"So tell us again who this Sodoma is exactly?" DK asked once the four of them had been briefed on the situation.
"The fair Lady Sodoma is Lord Orion's daughter," Hikari replied. "As such, she will one day be the island's ruler and is the current protector of the Sapphire Tear."
"Yes, and I can't help but believe that's exactly why she was taken," Orion snarled. "The only other thought it the re-"
"Don't even fucking say it." Diddy and Dixie, who had been looking at Orion, turned their heads to Wrinkly in shock. "None of those fools would dare break the treaty agreements. Not after they were given their way at the end of the civil war."
A silence.
"And in any case," she continued, "My companions and I have reason to believe the Lombado are responsible for her kidnapping."
"Oh?" Orion asked. "And what evidence is that?"
"The Lombado infiltrated to take the Crystal Coconut last night," DK said. "Perhaps they knew you would be willing to barter for Sodoma: the Sapphire Tear in exchange for her safe return."
"These Lombado sure seem to know a lot of weak spots," Hikari noted.
"The Lombado is supposed to be an all-seeing race of the ancient times, right?" Dixie asked. "Like, era before the Mages ancient? Maybe they're more omnipotent than the legends have us believe."
"Could be," Orion replied, "but it does not explain why you four are here." He pointed to Wrinkly. "For one thing, you swore when you rejec-"
"Now's not the time for what I said decades ago, Orion," Wrinkly shouted, standing up. "The Lombado intend to restart the War of Homura, and the only thing that can stop them is the Ancient Gems!"