Party of Scoundrels
Episode: IX
Part One
At night, dozens of campfires constellate the beach of Ingersil. Hundreds of exhausted soldiers stare into the flames. But during that time, the living haul the dead from the battlefield. Horses are used to pull wagon loads of bodies. Fathers or sons or brothers or friends say their goodbyes and wash the dead men with washcloths and buckets of water. When a body is loaded onto the pyre, a relative or friend places two coins on the dead man's eyes.
In Kouta, it's different. The yokai carry the dead onto a circled area, and the priests sprinkle sake onto them. With a lit torch, the mournful Tora-Kai slowly lights up a string that ignites the circle, burning the bodies for a cremation. Kesseki, along with other shinobi, stands in front of the flaming circle, praying to the gods for the dead to be watched over by them. Gerald is there too, feeling guilty about these events since he was the one who ran away from home and triggered his mother to start this war.
In the sacked shrine, Valim paces about his tent in a murderous fury. Ayazz. Garlym (in crotches), and several aides stand in attendance.
Valim: You formed a pact and you let the Elite Force down?! What treason is this?! I should be at home right now, teaching my son the values of being a prince again! He should be with me by now, if it weren't for you!
Ayazz: We were willing to take him home, but the men believed we came here for the rescue. But since he's choosing to stay here, there would be no point in attacking the yokai.
Valim: This is a perfect reason to attack! My Gerald is the heir to my throne, and he's leaving it all behind, just to be a commoner. But most of all, where the fuck is the demigod? He was supposed to be there.
Ayazz: His mother died recently.
Garlym: She wanted him to bury her in the dirt, and he was-
Valim: Oh, the hell with it! If he's worthless, just say so. The yokai are doing their funeral. Now is the time to attack!
Aide: With or without the demigon, we have no way to breach their woods.
Valim: I will burn their trees to the ground. If it costs me a thousand men, Apex hear me, I will burn their trees to the ground!
Garlym and Ayazz exchange troubled glances.
Meanwhile in the High King's Castle, Raizer sulks on the Crystal Throne. He was pleased at first that Dola'wic did his job, but now he's made aware of what happened in Ingersil, with She-Dom and Dola'wic accompanying him.
Raizer: Who does he think he is? I told you the demigod would ruin the whole thing, and look at what happened to the Elite Force.
She-Dom: You said he would side with the yokai, and this was only the first day.
Raizer: My Elite Force, claimed to be the best, publicly humiliated. Why, it's more than I can bear.
She-Dom: Root beer?
She-Dom offers Raizer a mug of root beer, but he just slaps it off her hand, spilling it.
Raizer: What for? Nothing helps.
Then, She-Dom slaps him across the face.
She-Dom: Never slap a woman's hand.
Dola'wic: If they leave now, we lose all credibility. If the yokai can beat us so easily, how long before the ogres invade? More than that, you told Mercury to destroy a statue of Delta?
Raizer: She is a patron of Ingersil. I wanted the men to know we have enemies, and that's it. Second, this campaign must go on. Because they leave, they're going to find out about the assault on Mount Grandiose, and then they'll sick their demigod on them. But most of all, I need to know more about Trimbo's whereabouts.
Dola'wic: The trio have done their part. They found him and the two deserters in Jadeshores.
She-Dom: If I remember correctly, his sister resides in Jadeshores. Which means he's not only rounding up rebels, but he's meeting up with his family as well.
Raizer: Why the hell would he do that?
She-Dom: Obviously because… he loves his family. Unlike you, unfortunately.
Raizer: I do love my family, She-Dom. I wished my uncle a happy birthday every year of his life.
She-Dom: It has nothing to do with celebration, it's about concern of his bloodline. And most of all, he's likely to return home.
Dola'wic: She is correct. He is the prince of Ukrim.
Raizer: Well, what should I do? Go out there and ask where he is? The Morningstars won't listen to me. They would just tell me to fuck off if I would piss them off.
She-Dom thinks about it for a moment and gets an idea.
She-Dom: Then I'll go. I've been… in good terms with King Kent.
Raizer: [baffled] What kind of terms?
She-Dom: Not that you'd know, but I'll ask him all he knows. And I would need to make sure he's telling the truth.
Dola'wic: In that case, take this.
Dola'wic reaches into his robe and gives She-Dom a necklace with a diamond-shaped jewel.
Dola'wic: It's a lie detector. Whenever it hears a lie, it blinks.
She-Dom: [pauses] I am a dude.
[necklace beeps]
Raizer: Okay, good. Proceed, She-Dom.
She-Dom: But first… did you clean up your room?
Raizer: [beat] Yeah.
[necklace beeping]
She-Dom: You're such a pig. How can you run a kingdom when you can't even take care of your own room?
She-Dom takes her leave, as Raizer is stunned by how she learned how to use the necklace on him.
Back in Ingersil, Rift kneels before the burial grounds of his mother, putting her name on stone. Mournfully, he keeps his head down to the makeshift grave, remaining silent. Ayazz walks over to him with Garlym limping at his side.
Ayazz: Is everything okay now?
Rift: Yes, sir. I know I was delayed on the battlefield, and you know I had my reasons. It took a little longer than I thought it would, but I've finished it.
Ayazz: Captain Garlym has something to say.
Garlym: Lieutenant, I can't proceed into battle. Not with my leg broken. So until I've recovered and healed… I'm putting you in charge as Captain of the Grand Army.
Standing up, Rift takes a bow to the crippled Captain.
Rift: Understood, sir. I am honored.
But then, some of the Grand Army soldiers rush over to the Commander.
Soldier: Commander! An emergency!
Ayazz: Easy, soldier. What's the problem?
