Lost in the Skies
After the deadly battle with the Phoenix comes to an end, Magus leaves Port Breeze to start once again on her quest to revive Lord Astaroth. She travels far and wide across the Sky Realm chasing each and every rumor about resurrection, only to be bitterly disappointed each time. As the pressure takes a toll on her, Magus recalls the abundance of resources the singularity possesses and heads for the Grandcypher.
One day, some time after the Phoenix incident at Port Breeze...
The origin primal beast Magus has made an appearance in the remote countryside.
Magus: This isn't it either.
Magus: How unfortunate. Where should I go next...
Wishing nothing more than to resurrect her revered Lord Astaroth, Magus decided to play along with Phoenix's plans.
Her goals, however, remain unachieved.
After losing her original path to resurrection, Magus is now on a new journey.
Magus: Tch, these cursed skydwellers and their strange habits of passing down suspicious folktales...
Magus: I doubt any of these questionable stories will lead me to the answer, but I may find something of value.
Various lands throughout the great expanse of the Sky Realm have stories about resurrection.
Magus has been investigating each and every one of these stories meticulously on her travels.
Magus: I know this village has it... The legendary secret treasure, the "Bell's Recant."
Village Elder: Huh? What'd you say? Belly dance? You are?
Magus: As if I would do such a thing! There's no good in hiding it from me.
Magus: Now hand it over to me! I know what the stories say—it's a treasure capable of bringing back and storing departed souls!
Village Elder: Oh! That was a random story my great-great-grandfather made up to sell a stone to a traveler!
Magus: Wh... What!
Magus: I heard that this island harbors a power that can bring back the dead. Tell me everything you know, now.
Townsperson: Ohh, that bit of gossip that's been going around. Wait, you actually believe in it?
Magus: It's just gossip!
Magus: At long last, I've found it! This is the sign that points me to the shrine of resurrection!
Magus: Huh? Wait...
Magus: Enough with this nonsense! It's not a shrine of resurrection—it's a shrine of recreation!
Magus: Why is there so much baseless folklore! Do skydwellers have nothing better to do with their time!
Contrary to Magus's hopes, the skydwellers are not familiar with methods of resurrection.
Magus: I suppose I'd best head off to a large town and gather information there...
Exhausted, Magus looks around and scans her surroundings for more hints.
Magus: Dammit! This cursed light!
Magus: What a wretched ball of fire! Whenever I see it, my mind can't help but to recall the Phoenix...
Magus: I bet it's watching down on me from somewhere, laughing! Aghh, I shudder just thinking about it!
As Magus glares at the sun with an intensity to rival its rays themselves, she remembers her showdown with the Phoenix.
She never even had the chance to chase after Phoenix when it flew away.
Later on, when Sandalphon asked about her intentions, Magus replied honestly.
Sandalphon: Not so fast. Do you mind telling us where you're off to?
Magus: Hmph, got any recommendations? I've finally taken my first breaths of fresh air after being holed up in Pandemonium.
Sandalphon: ...
Magus: Calm yourself. The affairs of the Sky Realm are none of my business—for now.
Magus: I lost to the singularity in Pandemonium and failed to obtain the Phoenix's tears.
Magus: Although I've adapted to the Sky Realm for the most part, I've yet to find any information on resurrection.
Magus: It's impossible for me to comb through every single area alone, but I cannot simply sit back and do nothing.
Magus: Ahhh! At this rate, I'll fail Lord Astaroth!
As frustration mounts, Magus's mind wanders back to the immortal bird when an idea pops up.
Magus: The singularity...
She pauses for a moment, thinking about the fated crew of skyfarers.
For better or for worse, the singularity leads a group of powerful individuals and has built a reputation of being both respected and feared.
Magus: Tch... If anyone has the resources to bring back Lord Astaroth, then it's that one.
Magus: I believe they called it the Grandcypher...
And so, Magus sets course for the Grandcypher and flies away.
Magus: (What's with this airship? It feels even more intimidating than before. How many dangerous people are on board?)
Magus: (I better quickly find the singularity and negotiate...)
???: Guess who!
Magus: Of course, it's you again.
