Part Seven
On Laputa, Kappa paces, muttering about what he was told to do.
Kappa: "You should know what to do. You must go see your own son." How could I when they're at war? Even if I go, what should I do with him? Play ball?
With a bit of thought, he walks over to a fountain on the wall.
Kappa: Show me Riftaminus Sholdra.
The fountain lights up and gives him a view of Rift on the ship. He seems to be wondering about something, and as Kappa looks at him, the god begins to have thoughts about him.
Kappa: Show me Jennifer
Again, the fountain flashes to show Juno, and Kappa is astounded to see her still alive. The fountain magic fades, and he is left with his own reflection and a tear runs down on his cheek to drop into the water. Gamma walks over as he wipes the tear off him.
Gamma: Is there a problem, Kappa?
Kappa: Should I really go see him, mom? Even if it… defies dad's rules?
Gamma: It's only the first demigod for anyone to see in over a generation. Well, at least… in human years. But he's desperate for answers, and only you can tell him.
Kappa: But if I did, what then? He's not going to make the mortals pray to us again. Not after his bastard grandfather.
Gamma: Kappa, your father has every reason to make you go there. Humans need people like demigods to protect them. Not just because of their own arrogance but because Omicron's been blessing evil to the world. Riftaminus is going to be twenty-five in two days, and only you can tell him how to awaken his power. And once he unleashes his potential and saves some lives, there will also be a chance that we can get prayers.
Kappa is hesitant to answer, then Gamma kisses him on the forehead.
Gamma: Think about it. [walks off]
Still hesitant, Kappa looks at the fountain where he saw Rift, and he begins to have thoughts about seeing him.
Back on the ship, the Falconers' ship proceeds sailing up the river. The winds are strong. Nobody needs to row. They tend the sails or play dice. Maroon is dressed up like a pirate, playing around.
Maroon: Avast ye, mate-ster. Shiver me portside and Buckle-swash the poop deck.
Trimbo: You have no idea what you're talking about, do you?
Maroon: Nope.
Jacksyn: How can you like being a pirate? Don't you get seasick all the time?
Maroon: Hogwash! [throws up] That's just how I sneeze.
Vel: But Trimbo, where are we going?
Trimbo: To Irena Temple. Where… Rift wants to pray if he's half-god or not.
Cleese: Oh, but… is there a chance of… praying if we'd want to know more about ourselves?
Trimbo: What do you mean, Cleese?
Cleese: I mean about the past from some of us. Besides, my last name is Nameless for a reason. I was found in the streets, abandoned and put into an orphanage until I was adopted. The family who took me in were good people, but I can't even change my last name because I was orphaned.
Vel: You and me both. I can't change my last name either. My family name is Neglosi, but I was named Shell because it's a bastard's name. My father was Mynerian, but my biological mother was a stripper, but I'm okay with that.
Maroon: Arr, matey, once we find a… [singsong] real live mermaid… [normal voice] we'll be rich and famous! And handsome!
Jacksyn: And how are we supposed to find one?
Maroon shows a fishing pole with a worm on the hook, before casting the line into the water
Maroon: Yarrr. And now we wait.
Ayazz stands in the bow, leaning against the rail, whittling a wooden bear. Rift joins him, looking at the blue sky.
Rift: It's a gorgeous day today. Not a cloud in the sky. The Twins must be in a good mood.
Ayazz: Sometimes the gods bless you in the morning and curse you in the afternoon. Now… why don't you tell me about this… plan of yours?
Rift: Um…. What would you say… if I was a demigod?
Ayazz rests his knife on the deck and stares at him.
Ayazz: I'd say… that would be a miraculous sighting. But are you really?
Rift: Well, there's… no other explanation about how I survived from that bandit raid, sir. My mother says my father is… Kappa.
For a long pause, Ayazz smiles at Rift.
Ayazz: Keeping people alive out here, keeping them full of hope, it can be daunting. It's what gives a knight a good life. You, too, must make a life. Take your destiny into your own hands. The ogres claim they will claim the world that brings the end of Xenotopia, but I am a survivor. I say we live on long after this world dies! If you believe you may be a demigod, then I would make sure that you are, because we'd need all the help I can get. I mustn't lose you, like I lost my son.
Rift: You had a kid?
Ayazz: Years ago. Taken from me by goblins when he was young, all because I was winning the war. Anyway, it matters not.
All of a sudden, someone sings while the line is being pulled.
Maroon: Mermaid!
Trimbo: Mermaid?!
Kesseki: Sashimi!
But when the line is pulled up, the mermaid they catch turns out to be a fat one with a face of Melissa McCarthy.
Jacksyn: Melissa McCarthy?
Mermaid: Hello, boys?
Maroon: 'Tis an ugly mermaid.
Kesseki: I would not eat the sushi.
The mermaid falls onto the deck and grows a pair of human legs. She laughs as she grows a penus, and everyone screams.
Trimbo: OH, MY GOD, SHE'S GROWING A…!
Maroon and Jacksyn: SEA DEMON!
Maroon: Kill him!
