The Saga of the Saga

Well, now that I've finished all those requests from the knights, I guess I'll head back to Baruoki.

And then she charges with her spear! It always makes my heart beat fast!

Hehe, I know what you mean! It's so exciting!

They look like they're having fun.

I try to imagine what it must feel like when I'm practicing the moves.

Oh, you mean the ones you showed me yesterday?

They were so great! Almost like the real Dragon Exile!

(The who now?!)

I hope so! I wanna be just like her someday! I just need my own dragon, then I'll be all set.

You want your own dragon too?! You're so amazing... Well, should we get home? I'm sure are moms are worried.

Yeah! I want Mama to read that story again to me tonight!

The Dragon Exile... That's Wryz's name in her legend, right? Never thought I'd hear that here in Unigan, though.

Guess that means her story's made it this far into the future, huh.

Did I happen to hear you say the "Dragon Exile"?

Oh, it's you! You're the guy from the theater, right? What brings you out here?

I wouldn't be much of an impresario if I weren't aware of the latest trends, now would I? Epic tales have been a fan favorite ever since the days of old. The battle against the Beast King is quite popular at my theater, no?

And now a new story is gaining momentum, that of the Dragon Exile!

I-Is it really that popular?

Yes, indeed. Word has it that it's been passed down from times of old. The story's even been printed in children's picture books and novels! It's a story that gives hope to the young, telling them to follow their dreams. It's easily the hottest topic around these days!

Y-You don't say...

If only there were a way to turn it into a play, my theater could attract even more customers... But a novel is hardly enough to fill a script. Oh, how I wish there were someone out there who could help me...

Someone versed in history, someone dynamic and handsome and incredibly talented in every way...

A-Are you talking about me...?

(Well, it's true I know about the Dragon Exile...) (I mean, I was literally there when it happened.)

Er... I wouldn't say I'm unfamiliar with the story.

Really?!

Oh, I knew you wouldn't let me down! You are a hero! A champion! A true savior of this land, Aldo!

Alright, calm down...

I think I might know someone who could write a script for you. (The tale of the Dragon Exile was originally something I told the bard in Arcadia. I'm sure if I could ask her for some help...)

A script... I think I might know someone who could write the tale of the Dragon Exile for you. (That tale was originally something the bard in Arcadia left behind. I'm sure if I asked her...)

Then please ask them to do so! I'm sure having more plays to perform is fun for you and friends as well.

Yeah. Well, I'll let you know what she says.

You have my thanks, Aldo!

This day sure took an unexpected turn. Guess I'd better go talk to that bard. She should still be at Arcadia's base.

Wait. The Dragon Exile is gonna be performed in your time?!

What an astounding story.

Yeah, even I was surprised.

D-Does that that mean people in the future...know who I am?

But if you became immortal, wouldn't you still be alive in that time anyway?

Oh... Good point.

The more I think about it, the more incredible it sounds to take the tale directly from our age to yours. If what you say is true, though, Wryz's legend has already been passed down in the future. And yet... It almost feels like breaking the rules. I must admit I am hesitant to do something that may interfere with the principles of history.

There ain't no reason for us to hesitate.

Wryz?

If it really does become a play, that means even more people'll know my story, right?

If there's a way to make my dreams come true, I'm not gonna hesitate to take it. If we've got a choice to do somethin' or not, we never choose the latter. That's the way we've always been.

Yes... I suppose you're right. If this is what you want to do, I won't stop you. You are, after all, the hero of this tale.

Very well, then. Leave it to me. Although I should say I'm far from an expert at the written word.

I specialize in singing the accolades of others, so I would greatly appreciate any help I can get from you.

Well, looks like the gang's back together again.

Of course! I love the smell of shenanigans in the morning, and I wasn't going to let this one pass me by!

Hahaha! I second that notion. I'd never turn down such a rare opportunity.

Honestly wasn't really sure what I was gettin' myself into, but...I reckon this'll be a hoot one way or another.

Huh? Looks like we're missing someone... Where's Tiramisu?

I asked her to come, but she declined. She was just about to leave the base anyway. She said, "I have no interest in legends. I need only defeat the enemies in my path and save those in need."

That sounds like her, alright... Still, it's too bad she didn't stick around.

But it might be for the best. I remember hearing that only six people can be on stage at a time.

That so?

Yeah, the stage isn't very big, so any more would get too crowded.

