"What the heck was that?" Klonoa asked.
He and Lolo, still taking refuge in the blocked off room, could feel the area around them shaking, as well as what sounded like explosions on the outside. Was this Popka's doing? Is he okay?
The room started blinking red, and alarms blared throughout the tower.
"CORE UNIT COMPROMISED! CORE UNIT COMPROMISED!"
The two covered their ears due to the loud noise as they scrambled to find a way out. There were no windows in the room, nor any extra doors; just the one they went through to get here and, with the bridge destroyed, it led to nowhere. And even though Klonoa could most likely flap his ears to slow his descent, there'd still be several weapons pointed straight at them. They were trapped.
Suddenly, they heard an unusual, creaking noise. It sounded like it was coming from another area, but they could hear it clearly. It was as if the sound was coming from somewhere connecting the room they're in, and a separate room.
They were jolted by a loud thud from something falling in the room. It was a vent door. The noise came from an air duct on one of the walls. While investigating the opened passageway, the two could see a pair of eyes staring back at them.
"H...hello?" Lolo called out to them. "Is that you, Popka?"
Klonoa squinted his eyes to see if he could make out any more details.
"That's not Popka…" he said in response, as the creature poked its head out.
~MEANWHILE~
"Shit! Looks like that set off the alarms." Popka thought to himself, the ground rumbling beneath his feet.
He looked back at the shattered structure. The wires connecting it to the floors below were no longer glowing, and green ooze poured from the remains and seeped into the metal floor. With the Element of Tranquility liberated, power was no longer being applied to the Generator, just as he expected.
What he didn't expect was the Tower to start shaking. Loud noises could be heard below him; it sounded like things either blowing up, or collapsing, but it was so muffled that he couldn't tell which it was. Either way, he felt like he should be getting the hell out of there.
"What the bloody hell did you do!?"
The cyborg on the screen was back, looking quite panicked this time.
"What do ya think I did?" Popka snarked. "Your Cy-bore ain't got nuthin' on me, yo!"
"You've made a grave mistake, mutt." the figure snarled through his teeth. "The big man's already bin notified of you and yur friends screwin' aboot wiv his plans. He ain't gaun be happy with ya."
His grimace warped into a sinister smile.
"So gloat all ya want aboot yur wee victory, ya probably earnt it if ah'm being honest. But in the grand scheme a' things, yur bravado means nothi-"
But before he could continue his monologue, Popka threw a large shard of glass from the dome at the screen, shattering it to pieces and sending the Nagapokos flying away, startled.
"Well, that's one problem outta the way." he muttered, proud of himself for finally shutting that damn bird up. However, he went straight back to panicking as he realised that he still needed to escape the soon-to-be-former tower, as well as hope that Klonoa and Lolo make it out in one piece too.
He ran around the rooftop, desperately searching for a safe way to evacuate the structure. He considered getting back into the elevator, but that would just lead him straight to the dangers within. He could try and glide down with his large arms; it was something he used to be able to do to get around quicker, as well as for thrill-seeking purposes. But he hasn't done that in a while, so he was worried he'd be a bit rusty. And "a bit rusty" wasn't gonna cut it right now. He briefly considered just diving into the water to break his fall, but that was too stupid, even for him.
By process of elimination, it looked like 'gliding down' was the way to go. It was risky, but he lived for the thrill. That was, unless he was more likely to die than live, but now wasn't the time to make calculations or think of worst-case scenarios. He took a few steps back, then dashed towards the edge at top speed.
But as he got nearer to the side, he stopped himself. He quickly ran to the shattered core and swiftly nabbed the Element within.
"Can't forget about this now!"
With the Element "safely" tucked within the confines of his neckerchief, he once again ran up to the edge of the rooftop. But as he got nearer to the side, again, he was stopped by something flying upwards from below. It was so close to him that the gust of wind knocked him onto his backside.
He looked up as the unidentified flying object did a loop-de-loop and flew back down to Popka's level. It was a Polly; a flying, bird-like creature, native to La-Lakoosha. Not only that, but it was being piloted by none other than a Moo.
"What the-"
His question was cut short by two more Pollys joining them.
"Popka! Thank Claire you're safe!" a figure on one of the avian creatures called out. It was Lolo! And on the other Polly was Klonoa, also showing relief for the canine's safety.