Maroon shoots the mermaid with a crossbow, Kesseki throws his meat cleaver at her, and finally Jacksyn pulls a string for the anchor, which hits the mermaid who falls into the water and gets chased by sharks.
Jacksyn: Well, that's one ugly mermaid I'd hate to think of.
Ayazz: Men, be focused. We're heading to the Fellum Bay.
As the Falconers look ahead, the ship is leaving the river and approaches Fellum Bay.
Part Eight
Meanwhile, Arkus is flying Norbert into the night sky towards the Tribal Unity's campsite. They head down to the mountain, only miles away from the site to avoid being discovered, and Norbert lands there before dismounting. He grabs his sword, sheathing it to his belt, and a few short swords to holster on his back.
Arkus: Norbert, stay.
[Norbert groans]
Arkus: I won't be gone for much longer. Just go in, get what I need, and get out.
Arkus makes his way to the site over the canopy, jumping from one tree to another, then he lands on the boulder to get into the woods. He sees a wagon full of rocks pulled by an ox with an ogre riding it. Waiting for his chance, Arkus steadies himself until the wagon is under, and he jumps to land on the boulders. The rider whips his head back, then Arkus knocks him out with a phial, and he takes over the rein to let the ox take him somewhere.
Ahead is a checkpoint, guarded by a pair of ogres. When the wagon is approaching it, Arkus quickly uses the unconscious rider as a puppet to disguise himself.
Guard: More boulders?
Arkus: [ogre voice] Uh… yes. Just more boulders to bring in.
Guard: Good. We need them if we need that wall ready and secure. Go right on in.
The guards allow the wagon to go through the checkpoint, which Arkus did as he keeps his disguise on. Now he is in the camp, Arkus puts the unconscious ogre down and jumps off to investigate in the shadows. He sees the ogres working on their own parts: loading siege cannons, sharpening blades, making armor, and sparring. Some are using the boulders to make a wall around the campsite. He finds a boomer on a barrel, then decides to take it. Then, Arkus sees one tent, where Stoneclaw are chatting with some ogre leaders.
Stoneclaw: The Smashers will take the left flank. We'll keep the catapults in preserve and send the Shields in first.
Ogre leader 1: Are you sure about this?
Ogre leader 2: He knows what he is doing.
Then, Rathborne comes in with Cardi at his side.
Rathborne: Leave us.
The ogre leaders take their leave out of the tent, and Arkus begins to eavesdrop on Rathborne.
Rathborne: Is everything ready yet?
Stoneclaw: No, your greatness. The wall is almost finished.
Cardi: We must be sure it does work. Otherwise, it would make the Unity assume that this conspiracy would be an act of treachery.
Stoneclaw: Mostly, treachery over you, Duke.
Rathborne: For once, I agree with Stoneclaw. Doesn't he do what he says? He gets what he wants, we get what we want.
Cardi: That is the deal he's made. You accuse me of cutting you off?
Rathborne: The other tribe leaders are questioning my loyalty, mostly because of all the casualties we've been having since we escaped.
Cardi: He is bound to keep his promise, Rathborne. As soon as everything goes his way, we'll all get what we want.
Arkus: [whispers] "He"? Who is he?
Arkus chooses to ignore this foreshadowing of the conspiracy and goes away. As he leaves, an armored guard hears him and turns in his direction.
Afterwards, Arkus is back with Norbert, where he writes someone on a scroll and puts it on his dragon's saddle.
Arkus: Take this to Commander Ayazz. I'll keep an eye on the ogres. Hopefully, with any luck, I could lay waste to the camp.
Norbert takes flight to go find Ayazz, leaving Arkus alone. However, his relief is interrupted by the crash of an armored ogre behind them. But Arkus isn't quick to panic when he takes the boomer he found. He runs towards the ogre and throws the boomer into him. It explodes. The resulting force of the explosion destroys the ogre, but sends Arkus crashing into a tree. Some more ogres show up, and Arkus swings his sword to defend himself, but they surround him, overpowering him.
Later, Arkus wakes up to find himself strapped to a pole in a tent. He struggles to break free, but to no avail, then Cardi comes in to greet him.
Arkus: [glaring] Traitor.
Cardi: You're mistaken, my friend. This is a misunderstanding. What you're put on is madness, but it's only for protection.
Arkus: I thought you were the leader here, Cardi.
Cardi: Nothing has anything to do with me, I assure you. I can always ask Rathborne to set you free, as long as you know nothing about what it is they're doing.
Arkus: I've only learned they're building a wall. There's nothing important it not to be shared with. Almost everyone comes up with building walls.
Cardi: True, but we believe it's more than that. [beat] But it's a great pity we've never encountered ourselves, Arkus. Your father spoke very highly of you, back when I was… a lot younger. Then again, it's also a pity he's no longer alive, because he would never have learned the truth as I have.
Arkus: The truth?
[five second silence]
Cardi: What if I told you that Xenotopia is being threatened by someone outside the Tribal Unity?
Arkus: No, that's not possible! The Oracle would be aware of it!
