Part Seven

Trimbo journeys his way to the giant skeleton, hiding in the ribcage to avoid any heavy hits from the trio. When the meteor hammer hits the bones, Trimbo grabs it and pulls hard, causing Sleek to hit his head on the ribs. Gibber slashes through the spine with his dao, until Trimbo hits him with a femur.

Trimbo: Now that's a boner. [laughs]

But Ozzy swings his dagger-axe, attempting to strike Trimbo, until Ringo bites on his ass. He doesn't feel pain, and he pulls Ringo away to throw him aside.

Ozzy: That didn't hurt at all.

But the giant twins come walking in, oblivious to see the battle with all the scattering sand dust.

Solar: Chomper? Here boy!

Without looking, Solar steps on Gibber and Sleek before lifting his foot up. The flattened, but unharmed duo, blink. Lunar stoops down to see closely, but she loses her balance and falls. Trimbo and Ozzy gasp, as the giant's rear end is lowering in front of them. Trimbo makes a run for it in time; Lunar sits down, causing dust to rise. The dust clears to reveal Ozzy is now trapped under the Lunar's butt.

Ozzy: A giant's butt? What else can go wrong?

As the others run towards the coast, breaking wind is heard. Dola'wic, chasing the couple, gets hit when Ozzy is sent flying onto him, and they crash in front of a boulder. The pair ran past them.

Dola'wic: [sniffs] What is that smell?

Ozzy: [high-pitched] Please, don't ask!

Gideon and Milan make it to the coast, and stop at a cliff.

Milan: Now what?

Gideon: [pauses] Jump!

They both jump off the cliff. Milan's scream echoes, as they slide down the cliff. Dola'wic stops at the cliff, followed by the trio.

Dola'wic: After you!

He kicks them down the cliff, after the pair.

Gideon and Milan are still sliding down the cliff with the trio sliding far behind.

Milan: Are you crazy, Gideon?!

Gideon: It's actually fun, though!

Holding onto Milan, Gideon tries to grab the branch, but loses his grip and continues falling and sliding down the cliff. But as they go the other way, the trio crash-land on a rock nearby, and fall into the water. In the end, Gideon and Milan both splash into the water near the beach, safely.

The two of them swim to shore, walking on the sand and shaking the water off of them.

Milan: Wow, that was a mean slide.

Gideon: Yeah, my bad. Next I look before I jump.

Dola'wic's voice: Oh, kiddies! Where are you?!

Alarmed, Gideon and Milan both run away, heading towards a volcano. By the time Dola'wic arrives, he doesn't find them on the beach, but follows their tracks.

At the other end of the cliff, the trio try to climb up the cliff. Finally they get back up.

Ozzy: Next time we look before we leap.

Sleek: You think the giants finished that prince off, Ozzy?

Ozzy: I hope so. Now, let's get ourselves something to eat, and fast!

Meanwhile, Trimbo uncovers himself from the sand dune, alongside Ringo who shakes the sand off him. Then, Solar picks him up by the shirt and hoists him up to his face.

Solar: You're out?

Trimbo: Yeah! You see me outside of your sister's dollhouse? A deal's a deal, so I'm off the hook.

Solar: Now wait a second. My sister and I heard a noise, and we saw only our dog's collar. Where's our dog? Did you kill him?

Trimbo: First, you never told me about your dog. Second, I didn't kill him, it was another guy.

Solar: WHO?!

Lunar: Wait! Solar! He didn't know because we trapped him in the mountain, so give him a chance to explain.

Solar: Why should I?

Lunar: Because he wasn't there when we lost our parents.

Trimbo: She is right.

Solar: You, shut up! This doesn't concern you.

Trimbo: I know, but you have to trust me on this.

Solar: Why?! Why should we trust you?!

Trimbo: [hesitates] Because I know how it feels to suffer a loss. You probably wanted to save your parents, and I… failed to save my own when he was right beside me.

