(And now that Idia's book is out, this is good to be finished! Was worried there for a second, but yahoo! Anyway, his book was a lot of fun! I haven't had that much fun with a boss fight in a while! Anyway, do you like angst and tragedies? Here is comes! Enjoy!)

           And so, they were taken to a lounge room and were told to wait there until further notice. Except for Idia who was separated from them the moment they arrived at the World Tree. So, the rest were waiting in the lounge and wondering what would be next for them.

Malleus was sitting at a desk with his eyes closed with Yuu sitting next to him and holding his hand. She was tense with Grim sitting on the table with a sadden expression. Lilia was checking on Sebek with Silver sleeping in a seat of his own.

Cater and Trey were sitting on each side of Ace and Deuce. Both were frustrated and silent with their failure as their juniors were trying to comfort them. Chenya was leaning on the wall behind them with his hands crossed over his chest. He wasn't happy with everything he witnessed.

Jack was sitting on the ground with his arms crossed. Epel was behind him and keeping quiet as he glanced at everyone, unsure of what to even say. Najma sitting with them as she shook her head at Epel. Suggesting that they remain quiet and wait.

Ephemer and Shulk were sitting at the table, unsure of what to even say. Brain was standing behind them and tapping away on his Gummi phone. He glanced at Ortho who was sitting beside him and looking defeated. He wasn't speaking as Brain shook his head. Lea and Isa were standing near the doors.

No one could say anything about this situation and wondered how they were going to get themselves out of this situation.

The doors opened as Idia finally stepped through it. Everyone turned their attention to him and waited to hear from him first. He finally sighed in relief and took a seat at the table before slouching against it.

"Shroud? How do you fare? How does Ver fare?" Malleus spoke as he pulled his joined hand with Yuu under the table.

Ortho rose and hover hesitantly to his big brother. He kept his distance as Brain leaned against him to give him some comfort.

"I'm not aggro, if that's what you're asking. Exhausted, yes, but fine. I'm not in too much trouble. Olympus still wants me for an intern and values my work. Father isn't upset and wants me to study the destroyed Charon robots. I'm still punished to not return to work at S.T.Y.X, but that's fine" Idia explained as calmly as he could, "Pina's fine too. She's been taken to her mother's room with Mentha. They'll continue with the ceremony"

He glanced to Ortho and held his arms out. His little brother rushed to embrace his big brother warmly and cried a little.

"Sorry for being harsh back there. I was upset and frustrated with what you did" Idia apologized as he rubbed Ortho's head gently, "But that terrified me. You and Pina are important to me. You cannot do something so dangerous and reckless. That's not ok, alright, Ortho?"

He pulled away to check on his little brother who nodded his head in understanding. Idia sighed in relief and let his little brother go.

"Oh, and we won't be able to leave until the ceremony is over" Idia informed them, "The ceremony is supposed to happen without anyone travelling to and from the mirror. We are stuck here until it is over. Sorry about that, but that is tradition with the First Ver and Shroud"

Everyone understood and remained quiet except for Brain coughing.

"So, we can't see Little Miss Nature then?" he asked as he glanced to the heir.

"Why do you want to see her?" Idia asked suspiciously.

"Oh! That's right!" Ortho exclaimed before turning to his big brother, "I am fine with being grounded. I do deserve it, and I have not experienced it either. However, she said something concerning! Brain was able to pick up on it! Big brother, she might be in danger!"

This surprised Idia as he couldn't think of a reason for Pina to be in danger. She was in one of the safest locations. Why would she be in danger?

"When I talked with her" Brain explained as stood up, "She didn't want you to know anything she was up too. Which is a little strange if you ask me. You two are friends, right? Why would she hide anything from you? I know it is none of my business, but something isn't right if you ask me"

"Big brother, Brain is correct" Ortho explained as he glowed and summoned a video recording of their meeting with her.

He played it back. Idia's eyes were wide and confused. What would she be hiding from him? Not to mention she wants to change the spell. If she changes the spell, what happens to S.T.Y.X. and the gate? No, he has to stop her from doing anything dangerous.

