Chapter V: Magi Nation Mysidia

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - THE 700 YEAR OLD GIRL - MAGE NATION MYSIDIA

(The scene opens to two Veritas standing outside, talking.)

???: What do you think? Can you feel him?

???: Yeah... He's nearby. Seems like they've been hiding the crystal all these years with these sneaky tactics... I didn't think we would be reunited like this.

???: I will only warn you once. I don't care if it's you. If you let yourself get carried away with foolish emotions, I will cut you down.

???: I threw away my emotions 700 years ago. All except hatred. You're the one who might need to worry about keeping a level head. Look at Fina.

???: You needn't worry about that. Relax. I am dedicated fully to our great cause. I will break our enemy into pieces just as I will the crystal.

???: I hope you're right about that. Then let's go. Mysidia is waiting.

(The scene shifts to our party, standing in a town at night.)

Rain: Glad to have you on our side, Jake.

Jake: Yes, yes, comrades till the last, and all that, but where are we headed next?

Rain: Good point. I'm thinking that there's supposed to be a crystal not too far from here...

(As Rain speaks, a pink-haired girl stops in the background, chased by a dog.)

???: Hey! Leave me alone! Stop following me!

Fina: Aww, look at that! I want a puppy to play with, too!

(The girl runs across the screen again, the puppy still in chase.)

???: Does it look like I'm playing!? Hurry up and help me!

Nichol: Dog bites can be rather dangerous. We probably should help the girl.

Jake: Right you are, my moist friend! Leave it to me!

(Jake rushes to the puppy, who runs off.)

Jake: There you go! Are you all right, my lady?

???: Don't start with the sweet talk, you cheeky sod! I'm too old for you, anyway.

Jake: Oh, I'm easy prey for the charms of an older woman, in fact. You fellows know what I'm talking about, right?

Lasswell: Please don't drag us down to your level.

???: Look, I don't think you appreciate the kind of age difference we're talking about here. Like 700 years different.

(The party all get ! over their heads at this.)

???: Oh? So that got a reaction out of you, at least. Perhaps you're not entirely stupid.

Lasswell: Are you... one of the Sworn Six of Paladia?

???: What? Don't liken me to those armor-fetish weirdos.

Lid: Armor...fe... What!?

???: Oh, I know all about them. And what type of people they are. Do you want to know? Who they really are? What they're after?

Lasswell: Naturally we would like to know that. If you really do know anything of use, that is.

???: It's up to you whether you believe me or not. But... if you want me to tell you about the Veritas, then you'll have to pass a little trial for me first.

Lasswell: What kind of trial?

???: Escort me as far as Mysidia. If I get there in one piece, then you pass.

Rain: What do you guys think? We were thinking of going to Mysidia next anyway...

Lid: Then we've hardly got any reason to say no. Why don't we just take her along?

Nichol: Yes. It seems reasonable enough.

Rain: Okay, then we accept your challenge! Uh... Sorry, what was your name?

???: My name is Sakura. And I'll be counting on you to keep me safe till Mysidia, Rain.

(Sakura walks off, the rest following, but Rain stops next to Lasswell who hasn't moved.)

Lasswell: Hey, Rain.... That girl... just called you by name...

Rain: Hey. that's true. How did she know my name?

MAGE NATION MYSIDIA - ONWARD TO MYSIDIA - SNOW PLAINS 1

(The party enters the snow plains, and halts.)

Fina: So... what kind of country is Mysidia?

Nichol: Mysidia is a land of mages. However, the fact is that they have cut themselves off from other nations so utterly that no one knows much more than that.

Jake: So... mages, huh?

(He gets a ♥ over his head.)

Jake: Mages draped in robes... Robes that so easily slip off to reveal what lies underneath... Yes. Let's do some sightseeing. But which color robes? Should I go with the dark allure of the black mage? The pure innocence of the white mage?

(The party gets mixed reactions to this. Rain gets a single sweat drop, Lid grumbles, Fina a question mark, and Nichol gets (...)).

Lid: A white mage is what you're gonna need if you don't knock if off, creepo. I'll give you some injuries they've never seen before.

(Jake sweats, and rushes after the others who've moved on. The camera pans down to Lasswell and Sakura, lagging behind.)

Lasswell: Sakura. How is it that you knew Rain's name when we had never met before?

Sakura: Oh! That is an interesting question, isn't it? Rain's name is not all that I know, either. I know you as well. Lasswell.

(Lasswell gets ! at this.)

Lasswell: I see. I think I've begun to understand... who you really are.

(He turns and walks a few steps.)

Lasswell: I still do not understand the purpose of such a trial... But regardless, we will see you safely to Mysidia.

(He turns back to look at Sakura.)

Lasswell: I could do no less for any of Sir Raegen's comrades.

(He turns again and walks on. Sakura gets a (...) at this.)

Sakura: Ho ho ho! Yes, you are a clever one. Despite being little more than a babe.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - SAKURA'S IDENTITY - SNOW WOODS 1

(Rain, Lasswell, Lid and Nichol are gathered around a campfire.)

Rain: Hey. Lasswell. Who do you think Sakura really is? She doesn't seem like a normal girl to me.

Lasswell: It's quite certain that she is not a mere child. That became obvious as soon as she showed knowledge of the Sworn Six of Paladia.

(Sakura walks up to the party.)

Sakura: You can guess all you'd like, but it won't help. But I did tell you: if you pass my test, I'll tell you everything.

Lasswell: Why should we have to undergo such a trial, though?

Sakura: My. If you don't wish to do it, you're welcome to give up at any time. Though you won't get answers to any of your questions that way.

Lid: Don't worry, Sakura. We'll get you to Mysidia for sure! So don't'cha think you could tell us even a little bit in the meantime?

Sakura: Just a little bit, hmmm....? No, I'm afraid it's no good. Unless I could really sit down and explain the whole thing from start to finish, there's just no way you'd understand.

Nichol: There you are, Lid. You heard the woman. You wouldn't understand it anyway.

Lid (irritated): Why are you making it sound like she was only talking about me!? You'd be just as lost as I would, I bet!

Nichol: Something so complicated even I could not understand it? Something so improbable is not worth taking into account, tactically speaking.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T GIVE OUT - MOUNTAINTOP VILLAGE 1

(The party is walking along a path in a snow field. They come to a stop, and Rain gets a ! over his head as he spots a fallen white mage. He rushes to her side.)

Rain: Hey! Are you okay!?

Villager(getting up on her knees): P-please.... help us... Monsters... attacked our village...

Rain: Of course we'll help! Which way is your village?

Villager(standing): Th-thank you so much... It's not far.. I'll show you the way...

Sakura: Now, Rain. I hope you haven't forgotten that you're supposed to be completing my trial.

Rain: I know that... but I can't just abandon those villagers, either!

Sakura: Oh? Even knowing that a crystal awaits in Mysidia, you still insist on this detour? And if that crystal should be destroyed while you are off attending to these villagers... what will you do then?

Rain(bowing his head): I... I don't...

Sakura: If all the crystals are destroyed, it will be the end of this world. That is what the Sworn Six intend.

(The party gets ! at this.)

Lid: You can't be serious... right? The end of the world? That's what Cid wants?

Rain(...): Even.. if that's the case... I can't just abandon people who need help right in front of my eyes!

Sakura: Rain. Would that always be your answer?

Rain: Yes. It would. So I'm sorry, but... your trial is just going to have to wait until after we help that village. (Rain turns to the others.) Come on, guys! Let's go!

(The party hurries off, leaving Sakura behind.)

Sakura(grumbling): My goodness.... Some people just never appreciate the lengths you go to for them. Choosing to focus on so trivial a thing when so much more is at stake? Even after facing down the hatred and determination of the Sworn Six? It seems... I may have been beaten at my own game.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T GIVE OUT - MOUNTAINTOP VILLAGE 2

(Sakura stands at the edge of the village. Rain approaches her.)

Rain: I knew we made the right choice. We were able to help a lot of people here. This village should be safe now. And now that that's taken care of, we can get back to that trial. Let's press on to Mysidia!

Sakura(...): You seem awfully pleased with yourself. Is that all you do this for? To make yourself feel good?

Rain(grumbling): What? You're trying to say I'm too proud of the fact that I managed to save an entire village?

(Sakura, who has had her back to Rain this entire time, now turns to face him.)

Sakura: If the crystal had been destroyed while you were out here doing this, the entire world would have fallen. And if that had happened, every person in this village would be dead,. Meaning that everything you did here... would have been meaningless.

(She turns and starts to walk off.)

Sakura: The Sworn Six are completely dedicated to their goal. Their hatred burns as hot as fire. Their determination is as unbending as steel.

(She turns to Rain again.)

Sakura: Rain. You must prepare yourself for what is coming. Abandon petty concerns, and be ready to stand against the true challenge awaiting you. If you do not, then you will surely fall to the Veritas in the end.

Rain(...): We've fought the Veritas so many times now. We know how determined they are. And it's probably just like you say, Sakura. They've probably sacrificed a lot for their goals. They're ready for that kind of fight, the kind where you might lose everything.

(Sakura takes a few steps towards Rain.)

Sakura: If you understand that, then...

