Elizant

Ant Palace, Throne Room

[First entrance]

Lieutenant: You now stand before Your Majesty, Queen Elizant II.

Leif: (So it's true.)

Elizant: Hmm. So you're the brave ones who've found the Snakemouth Artifact?

Elizant:...Wonderful. So very wonderful!

Elizant: Lieutenant, you are dismissed. You have your own business to attend to.

(minibubble) Lieutenant: As you wish, my Queen.

Elizant: Time is precious. Let us not waste it. The artifact. You may hand it over.

Textbox: Reward first!

Meh. Fine.

Elizant: Ah... A clue into the Everlasting Sapling my mother spent her life looking for…

Elizant: Such beauty. Beauty which should belong to the Ant Kingdom...

Zaryant: Here, you've earned this.

Vi: W-Woah! This is a ton!

Elizant: Brave explorers! You've performed a valiant task. Your place in the history of our kingdom is assured.

Maki: Congratulations. It is praise well-earned!

Kabbu: O-Of course! Thank you, Your Highness!

Vi: Heheh. First bee in the hall of fame!

Leif: Uh. Thanks. Could we ask something, though?

Elizant: I suppose we could afford time for one question. What would it be?

Ant Guard: YOUR HIGHNESS!!!

Zaryant: What? What is this fuss about!?

Ant Guard: U-urgent news! Confidential information! It's about... that!

Elizant: That, you say? Come hither.

Elizant: !!! I see...

Elizant: Maki. I leave you to your mission. While you're at it, inform Artis that the next expedition is confirmed.

Maki: Of course. I shall move out at once, Your Highness.

Elizant: You three...I'll bless you with a head start. Zaryant, brief them about the Golden Hills expedition.

Zaryant: Heed me. Reports state that an ancient artifact lurks in the Golden Hills.

Zaryant: This is a small rural settlement behind our kingdom. It can be reached through a tunnel south from the Explorers' Association.

Vi: Uh, isn't that Bee Kingdom territory?

Elizant: Do not dare interrupt us again, child.

Elizant: The Bee Kingdom is our close ally. They are, of course, aware of our expedition.

Elizant: Now... Talk to the locals, obtain information, and seize the artifact. No matter the cost.

Elizant: Have you understood my command?

Textbox: Of course!

Can you repeat that?

[Of course!]

Zaryant: Alright then. Take this map, just in case. Although, I'd hope you know how to head south...

Leif: Err, thanks. So, about our question…

Elizant: Whatever it was, I am sure it can wait. This is of utmost importance. Head out!

(minibubble) Leif: Tch...

Zaryant: Do not make Your Majesty repeat herself. Move out!

Vi: Geez, alright. Let's go!

Kabbu: Indeed. It'd be unwise to anger our Queen...

Textbox: Chapter 2: Sacred Golden Hills

[coming back with the Tablet]

Neo: Oh! You've all come! I must say, you're just in time.

Leif: (It's really crowded… those questions will have to wait.)

Elizant: Tell us without further ado, Team Snakemouth. Have you found the artifact hidden in the Golden Hills?

Vi: Yup! We're ready for that reward!

Elizant: Wonderful! This timing is simply impeccable.

Elizant: I must congratulate you, for bringing this artifact to my care.

Elizant: This must be sign of even more good things to come. For the Ant Kingdom and Bugaria.

Kabbu: It was our honor, Your Highness!

Elizant: Zaryant, please collect the artifact and hand them their rewards.

Zaryant: As you command, my Queen.

Zaryant: You have earned this, Team Snakemouth.

Vi: Heheh. Thanks again! The Vi Bank keeps filling!

Neo: Oh! M-may I take a look, as we discussed?

Elizant: Yes. Make haste, Zaryant.

Zaryant: Handle it with care, Professor.

Neo: O-Of course!

Neo: Yes...YES! My research held true!

Neo: This tablet must contain information on how to find the Everlasting Sapling!

Vi: What? But that's just a bunch of blue lines!

Neo: Oho, Vi! That's where that mask you found in Snakemouth comes in!

Kina: I-It really was a mask!? I thought it was just a weird rock…

Kabbu: Heheh, so I was right!

Leif: Don't boast, Kabbu.

Neo: Listen now, the mask is an interpreter! Through it, these lines morph into the Roach Alphabet!

(minibubble) Kina: (Who cares...)

Neo: I cannot tell how it actually works, but the Roaches had such marvelous technology! I'm smitten!

Elizant: Wonderful... Very, very wonderful...!

Elizant: We are making progress in finding the sapling. Finally.

Leif: What do you need the Everlasting Sapling for?

Elizant: ...That is not for you to know.

Leif: Tch…

Elizant: Just know, that with it my mother's dream will come true at last.

Leif: (Elizant's dream?)

Elizant: Professor. How long will it take you to decipher this tablet?

Neo: Oh, um...it will be some time. Even with the mask, the runes are still in Roach Script. S-Sorry.

Elizant: I see. Fret not, that leaves us with time to retrieve the other artifact.

Celia: There's another one?

Neo: Mhm. My research indicates there are three artifacts.

Neo: With the missing key, we can "unlock" the Everlasting Sapling!

Levi: Then...we're almost at the finish line!

Neo: YES! And given what we know, the key should be in the Bee Kingdom!

Vi: R-Really?

Neo: Long ago, before knowing of its real nature, they used it when building the Honey Factory's Core.

Neo: But I'm not sure if they will give it to us, because taking it out will shut down the whole thing…

Vi: It'll shut down the factory? B-But...

Zaryant: Do not worry, both of you.

Zaryant: We have sent our envoys to the Bee Kingdom ever since you told us about the key.

Zaryant: Finally, they have agreed to let us take it, in exchange for materials to build a replacement.

Kabbu: That is wonderful!

Neo: Oh, joy! Then it won't cause them any trouble!

Kina: So the job's trading these materials for the artifact?

Elizant: Precisely. That is your next mission.

Elizant: And luckily, a young Bee joined your ranks recently. She will be of great help in this mission.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Vi...

Vi: …

(minibubble) Leif: Oh right...

Celia: Geez. Team Snakemouth is on a roll, aren't they?

Levi: It's all fair game, Celia. We have our own tasks to excel at.

Elizant: With that, you are all dismissed.

Elizant: Except Team Snakemouth and Team Celia. I wish to have a word with you.

Kina: Well, guess we'll be going now…

(minibubble) Kina: I wish Maki was here...

Elizant: Now, I've kept you here to ask about the wasp situation.

Elizant: The professor has mentioned you all helped him when he was attacked. For that, you have my gratitude.

(minibubble) Neo: ...

Levi: We are unworthy, Your Highness. We only did what any explorer ought to.

(minibubble) Kabbu: S-So cool...

Celia: It was worrying, though. They seem to know about the artifacts somehow…

Elizant: Then it is as I feared. We are running out of time.

Elizant: You must all remain on guard, and avoid the northern border with the Wasp Kingdom at all costs.

Levi: As you wish, Your Highness.

Elizant: To reach the Bee Kingdom, you must travel southeast from the Association, and take the first north exit.

Elizant: With my permission, explorers may now cross the passage to the Lost Sands.

Zaryant: Be wary, however. The number of bandits in the Lost Sands has been increasing lately.

Zaryant: Head straight to Defiant Root as soon as possible, to enter the Bee Hive.

(minibubble) Vi: ...

Kabbu: We will get it done, Your Highness!

(minibubble) Leif: Uh huh...

Zaryant: Dismissed!

Textbox: Chapter 3: Factory Inspection

Levi: That being said, we do have some things to take care of first.

Levi: If you have time, perhaps you could check out the Quest Board in the Plaza...?

Celia: Try not to clear the mission too quickly, so we may catch up!

Leif: No promises.

[returning with first key half]

Elizant: Team Snakemouth, it is my joy to see you return with good news once more.

Leif: We've brought the artifact, Elizant.

Mothiva: And by WE he means all of us, isn't that right?

Vi: Nah-

Kabbu: Indeed. Without Zasp, Mothiva, Gen and Eri we might have not succeeded.

(minibubble) Vi: Oi!

Neo: Heheh. It's nice to see you all working as a team!