Turning around, Magus sees the familiar face of a skydweller who fought against Phoenix.
Magus: The genius, adorable alchemist Cagliostro!
Cagliostro: Heh, good answer. You may act the bad girl, but I see you know your manners.
Cagliostro: So? Why are you here?
Magus: Do all alchemists assume they'll get an answer just because they asked?
Cagliostro: Oh my! Magus, you're such a meanie!
Cagliostro: But maybe you should change your tune, because I know you've got your hands tied.
Cagliostro: This world is full of fake information—enough to make your head spin. Especially when you're going through it all solo.
Cagliostro: Which brought you to the singularity... You realized your best shot of gathering information is with the crew.
Magus: You little...
Cagliostro: Oooh, goodness! You don't have to get so mad at little ol' me!
Magus: Hmph, I'll acknowledge your deductive skills. However, it was part of my plan to be discovered.
Cagliostro: Then I'm sure you also planned for what's about to happen next. Don't try anything funny, and we won't either.
Cagliostro strides off through the ship with Magus in tow.
When she finally stops, it is before them.
Cagliostro: We've got a guest.
Vyrn: Huh? A guest? Who—
Vyrn: What the!
The Group: Magus!
As Cagliostro pushes Magus forward, the shock on (Captain)'s face is clearly visible.
Magus: I assume none of you thought you would receive the honor to gaze upon my visage so soon again.
Magus: It brings me no joy to see your foolish expressions, however.
Raziel: Uhh...
Vyrn: Wh-what're you doin' here! You got business with (Captain) or what!
Magus: What other reason would I possibly have? Do you really think I came because I missed you?
Sensing a different dynamic than in her conversation with Cagliostro, Magus makes a show of crossing her arms and looks directly into (Captain)'s eyes.
Magus: Now, listen, Singularity. As you know, it is imperative to resurrect Lord Astaroth.
Vyrn: Yeah, for you maybe...
Magus: However, the modern world has far too many leads about resurrection.
Magus: It is impossible to comb through all that information by myself. In fact, most of them are nothing more than rumors.
Lyria: By yourself?
Vyrn: Hey, hey... Don't tell me you're askin' us for help now?
Magus: Not primarily.
Raziel: So you are, then?
Magus: All sorts of information and resources find their way into the singularity's orbit. And if that's the case...
Magus: Keeping an eye on you is my shortcut to finding leads on resurrecting Lord Astaroth. Perhaps even something to aid in his plans of domination over the solar system.
Magus: I can't let this golden opportunity pass me by.
Magus: Hence, I have decided to observe you all from a close distance!
Vyrn: So you want a spot on the Grandcypher?
Vyrn: Ugh...
Magus: Don't groan at me!
Vyrn: Sure, we might've been on the same side fighting the Phoenix, but aren't we still enemies?
Magus: And? Your point?
Vyrn: That was my point...
Magus jabs her finger in a certain direction.
Magus: There's another enemy right there, no?
Raziel: Eek!
Raziel's hope of avoiding any attention on this particular subject is brutally dashed.
Magus: What's different between me and her?
Raziel: N-no, well, I've been reformed... And I was tricked to begin with...
Vyrn: Now that you mention it, I suppose Magus and Raziel aren't that different.
Raziel: Woe!
Lyria: P-please calm down!
Cagliostro ignores the commotion and instead looks straight to (Captain).
Cagliostro: So? What's the call?
- She's in!
Choose: She's in!Magus: Hah! I figured you'd disagre—
Magus: Wait, what?
Lyria: Umm, if that's the case... Welcome aboard, Magus!
Vyrn: You're killin' me, buddy...
Cagliostro: Did you expect any different?
While (Captain) and Lyria chuckle, Magus's mind swirls in confusion at the easy-going atmosphere.
Magus: Why are you all so defenseless! How did you come to such a quick decision? Do you have an ulterior motive?
- I understand how you feel.
Choose: I understand how you feel.Magus: What?
While Magus glares at (Captain) suspiciously, Raziel timidly raises her voice.
Raziel: There's someone that (Captain) wants to see, right? Just like you, Magus... and me.
Magus: ...
Fine. Well, that took the wind out of my wings.
