Party of Scoundrels

Episode: VIII

Part One

Dola'wic is standing before Raizer in the throne room, heaving and bowing his head to him. His right arm is replaced with an enchanted piece of wood that moves like an arm, but Raizer is furious to hear the news from him.

Raizer: An emperor dragon? There was an emperor dragon, under Princess Rozella's command, and she sided with the scoundrels, including Trimbo, to take advantage of you? HOW CAN YOU LET THIS HAPPEN?!

Dola'wic: They caught me by surprise, your majesty. To be honest, I was fully aware the emperor dragon would be born this year, but I… had no idea he was trained by her. When everything was going my way, the prince jumped out and took my arm, and it helped that beast to defeat my precious dark dragons.

Raizer: So if three dark dragons weren't good enough, make more.

Dola'wic: I…. I cannot. The original dark dragons were slayed ages ago, and all I could find were three teeth. My spells can only help me clone a beast with a piece of the original. Unfortunately, I can't make clones from the clones.

She-Dom: But Raizer, if the entire kingdom should hear about a trained emperor dragon, they'll want to ask the Prushans for protection, and forget about the Elite Force.

Raizer: Bullshit, She-Dom. It's the High King they ask for protection, not a princess with her pet. But that's not the case, it's Trimbo Morningstar. He must be killed before anyone finds out. Dola'wic, summon the trio for me.

Dola'wic: Yes, sire. Yen! Zu! Chao!

Using his staff heading upward, the Death-Trio are summoned before Dola'wic with their backs turned on Raizer.

Ozzy: I'm Ozzy, he's Gibber and that's Sleek. Will it kill you to learn our names?

Sleek: Cheese it, it's the boss.

Alarmed, the other two notice Raizer and they bow their heads.

Death-Trio: Your majesty!

Raizer: Shut up, you ugly sons of bitches!

Gibber: Uh, technically your highness, my mother was a saint.

Raizer: Listen carefully. You've failed your master a few times already, but you'll do what I say or I'll feed you to my puppies!

Raizer points his finger at a small pack of dobermans that are barking and snarling, chained to a wall.

Gibber: [nervously] Uh, nice puppies.

Ozzy: Wait a minute. I wouldn't be too worried. Because we've been through dangerous events before. We've been stomped by giants, smashed by boulders, burnt alive by dragon fire, and we always come back in one piece. So if you sick 'em on us, we'll be fine.

Dola'wic: Unless… I would change you back before that happens.

Ozzy: [pauses; shocked] At your service, boss.

Raizer: Good. Now onto business. You three were bounty hunters, yes? I want you to do your business to track down Trimbo Morningstar, and kill him before he shows his face in public.

Gibber: Sure thing, boss.

Ozzy: You got it.

Sleek: Consider it done.

Gibber: But, uh, before we go, could we have a little bite of a cannoli?

Raizer: Enough talk and start!

Then, the dogs' chains break loose, setting them free, and the Death-Trio all dash off in a panic, moving on with their mission.

Raizer: You see, Dola'wic? When you want someone to do something, you have to be very persuasive. Just show them you mean business.

She-Dom: [to herself] Honestly, he's always this way to everyone, including me.

Dola'wic: I shall… take your advice next time, sire.

[trumpet fanfare]

The majordomo walks into the throne room to explain something.

Majordomo: Presenting her royal majesty, Queen Valim.

Valim and her followers enter the throne room. She walks over to Raizer, and the both of them embrace.

Raizer: You surprise me, Valim. I never thought you'd come over today, especially since it's Gerald's birthday today.

Valim: [hesitant] He's taken from me.

Raizer: What?

Valim: It happened this morning.

[FLASHBACK]

Early in the morning, King Vincent and Queen Valim are in the kitchen where it was all decorated with streamers and balloons. A banner is draped across the archway. It reads: "Happy Birthday Gerald" But they are waiting for him to come, and he hasn't arrived yet. They wait for thirty minutes until Valim is losing his patience.

Valim: [quietly] Why… am I still waiting? [loudly] MR. DIX!

Immediately, Mr. Dix the butler comes into the kitchen.

Mr. Dix: Yes. Coming, coming, already here. Is everything okay? Because you both looked chilled to the bone.

Vincent: Any idea where Gerald is? He should be up by now.

Mr. Dix: Well, I'd think he's trying something out for a change this year. I mean, he knows that he's turning a teenager this year, but all teenagers can have a problem or two whether they like it or not. Surely, he's just-

Valim: ENOUGH! Where's Gerald?

Vincent: Honey, calm down. [to Mr. Dix] Listen, we want to know where Gerald is. Just tell us.

Mr. Dix: [nervously] He…. We… [hesitates] …can't find him, sire.

Valim: WHAT?!

Valim storms up the stairs and slams open the door to Gerald's bedroom, but she finds his bed empty, much to her worry.

Valim: Oh no. He's gone. [desperately] Gerald? Baby?! Gerald?! Where are you?!

Vincent and Mr. Dix arrive at the room, where Valim searches the entire room for Gerald, but no luck. Then, she turns to the butler and grabs him by the shirt.

Valim: Where is he?!

Mr. Dix: I don't know, I swear to the gods!

Then Valim draws a dagger, pointing it at his face.

Valim: And I swear to the maker of this ludicrous story, I'll gut your face if you don't TELL ME!

Vincent: Valim, calm yourself. We need him to talk.

Voice: Your majesties!

Fortunately for Mr. Dix, a royal advisor enters the room at that moment followed by two guards and an old fisherman.

Advisor: He left… with the yokai. The fisherman here saw him board their clouds.

Valim: Our son… was spirited away by the yokai?

Fisherman: I was 300 yards away when it happened. I wanted to do something, but I just-

But Valim holds up her hand; the fisherman shuts up. Everyone watches the queen, waiting for an explosion, but the news, strangely, seems to focus her.