Elizant: Today marks a historic day. We have finally found all the artifacts! If only words could show my gratitude.

Elizant: Zaryant, please hand them their reward. I can only hope it's enough to mark this wonderful day.

(minibubble) Zaryant: As you command!

Mothiva: My, this might have been worth the trouble. A new brooch is coming!

(minibubble) Vi: Woohoo!

Neo: M-May I?

Elizant: Inspect it, professor. Mark the end of this long search!

Neo: Oh, crud. Ah heck. Splinters.

Elizant: ...Speak. Now.

Neo: This...isn't the whole artifact!

Everyone: WHAT!?

Elizant: Explain yourself! NOW! Was this not in your notes!?

Neo: L-Look, this artifact has a small mechanism at the bottom… It's missing a half!

Kabbu: A half? Curses! Where would we even start to look?

Elizant: We were so close! Time is running out…

Leif: What do you mean?

Zaryant: The Wasp Kingdom grows bolder each day. We hoped we could gather them all before they made their move.

Vi: T-Their move? Are they going to invade or something?

Zasp: Calm yourselves down. We just need to find the other half quickly.

Delilah: Is that so? You're gonna love this, then!

Kabbu: Oh! Stratos! Delilah!

Elizant: My esteemed scout team. You have something to share?

Stratos: If we overheard right, a half is missing. Yes?

Delilah: We're super sure it's within the Lost Sands! There's this peculiar area we have staked out for days.

Neo: The sands hide more secrets still? Incredible!

Stratos: In the most plain of corners, a Sand Castle hides.

Stratos: But only with two special keys will the winds uncover it.

(minibubble) Zasp: Tch. More keys...

Delilah: We suspect the missing artifact is there.

Delilah: It used to be an area previously inhabited by the roaches, according to my notes.

Elizant: A Sand Castle, you say? Where would its keys be?

Stratos: The mayor of Defiant Root holds this secret. But he asked that we told everyone here first.

Elizant: This is great news! We have a lead again.

Elizant: Zaryant! Reward them. They have prevented this day from being an utmost disaster.

Delilah: Oh, it was nothing my Queen. We live to find secrets!

Delilah: We'll head out ahead to investigate further, just reward us later. Tah tah!

(minibubble) Stratos: Stay safe.

Elizant: I would send Maki, but he has yet to return from his mission.

Elizant: Team Mothiva, Team Snakemouth…

Mothiva: Leave it to me, my Queen. That key will be yours before you realize we've gone.

Vi: You bet! And we'll be the ones to bring it!

Kabbu: C-Can't we cooperat-

(minibubble) Vi, Mothiva: NO!

Zasp: Some healthy competition won't be the worst.

Leif: Suit yourselves. We'll finish this search.

Neo: Best of luck, everyone!

Elizant: Your orders are clear. Speak to the mayor of Defiant Root, and begin your search!

Textbox: Chapter 4: Mysterious Lost Sands

Mothiva: Although honestly, the sand gets all over my fluff! And I've got errands to run.

Mothiva: Being a star and an explorer is so taxing!

Vi: Aw. Boohoo.

Zasp: Go, Mothiva. I will manage until your return.

Mothiva: Heheh. This is why you're my partner! See ya, Snakemouth losers!

Zasp: Who knows? Without her there, we might actually help each other.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Zasp…!

Leif: Let's make sure to finish any of our business before departing.

Kabbu: Stocking up on some items would be wise, as well.

Vi: There's some spikes in the desert, right? If we could cross 'em, we could search a bunch more places!

Leif: Spikes aren't much compared to electric shocks. Our Bubble Shield should be able to get us across.

Kabbu: Excellent! Let's prepare and see what new paths we can explore!

[first wasp invasion]

Zaryant: Y-You... Ngh...!

Hoaxe: Hm. You can still speak after bearing my Slayer.

Elizant: Give it up, you Wasp scum! You know nothing of what I can do.

Hoaxe: If your troops were trained by you, I know more than enough.

Leif: Elizant!

Hoaxe: I will say it is impressive...how many vermin care for your pathetic rule.

Elizant: Those "vermin" are of my most trusted explorers. They can dispatch you with ease!

Hoaxe: Spare me your names. I'll forget soon after I get rid of you.

Vi: S-Shut up! You messed up the whole town!

Kabbu: We won't let you continue unchecked!

Leif: Elizant, stand back. We'll show this clown the door.

[post-battle]

Kabbu: T-Too...strong...

Vi: ...Leif...! C-Can't you freeze him?!

Leif: He's...too powerful.

(minibubble) Leif: Gah!

(minibubble) Vi: The artifact!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Leif!

Elizant: Give it back, fiend!

Hoaxe: As if. Give me the other artifacts before I take them off you!

Hoaxe: !!!

Maki: My Queen!

Elizant: Maki! You are LATE!

Maki: Forgive me, Your Majesty. It seems my mission took way longer than expected.

Hoaxe: ...Hmph. At least I managed to snag one artifact.

Elizant: You will return it, with or without your head. And I won't spare you the time to weigh the odds!

Hoaxe: Taunt as you may. You cannot stop me!

Hoaxe: Take care of your vault, you pathetic Ant. I'll come for it soon enough.

Maki: It seems I arrived just in time. I am glad to see you safe.

Kina: MAKI!!

Kina: Maki! MAKI!! There you are!!!

Kina: Are you safe?! What happened?!

Maki: I got sidetracked. Thankfully it seems everything is resolved.

Elizant: Thankfully? Your delay nearly ruined us!

Maki: There are no words to apologize for my fault.

Kina: I-It wasn't your fault, Maki...

Zaryant: I'm...too glad this is over...to be upset…

Leif: Thank you, Maki. We truly owe you one.

Vi: Thought that was it for a while…

Elizant: This is NOT over, Zaryant. That lowlife has taken the artifact.

Kabbu: Indeed. We're at fault as well…

Neo: W-What matters is we're all okay.

Elizant: No. We MUST recover the artifact!

Leif: We still hold the others. Should we rush into this?

Maki: We could hold down the castle, and-

Elizant: SILENCE.

(minibubble) Vi: Eep!

Zaryant: M-My Queen…

Vi: W-What's the rush anyways?

Elizant: That artifact is the other half of the Ancient Key.

Elizant: Do you not remember where its partner was procured from?

Kabbu: ...! The Honey Factory's Core! Then that half has incredible energy!

Neo: Would they even know how to, um, harness it?

Elizant: We cannot afford to find out. You must pursue.

Elizant: They have surely gone north, back to the Far Grasslands.

Kabbu: WHAT!? Are...are you sure of this!?

Leif: Woah. Take it easy.

Elizant: I take it there's no objections?

Kabbu: No! We will handle this task! We'll go right away!

(minibubble) Vi: Huh?

Elizant: The border is east of Defiant Root, so our tunnels should let us catch up.

Leif: Can we win, however?

Vi: That magic was really strong... Almost burnt my fur!

Maki: We'll accompany them, my Queen. Together we should be more than a match.

Zaryant: I'll, ngh...work with the others to bring the town to normal.

Zaryant: You'll need some war funds, right? ...I've got this on me. Please take it.

Leif: Looks like it's settled. We'll prepare and move out.

Elizant: Go, Team Maki. Team Snakemouth. Retrieve the artifact with haste!

Kabbu: (I'm...I'm ready to return!)

Textbox: Chapter 5: The Far Wildlands

Maki: Kina, Yin and I will meet you at the Wasp border. Make haste, Team Snakemouth.

Kabbu: ...Oh! Uhm, who is this Yin? I have not heard this name before…

Kina: Sigh. Long story. Let's do this mission first, okay?

Kabbu: (If we're with Maki, I'll have even better chances!)

Vi: Oi, Kabbu. Are you okay?

Leif: You'd normally be telling us to be careful and stuff.

Kabbu: I...I don't want to speak of it yet. Give me some time to think…

Kina: Are you done chatting? Don't keep Maki waiting!

[second wasp invasion]

Kabbu: You vile filth! Step away from the Queen!

Maki: T-Team Snakemouth...I'm sorry. My injury…

(minibubble) Elizant: Nghgh..

Vanessa: You blasted usurper! Will you burn all of Bugaria to the ground to reach your foolish ambitions!?