As Magus mutters quietly, she suddenly lurches to the side, barely catching herself from falling to the floor.
Lyria: Magus!
Magus: Enough with the ruckus...
Magus: I just lost my balance. Probably thanks to all your foolishness making my head spin.
Raziel: A-are you sick? You look a little pale...
Among the buzz of the crew's worried voices, Cagliostro sighs in exasperation.
Cagliostro: Well, I'm not surprised. I bet you've been flying around by yourself nonstop since last time.
Vyrn: Since last when? Wait, that last time? Geez, and all alone too?
Lyria: Is there not, maybe, any other origin beasts or someone you could talk to?
Magus: The other origin beasts all tasted the steel and lead of your angelic little pals. Ugh, wretched.
Magus: Not that any of them were something I'd ever call a friend to begin with.
Lyria: ...
Vyrn: I guess you were in Pandemonium that entire time, huh. That mean there's nowhere for you to go home to either?
Magus: ...?
My home is wherever Lord Astaroth is.
Magus: And since Lord Astaroth isn't currently here, I don't have a designated place. It doesn't matter where I sleep either.
Lyria: That must be so tough... I think it's better if you rest for a bit.
Magus: Until Lord Astaroth returns, rest is unnecessary. Not that I plan on taking a break when His Lordship does come back.
Vyrn: Shucks... Well, ya leave us no choice!
Vyrn: You're not the first workaholic to move in here—we'll get you relaxin' like a pro in no time!
Magus: Alchemist. Does this organization actually serve any purpose?
Cagliostro: The purpose of an organization is what it does, and what it does reflects its leadership.
Cagliostro: In other words, you better prepare yourself.
Magus: For what?
And so Magus joins the Grandcypher crew. Everything is going according to plan.
Or so she thought.
Magus: Why...
Magus: How did this happen...
Magus's journey through the skies in search of a way to resurrect her lord continues.
Specifically, it continues on a sparkling sandy beach under the sunny blue skies of Auguste.
Lost at Sea
Magus boards the Grandcypher and decides to keep a close watch on the singularity. Her new journey with the crew brings her to the beaches of Auguste. Despite initially rejecting their invitation, she ends up hanging out with them. A game of splash turns into a magic exhibition as Magus loses herself in the excitement and uses spells to throw water at the crew.
Magus: I... What am I doing here...
Magus, the origin primal beast, has boarded the Grandcypher in hopes of finding a way to resurrect Astaroth.
But much to her surprise, she's ended up at Auguste.
Vyrn: Were you not listenin' earlier? Fine, I'll go over it again.
Vyrn summons as much gravitas as he can muster and launches into a solemn explanation of the crew's mission.
Meanwhile, Magus stands there, motionlessly.
Vyrn: Basically, we take on requests in various places and help people who are in trouble!
Magus: The crew's source of income is the least of my concerns, but I understand for the most part. Now explain this current situation.
Magus: Why do we look like nothing more than a bunch of vacationers?
Vyrn: Tsk, tsk, tsk. Don't go jumpin' to conclusions yet, newbie! We've gotten a valuable request!
Lyria: Vyrn! Magus! Look, I found a pretty shell!
Vyrn: Ooh, and it's not chipped either! All right, let's see who can find the most!
As Vyrn races off to collect seashells, Magus stares in complete bewilderment.
Magus: So the modern Sky Realm pays its inhabitants to play... This is valuable information.
Cagliostro: The hell it is.
Cagliostro shows up as if on cue, fully decked out in her carefully cultivated beach look.
Lyria: Um, to be clear, today's request is patrolling the beach and picking up trash as we go along.
Vyrn: Even though it's not summer yet, visitors are already piling in. I guess we're preparing before the busy season starts.
Lyria: The client told us that it's okay to take it easy as well, so we'll try to make sure you enjoy your time here to the fullest, Magus!
Magus: I remain unconvinced that you're here for work more than play—but that doesn't matter.
Magus: Waste your own time, but not mine. I have a duty to Lord Astaroth—
Vyrn: And didn't you say observing (Captain) was a shortcut to that?
Lyria: So the best way to do it is to hang out with us! Cagliostro, you too!