Six, you say? In that case, how about...

The Dragon Exile...

The Master Archer...

The Eastern Apothecary...

The Elven Oracle...

The Shady Merchant...

Horned Scyther.

That's six people exactly.

Wait. What about Aldo? He's an important member of Arcadia too.

I declined. I mean, I'd feel pretty embarrassed putting myself into a play I suggested...

Wait, wait, wait! What about me?!

Sorry, Iridian. I don't know anyone who could play a dragon.

I'll make sure your name lives on in some way, though. You're my one and only partner, after all.

Wryz...

There are other limits we must consider, yes? I heard plays consist of one act, but I don't know if our story could be told in such a short time.

In that case, we should probably build the play around one core scene that we definitely want people to see. Since this is an epic, the climax would probably be the fight against the Wyrmking.

But that part is boring on its own. I think the whole story is worth tellin', from start to finish.

It sure brings back memories, doesn't it? I remember everyone drinking that awful elixir with the eggshell in it...

And the moment Wryz named Iridian would bring tears to anyone's eyes.

Not to mention Wryz's rantin' and ravin' at the bottom of that cliff was a downright masterpiece.

Yeah, and sweepin' through all those enemies together was such a rush!

And who could forget the moment Nca leapt across that cliff...and soared off into the sky. Legend has it she's still going.

I'm standing right here!

Well, that gives me an idea.

I-It does?!

We could have the Dragon Exile and her friends looking back on their journey before the battle against the Wyrmking. They could each speak about the long road they shared and hold those memories close as they head into the final battle.

If we shape the play that way, we could include all the anecdotes you want.

Oh, that's a great way to frame way.

Well, thank you all for your input. I think I know what to do now. All I need is some time to write it all down.

Of course! I'm glad we could help.

Heh, I can't believe this is finally happenin'. My dream's actually comin' true. Someone's gonna tell our story, the legend we made happen...

For all those who haven't bloomed yet.

...And now, it's finished.

Already?! That was incredibly fast!

I was more excited to tell the tale than I usually am. In fact, I stayed up all night writing it.

All night! I wish I could do that!

Do you now? Well, I know a way to keep you up all night...

Y-You do?!

Why, of course I do... There are so many fun games to be played and tasty snacks to be eaten, after all!

Keep your bad habits to yourself!

Sorry 'bout that. I appreciate the help.

It was my pleasure. Now, I believe this ought to be with you, Aldo.

I think I'll be heading to the mainland soon to sing the tale of the Dragon Exile. It is my bread and butter, after all. But the play itself is in your hands.

Thanks again. I'll make sure it gets where it needs to be.

Guess that means I'm heading back to my era, but uh... What're you guys gonna do?

Good question... Can we come with you?

It wouldn't be difficult to take you along...but I'm honestly a little hesitant about it.

And why is that?

Well...seeing the play in my era would mean knowing only the result of your actions. I dunno if it's a good idea for you to know the effect you have on future you're not supposed to see. I was once in a similar situation, but refused to know. I didn't think life would be as interesting if I'd seen what would happen.

Well...seeing the play in my era would mean knowing only the result of your actions. I dunno if it's a good idea for you to know the effect you have on future you're not supposed to see.

I see... However, I don't think it makes much difference for us. How far in the future is your time, Aldo?

Uh, about 20,000 years or so, I think.

I certainly wasn't expecting to hear that answer!

I get it. It ain't a time anyone'd live to see, unless they had themselves one heck of a long lifespan.

A couple dozen years is one thing, but several millennia in the future is another. This is a pretty precious opportunity, and one I don't recommend passin' up!

Ah, I guess you have a point. It's a little different for you guys than it was for me. What do you think, Wryz?

Ah, I guess you have a point... What do you think, Wryz?

Well, if I put all that other complicated stuff aside...

I wanna go real bad!

You're as honest as always.

Well, what'd you expect? I've wanted to be the hero of my own story for so long, and they're actually puttin' it on a stage in that era! I know it might be childish, but...I gotta see it with my own two eyes.

And me with mine. After all, I saw glimpses of a dismal future for so long that a bright and happy one would be a welcome change!

It was, without a doubt, Wryz who defeated the Wyrmking. And I think such a feat deserving of reward. As they say, "A coleus unfed will cease to swim."

Well, maybe it's a good idea to listen to those feelings.

Alright, let's get going then.

We're really goin' to a different time?! I can't wait!