Hoaxe: Hmph. You're all so pathetic. Pitiable.

Hoaxe: A King holds absolute power over his people. He is not meant to serve... He is to be served!

Hoaxe: To command! To possess! To enjoy! That is the privilege of royalty! And it shall all be mine!

Hoaxe: You haven't learned your lesson? Shall I thaw out your ice in flame once and for all?

Vi: Like we'd fall for the same trick twice!

Hoaxe: You WOULD!

Kina: Team Snakemouth!

Neo: Kabbu!

Hoaxe: MOVE!

Maki: KINA!!!

Elizant: Stop! You will hurt my people no longer!

Hoaxe: Hand them over. All of them.

Hoaxe: Or I will pry them from your carcass!

Elizant: …

Zaryant: N-No! If we do, he'll…

Hoaxe: You have until my axe swings... To say YES!

Elizant: ...

Hoaxe: It'll be all the same, when I come back with the power of the Everlasting Sapling.

Hoaxe: You shall all bow to me once more - but you shall keep breathing.

Hoaxe: Enjoy your last days of peace, lowlives!

Elizant: Grrr...…curse it all...!

Leif: We lost... That's no way to end a show…

Maki: My Queen, all I've done is fail you…

Kina: Stay still, Maki... You're even more hurt than me.

Neo: It's okay. A-At least we're all safe…

Vi: It's not! He's just gonna get the sapling and come back!

Kabbu: What could be the source of his power…

Leif: Elizant…

Leif: No, Queen. Thank you. For choosing to save us.

Elizant: ...

Elizant: I do not deserve your gratitude. I've failed everyone. You, my loyal people. My mother, the Queen…

Elizant: It would be folly to pretend I deserve this royal mask.

(minibubble) Leif: ...

Zaryant: My Queen... That's not true! We couldn't ask for one better!

Zaryant: You are our mother! Our beacon of hope!

Elizant: Thank you, Zaryant. But now all has been taken away from us. The Wasp King possesses the keys to find the sapling.

Elizant: I have failed as both your Queen and mother of our people.

Zaryant: N-No…

Vanessa: ...I know I am an outsider to all this, but may I speak?

Vanessa: When the King usurped my people, I cowered and hid. I have never raised a blade…

Vanessa: I simply believed my subjects would always follow me, no matter what.

Vanessa: I don't know how, but he turned them all on me just like that…

Vanessa: If you are not a Queen, I am but a peasant.

Maki: I would never serve one without conviction and integrity.

Kabbu: You've given us all the chance to thrive in your city!

Elizant: …

Elizant: Your words are kind, but I cannot accept them.

Elizant: As we speak, the Wasp King must be heading towards the Everlasting Sapling…

Elizant: Yet we have no way to pursue…

Leif: Elizant, please answer us finally. Why do you desire the sapling? Why go through all this?

Kabbu: I assumed it would be to keep yourself young and fit to rule…

Vi: Uh, right. No one wants to get old!

Elizant: ...Fair assumptions. But no, it was never something for my own gain.

Elizant: I might as well tell you, then. The reason for my search.

Elizant: The true Queen, Elizant I... My mother, she yet lives.

Elizant: She was put in a deep slumber, using crystal energy. A sort of stasis.

Elizant: It was her dream to get the sapling so she could continue to rule Bugaria for years to come.

Elizant: ...I wished only to bring her back with it.

Elizant: A graceful Queen, loved by all. A diplomatic genius, who ended wars without combat.

Elizant: I longed for her return... So that I may concede my throne to her.

Elizant: For she is so much more than I have ever been.

Leif: …

Leif: We truly thought wrong of your intentions. But the truth sounds even more insane…

Vi: Wow! That's awesome!

(minibubble) Maki: ...

(minibubble) Kina: ...

(minibubble) Leif: ...

Kabbu: Um, I'm not sure if that would be my reaction…

Vi: We need to go beat up the King! Whatever he wants isn't any better!

Kabbu: If we knew where he was going, we would have some chance, but…

Neo: A-Actually! I do know where! Probably!

Kina: Were you ever gonna tell us? Speak up!

Neo: R-Right. I was, uh, waiting for the right moment. The King is certainly going for the sapling, yeah?

Neo: Analyzing everything we know so far, my conclusion is the sapling must be in the Giant's Lair!

(minibubble) Elizant: ...

Vi: You mean that giant wall we can see from the big tree? The haunted place?! THAT Giant's Lair?!?!

Elizant: A towering behemoth of steel and wood, said to have housed the previous rulers of these lands. The so called giants.

Elizant: It is forbidden to go there. None who enter have come back.

Maki: ...In hindsight, it makes sense it'd be there. Even if we needed the artifacts to enter.

Kina: We need a boat to get there though. Doubt the Wasps will let us sail in fine and dandy.

Zaryant: Tch. They were one step ahead of us. We had just received reports that the ships at the pier were sunk by the Wasps!

Vi: W-What do we do, then? Bees can't build boats or anything...

Vanessa: ...! If you'd allow me to suggest something, why not ask the Termite Kingdom?

Vi: There's a Termite Kingdom?

Kabbu: They are an isolationist yet advanced society that lives just outside Bugaria…

Kabbu: They hate daylight so they don't make much contact.

Kabbu: Some species go for a visit, but they forbid entrance to all Ants.

Leif: ...Or that's how they used to be. Right, our Queen?

Elizant: When my mother went into her sleep, I was not...skilled enough to maintain her level of diplomacy. And our alliance fell apart.

(minibubble) Zaryant: My Queen...

Elizant: But they are our only hope. I will go, injured though I may be. I shall request an audience and do what it takes.

Zaryant: I must oppose! The Termites live deep in the Forsaken Lands! That area is teeming with dangerous beasts!

Zaryant: You must NOT put yourself in such danger! I will prepare envoys at once!

Elizant: If this was any other time, I would agree with you... But there is no choice!

Elizant: We are only in dire straits because of me. I will go myself, and that is final.

Zaryant: Hnngh…

Maki: If only I was strong as you, my Queen. Injured as I am…

Elizant: Maki, Zaryant, you two rally up all explorers. Do not let rumors and panic spread.

Elizant: When we return, we shall strike the Wasps.

Elizant: They most certainly have seized the Rubber Prison as we speak.

Elizant: That is the only known way inside the Giant's Lair from Bugaria.

Elizant: But right now we will move to the Forsaken Lands. I will need an escort to ensure I arrive at the Termite Kingdom.

Elizant: Team Snakemouth, I shall wait for you in the Golden Path Tunnel. The old entrance to the Forsaken Lands is located there.

Elizant: Also, Vanessa, please feel free to stay at our palace.

Elizant: We do not have much to offer, but we will make sure to treat you as you deserve.

Vanessa: Why, you have my gratitude Elizant. It seems you misjudge your ability to impress and court!

Vanessa: Our mothers may have had trouble in the past, but we can change the relationship between Ants and Wasps for generations to come.

Elizant: ...Is that so? Then let us share a meal when this is all dealt with.

Elizant: Team Snakemouth, we must hurry. Do not keep me waiting.

Zaryant: Team Snakemouth... Please protect the Queen.

Leif: You can count on us.

Textbox: Chapter 6: Assault on Rubber Prison

Golden Path, Tunnel

Ant Guard: My Queen, are you sure about this? These lands are very dangerous…

Elizant: If there was any other way, I assure you I would take it.

Kabbu: The Forsaken Lands... Do the rumours hold true?

Elizant: Many dangerous beasts roam in the Forsaken Lands, some even disguise themselves in various forms.

Elizant: Famished creatures, always waiting for their next meal in this land where plants only grow by miracles.

(minibubble) Vi: Eep!

Elizant: But heed me! Nothing in this land compares to the horror we will live if the Wasps get the sapling.

Kabbu: I've heard that Termites dislike Ants heavily. Would they open their doors?

Elizant: We can only hope they realize this matter concerns them as well.

Leif: Having a Queen with us is not the worst insurance.

Elizant: Let's proceed at once. You are to keep me safe, but I will support you where I can.

Kabbu: Leave it to us!

Guard: Be careful out there, my Queen. The real horror would be a kingdom without you…

Elizant: My loyal subject, I thank you. Please wait faithfully for our return.