Cagliostro: No thanks. I've got some business to take care of.
Cagliostro: If you want someone to keep you company, ask our neighborhood origin beast.
Magus: Hmph, how impudent. Fine, then I will sit over there and observe.
The Rest: Don't do that!
Magus: What's with that reaction?
Vyrn: Ya reeeally don't get it, do ya! We're at the beach, y'know!
Magus: So?
Vyrn: Which means we're supposed to do this!
Magus: ...
Vyrn: Huh? Where'd she go?
Magus: Over here. Did you really think such a slow attack would hit me?
Vyrn: You're not supposed to dodge it!
Lyria: And it's not an attack! This is just one way to play in the ocean.
Magus: Oh, it was in jest?
Vyrn: That's what we've been tryin' to say. All right, ya ready? No fancy footwork this time!
Magus: Fine. Come, splash as much as you want.
Vyrn: Take that!
Magus: Nngh!
M-my nose! Ouch! It stings!
Magus: How dare you... You insolent lizard!
Vyrn: Whoa, she's all mad now! Everybody run!
Magus: Come back here! How dare you call this playing!
Vyrn: Hehehe, ya think we're just gonna be sitting ducks? There's plenty of water to go around!
Lyria: Here it comes, Magus! Take that!
Magus: What's with that meek splash of water! Even the blood of beasts spurts with greater pressure!
Magus: Now, it's my turn! Hehe... If Lord Astaroth were here, this is what he would do!
Casting a spell, Magus concentrates the water into a waterfall and lets it splash down on the crew's heads.
Lyria: Eeek!
Vyrn: Ptooey! Ptoo!
B-b-b-b-b...
Magus: Hah! From a lizard to a wet dog!
Vyrn: Excuse you! And it's not fair to use magic!
Magus: What's so unfair about it? Behold my skills!
Showing no restraint, Magus whips up the water and fires blast after blast of it at the crew.
Vyrn: Woooo!
Lyria: It's so cold!
Magus: Hehe! How's that! If Lord Astaroth were here, he would create an even grander display of water manipulation!
Magus: His Lordship is truly spectacular! Immediately you notice how his immense mana flows forth like a mighty spring!
Magus: But even more than the quantity is the quality of it! Ahh, but of course, his skill in weaving it to produce spells of dizzying intricacy can't go without mention...
Magus: It's a travesty that I can't show it to you! If only you could see the glory of Lord Astaroth delivering punishment onto the insolent... Ahh!
Magus: Just thinking about it makes me quiver!
Vyrn: Pwah! Okay, okay, we get it! Lord Astaroth is amazing!
Lyria: Pwah! But you're just as amazing too, Magus!
Magus: Nonsense, I don't hold a candle to Lord Astaroth!
Magus spends some time splashing (Captain) and the crew, much to their delight.
Suddenly she stops, struck by the realization that she too had gotten caught up in the moment.
Magus: (...?
Was I... enjoying myself?)
Lyria: Magus, are you okay? You showed us a ton of amazing magic. Did it tire you out?
Magus: No, I'm not—
Woman's Voice: What's with you!
The sound of a woman's distressed voice in the distance catches the crew's attention as they turn to face its direction.
Lost at Sea: Scene 2
Upon encountering a quarreling couple, the crew decide to mediate using a game of beach volleyball. (Captain) and Magus are in the middle of creating an insurmountable lead when Cagliostro switches Magus out for Lyria. Magus becomes indignant after assuming the crew used her to resolve the couple's issues, but soon realizes the crew never had such intentions.
Boyfriend: Why are you bringing up the past all of a sudden!
Girlfriend: Stop calling it the "past"! You and I both know you haven't fixed your nasty habit of eyeing other girls!
The crew rushes over to find a couple having a lover's quarrel.
Magus: Hmph... How pointless.
Vyrn: Hey, hey, think about where you guys are. You're bothering the people around you. Maybe try havin' some fun instead?
Boyfriend: Huh? Shut up! We don't need outsiders sticking their noses into our business!
Girlfriend: Exactly! And how do you expect me to enjoy this vacation when this man can't keep his heart on a leash!
Boyfriend: I'm trying to tell you that my heart's only for you!
