Part Seven
The next morning, where the anti-maul circle is made large enough for the whole campsite, Milan wakes from inside the tent. She gets out for a drink of water from the stream. But without her looking, a tree is moving, and it causes the horses to panic. When Milan hears it, she rushes over and pays more attention to the stallions rather than the moving tree.
Milan: [to the horse] Easy there. What's the matter? You smell something?
But then, she notices the moving tree and urges the two boys to wake up.
Milan: Gideon! Trimbo! Wake up!
Trimbo: [wakes up] What? What is it?
Milan: Is there… such a thing as a tree monster?
Trimbo: A tree monster? That's bull.
But as Gideon looks at more trees moving, he is alarmed.
Gideon: No. It's a dryad.
Trimbo: Oh shit! They're extremely territorial! RUN FOR IT!
The trio makes a run for it, getting on the horses, but Milan remembers something that makes her stop in her tracks.
Milan: Ringo!
She rushes back to get Ringo, sleeping on the floor, and picks him up before a tree falls down on the stop. Now with Ringo, the trio ride their horses into the woods, avoiding the hidden dryad who's chasing after them.
Trimbo: First a tigersaur, then a saber-tooth bear, and now dryads?
Gideon: This is a forest after all, so hurry!
They ride for their lives, but the dryad still chases after them deeper and deeper into the woods. And then, a tornado is formed right in front of them.
Gideon: A tornado?!
Just then, Gideon's liquid compass is blown out of his hand.
Gideon: My compass!
Trimbo: Gideon, forget the trinket!
The tornado blows away some trees into the evading trio. But then, their horses rear up in fright, causing their riders to fall, and they dash off into the woods. All of a sudden, the tornado stops and the trees stand still. The trio are puzzled about what happened, then Gideon finds his compass destroyed, much to his sorrow.
Gideon: My liquid compass. It took me an hour to make this.
Milan: I'm so sorry, Gideon.
Then, everyone looks up and sees the trees parting away. They run away, once again being chased by the dryad. Trimbo stumbles down a hill, and lands at the gate of a fortress. He grabs the locked gate and tries to shake it open as Ringo joins him.
Trimbo: Help! Is someone there?!
The gate opens, and Trimbo walks in before he shut it close. But he finds himself surrounded by armed men pointing their halberds at his face. Ringo hisses at the men, protecting Trimbo.
Pelly's voice: WAIT!
As the men part ways, Pelly comes into Trimbo's sight, and she's shocked to see him.
Trimbo: Pelly?
Pelly: [overjoyed] Trimbo! You're alright!
Pelly rushes in and embraces Trimbo. The men, who turn out to be members of the Cyan Diamonds, lower their weapons. Jimsey and Carrie approach the scene.
Carrie: Why, it's the prince.
Pelly: Thank goodness you're here. We heard what happened to your father. I'm so sorry about it.
Trimbo: As am I. I was… there when he fell. I didn't have enough time to save him.
Pelly: But it wouldn't matter, you're alive. And that means… you're the King of Ukrim now.
Trimbo: Well… I'm not sure yet.
Pelly: You're not sure? Your brother Kent is crowned king because everyone thought you're dead, but you're still alive, and as the oldest, you should be-
Trimbo: Pelly, I can't. Because Raizer tried to kill me.
Pelly: What?
Trimbo: He shot me with a cannon. Just when I was about to kill Cardi, Raizer just showed up, killed the Duke… and blasted me away. I need to know why.
[creature roars distantly]
Pelly: We can share all the details later.
Trimbo: Wait, my other two friends. They're still out there.
Pelly: I wouldn't be too worried if I were you.
Elsewhere in the woods, Gideon and Milan are still running for their lives to evade the dryad, but after they find out the trees aren't moving, they stop in their tracks.
Gideon: We lost 'em. That's a relief.
Milan: Wait, where's Trimbo?
Gideon: He must've been-
Then, someone shows up from hiding in the bushes. A stranger with a wooden suit of armor, and the two are startled, prompting the scared Milan to hide behind Gideon.
Stranger: Who are you, and what are you doing here?!
Very scared, Gideon and Milan are backing away from the advancing stranger.
Gideon: We were lost in the woods and….
Stranger: This is dryad country. You are not welcome here!
Milan: We're sorry, we didn't know.
Stranger: Too late for that. You spent too much time out here, and it's time to pay.
Gideon and Milan turn to leave; the stranger races around and blocking their way with surprising speed.
Milan: Please, we meant no harm! Just let us find Trimbo and-
Stranger: I said- [pauses] Wait, did you say… Trimbo?
The stranger removes the helmet, which triggers the armor into Wor-Kis, and it is revealed to be Rozella.
Gideon: You're…. You're Princess Rozella.
Rozella: Yes. But… is Trimbo alive?
Gideon: Yes. We found him to begin with.
Wor-Kis: I knew it! The winds spoke to me about this. I tried to explain it to Rozella, but she's become more focused on using her dryad powers rather than… listening to the voices.
Rozella: Where is he now?
Milan: He's in the woods. We… got separated when you persuaded us.
Rozella: Oh dear. I scared him off.
Wor-Kis: But he'll be alright. The Cyan Diamonds are also camping out here, and their base is not too far away.
Gideon: So he's okay?
Rozella: But not for long. Wor-Kis, if Pelly finds him, she'll-
Wor-Kis: Dear child, don't let anxiety blind you. The trees say she's not in the mood. Not with this… drafting of young men. They're focused on one thing at a time in life, and we should know that.