Cardi: The Oracle can only see visions, my friend. Your Dragonators have powers of sensing magic, but only when a spell has been activated or if it's been disturbed. He remains anonymous, but he wishes, for the time being, to be known as the Mastermind.
Arkus: I don't believe you.
Cardi: The ogres never learned the most important fact about the Great Barrier's magic. Only ogres cannot get through it. This secret was recently discovered by the Mastermind. He came to me for help; he told me everything. He claims it to be the spark of a result that may make the kingdoms prosperous, but I knew otherwise. I tried to warn Townley, but he didn't listen, and died without knowing this truth. By the time it's over, it would already be too late. You must join me, Arkus Lightwing, and together we will truly save Xenotopia.
Arkus: I will never join you, Cardi. If the anonymous being who can threaten the gods is Omicron… I wouldn't be as worried as you think you are. Apex defeated the rogue deity, and look where it got him. Richard Townley died in the belief that Xenopotia is under the watchful eyes of the gods… and so should everyone else.
Cardi: [coldly] It may be difficult to secure your release.
Cardi takes his leave out of the tent, and Arkus is now puzzled about who he was talking about.
Part Nine
Back on the Falconers' ship, it is nearly night time, everyone is asleep. But for Kesseki, he is meditating on the port railing, which then turns into a memory to his eyes. His younger self comes rushing into the ruins of a burning house in a hill.
Kesseki: Dad! DAD!
He searches everywhere for his father, but he finds a fox tail severed on the ground. Kesseki kneels to the tail, grasping it with his hands. Then he hears evil laughter before he sees Dola'wic standing in front of him with his Deathwalkers flanking him. Out of rage, Kesseki draws his sword and charges.
Dola'wic: Warrior wheel!
The Deathwalkers retract devil-like tails, link with them and morph into a swirling, fiery vortex which flies into Kesseki before an explosion.
Kesseki wakes up from his dream, gasping in sweat. But Wor-Kis floats over in front of his face.
Wor-Kis: Kesseki, I can see you're troubled. You shouldn't be.
Kesseki: You have no idea. Dola'wic killed my father, and when I… faced him, I was… defeated, left to die. I dishonored my family, my people….
Wor-Kis: You were unprepared for some events to happen. It's too late to save a life already dead, but not with the ones still alive. Dark magic is afoot.
Kesseki: Huh?
Wor-Kis: Yes, I know I don't have feet, but that's beside the point.
Trimbo: LAND-HO!
Everyone wakes up to see an island ahead with Irena Temple placed there. As soon as the ship lands there, everyone gets off board with lanterns to reach the temple, but they stop at the entrance.
Vel: What now?
Trimbo: This is Rift's journey. He should go ask the gods.
Cleese: Um, what about if one of us needs to go in too?
Trimbo: It has to be one at a time. Rift will go in first, and then one of you will go next.
Jacksyn: Well, I have nothing to pray for, so I'm good.
Wor-Kis: But while we wait for Rift's job to be done, we need to be aware of Dola'wic coming here.
Ayazz: I agree. [to Rift] Just go ahead, son. We'll be waiting.
Rift nods his head and enters the Temple. On both of his sides are statues of the gods He kneels in the middle of the Temple, before the statue of Kappa, which is the one he's seeking.
Rift: Kappa…. Dad…. If you are there and listening, hear my prayer. How can I… be as powerful as you?
A wind blows through the Temple. A bolt of lightning hits the statue of Kappa and ignites flames in the braziers, but nothing else happens.
Rift: Hey guys, did you see that? [pauses] Guys?
No one answers. Then, a figure steps in from the shadows from behind the statue of Kappa. Revealing himself is Kappa, who pretty much towers over Rift by six feet higher, and Rift is stunned to see him before he bows to him.
Kappa: Don't bow. You're in your father's presence.
Rift: [stands] So… I am a demigod.
Kappa: I'm more surprised than you are, because your inherited powers actually protected your mother. You have my looks, except you've got your mother's beautiful eyes, and my father's strong chin.
Rift: Okay, but…. I need to know. If I'm a demigod, then… when can I use any powers I have?
Kappa: The answer is simple. You need to act as a true hero on earth, and when you do it on your twenty-fifth birthday, it would all be bestowed upon you.
Rift: Oh, really? Well, that shouldn't be a problem. I mean, I faced any ogre in my way. I'm one of the most famous people in Xenotopia. I…. I serve the Grand Army.
But Kappa frowns to know otherwise, as he shakes his head.
Kappa: I'm afraid to say… none of that would work. Because being popular, or powerful, or a knight are not the same as being a true hero.
Rift: [disappointed] What do you mean? What can I do?
Kappa: It's not as hard as you think it is. If you measure yourself by the strength of your heart, you will know. But to do that, you must use your head.
Rift: But… how could I-
Kappa: I'm sorry, but I can't stay any longer. But don't you worry. I'll always be watching.
Lightning strikes Kappa and he disappears.
Rift: No, wait!