Valim: Get my carriage ready. I'm going to Kyland City.

[FLASHBACK]

Valim: And now… here I am.

Raizer: I'm terribly sorry to hear that. He's a bright kid, but he's-

Valim: I want him back so I can discipline him. I won't rest until I've burned Ingersil to the ground.

Raizer: I thought Vincent wanted peace with Ingersil.

Valim: He should have listened to me. I told him we never share peace with those freaks, told him they can't be trusted, and he trusted Kesseki because he fought with the Grand Army. But look at what happened to our only child.

Raizer: Look, if you're here to ask for my help… I'd be happy to. I owe you for your help with my homework after all. I will send an army of my best Elite Force soldiers to assist you-

Valim: No. Not them. The Grand Army. I want that fox-man to suffer in the hands of his former allies.

Raizer: [smiles] Okay. You may return to Sirendor and your troops will be ready.

Valim takes a bow to Raizer before heading out the door. Raizer takes a look at the Crystal Throne, hatching a plan.

Raizer: This campaign would be very useful. [chuckles] Within Ingersil, there is the Liquid Gem, the same substance used to make the Crystal Throne. If we capture some, we can carve some projectiles for my golden cannons. Armor-piercing projectiles that can even penetrate dragon skin.

She-Dom: The yokai have never been conquered. Some say they can't be conquered.

Dola'wic: Only because no one has tried everything yet. Shogun Tora-Kai thinks he's untouchable behind his cherry tree forest. He thinks Delta will protect him. But the gods protect only… the faithful! Once my dark dragons recover, they would burn down the yokai's city of Kouta to the ground.

Raizer: Sakura Forest is said to be a heavily guarded woodland. With the Grand Army, I would send the in there for a suicide mission, which will kill them all off, including Ayazz. And while the Elite Force finishes the job, Dola'wic would bring me the Liquid Gem.

She-Dom: Ingersil is next door to Dallad, and the elves are in friendly terms with the yokai.

Raizer: Then I'll stall them with Major Mercury's force, accusing them for unleashing the emperor dragon. I want them all assembled and ready before sundown.

She-Dom: One last, rather important, detail. If we're going to summon the Grand Army, we're going to need Riftaminus the demigod.

Raizer: The demigod? [hesitates; concerned] He can't be controlled. He'll just ruin the whole thing.

She-Dom: We don't need to control him, we need to unleash him. That man's the son of Kappa after all.

Raizer: Yes, but that's the problem. He's a gifted soldier, and he threatens everything my ancestors has built. A long time ago, Xenotopia was nothing until Archimedes was born. It was he who brought all the kingdoms together! He created a nation out of fire-worshippers and snake-eaters! My family built the future, She-Dom! And I'm the future! Riftaminus is the past. A man who fights for no flag, loyal to no kingdom.

Dola'wic: How many battles was won by his own strength? He may pose a threat, but as long as he's under your command, nothing will go wrong.

She-Dom: Not only that, there's never been a battle between a yokai and a demigod. This will start the greatest fight the world as ever seen. If this story spreads, all of Xenotopia will know it was you orgnized it.

Raizer spends a few seconds to think about it. But when he gets the idea, he decides to go with it.

Raizer: Alright. But make it snappy.

Part Two

All the way is Ingersil, the whole kingdom is based on feudal Japanese culture. There is the city of Kouta, and all of its people are yokai walking happily through markets and bazaars. Behind the district and main streets is the Yumi Temple, an enormous temple on a mountain. A massive gateway has been built into the side of the mountain, flanked by humongous stone statues of samurai. Inside the palace is the Shogun, Tora-Kai, reading his scrolls. He looks like a human, but he has cat ears for he's a neko (cat yokai).

Tora-Kai: Work this, work that. Let's see. What's on the agenda today? "Little girls capturing magic cards, idols dressed up as endangered animals…." What's this? "A new superhero is dressed up as a moon with a sailor uniform?" Probably a Sailor Moon. [chuckles] Fortunately, we needed one. Some yokai have been causing trouble, and we needed other than just samurai to stop crime. It's nothing personal, it's just business. And, as I always say, there's no business like shogun business.

[gong rings]

Servant: [bows] Your highness, Master Kesseki is returning.

In Sakura Forest, a few bear-yokai, including Commander Bosu, look up to see two lifting clouds approaching. Bosu motions the air, and the trees part the canopy to let them both into the woods. Kesseki and Chizuru both step off of their clouds, but Chizuru looks like she's hiding something in her fluffy tail.

Bosu: Well, look who's back.

Kesseki: Inform the Shogun that I have returned.

Bosu: Already done that.

Kesseki and Chizuru both make their journey down the path to town, where they are greeted by a small army of samurai with a bow. One of the samurai is Rai-Khan, Chizuru's older brother, who bows to Kesseki closer.

Rai-Khan: Welcome back, Kesseki. And Chizuru… have you been thorn on our cousin's side again.

Chizuru: No, not this time. I just kept my distance from him. I mean, Kesseki just feels uncomfortable when I'm around.

Kesseki: I didn't say that. I mean you can't be trusted when you're brought to a human settlement.

Chizuru: Hey, we made it back, didn't we?

Kesseki: Well… yeah.

Chizuru: Good. Now you go report to the Shogun, I'll be heading home.

As Chizuru walks alone, Kesseki and Rai-Khan both take their leave together towards the Yumi Temple.

Kesseki: By the way, I never thought you'd become a samurai out of the blue.

Rai-Khan: Are you jealous, cousin? With this, I can improve the Shogun and he'll have to accept me to propose to Ikaruga.

Kesseki: I'm not jealous at all. I'm a shinobi, and that's that. Plus, Ikaruga has no interest in marriage.

Rai-Khan: Don't be that way. You two were head-over-heels for her.

Kesseki: That was until I had an interest in training under Kirya.