Rozella: But I want to see him too. I want him in my sight and up close.
Milan: Your highness, we need you to go back-
But then, Rozella motions Milan to stay quiet. She listens to the wind blowing, as if it is telling her something.
Part Eight
Bestial is in Craitos. Almost all of the coloring is in gray. Most of the plants and trees appear to be dead. She is making his way up to an Elite Force outpost, where Bardian is as he picks his teeth with a bone.
Bardian: DESTINON!
Hearing that, Bestial stops her tracks and watches. Destinon, the Queen of Craitos, ascends the outpost. The hyenas patrolling the perimeter snap at her heels. She only glares disdainfully at them.
Destinon: Yes, Bardian?
Bardian: Care to explain yourself? I don't see your hunting party out. They're not doing their job.
Destinon: I told you before, there is no food. The herds have moved on.
Bardian: Xenotopia is bigger than you'd know. You're just not looking hard enough.
Destinon: It's over. There is nothing left. Craitos is a province of warriors. We should be going after the ogres instead of just hunting.
Bardian: Look, I'm not the one who gives the orders, okay? I'm just sharing them with the ones who serve the High King.
Destinon: But most of us serve him because he forced us to.
Bardian: I'm only telling you to look harder. Besides, if I wasn't in charge of Craitos, all of your people would've been burnt at the stake. Trust me, I had an uncle who's like that. So just… proceed.
Destinon glares at the dwarf before she makes her way out of the outpost. But when she comes to a bush, Bestial pops her head out of it.
Destinon: Bestial?
Bestial: Shhh. Quiet. Listen, don't just rally the hunters. Round up everyone.
Destinon: What for?
Bestial: We're busting out of here. We're going to Jadeshore. Trimbo's back.
Destinon: [stunned] He's alive?!
Bestial: Shhh. Yes, he is.
Bestial takes her leave, but she stops to whip back at Destinon.
Bestial: We still have the manticores?
Destinon: Just one, and she's pregnant.
Bestial: Then, come on. I'll explain it on the way.
Back in the Cyan Diamonds' headquarters, Trimbo and Ringo are in the Pelly's tent.
Pelly: This part of the forest's outskirts is where we do our work. With winter on the way, we have to help collect firewood for the people. But around here, the dryads are protecting the trees from humanity, and… we have to fight for rights.
Trimbo: But you're not still fighting the Red Hearts, are you?
Carrie: We thought you'd heard about the news.
Pelly: When we heard about your "death", Rozella and I blamed each other for it, because none of us were there to prevent it, so we continued our war simply to avenge you. Right after our sixth battle, the Elite Force was founded. Many members of the Red Hearts were drafted, and it would signafy our victory, but we don't feel like we deserve it. Rozella was instructed by her father to return home, but she… chose to leave. She went here where dryad magic is possible, and she needed to train herself.
Trimbo: So they have drafted people before. Because one of the friends who helped me back here was seeking to build an apothecary, right before he was drafted for not having a job. But… weren't any of you drafted?
Jimsey: Well, I was… and some of us. And yet, most of us are still here.
Carrie: That's right. I would never let any of us serve that bastard Raizer, so we smashed the guards' heads with our hammers and took off instead, which was the best! Well that is, until the High King put a price on our heads.
Pelly: So we've all been labeled as scoundrels.
Trimbo: But Pelly, if you're no longer at war with Rozella, you have to help me find her. Her kingdom's being threatened. She must be sacrificed to Dola'wic, or he'll destroy it with the dark dragons he's brought back from the dead.
However, as Jimsey and Carrie are alarmed by this, Pelly is unfazed as she walks closer to Trimbo.
Pelly: It will not work.
Trimbo: What do you mean?
Pelly: Isn't it obvious? Everyone knows you and Rozella were promised to each other. If Dola'wic knows that you're alive, he'd do whatever he can to fish you out.
Thinking about it, Trimbo realizes Dola'wic's plan with either destroying Prusha or having Rozella sacrificed.
Trimbo: It's a trap.
Pelly: Exactly. It's his game. The only way to win is not to play, even if King Ivan Steelov's rule is in peril.
Trimbo: But still, I cannot be held responsible for anyone's life. If Prusha finds out Dola'wic's only after me, the country will continue the war on Ukrim all over again.
Back in the Rococo Palace, Ivan is seated on his throne, consulting with his councilman about Prusha's fate.
Councilman: We only have one day left, and Prusha is making a vote. Their best option is to go with the second option.
Ivan: I raised Rozella on my own ever since her mother died. I never minded her being half-human. I loved her because is my daughter, and not even the gods can change that.
Councilman: My King, as terrible as it is to out of the words, a sacrifice is the only way.
Ivan: Don't even say a word!
Councilman: What choice would we have? Even with our dragons, they're no match for dark dragons. They went extinct because it was the elves riding the beasts who stopped them.
Ivan: I've already sent three people to find her. They'll find a place to hide her while we have Nicolastown evacuated.
Councilman: You can't hide her from Omicron. He tells Dola'wic everything. I am sorry, but there's no other way. Most of us have nowhere to go, and if we evacuate Nicholastown… we'll all be drafted to the Elite Force whether we like it or not.
Ivan is lost in thought. He looks at the window to think about which option to decide.
Back in the woods, Rozella is making a journey through with Wor-Kis, Gideon and Milan following her, but she stops at a tree. She reaches up and pulls down a viewing device. She peeks through and sees an anachronistically accurate fish-eye view of Siniy and his men from outside the woods.