Soldier: The yokai has escaped.
Outside of the grounds, Ikaruga rushes away, wrapping the cloak around her and stealing a horse. She rides off, and a few Elite Force sentries spot her.
Sentry: HEY! A stalker!
Alarmed, a group of five Elite Force soldiers mount on their horses and chase after the escaping yokai. Ikaruga rides as fast as she could into Sakura Forest, with the chasing Elite Force men catching up to her, but their sudden chase is waking up something sleeping behind the trees.
And then, Ikaruga becomes surrounded by them. The horse bucks, throwing Ikaruga off and wrapping the reins around a tree branch. The Elite Force grab her; they shove her back and forth between them. Each man she bounces into tears off a strip of her robes, which are now filthy rags barely covering her body.
Leader: Hold her steady, men. She's seen too much.
The leader draws his scimitar from his belt. Ikaruga begins to struggle, screaming and kicking at the men. Just when she is about to lose an arm, a kirin comes out with a roar. The kirin has a stag-like appearance with a lion's mane and a snake-like face. By the sight of it, it drives the men away in fear, leaving Ikaruga behind, but she stands firm with a stick. However, the kirin has a whip-like tail, which it uses to grab the stick and breaks half of it off, leaving Ikaruga defenseless. Another lash at her, grabbing the corner of her cloak and dragging her to the ground. She looks up and sees the kirin about to eat her.
WHAM! Rift shows up and punches the kirin right in the nose. The beast goes down, bleeding, and Rift stands behind Ikaruga to protect her. Angered, the kirin roars before it lunges to the demigod. Rift grabs it by his widened jaws before pushing it back. He latches onto the kirin's back and tries to break one of his antlers. Flailing around, the kirin bangs Rift's backside on the trees and boulders, but Rift is unfazed or tries to withstand the pain. Finally, Rift throws the kirin against a boulder, breaking its left antler. The beast turns and runs in fear.
Now the fight is over, Rift stands triumphant, but the pain on his back causes him to fall on his knees. Ikaruga, grateful to be alive, turns back to the stolen horse and begins to get on, but her conscience takes over, and she walks over to the fallen Rift.
Ikaruga: Hang on. I'll take you back.
She walks the horse like a dog through Sakura Forest, with Rift on the horse's back. Right before then, the Falconers show up and aid their friend before following them back to camp.
Part Two
Afterwards, Ikaruga is in Rift's tent, pouring hot water out of a tea pot and mixing it with cherry blossoms. She soaks a rag in the water, then turns to Rift, who is being attended by Cleese.
Cleese: So many cuts and bruises here. Normally, as the son of the protection god, I was hoping you would be invulnerable.
Jacksyn: But seriously, taking on a kirin like that? You've got to be a daredevil.
Rift: It was my first beast fight, so I- [moans]
Ikaruga: Here…. Let me help.
Cleese accepts the offer and takes his leave with the others. Now alone with Rift, Ikaruga moves the rag closer to the wound.
Ikaruga: These blossoms are from the woods. They'll rid the disease you may have gained. Now, hold still. This may sting a little.
Rift gives a surprised grunt, then grits his teeth as the rag is applied.
Ikaruga: By the way… I… overheard this morning. [tenderly] I'm sorry about your mother.
Rift opens his eyes, looking surprised. But he keeps his eyes off of her.
Rift: I'm not expecting you to understand. To know what it's like to lose your only family member in life.
Ikaruga: Maybe not… but know how losing a mother feels like. She died when I was… a little girl. Seventy-six, but a toddler. I just… couldn't stop crying for a whole day… until mother once told me… she never left us. No matter how far I'd go or how long it's been, she would always be with me.
Hearing all that, Rift remembers the last time he spoke to his mother, shedding a tear.
Rift: She…. She said the same thing to me.
The two of them are sticking close together, and the Falconers are looking on with interest.
Meanwhile in Chizuru's home, Gerald practices his archery with a yumi bow, shooting a target in front, getting a bullseye with every hit. Then, Kesseki comes over to him.
Kesseki: Where'd you learn archery?
Gerald: I've learned from Vincent. He did archery, and he… taught me a few.
Kesseki: Then… he taught you well.
While preparing another shot, Gerald is thinking about something, and he turns to Kesseki for questions.
Gerald: Chizuru… breathes fire, does she?
Kesseki: It's true. All kitsune has power magic. Being a fox spirit, we're bound to all matters of nature. We can look like humans, but when we change to our true forms, we're relentless. But most of us… choose to look human so we would face our enemies in equal matter.
Gerald: [pauses] I just hope I did the right thing for me.
Kesseki: Nobody blames you for the war. You followed your own path… and so did your mother.
Then, Chizuru comes over with a tray of food.
Chizuru: Hey now, Gerald. It's supper.
Gerald and Kesseki join together for some food. But watching them is Rai-Khan who seems disturbed by the sight.
Later, he has been granted an audience with the Shogun in the Yumi Temple, in which he begs him to stop letting the human prince to stay, and send him away.
Tora-Kai: You rise against your cousin's judgement and your sister's choice.
Rai-Khan: No, highness. I rise against your enemies.
Tora-Kai: He is a guest, and just a boy. Is he that repulsive?
Rai-Khan: The shame is unbearable. I ask you to resolve this crisis and come up with a more honorable path in life.
Tora-Kai: I am the Shogun. You will do what I command, samurai. Or would you have it if we kill him to avenge Ikaruga's death?
Rai-Khan: …Yes.
Tora-Kai: [pauses] His death will not bring back the lives we've lost, only misery and hysteria.
Rai-Khan: But your highness, what would Delta say?