For Chizuru, she was going into her house and walked up the stairs before sliding the doors closed. Now that she is alone, she shakes her tail and it causes Gerald to fall right out of it like magic. Then Chizuru embraces Gerald.

Chizuru: Happy birthday, Gerald. Your wish has come true. Now we can both have our freedom and flirt a lot.

Gerald: But Chizuru, I wasn't sure if this was a good idea. Smuggling me in your tail like some-

Chizuru: Don't you worry about it. As long as we're together, we'll be fine.

But then, a floating head (nukekubi) discovers them from the window.

Back with Kesseki, he and Rai-Khan enter the hall, where they are greeted by the Shogun, and they bow before him.

Kesseki: Your highness.

Tora-Kai: Welcome home, Kesseki. I knew all along that your diplomatic mission would be a success. Even Ikaruga thought so too.

Right on cue, Tora-Kai's daughter Ikaruga comes in. She is a neko with an aristocratic demeanor, wearing Miko clothing, and approaches the shinobi.

Kesseki: Ikaruga.

Ikaruga: Kesseki!

Kesseki approaches her with open arms, and hugs her. Rai-Khan is smiling to see her, until he noticed the clothing she's wearing, which makes him feel downhearted.

Kesseki: Old friend, you look more and more like your mother.

Ikaruga, cheeks flushing, dips her knees in deference.

Rai-Khan: Ikaruga. You're… a shrine maiden now?

Tora-Kai: The young men were devastated when she chose the virgin robe. Now Kesseki, tell me about the meeting.

As Kesseki walks over to discuss the meeting with Tora-Kai, Rai-Khan and Ikaruga are alone for a private chat.

Rai-Khan: You…. You couldn't have chosen this.

Ikaruga: It was my choice to make. The Shrine of Delta needed an extra member after all.

Rai-Khan: But you? The whole province is talking about it. This is not right for the likes of yourself. Even I wanted what's best for you. I became a samurai for your sakes, and you chose to be a virgin.

Ikaruga: That is because I do not wish to get married.

Rai-Khan: But for what reason? You can't stay single forever because your father is the Shogun, and he needs a successor, but it only works when you start a bloodline.

Suddenly, Bosu comes storming into the room with Chizuru in custody.

Tora-Kai: Bosu. What is the meaning of this?!

Bosu: This one was caught in the act of smuggling, your highness.

Tora-Kai: Smuggling? With what?

Instead of saying an answer, Bosu presents it by showing the Shogun what he has in the other paw: Prince Gerald, much to all the yokai's shock.

Kesseki: [furious] CHIZUUUURRUUUUUUUU!

Afterwards, Chizuru and Gerald are being consulted alone by Kesseki, Rai-Khan, Ikaruga and Tora-Kai.

Rai-Khan: Do you know what you've done?! Do you how know many centuries our people worked for peace?! How many lives we have lost to accomplish this mission?!

Kesseki: On top of that, do you know what this could mean for me?!

Chizuru: I love him.

Kesseki: AUGH! This is exactly what I was talking about. You roamed from town to town, snatching away boys and temple guards, and you think you know something about love.

Ikaruga: But do you even love your kingdom? Your people? Or how about your family? You became a hedonist when you brought that thing with you. And it's the only son of our sworn enemy, Queen Valim!

Tora-Kai: Most of all, Ingersil is the home for yokai, and humans are forbidden here. You know we don't allow-

Chizuru: Augh, what is wrong with you? I told you, he wanted to leave.

Ikaruga: You know humans and yokai are incompatible. You can't have a human consort, if that's what he's into.

Chizuru: We don't care about that. And regardless, I never wanted to bring him here to begin with. So buck and say I was being selfless.

Kesseki: You still don't get it! This was my best chance to return to the Grand Army, just to help their struggle with the Elite Force.

Rai-Khan: But now, we're going back to war with humanity because of you!

Gerald: May I speak? What you say is true. She's wronged you, but I asked her to take me away. I wanted to leave my mother behind for so long, and I don't want to go back.

Kesseki: Why? Why would you think about leaving your own parent?

Gerald: Because… I want to know what freedom feels like.

Kesseki is thinking about it, but everyone else is not agreeing with it.

Ikaruga: This changes nothing. Chizura has broken every rule we vowed to uphold and we mustn't dishonor the gods. I should have the boy killed for trespassing.

Kesseki: No. This may be dishonoring the gods, but so too is executing someone before they ever have the experience of something they never had before. So instead of death, we will place Cizuru under house arrest and let the young prince… live to experience. And then… his fate will be decided.

Tora-Kai: Hmmm. Agreed. Besides, most of our children have never seen a human being before. This could be their opportunity to see one in person. That concludes the meeting. Guards!

A pair of samurai come over, apprehending Chizuru and Gerald together, and they escort them out the doors.

Tora-Kai: It's the will of the gods. Everything is in their hands. But I'm surprised you let him live.

Kesseki: If we would just execute the young prince, it would spread all over the country and everyone will think it's how we treat our guests.

Ikaruga: "Guest"? Is that what you think of him? Why would you care about him?

Kesseki: I have fought with humans before, and I've known dozens who possess good hearts.

Rai-Khan: What would we do, other than kill him?

Kesseki: Contact the elves, have them bring us a Dragonator, and send him home.

Tora-Kai thinks for a moment, staring out at his city on the balcony.

Tora-Kai: Chizuru has always loved boys, and only a few loved her back, but this is different. Something has changed between the two of them. If we send him home to Sirendor, she will follow him.

Kesseki: We cannot keep him here forever because the Queen will be seeking for her son.

Rai-Khan stands and joins the Shogun on the balcony. He gestures outside. The city of Kouta teems with life, the citizens going about their business.