Textbox: As long as Elizant is following the party, you are now able to use the Royal Decree skill in battle!

Forsaken Lands, Entrance

Patton: Wo-hoh! Are these normal bugs I see?

Elizant: Patton! So this is where you crawled to after your exile…

Vi: Who's this guy?

Patton: Oh, just a little scientist.

Elizant: A MAD scientist, with no concept of ethics or safety regulations!

Patton: Oi oi, my stuff never hurt nobody...too badly.

Elizant: ...I do not have time for a trip down memory lane.

Patton: You all seem pretty uh, buzzed out. Must be real serious.

Kabbu: We must travel to the Termite Kingdom, or all of Bugaria will be doomed!

(minibubble) Elizant: Kabbu.

Patton: Boy, that sounds rough. It wouldn't help my research at all either.

Leif: If you've got any tips, it'd help. This is some thick fog…

Patton: Nothing to be done about that, but…

Patton: This land's full of trash yeah? Bugs've been marking it to remember the correct path.

Patton: So long as there's not a forked road, if you keep your eyes open you should be fine.

Elizant: Patton... Thank you for your assistance.

Patton: Now, about that there exile…

Elizant: We will discuss that when the kingdom is safe. Please keep your...trinkets here for now.

Patton: Hehehehe. Alright. Drop by if you ever want a peek at 'em!

Forsaken Lands, Beefly

[Overworld Spy, before getting Fly, with Elizant]

Leif: A dead end...?

Elizant: Too early to say. Let us inspect.

[Story]

Kabbu: Curses. The bridge is out! However shall we cross?

Leif: Let's look around. We've always found a way.

Elizant: I dare say you've been thwarted this once.

Vi: Uh, yeah…

Elizant: These lands are disorienting as is. Would there be a path we missed?

Leif: Not in this direction, from what we've seen…

Vi: Are you uh, 100% sure?

Kabbu: If only we could cross this smallest of gaps...

Elizant: Vi.

Vi: M-My Queen?

Elizant: You shall carry us one by one across the ravine.

Vi: WHAT!?

(minibubble) Leif: Oh ho.

Kabbu: We've tried this approach, and…

Elizant: If it was a vast canyon I would reconsider, but there is no time.

Elizant: Vi, this is an order. You must try.

Vi: I can't do it alone! Just carrying Kabbu'd be hard enough!

Leif: We'll support, Vi. Come on, try it out.

Kabbu: You...can do that?

Leif: Been practicing.

Elizant: Then there is no longer an excuse! Vi, fly with haste!

Vi: Grrr...I'm gonna be all sore... Fine, whatever! Leave it to me!

Textbox: Vi can now fly! Simply hold |button,5| and she will carry the party across short gaps!

Textbox: Vi can now also use the Fly Drop skill in battle!

Forsaken Lands, Pumpkins

[Overworld Spy, with Elizant]

Kabbu: Impressive. Pumpkins have managed to grow in these barren lands!

Vi: Time for lunch!

Elizant: Well, I do quite enjoy Plumpling Pie. It has been some time…

Leif: They grow in the Golden Settlement too, yeah?

Kabbu: Then this must be an act of mercy from Venus!

Vi: It's just pumpkins, Kabbu...

Forsaken Lands, Rock

[first examination of top of rocks, with Elizant]

Elizant: Witness it, my knights. The Termite Kingdom.

Vi: ...It's just a big rock?

Kabbu: Think of that big rock as their Hive, Vi.

Leif: It's more than close enough. We've just got to go north.

Elizant: With haste. Bugaria cannot wait for us to complete our mission!

Forsaken Lands, Miniboss

Elizant: ...What was that hideous screech?

Leif: Just a cute monster. Let us deal with it.

Vi: With a good ol' beatdown!

Kabbu: Now, everyon-

Elizant: Stand firm and proud, my knights! We are mere steps from our goal!

Elizant: CRUSH this insolent creature that dares defy our most sacred mission! Have no mercy!

Kabbu: ...That works, too. To battle!

[post-battle]

Elizant: Excellent work. The kingdom is within our reach, thanks to your efforts.

Vi: No problem!

Cross: Halt! Who goes there!

Poi: A Primal Weevil! The new radar is working as the professor hoped.

Poi: You there! You defeated this beast? You have our thanks.

Leif: As said before, no problem.

Elizant: You must be soldiers from the Termite Kingdom, or am I wrong?

Poi: ...!!! Cross, she's…

Cross: You're the Ant Queen! You dare tread our borders!?

Elizant: Indeed. I bear grave news. Bugaria - and your kingdom - are at risk of a great calamity.

Cross: ...What do we do, Poi? No one would cross these lands for a cruel joke.

Poi: It's not for us to decide.

Cross: Come on! What if it's really serious!

Kabbu: I-It is! I beg of you, you must let us talk to your rulers!

Elizant: Kabbu, you ought to let me do the negotiating.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Oops...

Poi: ...Alright. At the very least, you saved us the trouble of capturing this beast.

Cross: We'll meet you back at the gate after delivering the Weevil and informing the Royal Guard.

Cross: Please wait for us there.

Leif: You're taking it with you?

Poi: Nothing shady, I assure you. Just some research.

Vi: Right…

Elizant: Thank you for your concession. We'll meet you at the entrance.

Poi: I do warn you though, the King will not be happy to see you.

Cross: Nor the Queen. So best of luck.

Leif: That went well.

Elizant: As expected, Ants are still not welcome in their land. Such is our history.

Kabbu: It will be okay! This matter concerns every Bugarian!

Vi: Just do your magic Queen diplomacy!

Elizant: ...Let's go.

Termite Kingdom, Outside

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: The Termites live here? Really?

Leif: Not the most inviting of entrances, that's for sure.

Kabbu: Do not judge, my friends. Some of the most astounding technology lays beneath this dome!

Vi: You can be smart and look ugly, you know…

Kabbu: That's not what I...*Sigh*

[Story, ch6]

Poi: You're here, good.

Cross: You're free to go in. But Ant Queen... I'd suggest you go directly to the castle.

Cross: It's straight ahead from the plaza. The less people see you, the less fuss there will be.

Elizant: I understand. We thank you once more.

Poi: We've had many years of peace. Don't make us regret letting you in.

Kabbu: (To treat a Queen in that manner…)

Termite Kingdom, Main Plaza

Elizant: Team Snakemouth, your job is complete. Thank you for your service.

Elizant: I hope you'll meet me at the table for the negotiations.

Vi: See you there, Lisa!

Elizant: ...Yes, see you there.

Leif: Did you really just call the Ant Queen "Lisa"?

Kabbu: It's too informal!

Vi: You two gotta learn to relax! Let's look around and catch up!

Termite Kingdom, Royal Chamber

Elizant: …

Leif: Um, Queen?

Elizant: Team Snakemouth.

Vi: You gonna go in?

Elizant: ...…

Elizant: I'm a bit nervous.

Leif: It's not often a Queen's the one requesting an audience.

Elizant: If only it was just that. I cannot help but think that if I fail, we are all doomed.

Kabbu: Queen, y-

Poi: So the report was true... To think someone like you would come here.

Cross: Our royals will now grace you. Don't pull anything funny.

Elizant: ...Let's go.

Hector: Oh my lovely, the guards just handed me a most jolly report!

Layra: Is that so? What is it, dear?

Hector: They said a visitor that will surprise us has arrived! They should be here soon!

Layra: Oh, my dear! It really is…

Hector: …

Hector: ........

Hector: YOU!!!

Hector: How DARE you walk into my hall, and break the moons long separation of our people?!

Elizant: Your eminences…

Hector: That is KING Hector IV and Queen Layra II for you, Ant!

Elizant: My apologies, King Hector. Queen Layra.

Hector: HECTOR IV! Not HECTOR!

(minibubble) Elizant: ...

Layra: Dear, watch yourself. You'll faint from disgust.

Hector: ...What is your business!?

(minibubble) Hector: What?

Elizant: I won't mince words nor play around the issue. The Ant Kingdom has been raided by the Wasps.

Elizant: My people have been hurt, and the artifacts of old have been taken…

Layra: The artifacts? So you did find them after so much struggle…

Hector: And then you incompetently lost them!