Tora-Kai: Delta created plantlife, but it was her father Apex who created man, and if she would order us to wipe the human race out, she would only be scolded by her own flesh and blood. Like General Kuma said, it was caused by youthful indiscretion. Chizuru is a fool sometimes. I know that. But the boy's mother is the true starter of this war, and you'll fight a thousand wars before letting her die, because she is your sister.
Rai-Khan: [beat] Forgive me, highness.
He bows and leaves the old Shogun alone in the hallway, where he watches over town.
On Mount Grandiose, the whole mountain city is still protected by the force field to keep the assaulting Elite Force. Arkus stands by the railing, watching the scene in concern, then another elf walks over to his side.
Arkus: Zemo, anything from the humans?
Zemo: Yes, the High King has become… aware of the emperor dragon's sudden presence in Prusha. Bardian the dwarf says this is an accusation for releasing the beast, and he demands he be sent to him right away.
Arkus: But I thought the Elder explained all the details to Bardian. The dragon escaped on his own, and he only wanted to go see his… "mother", as he would see her.
Zemo: Arkus… the Elder is taken hostage.
Arkus: What?
Zemo: Major Mercury showed up. He captured him and the Magus before the barrier was activated. He killed his pregnant dragon. No telling what he's going to do with the eggs. If we have any whereabouts on the emperor dragon, now is the time.
Arkus: No. We cannot give in to the scum of mankind. The Elite Force is ruining everyone's day. The dragon must be kept away, because if they discovered that this one could be trained, he would be used for disastrous events.
Zemo: But what choice do we have?
Arkus looks back at the Elite Force down below, thinking about what to do.
On solid ground at the Elite Force campsite, the soldiers are slashing, bashing, shooting and attacking the barrier, but to no avail. But during that time, the Elder and the Magus are in Mercury's tent, where he and Bardian have them tied up. Bardian is standing by a table with a clutch of seven dragon eggs.
Mercury: Mmm, the Magus is worth more alive than dead. Barely.
Bardian: True, but so is the Elder, which is why he will give us all the details.
Elder: I told you, the emperor dragon escaped on its own. Whatever happened in Prusha is all Dola'wic's doing, not ours.
Bardian: That depends on what the witnesses have to say.
Bardian picks up an egg from the table, looking at it.
Bardian: But if there aren't any yet, I can think of an alternative. It was… unfortunate that your dragon was killed, and these eggs would need a parent, but I do know a few dwarven kingdoms who would pay a handsome price for some of these.
Magus: You blackguard! If I had my book of spells, I'd….
Mercury: [laugh] Might you be referring to this book, Magus? Magic spells, huh! Makes me glad I can't read.
Mercury picks up a spell book, which he flips a few pages, and he tears up one paper before burning it in the furnace.
Magus: No! My spells!
Mercery: [laughs]
Elder: Please, leave us out of this. Just call off the troops and we can all form a fair trial about this.
Bardian: Relax. We can if we-
Then, Mercury grabs him by the neck and walks outside.
Mercury: Don't try to be persuasive. They have to give up sometime, and when they do, we'll be ready for it.
He drops Bardian into a snowbank by the tent's entrance.
Mercury: I'll be sticking with my men. You dwarf, don't move from that spot until the Elder is willing to speak. [walks over]
Bardian: But, but…. Racist fuck!
He pounds the side of the tent and a pile of snow falls on his head.
Part Three
Elsewhere in southern Craitos, which is more fertile, Milan walks by herself in the jungle. She walks through, trying to muster all the courage she has inside of her, and tries to relax for the whole time.
Milan: Come here for training, Bestial said. That, I believe in. But I… doubt that this is what she calls-
Suddenly, a loud chatter is heard. Milan turns and sees a group of gremlins frowning at her furiously. She gulps in worry as she backs off, and she picks up a stick as a weapon.
Milan: [nervous] Take it easy… little gremlins. I have no quarrel with you.
Milan keeps backing off, until she accidentally trips on a stick. The gremlins choose this time to attack. Yelping, Milan runs away with the gremlins in pursuit. Bestial, who is watching this on a tree branch, becomes alarmed. She begins to swing on a vine and goes near Milan.
She keeps on running and sees a gap up ahead. Then she jumps up, closing her eyes as she does so, expecting to either get across or fall. But suddenly, she feels like she isn't doing any of these facts. She opens her eyes and sees that she's flying. She looks up and finds Bestial, who is carrying her.
Bestial: How's the training so far?
Milan: Is this what you call training?!
Then Milan freaks out as she sees that one of the gremlins is gnawing on one of her shoes. She pulls out her stick and hits it, trying to make him let go. It does so, taking one of the shoes with him and her stocking. Milan continues to shriek while Bestial jumps to a tree trunk.
Bestial: It's a test of courage, girl. To master your fears, you need to show yourself to have a sense of thrills.
Milan: I very much doubt that this is a test of courage. It looks more like a-
Milan is relieved, until she sees the gremlins yet chasing them.
Milan: Not again!
Bestial: Hang on!
Bestial picks her back up and swiftly does some tree-surfing as the gremlins continue their pursuit. She now slides down the tree trunk while Milan continues to shriek. The Craitan slides down the trunk very fast, making her a bit nauseous. She recovers long enough to see some gremlins in their road. With a yelp, she climbs onto Bestial's back and uses her stick to knock the stuff out of their road.
Milan: [laughs wickedly] Well, that wasn't so bad.
Suddenly, she yells as another gremlin climbs on her stick. Her legs hold onto Bestial's neck with her foot, hitting the creature's face. Soon she gets it off, but the hook end of her stick catches a vine, making her let go of Bestial.
Bestial: Milan?