Rai-Khan: To be honest, I agree with Kesseki. These are our people, and I don't want them to suffer so that my sister could have her prize. But it won't just be the Kylish. By now, they are sending Dola'wic, and Dola'wic has been a bother to my family for decades. If he sides with Queen Valim, who's been wanting to destroy us for years, this will spell disaster for us all.

Tora-Kai: Enemies have been attacking us for centuries. Our kingdom still thrives.

Ikaruga: But papa, we cannot win this war.

Tora-Kai: Delta watches over us. Even the High King is no match for the gods.

Rai-Khan: [sarcastically] And how many warriors can a nature god summon?

Tora-Kai: [sternly] Do not mock the gods.

Rai-Khan: [bows] Forgive me, your highness. I was… being careless.

Tora-Kai: We will wait… and be prepared. Dismissed.

Kesseki and Rai-Khan both take a bow to the Shogun before leaving, and Tora-Kai is alone with his daughter.

Tora-Kai: Ikaruga, you seemed… disturbed by the sight of the prince. Do you… hate humans?

Ikaruga: Hate humans, papa? I, uh…. Oh, I don't know why. I just don't feel comfortable around them. There's no one I could really talk to.

Tora-Kai: Kesseki is always knowledgeable, and if what he said is true, there would be some humans you would enjoy being with. But it matters not. We must be prepared for when the humans would invade us. And if they come… gods help us all.

Part Three

All the way in Kyland City, Rift is walking into his home, where he enters a bedroom by himself. He sees his mother laying in bed, coughing and looking pale, as some plague doctors are examining her.

Plague doctor: Lieutenant, she's not getting any better. The illness is reaping into her system.

Rift: How much time does he have?

Plague doctor: Only… a day or two. We'll leave you two alone.

The plague doctors all take their leave. Now alone, Rift walks over to his ill mother with concern, sitting down beside her.

Juno: You look as if… I'm going to die soon.

Rift: You heard him. You won't make it this time. But I…. I'm being sent on a mission… to Ingersil. I won't make it here on-

Juno: Riftaminus, you shouldn't feel this way. Do you know what a parent's number one duty is?

Rift: [beat] To raise his or her kid?

Juno: No. To raise the kid until that kid is old and mature enough to be on his own. You're now twenty-five, and you've fulfilled your dreams to become a knight, but you never needed me for that. You did it on your own.

Juno reaches out her weakening arm and holds onto Rift's hand.

Juno: If you stay here, you will find peace. You will find a wonderful woman, and you will have sons and daughters, who will have children. And they'll all love you and remember your name. But when your children are dead, and their children after them, your name will be lost. If you go to war, things will be different. They will write stories about your victories for thousands of years and the world will honor your name. But if you go, you may never come back, because wars have always triggered hardships. No matter what happens to me, I'll always be within you… even if you can't see me.

Rift has a tender moment with his mother. He lowers head down and kisses her on the forehead, before taking his leave. But then, Kappa shows up at Juno's side, holds onto her hand and they both smile at each other.

Outside, the Falconers are getting ready. Mrs. Xavier packs Jacksyn's accessories in his backpack for the campaign.

Mrs. Xavier: I'm packing you an extra pair of greaves and your angry helmet, just in case. And monkey chow.

Jacksyn: Monkey chow?! For what?!

Mrs. Xavier: Well, for the monkeys, of course!

Vel: My turtle-shield is polished and ready to go.

Cleese: I've got all the potions we'll be needing.

Maroon: And I hooked up all the chicks before I fuck some more! [laughs]

Ayazz: Now listen up. We're going to be heading there to find the prince and bring him home. If we have time, we'll be heading home at the next crack of dawn.

Garlym: But most of all, we're fighting with the Elite Force. So… we don't want any bitchin' from everyone.

Then, Rift walks over to the soldiers, and salutes to Ayazz and Garlym.

Garlym: Anything from your mother?

Rift: She's wishing me luck. But I'm… requesting that we get this mission done as fast as we can.

Ayazz: We'll do our best, son.

Mrs. Xavier kisses Jacksyn's check before giving him his gauntlets.

Jacksyn: Okay, fellas, let's roll.

The Falconers walk on a bridge over the harbor, and use a bungee cord to jump down to the ship below.

Jacksyn: Geronimo!

He lands on the ship and let the cord go back up to Vel who grabs it and jumps down.

Cleese: You'd think with all my jumping experience I'd be feeling more prepared for this.

As he reaches for the bungee cord, Cleese falls and hangs on to it as it bounces up and down.

Rift: The idea is to let go.

One by one, everyone is onboard the ship and they set sail across the river with dozens of other ships. Dola'wic stands in the prow of the leading boat, staring ahead. He raises his staff upward, and it opens a swirling vortex where all the ships sail into one at a time.

Part Four

All the way in the Rococo Palace, Trimbo and Rozella are walking together in the garden. Ringo is resting in Rozella's arms, where she pets him.

Rozella: I'm so sorry about your father. When I first met him, I knew he was a good man, even when our ancestors waged a feudal war upon each other.

Trimbo: He was more than a good man. He was a great and lucky man. He was just a random shipper, starting his own company, and when he won King Preston's favor, he was offered my mother's hand in marriage. Even though he was crowned king… all he ever wanted was a portrait of his entire family. Three generations of the family tree, together, and side by side at the throne. He would've wanted to… see our kids.

Rozella: Our kids? You were thinking about that? Even when we were engaged and we didn't know each other?

Trimbo: Well… more or less. But truth to be told, I wasn't expecting that to happen.

Rozella: Why not?

Trimbo: [beat] I was… afraid. Afraid that if I ever had kids, they would be picked on without mercy because… I was the clutz.

Rozella: But darling, life is about learning lessons. You may have performed… unfortunate events, but it doesn't mean it's too late. It's never too late to make something of yourself when you're still alive.

Trimbo stops in his tracks, thinking about what Rozella told him.

Trimbo: If only so…. But I just feel like it's-

Suddenly, he slips on the icy floor and he sinks into a snowbank.