Rain: But it doesn't change anything for me. If I fight the way they do, giving up on everything else, then even if I win.... Even if I save the world, I don't think I could love a world built upon so much sacrifice. That's why... I won't give up, and I won't abandon anyone else either. I'll fight them. I am prepared to fight the Veritas. But I'll fight them my own way.

Sakura(...): I see... So you hope to beat them even in how dedicated you are to your principles, is that it?

Rain: Hmmm. I guess you could say that.

(Sakura turns her back again).

Sakura: ....You are an interesting man, Rain. Well then. We should be going. You still have a trial to complete. I'm counting on you to get me to Mysidia.

Rain: Good. We'll get you there.

(Rain rushes off ahead of Sakura.)

Sakura(...): (I came up with this "trial" as an excuse to travel alongside Rain, so that I could determine if he is the sort of man we need...) (...But perhaps I learned something else. Perhaps this is the type of man who can save the world...) (Raegen. Your son has passed my test.) (Which leaves... only the problem of Fina.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - FOUNDER OF MYSIDIA - MAGE NATION MYSIDIA 1

(The scene opens as the party walks into a town.)

Lid: Wow... So this is Mysidia?

(A black mage walks by, giving them no notice. The party turns to watch him.)

Nichol: It seems like none of the people here are even curious about strangers appearing in their town.

Sakura: The people of Mysidia pay no attention to anything but their own research.

Lasswell: Well, this should be the end of our trial. So isn't it about time you tell us what you know?

Sakura: I suppose so. Why don't we find a quiet place where...

(Sakura gets a ! over her head.)

Sakura: Hmmm. This feeling...

Rain: What is it?

Sakura: How troublesome. So they finally sniffed this place out? Two of the Veritas are headed this way. And one of them is... I'm sorry. But we need to get to the crystal at once. Our talk will have to wait.

Rain: That's no problem. If the Veritas are coming, then we will be happy to meet them. We will strike them down.

(Sakura gets (...)).

Sakura: ...I see. Then come with me. I will lead you to the crystal.

Jake: You'll lead us to the crystal? You know exactly where it is? Sakura, just who are you?

(Sakura turns her back to the party.)

Sakura: I founded Mysidia.

(Sakura and Rain walk on. Lasswell starts to as well, but stops and turns to look at Jake as he speaks again.)

Jake: Mysidia has the longest history of any nation in this world. So when you said you were 700 years old... you weren't joking? Interesting. So there'd be a bit of an age gap if we hooked up. More like an eon gap. It certainly stretches the idea of a May-to-December romance.

(Lasswell walks on as Jake give a thumbs-up.)

Jake: But there's no rule saying May and December have to be in the same century! I mean, look at you. You've still got it.

Lid: ...And you'll never get it. Pervert.

(They walk on.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - FIGHT FOR DESTINY - NAMELESS RUINS 1

(The party enters the chamber of the crystal.)

Lid: Really? So Mysidia's crystal is kept in a place like this?

(Rain gets a ! over his head and turns to Sakura.)

Rain: Which crystal is it?

Sakura: This is the Crystal of Light.

Lasswell: Light? I thought that Mysidia housed the Ice Crystal.

Rain: That's right. There are supposed to be only two crystals remaining in the world.... The Lightning Crystal in Pharm... and the Ice Crystal in Mysidia. I've never heard of any Light Crystal.

Jake: Huh? Hold on a moment. You said Pharm and Mysidia? That's not what I've always heard.

Lid: What? What do you mean?

Sakura: You are both right, and you are both wrong. After all, I've been spreading conflicting tales of the crystals' locations around the world, to make things more difficult for the Veritas.

Rain: You what?

Sakura: The Lightning Crystal and the Ice Crystal no longer exist. They were destroyed long ago by someone else. The only one left who knows which crystals remain and where they are housed... is me.

Nichol: Indeed.... So it is your campaign of misinformation that has kept the Veritas from swooping down and destroying all of the crystals at once.

Sakura: It's worked pretty well, if I do say so myself. But that strategy has reached its limit.

???: I would say so. What underhanded games you play.

(Rain gets a !, and the party turns. Two Veritas appear on balconies above them.)

Rain: Veritas!

Sakura: So you came... Earthlord. And if it isn't the Veritas of the Light.

Veritas of the Light: ....

(Veritas of the Light casts a spell. Sakura gets a ! over her head, then is thrown a few steps away, falling to her knees.)

Rain: Sakura!

Sakura: Ugh... Ridiculous... When did you gain such power? You're nothing like the Lightlord of old...

Veritas of the Light: Traitors like you are not needed in this world. This is what comes of casting aside your armor. I will not let you die a simple death. For you, I will take the time to carve you apart piece by piece.

Fina: Sakura!

(Fina rushes towards Sakura, but Earthlord jumps down from the balcony, landing in front of her. The party is driven back outside.)

Veritas of the Earth: Fina. Do you remember me?

Fina: Get out of the way! I don't know you!

Veritas of the Earth(...): You don't know me? Really?

(Earthlord takes a few steps towards Fina.)

Veritas of the Earth: Then I shall have to force you to remember.

Fina(backing up): Y-you want to fight? I'll fight you!

Veritas of the Earth: No.. You are not a warrior of Hess. To cross blades with you would be unfair. Lowly monsters are enough for you.

(Earthlord sets his shield in front of himself, preparing for battle.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - FIGHT FOR DESTINY - NAMELESS RUINS 2

(The party rushes back into the ruins to confront the two Veritas. Sakura's still on her knees behind the Veritas.)

Veritas of the Earth: Yes... Seeing you fight now confirms it. Fina. You are worthless as you are now.

Fina: What?

(Veritas of the Earth takes a step forward.)

Veritas of the Earth: Is this what comes of the great Demon of Hess lending her power to a pack of humans? Is that what has made you so weak? You should return to your true form. For my sake, Fina.

(Veritas of the Earth begins to glow, and Rain and Fina get ! over their heads.)

Rain: Watch it, guys! That one's got something up his sleeve!

Veritas of the Light: You can just stay still.

(Veritas of the Light flashes brightly, and the party falls to its knees.)

Rain: Augh! My eyes!

Veritas of the Light: Go on, Earthlord. Do what you will. Unleash that inexhaustible power of yours.

(Fina, who was still standing, takes a few steps back.)

Veritas of the Earth: Now, Fina! I'll free you from the confines of that wretched form!

(Veritas of the Earth hurls a yellow ball of light at Fina. She's enveloped in a glow.)

Rain: Fina!

Fina: What... is this...? It doesn't feel like an attack... It's more like... I'm being filled with power...

(Fina glows brightly, and turns into her dark form.)

Fina: This... This is... Earthlord, what the hell were you thinking?

Veritas of the Earth: That's the first thing you have to say to me after 700 years? You must know what I was thinking. You know what I want. It is the one thing we have always desired from each other!

(Fina takes a few steps forward.)

Fina: ...To fight to the death, of course!

Veritas of the Earth: Exactly!

(The camera pans up to focus on Sakura.)

Sakura: (This will not do... If Fina should fall here...)

(There is a flash as Sakura teleport to the middle of the party.)

Sakura: All of you! Withdraw from this battle!

Rain: What are you saying? If we run now, they'll destroy the crystal!

Sakura: There will still be one crystal left to protect, though! But if you are destroyed here and now, all will be lost!

(Sakura glows, and teleports the party away.)

Veritas of the Earth: You would abandon this crystal to flee with your lives?

Veritas of the Light: Hmph. It's pointless either way. We'll find the last one in no time, no matter what you do.

(The two Veritas walk to the crystal, and Lightlord destroys it.)

Veritas of the Light: And now just one crystal remains.

Veritas of the Earth: The time is finally here. The day that was promised.

(The scene shifts to outdoors, some distance away. The party appears in a flash of light.)

Sakura: Hah... It seems we managed to get away.

(Jake get a ! over his head.)

Jake: Wh-what--! Whence such heavenly beauty, and is she staying?

Lid: AH, sheesh. She turned into THAT Fina again?

Jake: Fina? That's Fina? Seriously? When did she even have the time to change outfits and do all that makeup and everything!?

Lid: We'll explain it all later, so just... shut up for now, would you? Or permanently, if you like.

Rain: Fina? Are you okay?

Fina: Heh... So we meet again. Rain. And how have you been doing? Perhaps your well being isn't what we should be discussing, though.

Rain: Huh?

Fina: You know that the other Fina was born when I lost my true power. She was all that remained, then....

Nichol: Yes.. And now the Earthlord shared his own power to restore you to your former self.

Fina: Full point. You are as quick to understand as ever, Nichol.

Lid: So the Fina in front of us right now is...

Fina: Exactly. I am completely myself once again. I am just as I was 700 years ago... before I was sealed in that crystal. But... as a result of that, the other Fina is on the verge of dissolving within me.

Rain: Fina... will disappear?

Fina: And if she does, that Fina will never again appear before you. That doesn't matter much to me, of course, but... I thought you all deserved to know, at least.

Lid: We can't let that happen! I don't want Fina to disappear!

Jake: The simple and innocent Fina... and this sexy bombshell Fina... isn't there a way to have both of them?

Lid: You shut your slobbering pie hole. If you want a bombshell, I could arrange for you to be blown to pieces.