She turns and sees the gremlins coming right at Milan. She moans as she rolls her eyes, turning around. The gremlins get on Milan, trying to get at her, but the vine breaks and causes them to fall. Luckily for her, Bestial grabs her foot by her feet. The gremlin leader grabs her hand with the others latching onto his legs to form a big ball. Bestial holds her vine, sliding and jumping to the next one.
Gremlin leader: Oh no.
The gremlin-ball hits right into the tree trunk, sending gremlins flying around the trees. Bestial lets go of Milan's foot for a moment and lands on a tree branch. She grabs her, and the chase is over.
Milan: [gasping] That was…. Sorta thrilling. But gremlins?
Bestial: Chill out. They're vegans. They just have sharp teeth for scaring.
Milan: But why?
Bestial: Because they're afraid of what humans would do. Like I said, you can't get rid of fear, but master it. They used their teeth to do it, and that's enough to make you run. But in the end, you used that fear to fend them off like what happened while I was sliding.
On the ground, Trimbo and the others are standing around, waiting for the girls to return. Trimbo paces with Gideon, then they see Bestial and Milan coming back to them.
Bestial: Yeah, she got it through, but there's still more to master fear.
Milan: Or if I want, maybe Rozella could-
Wor-Kis: Shhh. She's in a trance.
Wor-Kis looks behind as a gesture. They see Rozella, meditating for listening to the wind blowing across her face.
Bestial: What's she doing? We don't have time for dryad magic.
Wor-Kis: She's trying to find out more about what's going on with Xenotopia.
Trimbo: But do you think she could… hear anything about Raizer?
And then, Rozella wakes up from her trance with an alarming expression.
Rozella: The elves. Mount Grandiose is in danger. The Dragonators are cornered, their Elder is in custody, and they're demanding Blaze at once.
Gideon: Dola'wic must've told them about it.
Milan: But we have to do something, right?
Rozella: We should. Arkus is counting on us. He and his squad have protected us before, so we will return the favor by saving them.
Gideon: But it may be a trap. They'll be expecting us.
Rozella: They've never dealt with a dryad before. I'll try to use my dryad powers to go against them… without losing them for an act of war.
However, Trimbo is concerned about something else. He looks over to the east, where Ukrim is, and he has some thoughts about something.
Trimbo: I have to go back.
Rozella: Go back? Back to where?
Trimbo: My family. I need to know if they're okay since I've been gone.
Milan: But those men back then…. They found you.
Trimbo: I can't have any other options. You left to know your folks are okay, but I haven't. I just need to go see them and when that's over, I'll catch up to you.
Bestial: Well, that's easier said than done, Trimbo. We only have one dragon, and he can't just split himself in half.
Wor-Kis: Actually… maybe he can. I have the power of levitation, so as I go into the form of a suit of armor, I would be able to fly him there.
Rozella: It's true.
Gideon: [pauses] Okay. But be careful out there. There's no telling what might happen there.
Bestial: We'll tell Destinon where to go. Good luck out there.
Bestial leads Gideon and Milan away to the others. Alone, Rozella walks over to Trimbo, holding his hands in concern.
Rozella: I don't want you to leave me. Not after… everything you've done since your return.
Trimbo: Rozella, I'd very much want to stay together. But I… need to know the wellbeing of my folks. I just…. I have to….
Rozella: Yes, I understand. You miss them. You love them very much. I will… be waiting for you.
With all his strength, Wor-Kis grabs Trimbo by the back of his shirt with his mouth, and lifts him. As he is lifted, Trimbo and Rozella are still holding onto each other's hands.
Rozella: Please… come back to me.
Trimbo: I will.
Sliding their hands off, they finally let go and Trimbo is being levitated by Wor-Kis to return home.
Meanwhile, the Tribal Unity are back in the Territories, sheltered in a remote glade of the area, where is it less snowy and more fertile. Hashlick, the one-eyed ogre, sits on a rock to look at the scenery, with a short ogre Shiv sitting beside him.
Hashlick: It's good to see trees again. And the snow. Even from a distance.
Shiv: Remember when we would track blood ox through the snowbanks? There is always meat. Always life.
Hashlick: [beat; concerned] You know, it's strange that when we all voted to leave the place, we're only seeking a home without the use of force.
Shiv: A world of peace is nothing humanity can understand, Hashlick.
Hashlick: Are you sure? Look into your memory. All that Rathborne can think about is killing and slaughtering, eating humans in the process.
Shiv: Buddy, I know you're a vegetarian, but it doesn't mean you can't fight and kill to survive. That's the ogre credo. Without Rathborne, the Tribal Unity will be leaderless, and you think you're strong enough to face him?
Hashlick: No. None of u are not powerful enough to defeat him. But with the humans help, we could be.
Shiv: Humans, helping? [laughs] Thought you could give us the slip?
Then, Shiv slips and falls down to land flat on the ground. But he gets back up in a fighting pose.
Shiv: What are you looking at? Keep still! Come on, then! Right!
Hashlick: Shiv, I'm being serious. We need this more than we know.
Shiv: Look, you want peace? That's your goal, not the rest of ours.
Shiv takes his leave to join the others, leaving the dejected Hashlick remaining on his spot.
Meanwhile in Ingersil, Ikaruga is outside the Grand Army's campsite, washing the laundry in a stream. Rift and the Falconers watch her from the entrance, but Rift is deep in thought about something.
Jacksyn: Rift? Is something wrong?
Rift: I've never felt this way about anyone. She… went out her way to help me, and I…. [excited] I want to do something for her. Something to return the favor for all the- [discouraged] But what can I do?
Maroon: Wait…. Are you serious right now? You're…. [realizing] Dude! You're in love!