Rozella: [moans]
Milan: Who is it?
Rozella: Siniy. My father's former captain of the guard. He's been… nipping at my heels for me ever since Trimbo was gone.
Wor-Kis: Ivan kept telling him that she had to marry a prince, but there weren't many princes around, and Kent was just crowned King of Ukrim… or so we thought when Trimbo was around.
Rozella: But now… he serves the Elite Force.
Milan: [gasps] No! Rozella, you gotta hide us!
Rozella: Why?
Gideon: Because… we're deserters. I was drafted, but we ran away and….
Rozella: I see. But don't worry. It's me he's after, not you. Get behind Wor-Kis and he'll protect you.
Wor-Kis: Yes, just stay with me.
Outside the woods, Siniy's troops halt on the main road as the captain dismounts his horse.
Siniy: Stay put, Lankif. This won't take long.
Lankif: But sir, I think you're taking things a little too….
Siniy: Quiet! It's imperative that I talk some sense into her.
Siniy walks alone into the woods, hoping to find Rozella anywhere nearby. And then, Rozella comes out from behind a tree.
Rozella: Siniy, what a pleasant… surprise.
Siniy: Isn't it, though? I'm just full of surprises. You know, Rozella. There's not a girl in the land who wouldn't love to be in your shoes. This is the day….
Siniy pauses by a pond to see his reflection and licks his teeth clean.
Siniy: This is the day your salvation is at hand.
Rozella: What makes you think I need salvation, Siniy?
Siniy: Plenty. Look at yourself. A fine beauty like yourself in the woods like this unpleasant, unqualified place?
Rozella: Every night you ask the same question. And every night I give you the same answer… I'll die first.
Siniy: You know I'm trying to help, but this repeat offending reply time after time is really starting to bug me!
Rozella: I would think you'd be used to it by now.
Siniy: THAT'S IT! Just keep pushing it! But someday I'm gonna BOIL OVER!
Rozella: Be my guest. Because I'm never going to marry you. I'd rather kill myself so as to join the prince I was promised to.
Siniy: Come now. Trimbo Morningstar was a troublemaker to begin with.
Rozella: My answer is still… no. Now, be gone!
Rozella points her finger to the exit, beckoning Siniy to turn back.
Siniy: I shall go, but one of these days… you're gonna regret the countless times you turned me down.
Siniy takes his leave. He mounts on his horse and rides back to his men on the road.
Lankif: Don't say I didn't warn you, sir. I told you it won't you, you told me that I can sweeten her up, and you said "I'm gonna boil over"?
Siniy: It was peeving; yes, I know.
Lankif: You should write a book: How To Offend Women With Little Words.
Siniy: All those times I've enticed her to come to me were just the easy way, but now… it's the hard way.
Siniy takes out a strand of hair which was Rozella's. He walks over to four rattling and snarling cages, and he lets each of the creatures inside of them sniff the hair.
Siniy: They were all trained to fetch me one victim they smell on. When she's scared out of her wits, she'll have no one but me to protect her, and then we'll be married.
With a snap of his finger, the cages flip open, and out come four tigersaurs running into the woods.
Part Nine
Rozella walks over to Wor-Kis, where he is standing in front of Gideon and Milan to protect them.
Gideon: Anything?
Rozella: He's gone. He knows nothing about you, so… you're safe.
Milan: [relieved] Oh, thank you. Thank you so much!
Wor-Kis: Now… tell us why you're looking for us?
Gideon: Prusha's in danger. Dola'wic has… summoned dark dragons.
Rozella: What?
Gideon: He's going to destroy Prusha with them, unless you'd be sacrificed.
Milan: But your father feared the gods are upset for your vanity, and he wants you to admit-
Rozella: I know what you mean. All my life, my mother's said I'm so fair, I even rival the goddess Gamma. But over the years, it's never upset the gods, because Prusha still stands. But… I have been missing my father for so long. And now after you tell me that he's still alive…? I want to see him first before-
But all of a sudden, they hear a roar from the sky that alarm them.
Rozella: What was that?
Wor-Kis: Is that a dark dragon?
Gideon: I don't think so. It sounds bigger.
Suddenly, a great wind comes, blowing the trees of the woods until the bend and creak. They look for any sign of danger. The roar sounds again, and torrents of fire rain all over. Gideon pulls Milan behind a boulder just in time to save her from being burned.
Rozella: Run!
Using her dryad powers, Rozella conjures the trees to wrap her, Gideon and Milan with vines, and they swing them throughout the woods to avoid a shadowy beast swooping down in blazing speed. When they find three stags up ahead, they mount them and ride them like horses, but the stags come to a stop when they pick up a scent. Ahead of them are the four tigersaurs, snarling and growling.
Wor-Kis: Tigeraurs?!
Rozella: This way!
Rozella pulls the antlers of her stag and they begin to flee. Gideon runs from side to side, making a tigersaur hit a tree. The stags run out on a frozen pond, but their united weight collapses the ice. The tigersaurs chase them into the water. Some fall into it, but the stags are able to get out of the water before anything serious happens. Milan looks ahead to find a clearing.
Milan: There!
They run into the clearing, but they hear the mysterious roar again. The startled stags buck, throwing their riders off and fleeing some the scene. Gideon moves to extract Milan, but they see a bigger problem: the other two tigersaurs come in and surround them. Thinking fast, Gideon draws the anti-maul circle, but the tigersaurs just cross it.