Rain: Isn't there some way to save Fina?

Fina (turning away): I'm sorry. I don't know of any.

Sakura: ...If you wish to save her, then there is one way.

(The party, minus Fina and Sakura, get ! over their heads at this.)

Sakura: You must go into Fina's mind, and stop what remains of her from being destroyed.

Lid(...): Well, yeah, that's what we'd like to do... but how the heck do you go into someone's mind?

Sakura: Explanation can wait till after. If you want to save her, you must hurry and come with me at once.

(Sakura turns and begins walking off.)

Lid: What? Wh-where are we going?

Sakura: To the Magic Lirbrary.

(Sakura walks off, and the party follows.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- INTO FINA'S SOUL -- MAGIC LIBRARY 1

Sakura: This is the Magic Library. Here resides the accumulated knowledge of millennia.

(Nichol looks around.)

Nichol: This... is... quite the collection.

Sakura: A human could spend her entire life reading, and still would not come close to reading all that lies here.

Lasswell: But a library... in a place like this? Who built it? And when?

(Sakura lights a candelabra, and a hidden door opens. The rests of the party reacts with ! over their heads.)

Sakura: No one built it. It came to this world as you see it.

Lid: What? What's that supposed to mean?

Sakura: Never mind that. Focus now on reaching the deepest part of the library. That is where you'll find the book you need.

Rain: Got it. And this book will help us save Fina, right?

Sakura: Quite so. But the library is full of monsters. Be careful.

(They enter the formerly hidden door.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- INTO FINA'S SOUL -- MAGIC LIBRARY 2

(The party is gathered around a green book.)

Sakura: It seems the book was possessed by some creature, but it should be fine now. Let me just conjure a simple barrier to keep any other monsters from sneaking up on us...

(She does so.)

Sakura: Now, Fina. Take that book in hand, would you?

Fina: Okay...

(Fina steps forward and places her hand on the book.)

Sakura: Good... Next I want you to think on your memories of that war. Remember what happened 700 years ago.

(Fina gets a ! as the book reacts!)

Sakura: Prepare to leave you bodies behind! We go now into Fina's psyche!

(The book opens.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- A 700 YEAR AGO FIGHT -- FINA'S PSYCHE BATTLEFIELD 1

(The party is standing on a cliff.)

Rain: Where...?

Lid: Whaaat!? We were just in the Magic Library, weren't we?

Sakura: ((It would seem that it worked.))

(Sakura isn't with the party.)

Rain: Huh? Sakura? Where are you? We can hear you, but...

Sakura: ((I remained in the Magic Library to protect your bodies.)) ((Right now, you all are within Fina's psyche.)) ((Using the book that you helped find, it is possible to enter the memories of another.))

Jake: So... we're in Fina's mind right now?

Fina: ...Well, that's a bit odd. I don't know how I feel about having other people traipsing around in my mind.

Lid: But... Wait. If these are memories... then that means this is a place that Fina once saw?

(Lid steps closer to the cliff edge and looks around.)

Lid: Where is this, though? This doesn't look like any place in our world!

Sakura: ((That is Paladia... The homeland of the Veritas and of Fina.))

(The party, minus Fina, get ! over their heads at this.)

Rain: Fina's.... homeland? This place?

Fina: Heh heh heh.... how nostalgic.

Lasswell(...): And what are we supposed to do here?

Sakura: ((Start by trying to find the other Fina somewhere within these memories. We can't do anything until you do that.))

Rain: We'll find her.

Fina: Sure. But you may want to be careful wandering around in here. You've just walked into the middle of a war, after all. You might find more than you bargained for.

Lid(!): A war?

Fina: That's right. The great war that split the people of Paladia in two. So don't worry if I disappear for a little while, mmmkay?

Lid: Huh? But what for?

Fina: Let's just say that things could get a little complicated if I were seen in this world. I'll be around if you really need me, though.

(Fina glows and disappears.)

Rain: Well, this has gotten confusing... but I guess for now we just focus on finding our Fina.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- A 700 YEAR AGO FIGHT -- FINA'S PSYCHE BATTLEFIELD 2

Nichol: We have little choice but to strike back when we are attacked directly..... and yet...

Lid: That Fina said that the people were split in two, right? But which side is good and which side is bad? Fighting leaves a bad taste in my mouth when I think that I might be cutting down the good guys.

Sakura: ((This is war. There is not always a good side or a bad side.))

Rain: The people fighting in this war... Wait, are they...?

Sakura: ((That's right. This is the war between Aldore and Hess.)) ((And the ones holding the key to this war are your familiar old nemeses: The Sworn Eight of Paladia.))

Lid(?): The Sworn Eight? Don't you mean six?

Sakura: ((You'll see. IF you remain here long enough...))

MAGI NATION MYSIDA -- DEFEATING THE DARKLORD -- FINA'S PSYCHE BADLANDS 1

Lid(?): Rain? Lasswell? What is it? What's going on?

(The party has come to a halt, Rain and Lasswell staring ahead in attention.)

Rain: Lasswell... do you feel that?

Lasswell: I do. I wasn't sure you felt it as well.

Rain: He's here...

Lid: What? Who's here?

(The scene pans left as a Veritas walks up to the party.)

Lid(!): My d... The Veritas of the Dark.

Veritas of the Dark: What are you doing here?

Lid: O-oh... well... You see... We lost our way and wandered in here by mistake?

(Nichol and Jake both get (...) over their heads at this.)

Nichol: If you're going to lie, put some effort into it, would you?

Jake: Seriously. Give us something to work with.

(Lid sweats.)

Lid: Argh! I know! B-but no one else was saying anything!

Veritas of the Dark: I do not know your faces.... though you don't seem to be warriors of Hess...

(Rain walks forward.)

Rain: It is true that we're pretty lost. None of us has ever been here before, after all.

(Veritas of the Dark gets a (...) as he ponders this.)

Veritas of the Dark: Your eyes look honest. Fine then. If you are lost, follow me. I will take you to our base.

(He leaves.)

Lid: W-wait, is this a good idea? He said their base, right? Does that mean it's the headquarters of the Veritas or something?

Rain: What choice do we have? And anyway, don't you want to find out more about the Veritas?

(The others walk off, leaving Lid behind.)

Lid: I-I sure hope you're right about this, Rain...

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- DEFEATING THE DARKLORD -- FINA'S PSYCHE BADLANDS 2

Veritas of the Dark: We are still some distance from the base. I'm afraid we have a long road ahead of us yet.

(Rain steps forward.)

Rain: Can I ask something? Why are Aldore and Hess fighting anyway? Both Aldore and Hess were originally part of the same country, right? They were both part of Paladia, weren't they?

Veritas of the Dark: Borders and nations mean little when people do not hold the same beliefs. Our different beliefs have paved different roads ahead of us.

Nichol: It is a familiar tale in our own world, too...

Veritas of the Dark: Aldore worships at the altar of science. Hess cleaves to its visionary magicks. And the result is this war that you see all around us.

Nichol: Visionary... magicks?

Veritas of the Dark: The visionary magicks are different from the magic that we use. They are a strange power born of scientific progress. Hess declared independence from Paladia, attempting to create a new place for itself as a nation of visionary magicks. But their magicks are too dangerous. That was why Aldore could not simply stand by and watch it happen.

Rain: And that was how the war began...?

Veritas of the Dark(...): But if this war continues to drag on as it has, many lives will be lost on both sides. I want to bring this foolish conflict to an end. That's why I have to...

Rain: Isn't there any way to settle things peaceably?

Veritas of the Dark: There is. My power does not exist for the sake of cutting down my fellow men. It exists only to end this fruitless, interminable war. I will be the blade that cuts through the darkness that surrounds us. The darkness is my jurisdiction. That is why I take the name of Dark.

(Veritas of the Dark leaves.)

Rain: Dark...

Lid: That's... I mean, I know I shouldn't be thinking it, but... He was... kind of a great person, wasn't he? The Veritas of the Dark.

Rain: Mmm. It seems like he was.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- THE MAGE OF HESS -- FINA'S PSYCHE FRONT LINES 1

(The party is walking along. Veritas of the Dark comes to a stop with a ! over his head. The others turn to look at him.)

Veritas of the Dark: I can feel it... The great hosts of Hess are approaching. Do they hope to bring down our base? And at the head of their forces... So, she dared come out herself... The Demon of Hess.

(Veritas of the Dark turns to the rest of the party.)

Veritas of the Dark: You all... Would you lend me your aid?

Rain: You want us... to help you?

Veritas of the Dark: I have been convinced by fighting alongside you till now. You are the blood of Aldore. I feel it in you. Especially you. Rain. I feel it most strongly in you.

Rain: Wha...

Veritas of the Dark: Yes, you, Rain. And that is not all. It's so curious, but... when I look at you, I...

(Two other Veritas approach. Lid gets ! over her head as she spots them.)

Lid: Yikes! The Veritas of the Light and of the Earth!

Veritas of the Light: So this is where you've been, Darklord. We were worried. You'd been gone so long.

(Earthlord turns to Lightlord.)

Veritas of the Earth: Ha ha! You worry too much, sis. The Darklord isn't the type of guy to fall that easily.