Cleese: Shhhhh. Quiet. They'll hear us.
Rift: No, I'm not in…. Well, maybe, sorta…. I just want her to feel welcome with us, that's all.
Vel: Alright, if you say so. But… you asked what you should do?
Cleese: Well, there's the usual things: flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep….
Jacksyn: No, no, no, that's not good enough for a woman. It has to be something very special. Something that sparks her interest. I mean, take my wife for example. She wants to feel like she's an equal to me. Or, if that's not what she wants, try to do something that she's never felt before.
Rift is thinking about it, and he gets an idea.
Part Four
Ikaruga is still doing the laundry, until Rift comes over to assist her.
Rift: Thought you might need an extra hand.
Ikaruga: But… you shouldn't. It's not right for a woman to be helped with her chores.
Rift: At home, maybe… but not among us. I can't just let a woman do all the dirty work.
Ikaruga blushes, emotionally touched by Rift's assistance.
Ikaruga: Um…. I never did thank you… for saving my life. …Twice.
Rift: And… I should be thanking you for not… leaving me to be wolf-chow.
Ikaruga: [laughs] You fought off a kirin, and you were worried about a pack of wolves?
Rift: It was easier to… take on something when it's alone, not when there's a bunch of them. But, um…. Is it a bad thing to fight a kirin?
Ikaruga: No. It isn't. But…. I was amazed by that. Kirins are so dangerous, no man would ever face them. Then again, you're not just a man. If my father hears about this… he would make you one of our generals. Even… being married to a perfect woman.
Rift: Like you?
Shocked, Ikaruga whips her gaze upon Rift from hearing that question. She looks away from him, blushing bright red.
Rift: Sorry, it was…. It was off the bat, really.
Ikaruga: No, it's not you. It's just…. That was the first time a human… complimented on my looks. I'm a little nervous from-
But then, something on the ground makes her gasp in fright. It is a common garter snake, slithering towards her. However, Rift calmly lowers his hand down to the snake, letting it get on it, and he lifts it upward.
Rift: It's okay. He won't bite you.
A little nervous, Ikaruga curiously extends her hand to the snake and strokes on its back, feeling its smooth scales. She feels relieved that the serpent isn't going to bite her, and she feels welcomed with Rift at her side.
Later, the Falconers are having their lunch. Belle is served rice with chicken pieces, and she begins to eat, but she looks at Maroon, gobbling up his food with no table manners whatsoever.
Cleese: [clears throat]
Maroon: Uh…. Sorry?
Ikaruga turns away and tries to ignore it, but she sees Rift having trouble with chopsticks. She helps him how to hold the sticks; he manages to pick up a chicken piece, and eats it with it. Everyone looks at Jacksyn, trying to do the same, in wonder as he tries to eat with chopsticks, but it slips into his face.
Ikaruga: [giggles]
Jacksyn: Okay. Maybe chopsticks ain't my forte.
Cleese: Say Ikaruga, I have… something to ask. You used cherry blossoms to help heal Rift last night. Is there… a chance that you can… help me have some of them?
Ikaruga: You're asking for my help?
Vel: Yeah, yeah. Cleese is our healer. It would be essential for him to… collect medicinal herbs for healing us.
Ikaruga: Well…. Okay. But if you go into Sakura Forest, there is only one rule: never carry your blades in hand. It's how… the spirits in the woods become aware of your presence.
Jacksyn: Really? I thought it was cursed. Well, according to my mother back then.
In the sacked shrine, Valim eyes at the Grand Army's campsite with a disappointed look in her face, and Ayazz stands with her.
Valim: Your men are showing lack of determination today, Commander. They're not getting ready for their fight with the yokai.
Ayazz: They're being cautious. After all, five Elite Force guards rode into the woods last night, and none of them made it back alive. But my Falconers? They had the captive to show them out safely.
Valim: Meaning what exactly?
Ayazz: Lieutenant Sholdra is likely… enticing her to show them a safe way through Sakura Forest, which would give us….
Valim: [realizing] …a shortcut to the yokai's valley. I'm absolutely brilliant.
Ayazz: Yes, my queen.
Valim: Let them proceed with their mission, and I'll have the others prepared for the next attack. This time, we will storm them on their grounds.
The yokai who were in the meeting are gathered again in the Yumi Temple.
Kuma: The omens are gathering. The directive is clear, as the shrine maidens have discovered.
Tora-Kai: Have they now?
Shoukaku: It's true, highness. I spoke with two farmers today. They saw a kirin chasing off a scouting party in Sakura Forest. This is a sign from Delta. The gods are protecting us.
Kuma: I must admit, I overestimated the Queen's forces. They lack discipline and courage.
Tango: If the gods favor our cause, this is the time to attack. Hit them now, hit them hard, and they will run.
The yokai give an applause to agree with Tango, but they are silenced when they see Rai-Khan, raising his hand up to grab their attention.
Rai-Khan: The demigod didn't fight yesterday. There must be dissension among the Queen's forces. But if we attack their ships, we'll unify them. If they decide to attack, let them. They can't breach our trees. We'll beat them back again.
Kesseki: Yesterday the human underestimated us. We should not return the favor today. However, I must ask again, highness. Let me consult with the Grand Army once again. This time… alone.
Tora-Kai meditates on this conflicting advice. He stands and paces about the room. He turns to Kesseki.
Tora-Kai: You are confident about these men?
Kesseki: Like I've said before, I know them. I broke bread with these men, I drank their beverages, I listened to their jokes. The Falconers are our comrades, and I cannot desert them or ignore their hearing, if they have any. They believed Prince Gerald needed to be rescued, but after he said his feelings, the Commander was honoring it. It's likely to believe, highness… they will abandon the campaign, let Queen Valim finish the invasion, and then this war will be over because of her foolish determination.
