End Game -- Episode #321

EXTENDED SYNOPSIS:

Dar (Daniel Goddard) and Arina (Marjean Holden) are on their way to deliver the Golden Auryx, actually Dar's mother, to the Ark to join the other members of his family. Once he reunites the Auryx with the other animals and learns how to break the spell, he believes his quest will be over and his family will be free. Suddenly, there is an explosion that splits the earth, leaving a smoking pit from which three demon warriors rise, and a fight ensues. As Arina brawls with one of the demons (Jeremy Callaghan), she realizes that it is actually the Lord of Darkness himself. Arina stabs him, but Balcifer takes over her body. Unaware that Arina is now under Balcifer's control, Dar defeats the demons. Dartanus (Marc Singer) arrives to warn Dar that Balcifer will most likely do anything to stop him now that he is on the verge of completing his quest.

In Arakann, Tao (Jackson Raine) presents the Quest Book to Dar, informing him that three signs will signal his final challenge. The House of Eldar will turn against itself, the good shall become evil, and finally, when Balcifer falls, the final challenge is at hand. Reminding Dar that his own brother, Sendar, turned against him, he knows that he has already received the first sign. Confused by the other two signs, Dartanus appears, telling Dar the answers might be closer than he thinks. He insists that Dar deliver the Auryx immediately, and alone.

As Dar sets out on his mission, Arina pays a visit to King Zad (Steven Grives). In Balcifer's voice, she insists they stop Dar from placing the Auryx in the Ark. Meanwhile, Dar sees a vision of his mother, who advises that he must use the strength of Eldar and the power of the Ark against Balcifer, or the final challenge will be lost. As she fades away, Dar is surrounded by Zad and his Knights, as well as Arina. She picks up the Auryx cage, promising to deliver the bird to the Ark if Dar reveals its location. Before Dar can answer, Ruh leaps in, forcing Zad and his men to retreat. Suddenly, Arina reveals herself to be Balcifer and releases the bird. Dar draws his sword, but realizes he can't destroy Balcifer without also killing Arina. In an effort to free Arina from the Lord of Darkness, Dar restrains her, pressing the rune of Eldar against her head. As he removes the rune, there is a demonic bellow. Her body goes limp, indicating that Balcifer has departed, for now.

Meanwhile in Xinca, Zad, now in possession of the Auryx, is convinced that he will defeat Dar and become master of the world. Balcifer, confident Dar will come after the bird, appears to Zad and orders him to keep the bird alive. Elsewhere, Tao suddenly realizes that Balcifer's possession of Arina is actually the second sign. He knows that there is not much time before the third sign is revealed. When Dar looks at Oltram's map and sees that the Auryx is now in Xinca, Dartanus warns him that Balcifer has already anticipated his next move, and they will need to do something unexpected. Dar decides to bring the Ark to the Auryx. When Dar sets out for Xinca, Balcifer appears to Dartanus, informing him that he has an offer for the BeastMaster.

As Tao and Arina sneak into Xinca to find Dar, Balcifer secretly takes possession of Tao's body. When Zad and his Knights appear, Arina is ready to fight, but the possessed Tao knocks her unconscious, and tells Zad it's time to get the Ark. Once Tao and Zad track Dar to a dark tunnel, Balcifer exits Tao's body. Realizing that Balcifer is no longer present, Zad knocks out Tao and brings him to a dungeon, where Arina is being held prisoner. Meanwhile, unable to find Tao and Arina, Dar slips into Zad's castle, where he finds the Auryx. As he approaches the cage, Dar hears Balcifer's voice fill the room. He turns to see him sitting on Zad's throne. Balcifer tells Dar that he and Zad have located the Crystal Ark. In an attempt to strike a deal with the BeastMaster, Balcifer offers him a kingdom of peace and tranquility, if he promises to remain in Xinca and out of his way. Dar reminds Balcifer that he's not fighting for himself, but to save the world from a reign of evil. He vows to continue his fight, using his faith as his weapon.

Enraged by Dar's refusal, Balcifer draws Dar into a fight. Tao and Arina, freed by Kodo and Podo, come to Dar's aid. The ferrets distract the Knights, allowing Tao to rescue the Auryx, and rush her to the Ark. While Dar fights furiously with Balcifer, Dartanus leaps between them, blocking Balcifer long enough for Dar to coax the Auryx into the Ark. Suddenly, the Ark casts a brilliant light, streaming through Dar's body and into his sword. Balcifer raises his sword to finish off Dartanus, but Dar intercepts, striking Balcifer with a stunning blow. The Lord of Darkness falls, landing with an echo that dissipates into nothing. The third sign has now been revealed, and the final challenge is at hand. With all his family members safely inside the Ark, Dar must now find a way to break the spell, transforming them back into human form.