Solar and Lunar both look at the human, deep in thought about his words. They look at each other, and Solar lowers down Trimbo.

Lunar: Now… who's here?

Part Eight

At the volcano's side, Gideon and Milan are both walking towards it until they are five yards away from a lava pit. They look back to see their tracks are gone.

Gideon: Okay… we've lost our tracks. We're safe now.

BOOM! Milan turns to see Gideon tied up by magic binds, and Dola'wic standing in front of them, aiming the staff threateningly at them.

Dola'wic: Like I said, playtime is over.

Even with him tied, Gideon stands protectively in front of Milan.

Gideon: This is between me and you! Just leave her alone!

Dola'wic: I can't do that! She's seen too much. You both have.

Milan: It doesn't have to be this way.

Dola'wic: There is no choice! Times have changed. Peace and prosperity aren't enough anymore.

Dola'wic closes in on the two, rising up with levitation intimidatingly.

Milan: But abduct children?!

Dola'wic: The High King will abduct any children even if it angers the gods, and I will silence ANYONE WHO GETS IN MY WAY!

He smacks Milan, sending him flying to the floor.

Milan: No!

The volcano starts to spew small magma flares, beginning the erupting.

Dola'wic: The scullery will be your deathbed, peasant girl!

The volcano erupts completely, causing everyone to scream. Fireballs erupt from the sky and strike the ground, blasting Dola'wic away. And then, lava spews from the volcano, pouring down the side. Gideon is freed from the binds, and makes a run for it again, but only for the trio to show up, blocking their way.

Ozzy: You ain't going nowhere.

Gibber: We're going to cut off your heads.

Gibber runs over with his dao up, and slashes, missing the two. Milan falls down an embankment and lands on the ground. But Gideon sees a branch next to Milan, which gives him an idea.

Gideon: Milan! Over there! That's a jotun branch!

Gibber leaps to slash Milan, but Milan, grabbing a jotun branch lying on the round, manages to roll away in time. Ozzy wields his dagger-axe against Milan, who is still on the ground, but Milan blocks his weapon with the jotun branch, which she uses as a shield.

Sleek swings his meteor hammer overhead to strike, but Gideon takes it by the handle, kicks Sleek away, and throws it at Ozzy's face.

Sleek: INCOMING!

Sleek reaches out for the meteor hammer. Ozzy flinches and covers himself, but the hammer stops in mid-air and returns to Sleek's hands.

Sleek: No way. Guys, did you see that?!

Getting the idea, Gibber telekinetically lifts up his dao and spins it like a saw to slash Milan, who's still blocking with the jotun branch. Ozzy uses the same thing, chasing Gideon across the rocky plains with his floating dagger-axe.

Ozzy: Now this is more like it!

Sleek: It's like we're using the Force.

But then, a large shadow looms over the trio. They look up to see the two giants raising up boulders to smash them. The trio run for their lives before they get crushed, and Lunar rescues Gideon and Milan before the lava would consume the rocky plain. The giants rush away from the volcano, and when the two humans look up, they see Trimbo and Ringo riding on Lunar's shoulder.

Milan: Trimbo?

Trimbo: Surprised again? I got into the giants, so… we're all cool.

Lunar: As promised, we're letting you go.

But then, Dola'wic hovers in front of the giants, blocking their way.

Dola'wic: Pardon me, children, where are you going with your new toys?

Lunar: Um… not this way?

Solar: Get back!

Solar swings a club at Dola'wic, who dodges it, and it buys Lunar enough time to flee with the humans. The dark wizard blasts Solar unconsciously across the yards, but Dola'wic realizes the other giant is too far away, then he gets an idea.

Dola'wic: So, they're allied with the giants. No matter. I've dealt with giants before, and I can always have history… to repeat itself.

With his magic sipping into his hands, Dola'wic conjures a spell that creates a little sandstorm from behind his back.

Part Nine

Lunar is running deeper and deeper into Colossus, into the center of the wasteland until she stops in her tracks. She looks back to see Dola'wic is nowhere to be found.