Rozella: Trimbo? [worried] Trimbo!

She worriedly looks around the snowbank, and Trimbo comes out with snow all over his face that makes him look like he's grown a white beard. When she sees him, Rozella grows a smile on her face and lets out a laugh.

Trimbo: [smirks] What are you laughing at?

With some humor, Trimbo grabs Rozella and pulls her into the snow bank as well. Then, the two of them toss snow into each other like splashing in the water, until a Prushan guard comes over to them.

Prushan guard: Your highness. [bows] We just got a falcon with a message for you.

Getting out of the snow, Rozella takes the message and the guard leaves with a bow. She looks into the message, knowing what it means.

Rozella: It's from Bestial. She's in Jadeshores with a handful of Craitan warriors and… they're expecting for you to meet up with them.

Trimbo: Jadeshores? That's… where my sister lives. They must be… wanting to join us.

Rozella: Join us? But for what reason?

Trimbo: To uncover the truth: that Raizer Helix tried to kill me.

In the guestroom, Gideon paces about the room. Milan stands in the archway looking out to the dark, snowy field. The wind blows through her hair.

Milan: We can't stay here. They're going to find us here.

Gideon stops pacing and stares at her.

Gideon: Trimbo will find a way. I should know it. He's been getting us to hide from the authorities ever since. And since we have an emperor dragon, we could be well-protected.

Milan: But for how long. They know who's running away, and… they'll use our families to set up a trap for us.

Gideon: And even if they are, they'll be killed for it. But our families would want that, if it means to keep us safe.

Milan: We both want the same thing, but I… would've wanted it if our families are still alive.

Gideon: We mustn't be so concerned, Milan.

Milan: The High King will never give up. He'll track us to the end of the world.

Gideon considers her words and finally nods.

Gideon: Then I'll make it easy for him to find me. When the time is right, I'll walk right up to him and tell him I'm having a job… and I'm marrying you.

Milan wraps her arms around Gideon and rests her chin on his shoulder. Then, Trimbo enters the room.

Trimbo: Get ready tomorrow morning. We're leaving in the morning.

Gideon: To where?

Trimbo: To my sister's place. Bestial just contacted us. She's waiting for us there.

Milan: Does this mean we're going to start a rebellion?

Trimbo: The rebellion has already begun. We're rounding up all we can find.

Part Five

The sun rises above Ingeril and the countryside, including Sakura Forest. All the bear-men are preparing for the upcoming war, setting up catapults, ballistas, and giant polearms. Bosu is watching the area through a telescope.

Bear guard: Sir, any sign of humans.

Bosu: No, not yet. But we'll be ready for them.

A shrine of Delta overlooks the woods. In there, two shrine maidens carve strips of fat from a roasted pig and lay them on the goddess's altar, muttering chants as they perform the ritual. Inkaruga stands beside the maidens, pouring ceremonial wine on the stone floor.

Two sentries stand in the woods' canopy, sipping hot broth from bowls. A large flag, emblazoned with Ingersil's fox emblem, flies above the tower. A sentry blows steam off his soup. He raises his eyes, blinks and squints into the distance. He bolts upright.

Sentry: [gasps] Good Delta.

In Kouta, Kesseki was drinking a bowl of miso soup for breakfast, and the bunny-yokai Ako hops over to his side.

Ako: Kesseki? Why aren't you being prepared?

Kesseki: I'm not as worried as everyone else. We may be up against Queen Valim, but if she's going to attack us with the Elite Force, we have to keep a close eye on Dola'wic. And right now, it'll take them days to get here.

Ako: I don't know. Dola'wic is… the most dangerous bounty hunter I've ever seen. I wouldn't want to fight him.

Kesseki: You won't, Ako. Because you're not a warrior like me. So… we will be fine.

[horn blares]

Kesseki: [stunned] They're here.

As the horn is blared by the sentry, all the yokai in town hear the alarming sound. Panic in the streets of Kouta. Merchants quickly pack away their goods; mothers run into the streets looking for their children; young men hurry to the armory. A mad rush to get inside the safety of the city walls.

In the shrine of Delta, all of the maidens overhear the horn as well. Ikaruga walks to the doorway, where he can see across the yard. She sees the fleet of the Grand Army and the Elite Force. For a moment she stares at the armada before the others rush over to her side.

Shrine maiden: Oh dear. The Grand Army's going to attack us. Are they here to… repeat their sins again, Ikaruga?

Ikaruga: You shouldn't be this way, Shoukaku. Besides, we have a very good reason for being here. My father will be counting on us to protect the kingdom.

Shoukaku: I see. Well, if that's the case, then we cannot let all the men have all the fun, would we?

Ikaruga: And as long as Delta watches over us, I have nothing to fear.

In the Yumi Temple, Tora-Kai hears the alarm, and gives the order to the samurai, including Rai-Khan.

Tora-Kai: The humans are coming! Intercept this!

Samurai: [bows] Highness!

In Kouta, Kesseki escorts Ako towards the others who are hiding in an underground shelter.

Kesseki: You stay with these people. I'll deal with the invaders.

The armada draws closer to shore. One ship sails far ahead of the rest. Its sail has the Kylish coat of arms. It is Valim, on horseback, addressing her army of ninety-five men.

Valim: My brave men. My foolish husband was so soft-hearted, he only asked to make peace with the yokai, who lurk in the trees. And as a result, they stole my precious son in the dark of the night. This means… they would make off with our children. They'll take them in the night! Will we allow it?!

Soldiers: NO!

Valim: We're not safe until the Shogun's head is mounting on my wall! Help the gods kill the yokai!

Soldiers: KILL THEM!

On Ayazz's warship, he, Garlym and Rift stand in the ship's prow. Garlym shields his eyes from the sun and looks. They watch the ship approach the beach.

Rift: Whose ship is that?