"I have to go to her room and figure this out" Idia reasoned, "She's up to something. She wouldn't be planning anything without a reason. I have to find out that reason"

He prepared to leave until Malleus placed a hand on Idia's shoulder to stop him.

"Leave that to me" Malleus stated simply.

Idia turned to face his friend with his hair slowly changing from blue to red in annoyance. Malleus chuckled at his friend's emotions before shaking his head.

"I was confused by her wording, but I believe she wants me to be the one to find this out. Tell me, Shroud, do you enjoy history? Learning about it?" Malleus asked with a snicker.

Idia hated to admit it, but Malleus was correct. Idia doesn't like history compared to the other classes. Pina, on the other hand, she was talented in history and loved to learn it. Besides her, he knew Malleus also enjoyed the subject.

"I don't mean to overstep, but between the two of us, it would be best if I head to her room and read her scrolls, documents, and books. I am faster and would be able to find out what she is up too" Malleus reminded, much to Idia's frustration.

"Fine, but you better find her secret history and items" Idia relinquished as his hair changed back to blue, "Don't you leave anything behind. Ortho is also going with you. He's the only one besides I who can access the building. I also assume Brain is going with you"

Brain only chuckled in reply as the trio shared a delighted expression. They were ready to depart, but Lilia hanged from the ceiling and before them with a serious expression of his own. They jumped before he landed before them.

"Father?" Silver asked surprised before Lilia shook his head.

"Before you three depart, we should think for about this for a little longer. It is true that Proserpina wants to switch the spells and doesn't want Idia to know, but I fear there is a deeper meaning behind this" Lilia said seriously, "Do you not remember the story of the First Ver and Shroud? That tale must be important to this"

"It is a story that Pina and I enjoy the most" Idia commented, "Besides the story of Hades, the First Shroud is another person I did enjoy, but there are many versions of the tale due to the historical documents not documented properly. At least, that is what Pina informed me of. I do not know if this is true"

"I believe it is" Malleus recalled as he placed a hand to his face, "Lilia knows a version of the tale, but there are other versions. Lilia, please tell us the tale you know. Shroud, it would be best if we hear your tale as well"

Idia and Lilia agreed until Idia glanced to Lea as he recalled his meeting with Hades.

"Is there a tale like this with Hades? As far as I know, this is not the case, but considering his comments about how you spoiled his plans, maybe there is a version of this" Idia asked.

"As far as I know, this is not the case. Actually, there is no counterpart of Pina as far as we know, but that's fine. There isn't a direct counterpart to the students. We don't know why, but I can figure that out later if we want!" Brain answered with a grin.

Idia rolled his eyes at the knowledge sneaking keyblade wielder before facing his gaming partner. Lilia chuckled as he held his hand to create a green illusion.

"So, are we ready to hear a version of the First Ver and Shroud, children? Wonderful!" Lilia said warmly.

As their wonderland was fresh and new, so was magic itself. Magic isn't easy to master and thus despair and fear ran rampant throughout the lands. It made everyone scared and panicked over the use of magic. This fear and panic lead to an intense amount of Overblots, creatures of darkness, and darkness flowing into individuals.

"But then, a group of powerful mages from Olympus descended upon the lands" Lilia spoke as many powerful mages appeared before the lands, "They were strong with magic and could use it to battle and defeat the Overblots and creatures of darkness"

The powerful mages fought with their magic while one mage was strong enough to seal the Overblots and beings of darkness into the earth below. Though, there was being tasked with watching them. He was the First Shroud. He detested his life below, so he ralled the Overblots and Titans to fight back, but he failed. The First Shroud was then cursed. This curse could eat away the dark magic such as blot. So, he remained in the underworld which is now S.T.Y.X. Though, he disliked remaining the deepest part of the earth.

"I remain in the lowest depths of the land" the First Shroud groaned in agony, "But I will find a way up above soon enough"

He wasn't pleased with the research on blots and keeping everything in order. When he could take breaks, he would step outside and gaze at the land from above. He remained in a simple field and sat there to feel the wind in his hair, the warmth of the sun, and enjoy the grassy field. Though, he didn't except to encounter a lady of nature who is the First Ver.