Girlfriend: Stop lying to me!
Lyria: P-please calm down, both of you!
The Couple: Shut up!
Magus: You two clearly should be the ones shutting up. Or perhaps I should magic you into blowing up.
Vyrn: Whoa, now you chill too!
If you guys really wanna settle this fight, there's some tried-and-true beach methods to do just that.
Magus: Beach methods?
- Like beach volleyball!
- Like long-distance swimming!
Choose: Like beach volleyball!Lyria: Ooh, that sounds like fun! We can do two versus two!
Choose: Like long-distance swimming!Vyrn: Isn't that a little too much in your favor, (Captain)? Heh, you wanna win that badly?
Continue 1Magus: What are you talking about? These two are clearly in no mood to join your games.
Boyfriend: Good point, little red guy—let's settle this with beach volleyball!
Magus: What?
Boyfriend: If we win, then you'll mind your own business!
Magus: Are you serious!
Magus: And? I understand why the singularity is participating, but must I also join?
Vyrn: You've never played at the beach before, right? Perfect time to give it a try!
Vyrn: Oh, but no magic, okay?
Magus: What! Why should I obey on a ban on my magic from you!
Vyrn: Because you'll get disqualified!
Vyrn: Or what, are you saying that an origin beast can't win without magic?
Magus: Of course I'd still win!
Vyrn: Then show us whatcha got!
With a shove from Vyrn, Magus makes her entrance onto the sandy court.
Magus: Tch... Singularity! Don't you dare hold me back!
The impromptu beach volleyball tournament begins.
Despite lacking teamwork, the skyfarer team has created a huge lead for themselves.
Girlfriend: Ugh, you missed again!
Boyfriend: Shut up! You're in no position to be talking!
Somehow, the couple has even worse teamwork than their opponents, almost tripping over their feet in comparison.
Vyrn: Ooh! Nice one, (Captain)! Another point for us!
Lyria: Magus hasn't let the ball touch the ground once!
With (Captain) and Magus's incredible speed and athleticism, the couple can't even get into position fast enough to defend their side of the court.
Magus: Hahaha, in the end you're just weak mortals! This is child's play, even without magic!
Magus: Now, it's time to end this. Lord Astaroth has blessed us with an overwhelming victory!
???: Time to switch players!
As the lead begins to seem insurmountable, a voice interrupts the match.
Cagliostro: Magus, go back! Lyria, it's your turn.
Lyria: Huh? O-okay!
Magus: What!
Magus: We were just about to win! Explain yourself!
Cagliostro: Pipe down and watch.
Magus protests against Cagliostro, but her words fall on deaf ears.
Eventually, the origin primal beast relents and begrudgingly watches the game from the sidelines.
Lyria: Ahh! Sorry, I dropped the ball!
Vyrn: Don't worry about it, Lyria!
Boyfriend: All right, here's our chance! But we're still gonna have to up our game to win this. I'm counting on you for the setup!
Girlfriend: Got it! Here it comes!
The couple begin to work together and slowly close the point gap.
Magus: Look! They're being cornered!
Vyrn: Yeah, but the win's still in the bag. No way (Captain) loses!
Magus: But...
In the end, the skyfarers prevent the couple's comeback and clinch victory.
After the match, the atmosphere feels much friendlier than before.
Lyria: No more fighting from now on, okay? Promise?
Boyfriend: You're right... It was my bad.
Girlfriend: We apologize for causing trouble, and the match was really fun. Thank you.
Magus: Hmph, I see how it is. You all just used me in order to help these two rekindle their bond.
Magus: If we had a landslide victory, then it would've strained their relationship even more.
A few moments later, Lyria and (Captain) return to the sidelines with huge smiles on their faces.
Lyria: Magus!
Lyria: You were amazing out there! It was so cool watching you play!
- Thanks for teaming up!
Choose: Thanks for teaming up!Lyria: We won all thanks to you and (Captain)!
Vyrn: Don't sell yourself short, Lyria! That last assist was great!
Lyria: Ehehe!
Magus: Were you... not just using me?
Vyrn: Huh? I mean, we did win thanks to your help.
Magus: I see...
