it is you that commands her greatest respect, I believe."

Jaheira laughed mirthlessly. "Respect does not equate to like, however."

"Do you really think you'd be sharing company if she hated you?" His voice was level and sensible. "You both have a lot on your minds -- there are a lot of issues you both avoid. And when you do bring them up, there's too much hurt and anger to deal with them properly. She blames herself, and part of you agrees -- whether you want to or not. You don't hate her, though, even when you find yourself angry at her actions; but you can't convey to her how much pain you're experiencing, because you assume you need to be strong for her."

"But I do!" exclaimed Jaheira. "Especially now..."

"No, mellonamin, you need to treat her as an adult, and give her the respect she gives you."

Jaheira sighed. "I can't-"

"Yes," he interrupted. "You can -- maybe not now, in here; but when we escape, you need to talk to her. You need to tell her how you feel about Khalid's death -- and you need to tell her honestly. She knows inside, I'm sure -- but she needs to hear it from you. And she needs to know that even if you do sometimes find her at fault when it comes to the deaths of our companions due to her actions, that it is just your sorrow and anguish making you feel like that, and you don't resent her continued survival."

Jaheira nodded slowly and pushed herself up into a standing position. "I will consider it," she offered.

Kivan stood and smiled. "That is all I can ask of you."

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"My la... Imoen, I am quite sure that it is the hourglass," said Anomen strongly, a frown on his face as he read the inscription on the statue for the third time. Imoen raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh, you do now, do ya?" she asked in mock offence. His eyes immediately widened in horror, and his mouth opened to apologise when she started giggling. "It's okay Ano, really. Look, it's the sundial because it's referring to time, and it represents the concept in a general way. The hourglass is only used, really, to measure it."

His frown returned. "Well, if you are sure."

"I am!" She placed the sundial into the outstretched hands of the figure and moved on to the next riddle. A few statues on and she turned to look at him smugly. "See, this one is for the hourglass."

He read the words and nodded with a sigh -- he couldn't argue with her, for it appeared that she was correct in every way. He walked back to the door and sat down on the stairs that led up to the exit, watching as she wandered between the figures and the chest, retrieving items and placing them into the grasp of the conundrum wielders. After a few minutes she placed the last item -- a pretty necklace, he had to admit, that carried a small glowing orb of orange that was meant to depict the sun. She'd held it up for him to see and he'd smiled back at her, agreeing with her opinion on its attractiveness. As she turned away he couldn't help himself from thinking how well it would set off her face, complementing her rather unique hair tone in the process.

A creaking noise signalled her success in her endeavour, and she turned to beam at him causing him to flush slightly at the thoughts he'd been having. He watched as she rushed back to the chest, grinning slightly when her hopeful face turned into a scowl.

"Well, we've earned ourselves a fairly ugly jewel," she announced, holding up the roughly cut stone so he could see.

"That's all there is?" he asked.

She checked again then nodded. "Pretty pointless if you ask me, but... maybe it'll be useful?"

He shrugged helplessly. "Who knows, in such a place as this. We should return to the others -- they have perhaps had more success than we."

"I guess so," she replied, looking around one final time. "Maybe they'll have found some ugly gems too!"

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Maiyn loitered around between the four flights of stairs as Minsc showed Boo how high the ceiling was above them. She'd put her hand in one of the mouths, as it instructed, and it had teleported her into the inner wall where a voice had asked her a riddle. Her mind had gone blank almost instantly, and she'd been rewarded for her silence with a flaming arrow, and dumped back at Minsc's side. The berserker had regarded her curiously, and she'd announced that they'd require further assistance.

Before long, Imoen and Anomen joined them, and the young thief showed off the stone they'd been rewarded with. Maiyn shuffled slightly as she recounted the experience she'd had with Minsc, and was relieved to see the others also appear, right before Imoen could start teasing her.

"You," she said to Xan, grabbing his arm and dragging him with her as she headed back to the riddle room. "Your intellect is required."

He didn't even bother protesting as he followed, and Kivan called after them to say that they'd continue exploring the two final passages. The ranger and the enchanter walked in silence to the room, but just before they got to the archway, Xan paused and gently pulled his arm free.

"Maiyn," he said gently. She turned to look at him, and her expression softened. He took her hands in his gently and pulled her closer. "What did he do to you?"

She swallowed hard. "He took my soul," she replied quietly. "And Imoen's. I think... I think Bodhi may have hers, because she was there. But he... he took mine."

Xan grimaced as she looked down to the ground. Slowly he raised his hand and pushed the stray hairs from her face, causing her gaze to lift. Their eyes met and his heart seemed to skip; despite the horror he still felt for their unnatural golden glow, he could also see the fear and worry in them. Wordlessly he pulled her into his arms, and she complied without any resistance, wrapping her own arms around him in return.

"It's hopeless," he sighed. "You cannot possibly hope to survive without a soul, and we have no idea how to escape from this prison."

"We will, though," she whispered. "We have to -- I won't let Imoen be hurt any further."

"Imoen?" he asked. "What about you, you silly girl?" She shrugged in his arms. "No, Maiyn, don't... don't give up hope for yourself. If you do, it will all have been for nothing..."