"She sprung from the ground and was creating life around her" First Shroud commented, "She was using her magic without a care in the world as the life of the fields bowed and flowed to her whims. A truly wonderful lady who lives in the world above"

At first, the First Shroud kept his distance from her. He didn't want to startle her and remained in the shadows of the fields. When he could, he did gaze at her. He found her creating new life and plants before herself. She appeared to be testing her creations and pondering their uses.

"She was intelligent" the First Shroud stated in a matter-of-fact tone, "She wasn't sitting about and doing nothing. She was creating life to benefit others. This fascinated me since life above was made easier due to our fight and my punishment to remain in the Underworld. Why she was working hard, I will never understand, but perhaps one day I shall"

Of course, he did get his wish. He was sitting in his field on another break. He leaned against a tree and closed his eyes to take in the warm wind, but he heard someone approaching him and even poke his cheek. He opened one eye to see her standing before him!

"Oh! Good! You're alive!" she said in relief before standing away from him, "Your skin is so pale, and with your eyes closed, I assumed you were dead! Haha!"

The First Shroud raised a brow at her easy comment of death before sitting up to introduce himself to her. He expected her to dismiss him, but she seemed delighted. She created one of her plants before him. He wondered what she wanted from him, but she shook her head.

"You're smart, right? I would love a second opinion on my creations! My mother and the others aren't the best at this, so it is hard to even ask them for their help!" she complained with her cheeks puffed up, "So, please! Please take a look!"

Besides the few other mages he worked with, he never experienced someone asking for his help. He felt warm and simply nodded his head. She happily clapped her hands and explained the plant and functions to him. She stated the benefits, drawbacks, and uses it could have. The First Shroud was impressed with her. She was thorough with her work. He gave her his inputs and suggestions, much to her delight.

"Thank you!" she shouted before jumping to embrace him, "See? This is what I was looking for! Now, I'll be able to produce this plant properly!"

He was grateful he could help her and prepared to return to the Underworld to continue with his work. Regardless, both were pleased to have found a friend in each other. And so, this became a regular meeting between them. During his breaks, he would venture above and speak with her. As for her, she would escape from the others on Olympus to join him. Soon enough, their secret encounters blossomed into a beautiful, forbidden love.

"What if I went with you to the Underworld?" the First Ver asked as she sat next to him.

"You would ultimately detest it" he informed her quickly, "It is the opposite of everything you are used to. I wouldn't want you to live in a place as barren and dull as mine"

She sat up and tilted her head back and forth, contemplating an idea in her mind.

"Ok, so I'll just bring stuff from above below!" she answered simply, as if it were the easiest solution to their predicament.

The First Shroud shook his head in a disagreeing manner. He couldn't let her remain in his home. It would break his heart to keep her with him. She groaned before shaking her head and standing up with determination.

"Watch me live with you!" she declared with her hands on her hips, "I will be useful to you and join you! Just you wait and see!"

He only laughed but enjoyed this.

"Very well" he agreed, enjoying a challenge from someone he loved to be around, "If you can find a way to be useful to my company, then please go ahead"

She cheered before running off to Olympus with her arms raised above her head. He laughed at her bright nature and determination. He wondered if she could possibly find a solution, but he shook his head and kept his hopes low. She came back with new ideas of how she could help him and soon enough, they developed a unique spell of their own. It was a lock that could help keep the Titans and Overblots from escaping with darkness.

"Yes! I did it!" she cheered in triumph as he simply laughed and watched her jumping up and down.

"That was impressive, but this spell is very dangerous and will need adjustments over time. Though, since you want to spend time with me, I suppose I can allow this" the First Shroud commented with a grin.

She happily jumped to embrace him as he held her close. They spun for a bit until he gently placed her on her feet. They lean in close and shared a kiss, but they were unaware that the other mages, including her mother, had discovered their love and the function of the spell. Thus, they summoned the First Shroud and reminded him of his role. He tried to reason with them, but it was the words of the First Ver's mother who rejected their union with her power. She reminded him of his role and even suggested that if the lock failed, the First Ver could die.

And so, when he met with the First Ver again, he informed of the meeting. She was horrified and furious for this! She didn't want to be separated from the mage she fell in love with. The First Shroud tried to reason with her, but she wouldn't have it! She worked to tamper with their spell in a way that required her and him to be together. She failed and failed but kept records of her experiments. Realizing what she was attempting to do, he proposed another option. Before the gate, he offered her a pomegranate.