Tora-Kai: What about you, Shoukaku? About these omens.
Shoukaku: The sacking of her shrine angers Delta. The gods have cursed the human race. Half of the Elite Force have already gone down to the dust.
Tora-Kai continues pacing, hands clasped behind his back.
Tora-Kai: Alright. Master Kesseki will give it another try. I trusted Kiriya and all of her students.
Once again, Rai-Khan is disdained of this decision, so he storms out of the room, fuming as he walks down the hall. But then, something looms over to him in the shadows, and he gets alarmed, grabbing his sword's hilt.
Rai-Khan: Who's there?!
Voice: Calm yourself, Rai-Khan.
Emerging from the shadows is Omicron, much to Rai-Khan's surprise.
Rai-Khan: Omicron.
Omicron: I mean you no harm.
Rai-Khan: What do you want from me?
Omicron: I'm here to help you and your people.
Rai-Khan: You are the god of disaster. You can never be trusted.
Omicron: I do not blame you, but I am here for a reason: the demigod, Riftaminus. You know he is the son of Kappa, but what about his mother? Do you know who she is? [beat] No? Well, here's a little detail. His mother is Jennifer, the child of the god-hater: General Cruciatus.
After hearing that name, Rai-Khan looks like he's heard of it before and his daughter.
Rai-Khan: She lives?
Omicron: He murdered his daughter for nothing. Riftaminus has been trained by Commander Ayazz to follow his grandfather's footsteps, but unlike Cruciatus, he's become everything the slime of humanity always wanted: a fierce warrior. A nobody made knight, a knight soon to be a god. If this goes on, chances are… the gods' fate, including my own, would be on thin ice. He must die.
Rai-Khan: What would you have me do?
Hades: Kappa thinks his son serves him, but he doesn't. He wants humanity to rule all of Xenotopia, but I am growing stronger. Until I possess my full power, you will be my weapon. I am asking you… because you lost your precious Ikaruga.
Rai-Khan: [beat] Can you… bring her back to life?
Omicron: My good samurai, you're talking to the lord of the dead. I don't just take life away, I can also give it, just as long as they're deemed worthy. So much worth that no one thinks death is deserving.
Rai-Khan thinks about it for a few seconds, but when he comes to agreeing with the god, he lays down his sword and accepts the offer in a dogeza-position. With a smirk, Omicron inhales some air and blows a smokey gas upon Rai-Khan's face, blessing him with something.
Omicron: This power will only work under the light of the full moon. Use it on Riftaminus, and all… will be in peace.
Rai-Khan: I serve you. The boy will die!
Meanwhile, Dola'wic is in his fortress, consulting with the Death-Trio, but he seems displeased about something.
Dola'wic: You're saying that you managed to find the prince, and you had him in your clutches, but you lost him because you got scared of a manticore?
Sleek: Well, actually, it was me who got scared. I mean, I never told you, but I'm tragically terrified of manticores.
Ozzy: That's true. It happened when he was ten years old. Sleek and I were hiking once in Craitos, and when he saw one, it chased him to the bedroom, and I was-
Dola'wic: FOOLS! Give one good reason why I shouldn't vaporize you.
Ozzy: Because there's always another round.
Gibber: And we'd know he's going to his family.
Sleek: No more humiliating defeats next-
Suddenly, someone breaks into the room. It is Siniy with a scimitar.
Dola'wic: An intruder?
Ozzy: A Prushan. Uh… what brings you to town?
Without answering, Siniy charges in and slashes the Death-Trio one by one, vaporizing them.
Dola'wic: Most impressive.
Siniy: I am Captain Siniy. I understand that you have encountered the emperor dragon. Allow me to suggest you end your quest for it, in order to free Princess Rozella, as it is a woman I seek to marry!
Just as Siniy is about to strike, Dola'wic freezes him with dark magic.
Dola'wic: Oh, you shall accomplish this quest… for me. But as a human, this will have to do. Doomiatus. Inka simpa suupa-newbenth, uskendaus!
With his incantation, a magic circle forms around Siniy and he transforms into something different, bearing the Omicron marking on his forehead.
Part Five
In Ukrim, Wor-Kis levitates over the maple woods canopy, carrying Trimbo with his mouth with ease. They both float downward to the ground, and it lets Trimbo walk the rest of the way, as he holds Ringo on his shoulder.
Trimbo: The whole maple woods look like as I remember. Now, if I remember, Alibi Castle would be that way.
They both exit the woods, where they see something that shocks Trimbo. Off in the distance they see Alibi Castle. But around it is Graceville, that looks like all the trees have been cut down.
Trimbo: What happened here?
Wor-Kis: I…. I thought you knew. After Kent was crowned king, he became a large producer of firewood in the whole kingdom, which was… at Raizer's request.
Trimbo: Then… this could be a problem. If there's a factory in there, we could be facing a crowd, and maybe… several Elite Force soldiers guarding it.
Trimbo looks around for a way to get inside without being recognized. But when he sees some hanging laundry nearby, he gets an idea.
Soon, Trimbo and Wor-Kis were in disguise: Trimbo is dressed in a tunic with a fake beard, Wor-Kis wears only a foot-length robe, and Ringo hides behind him in the hood, walking towards the castle. The three enter through the door and into a reception area. At the desk sits a woman writing into a book, until she sees the two guests.
Woman: Good afternoon, gentlemen. How can I help you?
Trimbo: Hi. I'm here to see the-
Woman: The King. I'm sorry. He is not in.
Kent's voice sounds from a speaker system next to the receptionist.