Elizant: ...Indeed. The Wasp King holds power I had never witnessed.

Elizant: Even my loyal knights, Vi, Kabbu and Leif, had a hard time with the Wasp King.

Vi: Nice to meet you!

Kabbu: I-It is my honor.

(minibubble) Leif: Sup.

Hector: Hmph, threw away that Maki of yours?

Elizant: He was injured in the attack. It would have not been prudent for him to come.

Layra: Such a varied team... It seems just about anyone can get into Bugaria nowadays.

Vi: What's that supposed to mean?

Leif: Vi, you've gotta shut it this once.

(minibubble) Vi: Hmph.

Hector: What's it to us, then? You ruled poorly, and got your trinkets stolen.

Layra: You presume we should worry? As if our great defenses would be felled by some Wasps.

Layra: This dome of ours has survived storms without a single scratch.

Elizant: You truly think so? That the Wasp King, who's found the magic of flame…

Elizant: And will soon obtain the full power of the Everlasting Sapling, shall be of no threat to you?

Layra: F-Flame, you say?

Hector: That sapling is a darn myth, that drove your mother insane!

Hector: Oh, how many more moons we could have had with her, if she hadn't been so obsessed!

Elizant: It is NOT a myth!

Hector: Watch your tone, Ant!

Elizant: We found the mask, the tablet and the key. Or were those myths as well?!

Elizant: The King is heading towards the Giant's Lair, an area none dare to tread!

Elizant: He would lead a crazed army towards such a place based on simple hearsay? Open your eyes!

(minibubble) Hector: ...

(minibubble) Layra: ...

Elizant: You think I would travel the wasteland personally, and bear brunt to your crass tone…

Elizant: If all of Bugaria wasn't facing great peril? You think of me so pathetically!?

Elizant: I accepted and respected our treaty, after our negotiations turned sour.

Elizant: I am not asking you to change your mind in that regard…

Elizant: But if you care for your people, you won't turn a blind eye to the danger heading our way!?

Hector: Grr…

Layra: Dear, calm yourself. You're being blinded by the past.

Hector: You can't truly mean she's swayed you!

Layra: Ants are unrefined in many ways... They cannot match our intellect either.

Layra: But they do not yield under pressure, and work very hard. It is nature's way.

Layra: I know you speak the truth, Queen Elizant II.

Hector: Layra, you were always too soft!

Layra: And you too stubborn. That's why I am by your side.

Hector: ...…

Hector: ...What would you ask of us?

Elizant: Although it would be for the best for our nations to try and reconcile…

Elizant: Right now, what we need is a way to head towards the Giant's Lair.

Leif: A way to cross the sea.

Layra: Dear, weren't the scientists…

Hector: You mean that? You'd TRUST them with that?!

Layra: Oh, it's missing just a few touches. It'd be a fun test ride.

(minibubble) Hector: *grumble*

Elizant: Will you help us, then, in protecting Bugaria?

Hector: I'm not convinced!

(minibubble) Layra: Dear...

Hector: You say your knights lost to that puny Wasp? You think our soldiers wouldn't match up?

Hector: I wish for proof of the enemy's strength.

Leif: We do not think you'd wish for their visit upon your kingdom…

Hector: That still needs some time to be completed.

Hector: Before then, I would have you participate in our ancient tradition.

Layra: Ah... The Colosseum!

Kabbu: You'd have us fight for sport?

Vi: That's my type of diplomacy!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Vi...

Hector: If your people best our brave warriors, then we might be in a real pickle.

Hector: Your knights will face off in glorious combat, and then I shall decide!

Elizant: You won't let me join them?

Layra: I would like for you and I to discuss some other matters as the fight goes on...if you don't mind.

Kabbu: Leave it to us, my Queen! We'll do well!

Leif: Mhm. They'll see we're not joking around.

Vi: It's been a while since a public smackdown!

Hector: You will find the Colosseum around the residential district of our kingdom.

Hector: Do not dally. Your kingdom is against the clock, after all.

Layra: We'll start the ceremony shortly after you arrive.

Layra: I hope you can provide a good show!

Elizant: My apologies, Team Snakemouth. But I will be counting on you.

Elizant: Do not fail!

Kabbu: You can count on us, your majesty!

Vi: Let's go to the Colosseum!

Elizant: I shall discuss some matters with Queen Layra. I'm counting on you!

[after Colosseum]

Elizant: Team Snakemouth. I've heard of your exploits. You bring honor to our kingdom!

Leif: Oh yes. That's what we're here for.

Hector: Grumble...

Layra: Oh sweetie. You've got to get over it.

Hector: GRUMBLE...

Layra: I'll start, then.

Layra: We acknowledge your plight. The Termite Kingdom stands much to lose over this issue.

Layra: Our finest engineers have been working on a prototype vehicle.

Layra: It is able to operate and travel under the water. It should be just what you need.

Hector: We call it the Subaquatic Maritime Neotransport! We're very proud of it.

Layra: Ehm, I like to call it Submarine for short.

Hector: Subaquatic Maritime Neotransport! Layra, you are undermining me!

Elizant: I thank both of you from the bottom of my heart. Our people will be able to fight back now.

Vi: Um, so it goes under the water? W-What if it breaks?

Hector: It is impossible for it to sink! It is our most advanced machine!

Kabbu: ...Err, yes. But what if it does?

Elizant: It shall not. On my name! Please don't think with such cynicism.

Leif: Alright then. Very reassuring.

Hector: Sigh. It's stationed at the pier, in the rightmost part of the city.

Layra: Our head of research should be there to explain how it functions.

Elizant: Excellent. We shall draw it to the Outskirt Pier, to make sure everything is in order.

Layra: ...And, Queen Elizant.

Elizant: Yes?

Layra: If you'll have them, please let some of our people travel with you. They are eager to see your land.

Kabbu: ...! You will cease the separation?

Layra: Only for now. A small step. We'll purchase a bit of land, see how things go…

(minibubble) Hector: I can't handle this...

Elizant: Queen Layra, King Hector IV...I...I am very grateful. For everything. We are in your eternal debt.

(minibubble) Hector: Finally...

Hector: You better repay it when the time comes! Or else!

Leif: She will. Our Queen is honest and honorable.

Elizant: Thank you, Leif. To have earned your backing is most pleasing.

Hector: Please, go and make haste.

Hector: ...And protect Bugaria. Don't make me regret any of this.

Layra: We're counting on you, after all.

Elizant: I shall go ahead and check on the submarine. Please meet me at the pier whenever you are ready.

Termite Kingdom, Pier

Biggs: You've arrived! Behold, our Subaquatic Maritime Neotransport!

Leif: It's...like nothing we've seen. For better or worse.

Kabbu: It can truly travel under the tides?

Biggs: Give it a whirl. You'll have the time of your life.

Biggs: Bugs have never been able to travel this way!

Vi: Wew...okay. I'm gonna trust it.

Vi: We can finally go get the Everlasting Sapling!

Vi: And beat up the King, too!

Leif: This long journey's nearing its end.

Kabbu: But we must not rest until we're victorious!

Elizant: It's a bit too early to rally.

Elizant: Let's head to the Outskirts Pier. We must pick up our reinforcements.

Biggs: It's a very intuitive tech. You can move as you usually would.

Biggs: Just dive with |button,5| when there's danger. Just in case!

Leif: Let's 'give it a whirl', then. Time's running out.

Elizant: Let's hurry to the Outskirts Pier, it should be just north of here.

Metal Lake, Bugaria Pier

Ant Guard: Y-your Majesty! You have returned!

Elizant: Indeed. That was an experience like no other…

Kabbu: I-I'm glad we've all made it.

(minibubble) Vi: S-Same...

Leif: It was surprisingly sturdy.

Wedge: So this is Bugaria. It's greener than I'd heard of.

Twin: The sunlight is so warm…

(minibubble) Twin: Too warm, though...

Tiver: And the breeze so heavenly!

Elizant: It is my pleasure to welcome you to our land.

Leif: What's our next step, then?

Elizant: I will escort our allies to the city, as part of our deal.

Elizant: Wedge, was it?

Wedge: Yes, Queen?