Gideon: The circle didn't work! They must be trained!
Wor-Kis: [protectively] Stand back. I have dealt with many beasts before. I can handle this.
Gideon: But how? You don't even have a body.
Rozella screams as two more tigersaurs appear, surrounding her.
Wor-Kis: Rozella!
Wor-Kis floats in for the rescue, but one tigersaur pins him to the ground. With Gideon and Milan blocked by two tigersaurs, the other one approaches and snarls at the cowering Rozella. It crouches down, ready to pounce for the kill.
Rozella: [scared] TRIMBO!
Suddenly, a massive head descends, catching the raptor in its powerful jaws. It turns out to be a really massive dragon: it walks on four legs, has an orange underside and a red top, with yellow spikes running from the middle of its neck to the hips. The dragon also has green eyes, sharp teeth, a multitude of horns on its head, a long neck, yellow claws and underarm spikes, large bat-like wings, and a long barbed tail.
The trapped tigersaur is doomed, and is soon killed by the dragon, who drops it. The other tigersaurs, infuriated by the loss of their packmate, attack the dragon, jumping up and digging its claws into the big beast's neck. The dragon roars in pain, and tries to swing its head around to snatch the tigersaur. While the dragon tries to fight it, the others try to meet up, but Rozella's way is blocked by the battling monsters.
With its barbed tail, the dragon manages to kill two of the tigersaurs, and snatches the remaining one with its mouth, then kills it with a fire breath. With that done, the dragon lets out a deafening roar in the air for victory.
Rozella looks at the dragon in awe, but she recoils in fear as it lowers its head down towards her. However, she finds out it's not behaving aggressive to her, as it sniffs her so peacefully. Rozella is puzzled about this sudden change of its behavior, but when she sees the scar across his eye, she remembers a time when the little dragon Blaze she raised before he left, and she realizes this dragon is him.
Rozella: Blaze? [overjoyed] Oh my gosh, it is you!
Rozella hugs Blaze's head, and he purrs like a cat as a reaction. Wor-Kis finally gets himself off the ground, but he is stunned to see the beast.
Wor-Kis: By the gods! The emperor dragon!
Milan: The emperor dragon? I thought it was a myth.
Gideon: No. It only shows once every three hundred years.
Rozella: Everyone, don't you worry. Blaze is okay. I'm his mother to him.
When he notices the two other humans, Blaze swerves his head towards them and sniffs them to check them out.
Gideon: You're his mother?
Rozella: Well, not really. But when he was just an egg, I found him, and he's imprinted on me.
Milan nervously reaches out her hand, but the dragon growls at her.
Rozella: [glares] Blaze! Gentle.
Blaze whimpers as a response. He allows Milan to reach out and touch his snout, which she does. Milan feels relieved by the way she's petting a dragon, and Gideon pets him too.
Milan: He…. He feels so soft.
Gideon: Does he? Because dragon skin has been claimed by the elves to be as hard as diamonds. No weapon can penetrate it. But if it is that soft, it must be their vulnerable parts like in dogs.
Wor-Kis: But wait and see when he gets in the mood. When he gets hungry, he'll burn out a whole city just to get himself food.
Rozella: He wouldn't dare. I'm his mother to him, so he-
But then, she sees some remains of the tigersaurs on the ground. She finds a collar with the Elite Force sigil on it, and she has an idea of where the beasts came from.
Outside the woods, Siniy is pacing around, waiting for the tigersaurs to return.
Siniy: What's taking them so long? They should be out of the woods by now.
Lankif: They might have stopped to go hunting for a bit. After all, you didn't have enough time to feed them back-
Siniy: Quiet! I'm trying to think here.
[Blaze roars]
Hearing that roar, Siniy and his forces look over to the woods where Blaze comes flying upward towards them.
Siniy: [shocked] What in Apex's name?! Emperor dragon!
The soldiers make their run for it, but Blaze breathes fire in their way, cutting them off with a blazing wall. Blaze makes more flames to surround the troops into a circle of fire. Then, the dragon lands inside the circle, rears up with a roar, and lowers himself to let Rozella, who is riding on his back, dismount him. Rozella walks over to Siniy, glaring at him.
Rozella: You dare summon tigersaurs at me?
Siniy: Your highness, I was only-
Rozella: If I was home already, you'd be put to the rack, burnt at the stake and beheaded! I should have my dragon feed on your entrails.
Siniy, intimidated by the growling Blaze, falls to his knees.
Siniy: I beg for your forgiveness. I was only trying to help. You cannot always be-
Rozella: SILENCE! [pauses] You may have submitted your loyalty from my father to Raizer Helix, but it changes nothing. I'm never going to marry you. I would rather give up my virginity to Trimbo Morningstar, especially after hearing rumors that he still lives. Now… never come to me again.
With one last glare, Rozella walks back to mount on her dragon, and Blaze takes off into the air, right before the circle of fire wears off.
Lankif: Heh. Talk about a dragon-lady, right?
Then, Siniy bonks Lankif on the head to shut him up.
Part Ten
All the way in Sirendor, the capital city of Kyland further south to the sea, there is a meeting being held in the Hightower, the palace of Queen Valim. There is an event going on at the reception hall, where she, her husband King Vincent, and their son Gerald are consulting with Kesseki. Standing beside Kesseki is his cousin Chizuru, looking like a seventeen-year-old yokai fox-girl.
Vincent: My subjects, tonight… my family and I made a proposition.