Kent: Janet, coffee and a Monte Cristo, as soon as you can please.
Janet: [sighs] Yes, your majesty. Right away. [to Trimbo] Look, he's not seeing any clients today, okay?
Trimbo: Well, that's okay. Because… we were sent here by Dola'wic.
Janet: D…. Dola'wic?
Trimbo: He found us in the gutter, and when we asked him to offer his goods to us, he… instructed us to inspect your firewood.
Janet: Well….
Janet turns the speaker to face the other way.
Janet: He-he did say he would come for that. But if the dark wizard has… called for inspections, I guess we could… allow it, somewhat.
Trimbo: "Somewhat", she says. Okay, we're just gonna have a look around. Oh, and by the way, if we were to find anything imperfect to the dark wizard, he might lose his shit. Know what I'm saying? Huh?
Wor-Kis: Hmm?
Trimbo: Huh?
Wor-Kis: Huh? Huh? Huh?!
Trimbo: Stop it.
Janet: [whispers] Of course. Just go down the hall. First door on your left.
Now in, the two walk through a door next to the receptionist. From up above on a catwalk, they look out at the place. The workers are all men wearing jumberjack suits. Trees are being cut down, dragged and chopped into firewood. Trimbo notices a set of doors at the other end of the room with a sign above that reads "Do Not Enter". They see a set of doors and they walked into it.
Inside, Kent is pacing around with Rob calculating the firewood numbers.
Kent: Is this all? There's gotta be more than a few more trees to make firewood.
Rob: If we cut down anymore, Graceville will freeze the next decade.
Kent: Augh, what else can go wrong?
Iris's voice: Kent!
By the sound of that voice, Kent whips around to find his mother, scolding him and standing at another doorway. But hiding behind the curtains, Trimbo spies on the scene.
Iris: What in Gamma's name are you doing now?
Kent: Look, I was asked to make something, okay? Just because I'm crowned King of Ukrim, doesn't mean I can just-
Iris: You were crowned because you were the only one left. You still have responsibilities to do, and you know it. Anyway, lady She-Dom is here.
Kent: [excitedly] Yes! [clears throat] I'll… be on my way.
Kent takes his leave out of the room. Then, Trimbo and Wor-Kis walk in, and Iris gasps.
Iris: Who are you people?!
Instead of giving an answer, Trimbo removes his fake beard to reveal his identity, much to Iris's shock.
Trimbo: It's me, mother.
Rob: [floored] Trimbo?
Iris: [delighted] Trimbo? You're alive? [confused] How can that be?
Trimbo: It doesn't matter; I'm back.
Iris suddenly embraces Trimbo, sobbing with tears of joy. Wor-Kis removes himself from the robe, and Ringo jumps off to land on Trimbo's shoulder. Rob glowers disapprovingly and fingers the floating head; Wor-Kis grins sheepishly. Rob grumbles under his breath.
Iris: I was so worried! Bless the gods you're alright!
Rob: Well… you've had a rough day.
In the throne room, She-Dom stands around, waiting for Kent to show, and he enters it from a door behind the throne.
Kent: She-Dom.
She-Dom: [bows] Your majesty. I'm here for… something to ask of you.
Kent: [lovingly] Who wouldn't answer your question?
Kent kisses She-Dom's hand, leaving her flattered.
[FLASHBACK]
Not too long ago, She-Dom is approached by Kent, before he was crowned king, in the hallway.
She-Dom: I bring terrible news from the battlefield in Craitos. Your father… died in the hands of Duke Cardi, and your brother… has suffered the same fate.
Kent: [dismayed] Fuck! I didn't want to be king! It's going to slow me down!
She-Dom: I do apologize, your highness. I'm just a messenger. If there's… anything you wish to do, I'd be happy to hear it.
Kent looks away from She-Dom. But once he looks back to notice her blond hair, he cracks a smile on his face.
Kent: Well…. What would you say if I… ask you to let me stroke your hair?
She-Dom: [flustered] Stroke my hair?! [clears throat] Uh- I mean- Sorry, forgive my outburt. It's just… no one's ever complimented me on my hair. But uh…. If that's what you're asking… I'd be….
Hesitant, She-Dom decides to whip around, showing more of her hair to Kent, who strokes on it, making She-Dom giggle.
Kent: Honestly, you take care of your hair so well. But I must ask…. Are you a natural blond? Because it looks like the sun dropped some sunlight on it.
She-Dom: I'm…. I'm flattered, prince. It's the first time someone's ever complimented my hair.
[FLASHBACK ENDS]
She-Dom: Anyway, let's have a little walk for a talk.
Part Six
Trimbo is in a den where Iris pokes the burning fireplace with an iron poker, as he sits on a chair to keep warm.
Iris: The day we were told your father died, I was so heartbroken, I just… couldn't stop crying for hours. But for you, it was even longer. Even your uncle Rob was downhearted. Kent, on the other hand, was more disappointed in your death rather than your father's, because he had to be crowned king.
Trimbo: And…. The commoners?
Rob: Oh, that? Well, at first, the people were relieved that you went on to join the Grand Army, because you weren't around to cause any trouble. But… after hearing about your "death", they felt ashamed and wished… you would come back to life for another chance of being better.
Trimbo: I don't have time for that now. I ran into two couples who are… hunted down by the Elite Force. They helped me escape from giants. And I… want to return the favor. They want to get married and help them open an apothecary.
Rob: Oh, well… that's so thoughtful of you. But are those two the only ones you're with?
Wor-Kis: Oh, it's more than that, sir. For you see, in the wake of Trimbo's discovery, he's ran into Craitans including Bestial, and Rozella who was overjoyed to see him.