Garlym: Kyland's flag. It's the Queen. Is she going to take control of the beach with ninety-five men?

Ayazz: They'll buy us some time. Lieutenant, get the Falconers ready.

Rift: Yes, sir.

In Kouta's armory, the cavernous building is crowded with armaments: racks and racks of naginatas, katanas, kanabos, and yumi bows. Rai-Khan watches as hundreds of male yokai rush into the armory and are issued weapons by samurai. The faces of the men reflect fear, excitement, and resolve. Kesseki approaches him and regains his Bow of Delta from a rack.

Rai-Khan: Kesseki, is Chizuru at home?

Kesseki: I've been watching her and the prince all night. They were going to leave as a way of evading this war, but I stopped them.

Rai-Khan: Good work. Now, let's hurry. Ikaruga is out there.

Back on Ayazz's ship, though the oarsmen continue to pull, everyone is now armored. Rift stands in his ship's bow, scanning the shorelines. He turns to face the Falconers.

Rift: Listen up, all of you. This is the Commander's orders. Out there is an abducted prince, but beyond those trees… is our ally, the kitsune Kesseki. He begs to return to us. So here's what we're doing: find the prince, negotiate with the yokai, accept our friend's request, and we go home… as HEROES TO XENOTOPIA!

The Falconers raise their weapons and cry out with one voice.

On Valim's ship, the oarsmen give one last mighty pull on their oars and beach the tar-cauked keel of the warship on sand. A gangplank is lowered, then Valim charges on her horse with her army of ninety-five to attack. However, they are assaulted by the shrine maidens, who are using their magic. A little snowstorm surrounds them, blinding them. And then, ballistas and catapults are fired by the bear-men at the edge of Sakura Forest, killing most of Valim's guards.

Valim: Evasive actions! Evasive actions!

The leading Elite Force ship is behind Ayazz's. Major Mercury, a huge man, brutally muscled, head shaved, face and body scarred, stands in the prow, watching the Grand Army racing them.

Mercury: Look at him, hogging all the glory.

He walks over to his rowers, grabs an oarsman on the front bench under the armpits and tosses him away. Mercury sits, grabs the oar handle, and begins rowing maniacally, the veins in his massive arms bulging through the skin.

Mercury: Row, you lazyasses! The Queen is dying!

The oarsmen redouble their efforts and the ship leaps over the waves toward the shore.

Back on shore, Shoukaku was playing a flute that summons living snowmen to attack Valim's forces.

Shoukaku: This melody is a requiem. Its purpose is to bring peace to the dead.

Valim slashes her sword at all of snowmen. Then a ballista arrow shoots her horse, and she falls to the ground. But as she tries to get up, Ikaruga shows up with a nodachi, about to kill the Queen. Suddenly, flaming arrows are fired from shore, through the storm, and Ikaruga deflects them, before all the maidens look over the battlefield.

Ayazz's ship is beached. Rift and the Falconers all jump overboard to land on the beach and charge towards Sakura Forest. Ayazz and Garlym lead the assault towards the falling forces of the Queen. They slash through the snowmen, saving the other men. Some of the shrine maiden, who are yuki-onna (snow women) leave that causes the snowstorm to whither away.

Ikaruga: Commander Ayazz, I knew you'd come.

With her nodachi, Ikaruga charges at full speed and Ayazz blocks her death blow with his own sword, locking blades together.

Ikaruga: If it isn't the Grand Army's finest warrior! You are a worthy opponent indeed.

With the Falconers, the catapults are fired at them. When a ballista approaches, Vel uses his shell-shield to parry it.

Vel: Now, Cleese!

Cleese throws a vial ahead in front of the armed bear-men, and it shatters to create a massive smokescreen, which is enough to make them all cough.

Cleese: Maroon, now's your chance!

Maroon: Fire in the hole!

Maroon shoots a flaming arrow at the smokescreen, then it explodes like a bomb, blowing away the bear-men, the artillery, and setting the trees on fire.

Rai-Khan and the samurai rein in their horses across Sakura Forest. With Kesseki riding with them, he sees smoke over the canopy.

Kesseki: Not good. They just set a fire over there.

Rai-Khan: That's bad. Sakura Forest is our barrier. If it keeps burning, we'll be defenseless.

Kesseki: Not if we get our shinobi to deal with this. Hurry!

Back on the battlefield, the Grand Army proceeds with dealing with the bear-men, winning their fight, while the shrine maidens all take their leave into the woods. However, Ikaruga stays behind to continue her fight with Ayazz.

Ikaruga: I accepted you would be stronger.

Ayazz: Stand down at once, and we can simply discuss this matter.

Ignoring him, Ikaruga keeps slashing her sword with Ayazz dodging her blows all the time.

Mercury and his men rappel down the ship's hull while arrows rip into wood and flesh. Mercury carries a giant sledgehammer and a shield twice the size of most men's. When he reaches the surf he doesn't wait for his men; he roars and charges at the bear-men.

At the woods, the Falconers are sabotaging all the artillery the bear-men has built, and they are approaching the shrine of Delta. Rift, not even breathing hard after the slaughter, removes his helmet and rests it on the wall. He looks at a statue of Delta in front of her.

Rift: Delta. The goddess of the wild, fertility, and agriculture. She's said to be a patron of Ingersil… worshiped by the yokai.

Maroon: Hey… are we going to storm the shrine?

Rift: No. The yokai have never been our enemies, and neither is the nature goddess.

Hearing hoofbeats, Rift turns and spots Rai-Khan and his men, two hundred yards away.

Rift: Maroon? Pass me your axe.

Maroon gives him an axe. Rift hefts the axe, judges the distance, and throws. One hundred yards from Rift, the axe blade finds its mark: a samurai's breastplate. The samurai is knocked from his horse and dies. Rai-Khan reins in his horse and stares at his fallen yokai.

Rai-Khan: Issei!