Lunar: [huffing] I…. I think we ditched him.

But then, a sandstorm starts rising over the mountains and swoops down towards the groups.

Gideon: That's never a good sign.

Trimbo: We have to avoid it. Sandstorms are very, very dangerous.

Lunar: I know a cave. Hold on.

As the storm rages on, Lunar walks over to a cave on a mountainside. She gets in, where it is nice and a little dark, then she closes it with a boulder. But when is gets dark, some peddles begin to glow to illuminate the cavern.

Gideon: Oooh, photon pebbles. These are really handy. Brighter than any torch in Xenotopia.

Milan: What's gonna happen now?

Lunar: Calm down. We'll have to wait until the storm's stopped.

Lunar sits down, waiting, and the other three humans sit together, also waiting.

Milan: Trimbo? Thank you for… everything you've tried to do for us.

Trimbo: No problem. In fact, I'm the one who should thank you. I… needed this, but… I didn't ask for any of this. I just wanted to move into a more subtle place where it's warm and more comforting.

Ringo comes over to Trimbo's hand, letting him scratch behind his head.

Trimbo: So… why is Dola'wic chasing after you two?

Gideon: Because there's a draft. The Elite Force is… recruiting young men about my age who have no jobs. But I don't want to fight. I wanted to open an apothecary, where I can cure and share my medicine and potions to the sick and helpless. But most of all… me and Milan, married.

Milan: But after my frantic scare with the marriage counselor… I messed up, and it'll… never happen.

Trimbo looks at them with pity after hearing about their stories, but he grows a smile on his face.

Trimbo: But luckily… I'm in your presence. True that my father's died, but as, legally speaking, the King of Ukrim, I would allow both of your wishes. You two went out your way to escape an unagreeable fate, you courageously ventured, nearly, to the edge of the world, and one of you… convinced me to change my mind when I needed it. In fact, if my father was here instead of me… he would think so too.

Milan: You really mean that?

Gideon: Of course he does, Milan. Nothing he said is wrong, but we just have to get off of this island.

Trimbo: But most of all, I need to know states about what happened while I was gone.

Back in Kyland City, the Elite Force conscription notice is also carried out in the city. A pair of young men are being dragged out of the house by soldiers, and the parents are against it.

Soldier: Move along, you two. You've been selected to serve the Elite Force.

Man: But my sons are not fighters! If they fight the ogres, they'll never return!

Soldier: His royal majesty has already decided. Rejoice. Your sons will be heroes.

In the High King's Castle, Raizer is having some bed shenanigans with two prostitutes, who seem to be enjoying it. Then She-Dom enters the bedroom.

She-Dom: Raizer!

The prostitutes quickly hide under the covers, while Raizer sits up, holding a book upsidedown

Raizer: What is it?!

She-Dom: I've been getting complaints from the commoners all over town, sire. It seems parents and other adults are opposing your conscription notice.

Raizer: Does this have anything to do with the two runaways?

She-Dom: No sire, this is on their own. I remember that I was the one who suggested this matter, but I knew that the people would just… repel on the notice.

Raizer: Then we use my original idea as a threat. If anyone dares to object to the draft, they will serve in the Elite Force as well. But speaking of which, any word about Dola'wic?

She-Dom: Not yet. He claimed that he will not stop until his job is complete, and I… believe in him. So for the time being, we will assume that he's looking for the runaway couple anywhere in the world.

Back with Dola'wic, he is using the staff to locate the giant in the raging sandstorm, which he is impervious to. The Death-Trio, which are Ozzy, Gibber and Sleek, are flanking and assisting them.

Dola'wic: She's out there somewhere.

Sleek: You know, I've seen a fog as thick as pea soup, but this I can see right through the sands.

Ozzy: Listen, Dola'wic. I believe it's a touching notion to bless us with magic dust, but I think we would require some makeup decisions. The outfits, not a problem. But the skin makes us feel like we're aliens from another planet.