Veritas of the Light: D-don't call me that! I know better than anyone how strong the Darklord is. I don't need to hear it from you.

Lid(...): Huh... you know...

Nichol: They are rather different than the Earthlord and Lightlord we encountered in our time.

Jake: Well, I suppose 700 years might change a person.

Veritas of the Light: Oh? Are you all... with the Darklord? If you're friends with him, then you're friends to me. Let us battle Hess together. We will bring this war to an end at last.

Rain: R-right... Let's do that...

Veritas of the Dark: Lightlord. Earthlord. You two have the best timing. Stand with us, and we will strike back against the armies of Hess.

Veritas of the Light: The armies of Hess?

(Earthlord gets a ! over his head.)

Veritas of the Earth: That presence... So she is here in the flesh, is she!

Veritas of the Dark: Comrades! Prepare yourselves! We must not let them take our base!

Veritas of the Light: I won't. My sister is still in that base. She's still too young too stand up to the demon's powers.

Veritas of the Earth: You always did have such a soft spot for her. Isn't that right, "sis"? But don't you worry about a thing. I will end that demon once and for all!

(The Veritas move out, leaving our party behind.)

Jake: Well, look what we've gotten ourselves caught up in now. It seems we have no choice but to fight.

Nichol: Yes. I see little alternative.

(The others move on, leaving Rain behind.)

Rain: (This Demon of Hess that the Darklord is afraid of... Could she really be...?)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - THE MAGE OF HESS - FINA'S PSYCHE FRONT LINES 2

Rain: All right. That should be... the last of them.

Fina: You were able to defeat that many soldiers on your own, hm? I didn't know Aldore still had anyone like you left in its armies.

(The party gets ! over their heads, and turn as Dark Fina approaches.)

Rain: Fina!?

Fina: It looks like I might want to reduce Aldore's advantage before the final showdown.

(Fina readies her whip.)

Lid: Wh-what do we do? Are we really gonna fight Fina?

Jake: It seems almost blasphemous to strike a beautiful woman, but... I cannot allow my own gorgeous face to be vandalized either!

Nichol: There is no better alternative. This time we simply have to fight!

(Battle begins! Afterward...)

Fina: Impossible... I was.... defeated...?

Rain: Fina...

(Rain takes a step towards her.)

Fina: Don't come near me! I can't lose... I can't possibly lose here! If I lose, then Hess... Hess will be destroyed by Aldore... So even... even if it destroys me, I must...

(Veritas of the Earth walks through the party to stand before Fina.)

Veritas of the Earth: Fina. How weak you have grown. You let yourself be beaten by these nameless ruffians? I can hardly believe it of you.... But then... I suppose all things must come to an end. I will at least let you die by my own hand.

(Veritas of the Earth draws his weapon, but Rain rushes to stand between him and Fina.)

Rain: Wait!

Veritas of the Earth: You. Why do you interrupt me?

Rain: The Darklord said it, didn't he? Hess and Aldore were once one people... This isn't what you're here for! You shouldn't be killing one another!

Veritas of the Earth: ....That may be what the Darklord thinks.

Rain: Isn't there any way to resolve this other than war? Just because you believe in different things... That shouldn't mean you have to kill each other!

Veritas of the Earth: Enough! What would you know of our war? What would you know of any of this? You know nothing! Nothing of this battle, or how I feel for Fina! But if you would still stand in my way, then I will cut you down alongside her!

(Battle begins against the Earthlord! There is no dialogue after you defeat him.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- THE MAGE OF HESS -- FINA'S PSYCHE FRONT LINES 3

(Veritas of the Earth is crouched on the ground.)

Veritas of the Earth: Ugh! I did not expect you would prove such a challenge.... But my power is limitless! I will not fall to such primitive attacks!

(He stands and glows!)

Rain: Gah! He's still not giving up!?

Sakura: ((Rain! That's enough!))

Rain: Wha... Sakura?

Sakura: ((The situation has changed! You must return to your bodies now!))

(There is a flash of white light.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- NEW TRUTH, MORE MYSTERY -- MAGIC LIBRARY 3

(The party stands around the green book.)

Lid: Isn't this...? We're back! Right?

(They all get ! over their heads and walk a few steps forward. Sakura is standing facing west, a barrier between her and a monster.)

Rain: Sakura! What happened!?

(Sakura turns east, and puts up another barrier to stop the monster approaching from that direction.)

Sakura: Sorry about this. My barrier failed, and monsters attacked. That is why I woke you all. I'm afraid even I cannot take on this many monsters alone. Lend me a hand, would you?

Rain: Of course!

(The party gathers behind Sakura.)

Sakura: But these monsters... They are not the monsters that live in this library.

Veritas of the Light: That's right. I brought them. To make you suffer.

Sakura: Lightlord...

Veritas of the Light: You cannot escape from us! You should know that better than anyone!

(Rain takes a step forward.)

Rain: Wait, Lightlord! Why are you targeting Sakura?

Veritas of the Light: ...

Rain: You may not believe me, but... I know you. I know something about the people you used to be. The Veritas of the Dark was once a great man. And you weren't bad either.

(Rain takes another step forward.)

Rain: What happened 700 years ago? What filled you all with so much hatred?

Veritas of the Light: Rain.... So you are Raegan's son.

Rain: Huh?

Veritas of the Light: He betrayed Paladia. He ran roughshod over my heart. If it weren't for your mother... If only Sophia hadn't been there...

Rain: Hold on... What are you saying?

(The scene shakes as Lightlord speaks angrily.)

Veritas of the Light: I have no words to spare for you of all people! Your very existence is salt in my wounds!

(Battle begins!)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- NEW TRUTH, MORE MYSTERY -- MAGIC LIBRARY 4

(Battle has ended. Lightlord backs up a step.)

Veritas of the Light: Ugh...

(Lightlord's armor shatters, revealing a pink-haired woman.)

Rain: Huh?

Jake: Another one!? We're just drowning in lovely ladies lately... I-is it really okay for one man to be so blessed?

Lid: Do you even understand what's going on? Could you focus on what really matters here!?

Sakura(...): It's been a long time... sister.

(The party gets ! over their heads at this.)

Rain: Sister?

Veritas of the Light: Sakura... You are no sister to me!

(Lightlord casts a spell as she says this, crystals circling around her. A ball of light is thrown towards the party, but is stopped as Sakura puts up a barrier to block it.)

Veritas of the Light: Ungh!

Sakura: Give it up, sister. The wounds that Rain and the others have dealt you aren't healing, are they?

Veritas of the Light: Wounds? These little scratches are nothing! What are such physical pains compared to the humiliation they have heaped upon me!? Come to me! My armor of light!

(She glows, the glow blinding her from view. When it fades, she stands with her armor restored.)

Rain: Lightlord, wait! Why do you know my mother?

Veritas of the Light: You haven't heard anything at all from Raegen, have you? Then shall I be the one to tell you? Your father Raegen.. is one of the Sworn Six of Paladia. He is the Veritas of the Dark.

(The party gets a ! over their heads.)

Lasswell: Darklord... is Sir Raegen?

Rain: ...

Veritas of the Light: Raegen.... Darklord was led astray by that wench Sophia, and he turned his back on us. I will never forgive that traitor!

Lid: Wait...what? I don't get it! So Darklord is Rain's dad... and a traitor? B-but... that doesn't make any sense!

Nichol: I'm impressed that you actually noticed that, Lid. Darklord stood against us as one of the Sworn Six of Paladia. He certainly appeared loyal to their cause.

Lid: So is the person inside Darklord's armor really Rain's dad? Or is it someone else? I don't understand!

Veritas of the Light: It's not anything you need to know!

(Lightlord begins to glow, and Sakura gets a ! over her head.)

Sakura: Blast! She's been gathering up magic power to unleash it all at once!

(Fina moves to the front of the party.)

Fina: It's fine! I can handle this!

(Fina holds up her rod, as if to gather energy, but it just sparks.)

Fina: What?

Sakura(!): Leave this up to me! Fina, you stand back!

(There is a big ball of light emanating from Veritas of the Light, obliterating the scene!)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- BLOOD OF PALADIA -- DOWNTOWN MYSIDIA 1

(The scene opens in downtown Mysidia. Flashes of light appear as the party is teleported into town one by one.)

Lid: Wha.... Where are we?

Sakura: Would you rather have stayed there and been blown to pieces? I brought you back to the town of Mysidia.

Lid: You can move from one place to another instantaneously? That's the same thing Cid did to us...

Fina: Sakura... Thank you. For saving us.

(Sakura turns to Fina.)

Sakura: We will undoubtedly need your strength when the final battle comes against the Sworn Six. I cannot let you be injured before then. We have a battle to fight together.

(Sakura has joined the party!)

(The camera centers on Nichol, who gets a (...)).

Nichol: (Fina should have regained all of her former power thanks to the Earthlord.) (But... that spell seemed to fail earlier... So does she truly have her power back or not?)

(The camera pans further west, to Rain and Lasswell standing some distance from the party. Rain looks like he has his head bowed.)

Lasswell: Was it a shock? To realize that the Darklord was in fact Sir Raegen.

Rain: ... ... ...

Lasswell: To be honest... I think I already knew it on some level. When Darklord saved us, I felt some of Sir Raegen's warmth from within that armor...