Kesseki listens to the King of Kyland. But Chizuru is not paying attention to Vincent. She's staring at Gerald, who shyly looks at her back. For a moment, Gerald looks up and meets Chizuru's gaze.
Vincent: As of now, the Elite Force is drafting jobless young men, all for one simple purpose: not only to make Raizer's rule superior, but to put the Grand Army out of business. And you, Master Kesseki of Ingersil, was once a member of it all those weeks ago. I understand you lost a friend that day, but now it is time for the greater good. We ask you to rejoin with the Grand Army, teach them how to fight with martial arts… and in exchange, we end our conflicts with your people now and forever. I admit we fought each other in the past, only because we were too different, but for now, we shall end it for the lives we have left. Let us drink to peace.
Kesseki nods to Vincent and raises his cup.
Kesseki: To peace between Kyland and Ingersil.
Valim: [begrudgingly] Augh…. To peace.
Gerald: To peace.
Vincent: Splendid! Now… let the festivities begin!
A band of musicians strike up their instruments; servants roam the hall filling goblets with wine and platters full of food. A handmaiden leads a dozen attractive young women into the banquet hall. The warriors howl at the sight of the women. Soon each of the handmaidens is flanked by drunken soldiers. Valim seems disturbed by this event.
Valim: But Vincent, you know as much as about the yokai. They'll steal us blind.
Vincent: Nonsense. Commander Ayazz has been telling me Kesseki is a decent warrior of the west, which makes him trustworthy.
Vincent grabs Kesseki in a bear hug. Kesseki gamely accepts the embrace. When the King releases him, both men spill a few drops of wine from their cups onto the floor. They drink the rest of their wine. Vincent grips Kesseki's upper arm. Servants refill the cups.
Vincent: A strong arm. Why, I remember this one time my cousin Orville had an arm just like that. You must tell me where you get your exercise techniques.
Kesseki: Honestly, it's just the practice of martial arts, sire. And I promise you, it's never used as a weapon.
Vincent: [laughs] I believe that. However, there is one fellow who still serves the Grand Army, who has been promoted Lieutenant, and he's a demigod.
Kesseki: Rift Sholdra. Yes, I remember him. A real son of Kappa.
Vincent: That madman would throw a spear at Omicron himself if the god insulted him. [laughing]
But Gerald stands and walks out of the reception hall up a stairway. Chizuru excuses herself from the Kylish generals he's been speaking with and heads up the stairs. Kesseki notices her with mounting agitation, but he adjourns back to the crowd.
Gerald is in his bedroom, taking off his clothes to put on a nightgown for bed. The room is lit by a dozen tall candles, enough to help him feel sleepy, but then, he hears the door opening. He whips around, seeing Chizuru entering the bedroom.
Gerald: You shouldn't be here, Chizuru.
Chizuru: That's what you said last night, and you kept saying it was a mistake.
Gerald: It was. Because I allowed a yokai to enter my bedroom. When my mother overheard that, she flipped her wig.
Chizuru: Well… if my appearance is so offensive… then I'll be taking my leave.
Chizuru is playing hard to get as she is going to take her leave, but Gerald stands up to make an objection.
Gerald: No, wait. Nothing you've done is offensive. I really… enjoy your company.
Chizuru: [giggles] You're so cute when you're objecting.
For a moment, the two of them stare at each other, until Chizuru removes her clothes to expose her naked body at Gerald, before she takes off his nightgown. They begin kissing and sink into the bed.
Back in the reception hall, as more and more wine gourds are emptied, the scene grows rowdier. An impromptu choir of soldiers drunkenly sing battle songs. Kesseki stands nearby, staring at the stairs, clearly not happy with his cousin being back.
Kesseki: What is she doing up there?
Back upstairs, Chizuru and Gerald lie naked on the bed. In the candlelight Chizuru's flanks are mapped with copper trails of sweat.
Chizuru: Are you glad that I'm here, Gerald?
Gerald: I am. I, uh…. I wanted this feeling to begin with.
Chizuru: Love?
Gerald: No. [beat] Freedom. I'm turning thirteen tomorrow, and… all I'd want for a birthday present is freedom.
Chizuru: But why? You're a prince. You have servants, valets, even our own bodyguards.
Gerald: That's one of the main issues. They tell you where to go, how to dress, how to eat…. My mother keeps saying it's a charming life… but when I said I wanted to live as freely as the commoners, she said no. Freedom is for commoners, and I'm… just a prince. And now, I'm afraid of being engaged to someone I don't even know just to be king. But I don't want to be king. I just… want to feel happy.
Chizuru: If that's all you want for your birthday…. Come with me.
For a long moment they stare into each other's eyes.
Gerald: You're bluffing.
Chizuru: I'm being honest to Delta. If you come we'll never be safe. Men will hunt us and the gods will curse us. But I'll be with you. Even if they burn my body… I will always love you and be with you.
Gerald stares into Chizuru's eyes, contemplating the impossible.
After a while, everyone is asleep in the hall. Kesseki is still wide awake, pacing around and over the sleeping humans. He sees Chizuru slinking past the bonfire, sneaking off to go somewhere. He calls to her as he walks over.
Kesseki: Chizuru. Where have you been?
Chizuru: I was… taking a little nap in the guestroom.
Kesseki: You should get to bed. We're riding on the clouds first thing in the morning, and I have to report this to the Shogun before I take you home.
Chizuru: Kesseki, I don't need protection.
Kesseki: You do. The last time I invited you to a human's farm, you were caught sleeping with his ten-year-old son.