"My dear Ver" he proposed to her, "Although we will not be together, I promise myself to you. You are my one and only. I couldn't bear to live with myself if something were to ever happen to you. Please know I want everything for you. I want you to live your best life before passing. For now, I can only offer you a pomegranate for us, you and me"

She sobbed as she grabbed his hands and held the pomegranate. She shook her head as he teared up as well.

"If by some miracle, we were to cross paths in our future and you find yourself in a position to fall in love, please fall in love with me again" he asked of her as both shared a bite from the fruit.

It was then that her mother showed up. She forcefully pulled her daughter from the First Shroud and met with the other mages. They learned of the spell and functions. The First Shroud would remain where he would belong while the First Ver would be with them on Olympus. She was forbidden from ever entering the Underworld. They learned that spell could strengthen the lock and ensure the Overblots, Titans, and darkness from escaping. So, they decreed that she and him could meet to restore the lock and nothing more.

"Although, that's the version of the tale I know" Lilia commented until he noticed a few crying expressions, "Oh, are you alright?"

Well, most of them were expressing sadness. Some were crying, others were hugging each other, and the rest were trying to not show their saddened expressions. Idia remained quiet and thoughtful about the story. It sounded similar to the one he, Pina, and Ortho heard, but there were some differences. He glanced at his classmates who were crying and holding each other.

"Ignoring them" Malleus decided as he looked at his friend, "What is your version of the story, Shroud?"

Idia jumped, startled at being put on the spot, but he pulled up a screen to reveal the story he was told.

"Everything Lilia had told is true" Idia spoke, "The First Shroud and Ver were close as Lilia informed, but the tale differs when she began to create the spell. She wanted to create the spell to help the First Shroud"

She created many spells, but the spells were locked in historical records in Olympus in a special location that only members of the Ver could access it. She was furious to discover that the First Shroud was isolated from everyone and stuck in the Underworld.

"I am sure if I can create a spell, then you won't have to be trapped in the Underworld forever!" the First Ver said in a frustrating manner as flowers and trees grew behind her rapidly.

The First Shroud was surprised by her anger. He didn't expect his friend to be this anger with them.. She panted heavily before she composed herself and snapped her fingers.

"So, let's get to work!" she said in delight when she grabbed his hands warmly.

He blushed at her closeness and helping nature. Together, they would meet up and work on the spell. They weren't close, but they were grateful to be with each other. They were taking a break as they sat next to each other. The First Ver was frustrated that their spells weren't working as the First Shroud was eating pomegranates.

"What are those?" she asked curiously as she took one.

"Pomegranates" he answered before taking another bite and holding it out to her, "But you can't eat this, or you will be stuck in the Underworld with me. Wouldn't recommend that. You should be free to leave and live your life up here"

She pondered on that before thinking about their spell again. The two of them grew closer and closer until they realized had fallen in love.

"Are you sure you want to be in love with someone like me?" the First Shroud asked as they were standing in the field at night and holding onto each other.

"Yep!" she answered warmly and without hesitation before hugging him, "You're the only one who listened to me and wants to be with me. You don't think my ideas are too insane. You love being with me. How could I not fall in love with you?"

He chuckled before leaning in to give her a kiss. She giggled and returned a kiss to him. They happily sat down and shared a warm embrace before focusing on their spells. As they kept meeting in secret, they were caught by the First Ver's mother who brought both to the other mages. They discovered their spell and functions with it. They were only able to create a spell to strength the lock and allow the First Shroud to be free for six months. Disagreeing with the idea of the First Shroud to be free, they only allowed the spell to strength the lock and not let him be free. They were worried for the darkness, Titans, and Overblots to break free. They wanted him to remain there.

"I object!" the First Ver stated strongly, "Since this is my spell, I demand that he be free for those six months!"

Her mother tried to restrain her as the First Shroud faced the First Ver. He grabbed her hands and shook his head at her protests. She held an expression of disbelief, before he faced the mages and agreed to their demands.