Rain(...): The Darklord is our enemy, but he was a man worthy of respect. I can admit that much. But it's like Lid said. We don't even know for sure who is inside of Darklord's armor now.

Lasswell: That is true...

(Rain turns from Lasswell, gets a (...) over his head, and walks off.)

Lasswell(...): (...Rain. That is not the only issue to consider here.) (If Sir Raegen truly was Darklord once....) (Then that means he was originally from Paladia.) (Meaning... that Rain... You too have the blood of Paladia running through your veins.) (Perhaps that explains... the glow in your arm that time...)

(The scene shifts. The party is walking elsewhere in downtown Mysidia. A black mage spots them and gets a ! over his head. The party comes to a halt, and Lid gets a ? as the other black mage also sees them and gets a !. The second black mage speaks.)

Rebel Soldier: There they are! Those are the criminals that destroyed the Magic Library! You have destroyed the cornerstone of all our hard-earned wisdom! This cannot be forgiven!

(The whole party gets a !, and Lid steps forward.)

Lid: What!? Hold on just a minute! We didn't destroy the library or anything!

Rebel Soldier: Do not try to deny your crimes! We know that you were in the library!

(Sakura gets a grumble symbol over her head.)

Sakura: Even if we try to explain, it doesn't look like they're going to listen.

Nichol: We seem to have no choice but to use force, for now. We will have to fight our way out of this trouble without harming any of the townspeople.

Sakura: Then we should consider using the underground paths. Follow me.

(The party hurries away, followed by a pack of black mages.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- BLOOD OF PALADIA -- DOWNTOWN MYSIDIA 2

(The scene opens inside a building. Earthlord walks in and looks around.)

Veritas of the Earth: It looks like she's not here. That demon, Fina.... (...) (Before Paladia was split into Hess and Aldore...) (Fina and I would always battle to test our skills as warriors of Paladia.) (When you fight until you can fight no more, something strange happens between you and your opponent. You understand one another in a way you can't any other way.) (But... when war broke out, she went instead to Hess...) (I'd just assumed... she would join Aldore and fight alongside me...)

(Two black mages enter.)

Mage: Who are you? No one is allowed in here but the mages of Mysidia.

(Earthlord gets a (...) but doesn't answer.)

Mage: Answer me! Who are you?

Veritas of the Earth: Why introduce myself to someone who is about to die?

(The mages get ! at this.)

Mage: Intruder! There's an intruder!

(The two mages flank Earthlord, and three more mages enter to stand before him.)

Veritas of the Earth: How amusing. Yes, call as many of your fellows as you can. Then try to stay alive long enough to entertain me! If you succeed, I may let you live. But if you fail...

(He glows.)

Veritas of the Earth: I will kill every last one of you.

(The mages cast spells, enveloping Earthlord in lightning. The scene ends.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA — DISAPPEARING FINA — MYSIDIA UNDERGROUND 1

(The party enters the underground passages.)

Jake: Hah... Looks like we managed to lose those mages.

Lid: If we want to clear up this misunderstanding, then we need to defeat the Veritas of the Light.

Sakura: It is a shame, but... at this point in time, Earthlord and Lightlord are too dangerous for us to fight.

Jake: Sakura? What's wrong? We've got Fina here on our side! The Demon of Hess, with her full power restored to her! Beating those two should be no problem now.

Sakura: It may be true that she has regained her true power... However...

Jake: What is it?

(Fina bows her head and gets a (...)).

Fina: That is no guarantee that she can control that power.

Nichol: Is that the reason then? Why her magic failed when we were fighting Lightlord?

Lasswell: But why?

Fina: I would guess... that it has something to do with the fact that the other Fina is disappearing within me... My mind is teetering further off balance as she fades...

Nichol: It is indeed the mind which controls magic... Meaning that if the other Fina were to disappear entirely...

Fina: I'll probably be unable to fully control my magic ever again.

(Lid sweats.)

Lid: For real? That’d be a major problem for us! Sakura! We've really gotta save Fina!

Sakura: Yes... But to do so, you will need to enter her psyche once more.

Lid: But where can we do that? We have to be able to hide our bodies somewhere safe. Lightlord has gotta come looking for us again.

Sakura: There is a training ground near here that the mages use for practicing their arts. I should be able to set a barrier there.

Lasswell: Good. Then let’s head there at once.

(The party begins to move out. Fina stops Rain before he can leave with the others.)

Fina: Rain. There’s something I need to ask.

Rain: Huh?

Fina: The Fina that you want to save... Is it me? Or the other one?

Rain: I want to save you both. You and the other Fina.

Fina: Right. How predictably dull of you.

(Fina walks away, leaving Rain, who grumbles.)

Rain: Wha-What’s that supposed to mean? "Predictably dull"?

(Rain hurries to catch up with the party.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- REASON TO LEAVE -- MAGIC TESTING GROUNDS 1

(The party walks into the Magi Training Grounds. Mages lay dead on the floor. Lid looks around.)

Lid: Wha... What is this?

Jake: This is horrendous. They've killed every last one of them.

Sakura: Not many could defeat such a large number of Mysidia's mages at once... except the Sworn Six. Looking at this destruction, I would say that the Earthlord must have come through here looking for us.

Lid: You... You mean all these people died in our place?

Nichol: Quite likely so.

Lid: But why? Why do this? They say they're so full of hatred, but... for what? What do they hate so much that they do things like this!?

Sakura: ... ... ...

Fina: It's all because...

Veritas of the Earth: That's right. Fina. You know the true answer, don't you?

(The whole party gets ! over their heads as Earthlord steps out of the training grounds' building.)

Veritas of the Earth: Then consider this. Fina. This time... join forces with us. Work together with the Sworn Six.

(The party, minus Fina, gets ! again.)

Fina: Well, that's so sweet of you to offer. But no. I have no intention of working with any of you.

Veritas of the Earth: Don't be too quick to reject this offer. Things have changed in the past 700 years. We both share the same enemy now. The other Sworn Six would accept you as an ally. If it were you, Fina.

Fina: That's quite all right. I really don't need your approval.

Veritas of the Earth(...): Then, why? Why refuse my offer? Tell me the reason.

(Fina walks a few steps back, causing Nichol to move to the side to allow her to pass. Fina stops, looking at Rain.)

Fina: The reason? Hmmm...

(Rain gets a ? over his head.)

Fina: I'd rather stay by the side of the man I've fallen for. How does that work for you?

(The party, minus Fina and Jake, get ! over their heads at this. Jake, instead, gets a ♥ over his.)

Jake: Oh snap! Confessing her feelings at a time like this? I knew she wanted me, but... Even I didn't think I was THAT irresistible!

(Lid turns to Jake.)

Lid: Are there unicorns in that fantasy land you live in? Maybe you can tame one, since... Well, you know.

Lasswell: Fina. You cannot expect me to let a statement like that pass without comment. Who is this man? Depending on your answer...

Nichol: I don't think this is the time for such drivel. We should withdraw. If we waste time posturing now with the Earthlord and Lightlord happens to show up, we may end up in serious trouble.

Sakura: He's right, as usual. It's time we run!

(They run away. Earthlord takes a few steps forward, but doesn't follow.)

Veritas of the Earth: Run if you want to. I already know where you are going....

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- REASON TO LEAVE -- TESTING GROUNDS 2

Rain: ...How strange. I wonder why the Earthlord isn't following after us?

Fina: That is strange. I mean, he sure was persistent.

Lasswell: Could there be something we missed?

Jake: Look, if he's not following us, that's good, isn't it? We're better off losing him while we can anyway.

(A random battle occurs. There is no further dialogue.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- REASON TO LEAVE -- MAGIC TESTING GROUNDS 3

Rain: Sakura? Where are we?

Sakura: My hideaway. They won't easily find us here.

(They walk further in. Sakura takes a place behind a table near a large cauldron. Cherry blossoms are strewn on the floor.)

Sakura: So let us hurry back into Fina's psyche at once.

(Sakura summons the book, which falls open on the table. The others surround it.)

Sakura: We'll use the book we acquired at the Magic Library, and...

Lid(...): Sakura? What's wrong? Nothing's happening.

Sakura: It's... I can hardly believe it, but I seem to be out of magic. Is age finally catching up with me? It seems I used up too much energy on the way here... If I just rest awhile, it should recover, but we don't have time for that now!

Rain: Then what do we do?

Sakura: We have to go to Mysidia Tower.

Rain: Mysidia Tower?

Nichol: I have heard of it. It is a tower that mages built from stone, and the top of the tower supposedly brims with magic power.

Lasswell: Ah... So we will borrow some of that power to use the book's magic.

Sakura: Quite so. So let us hurry. We don't have any time to waste dragging our feet here.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- WHICH? -- MYSIDIA TOWER 1

(The party enters Mysidia Tower, led by Rain. The camera pans across the scene to show monsters lurking within.)

Jake: Hey... What's up with all these monsters?

Lid: If there are monsters around, we can't go into Fina's psyche.

Sakura: It will be fine. I will place a barrier around the top of the tower.

Nichol: So we make for the top of the tower, taking out as many monsters as we can along the way.

Lid: Okay. Can do.