Chizuru: I'm 206 years old. I'm not a child-
Kesseki: Shhh! I'm only telling you this because I mean serious business. I'm going to serve the Grand Army again, and I don't want you to screw this up, okay?
He taps on Chizuru's cheek, calming down.
Kesseki: Get some sleep. We sail in the morning.
Chizuru, a bit shocked by the encounter, stumbles away.
Meanwhile, the Falconers are having a drink at a tavern in Kyland City. Maroon, being drunk, drinks one more mug, and he drops it on the floor.
Cleese: Uh, Maroon? How many times are you gonna drop mugs like that?
Maroon: You're not even- pfft- With a panda hat.
Vel: Oh, he's drunk alright.
Jacksyn: I told you sixteen mugs is not a good idea.
Maroon goes down the seating booth, stands back up, and embraces the disturbed Jacksyn.
Maroon: I love you! I wanna…let's…. [mumbles] …let's grow old together in every way!
Jacksyn removes Maroon from himself, and Rift comes into the tavern to sit with his teammates.
Vel: Rift, there you are.
Rift: Sorry I'm late, Vel. I had to make a quick stop to see my mother.
Jacksyn: How's she doing?
Rift: The doctor's say… the illness suddenly came back in her system. I'd like to spend more time with her, but we're facing troubled days. This Elite Force is overpowering the Grand Army.
Cleese: It was made to face the Tribal Unity, according to the High King. But there hasn't been an ogre sighting in over three weeks, and they're drafting young men.
Vel: Only the ones who don't have jobs, yes. My cousin Martin was drafted, and when he ran away in refusal, they forced him into one of their outposts.
Rift: Why couldn't the kingdoms just find jobs for them?
Jacksyn: The cost would be prohibited. Although, the Mynerians tried that once, and all Queen Bly got was a welfare state that nearly bankrupted them.
Rift: Either way, I don't like it one bit. Ever since Raizer was crowned, everything has begun from bad to worse. People are being forced to join the armed forces, Craitos is on the brink of being depleted, and none of us are doing anything about it.
Then, a disco ball drops down over the bar and Maroon starts to dance.
Maroon: Dance party fo Red!
Maroon crashes into the glass fragments from the bottles earlier. But he gets up with the fragments stuck on him.
Maroon: Yeah! HEY, LAAADIIIIIIIES! [runs off]
Jacksyn: Eh, fack!
Cleese: Anyway, Rift, we all get what you mean. None of us like the way Raizer is ruling, but… we can't just storm the High King's Palace and overthrow the crown to change all that. We're serving the Grand Army, and if we repel… we'll all have prices on our heads. I wouldn't think Vel and I could handle it.
Vel: Yeah, I can't.
Jacksyn: Hey Rift, it's true. We're all suffering. Raizer has the power now. He can take away our food, our homes, our freedom. He can take away our sons and daughters. With one word, Raizer can take away your very lives. But there is one thing he cannot take away from you: Your faith. If you have some faith, we can all surpass him.
Rift: You think so?
Jacksyn: Guarantee it.
Jacksyn extends his hand, and shakes hands with Rift. Then, Commander Ayazz and Captain Garlym enter the tavern.
Rift: Commander on deck! [salutes]
Ayazz: At ease. Lieutenant, I must apologize after hearing about your mother's illness returning. I was the one who suggested it, and I….
Rift: No, don't be. We both thought it would work anyway. You have nothing to be ashamed of.
Ayazz: Good.
Garlym: But second, you and the Falconers are requested to return to camp for some training schedules in the morning.
Rift: Yes, sir. Let's go, guys!
After Rift carries the drunk Maroon, the others pay for their drinks and follow them out of the tavern.
Part Eleven
Back in the Cyan Diamonds' camp, Trimbo is walking around with Pelly at his side.
Pelly: My gosh, I'm impressed. You not only discovered the near-mythical island of giants, but they… imprisoned you in a dollhouse.
Trimbo: It was more of a mountain rather than a dollhouse. But it can be opened up just like a dollhouse.
Pelly: But, um…. Why didn't you climb after… three weeks?
Trimbo: Simply because… I didn't feel like coming back. I remember back then that… no matter where I go or whatever I do, it makes things hard. I was even afraid of being crowned king if I returned, and I would go down in history as the king of disaster.
Pelly: Oh, that's bullshit. Your father's death was unfortunate, but that wouldn't mean it was your fault, Trimbo. He would've wanted to give his life anyway, if it means protecting you and his family. That's what it means to be a family.
Trimbo: But now, after knowing the Cyan Diamonds' war with the Red Hearts is over… it begs the question if….
Pelly: Like I said, we won because of this conscription notice. We may have won, but to me… it didn't feel like we won fair and square. Regrettably Trimbo… the battle was for your hand, and… your fiance has won, so she's all yours.
Trimbo is relieved to know Rozella's fight over Pelly for him is over, but he doesn't feel right about something.
Trimbo: I don't know how I should react to this. Everyone thinks I'm dead, and if I would marry Rozella… everyone will know. Raizer would hunt me down and her with me.
Pelly: But what will you do?
Trimbo: If Dola'wic is after me, then I'll make it easier for him. I'll walk up to him, tell him to leave Prusha alone, and-
Then, there is the sound of the gate opening. Everyone pays attention to it, and they see Wor-Kis floating over with Gideon and Milan.
Wor-Kis: [to Trimbo] There you are!
Trimbo: You guys made it!