Popka had a lot of questions, but he'd rather save them for after he was off of the falling building. Without hesitation, he joined the Moo atop the Polly's back, and the gang made their way to safety.
They looked behind them as bits and pieces of the Generator crumbled and fell to the ground. The whole tower didn't end up collapsing, but it didn't seem like it was stable enough to produce any more robot soldiers.
For now, La-Lakoosha was safe.
"So how did ya get outta the tower anyways?" Popka asked his two friends. Last he saw, he kinda left them to fend for themselves against a gang of bots, which he felt a bit bad for.
"Well, we didn't think we were gonna." Klonoa answered. "We were trapped in a room with seemingly no way out."
"But then she came through the vents and showed us a way out." Lolo continued, pointing towards the Moo pilot, who smiled back at them.
"Moo-Moo!"
"She says that it was the least she could do." Popka translated for her, before suddenly realising something. "...Hey wait a sec. You're the one we met earlier, aren't ya?"
The Moo nodded her head.
"But wait," Klonoa wondered, "What happened to all the Moos that were trapped in that building?"
"Moo Moo Mo-Moo, Moo-Moo Moo Mo-Moo Moo. Moo Moo Moo-Mo-Moo."
"She said that whilst we distracted the robots, she snuck the Moos out of the tower and sent as many of them as she could to safety via the Pollys."
For a moment, the Moo looked quite proud of herself. However, a saddened expression quickly grew on her face; did she realise something?
"Are you okay?" Lolo asked.
"Moo, Mo-Moo Moooo…"
Upon hearing what she said, Popka also frowned.
"...She said that not everyone made it out alive."
The gang grew silent. There were so many Moos on just one floor, there must've been so many more slaving away on the other levels.
Lolo and Popka looked at each other with concern, before turning their attention towards Klonoa. He was completely still, saying nothing. Despite this, they could tell from his body language that he was frustrated; his head was hung solemnly and his fists were clenched.
"I…I'm really sorry." Lolo eventually spoke up, turning back to the distraught Moo with a sympathetic expression. "But you did what you could. If you hadn't intervened, more would've been lost."
The Moo faced the Priestess, a faint smile appearing on her face and a single tear falling down her cheek. She wiped her eyes with her paws, before turning towards the direction they were flying.
"Moo Moo, Mo-Moo?"
"She asked where we're going." Popka transcribed.
Lolo looked onwards, a determined gleam in her eyes.
"The Claire Moa Temple. We need to see the High Priestess."
Eventually, the heroes reached the gateway of the Temple. Klonoa, Lolo and Popka hopped off the Pollys.
"Thanks for everything!" Lolo said to the Moo.
"Moo-Moo!"
"She said ditto." Popka translated.
"I hope we meet again soon!" Klonoa said with a smile. "Stay safe!"
The trio waved to the Moo as she flew away on her Polly, the other two airborne creatures following behind.
Klonoa looked up at the Temple. It was virtually untouched since the last time he was here. He expected it to have also suffered from the invasion, but he supposed that the High Priestess and her students have been protecting the building, as well as those who are taking refuge within. Lolo opened the doors and walked inside, Klonoa and Popka following suit.
The main hall was definitely busier than he remembered. There were beds and mattresses placed around the space for all the refugees to rest. Some were being tended to by the Priestesses, who were healing wounds and bringing food to those who needed it. Others were just staying close to each other and comforting one another during these dark times.
"Is this all that's left?" Klonoa asked, worried. There was no way these were the only people left alive after he and Pango helped evacuate the village.
"Thankfully, no." Lolo placed a reassuring hand on Klonoa's shoulder, putting him at ease. "The rest are being taken care of in the spare rooms. We've been really busy trying to make sure everyone is safe."
"I can see that. I hope you've been okay during all of this."
"It's been stressful." the Priestess admitted. "We were split into two teams. Team A would go out to hopefully push back the enemies and save any trapped villagers, whilst Team B stayed behind to tend to the injured at the Temple. I was part of Team A, so that's why I was out there and not in here-"
"Lolo?"
Before she could continue explaining, a familiar voice called out to her from the other end of the hall. It was an older woman with long, silky silver hair and ears like Lolo's. She wore a tall, lilac hat and robe, with a blue dress underneath. In her hand, she held a large staff with a green crystal on the end, a yellow orb floating above the gemstone.