"I will remain in the Underworld" he relinquished to them, "I will keep watch over it and ensure nothing happens. Please allow her to help me keep the lock renewed to ensure that they will not break free"

The mages reluctantly agreed and allowed this relationship between the Vers and Shrouds. They dismissed the meeting and allowed them to return to their respective domains. That didn't stop either of them for trying to see each other one last time. They met in the same field and rushed to embrace each other.

"Are you ok?" he asked first in a gentle tone.

"No! How can you be fine with this?!" she shouted in a frustrated manner.

"Because I was punished. I won't let you be punished.. The role to forever watch over the realm" he responded, "And I cannot let you be trapped here and separated from everyone from above. That isn't fair to you"

She shook her head and hugged him. They shared a tight hug and remained in each other's embrace until he presented her a pomegranate.

"I know you wanted to try this, and I've enchanted it, so you won't be trapped with me" he whispered as he placed it in her hands, "I love you. I would give you anything and burn the world if you so wish it. I will never burden you with anything. I want nothing but the best for you in life. Although I will only see you to perform the spell with me, I will cherish it. It doesn't matter now, but I promise we will meet again. When we meet again, I do hope you will find me as well. I will always love you, so please, love me again"

She couldn't help but cry at his confession before taking the pomegranate. They shared a bite from it before sharing one last kiss and embrace before they let each other go.

"The tales are similar, but I don't see how this will help her" Malleus commented as he glanced at a crying Sebek who was being comforted by Silver.

Yuu was pondering on this as well as she petted a crying Grim.

"The spells" Yuu whispered as Brain clapped his hands at her.

"Magicless human has the right answer!" Brain said with a grin, "The First Ver kept records of the spell she and the First Shroud tampered with. This means those records are somewhere. We do have a location in mind as well! Here! This is the place where the Vers store important records, and I don't think it was a coincidence that she was looking into this"

Everyone observed the location and realized that it was Pina's room! Idia's eyes were wide as he began to breath quickly. What was she doing? How could she be so reckless? What is she planning to do?! His hair changed from blue to red to yellow to purple as everyone took a few steps away from him. Lea shrugged before placing a hand on Idia's shoulder to snap him out of his thoughts.

"Don't tell me you're overthinking this and not seeing any positive outcome again?" Lea asked a knowing glance, "Because you shouldn't believe in those outcomes when you've done impossible feats yourself. This isn't over. We are going to figure this out and help your lady of nature. But if we're gonna do this, you need to keep a calm and open mind"

Idia slowly calmed down as he reflected on the advice Vil gave him. In a way, Lea and Vil were telling him to not give up so easily and change the outcome. Idia was hesitant to try, but he knew he must when his player 2 is in danger.

"Got it" Idia said as he composed himself, "Player 2 needs her Player 1 in this level. I won't hold her back. She needs my support for this stage. Once it is cleared, I will finally reach my support with her and prove to her mother and company that Ortho and I are not an enemy unit!"

Although some didn't understand his words and phrases, they did know he was fired up and determined to help Pina just as much as they were! They were ready!

Ortho's eyes were wide as he asked before everyone was ready to help Pina, "Wait, big brother, are you in love with Proserpina?!"

He lunged to grab his big brother whose hair changed to pink. Ortho used his scanners to check on his big brother to confirm his suspicions. Idia's heartrate was increasing, his face was flushed, he was sweating, and of course, his hair is pink. Everyone chuckled and laughed at Idia's flustered manner with Ortho gasping in delight.

"Big brother is in love!" Ortho announced happily, "I am so happy for you! Does this mean I have a big sister?! Oh! You're in love with Pina too! This is wonderful! Oh, this is almost similar to the recent blade series! Though, hopefully she won't disappear in golden lights as her love interest cries, almost believing he failed to save her"

Lilia laughed at the reference while Lea let out a nervous chuckle as he was reminded of Roxas and Xion's final fight. Idia shook his head before pulling his little brother off him. Idia help Ortho's shoulder and sighed with a happy smile.

"I am in love, but let's save and help her first. She needs our support. After that, we can figure out a way for me to confess to her" Idia informed his little brother before facing everyone, "So, I believe I have a strategy for this. Everyone ready for our phase to start?"