Dola'wic: [disturbed] You just disrupt my locator spell?

Sleek: Are you sure they're out there?

Dola'wic: It's not the first try. I surrounded the Giant Nation with a snow storm in the middle of July, rendering them all cornered and helpless. And as my Deathwalkers, anything that makes mortal men weak… are nothing to you.

Ozzy: Well, if that has anything to do with the orange skin… I'll be okay with that. Just as long as-

Gibber: Hey, I hear something.

Gibber puts his ear on the wall, which is the boulder Lunar used to block out the sandstorm. He listens in, and hears heart beats.

Gibber: They're in there.

Dola'wic: Good. Now, let's-

Ozzy: Wait, we can't just go in there. That Prince Trimbo would be expecting us.

Dola'wic: You DARE make demands on me?!

Sleek: Uh… master, I think my brother has a point. We underestimated this Ukrimian prince twice, and got ourselves busted. And now he's got a giant with him, things could get worse if we just go in and attack.

Dola'wic growls as he points his staff threateningly at Sleek, but he begins to realize something.

Dola'wic: Hmmmm. Perhaps… we cannot go in.

He reaches into his robe pockets and takes out a scroll of surname families of Brimey-Blue.

Dola'wic: But luckily for me… I have the names of every individual of the village, and I know just what to do.

Part Ten

Inside the cave, Lunar is asleep on the floor with the boys sleeping on her belly. Milan is nearby, sleeping until she hears her father's voice that wakes her up.

Fazoo: [voice] Milan. Milan, my child, where are you?

Milan: Daddy?

Fazoo: Milan, it's your father, Fazoo. Come to me.

Milan: Daddy. Daddy, I hear you. I hear you. Where are you?

Fazoo: Follow my voice. Come to me. Come to me.

Listening to the voice, Milan walks over to the other side of the cave, which turns out to be a tunnel as she travels further and further.

Fazoo: Milan, come to me.

Exiting the tunnel, Milan is outside where she sees her family waiting for her.

Milan: Daddy, is it really you?

Fazoo: Yes, my dear. I guarantee it. Would I lie?

Milan: Daddy….

As Milan reaches for Fazoo, the illusion fades, revealing Dola'wic, which makes Milan scream in fright. And then, the illusion of Francine and Ricko reveal Ozzy and Gibber.

Gibber: Fooled you!

Milan runs for her life. But Sleek wraps her up with his meteor hammer's chain, restraining her and clamping her mouth shut.

Sleek: Gotcha! [to Dola'wic] Can we cut off her head? Can we, please?

Dola'wic: Why… yes. But not yet.

Ozzy: Yeah, there's still two more to capture.

Dola'wic takes out a business card and throws it to the tunnel.

Dola'wic: Now… right this way.

Back in the cave, Trimbo and Gideon wake up, finding out that Ringo is hissing at something.

Trimbo: What is it, Ringo? You smell something?

Gideon: [realizing] Wait. Milan's gone!

In a hurry, Gideon runs across the tunnel where Milan took. But when he gets there to exit the tunnel, all he can see is Dola'wic's business card. He reads it as Trimbo comes over with Ringo.

Gideon: "Dola'wic, dark wizard/bounty hunter". "For an audience, just a teardrop to go." Trimbo! Think of the saddest thing that's ever happened to you.

Trimbo: Aw, man, I thought we got through with this. I told you that my father was killed, and it was enough to make me mourn, but then-

Gideon: No, Trimbo! Milan's in danger, and I need you to cry!

Trimbo: To cry? You want to save your girlfriend, and you think I should-

Then, Ringo forcefully bites on Trimbo's balls, and Trimbo screams in pain.

Trimbo: Ringo, you mother-

Trimbo sheds a tear, and Gideon lets it fall onto the card. A bubble is conjured, and Dola'wic appears in it.