(The party starts to move out. Rain stays behind to ask Fina a question, Jake nearby.)

Rain: While taking out as many monsters as we can? Fina... are you gonna be okay?

Fina: Who are you really worried about? Me? Or the other Fina?

Rain(grumbling): Are you asking that again? I told you that you're both important to me!

Fina: Of course. Right. Thanks. For caring.

(Fina leaves, passing Jake.)

Rain: She's acting strangely, isn't she? Normally this Fina seems so aloof and in control....

(Jake walks to Rain.)

Jake: Rain. Remember that Fina can't use her magic well right now. She's probably feeling uneasy.

Rain: Right... Yes, I see what you mean. It's no wonder that she's not quite herself. Well, not quite one of her selves.

Jake: Any member of the fair sex wants the calm reassurance of her man, in times of distress. Even if she is the Demon of Hess, she's still only a woman.

Rain: Wha...

(Jake bows his head.)

Jake: But look, old man, coming out with lukewarm babble like, "Oh, you're both important..." Well, that's not gonna do you any favors. Listen up, tiger. A woman wants to be the only one her man cares about.

Rain: But.... but it's true that I really do care about both of them! So... what am I supposed to do?

Jake: Rain... As a man experienced with matters of the heart, to say nothing of the body, let me offer some advice. It's fine to like both Finas. But! You've got to tell each of them, "You're the only one I truly love!" That way, everybody's happy!

Lid: DIE, DIE, DIE!!!

(Lid comes flying at Jake, hitting him with her hammer, sending him flying off screen.)

Jake: Gyaaaaargh!

Lid: Rain! If you listen to anything this sleazebag tells you, I'll knot your crotches together.

(Lid gets an irritated symbol over her head.)

Rain: R-right... Got it.

(Lid walks off. Rain watches her leave, then turns in the direction Jake went flying, getting a single sweatdrop over his head.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- WHICH? -- MYSIDIA TOWER 2

(The party is gathered around the book at the top of the Mysidia Tower. Sakura walks up.)

Rain: Sakura? How about that barrier?

Sakura: It's in effect. There should be no way any of those monsters will reach us at the top of the tower now.

(Sakura turns to face Fina.)

Sakura: So, Fina... are you ready?

Fina: I am. Let's do it. I can't stand up to the Sworn Six if I can't use my magic properly.

Rain: Are you staying here again, Sakura?

Sakura: You'll want to have someone here to watch over your bodies in case the worst should happen.

(She turns back to Fina.)

Sakura: So, Fina, once again I'll ask you to think back on that war 700 years ago.

(Fina steps forward and places her hand over the book.)

Sakura: You will all be going into the world of Fina's psyche and acting within her mind. The things you do may stimulate the other Fina and help to bring her back.

Rain: We understand.

(A ball of light appears near Fina's hand, and the book pulses.)

Fina: Then let's go, everyone. I'm counting on you.

(The book opens.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- FINAL BATTLE WITH HESS -- FINA'S PSYCHE RIVERSIDE 1

Lasswell: It seems we have arrived intact.

Jake: Can we just pause and address the obvious for a moment? Namely, where--where in the very heck--is Paladia? I've never seen a place like this anywhere in our world.

Fina: Paladia is not part of your world. It was part of an entirely different world.

Lid: R-right. Totally. That's gotta be it. But then... what are all these mystery folks like Fina and the Sworn Six doing in our world?

Fina: Perhaps you'll find that out soon enough. It should all be here in my memories. Now don't mind me disappearing again.

(Fina glows, then disappears.)

Rain: Come on. Let's just stay focused on finding Fina for now!

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- FINAL BATTLE WITH HESS -- FINA'S PSYCHE RIVERSIDE 2

(The party is walking along a riverside. The camera pans up to show the Veritas. Earthlord gets a ! over his head as he spots them.)

Veritas of the Earth: You!

(He walks to them.)

Rain: Ah... right. The last time we came here, we were fighting with the Earthlord, weren't we?

Veritas of the Earth: So are you ready to settle things now?

(Lightlord walks up to Earthlord.)

Veritas of the Light: Enough, Earthlord. As if you weren't worried about them until a moment ago.

Rain: Worried? About us?

Veritas of the Light: You disappeared rather suddenly, you know. Earthlord here was all shaken up about it.

Veritas of the Earth: I-I don't know what you're talking about, Lightlord! I wasn't shaken up about anything!

Veritas of the Waters: Ho ho ho... Is that so? Then who was the one tearing his hair out and wailing about how it was all his fault?

Veritas of the Earth: Even you, Waterlord?

Nichol(...): You're...

Veritas of the Waters: Ah, forgive me for not introducing myself. We haven't met before, have we?

Lasswell: Nichol....

(Rain and Lasswell are looking at Nichol, concerned.)

Nichol: I know... I know that directing my anger at this Waterlord here would be meaningless...

(The scene pans up a bit to show Darklord approaching.)

Veritas of the Dark: Enough idle chatter. Our final showdown against Hess is about to begin without us.

Rain: Darklord.... Are you sure you want us taking part in your final showdown?

Veritas of the Dark: And why not? Join us. Rain... somehow I cannot believe that you are a stranger to me. It's an odd thing. I'm quite sure this is the first time we have met, and yet...

Rain: ...I have no idea what you mean.

Veritas of the Dark: Hmph. Right. Never mind, then. But Rain. The armies of Hess are strong. Stay near me, and do not fall behind. You can do that, can't you?

Rain: Yeah. I can do that. Of course I can.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- TO END THE FIGHTING -- FINA'S PSYCHE BATTLEGROUND 1

Veritas of the Flame: Your blade... It looks like Purple Lightning, the sword I once forged.

Lasswell: What?

Veritas of the Flame: The sword is good, but so is your skill. You seem to wield it well.

Lasswell: I see. I suppose I'm glad to hear that.

(A battle occurs against fodder, and progresses to wave 2.)

Lasswell: I will devote myself to upholding its name.

Veritas of the Flame: Keep that determination. Keep that devotion, that one day you may stand face-to-face with the Darklord. His blade is truly powerful.

Lasswell: Yes. I know.

(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- FALL, ARROW OF LIGHT -- FINA'S PSYCHE RAVINE 1

(Rain, Nichol, and Jake are standing in a ravine. A Veritas walks up to them.)

???: So... you managed not to lose to that imbecile Earthlord. Most impressive, I'm sure!

(The trio get ! over their heads.)

Rain: That voice...

Jake: Indeed. More derisive than ever, but... that's definitely Sakura.

???: Oh? And how would you know my name? Ah. Is that it? Did my sister tell you? Still... when I am wearing this armor, you should refer to me as the Veritas of the Bolt.

Rain(...): (So Sakura was one of the Veritas...) (But then the Lightlord called Sakura a traitor...)

(Veritas of the Dark walks up.)

Veritas of the Dark: Listen well. The Frostlord isn't going to be able to meet us here. He fell along the way.

Veritas of the Bolt: Frostlord... fell? I never thought he would be defeated that easily...

Rain: (I guess that explains it. Sakura left the Veritas, and Frostlord fell in battle... leaving only six sworn where there had been eight.)

Veritas of the Dark: Hess is not holding anything back. If the war continues much longer, both sides' losses will be too great.

Rain: Darklord, what do you plan to do? You said there was some way to resolve things with Hess, didn't you?

Veritas of the Dark: Yes. It requires that we seal away Hess's Eight Sages. The Eight Sages are the pillars that hold up the entirety of Hess. If we can seal away their power, Hess will have to abandon this attempt to seize independence by force, and then, perhaps, we can finally talk.

Nichol: But Aldore will obviously be in the position of strength then. When you hold all the advantage, what is to stop Aldore from dismissing Hess's wish for independence outright?

Veritas of the Dark: Some may wish to do so. But if we do not lend an ear to Hess's wishes, then the seeds of war will simply lie in wait for the next chance to bloom. And the powers that be in Aldore truly do want an end to the war.

Nichol: I see. If you believe that their bid for independence would not be dismissed out of hand, then...

Veritas of the Dark: I do. But if such an injustice were to somehow come to pass... Then I would simply pose a choice to our leaders. They can choose to have the Sworn Eight on their side.... or on the side of Hess.

(The trio get ! at this.)

Nichol: Ah. Indeed. Such an ultimatum would probably get the attention of even the most stubborn of leaders.

Rain(...): That's a pretty bold plan you've come up with. You really are... kind of amazing.

Veritas of the Dark: If we can come to acceptable terms for Hess's secession, we will remove the seal from the Eight Sages. Then we can finally have peace.

(Rain nods.)

Rain: All right. I've heard enough to decide. I'll help. What can I do?

(Darklord steps closer to Rain and gives him a crystal.)

Veritas of the Dark: You can take this crystal with you. If you use it, you can seal away the Eight Sages of Hess. I have seen how strong you are. You can challenge the Eight Sages, and beat them. I trust I can count on your help.

Rain: ...You can. We'll do our best.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- FALL, ARROW OF LIGHT -- FINA'S PSYCHE RAVINE 2

Lid: Uh, um....

Veritas of the Heavens: We are in the midst of battle! Leave the talk for later.

Lid: I get that, but I don't have much time, see? I dunno when this world will revert to its former self....