When Kappa doesn't come back, Rift pounds his fists on the temple floor and cries out in frustration. He calms down a bit, trying to keep himself steady, until he hears footsteps from behind, which alarm him to stand up and draw his sword. Then, Dola'wic emerges from the shadows, confronting Rift.
Dola'wic: Frustrating, isn't it? When you pray to the gods, they tell you so little information.
Rift: [glares] Dola'wic.
Dola'wic: Oh. So you know my name now, do you? Well, you also know what I'm sworn to do with every breath in my body?
Rift: I only know that you're a bounty hunter, and that's it. So maybe you should tell me. How much money is someone willing to pay for my head?
Dola'wic: You are mistaken. This has nothing to do with money. But clearly… you don't really know. [clears throat] I am the demigod killer! I've hunted every last one for the past thirty years. All… except you, who I thought you would never make it alive. But now that I know you're the son of Kappa, I realize now that you've been protected. But the best part is to kill demigods when they're weak, young and helpless, from which you are currently at.
Rift: Well, you're too late. In a few short minutes, it'll be sunrise, and my birthday will start, so you'll fail.
Dola'wic: Only before sunrise, but not after. Yen, Zu, Chao!
Appearing from dust, the Deathwalkers are on both of Rift's sides, pointing their weapons at him. Dola'wic approaches him with his hands open, which begin to open a mouth of sharp teeth on each palm.
Dola'wic: I will be honest. I was surprised that you would be here. Both sides of your family are enemies. You may be the son of Kappa, but the grandson of the man who decimated their images.
Rift: [glares] Not the way I see it. I will be nothing like him. I am who I choose to be.
Dola'wic: Well… it wouldn't matter. Because you will die with that belief.
But then, an arrow flies into Dola'wic's shoulder, and it agonizes him. To Rift's relief, the Falconers all step into the temple with their arms ready.
Trimbo: Nobody picks on our friends and gets away with it.
Dola'wic: You will suffer a greater death. Warrior wheel!
The Deathwalkers link tails and once again morph into a vortex which flies around the room, knocking the Falconers back. The vortex knocks a pillar onto Trimbo, knocks Cleese sprawling and then sends Jacksyn flying backwards with a hail of small rocks.
Wor-Kis: I will deal with them. I have been fighting evil for many centuries.
Maroon: What? You don't even have a body.
But even Wor-Kis is knocked out by the vortex.
During the fray, Dola'wic approaches Rift, until he is blocked by Kesseki, who is posing for an attack.
Dola'wic: Step aside, yokai. This does not concern you.
Kesseki: You are wrong. This is between us both, since you murdered my father.
Dola'wic peers at Kesseki, now remembering him.
Dola'wic: Oh yes. You. Prepare yourself to join him.
With his scepter glowing, Dola'wic conjures a magic circle that is about to do something. But with the Bow of Delta, Kesseki launches an energy arrow that destroys the magic circle, until Dola'wic summons some vines that snare the yokai, pinning him to the ground.
Kesseki: Rift, get out of here, now!
Rift takes his leave to exit the temple.
Back with the others, Trimbo pushes the statues off of himself, but the vortex keeps coming to him, and he is forced to retreat behind some debris, where he sees Maroon there as well.
Trimbo: Maroon, what are you doing?
Maroon: What does it look like? I'm hiding.
Trimbo: What? But you fought these guys before.
Maroon: Not like this!
Trimbo: Listen, this is all out of the blue, but you've got your unstoppable force.
Maroon: And you believed that? There's no such thing. Those brick walls were just cardboard, and… fake. I'm a lady chaser. And that's why my folks sent me to the Grand Army. To take things seriously.
Trimbo looks at him with pity, but he has one thing to say.
Trimbo: You know, I was trouble too. Back home, I was a jinx. Someone who just never counted the cost or a practical joke to everyone, and I could think about was… leaving Ukrim. But I've learned that you have to think about the root of this problem. So, try that, Maroon.
Maroon is hesitant, but he takes his advice and looks over the debris. He sees the Deathwalkers fighting the others, but he figures out that Dola'wic is commanding them, so he gets an idea. With all of his courage, he steps in with a sword and shield, challenging the dark wizard.
Maroon: Bring it on!
He swings his sword, and stabs Dola'wic, but the tip breaks. When Dola'wic swings his staff, it breaks Maroon's shield in half.
Maroon: I'm fighting with cardboard!
Dola'wic: Goodbye!
Dola'wic blasts Maroon with his staff, sending him across the temple. But then, Ayazz charges in to challenge him.
Outside, Rift is making a run for it back to the ship, but he stops midway there, deep in thought about something. He looks back at the temple, thinking about what to do, then he grows a determined look on his face.
Ayazz is knocked out by Dola'wic, who prepares to fire a beam.
Dola'wic: And now… begone!
But Rift steps in front of Ayazz, just before the beam hits him. As soon as the beam ceases, Rift is suddenly glowing an aura all over his body, and he feels like he's become stronger, but when Dola'wic sees the sun rising up, he is terrified.
Dola'wic: No. It can't be! He's… awakened his power!
Dola'wic conjures a boulder that falls on top of Rift. He is relieved as he laughs with pride, but it is short-lived when Rift carries the boulder without sweating and he throws it aside.