Iris: Splendid! She's very fond of you, you know. But I…. I need to ask if you… feel the same, Trimbo.
Trimbo hesitates for an answer, and when he gives into thought about it, he gives it.
Trimbo: I do… now. I admit, I was nervous when father said I was to be married to her, and she was the same for me as well. But we…. We're shown to have the same interests: she sees beyond the boundaries of her kingdom. She likes to see all the new things in life, she enjoys my company, and I enjoy hers. She's smart, fun, and….
Iris: I get it now. I did say she was perfect from the moment I saw her. Perfect enough for you to love and be loved in return. But… have you…?
Trimbo: No. Not yet anyway. But if I do, we'd have to get married. And when that happens, it'll draw attention to anyone. Raizer is sure to discover me, because by legal rights in Townley's will, for if father's rule was short-lived….
Rob: [realizing] You would be High King. Sweet mother of Apex! That's amazing!
Trimbo: But Raizer's bound to kill me, mother. And I have to protect Rozella.
Wor-Kis: But… do you really love her?
[5 second silence]
Trimbo: I do. Everything I just said…. That is the way I love her.
Iris looks up at the portrait of King Preston, contemplating it.
Iris: Your grandfather has fought many wars in his time. Some were fought for land, some for power, some for glory, and for protection. If was alive today, he would say fighting for love makes more sense than all the rest, and even though you may be a flawg, he would also deem you worthy for this.
She walks over to the portrait and slides up to reveal a hidden vault on the wall. Iris deciphers the combination, opening it, and she pulls out a triangular shield with a maple leaf symbol on it.
Trimbo: [astounded] Ejof.
Rob: The Shield of Ukrim. My father carried this, and his father before him, all the way back to the founding of Ukrim. The history of our people was written with this shield.
Iris hands her son Ejof. Trimbo holds the shield up and it glows in the fire's light.
Trimbo: The spirit of Ukrim is in that shield. As long as a Ukrimian King carries it, our people have a future.
Back with Kent, he and She-Dom are walking down the hall for a conversation.
Kent: There have been rumors about my brother being alive?
She-Dom: Well, the High King doesn't think it's all true, but yes there have been. I'm only here to ask if you have… seen him recently.
Kent: Not at all. I haven't seen him since he went on to the Grand Army. That bastard just left me behind to leave me all the duties he was supposed to have, and if he was here, I'd give him a piece of my mind before crowning him king.
She-Dom looks at her lie-detecting necklace, but it hasn't been glowing or beeping the whole time.
She-Dom: Very determined, aren't you?
Kent: But you know, I know we've been meeting each other for most parts, but I really think we should start being together more than usual.
She-Dom: Unfortunately, no. As the High King's confident, I must be focused on my duties. Raizer would be a total wreck without me or anyone to take my place.
Kent: Well, it's not too late to find a replacement. I can just sign everything down on paper and get it done.
Back with Iris, she writes on a scroll that talks about marriages and jobs, and she signs her signature before rolling it up and stamping it with the royal crest. She gives it to Trimbo in hand.
Iris: Here you go. A document for job applications and marriage proposals, signed and allowed by the Ukrimian royal family. Give this to your two friends.
Trimbo: Thank you, mother. I couldn't have done it without you.
Suddenly, Dola'wic appears from behind the door, opening it to spot Trimbo.
Dola'wic: Ah-ha. A family reunion.
Wor-Kis: [determined] Stand back!
Wor-Kis charges with all his might, but Dola'wic has a little trick.
Dola'wic: Xing!
By a bolt of lightning, a new Deathwalker appears to block Wor-Kis, bouncing him off to the wall. Everyone looks closer at the new guy, noticing a familiar face.
Everyone: Siniy?
Dola'wic: So, you have met? Acquaint your friends with the new you.
Siniy: With pleasure, master.
Siniy's hands conjure a pair of katars. He charges at Trimbo, who draws his green-bladed sword and parries the blows. Then, Siniy delivers one slash that cuts the royal crest from around Trimbo's neck. Iris and Rob are hiding underneath the table.
Rob: I knew this day would come.
Thinking fast, Rob pushes the red button under the table. An alarm sounds and red lights flash. At the doorway, a metal gate starts to lower slowly down. Siniy makes a kick on Trimbo, sending the scroll flying out of his hand. Ringo manages to catch the falling scroll with his mouth.
Trimbo: Come on!
Trimbo grabs Ringo and Wor-Kis, and slides under the gate before it slams down. But Siniy breaks through the metal door with one punch, and throws one of his katars. But Wor-Kis transforms himself into a wooden suit of armor, bouncing the push dagger off him to protect the fleeing prince, and Trimbo makes a run into town.
Siniy: Stop that rogue!
Right on cue, a group of Elite Force soldiers run in with rapid-fire crossbows and shoot at them. Trimbo, still carrying Donkey and wearing Wor-Kis for a disguise, dodges the arrows and runs into town. They continue to dodge the arrows as they climb over various wooden machinery. But Siniy is catching onto them, but Trimbo has an idea.
Trimbo: Hey ugly! This is where you poof away!
With his sword, Trimbo cuts down a tree, which hurls downward at Siniy, who doesn't move. The tree hits him, only to shatter, not even phasing him.
Siniy: I do not poof away.
But Trimbo tips over a giant cauldron, filled with a potion, and the substance spills onto the floor. The Elite Force runs away as Trimbo jumps up and grabs onto a pulley system that leads out of town. The potion splashes over a cage of two geese and turns them into ballerinas. Two soldiers are caught in it and are transformed into a clock and a candelabra. Another group of fleeing Elite Force soldiers are turned into various animals. Trimbo reaches the maple woods and makes a run for it.