Elizant: I trust the royals have briefed you on your task.

Wedge: Yeah. I'll try to fix the sunken ship! Guess I'll sightsee later…

Elizant: Team Snakemouth!

Vi: Ready to go!

Elizant: You are to take the Subaquatic Maritime Neotransport, and head towards Rubber Prison immediately.

Leif: By ourselves?

Elizant: When the ship is fixed, we'll send reinforcements. But we're at risk of being sunk again. We have no time anyway.

Elizant: Please, wreak as much havoc as you can. Clear a path for us.

Kabbu: Very well! My horn's eager to deliver justice to those rascals!

Elizant: Err, yes. Deliver as much justice as possible.

Elizant: I have a small gift for you.

Elizant: I believe this will help you gather supplies.

(minibubble) Vi: Yahoo!

Leif: It's more than enough. Thanks.

Elizant: We're at the crux of this long chapter of history. Spare no dime in your preparations.

Kabbu: Leave it to us! Together we'll triumph!

Wedge: I'm all fired up too! I'll start work right away!

Elizant: We're all counting on you.

Elizant: ...Good luck, my friends.

Ant Palace, Throne Room

[after bringing Elizant to Bugaria Pier]

Elizant: We are all counting on you, Team Snakemouth.

Rubber Prison, Giant Lair Bridge

[post-battle]

Fuff: N-No! You won't pass! No one can pass!!!

Vi: Knock it off! You already lost!

Fuff: NO ONE WILL PASS! THOSE ARE THE KING'S ORDERS!

Fuff: I...I HAVE TO FOLLOW THE KING'S ORDERS!

Fuff: I...I MUST FOLLOW...

Kabbu: T-This isn't normal!

Leif: That Wasp in the kingdom said everyone'd gone nuts…

Leif: Could this one be controlled too?

Vi: Just let us pass!

Fuff: YOU WILL HAVE TO CRUSH MY BODY!

Vi: ...That works.

Leif: That king employs such distasteful tactics.

Leif: Let's leave this poor guy to the Ant Kingdom.

Kabbu: Indeed. Let's secure the area so reinforcements can come in.

Kabbu: Then, we'll have to give swift chase!

Kabbu: I will send the signal!

Mothiva: Ohohoho! The cavalry's here! Aren't you glad?

Celia: Great work clearing the way, Team Snakemouth!

Eri: Yeah. It's gonna be smooth sailing from here!

Maki: We cannot celebrate yet. The Wasp King is brutally powerful.

Kina: He's gonna pay for bruising you!

Yin: Muh muh!

Elizant: Indeed. But for now, we are fortunate to have gotten this far.

Vanessa: Are we sure it's alright with everyone having come?

Elizant: Queen Bianca has gracefully offered to protect the Ant Kingdom while we fulfill this mission.

Vi: Woah, I thought she was a super pacifist!

Zasp: Can't reason with a mad bug.

Elizant: My knights and trusted explorers! Make your final preparations. We venture into Giant's Lair - No Bug's Land!

Elizant: None have returned from it. We have no legends, no way to know what's inside.

Elizant: But if we do not face this challenge, we don't deserve tomorrow's freedom! Let us pray to Venus and charge!

Levi: What a magnificent rally! I'm pumped up!

Leif: Hmm. She's come far, hasn't she?

Kabbu: Even you were moved, eh Leif?

Vi: Time to kick some butt!

Vanessa: It's time...Bugaria will be saved today, but I too will reclaim my people. Let's go!

Mothiva: Idols first!

Elizant: Team Snakemouth. There is nothing left to say, as my orders are clear.

Elizant: ...But thank you, for escorting me through the Forsaken Lands.

Leif: Thank you, our Queen, for making the journey. It's thanks to you we got the submarine.

Elizant: It was my duty and honor. I hope you will escort me once more.

Vi: Count on it!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Certainly!

Giant's Lair, Fridge Outside

Mothiva: This place is absolutely DREADFUL! I've sung in worn down pubs fancier than this.

Kina: Those Dead Landers aren't anything to mess with, either.

Elizant: I pray we won't run into too many of them climbing this behemoth.

Zasp: It seems to be a machine. The giants handled power at such a large scale...

Kabbu: A-And it's a bit chilly near it!

Leif: It reminds us of the Lost Sands' Castle.

Vi: Well, whatever. It can be as tall and as cold as it wants. We're gonna climb it!

Mothiva: Such a simple mind…

(minibubble) Yin: Muh muh muh!

Maki: Let's go in, then...! Wait!

Elizant: What is it?

Maki: Everyone, we've been surrounded!

Vi: E-Eep! What the heck!? When!?

Leif: We should fall back!

Zasp: There's no way out. They've completely pincered us!

Kabbu: Everyone, there is no choice! We fight as one!

Elizant: Well spoken, my knight. I shall assist thee as well!

[post-battle]

Zasp: Good thing the others stayed back. That was close…

Mothiva: N-Not at all…

(minibubble) Mothiva: Phew...

Maki: Everyone, you did splendidly. The coast is clear!

Kina: Well, duh. You were with us!

Elizant: Let's press forward. We need to find a way to get the others to come over.

Leif: We were fortunate to have help…

Kabbu: The Dead Landers must be slowing the Wasp King down as well. Let's catch up!

Elizant: We must press on! We cannot let the Wasp King get to the sapling before us!

Kabbu: (Climbing that thing will be a monumental task, however…)

Giant's Lair, Roach Village

Vi: This is...a village?

Guard 1: HALT! OR BE IMPALED!

Maki: ...! Roaches!

Vi: No way!

Leif: So some didn't vanish after all.

Elder: Hmph. You did halt. You may be just. Or simply cowards.

Elizant: Please, allow us to explain the situation. We're short on time.

Guard 2: Bleh. There's nothing to explain. Everyone's after the sapling today!

Maki: The sapling? It is real, then?

(minibubble) Elizant: …

Elder: Silence. You've spoken too much!

Guard 2: ...S-Sorry, Elder.

Elder: You come with that crook?

Elizant: No! Please, in the name of my people, allow me to explain…

Elder: I see…

Elder: To think that after uneventful generations guarding the sapling…

Elder: So many would come for it in just one day.

Guard 1: That "Wasp" King you're talking about snuck past us while we dealt with his troops.

Guard 2: He used them like pawns... Not caring about their lives at all.

Mothiva: Disgusting. How can he treat his loyal followers like that!?

Vi: Huh. You do have a heart!

Maki: Please, allow us to go after him!

Elder: And what will you do when you get the sapling from him?

Elder: Just what are you planning to do with our sacred treasure!?

(minibubble) Leif: ...

Elizant: ...I…

Elizant: I had a dream. To use its power to fulfill my wishes…

Elizant: But the lust for that power has only brought turmoil to Bugaria.

Elizant: I will destroy it!

Leif: But...what about your mother!?

Elizant: She entrusted her dream to me. And I've fulfilled it.

Elizant: The land teemed with explorers searching for the ultimate treasure.

Elizant: She...would be proud of me. She deserves to rest.

Elder: How dare you spin your words as noble! The sapling is SACRED!

Guard 1: Elder! If they destroy it...what will be of us? Our life's purpose?

Elder: That crook may be mad, but he wouldn't desecrate our treasure like you! Humph!

Guard 2: You heard the elder. She never changes her mind. You won't pass!

Vi: We'll just have to knock-

Kabbu: No, Vi! This is not the way to solve this!

Elizant: They are blinded by their devotion...understandable.

Leif: Elizant, our Queen...We will support you. We must plead our case once more.

Zasp: I guess the others and I will make ourselves cozy for now…

[talk to Elder]

Elder: My word is final! We won't let you through!

Maki: Please, you must listen!

Elizant: Team Snakemouth, you're here. Perhaps you have some words of persuasion?

Vi: Yeah, it's called the Beemer- Ow!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Stop it!

Leif: A few, if you'll allow us.

Elizant: ...Please.

Leif: ...

Leif: This is something only Vi and Kabbu knew, but... We are not of this time.

Leif: We served under the first Queen Elizant.

Elizant: W-What!?

Maki: Is this true, Kabbu!?

Kabbu: Y-Yes. It was not our secret to tell.