(Wave 1 of battle commences against fodder. It progresses to wave 2.)

Veritas of the Heavens: Revert to its former self? What are you talking about?

Lid: It'd take too long to explain, so I'll leave it at that for now. Cid, thank you! You have realized my and my brother's dream!

Veritas of the Heavens: Dream? Beyond that, how is it you know my name?

Lid: Heh heh, that doesn't matter now.

(Wave 2 commences, and leads to wave 3. There is no dialogue before wave 3 commences. After defeating wave 3....)

Rain: Is this it?

Jake: That's it! Fina's on her way!

Lasswell: What do we do, Rain?

Rain: We need to seal Fina with the crystal we received from the Darklord! That's our best option right now!

(Battle progress to wave 4, a boss fight against Dark Fina. There is no dialogue after winning.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- FALL, ARROW OF LIGHT -- FINA'S PSYCHE RAVINE 3

(The party stands before Dark Fina, who is crouched down.)

Fina: Again? You really just keep insisting on bothering me, don't you?

(Rain takes a step towards her.)

Rain: Fina, please. Won't you even listen to us?

(Fina has stood again, her whip ready.)

Fina: If you've got energy enough to talk, then fight! I'm not finished yet!

Rain: Ugh.. fine! Then we will fight you until you are satisfied enough to listen!

(Rain readies his sword, but Lid takes a step forward.)

Lid: What!? Come on, Rain--are you serious!?

(There is a flash of light. After the light fades, we are on the battlefield, just Fina and Rain facing each other.)

Rain: Tell me, Fina. Why do you fight?

Fina: Do you even have to ask? I fight for my own pride, and for an independent Hess. And why do you fight, stranger?

Rain: That's... a bit complicated...

Fina: It shouldn't be. You fight to protect something. Are you saying that you don't even know what you want to protect?

Rain: No! That's not what I'm saying! There are plenty of things I want to protect. There are so many different things that it's hard for me to give a simple answer. But if I had to pick just one reason.... them the thing that I want to protect most right now is...

(There is a flash of light as they clash together. When the light fades, Fina is laying on the ground, Rain crouched next to her.)

Rain: A girl. One girl in all the world.

Fina(...): Ridiculous. That is a ridiculous reason to fight. Yet... perhaps it is a true one.

Rain: Fina. The Darklord and the others want to talk things out with Hess, so that Hess can be independent without all this bloodshed. But the Eight Sages can't interfere, so... will you let us seal you within this crystal long enough for those talks to happen? Upon my word, as soon as the terms are agreed upon, we'll release you.

Fina(...): I used up all of my strength in the last battle. If you want to seal me away, do what you will. I can't stop you.

Rain: Fina...

Fina: Before you do, though.... tell me her name. The girl you want to protect.

Rain: I suppose I can do that much.

(Rain readies the crystal.)

Rain: Fina.

(There is a flash of light, and Fina has disappeared. The crystal held by Rain dances with light.)

Sakura: ((Rain!))

Rain: That's Sakura!

Sakura: ((You did it! It worked! The sweet Fina just appeared here!))

Rain: She did!?

Lid: We did it!

Sakura: ((But...))

Rain: What? Did something happen?

Sakura: ((You'll understand when you return. You should hurry back.))

Rain: Right....

Lid: Let's go back, Rain. I've got a bad feeling about this.

Rain: I know what you mean.

(Rain gets a !)

Rain: Hold on... something doesn't make sense. If this really brought an end to the war, then why are the Sworn Six still looking for vengeance 700 years later?

(Seven Veritas approach.)

Veritas of the Dark: You sealed away Fina? You did well. I knew you wouldn't let me down. Now Hess should finally abandon this fight. I will begin making arrangements at once for our talks to begin...

(There is a loud rumbling sound as he speaks, and the ground shakes. Our party get ! over their heads, but the Veritas do not.)

Jake: Whoa! Hey! What's going on?

Lid: What in the...!? Is the ground... floating?

Rain: Darklord! What's the meaning of this?

Veritas of the Dark: No... It can't be... Have they turned their backs on us?

Lasswell: Look to the sky! Something is coming!

Rain: Arrows of light? No... not arrows... They're crystals! Eight huge crystals!

(The scene shifts to show the crystals streaming across the sky. The scene ends.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS -- MYSIDIA TOWER TOP 1

(The party is laying on the ground, except Sakura, who's standing. They are back at the top of Mysidia Tower.)

Rain: Nnnng...

(The party gets to their knees as Sakura turns to them.)

Sakura: Oh? You're back, then?

Rain: (What was that? Where did those crystals come from?)

(Rain gets a ! over his head.)

Rain: (Never mind that... what matters now is Fina.)

(The party stands.)

Rain: Fina! Fina! Where are you!

(The camera pans down slightly. Fina, the light one, enters.)

Fina: Rain....

Rain: Fina! Thank goodness.... You're back!

Fina: Y..yeah.

Dark Fina: What's this? Were you that eager to be rid of me?

(The party, except Sakura and the Finas, get ! over their heads.)

Rain: Wh-what the--!?

Lid: There are two Finas now?

Rain: Sakura... What is going on here?

Sakura: I don't really know myself. I didn't except us to end up with two Finas... (I thought that Rain and the others' actions in Fina's psyche would bring back the other Fina... and I suppose that did happen....) (But I assumed the dark Fina would disappear, while this Fina would return to her former state. Did something happen in her psyche that I failed to predict?)

Rain: Well, if even Sakura doesn't know the answer, I guess that's that.

(Rain turns to the Finas.)

Rain: I for one am happy that I get to see both of you again.

Fina: Rain...

Dark Fina: Heh. Well, I'm flattered to hear you say that.

(The tower shakes. Fina falls to her knees for a moment, then stands again.)

Fina: Argh!

Rain: Wh-what was that!?

(The tower has stopped shaking.)

Dark Fina: I'd say someone is attacking the tower!

(The camera pans to the right to show two Veritas coming up the stairs.)

Sakura: Lightlord and Earthlord... But how did they know where we were?

Veritas of the Earth: That was simple enough. If you needed more power to enter Fina's psyche, this place was really your only option.

(Dark Fina steps forward.)

Dark Fina: Honestly... You have GOT to learn to give up when a woman turns you down.

Veritas of the Earth: I can't give up... Not until I understand why you did what you did.

Dark Fina: What I did?

Veritas of the Earth: Why did you defect to Hess? I've asked you so many times, but why have you never given me a real answer? Why?

Dark Fina(...): Aldore feared Hess's visionary magic. And that was why they refused to let Hess declare independence... And Hess thought that if they just had their visionary magic, they could somehow handle things with Aldore. But... once it came to war, it was obvious that Aldore held the upper hand. Their armies dwarfed Hess's forces. Hess would lose to Aldore. Everyone knew that from the start.

Veritas of the Earth: That is true. Which is all the more reason that you should have joined us! Can't you see that?

(Dark Fina bows her head.)

Dark Fina: No. I can't. It was exactly because Aldore had the advantage that I joined Hess.

Veritas of the Earth: What?

(Dark Fina lifts her head and turns back to face Earthlord.)

Dark Fina: Challenging the strong. Making the impossible possible, Winning the losing battle. As far as I'm concerned, that is what a warrior does.

Veritas of the Earth(...): But if that was why... If you'd just told me... we could have understood each other...

Dark Fina(...): Did we need to talk, to understand each other? Haven't we always understood each other best when we exchange blows? Not words.

Veritas of the Earth(...): You are a true warrior. You have never so much as wavered, have you... I see. Yes, I understand now. The only one who lost their way.... was me...

Dark Fina: What are you mewling for in that broken voice?

(Dark Fina readies her whip.)

Dark Fina: You know what I want. It is the one thing we have always desired from each other.

Veritas of the Earth: ...To fight to the death.

(Earthlord readies his weapon.)

Dark Fina: Yes, Earthlord. Exactly. Rain. This is between he and I alone. We will settle this at last. I'll leave Lightlord up to you all.

Rain: All right, Fina.

Veritas of the Light: Hmph. Then I guess we should settle things as well.

(Lightlord jumps and lands before the party.)

Lid: I thought we settled things pretty well the last time, personally.

Veritas of the Light: Fool. Surely you don't think it was my full power that I showed you then.

Lid: Wha...?

(Lightlord takes a step forward.)

Veritas of the Light: Sakura. And you... son of Raegen. Rain. Your dying screams will be the overture in the great tragic opera of our revenge!

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS -- MYSIDIA TOWER TOP 2

Veritas of the Light: Sakura! You and Raegen possess neither conviction nor even pride. You are but cowards! That is why you turn your gaze from anger and hatred, pretending not to see!

Sakura: No, we turn our gaze to look for a different path.

Veritas of the Light: A different path? Hah! Is there any path that doesn't lead to revenge on us?

(Wave 1 of battle commences against fodder, and proceeds to wave 2.)

Sakura: I was betrayed 700 years ago. But humans cannot live on hatred. That is not the truth of the human condition.

Veritas of the Light: Nnngh! Acting like you know what you're talking about!

(Wave 2 commences against fodder, and leads to wave 3, which is a boss battle against Lightlord. Battle begins, and you take her down to 9%.)