But how?!
Rift: Being a true hero, BIIIITCH!
Rift kicks Dola'wic in the crouch, agonizing him, but all that's now is the Deathwalkers' vortex.
Trimbo: Need to find a way to stop this.
Jacksyn enters the temple. He focuses his attention on the vortex. He quickly finds the weakness in the Deathwalkers' tail knot in the center of the vortex.
Jacksyn: I got it! Their connection! We have to break them apart!
Vel: Well, let me stall them!
Vel sprints forward and aims his tough turtle-shell shield towards the approaching vortex. The vortex collides with Vel, but his shield brings the vortex to a stop. However, Vel is soon beginning to feel the intense friction from the vortex's spinning.
Vel: Ahhh, it's getting hot!
Rift: Keep at it! I'll be right back!
Despite the pain, Vel re-positions the vortex as Rift approaches the statue of Apex.
Vel: My spine is on fire!
Rift: [to a statue] Sorry, Apex.
Rift pulls a marble sword out from the statue with his newfound super strength. He throws it forward like a spear and it plows straight through the tail knot, breaking the Deathwalkers apart. Trimbo and Cleese kick away Yen and Chao, incapacitating them. Seeing his comrades defeated, Zu furiously materializes his dao and leaps at the Falconers. Then, Vel throws his shield like a frisbee, and Zu is sent flying backwards into a large statue head, breaking it off at the jawline. Zu lands in between the and the broken head lands on top of them, making them poof. With that done, everybody celebrates their victory.
Ayazz: Great job there, men. Well done. And Rift… your courage and sacrifice for me was truly a bold move.
Rift: It was my father who said… a true hero is measured by the strength of his heart. I realize now what he meant.
But then, there is a roar coming from outside. The Falconers all run outside the temple, and they see Norbert flying towards them.
Kesseki: It's Norbert. But where's Arkus?
Norbert lowers himself to show them the message on his saddle. Ayazz takes the message and reads it.
Arkus: The Tribal Unity is stationed on Mardi Beach. But it also says if Arkus doesn't arrive at sunrise, we can come rescue him.
Trimbo: Then we have to. Arkus is one of us, guys, and we never leave one of our own.
Jacksyn: I agree. Let's go get him.
With Norbert, the Falconers all mount on him for a better way to go for the rescue.
Part Ten
On Mardi Beach, the stone wall is nearly completed. But a horn is blown, because there is an attack. The ogres all assemble themselves at the checkpoint, awaiting for anyone to come with their bows and cannons loaded. Stoneclaw comes in, barking orders.
Stoneclaw: Stand clear! The Grand Army will be coming soon!
Half a mile away is the Grand Army, assembled and ready to march. Edgar and Garlym gallop through the front line. They rein in their horses and look over the eight dozen soldiers riding well-groomed, snorting mounts, and some Craitans standing side by side with them. When Edgar speaks his voice is clear and steady.
Edgar: Guards and Craitans. All my life I've lived by a code, and the code is simple. Honor the gods. Love your woman. And defend your country.
[men roar]
Edgar: Xenotopia is mother to us all. Fight for her!
The men roar and thrust their spears into the air. Edgar leads the charge to the beach. But Raizer stays put to simply watch the fight.
The Blasters fire their siege cannons and the archers launch their arrows, striking any of the soldiers to approach. Rathborne comes over to observe the fray, while dragging the chained Arkus with him.
Rathborne: Just look at them, elf. You will watch as your precious human friends will die, and you'd never see your beast again.
But then, there is a roar coming from behind. The ogres look back to see Norbert flying over, much to their shock. The dragon breathes fire all around the campsite, blocking their way from getting out.
From afar, Edgar and Garlym see the Falconers mounting on Norbert.
Edgar: Trimbo?
Back with Raizer, he shields his eyes from the sun to see what is going on.
Raizer: What is Ayazz doing? He's going to take Mardi Beach with seven men?
Once they're overhead, the Falconers jump off of Norbert, landing safely on the hay. Cleese throws a phial that creates a smokescreen, just before the ogres fire a volley of arrows at it, until they come to a complete stop. For a while, there has been silence, until dozens of energy arrows are shot from the smokescreen, killing all of the ogre archers around them. Then, the Falconers all run out to fight the ogres, overpowering them by hitting on their sensitive horns.
Rathborne: You fools!
Rathborne picks up Arkus to throw him into the fire, but Norbert catches him with his teeth and flies off. Now that he knows his army isn't going to win this fight, he motions Stoneclaw and a few more ogres to escape the camp.
Ayazz, three arrows in his shield, sprints across the camp. Arrows tear through the air about him. No man alive can run with Ayazz. He leaps over the fortification, sword flashing before his feet ever touch the ground. The archers crumple to the ground as Ayazz's sword cuts through them. In a moment Rift catches up to the Commander and lays into the archers.
Jacksyn: Hey, look over there! It's Cardi!
The Falconers see Cardi making a run for it into a temple ruin.