Thanks, Aldo. I appreciate it, really.

Well, now that that's settled, let's make for Unigan and deliver that script!

Whoa... This place is amazin'! Look at all those incredible houses!

And that castle is large enough to rival Palsifal Palace. Although...it looks to have taken damage in a few places.

I remember when we first met, ya told us ya fought some Beast King, right? Is this where it happened?

Yeah, this is the place. Sorry you had to see it like this on your first time here.

Hahaha! Well, I've been here before with some of my fellow purgatorians.

I remember visiting a much shinier town with you, Aldo, but...I guess that was a different place!

It's different than the grrreat hospital and the grrrand academy we visited last time, but it's just as grrr... I got nothin'. It's really nice, though!

Wait, you can visit different eras that easily?! No fair!

Since we've come all this way, why don't we take some time to see the sights?

Now that there's a good pitch, Wryz! I'm mighty interested in the folk here, and since I ain't the type to turn down a good offer...

I'll be seein' ya!

Whoa! Was he always that fast?!

I can't blame him for being excited. Now I think it's time to take a tour on the Nca Express! All aboooard!

I'm not a vehicle! You won't be getting any more rides out of me! But...it does sound quite fun. I'd be glad to join you for a walk around.

I shall head to an eatery and see what spicy foods this era has to offer.

There they go...

It's fine. At least we don't have to go around gatherin' 'em up like last time.

Isn't there anywhere you wanna go, Wryz?

I know I said we could see the sights, but... I honestly can't stop thinkin' about the play. I thought I'd go with ya to deliver that script.

Oh, those clothes...

Hm?

You're wearing a white robe and black gauntlets, just like the Dragon Exile in my book!

H-Huh?!

I've never seen a costume this nice before! Are you a fan of the Dragon Exile, miss?

And is that...a dragon with you?!

Hehe, ya got that right! Because we're...

We're, er... Uhh...

We're...big fans of the Dragon Exile, scratch that, her biggest fans!

Yeah! We must've the story, like, a million times already.

Wow... It's like we were destined to meet. My favorite character's the Dragon Exile! She chased her dream, defeated a big-bad monster, and became a legend. I wanna be just like her someday!

I'm Faudley. It's nice to meet ya! I think we'll have a lot in common, so I hope we can be friends.

What're ya talkin' about? We've already got somethin' in common! So consider us friends already.

Hm...

Uh... Is something the matter, Utpalaka?

Oh, it's nothing. From the sounds of it, this kid's got herself a dream!

I can appreciate someone who works hard to make their dream come true.

A dream...

Yeah, you said you wanna be like the Dragon Exile, right? Do you have a dream like she did?

Well...I wanted to be an actress.

I thought an ordinary girl like me could become a hero...even if it was only on the stage.

That's a great dream!

I wanted to play the Dragon Exile when I get older...and become really amazing like her.

Hold on. I don't get it.

Get what?

Why're you talkin' about your dream in the past tense? Like it ain't your dream anymore?

Well, um...

Because I'm not really good at acting... I don't seem to have what it takes. Even if I practice, there's a girl who's better than me. She works hard, and I think she's more like the Dragon Exile than I'll ever be. I thought, maybe, I don't have to worry so much about acting... I can just let her do it instead and...

Stop!

Don't say that!

Wryz?

(The reason I did what I did...was for people just like this girl!)

But I've been thinkin' about my legend and who I'm leavin' it behind for.

I see... You never have mentioned that before.

Well, I decided that I want the Wryz Saga...

To be for the ordinary people. Y'know, the ones who ain't nothin' special. People livin' a normal life, just like how I used to. I want it to give 'em courage. Make 'em feel brave. I want 'em to know that, even if they haven't bloomed just yet...they will someday. And that they shouldn't give up.

I know it ain't easy chasin' a dream. Ya do it 'cause ya feel there's somethin' missin' in your life, and sometimes it really sucks. But that's exactly why I don't want ya to give up!

You don't...?

Oh, that's right. C'mere, Aldo.

Whoa, what's up?

Your friends're usually the one who act in those plays, right? So...I want ya to let me play the Dragon Exile.

Well, you really are her, so...

This is the moment my dream comes true. And I want Faudley to see the play, to let her know anything's possible!

Right, well...I'll make sure it happens.

Actually, Faudley, the reason I'm dressed this way is 'cause...