She pulled away and gave him a curious look. "Are you telling me to be... optimistic?"

He frowned slightly at her rather flippant tone, and she grinned widely back to him. "Don't worry, Xan -- we'll find a way out of here, and we'll find Bodhi and Irenicus. Everything will be fine."

"Once again, my intention was to offer you comfort and hope, and you ended up being the one to provide both for me," he noted dourly. "I cannot believe everything will be fine, however -- but for you, I'll at least pretend I'm trying to."

She chuckled slightly and allowed her hand to settle into his as they passed under the stone archway. She quickly explained what would happen if he put his hands into the gaping maws of the carvings, and he regarded her dubiously. Then, with a deep breath, he plunged his hand forward and disappeared.

Several minutes later he'd answered all twelve riddles correctly. He handed her a gemstone that had appeared in his hand as he left the inner circle for the last time, and she rolled her eyes slightly. "Well, we're developing quite a collection it seems."

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They ended up with five gemstones, a piece of crystal shard and the rotting hand of a dead lich. The vampiric wizard had apparently been the creator of the Asylum, and he'd spewed some cryptic message to them as Minsc ran at him with Larry shouting in glee. His hand had surreptitiously fallen from his staked coffin and Maiyn had immediately picked it up, much to Anomen's disgust.

"Well look at the sewers in Athkatla," she pointed out. "I carried a rotting hand about there, too, and we ended up needing it."

The items were placed in a large bowl at the end of the final passage that led from the fourth flight of stairs, and the large carved head announced their passage was clear before opening its mouth to reveal a flight of stairs leading down. The next level was more straightforward, with trolls and yuan-ti popping up in occasional rooms, and every chamber and passage was quite bare and empty.

But then they reached a room that had several burning torches on the walls, and they moved forward cautiously. A small laugh sounded out from the shadows at the far passage, and Bodhi sauntered in followed by several of her cohorts.

"I'm afraid you've run out of time," she purred, a cruel smile curling her lips. "Now it is time for my brothers and sisters to feed!"

"You will fall before you harm my friends," replied Maiyn calmly, moving slightly ahead of the others. Minsc was being restrained as the exchange took place, the berserker ready to launch himself into combat at the first word.

"We will not," said the vampire confidently. "We'll start with you, to prove our intent!"

The group of undead launched themselves at the ranger, quickly surrounding her and sneering as they dodged the swings of her sword. Minsc's mighty force managed to break through them, scattering them as he shouted his warcry, but Bodhi managed to hold her ground, and she darted before Maiyn, her eyes flashing wildly.

"Time to die!" she hissed, opening her mouth and drawing back, preparing to strike at the unprotected neck of the ranger. Maiyn tried to stop her, but she suddenly felt as if she'd been removed from her being -- she was looking down at herself, watching Bodhi's head snake towards herself in slow motion and unable to do anything about it.

But then her own body started changing -- the skin darkened, then seemed to break apart -- she grew taller, much taller than before, and horns sprouted from her head. Her arms and legs and neck all lengthened, and her skin disappeared completely, leaving an almost skeletal brown figure. Her face was replaced completely by a reptilian guise, a large maw displaying an array of sharp teeth. Strong, sharp spikes ran down her new form's back, decreasing in size as they got lower, and her hands and feet had mutated into claws.

She'd become a monster.

She watched, detached from herself, as Jaheira cried out in horror, then ushered everyone away, pushing Imoen and Sime back down the corridor they'd only just emerged from. The vampires had recoiled from her transformation, and even Bodhi seemed to be stunned by it.

"What is this?" she asked, her voice uncharacteristically filled with awe. "A creature of pure death and darkest shadow! Child of Bhaal, what have you become? Away! Irenicus must know of this! We will observe from a distance!"

As one, the vampires drew away swiftly, swirling into gaseous forms and melting into the darkness. Her new form chased them until it realised the pointlessness, then turned to face her remaining companions. Only Jaheira and Minsc remained -- Kivan had herded the others well back out of range and she could do nothing but watch as the beast snarled and leapt for her old friends.

They stood to face her, using only defensive moves and avoiding striking back at her despite the slashes she made with her claws. She tore a gash on Minsc's face and roughly pushed Jaheira away from her -- so hard that the half-elf was winded as she hit against the stone wall behind her. Then Maiyn felt herself being drawn back into her body, she felt herself change shape and revert to her normal being and she collapsed to the ground, all energy drained from her being. The druid and the berserker watched her warily, ready to defend themselves again if they needed, and she looked up to them. Then she began to cry.

Jaheira was by her side in an instant, holding her close as she rocked the ranger back and forth, murmuring softly into her hair as the elf wept. Kivan led the others back when Minsc told them it was safe, and they stood in a circle around her, shock and fear etched into their expressions. She didn't notice, her fatigue settling upon her instantly, and her tears only stopped when sleep came to claim her. Kivan made up a camp bed quickly and helped the druid carry her to it, where she was laid down, and the group unanimously decided to rest fully and come to terms with the latest development.