Leif: The Roaches used to roam Bugaria, even if they secluded themselves a bit.

Leif: When we were found, we discovered they'd all disappeared... And no one knew why.

Leif: What good has the Sapling done anybody all these moons?

Leif: All it's done is plunge explorers into danger. And now that mad King's gone crazy for power…

Leif: Even our late queen was tempted by the promise of eternal life. The sapling's only hurt others by existing! Even you!

Leif: You live trapped in this forsaken place, guarding an ancient temptation!

Elder: ...…

Elizant: Leif... Thank you for your words.

Elizant: Won't you reconsider, Elder?

Elder: …

Elder: When I was born, my mother said: "The sapling is the key to everything."

Elder: "Good, evil...it all comes from this sapling. It is sacred."

Elder: "So sacred that we endure to protect it."

Elder: And so we have, for so long…

Elder: But you're right, aren't you? What good has it done us?

Elder: Every time a child strays too far, never to be seen again…

Elder: It's the sapling's fault! Sacred, my husk!

Kabbu: T-Then, you'll reconsider!?

Roach Guard: W-Wait!

Roach: Elder, are you sure!? What will become of us!?

Elder: We will find a new purpose!

Elder: One that doesn't doom us to live on the edge of violence.

Elder: One that lets us enjoy the plains of legends again!

Maki: Elder, thank you…

Elizant: You are welcome in our Kingdom, to explore that possibility.

Roach: I...I can't believe it…

Elder: We'll let you pass to the Sapling Plains.

Elder: Go destroy that sapling. Our new future depends on it.

Vi: We coulda done it sooner! Let's run!

Kabbu: Vi really doesn't get politics, does she?

Leif: That's why she's our Vi. Let's finish this.

Elizant: Leif, your words were of great help. We can now finish this without needless conflict!

Giant’s Lair, Stove

Roach: H-Help...

Kabbu: Are you alright!?

Roach: That monster...he put the place on fire and rushed through the flames...!

Zasp: Through the flames!? That's…

Leif: Even our Bubble Shield couldn't pull that off...

Roach: Ngh... The sapling...

Maki: Save your strength. Everything's fine now!

Mothiva: Ugh. You just had to say that, didn't you.

Elizant: Everyone, protect this Roach!

Vi: I was just waiting for you to say it!

[post-battle]

Roach: I-Incredible...! You took out the constructs so fast!

Leif: They were like those in the Sand Castle…

Roach: They're usually harmless, but that monster's appearance riled them up…

Zasp: As if that wall of flames wasn't enough trouble.

Elizant: We'll have to find a way to cross, or shut them off.

Mothiva: Even MORE of them!?

Roach: W-What did we even do to them…

Maki: Team Snakemouth. My Queen. Leave these to Kina and I.

Zasp: Trying to hog all the glory, eh?

Kina: Stop being annoying. We need you to turn off that fire!

Elizant: Team Mothiva. Team Snakemouth. I will remain to assist Maki in defending the village.

Roach: A-A Queen will do that for us!?

Kabbu: A-Are you sure? We could stay as well!

Elizant: Time is of the essence. I need your teams to quell those flames!

Elizant: Make haste! Bugaria is counting on you!

Leif: We'll be back before you know it.

Vi: Yeah! Let's go!

Mothiva: Try not to slow us down. Ohohohoho!

Elizant: Team Snakemouth. Right until the end, I must keep asking you to place yourselves in danger…

Leif: Don't worry. It's nothing we can't handle.

[turn off flames]

Kabbu: W-We did it! Besting those fierce flames by hitting a switch…

Vi: Alright! Let's go meet up with the others!

Mothiva: Oh my. You didn't take as long as I expected you to.

Leif: Whatever. Queen Elizant, how is the Roach?

Elizant: We sent him home when the flames were doused.

Elizant: There were many "constructs", but we defeated all of them.

Vi: Nice job!

Kina: The Wasp King's gotta be up ahead for real now.

Maki: Hearing he crossed those flames by himself... I'm still quite shocked.

Yin: Muh!

Kabbu: Everyone, we must not falter. With our combined might, we are Bugaria's hope!

Elizant: Well spoken, Kabbu. It's time for the final battle!

Vi: Heheh. He's got no chance if we're all together!

Leif: Yeah. Even Mothiva should be able to help out a little.

Mothiva: EXCUSE ME!?

Zasp: Don't doubt it. We'll pull our weight.

Elizant: Everyone. Let's go!

Giant’s Lair, Sapling Plains

Elizant: Stop this instant! Your trail of violence ends here!

Vi: Yeah! Our trail of beating you up comes next!

Hoaxe: You're correct, pitiful Ant. Today, the fighting ends.

Hoaxe: For when I consume this sapling…

Hoaxe: You will have no choice but to squirm in fear and surrender to your King!

Kabbu: You think you'll rule with fear!? That you'll be happy that way!?

Leif: Or that the people will so quickly submit?

Hoaxe: Why, yes. I'm sure. Do you not see my crown?

Hoaxe: No one cared about me, until I put it on.

Hoaxe: Through power and magic, I became feared and respected!

Hoaxe: From weakling to ruler... I had never been happier!

Elizant: You're pathetic. You could never hope to be a true King!

Hoaxe: You will all perish today. Your opinion holds no significance to me.

Maki: I wouldn't be so sure of that!

Maki: Parry this, you crook!

Hoaxe: Grah!

Kabbu: Incredible, Sir Maki!

Hoaxe: ENOUGH! FIRE, TO ME!

Leif: Ngh...huh?

Hoaxe: ...What?

Vi: W-Woah, we're kinda alright!

Kabbu: C-Could it be?

Hoaxe: Hmph. I should have finished off Vanessa. To think she'd give you that…

Leif: We hope you're ready for our counterattack, tyrant!

Vi: I've been waiting all day!

Kabbu: Everyone, for our comrades! FOR BUGARIA!

[third health down]

Hoaxe: It... Can't... Be...!!

Kabbu: Have...have we won!?

Hoaxe: You... How DARE you...!!!

Leif: You can't regenerate forever!

Vi: Y-Yeah! Shut up and give up already!

Hoaxe: I...I AM...ETERNAL...So what if you're STRONG?!

Hoaxe: I...AM IMMORTAL...I…

Hoaxe: I AM EVERLASTING!!!

Hoaxe: I WILL TAKE EVERYTHING! IN THIS WORLD!

Kabbu: Impossible! After such a long fight, you won't concede!?

Leif: It won't end like this!

Hoaxe: IT'S OVER, VERMIN!

Hoaxe: THIS POWER! IS… -GRUHH!?!?!

Hoaxe: NO!

Hoaxe: It... Itwasmeanttobe... INFINITE!

Hoaxe: .............…

Hoaxe: N-no... It can't…

Hoaxe: NO! I'M THE KING! I...I ORDER THIS BODY TO...

Hoaxe: AAAAAAAAH!!

Vi: W-what happened?!

Kabbu: What a pitiful end…

Leif: His greed and cruelty led him to this.

Vi: ...We got super lucky...

Zasp: ...Is it over?

Mothiva: ...You really did it! Wow.

Kina: Team Snakemouth...you've saved us all!

Elizant: I truly thought we were doomed.

Vi: ...So he's like, a tree now?

Elizant: Is this also an Everlasting Sapling?

Leif: ...No. There is no magic coming from him.

Leif: He truly is just a tree, as Vi said.

Kina: That's weird...why'd he transform?

Elizant: The Everlasting Sapling's power was said to be infinite... Was that a myth as well?

Zasp: There's nothing truly infinite, is there?

(minibubble) Mothiva: My beauty!

Vi: He was so strong, though!

Leif: Perhaps he was simply unable to control its power.

Leif: Maybe it was sealed for the safety of others…

Vi: Can we think about it later, though? It's still dangerous here and stuff.

Kabbu: Wait, Vi. What should we do with the tree?

Maki: Perhaps we should strike it down? Just in case?

Elizant: …

Elizant: Lower your blade, Maki.

Maki: Your Highness?

Elizant: It will remain as a symbol of our long struggle. Of our journey for the sapling.

Elizant: A warning to not seek its power any longer…

Vi: Can't we put like, a cooler statue here or something?