Trimbo embraces his friends one at a time, and Pelly comes over to greet them with Carrie and Jimsey following her.
Pelly: Are these the two who helped you?
Trimbo: They are. Guys, this is Pelly. She's my old friend. Pelly, these are Gideon and Milan, from Brimey-Blue.
Gideon: Pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Milan: Same here. And… I'm a big fan of you and the others.
Pelly: Heh, the pleasure's all mine. But first… where's Rozella?
Milan: She's gone flying on her dragon Blaze.
Trimbo: [stunned] Blaze? The emperor dragon's all grown up?
Gideon: You know him too?
Trimbo: Only a little while. He was… just an infant before they-
Wor-Kis: Trimbo, he's fully grown now. He's an adult, and he's been ridden by Rozella to save her kingdom. If he fights Dola'wic, if he gets a taste for human flesh… he'll have destructive cravings for it.
Trimbo: It's a trap. It's me they want. Rozella's being used as bait.
But then, Trimbo realizes something that gives him a thought.
Trimbo: Unless… Dola'wic's going into his own trap.
And then, something swoops overhead of the camp. It turns out to be Norbert, landing in for Arkus to dismount him.
Arkus: Ah, you're all okay. That's good news. But not for long. The emperor dragon's loose.
Milan: We know, we saw him.
Arkus: You did? When?
Gideon: A few hours ago.
Trimbo is looking around, and when he sees a carriage with some chains, he gets an idea.
Trimbo: Arkus, we're gonna need a ride.
Morning dawns over Prusha. Ivan is sleeping on his throne, snoring. But then, he is awakened when a guard comes over to his side.
Guard: Sire? Pardon me, but… someone wishes to see you.
Ivan: [yawns; tired] Let 'em in.
The guard bows and motions for the doors to open. Much to Ivan's surprise, it is Rozella walking in alone.
Ivan: Rozella?
Rozella: I'm home, father.
Overjoyed, Ivan stands up and rushes over to embrace his daughter.
Rozella: Forgive me for worrying you.
Ivan: Don't be. I'm just happy you would come home for me. [realizes] Oh, and hey! Trimbo's alive! That's very great news!
Rozella: But father… where is he?
Ivan: I…. I thought he brought you. He and his two allies volunteered to find you, before Dola'wic would unleash his wrath. All because… he disapproves of the fact about your beauty rivaling the gods.
Rozella: Oh father, you know better. I don't-
But then, another guard enters the room urgently.
Guard: Your majesty! There's an angry mob at the gates!
Outside, Ivan and Rozella exit the Rococo Palace to find a massive, angry mob standing at the front gate. Smoke wisps from the top of the gate, assuming the form of Dola'wic.
Dola'wic: Yen! Zu! Chao!
The Death-Trio appears; they attack the chain holding the gate shut, breaking it, letting the mob pour into the palace. The guards point their spears to hold them off, until Rozella steps in.
Rozella: Stop! People, please, calm yourselves. I wish to confess. I don't believe I'm more vain than the goddess Gamma. She's the goddess of beauty, so that title belongs to her.
Dola'wic: Oh, you think so? Well, what do you all think?
Mob: [in unison] SACRIFICE!
But Rozella peers at the mob, seeing they have red eyes, which would mean they're hypnotized. Dola'wic waves his arms, giving a signal. Rozella turns around and sees the dark dragons. They land wildly on their feet as they roar at the princess.
Ivan: Rozella!
Ivan and his men prepare for combat, but the Death-Trio stood in front of them to block them.
Sleek: Sorry sire, but sacrifices must be made.
One dragon sees Rozella, who slowly backs up and remains still. As the dragon approaches her, it opens its mouth to reveal its sharp teeth and green saliva. But then, Blaze shows up from behind, catching everyone by surprise.
Dola'wic: The emperor dragon!
The dark dragon breath fire at Blaze, but both his size and skin are proven to be impenitraple by their flames. He breathes fire at them, saving Rozella, until Dola'wic uses magic from his staff to wrap chains around Blaze and pins him to the ground.
Dola'wic: Even the great beast is no match for Omicron's spell.
Rozella rushes over to help Blaze, but Dola'wic grabs her arms and redirects her to the dark dragon that was about to eat her before.
Dola'wic: Poor princess. It's a shame you'd have to suffer.
Rozella: Please, leave Prusha alone, Dola'wic. They have nothing to do with this rumor.
Dola'wic: Calm yourself. I might be able to clear up this little misunderstanding, if you tell me where Trimbo Morningstar is.
Rozella: Trimbo? But I haven't seen him since last month.
Dola'wic: You should know. He's your fiance to begin with.
Rozella: But I don't know where he is.
Dola'wic: Then… you are useless to me.
Part Twelve
Dola'wic pushes Rozella closer to the dark dragon. But then, a shadow looms overhead. It is Norbert, carrying the stagecoach by the chains, and Trimbo jumps out of it.
Trimbo: HERE I AM!
He plummets down, and chops off Dola'wic's arm, disarming him of his staff and freeing Rozella as the dark wizard screams in pain. Without the staff, Blaze is freed from the chains, and the mob snaps out of it, regaining their consciousness. But when they see Blaze, they recoil in fear and run away.
Ozzy: Get him!
The Death-Trio charge in to fight Trimbo, and he parries their blows with his green-bladed sword. But the Prushan guards join in to save the prince. For Blaze, he chases the dark dragons into the air and breathes fire at them, sending them down one by one.
Dola'wic: My dark dragons! My beautiful creations!