"High Priestess!" she said, hastening her steps towards the woman.
"Thank the Goddess you're safe." the High Priestess said in relief.
"Is this everyone?" the young Priestess asked.
"As far as we know, it is. You've done a great job, Lolo. Thanks to you and the others, our people will survive."
"Thanks." Lolo slightly blushed at her compliment, before turning her head to face her friends. "But I didn't do it alone."
The High Priestess turned her attention to the cabbit behind Lolo, holding her hand over her mouth in surprise.
"Klonoa?"
"It's nice to see you again, High Priestess." Klonoa greeted her, bowing his head and smiling. Although they had met before in the past, Klonoa still made sure to act formally towards her.
"It is good to see you too." she resumed, smiling back warmly. "You seem to have grown into a fine lad."
Her smile faded, as she looked back at Lolo. Both she and Klonoa knew that there was still the matter of hand to focus on - catching up can wait.
"Lolo. Did you learn anything about our enemies whilst you were gone?"
"We did." the Priestess replied. "We located a Generator in the Sea of Tears; it was where the robots were being manufactured. They were sent here via cannons. Luckily we managed to shut it down and stop the production."
"Um, we?" Popka butted in, stepping forward. "If I recall, you two idiots got yourselves locked in a room, whilst I managed to break the power source and save the day."
Lolo pouted at her companion, as he was admittedly correct and she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of being a smart aleck, whilst Klonoa chuckled awkwardly in the back.
Popka pulled out the Element that he stashed away earlier, handing it to the High Priestess.
"You had that in your bandanna this whole time and you didn't tell us!?" Lolo blurted out in shock, before realising how loud she was and getting embarrassed.
"Hey, I forgot about it, 'kay? Anyways, this is what was powering the tower."
The High Priestess looked at the orb in her hand, before closing her fist around it.
"It was as I was afraid of." she stated, looking down in dismay. "Whoever is behind this attack has been using the Elements to fuel their goals. If they were able to seize the Element of Tranquility, then they have most likely done the same for the other three. Do you know anything about the enemy's leaders?"
"We took down one of their generals in the Village." Klonoa explained. "Then later on, we encountered some sort of cyborg, bird guy who acted really weird. Both of these people referred to some sort of leader, but that's all we know."
"Don't forget about that symbol, yo." Popka reminded the Dream Traveller.
"Oh, right. All of the enemies we've faced so far had a symbol somewhere on their bodies. It looked like the letter G."
"I see." the High Priestess responded. "I have tried to learn more about the invaders, but they are enveloped in mystery. I cannot seem to identify who they are, nor can I find where they came from."
The woman took a moment to think about the next step.
"Lolo, Klonoa, Popka." she continued. "You must journey to the other Kingdoms; I sense that the other Elements are located there. Find them and free them. I have a premonition that they are the key to all of this."
"Of course, High Priestess."
"You can count on us."
"Heck yeah! Let's kick some robot butt!"
"Thank you." the High Priestess said. "I have sent for an associate to take you to your next destination. They should be arriving any minute now. Please be careful, you three are Lunatea's last hope against these machines."
Klonoa and the trio said their farewells to the High Priestess, before turning around to head towards their next mission.
"Lolo. May I speak with you for a minute?"
"Y-yes ma'am." the Priestess answered. "I'll meet up with you two outside in a second."
Lolo walked back towards her leader, whilst the other two exited the temple and waited outside.
"Is everything okay, High Priestess?" Lolo asked; she could see that something was bothering her superior.
"...It's Klonoa." she stated, concern in her voice. "I sense something different about him. Something unusual. You've felt it too, haven't you?"
"I have noticed that he's been acting off sometimes, like something was bugging him." Lolo agreed. "But I didn't wish to press him for answers."
"I see. He's hiding it well, but I can detect a darkness within his heart. I fear that if that darkness is left to fester, it will consume him over time. We cannot afford to let that come to pass."
She placed a hand on the young Priestess' shoulder.
"Please take care of him. You seem to hold a special connection with him. I trust that you will keep him on the right path."
Lolo grew more perturbed about her friend. She had no idea how deep this inner turmoil went. Was it something she was going to be able to help with? Was Klonoa even going to give her the chance to? If she failed, was she going to lose the person she-?