Vi: Like a Team Snakemouth statue!

Elizant: No.

(minibubble) Vi: Aw...

Kabbu: Heheheh. Vi, you've truly made this journey something else!

Leif: You too, Kabbu. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Mothiva: You're not gonna get sappy in this dreadful dumpster, are you?

Kabbu: W-Well, it's kind of emotional for me…

Mothiva: Look, the Wasp King is gone, and we have technically found the Everlasting Sapling!

Mothiva: We should celebrate with a big show!

Zasp: ...Or at least rest.

Elizant: ...Hah! Well, it does sound good.

Elizant: We've completed our mission, after all.

Elizant: But first, let us inform the Roaches of what has occurred.

Leif: ...Elizant?

Elizant: Yes, Leif?

Leif: Are you truly satisfied with this?

Leif: Your mother will remain sleeping forever…

Elizant: …

Elizant: Everything I said in the village was true.

Elizant: I...would not place that wish over my people's needs.

Elizant: But no, I'm not satisfied. It was a sacrifice, after all. It was my duty.

Leif: ...Thank you. You've grown into a fine queen. And now we can say it for sure.

Elizant: Thank you too, Leif. I can tell you served my mother and I earnestly, despite your doubts.

Elizant: Let's go. This is no place for us anymore.

Leif: Lead the way, our Queen.

Giant's Lair, Roach Village

[story, post-battle]

Elder: ...So that's it, then. The Everlasting Sapling is no more...

Roach 1:What should we do now, Elder? What are we meant to protect?

Elizant: This is still your home, sapling or not. You can protect it with heart.

Elizant: But if you'd like to visit greener pastures…

Elizant: You are welcome in Bugaria. All of our Kingdoms would have you.

Elder: Bugaria... We've only heard the tales our ancestors left us.

Elder: I fear I've grown too used to this small town and its Scorpions.

Elder: I will be okay, staying here.

Roach 1: Elder…

Elder: Everyone! You are not bound to this land any longer.

Elder: You need not fight monsters and forage for food.

Elder: Nor fear sleeping in case of an attack...you're free.

Elder: Those who wish to go to Bugaria, don't stay fearing for my sake.

Elder: After all, you can always visit!

Roach 1: ...Thank you. Thank you, our elder!

Roach 2: No offense, but I'm outta here!

Roach 3: I can't leave the Scorpions, but thanks for offering.

Roach 2: I'll miss mine, but I want to see the world!

Leif: Our Queen, you've caused quite a stir.

Vi: It's cuz they can have adventures now, too!

Kabbu: Heheh. Indeed. It makes me want to go beyond Bugaria as well!

Elizant: Team Snakemouth! We depart! We have a feast to attend to!

Elizant: I trust you won't keep us waiting!

Mothiva: Or I'll start the show without you, don't doubt it!

Maki: Well, I've got quite the report to write, so…

Kina: I'll help you! We're not missing the food!

Zasp: Heheheh. Mothiva's in quite the mood.

Zasp: I'm just glad we survived. All thanks to you.

Kabbu: You helped us as well! It was truly a team effort!

Zasp: ...Let's work together again, sometime.

Vi: Aww, why can't he be nice with Mothiva around?

Leif: Dunno. Pride or something?

Kabbu: As long as we know his true feelings, it's fine!

Leif: There's a lot we want to say, but...let's go celebrate.

Vi: Heck yeah! I'm super hungry!

Kabbu: Thank you, Vi...Leif...for helping me experience the adventure of a lifetime.

Kabbu: If my team could see me now...I hope they'd be happy for me.

Leif: More than that, they'd be proud.

Vi: Yeah! You're a super explorer now!

Kabbu: ...Heheh. No, just part of an incredible team!

Kabbu: Now, for our final mission: Let's head to the castle!

Textbox: Battling through Rubber Prison and the Dead Lands, Team Snakemouth discovered the Roaches' Village.

Textbox: Resolving to destroy the Everlasting Sapling, they faced the Wasp King with determination.

Textbox: And so, after a long journey and many harsh fights, Team Snakemouth and their comrades defeated the Wasp King.

Textbox: Although the Everlasting Sapling's chapter has closed, a new one begins.

Textbox: ...It's time to celebrate!

Ant Palace, Throne Room

[ending]

Elizant: We congregate to celebrate the brave efforts of all the explorers who protected our land.

Elizant: Many of them are here today, and I can't thank you enough.

Elizant: But there is so, so much more to be joyful for.

Elizant: The assistance of those who believed in us.

Elizant: The freedom of the Wasps from their tyrant.

Elizant: The promise of reconciliation with the Termites.

Elizant: And the closing of the Everlasting Sapling's chapter.

Elizant: A new future for Bugaria and the Ant Kingdom!

Everyone: Wooooooooo!

Elizant: Team Snakemouth.

Elizant: Even though this is only possible due to the efforts of many…

Elizant: None can deny the great part you played in this campaign.

Vi: Heheheh, you know it!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Vi, not now!

Elizant: ...Anyhow, it is my absolute honor and privilege...

Elizant: To knight the three of you as Royal Blades for the service to our kingdom.

Elizant: May fame and glory come to you, for your brave efforts!

Everyone: WOOOOOOOO!!

Elizant: Everyone! Tomorrow, we work to become better than we are today.

Elizant: But today! WE! FEAST!

Everyone: YEAAAAAAAH!!

Leif: All's well that ends well.

Vi: We did it! We're like, super famous now!

Kabbu: Heheheh... Let us face this feast with pride! Team Snakemouth, move out!

[postgame]

[first talk]

Elizant: Leif... Was my mother as great of a queen as I remember?

Leif: ...Yeah. But we dare say you've come close to matching her grace.

Elizant: ...Thank you. I will take those words to heart.

Elizant: Mother has earned her rest. I pray she will always watch over us.

Leif: We hope you'll watch over Bugaria for years to come, too.

[subsequent talks]

Elizant: Team Snakemouth... Thank you for everything. You can always count on our kingdom's support in the future.

Npc Spies

[Ant Palace, Throne Room: post-first meeting]

Leif: ...Elizant II…

Vi: You probably shouldn't keep staring.

Kabbu: It was a long briefing. You'll have a chance to speak to her later!

[between leaving the first meeting and ch6]

Leif: ...Elizant II…

Vi: You probably shouldn't keep staring.

Kabbu: Leif, she may not be perfect, but she's trying.

Leif: Our respect is something she must earn, as did the late Queen.

Vi: Okay, okay. But stop staring, before they jail us!

Leif: (It's that fear which separates them...)

[Termite Kingdom, Royal Chamber]

Vi: She really shut that king up!

Kabbu: Her words had me nervous...I'm glad we've been given a chance.

Leif: She's no Elizant, but...we're warming up to Lisa a bit.

[Pier: permission to use sub, before first use]

Kabbu: Oh, I'm so excited!

Vi: To ride the sub?

Kabbu: N-No. That's terrifying, actually…

Leif: …

Kabbu: Scientists are coming with us! There will be a technological exchange!

Leif: Oh, right. That's pretty exciting, actually.

(minibubble) Vi: It is?

[Ant Palace: after bringing Elizant to Bugaria Pier]

Leif: Elizant II…

Kabbu: Team, we've got to finish this!

[Rubber Prison, Giant Lair Bridge]

Kabbu: Everybody's here!

Vi: Yeah! We're good enough, but this is great!

Leif: It's very reassuring. Heh. We've made good friends.

Kabbu: We cannot afford to lose, for all of their sakes!

[Giant's Lair, Fridge Outside]

Kabbu: At least with everyone here, this place feels less oppressive.

Leif: It's only getting more dangerous as we go.

Vi: We can't stop! If the Wasp King can, we totally can too!

[Giant’s Lair, Stove]

Kabbu: Everyone's counting on us. We must turn down those flames!

Leif: Easier said than done...

[Ant Palace, postgame]

Leif: After everything, we feel kind of bad for misjudging the Queen.

Kabbu: It was understandable. You woke up in such a different world!

Vi: And she earned your respect anyways, so it's fine!

Leif: ...We suppose. We'll make up for those doubts with our service.

Leif: (Still, Elizant I...We will miss you.)