Trimbo: I see him. Sir, he's getting away.
Ayazz: Rift, you and Kesseki go get him.
Rift and Kesseki both nod to the Commander and they run together to the ruins.
Back with Razier, he shears shouts of "Ayazz!" from the other soldiers, a great clamor as men bash the flats of their swords against their shields and cheer their hero on. Raizer grits his teeth and glares at the distant Ayazz.
Part Eleven
Back on the beach, Cardi turns as Rift and Kesseki run into the temple ruins. They draw their swords. The Blaster behind the Duke raises his siege cannon.
Cardi: That won't be necessary. Leave them to me.
The Blaster lowers his weapons and takes his leave. Cardi looks at Kesseki and Rift with slight amusement.
Rift: You're gonna pay for all the lives you let the ogres take, Cardi.
Kesseki: [to Rift] We'll take him together. You go-
Rift: I'll take him now!
Kesseki: No, Rift!
Too late. Rift charges across the open space at Cardi, who smiles faintly, watching him come. Rift raises his sword. At the last moment, Cardi thrusts out an arm with his medallion, and Rift is zapped by lightning, hurled across the room, and slammed into the opposite wall. He slumps to the foot of the wall, semi-conscious. Cardi moves toward Kesseki.
Cardi: You have your chance to leave while you can. Now… do so.
Cardi fires lightning from his medallion, but Kesseki jumps out of the way.
Kesseki: I don't think so.
Cardi: Then… you leave me no choice.
Cardi draws his falchion. He and Kesseki start to circle each other. Kesseki comes in fast, swinging at Cardi's head. Cardi parries the cut easily. As they fight, it quickly becomes clear that Cardi is the complete swordsman; elegant, graceful, classical, but Kesseki is better with his martial arts.
Cardi: Master Kesseki, you disappoint me. Kiriya holds you at such high esteem.
Meanwhile, Garlym and a section of the Grand Army rein in their horses atop the hills. Garlym sees Norbert flying over towards them, landing beside them, and he puts Arkus down. Garlym rides his horse to aid him.
Garlym: Are you alright, sir?
Arkus: Yes. Just held captive.
Garlym: Mount up, we're joining the Commander.
Arkus: No! Not yet. Send the Craitans to the ruins. We cannot let Cardi escape.
Garlym: Right away.
Back in the camp, Edgar arrives in time by having their horses leap over the flames. They join in with the Falconers to fight the ogres, and Edgar dismounts his horse to stand back to back with Trimbo.
Edgar: Where did you come from?
Trimbo: We were… sailing a bit, but we managed to come back.
However, a Clubber comes over, ready to pound Trimbo and Edgar. But as he swings his massive club, Wor-Kis floats over and blocks it with his face, which cascades the Clubber over some other ogres behind him. Wor-Kis is undamaged by the blow, and he whips to Trimbo, who is puzzled about something.
Trimbo: What took you so long?
Wor-Kis: I had to finish my breakfast.
At one end, Maroon is slashing some ogres, until he sees Bestial in action, and he rushes over to woo her.
Maroon: Hey, baby. Going my way?
Bestial: Keep your distance, asshole. We're at war.
Maroon: Yeah, but then we can always-
Then, Maroon is hit by a swinging club that knocks him across the yard to hit a pile of wooly rhino poop.
Back in the ruins, Rift regains his consciousness, and sees Kesseki fighting Cardi together, but Cardi begins to overpower the yokai. Kesseki is wounded in the shoulder, then the thigh. He stumbles back against the wall, trips, and falls. His katana goes skittering across the floor. Cardi raises his falchion, ready to slash him, but when he does, Rift blocks it with his own arm. Cardi and Rift stare eyeball to eyeball, but the Duke is more stunned to realize Rift is not hurt.
Cardi: That's brave of you, boy. But how can you withstand a blow like this?
Rift: [smugly] I'm the son of Kappa after all.
Kesseki: Rift! Use this!
Kesseki manages to catch his katana and he tosses it to Rift. With it, Rift attacks. Cardi parries and ripostes. It is no contest. Rift is driven back against the wall, but he gets back up. The force of his attack catches the Duke slightly off balance. Then Rift slashes; Cardi draws back, putting a hand to his arm. He takes the hand away and looks at the smear of blood Rift has nicked him.
Cardi: You have unusual powers, young knight. But not enough to save you this time.
Rift: Don't bet on it!
With his medallion, Cardi fires lightning at Rift. But because of Rift's invulnerability, he is able to withstand the power, and he approaches. The Duke attempts to use it to kill Rift, but he grabs onto it, causing it to overload. Rift throws the medallion into the air, where it safely exploded.
Cardi: [shocked] It's not possible.
Edgar's voice: Cardi!
Cardi whips around to see Edgar standing in front of him from five yards away.
Cardi: [bows nervously] Your majesty.
But then, when Cardi makes a move, he is grabbed by Craitans. Soon enough, everyone else who fought on the beach arrives in the ruins. Some of them help Kesseki to regain his bearings, and Maroon comes over with some dung marks on his face.