"It's going to be okay." The High Priestess could tell that Lolo was starting to feel doubt; she gently shook her by the shoulder to snap her out of it. "As long as you are there for him in his darkest moments, there is hope. For him, and for all of Lunatea. We're counting on you."
Lolo closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"I won't let you down, High Priestess. I promise."
With that, she waved farewell to her mentor and joined her friends outside. She wasn't sure of what the future held for herself, her friend, or her home. But she was determined to see things through, and support and protect those who need her.
That was why she became a Priestess, and it is a duty she will stand by, to the end.
~EARLIER~
"So gloat all ya want aboot yur wee victory, ya probably earnt it if ah'm being honest. But in the grand scheme a' things, yur bravado means nothi-AAH!"
His threat was interrupted by a glass shard being launched at the screen, startling him to a point where he jumped back and fell off his chair. He picked himself up off the ground and rubbed the back of his head. He was just about to get back in his chair when-
"What the hell are you doing down there?"
The cyborg jolted at the sudden appearance of a rotund figure behind him, who spoke in a stern, cold manner.
"Gha, ya scared the fockin' daylight oot of me!" he retorted. "...How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to notice something's wrong. What's going on?"
The cyborg let out a heavy sigh.
"Aight, ah got good news, an' ah got bad news."
"Good news first, I like good news." the other figure requested.
"Uuh, ah think yur better off hearin' the bad news fir-"
"Good. News. First. Now." the figure growled impatiently, earning him an eye roll from his cybernetic associate.
"Well, we've got photographic proof of the eejits who battered poor Genrallas and destroyed the Generator in La-Lakoosha."
"Ah, very good." the plump figure said in response. "The enemies should be easier to identify and…wait a damn minute, they did WHAT!?"
"Don't say ah didn't warn ya." the cyborg retorted with a shrug, a hint of snark in his delivery.
The figure took a moment to massage the sides of his temple to ease his frustrations, before calming down again.
"Just show me the ones who did this. If they were able to get through our defences there, they could prove to be formidable pests later down the line."
The cyborg pulled up another screen using one hand, and typed a set of commands on a keyboard with his other two hands. His fourth hand was used to drink a glass containing an alcoholic beverage.
He pulled up archival footage from a camera that was located within the Tower. As he zoomed in on the footage to get a clearer image of the trio, his accomplice looked on with surprise, before a creepy-looking smile crept upon his face from ear to ear.
The rotund man seemed to recognise all three of them, but one in particular stood out to him. They had long, black, furry ears that became white at the tail-end. They wore a white, red and light blue hoodie and dark blue jeans, with yellow gloves and red sneakers. On their head was an indistinguishable blue cap, with an unusual looking yellow symbol on the side of it.
"Ooohohoho yeah…that's him alright." he said, almost excitedly.
"...The mutt?" the bionic figure questioned, puzzled. "He's annoying as 'ell, sure, but he doesn't seem like the kinda lad you'd have history with."
"Not him, you fool." He outstretched his arm and pointed towards Klonoa with his mechanical finger. "Him. He's the one you're after. The one we're after. The Dream Traveller…"
Upon hearing this, the cyborg could feel his anger building. So much so, that he accidentally crushed the glass of alcohol he was holding with his bare hand. That was him, all along, and he had no idea. If he knew beforehand, he would've done everything in his power to blow him sky high. Then again, he'd rather meet the Dream Traveller in person first.
He'd rather kill him with his own four hands.
"Easy now. Save your rage." the figure behind him spoke. "Keep an eye on where he's headed next. I will send out a fleet of drones to survey each of the Kingdoms, as well as the routes that connect each of them. Once he's settled in one area, we will know. Then you can go pay him a little visit."
"Oh, ah intend to, my good friend."
The two started to chuckle with sadistically glee, which then turned into a loud, evil-sounding duet of laughter.
Once the laughter subsided, the rotund figure snapped his fingers, and almost instantly, a Nagapoko appeared. It held a tray containing two more glasses and a bottle of strong liquor. He poured two glasses and handed one to his ally.
"A toast, to the Dream Traveller's impending doom, and to our new, soon-to-be homeworld."
The two clinked their cups together and drank.
"I hope yur ready, lad, cuz ah'm comin' fur ya!"
END OF CHAPTER 2