Dola'wic: What? Is it on? Is it on? [clears throat] Gideon Nolish, as you should know, I have taken your little friend. If you want to see her alive and well, you will come to me at the stronghold ruins, and come… alone. You have until sunset to make it there, or else.

Then, the bubble bursts into sparkling dust.

Gideon: I knew it. They took her.

Trimbo: Don't go. It's obviously a trap.

Gideon: He wants me to join the Elite Force and that's it. She's here because of me. I have to take responsibility.

Trimbo: No! I won't be responsible for both of your lives!

Gideon: And why not?

Trimbo: Because I was too late to save my father…. But not for you. I gave you my word back inside. If you sign that contract… there'll be no apothecary or marriage for you.

Gideon is deep in thought as he looks at the vast desert ahead. He scolds it, thinking of an option.

Gideon: My father once told me, sometimes for the greater good… sacrifices must be made.

Trimbo: But Gideon….

Gideon: I don't care if it costs me everything. I'm going to rescue the woman I love if it kills me.

Gideon takes his leave, leaving Trimbo behind. Trimbo stares at him; he moves away. Ringo, concerned about Trimbo's wellbeing, follows him. Trimbo sits down on a log over a pond. Then Ringo comes scurrying over his lap, laying on it and staring at him, chittering.

Trimbo: What?

Ringo just stares at Trimbo like a real dog, and puts his head down on his hand, which prompts Trimbo to scratch behind his ears. Trimbo is deep in thought about what to do, and he looks ahead at the direction Gideon took to rescue Milan. With all his time to think, he comes up with a solution.

Trimbo: Yeah. I think we should, boy. Come on.

Trimbo stands up and takes his leave, followed by Ringo.

Part Eleven

Gideon walks alone in the desert just as the sun is setting. He reaches the stronghold ruins located in the middle of a body of water and can only be reached by a bridge with retractable sections. He stands there before the bridges retract, allowing him to cross over the water. When he enters, he sees it contains a small garage, as well as several huts at the top. But ahead is Dola'wic and the Death-Trio, holding Milan in custody.

Milan: Gideon!

Ozzy: Quiet, you.

Now that Gideon has arrived, Dola'wic approaches him.

Dola'wic: I tell you, kid, you got balls! I come here with these bounty hunters, we're gonna shish kebab your ass!

Gideon: Leave the woman out of this. This is between you and me. She wasn't the one who got that draft, so just leave her alone.

Dola'wic: Listen, Giddy. I invited you here to talk. Just listen to my deal. Ladies!

Out of nowhere, a group of ladies from Deal or No Deal show up on the side of the stronghold.

Women: Hi, Dolie!

Death-Trio: [laughs]

[phone ringing]

Dola'wic: Ah, that's probably for me.

Dola'wic reaches for the phone on the desk, answering it.

Dola'wic: Hello? Really? Okay. [hangs up] That was the banker. He's offering to buy back your briefcase for a weekend getaway for two… in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Palms Hotel and Casino!

Women: Ooh….

Sleek: [whispers excitedly] I've always wanted to go there!

Dola'wic: All you have to do is bow down to me… and sign the contract.

Gideon: [hesitates] And Milan?

Dola'wic: I also admit, I was too extreme back then. But since the High King is not with us, I can make an exception. Just push this button, and all can be forgiven. Deal or no deal?

Gideon reaches out for the button to push it, but then he realizes something.

Gideon: Wait a minute! We don't have phones or Las Vegas! It's a trap!

Then, the main gate shuts tight behind Gideon. The women disappear and Gideon stares at the smirking Dola'wic.

Dola'wic: You should've taken someone's advice, boy. You will be part of the Elite Force, whether you like it or not. However, when you asked for your woman's safety, I was true to my words. I can let her go, but you should prove to me that you are worthy of having her. Let the trial commence!

With his staff glowing and smoking, a suspenseful theme builds. As the music builds, the smoke turns into a beast that resembles a penguin. The music changes to dance music and the Penguin-Beast starts tap dancing.