Edgar: [to Cardi] You will return home at once where you will face the council and inform them of your crimes.
Cardi: Oh, I'm afraid not. This is just the beginning.
Cardi pulls a phial from his pocket. Trimbo sees this and rushes him, but Cardi throws the phial to the floor. A large red cloud appears. It is enough to make the whole crowd cough. When it is gone, so is Cardi.
Edgar: Find him, search everywhere!
The Craitans who had Cardi all make a run for searching the Duke.
Arkus: Dammit! He got away, and we were so close!
Trimbo: It wouldn't matter. The ogres are gone as well.
Garlym: Commander, the rest of the army is ready. We can-
Ayazz: No. [to the others] Listen up, men. The Duke is gone, but we have salvation in our hands. As of today, we have in our midst… a demigod.
Ayazz gestures to Rift, which causes everyone to murmur and gasp.
Ayazz: He is the son of the protection god Kappa. He single-handly bested the demigod hunter Dola'wic and his minions.
Edgar: Can it be true? Is he really?
Kesseki: It's true, sire. He was… willing to give his arm when I was down.
Edgar: Ha, ha! Praise Apex! To Riftaminus!
Everyone roars in cheer for Rift being a demigod, and he smiles to feel appreciated. Ayazz puts his hand on Rift's shoulder.
Ayazz: And by the way… happy birthday. When we get back, we'll eat supper in the High King's garden.
But way behind the cheering crowd, Raizer spies on them and he feels disturbed about something that makes him glare.
Part Twelve
In Laputa, Kappa is watching Rift's praising moment from the magic fountain's water, and he smiles with pride as Apex walks over to him.
Apex: Thanks to your son, the humans are starting to become open-minded to us. Aren't you glad that I told you about him yet?
Kappa: Yes, dad. I am now. But… why didn't you tell me?
Apex: I couldn't sense him after realizing he was a stable boy. His mother protected him well. And yet, I wonder if you're going to give him a birthday present.
Kappa: I've thought about it. And I think… I might have the right one for him.
Because of the ogres losing the war, they have to flee from their campsite to find a new home. When Cardi shows up, Rathborne grabs him by the throat and pin him to a tree.
Rathborne: I lost so many lives because of you being discovered!
Cardi: Calm yourself, Rathborne. This was… bound to happen eventually.
Rathborne: "Eventually?" Why is that? You weren't the only one planning this attack on Xenotopia. I planned to gather all the ogre tribes to face the High King and his armies. I wanted to show the world what we're made of and how much their ancestors have wronged us.
Stoneclaw: But your greatness, we'd never known how to escape the Territories without him.
Rathborne: [growls]
Cardi: I'm afraid he's right. I regret that your plan wasn't… going as you hoped for… but this is war. You of all creatures in the world would know the risks of going to war.
Rathborne keeps glaring at Cardi with a menacing growl. He is ready to pound him, but he hesitates to think about what he's been hearing from him and Stoneclaw. So instead, he puts down the Duke to spare his life.
Rathborne: [pauses] Stoneclaw, how many survivors do we have left?
Stoneclaw: Enough that can level a half of the capital. But we have other tribes on the run, looking for safer places to make outposts, so we can go to at least one of them.
Rathborne: Start with the closest from here… for now. We're moving out.
Rathborne mounts up on a wooly rhino and rides off, with the other ogres riding their own rhinos behind him.
In Kyland City, the High King's Castle basks in the red glow of the setting sun. Trimbo and his friends, including the Falconers but minus Rift, are in their private dining hall, listening to everything Arkus was told of by Cardi.
Jacksyn: Okay. So there's someone else, and he has Cardi as a trump card.
Arkus: But what if Cardi was telling the truth, and someone is threatening Xenopotia? It doesn't feel right.
Vel: Maybe it's Omicron. With him being the god of disaster, there's no doubt it could be him.
Wor-Kis: Not a bad guess, Vel. But doubtful. Omicron does bring evil, but it doesn't make him evil himself. He does this to make him feel noticed and get revenge on the other gods.
Kesseki: Nevertheless, I think we should keep a closer eye on the Crystal Throne. And at the same time, we must keep this to ourselves.
Trimbo: Then… I cannot tell my father about this?
Arkus: No. At least we can find some evidence on who is behind all this. But where's Rift?
Trimbo: He's having his birthday party in the gardens. [pauses] Cleese? I know I said we could… have our chance to pray when-
Cleese: Don't be, Trimbo. I never needed to know. Whoever I am is never who I was or where I came from, it's who I choose to be. Just like how Rift chose to realize he is a demigod.
Kesseki: True. We were fortunate to have Rift, but now that the world knows he is a demigod, there will be more than just Dola'wic to stop at nothing to destroy him. So in addition, we'll have to protect him too.
Trimbo: So that makes six. Six of the heroes who are destined to stop this "great evil" and save Xenotopia. However, I still think Ringo could be the seventh.
When he speaks of his raccoon, Ringo climbs up on Trimbo to perch on his shoulder, rubbing his head on his cheek.