Dola'wic grabs his staff from the ground, but Ringo snatches it and scurries away. He manages to grab it, right before he sees Gideon and Milan standing in front of him. Gideon throws a phial at his face, blinding him with green liquid.
Dola'wic: I'm blind! I'm blind! I can't see! I'm blind!
With all the magic he still has, Dola'wic waves at the Death-Trio, and they all disappear without a trace, ending the battle. Norbert comes down, allowing Arkus to dismount him.
Arkus: What was that substance you put on?
Gideon: A bit of cactus juice from Colossus. It's not only sticky… but it also burns the lenses on your eye.
For Rozella, she sees Trimbo in front of her and she bursts into tears before she embraces him.
Rozella: You're alive! [sobs]
Trimbo: It's alright. I'm back. Pelly helped us out.
Rozella: I couldn't stop thinking about you.
Rozella becomes speechless, but she kisses Trimbo in the lips, shocking him.
Rozella: Please, don't leave me.
And then, a roar comes from above, and Blaze lands on the courtyard gently. He lowers himself down towards Trimbo, a little hostile at first, but he calms down to stare at him with respect.
Trimbo: I remember you too, Blaze. Just look how you've grown.
Blaze redirects his attention to Rozella and tries to suckle her breasts, but his mouth is too big for it. That sight grabs Gideon and Milan's attention.
Milan: Wait, is he… trying to…?
Wor-Kis: Oh, yes, I forgot. When Blaze hatched, he was breastfed. Odd, right?
Gideon: Yeah. A little odd.
Rozella: Um… Trimbo? Where's Pelly?
Trimbo: She…. She chose to remain hidden… and so should I.
Rozella: Please, listen. You must stay here with me. We have Blaze with us, I've been alone for so long… and all I could think about… is you. I promise you… we can keep you hidden.
Trimbo is hesitant to accept the idea, but after looking at Blaze and knowing what he did to the dark dragons, he has an answer.
Trimbo: Alright. I'm staying.
Ringo jumps up onto Rozella's arms, and cuddles with her. He crawls on her head and scurries on Blaze's head, sniffing at him and resting on his snout, which the dragon seems to like. Arkus looks at the scene, and he grows a smile on his face.
Arkus: I suppose this means… all is well here. I should report to the Elder and tell him… Blaze has found a home.
Milan: You're leaving us again?
Arkus: You don't need a Dragonator with you. Because… to be honest, we all worried that the emperor dragon would cause disasters. But I can see he just needed a mother… and he has one, alongside… a father. You two should… be safe, and Milan? If you'd like, I can send you a letter to your folks.
Milan: Really?
At Brimey-Blue, Fazoo is pacing around on the front steps, waiting for some news about his daughter's wellbeing. Then, a navy man shows up to his front porch, and salutes him.
Fazoo: Any sign of them?
Navy man: No, Mr. Strift. The Navy has searched everywhere around town, and we've found no trace of your daughter or the healer. Some of us believe they might've tipped over the edge of the world, while most of us say… they're dead and their buried under the sea.
Fazoo: Well, keep looking. The Elite Force is hunting them out as well for deserting the draft and supporting this move. Just do as much as you can, and when you do find them, let no one know they're alive until I can figure out a way.
Navy man: Understood. And by the way, you have a letter.
The navy man offers Fazoo a letter before he takes his leave. Fazoo walks back into the house to sit on his chair, petting his dog Winston on the head, and he looks depressed, as Francine and Ricko come over to him.
Ricko: What did he say?
Fazoo: They're still searching.
Francine: Father, this is madness. We should be looking for Milan ourselves, not the authorities who will force them out of their ways.
Fazoo: I entrusted my former crew members on this search.
Fazoo looks at a portrait of himself with some navy men, wearing a navy outfit, and he looks at the ones with both of her daughters in them. Then, he feels ashamed of himself.
Fazoo: I was… too hard on her. I knew she and Gideon love each other. They wanted to be married and start a new life, raising… their own family. I just told her… she had to accept the facts, whether she likes it or not. I should've taken that boy's place when I had the chance.
Francine: But you couldn't. Because of your leg.
Fazoo: I know, Francine. But if it means to keep all of my children happy… so be it. It was my duty as a father.
Fazoo pays attention to the letter in his hand. But when he sees the name "Milan" on it, it piques his interest. He opens the envelope and begins to read the letter:
"Dear daddy, I'm so sorry for the way I ran away from home. But it was Gideon who asked me to come along. It turned out that he wasn't agreeing with his conscription notice, so he was the one who came up with the idea of running from home, in order to hide. Ever since we did, Dola'wic's been after us, and we've stumbled upon the hidden island home of the giants. There… we've encountered a hero from the Grand Army. He helped us escape from the giants, and when Dola'wic was about to execute us, Arkus Lightwing, Kesseki and Bestial rescued us. Gideon and I have both been doing fine with them, traveling across Xenotopia, exploring all the regions I've never seen, and I was enjoying every second of it. But deep down, you, Francine and Ricko are all I can think about. If you're reading this letter, I just wish that I would return home to you, and… always live as a happy family. For now, we must stay hidden, and hope for the best. Hopefully… I would be married to Gideon and watch you holding my kids like you and mother always wanted. Love Milan."
After reading the letter, Fazoo sheds a tear of joy from his eye and wipes it off.
Francine: What is it, father?
Fazoo: Milan…. She's… alright. She misses us. All we can do is pray… and hope.
The End