Rai-Khan turns ahead to see Rift standing by the shrine's doorway. Out of rage, he fired his yumi. At the very last moment, Rift bends his head to one side, an almost lackadaisical movement. The arrow rips through the air occupied by Rift's head half a moment before. Then, Rift sees Ikaruga fighting Ayazz, and rushes over.

As the fire burns the trees, Kesseki and other shinobi arrive to perform a trick.

Kesseki: Body to water… dragon splash.

Like magic, Kesseki and the other shinobi manage to put out the fire.

For Ayazz, he is nearly breaking a sweat with his fight. But then, Ikaruga's blade glows with red fiery magic and it is enough to shatter the Commander's sword into pieces.

Ikaruga: And now… you're dead.

With her flaming sword up, Ikaruga prepares to deliver a fatal blow. But as she slashes, Rift shows up in between the two of them and catches the nodachi by the blade. Ikaruga gasps in shock, because Rift's grip puts out the flames and he is unfazed.

Ikaruga: Are you kidding?! What the- Who are you?!

Rift: Riftamus… son of Kappa.

Ikagura: [gasps] A demigod?

A band of bloodied Grand Army soldiers, led by Garlym, shows up. Surrounded by the humans, Ikaruga warily backs off. But then, she kneels and bows her head.

Ikaruga: Take my life.

Shocked, Rift looks at Ikaruga about her words.

Rift: You… die now?

Ikaruga: You caught the sacred sword barehanded, and I… failed to protect the shores. I must be punished.

Rift is deep in thought, thinking about whatever punishment she would have.

Rift: No.

Finally, Rai-Khan's forces arrive at the scene. But as they get there, they are too late as the Grand Army holds their weapons at them. However, Ayazz shows up to negotiate with the samurai. Kesseki comes over to Rai-Khan's side.

Ayazz: Stand down, samurai. We're only here for the prince.

Rai-Khan: And all of you are trespassing on sacred grounds.

Kesseki: Don't argue with them, Rai-Khan.

Ayazz: Kesseki, we all know you want to return to us. We can strike you a bargain. You all may go home and ask the prince to come back to us, and we can leave you alone, ending the war instantly.

Kesseki: If only we could, he wishes to avoid the hardships of living as a prince, and his mother. But I will tell him.

Rai-Khan: And at the same time, you'll let the Queen crush us. You don't survive by being stupid. You speak of war as if it's a game. But how many sons and daughters wait for parents they'll never see again?

Ayazz: Perhaps your sister can comfort them. I hear she's good at enticing children.

Rai-Khan stares at Ayazz and the Grand Army for another moment before walking away. Kesseki runs off to join them, and all the yokai retreat into Sakura Forest. But at the shrine of Delta, Mercury watches the scene at the stairs, watching them with disdain. Dola'wic floats over to his side.

Dola'wic: Is there a problem, Major?

Mercury: Not at all. Only the fact… the Grand Army's getting their popularity back, but not for long. This shrine's going to be my personal campsite.

Dola'wic: You're going to sack a god's shrine?

Mercury: I'm under the High King's orders after all.

Dola'wic watches in horror as Mercury climbs atop the statue and smashes the statue of Delta with a swing of his sledgehammer.

In Laputa, all the gods are watching the results of Ingersil's invasion, presented by images on the floor. When the images fade, they hold a meeting.

Delta: Father, you saw they did! They attacked one of my shrines!

Gamma: You say that like they're declaring war upon us, Delta.

Apex: [glares] This was your predicament, Omicron. You said Raizer Helix would be crowned this year, which was part of the deal, and then… this happened. He ordered Mercury to desecrate a shrine to erect our images.

Omicron: Well, anything sounds guilty when you say it like that. But hey, I didn't tell the Elite Force to invade or desecrate anything. Did I?

Zeta: No, but what then? Could we just reach out to them?

Kappa: My son Riftaminus is with them. I can talk to him.

Apex: NO! You all know the mandates: we only consult with mortals when they are worthy of speaking to us. This is only an act of one queen's ambition for her only son to be a successor for the Crystal Throne, if Raizer would have a daughter.

Gamma: Then again, Omicron, you said this would make the mortals pray to us.

Omicron: Aye, but these events are not that easy, Gamma. It takes time. It's been three weeks already since the last High King's death. And besides, the statue was not the only one remaining. Mine is still erected. As long as my statue stands, I wouldn't say we should all be at war.

Apex: Perhaps, but this doesn't mean that you are off the hook. Ever since you made a bet on Raizer ascending to the Crystal Throne, you were confident about it happening on any day. Which makes it all, by the way, mighty suspicious.

Omicron: Oh…. [chuckles] You're too much, old friend. [to himself] Way too much.

Part Six

In the air, Blaze is flying across the sky and over the clouds. But on his back are Rozella, Trimbo, Gideon and Milan, riding him.

Rozella: Is everyone okay back there?!

Gideon: [thrilled] This is exciting!

Milan: [scared] How is this anything to be so happy about?!

Trimbo: Don't worry, we're almost there!

Down below is Jadeshores, a majestic kingdom by the beach and a castle on a hilltop. But instead of heading for the castle, Blaze flies down to land on a nearby mountain. He runs down the slopes, making his riders jolt and bump around on his back until he reaches the forest and stops. They peep out the trees to see the castle up ahead.

Trimbo: That's the castle. My sister should be in there.

Gideon: You really think Bestial's waiting for us there?

Trimbo: I looked at her message. It has her handwriting.

Rozella: Okay, Blaze, let's go. And keep it casual.

Blaze moves in an innocent fashion and then moves forward. The humans are clinging to his side out of sight of anyone.

Rozella: Not that casual.

The dragon stops grinning and walks on towards the yard sale following him behind.

Meanwhile, the Death-Trio are in their hideout, coming up with a plan.