I'm gonna be the Dragon Exile in a play!

Y-You are? I thought it was just a book...

Well, the play hasn't started just yet. But it will soon!

Wow, that's so exciting! My favorite story is gonna be on the stage?

Yup. And I want you to see it, more than anyone. So, are ya comin'?

Of course!

Hahaha! That's what I like to hear!

Being able to see the Dragon Exile play is like a dream come true!

That's not your only dream, though, is it? I'm sorry for gettin' to play the Dragon Exile before you, but... There's somethin' I wanna show you. And it's that even the weeds can bloom!

I don't get it, but...I can't wait to see the play!

Guess we'd better start getting ready then. Once everyone gets back, let's head to the theater!

What's this? Not only did you prepare a script, but you've cast all the actors as well?

Yeah, I asked my friends to perform this time too.

Well, you've gone above and beyond what I expected, so I must do my part now as well. I shall prepare the venue and fill the seats! Pray be prepared to take the stage at a moment's notice!

We will be. And there's one person who I'd like to invite for sure, if that's okay with ya.

A special invitee, you say? But of course! They are more than welcome to attend!

Oh no... No one told me WE were going to be in the play!

Hahaha! Don't be so nervous. It's not every day you get an opportunity like this!

Yeah, and I want ya all to be there with me. This play'll mean so much more if it's Arcadia up on that stage. We're all so different, but we've got one thing in common, and that's bein' true to our dreams. We weren't chosen by destiny and we don't have some huge burden to bear. No one asked us to save the world neither.

But we did it anyway. Our ragtag bunch became heroes.

And I want that kid to see the moment we tell our story on that stage.

If that is your wish, I will not refuse. Although I do not know if it will go well...

Nothin' ever went all smooth-like for us, so I don't see why this would be the exception.

Right. Well...let's get this show on the road!

I honestly never thought this day would come, Not just the day my legend was told, but the day I'd do the telling. It isn't the future I wanted. In fact, it's one I never even thought about...

I was always hopin' to be someone else. But I was never given the chance. I felt like the world was tellin' me to accept who I was, to spendin' my life as a supportin' character.

I never thought I'd meet the people I did, Ones chasin' a dream, just like I was. Ones who'd stand by me as I chased mine, too.

But all that almost ended when she left us... Gave her life to save mine, and made me promise to make my dream come true.

Never thought I'd be a dragon summoner, either. Or that I'd meet my partner after goin' to island to slay a sleepin' wyrm. But I did.

And then I fought side by side with someone who I'd always looked up to. I defied my destiny and won.

Now I'm here. I can hardly believe this is my life. But I'll shout it loud for the whole world to hear.

I...am the hero of my story!

...And that is how the Wyrmking in the Darkrealm was laid low.

I can hardly believe it... It was said to be impossible to defeat.

And yet Lady Tiramisu made it happen. She's every bit the hero.

But still, that part about the other dragon summoner surprised me. Is it really true?

What point would there be in lying? I speak only the truth. Now, I have nothing left to say on the matter.

Wait, Lady Tiramisu. Please tell us more! We must record the tale as legend in this village's history!

I have no interest in such things. Please do as you wish with what I've told you.

Goodness. Why must I be held responsible for such tasks? I know Wryz will not return, but still...

A legend... Hmph, even now I still do not understand her. Is that truly worth risking one's life for? She cared not for peace, only fighting for herself, like a child throwing a tantrum.

But...the world was saved, regardless of her reasons. If she hadn't those reasons, she would not have fought. And if she had not fought, the Wyrmking would still be alive. And though I neither understand nor empathize with her...I recognize that her reasons drove her to do what she did.

And there is value in that.

Phew... We did it.

I was watchin' from the back! You guys were so cool!

Yeah, you really gave it your all. But, uh...

I feel like most of that wasn't in the script.

O-O-Of course it wasn't! Do you have any idea how nervous I was?!

I apologize, but nobody puts Melpi in a corner!

Besides, the "us" in the script was different than who we really are! Ain't one of us who talks that stuffy!

And that bard said so herself: sometimes a bit of embellishment is necessary to make a legend grand...

Hahaha! In that case, isn't showin' our true colors better than puttin' on a show? People can see what Wryz is really like.

Yeah, I'd be glad so long as that got across.

...Oh, that's right! I've gotta find that girl!

Ah, you mean Faudley? I remember seeing her in the audience, so she should be around here somewhere.