Kesseki: We shall see, Trimbo. But in the meantime… we must be focused at all times. [beat] Only the gods would know.
Outside, Rift is in the gardens, which are wondrous: palm trees grow in the courtyard, flowered vines climb the walls, and harps chime in the breeze. Rift, Juno and Ayazz are sitting on a bench, facing a statue of Apex. They are having a meal together to celebrate Rift's birthday.
Juno: Thank you for inviting us, Commander. It really helps us.
Ayazz: It's the least I can do. Your son has been a great asset to my troops, and he's been following everything I taught him. I'd say this, especially since it's his birthday, is absolutely worth all.
Rift: But it…. It just begs the question. Why did you ask me to… participate in the Tryouts?
Ayazz is hesitant for a bit, but after he takes a sip of his cup, he gives an answer.
Ayazz: Do you remember the time I… had a son? [beat] He had a dream of being a knight, just like you. But I was too worried about him, because… he was frail and he didn't know the risks of wars. [hesitates] He was captured one night. I set out to look for him, but I was too late. The goblins killed him, claiming it a right of revenge. When I met you… you reminded me of him.
Rift is now surprised to hear him say that, so he smiles at it.
Ayazz: You were turning out to be a fine soldier. So… I have a birthday gift: if you succeed in one more battle, I would promote you… Lieutenant.
Juno: [gasps] Oh, my goodness.
Rift: [pleased] Holy shit, I…. Really? I don't know what to say.
Ayazz: I've spoken to King Edgar about it, and he agrees with it. We may need a demigod to lead some units into battle.
Juno: Oh, uh Rift? This was sent to you.
Ayazz gives him a small package, but Rift is clueless about what can be inside of it.
Rift: What is it, mom?
Juno: The letter was only addressed to you. I was thinking… you should open it yourself.
Rift opens the package, and there is a note, which he reads.
Rift: "We're always watching you. Father."
Now Rift is curious to know it came from Kappa. He rummages through the wrapping inside, but he finds what appears to be a sword's hilt, much to his confusion. He picks up to look at it. But then, a blade materializes from within the hilt, and Rift becomes astounded, as well as Juno and Ayazz.
Rift: WHOA!
Juno: Good lords!
Ayazz: [laughs] A magic sword.
Rift: I have a sword?
Ayazz: Well, why don't you try it out?
Rift takes Ayazz's word and steps forward to try some swinging moves with his magic sword. Both Ayazz and Juno look at him with smiles of joy.
Juno: It's just when I walked out of my door, and saw him when he was just seven years old. A smiling, happy little boy holding a new pet, and begging to let him keep it.
Ayazz: Yeah. I'm heading off to grab another drink.
Ayazz takes his leave from the garden. Juno is left alone to watch Rift swinging his sword from afar, being happy to see him happy. But then, she feels like something that just felt like a hard blow from the wind to the bushes.
Juno: Who's there?
Curiously, Juno walks over to the bushes, finding a hooded figure hiding in there. But the figure removes his hood, revealing himself to be Kappa, much to her surprise.
Juno: You're…. You look just the same.
Kappa puts his hand on Juno's cheek, staring at her.
Kappa: Jennifer…. All these years, I thought… you didn't make it. And you're… as beautiful as the day we first met.
Juno is staring at him as well, before she gently embraces him. Kappa lifts up her head, and shares a kiss with their eyes closed. Then, Rift comes over. Juno opens her eyes, seeing herself kissing in the air because Kappa was gone.
Rift: Is, uh… everything okay?
Juno: [defensively] Oh yes, yes, of course it is. I was, um…. A little weezy from the wine.
Rift takes his leave, deciding to forget about what he just saw.
In Dola'wic's castle, he is being tossed around to land and impact on all corners of the wall by thin air, until he falls down to land near his cauldron. The mist from the pot begins to take shape. It takes the form of the very god of disaster himself: Omicron. He has a floating skull for a head, clad in red armor, a black cape, and carries a white staff with bat wings on the tip. By looking at him, Dola'wic is on his knees, grovelling before him.
Omicron: None have dared fail the great Omicron even once! But you, Dola'wic, you have failed me TWICE!
Dola'wic: Great Omicron, it was that infernal demigod. He just… caught me by surprise. He had allies, and he… kicked me in the balls. I underestimated him, and that was a mistake.
Omicron: From deep inside my tormenting realm, I sent you simple instructions to follow. But you missed the deadline, you forgot to keep his power from awakening, AND I HAVE LOST MY PATIENCE! There is now no other way to prevent it.
Dola'wic: I know I've had a few unfortunate… setbacks….
Omicron:AND FAILED, but since your sudden appearance has made the world to fear me, I am feeling… generous. There is still a way for you to amass the chance to make things right, and this time… THIS TIME, THE GREAT OMICRON WILL MAKE SURE YOU DO!
The mist changes back to normal smoke, and Dola'wic stands up to hover the cauldron.
Dola'wic: I am not willing to give up, master. I swear it in your name. The next time I face him, I will tip the balance of power in my favor.
He takes out something from his pocket that makes him smirk: dragon teeth.
The End