Gideon: [laughs] You've got to be kidding me. A lousy, oversized penguin with happy feet.

A record needle scratches and the music stops. The Penguin-Beast talks in a pronounced African-American urban dialect.

Penguin-Beast: What you laughin' at, asswipe? I'm 'bout to shove my happy foot up your ass… cracker.

Gidoen: [nervously] Nice penguin.

Penguin-Beast: Where you going, pussy?

The penguin leaps at Gideon feet first and lands on him, his rear end on Gideon's face. The penguin slaps his face.

Penguin-Beast: I'm 'bout to make you my bitch, nigga. Lick my snowballs.

The Penguin-Beast now has human-like testicles on Gideon's lips and tongue. The penguin turns around and bends over, sticking his butt on Gideon's mouth.

Penguin-Beast: Now eat my penguin asshole. [farting] Oooh. That Taco Bell ain't sittin' right.

Gideon: Oh, it smells!

Penguin-Beast: Ha! Caught you with your mouth open.

Gideon throws the Penguin-Beast off. He backs into a corner, and the Penguin-Beast follows him.

Penguin-Beast: You dead, sucka. Say "Wassup?" to Robin Willians for me.

The Penguin-Beast jumps toward Gideon, but Gideon leaps backwards and the beastly beast becomes stuck between two jagged rocks.

Penguin-Beast: Shit! I'm stuck! Oh, we got a penguin pinned down! Help! Help!

Gideon sees a harpoon inside of a glass cabinet that reads IN CASE OF PENGUIN ATTACK BREAK GLASS. He breaks the glass and grabs the harpoon.

Penguin-Beast: My ass! My ass hurt! Why you wanna do me like that? Come on, man, I could hook you up. We could work it out. I'll suck your dick!

Gideon spears the Penguin-Beast with the harpoon, killing it and winning the challenge. But then, Dola'wic lashes onto Gideon, pulling him in.

Dola'wic: You survived, but… you need a lot of training to do. And… the deal is made. Your lady is freed.

With a snap of a finger, Milan is freed from her captives.

Dola'wic: And now, we shall return to-

But then, a boulder comes flying over to the stronghold and it impacts in the middle. The shake makes everyone lose their footing, but frees Gideon and opens the gate at the same time.

Gideon: A flying rock?

Milan: Gideon, run!

Gideon and Milan once again run for their lives out of the stronghold. The growling Dola'wic is about to blast them, until another boulder hits the ruins.

Dola'wic: Stop them!

Outside, it is revealed that Lunar is throwing the boulders with Trimbo standing on her shoulder.

Trimbo: Keep it going, Lunar. I can see them crossing the bridge.

Gideon and Milan are running across the bridge, but the Death-Trio are chasing after them. Another boulder is thrown by Lunar that destroys the bridge, which impacts after Gideon and Milan get off on time. The Death-Trio are all forced to fall into the water when the boulder hits.

Lunar: There you are!

Lunar walks over and picks up Gideon and Milan in her hands.

Milan: Lunar, you were amazing back then.

Gideon: No time for complements. We must get off before the-

Then, the Death-Trio jumps very high from the water. With his telekinetic powers, Sleek throws his meteor hammer to wrap the chains around Lunar's legs, tying them up, and she falls down with a heavy thud.

Sleek: The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Ozzy stands on Lunar's nose, pointing his dagger-axe at the giant in between her eyes.

Ozzy: Why settle with two outlaws when we can kill a giant, which is more than enough?

Ozzy is about to stab Lunar, until a pair of giant hands swat him like a fly. The hands swat the other two; it turns out to be Solar, saving his sister.

Lunar: What took you so long?

Solar: I had to finish my lunch.

But then, Dola'wic hovers in the air and conjures a spell that traps everyone to entangling vines that grew from the sands. He points his staff threateningly at the group, ready to cast another spell.