Magus: (Where are their ulterior motives... What is it that they value? Am I unable to understand because I'm a primal beast?)
Magus: (No, it's too soon to make conclusions yet. I must continue to observe.)
Magus: (But...)
Magus: I have one thing to announce!
Lyria: Roger! What is it, Magus?
Magus: We were only able to achieve this victory because of Lord Astaroth watching over us...
Magus: Hence, this victory belongs to Lord Astaroth! Burn that into your tiny skulls!
Magus: And another thing! Make sure to express your boundless appreciation for me!
Vyrn: "One thing" is never just one thing with you, is it...
Lost at Sea: Scene 3
Later that evening, Magus is gazing at the dark sea when she senses Raziel approaching from behind. Since the two have similar goals of resurrecting their lords, Raziel expresses concern and declares them to be allies, despite Magus's dislike for her. Raziel's words leave the solitary Magus confused.
Later that evening...
Magus stands on the deck of the Grandcypher alone, staring out into the dark sea.
Magus: (How vexing to admit, but... The wind feels refreshing on my exhausted body.)
Never once in her life has Magus experienced the rejuvenating feeling of a good, sweaty workout.
Despite the physical fatigue, it feels like a strange sense of achievement.
Magus: (But enough of that.)
Magus: Should I take it you've been assigned to watch me as I observe the singularity?
Without looking away from the sea, Magus throws her question at the silhouette slowly approaching from behind.
Raziel: No... I'm not here because I was ordered by anyone to watch over you.
Magus: Hah!
As if they would allow an interloper like myself to go without supervision.
Magus turns around to face Raziel, eyes cold and steely.
Magus: You... I believe you took notes on my Voidspace Al Kawn during the previous battle in your strange book.
Magus: Are you here to obtain even more information... or negotiate with me?
Raziel: If there's more information, then I'd love to hear it!
Raziel: But that's not exactly what I'm here for. I'm... well...
Magus: What? Spit it out already.
Raziel: Phew...
After taking a deep breath, Raziel opens her mouth to speak.
Raziel: As you know, I was also trying to obtain the Phoenix's tears.
Raziel: Just like how you fight to resurrect Astaroth, I too am trying to bring back Lord Lucifer.
Magus: ...
Raziel: Basically, since we're already on this airship together...
Magus: You want us to exchange information on resurrection since our goals align.
Raziel: Correct. But that's not the only reason.
Raziel: To put it simply, if my wish comes true by spending time on this airship, then so does yours.
Raziel: Perhaps, there will be times when we don't get along...
Raziel: Rather, I'm sure we will eventually butt heads. But even so, it doesn't change anything.
Raziel: The fact is that the burden you've been bearing alone this entire time is similar to mine.
Raziel: And so... I couldn't help but watch you out of concern.
Magus: Tch...
Magus: You're quite the soft one, aren't you? You sound like the singularity... Still easily influenced, I see.
Raziel: O-of course not! All I'm doing is speaking the truth!
Magus: You've made it clear that you seek information. If you are willing to share, then I am as well. However...
Magus: Did you really think I would happily help you bring Lucifer back to life?
Raziel: ...!
Magus: I will deem what you deserve based on your information and your behavior. Now, this conversation is over. Begone.
Raziel: I understand. I'll take my leave, but...
Magus: But what?
Raziel: No, never mind. I'll share whatever I find with you. Every last bit.
Magus: ...!
Raziel: After all, I think it's safe to say that we're on the same team now.
And with that, Raziel makes her exit, leaving her words ring in Magus's ears.
Magus: (That was beyond my expectations... I truly thought she would've run away with her tail tucked firmly between her legs.)
Magus: (The same team? A team of myself and her? No... the team that is this crew?)
As Magus faces the ocean again, another person observes her from a short distance away.
Cagliostro: (I guess there's more good to her than just her manners. No more supervision necessary then.)
The alchemist takes her eyes off Magus, fading into the shadows without a sound.
Magus: ...
Something wavers. Is it the deck, swaying in the gentle waves? Or is it the heart of an origin beast, long accustomed to being alone?
Though the dark waters spreading out before Magus offer no answers, she continues gazing into the night.