Lid: We won! We are the champions!

Veritas of the Light: I should inform you. I have yet to unleash my true power. You don't think you're the only ones who have the power of visions, do you?

Lasswell: What the--!?

Veritas of the Light: Behold!

(She summons what appears to be two Aldore soldiers.)

Veritas of the Light: Now, the battle truly begins!

(Battle commences once more, Lightlord restored to full health. There is no further dialogue after you win.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS -- MYSIDIA TOWER TOP 3

(The scene opens on Dark Fina and Earthlord. The latter is kneeling.)

Dark Fina: Earthlord...

Veritas of the Earth: It's been 700 years.... since I last battled you... with such abandon...

Dark Fina: You're right. It was a fine battle.

Veritas of the Earth: You said you went to Hess... because you wanted to fight against the strong...

Dark Fina: That's right.

Veritas of the Earth: So... what did you think... after all these years... Was I... strong...?

Dark Fina: I'm glad I had you as an enemy, Earthlord. As a warrior, I really am.

Veritas of the Earth: I'm... glad.

(Dark Fina turns her back to Earthlord, perhaps as if to leave.)

Veritas of the Earth: I suppose I've been waiting.... 700 years to hear you say that...

(Dark Fina joins the rest of the the party, who are standing in front of a kneeling Lightlord. Sakura steps forward.)

Sakura: Hey, sis... The battle is over. We're done here.

Veritas of the Light: We're done? How like you to say that. I... We... have lived the past 700 years for one reason and one reason only! But you and Raegen... with all your talk of compromise and your selfish desires! I will only be "done" when I've had my revenge against Aldore!

(The party, except Sakura and Dark Fina, get ! at this.)

Lasswell: Revenge against Aldore?

Rain: The crystals that we saw falling from the sky in Fina's memories... That was an attack from Aldore, wasn't it?

Lid: Then... that means... the Sworn Six were betrayed by their allies?

Sakura: ... ... ...

Veritas of the Dark: So you have finally caught a glimpse of the truth.

(Rain gets a ! as Darklord enters.)

Rain: Darklord!

Veritas of the Dark: Lightlord. Earthlord. We're going. This is not the place for you to throw your lives away.

Veritas of the Light: Darklord...

Veritas of the Earth: I understand.

(Darklord casts a spell, and Lightlord and Earthlord are teleported away.)

Veritas of the Dark: Rain. The time must come when you all will learn the full truth of things. But until then, there is one thing you should know... When we get our revenge at last, this world will end. Everything you care about--the people you love, the places you have lived--it will all be gone.

(Rain walks forward.)

Rain: Get serious... Do you really think I'm just going to let that happen?

Veritas of the Dark: ...That is some nice, heroic glowering you have there. We shall fight it out, with our lives and our hopes on the line. The time for our final battle draws near.

(Darklord takes a step back and teleports away. Lasswell moves closer to Rain.)

Lasswell: Rain...

Rain: Listen up, Lasswell. We've come this far. It doesn't matter at this point who Darklord might or might not really be. I am going to beat him. No matter what. I will defeat the Veritas of the Dark.

(Rain bows his head.)

Rain: You have my word as a Grandshelt knight.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- GAIA'S WRATH -- CAVE OF THE TITAN 1

Sakura: It seems your group has managed to subdue some espers, hm?

Rain: We don't subdue them. They lend us their strength because they considered us worthy.

Sakura: So you work together for your mutual benefit, is that it?

Nichol: There is a presence in this place. The presence of an esper. Sakura, do you know something?

Sakura: Long ago, Mysidia was a barren place. The land was too hostile for human occupation. That is exactly why I first chose this place to conceal myself. But if I wished to spread the research of magic here...

Lasswell: The people would need food and water to live and research in this barren land.

Rain: So... you got help from an esper?

Sakura: It wasn't easy. After all, the espers went to Hess's side in the war.

Fina: They went to Hess's side?

Sakura: To be accurate, I suppose they were allies. Rather like you are now.

Nichol: So Hess sought out those with a power different to that which humans possess, and used them to fight?

Sakura: It was largely because of the espers' power that the war became such a bloodbath...

Rain: But why is this esper suddenly running amok like this?

Sakura: I don't know. That is what I'd like to find out.

(The party enters the Cave of the Titan.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- GAIA'S WRATH -- GAIA'S WRATH 1

(The party approaches the statue of an esper.)

Sakura: Titan! It's... already woken!

(There is a flash of light, and Titan's statue turns flesh.)

Titan: Time passes... and still humankind learns nothing, is that it? The people of Hess who sought me out desired peace for themselves, and so they desired the power of Gaia's Fury. And Sakura. Didn't you once seek out the earth's riches for the sake of the people? And yet you--!

(The ground shakes.)

Fina: He's angry!

Sakura: Titan rules the land. He is an esper that loves peace and growing things.

Jake: I don't think anyone would call this world peaceful nowadays. That would be a bit of a stretch.

Rain: So he plans to just destroy everything with his earthquakes!?

Titan: Silence! The land cries out! It has been soaked with the blood of so many! I will not forgive humanity's repeated mistakes!

(The party get ! at this.)

Nichol: We may be in trouble here!

Lid: H-hey! Calm down!

(Rain steps forward.)

Rain: What you're doing is wrong! Just calm down... and listen to us!

(Rain readies his sword. Battle occurs! Afterwards...)

Titan: You, child... who are you?

Rain: It doesn't matter who I am. Not if I can stop you from hurting anyone else.

Titan: Have I... upset the balance of the land?

Rain: No. It wasn't you who started it. It was someone else's fault. But you won't be able to do anything against them as long as you remain here alone... But I want to stop those people. Will you help me?

Titan: Humans repeat the same battles over and over. I have tried countless times to lend my strength to them, and learned only that they do not learn.

(The party gathers around Rain.)

Fina: This time, we're fighting to avoid exactly that result.

Nichol: There have been times when our strength wasn't enough, but...

Lid: But we're finally so close to beating them!

Jake: If we had another strong esper on our side, we'd have this thing in the bag. The victory bag.

Lasswell: Titan. In your battle with us, you should have seen what it is that we believe in.

Titan: ...Indeed. I saw a determination to rise and stand firm... to keep the mistakes of the past from being repeated... I understand. Your hearts... I have judged them with my own eyes, and found them true.

(There is a flash of light. Titan turns back to stone. The esper Titan has joined the party!)

Sakura(...): I... no, not just me. Even the people of Hess had to spend years convincing that esper to come to their aid... Rain, you truly must have something special that others do not have.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- GAIA'S WRATH -- GAIA'S WRATH 2

(The party approaches Titan's statue.)

Rain: ...Seems to me that you've begun to understand a bit. What we're trying to do.

(There is a flash of light. Titan turns flesh once more!)

Titan: Indeed. By the covenant between us, my earth power can evolve further.

Sakura: This is.. how espers evolve? So this is how Hess gained power?

Lasswell: If they did use espers in that ancient war... then that's quite likely true.

Nichol: But it isn't a power that is gained for free.

Rain: Quite so. Even if an esper thinks you're worthy of that power, you still have to prove it.

(Rain steps forward and unsheathes his sword.)

Titan: Now, behold! The cruel power of Gaia's Fury!

(Battle commences! Afterward...)

Titan: ...Yes. I have seen what I needed to see. Take the power of all the land's fury... and put an end to the wars of the children of men. And when you do.... this land shall flourish and reward you all.

(There is a flash of light as Titan turns to stone again. The esper Titan evolved!)

Rain: The land will flourish?

Sakura: Yes. When Titan is filled with rage, its power manifests as earthquakes that destroy all. But if he puts down roots in a place he is pleased with, it becomes a haven for humans. Titan can make the land fruitful and rich. That was exactly why I came to him to borrow his power.

Nichol: ....So it may be that the other espers would all have a similar effect on the particular elements that they have power over?

Sakura: I've spent 700 years looking into it. And everything I've found suggests that would be the case.

Nichol: Then we must hurry to end this war at once. If we did not have to use the espers' powers for our own battles, just imagine how bountiful this would could be.

Rain: That's true. But until that time comes, we will use Titan's rage for our own ends.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- GAIA'S WRATH -- GAIA'S WRATH 3

(The party approaches Titan's statue.)

Rain: Titan's rage is out of control?

(There is a flash of light, and Titan turns flesh.)

Titan: You must end the fighting. If you do not, this world will crumble.

Rain: Yeah, this world still can't use your power to bless the land. But we're slowly making progress.

Titan: Show me this progress you speak of! Prove to me your worth!

(Rain readies his sword. Battle commences! Afterward...)

Titan: You have shown me your power, and it will serve this land well. I shall entrust you with my full power. Keep your blade pointed forward and do not waver from your path.

(There is a flash of light as Titan turns to stone. The esper Titan awakened!)

Rain: Thank you. I can feel your power already.

Fina: Maybe one day... we'll be able to see his other power to bless the land.

Jake: I'm sure we will. That's the whole reason he's helping us in the first place, isn't it?

Lid: With such a powerful esper fighting alongside us, we can't let him down.

Nichol: It's time to resume our journey towards a rich and bountiful future.

Sakura: That it is. We still have a long way to go.