Dola'wic: You lot have all been such a nuisance to me. Sad to say… I was also ordered to deal with scoundrels, like you all. Prepare yourselves to join your ancestors in the Pits of Hades.

[dragon roars]

Hearing that roar, Dola'wic looks up to see Norbert flying towards him and breathing fire. The dark wizard shields himself with a force field from the dragon's fire breath, but an energy arrow hits it, and it's enough to explode that force field. Mounting on Norbert is Arkus and Kesseki, coming for the rescue.

Trimbo: [overjoyed] My friends!

Solar: An elf and a yokai?

Kesseki jumps off with several backflips, and lands on the sand before shooting his Bow of Delta at the vines, freeing the captured group.

Dola'wic: You meddling wood spirit!

Bestial: Heads up, ugly!

When Dola'wic looks back, Norbert swings his tail and Bestial jumps off to lunge at him, pinning the dark wizard to the ground, before Dola'wic vanishes without a trace.

Part Twelve

With the battle over, Norbert lands on the ground for Arkus to dismount him and meet up with his friends.

Arkus: Trimbo!

Trimbo: Guys!

Overjoyed, Trimbo hugs Arkus, Kesseki and Bestial one at a time, but Bestial steps back from the hug when it is her turn.

Bestial: Don't even.

Arkus: Thank the gods, you're okay.

Trimbo: Holy shit, it's great to see you! But how'd you know I was here?

Kesseki: Simple. I tracked you. I found some leaves that had your scent.

Bestial: Yeah, and foxy gathered us together when he immediately found out.

Milan: It's you.

Milan steps forward to the reunited group, astounded to see them all.

Milan: You're all friends of Trimbo. Kesseki, the yokai ninja. Arkus, the Dragonator. And Bestial, the Craitan warrior. It's…. It's a real honor to meet you all.

Bestial: Oh yeah?

Milan: Yes, yes. I've been a die-hard fan of you all ever since the first ogre attack!

Trimbo: This is Milan Strift, and her boyfriend Gideon Nolish. They found me here to begin with yesterday.

Arkus: Nolish?

Arkus looks at Gideon, who suddenly seemed nervous by the elf's sudden direction at him. Then, Arkus stared at him with a glare.

Arkus: Norbert, sick 'im!

Norbert roars before he goes in for the kill, but the alarmed Trimbo gets in between the dragon and Gideon.

Trimbo: Hold it!

Milan: What's going on?

Trimbo: [to Arkus] I told you, they're both with me.

Arkus: He's the son of Cardi. The traitor.

Trimbo is stunned to hear that from Arkus, knowing Gideon is the son of Duke Cardi who killed his father weeks ago. He whips over to Gideon in a puzzling look.

Trimbo: Is that true?

Gideon: [hesitates] Yes. It's true… but a son doesn't choose his father. I told you my parents got divorced, didn't I? Because he was so full of himself, believing he was rightful to be High King.

Gideon takes off his fingerless glove, showing Trimbo the scars he has on his palm.

Gideon: These were the only things he ever gave me. I hated that man until the day he died.

Milan: But Gideon… why didn't you tell me?

Gideon: I didn't want you to know. My childhood was a living hell for me. And I didn't want to share my pain with anyone.

Arkus: He must be-

Trimbo: No! Arkus, he lives. I can see it in his eyes. He's nothing like Cardi.

Milan: More than that, he promises us our wishes. Gideon and I want to be married, and Gideon wishes to open an apothecary, since Trimbo's the one who could authorize it.

Kesseki: It's true, Arkus. Trimbo does have the rights. His father died and that makes him a king by legal, royal rights.

Arkus: [pauses] So be it. [to Norbert] Heal.

Norbert backs away as he lowers his head like a scared dog.

Bestial: Wow, Trimbo. I never thought you'd be this enthusiastic.

Trimbo: Look, I'm still the same guy.

Bestial: [enthusiastically] But with power!

Kesseki: People, we don't have time for this. Now that we've found Trimbo, we should-

Arkus: Wait a minute. Trimbo, you were presumed dead. How did you get all the way here?