I wanna ask her if she's changed her mind about her dream. Let's go find her!

Yeah!

Hey, Faudley!

Oh, it's you!

I heard ya saw the show. What'd ya think?

Well, I was just talkin' to Ma about it, but...

You were completely different from the Dragon Exile in my book!

(Ah, guess that's the version that got passed down by the bard.)

She's supposed to be a hero who defeated a dragon as big as a mountain! And the leader of Arcadia too. There's no way someone that important would be shouting all the time! She wasn't born special, that's why she understands ordinary people and wanted to save them. Got it?

Er... Yeah, you're right. She can really relate to people who aren't special like her...

Heh, well ain't this just a hoot. Better start takin' notes on that there Dragon Exile.

Perhaps you could strive to be more like the one in the legend going forward?

That might even out her temperament a little.

She can start by using "thee" and "thou" in her sentences!

Hahaha! Everyone's a critic. Guess it ain't easy bein' a hero!

So you better be more careful in your next performance, okay?

In that case...

Why don't you do it?

M-Me?

Yeah, if you know so much about her, why don't you play her instead?

B-But I already told you, I'm no good at...

That doesn't matter!

I was never good at anything growin' up. I might talk like I'm high-and-mighty now, but I was completely ordinary back then. No one in the world thought I'd ever be a hero. I didn't even believe it myself. In my mind, there was just no way.

But at the same time...I absolutely hated the thought of bein' a supportin' character!

......

So what if you're not good at it?! Don't let that determine your future! What do you wanna do? Who do you wanna be?! Who cares about talent?! Who gives a damn about destiny?! Tear it all to shreds! And once you do, dig deep and shout out loud, tell the world what your dream is!

My dream...

Is to be the Dragon Exile! I wanna stand on the stage and play her part for the audience to see!

Then that's all that matters. I'm sure you'll have your doubts goin' forward, and maybe somethin'll happen that makes you wanna throw it all away. But never stop movin' forward. Keep shoutin' that dream of yours to the sky and never give up. That's the only way to make it come true. I know, because that's how I did it.

Wryz...

...Thanks. I feel a lot better now that I've let it out.

I'm glad. Now don't be afraid to dream big. Once you have a destination in mind, you'll figure out ways to get there.

Dream big? In that case...

You've got something else in mind?

Well, even if I become an actor, I won't get to decide on the script or act however I want. So what I really wanna do...is start my own theater group. Then I can play the Dragon Exile the way I want.

That's a beautiful dream! You'll be able to put on any play you want with your own troupe.

Yeah, I think that's a great idea. Thanks for sharin' it with us.

And since my theater group's gonna be for the Dragon Exile, I'm gonna call it Arcadia. Then I can be the leader of Arcadia, just like she was!

......!

That's great. I know you can make it happen!

I realized...I never gave up on my dream. And I'm glad I didn't. Thank you, miss. You weren't much of a Dragon Exile on that stage, but...I still think you're really cool!

Hah, thanks. I'll keep workin' on my act.

...I'm happy for you, Wryz.

Thanks, Aldo.

To be honest...doin' this made me realize just how lucky I am.

After I lost everything and I was wallowin' in despair, I met Cerius.

Then Flaudia invited us to Arcadia, which is where I met Sazanca and Utpalaka. After that, we ran into Melpiphia who told us about the future, and I made my contract with Iridian.

Kuchinawa guided us through the Darkrealm, and I struck down the Wyrmking with Tiramisu. And then you brought me to this time.

I know what you mean. I'm glad I met you all too.

I've been more than blessed with the people in my life. I may not be good at anything, but I've been given tons of opportunity. But if I'd given up at the start...none of this would've happened.

...Indeed. It was because of that gleam in your eyes that we all decided to join your cause.

To be honest, the reason I couldn't act so well was 'cause...I was cryin' a little.

You were?

Yeah. While I was standin' in front of all those people with their eyes on me...it finally hit me. My dream came true. The wish I made that day with tears in my eyes...wasn't a wish anymore. It's real.

That's why I'm so glad you brought me here, Aldo.

C'mon, I didn't really do anything...

I see you're just as modest as the day I met ya.

Hey, Flaudia... I finally kept my promise. Not just the one about beatin' the dragon, but becomin' a legend too. I know your soul vanished in Purgatory, but... If you're out there somewhere, I want ya to know...

My dream...came true!