Ozzy: Where could they be? We've been at this all night, and not a single idea of where one simple prince might be hiding.

Sleek: If I was hiding from the authorities, I would just… die in the woods.

Annoyed, Ozzy whacks Sleek on the head with the bottom of his dagger-axe.

Ozzy: Would you stop complaining?!

Sleek: But Ozzy, I'm tired and I'm hungry. Can't we just have some fries and hope it would-

Ozzy: No! Can't you I'm trying to keep you away from that potato-junk?! If we're going to eat something, it would be that emperor dragon, right after we know where to find the prince. So quit your bitchin'!

As Ozzy and Sleek are talking, Gibber suddenly looks like he got his by a bolt of inspiration.

Gibber: Hold on. I just had an idea. Sleek, go bring out the DVD about Party of Scoundrels.

Sleek: Good thinking.

Sleek makes his way over to a bookshelf and starts looking through the DVDs.

Ozzy: Uh, Gibber? How can there be a DVD about Party of Scoundrels? We're still in the middle of making it.

Gibber: That's true, but has made a breakthrough in movie-burning technology. They're what's called… "instant videos". They can be on sale before the story is finished.

Ozzy: Naaah….

Sleek: Here it is! Party of Scoundrels!

Ozzy: Okay, put it on.

The Death-Trio sets up their DVD player, plugs it to a mirror and the mirror turns on like a TV screen. They put the DVD in. The FBI Warning is displayed.

Sleek: Started much too early. Lemme fast-forward this.

As they watch, the mirror shows the opening scene where Trimbo first appears, up until he tries to wrangle a behemoth, accompanied by fast chatter. It then skips ahead to a fast-forwarded version of the parts where the Death-Trio are beaten, squashed, and scared by the dogs.

Ozzy: No no no, go past this. Past this part. [pauses] In fact, never play this again.

Sleek: Here, I'll press play.

The monitor displays only a blank screen, much to Ozzy's confusion. He looks back, followed by Sleek, then Ozzy again. Ozzy then raises his arm and waves it. But still, nothing happened.

Ozzy: What the hell is this? When does this happen in the story?

Sleek: Soon. What you're looking at is soon, Ozzy. Everything that'll happen soon is happening now in the mirror.

Ozzy: Why's it all blank?

Sleek: Because… nothing's happened.

Ozzy: What do you mean nothing happened?

Sleek: I mean nothing's happened, because the future hasn't been written yet.

Ozzy: Well, go back to then!

Sleek: When?

Ozzy: Now!

Sleek: Now?

Ozzy: Yes!

Sleek: I can't.

Ozzy: Why not?

Sleek: We missed it.

Ozzy: When?

Sleek: Just now.

Ozzy: [pauses] When will "then" be "now"?

Sleek: Soon.

Ozzy: Again with the "soon"?! WHO'S THE ASSHOLE TO WRITE THIS STORY?!

While the discussion is going on, Gibber adjusts the video to a scene where Trimbo and the others are approaching Jadeshores.

Gibber: There! I got them. They're in Jadeshores.

Ozzy: Okay. Now let's get 'em. AND I MEAN NOW!

Back in Jadeshores, Blaze keeps himself hidden in the trees, avoiding himself from being seen by anyone. But then, he picks up a scent of something that causes him to growl.

Rozella: Blaze? What is it? What do you smell?

Suddenly, a manticore comes out and roars at Blaze. The dragon roars back, starting a fight. The manticore fires barbs ahead, but they all bounce off of his scales. Blaze is about to breath fire, but a bola latches onto his mouth, clamping his jaws, and it causes Trimbo and the others to fall down into the bushes. As they get out, some Craitans come out with spears and arrows, pointing at them. However, Destinon and Bestial both come out.

Bestial: Have you lost it?! These guys are with us!

Destinon comes over to see Trimbo, and she walks over to greet him.

Destinon: Trimbo. I knew Bestial was telling the truth.

Craitan: Destinon, the dragon.

Rozella: No, calm yourselves. He's with us.

Destinon looks up at Blaze, who is now calming down. She motions to the Craitans, and one of them pulls the bola off of his mouth. All of a sudden, Trimbo's older sister Marissa and Darius walk over to the scene, and they both see Trimbo alive and well.

Marissa: Trimbo?

On the verge of tears, Marissa runs across and embraces Trimbo.

Marissa: I heard about father. I'm so sorry about him.

Trimbo: Same with me. I was just-

Darius: I'm afraid you can't contact Ukrim. Your brother's trying to find jobs for the commoners, but we'd like to hear about where you've been.

Trimbo: Well, just to make it short, I was in giant custody, until these two-

He gestures towards his side, but Gideon and Milan aren't there. Trimbo looks back, where Milan is dirty from the fall and Gideon was brushing her.

Marissa: [concerned] Oh my! You poor dear! You look so filthy.

She rushes to Milan's side; takes off Milan's hat and wrings it dry.

Marissa: [chuckles] Oh, but I know just the thing. My husband and I will give you a nice bath.

Milan: [pleased] Really? Oh, we'd like that.

Marissa escorts the pair across the field towards the castle with Darius following them.

Trimbo: [to Bestial] You wanted us here for a reason?

Bestial: We're trying to gather all rebels to help stand against the Elite Force.

Destinon: She's right. That dwarf Bard transformed us into hunter-gatherers, never as warriors. Craitos has become a wasteland. We were forced to over hunt and everything is gone.

Trimbo: For all we should know, Raizer is planning something, and Dola'wic is helping. We need to know what it is and why?

Bestial: Maybe we can ask Kesseki for his ninja skills to help us out. Well, if there wasn't a war.

Trimbo: What?

Destinon: It's been spreading everywhere. Prince Gerald of Sirendor has been abducted by yokai, and Queen Valim's summoned the Grand Army to attack them.

Rozella: But… what would the result be?

Trimbo: Who knows? Who knows anything?