Trimbo: Raizer. He shot me, with his golden cannon.

Kesseki: What?

Bestial: I knew it! I knew it after that eulogy when we got back. He sounded like he had respect for you and King Edgar, but he didn't.

Arkus: But Trimbo, if that's true, why would he?

Trimbo: I don't know why. All he ever did was try to kill Cardi when he was in my grasp, and then he blasted me as I had a shield to protect myself.

Arkus: I see.

Kesseki: Either way, we must go back. The ogres haven't attacked since the canyon battle, but Xenotopia is falling into chaos. So many lives are being forced to join the Elite Force and the Grand Army is running out of business.

Bestial: More than that. Craitos has been conquered by Kyland. Raizer's turned all of my people into hunter-gatherers for food. We were all bred to be warriors from birth, and he's treating us like errand-people. He has to be stopped.

Trimbo: I couldn't agree more.

Everyone gets on Norbet's back for a flight back home, but they nearly forget about the two giants.

Lunar: You sure you want to go? You'll be safe with us. Really, you would.

Solar: For once… I agree. The three of you put up with a good fight and all, to be honest.

Milan: We appreciate it, but we have to go home. We have families back there that need us. But… we'll always miss you.

Gideon: I agree. Only to get more specimens here.

Arkus: Hold on!

Arkus stirs Norbert, prompting him to take flight. As the dragon flies, Trimbo, Gideon and Milan bid farewell to the giants who wave at them too.

Milan: Bye, Lunar! Hope to see you soon!

Lunar: Take care, girlfriend!

Solar: So long!

Norbert flies over the open ocean, leaving the island of the giants, and the trio who have been stranded there are relieved for this day to come.

Trimbo: For the last three weeks, I was offered a chance to either climb out of that mountain or become food to one of them. When I was on the brink of giving up, Gideon made a solution. He used alchemy and shit to help us out.

Arkus: But we're surprised about this, Trimbo. All this time we thought you didn't make it. Between me and the rest of you, there's nothing more miraculous than to see a crown prince alive and well. Unfortunately, we must keep it all between us. Raizer would stop at nothing to make sure you're dead.

Trimbo: I couldn't agree more. But more importantly, how'd you know Gideon was Cardi's son?

Arkus: My friend, I'm a lot older than any human alive today. I once encountered him when he was a toddler, shortly before I heard of his divorce.

Milan: So, where to?

Trimbo: Away from Raizer's prying eyes. Until we can figure out a counter attack to prove the kingdom of his crimes, we must round up all the members of our party.

Meanwhile, Dola'wic is scowling the Death-Trio in his mountain palace.

Ozzy: The second giant caught us by surprise, your darkness.

Gibber: Uh… the heat was too much.

Sleek: We need bigger weapons.

Dola'wic: Excuses, excuses! However, since I was ambushed by the Dragonator, it made me realize something that I should've done long ago.

Dola'wic taps the ground with the bottom of his staff, which opens the door, and something comes walking in with thuds. Entering the room are three dragons. Unlike Norbert's type, this type is a large-bodied, stocky, four-legged breed with very short necks. They have black rubber scales, with grey rubber bellies, red eyes and green drool. The Death-Trio are stunned by their looks.

Sleek: Dark dragons? But… they went extinct seven hundred years ago.

Dola'wic: Indeed. But the specimens you see before you were bred in my laboratory. Cloned from skeletal remains, which I've discovered during my time in bounty hunting. I intend to have my Deathwalkers ride them.

Ozzy: [intrigued] So you want us to… ride them? Now you're speaking my language.

Sleek: But Ozzy, they look vicious.

Dola'wic: No need for alarms. The beasts are completely under my control.

Ozzy steps forward to one of the dark dragons, who opens its mouth to drool on the floor, burning it like acid. He gently raises his hand up, and the dragon allows him to touch the snout, mending the bond.

The End