Kabbu

[Story, very beginning of game]

Kabbu: Ahh, the land of Bugaria.

It is a peaceful, prosperous place where many adventurous bugs gather.

Although it wasn't always that way...

Lured by the promise of riches and lush fields, a young queen visited these lands many moons ago.

Together with her daughters and fellow ant servants, she established Bugaria's modest first settlement.

Her people were happy, and the kingdom flourished. And yet, the queen's dream had still not been fulfilled.

For she had heard of an ancient people, who safeguarded a treasure of unbelievable power. It was none other than…

The Everlasting Sapling! A plant which would grant unending youth and strength to any who ate even one of its leaves!

She searched, and searched...and searched…

And yet, she never found it.

She entrusted her dream to the princess, before falling into a hard earned sleep.

Determined to succeed where her mother did not, the new Queen rallied the people together under her cause.

Opening the doors of the kingdom to bugs of all shapes and kinds, she attracted ambitious and skilled adventurers!

Her decree was loud and clear: "Find me the Eternal Sapling, and you shall know wealth no bug ever has!"

With this, The Explorers' Association was founded, with its many members searching across the kingdom for clues and treasure.

Although to this day the sapling has not been found, every bug dreams of one day claiming it for themselves…

Explorer’s Association

[Story, start of demo]

Kabbu: ...Or at least, those were the stories I was told in my land.

Kabbu: Despite many unfortunate incidents, tales of your people helped me keep my adventuring spirit alive.

Maki: Rest assured, Beetle. They are not mere legends, but real history.

Maki: This Explorers' Association, and all the explorers who risk their wings for glory, are proof of that.

Kabbu: Then, Sir Maki, would you consider my earlier offer?

Maki: ...Beetle...sorry, but I cannot. I respect your passion, but my team is already full.

Maki: Even if it were not, we take missions of the highest danger. An unproven warrior is not fit to accompany us.

Kabbu: Unproven!? Maki, I am a veteran of the north!

Maki: A north unknown to us, for which we can't credit you.

Maki: Your knowledge of our culture, and your passion for exploring are as true as my blade's edge, Beetle.

Maki: But, I would ask you to not press the issue - this is not the place to cause a scene.

Kabbu: Ngh…

Vi: WHAT? Care to say that AGAIN!?

Eetl: As I said, we cannot allow children to explore! Much less Snakemouth Den!

Vi: I AM NOT A KID!

Maki: ...So much for not causing a scene.

Maki: Would you accompany me, Beetle? It is my duty to investigate.

Kabbu: Hm. If you insist..

Textbox: Use |button,0|, |button,1|, |button,2| and |button,3| to move around! Press |button,4| to jump or talk to people!

Gen: Ooh! Maki! He's getting ready to serve justice!

Eri: No, he's just gonna cause a scene again. Like always.

Kabbu: This sort of thing occurs frequently?

Gen: Hey! Didn't Maki ask for you? Don't make him wait, or I'll make you pay!

Eri: Gen, you're embarassing me! You're not the head of his fangirl club!

Gen: Yes I am!

Kabbu: (I'm just going to walk right out of this one.).

Kabbu: Greetings, explorer.

Zasp: What do you want? You shouldn't keep Maki waiting.

Kabbu: (...He's right. Why am I up here?)

Artis: Would ya mind coming back a bit later? Look at all this darn paper work!

Kabbu: (Hm. I shouldn't disrupt his work.)

[Story, approach group]

Maki: Eetl...bee...lower your voices! What is the matter?

Vi: This guy's calling me a kid, says I can't explore!

Eetl: Shouting isn't going to change the rules, you child!

Vi: Shut it. I bet I'm older than you!

Vi: I'm Bee, the best explorer the hive has ever seen!

Vi: You should be gasping at my presence!

Kabbu: An explorer...bee?

Vi: Yeah. Got a problem? Saying bees can't explore? Expected honey and paint?

Kabbu: I didn't say that, but…

Maki: Silence, please. This guild of ours is no place for petty squabbles.

Eetl: Look. I can't just give a permit to a random bee. Much less without a partner. Teams should have at least two explorers, you know?

Vi: I'm worth like four bees, okay?!

Kabbu: ...Hey. Bee.

Vi: What do you want?

Kabbu: Why don't we join forces?

(minibubble) Maki: ...

Kabbu: We both wish a permit, yet lack a companion…

Vi: What, do I look that desperate? I don't even know you!

Kabbu: I have a promise I must keep, and for that I must explore. How bad could it be?

Vi: ...Well, can't be worse than having to stay put.

Eetl: Wait, you two are just crazy! You won't last a second at Snakemouth!

Vi: Say that to my face!

Maki: No.

Maki: You are both, most likely, mere novices, ruled by your strong emotions…

Maki: I have no doubt if you left today, you would not return but in a bag.

Kabbu: ...Sir Maki. Although you outrank me in spades, you shouldn't understimate me.

Vi: Yeah. Bugs like you that look down on others are really annoying.

Maki: Hmm. Very well. I shall test your resolve.

Vi: Test us, huh? Who named you king of this joint?

Maki: The Ant Queen herself, for she has knighted me as her Royal Blade!

(minibubble) Eetl: Oh dear...

Kabbu: Sir Maki...I accept your challenge. Bee, get ready!

Vi: Watch your own horn, I was born ready!

[Battle]

Kabbu: Bee, our opponent is no amateur. Would you like to review some combat tips?

Textbox: Sure.

No need.

Vi: See? We're doing great!

Kabbu: Don't let your guard down, Bee. After our turn ends, it is the enemy's turn!

Vi: I know! And if I press |button,4| at the right time…

Textbox: Pressing |button,4| before an enemy hits you reduces damage received!

Vi: O-ow! What the heck!? You trying to kill us or something?

Maki: Hmph. If you can't handle that much, you should surrender.

Maki: At home, you can guard honey with your silly toy!

Vi: Toy!? Argh. Now I'm mad!

Kabbu: We should pay him back, tenfold!

Vi: It's time to use a skill! They're just like attacks, but you select them from the yellow flower!

Vi: Skills require us to use our TP (Teamwork Points), however. So watch out how much we have left!

Kabbu: We should patch your wounds too, using items from the blue flower.

Textbox: Toggle between commands using |button,2| and |button,3|!

[Post-battle]

Kabbu: S-such skill with the blade...!

Maki: ......You pass.

Vi: What?!

Maki: You performed well enough...I could feel your desire to see the world through your attacks.

Maki: I am no one to keep you from your Explorer Permit.

Maki: Eetl, you may grant these two the permit. I shall take responsability for it.

Eetl: I get no say in this, huh?

Eetl: ...but Maki IS the Queen's blade. Here you go, you two.

Textbox: You got a Explorer Permit!

Vi: I did it! Snakemouth Den is going to be all mine! All the riches, all the glory!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Er, we did it.

Maki: Snakemouth Den...it lays to the west of the association. A simple path, although filled with danger.

Maki: Few who venture ever return...but there is much treasure to be found.

Kabbu: Treasure, huh…

Kina: MAKI!!!

Kina: Seriously, brother! How long are you going to keep me waiting!?

Maki: ...I'm sorry, Kina.

Maki: Bee, Beetle...I must be going now. As you can see, duty calls me.

Maki: May you succeed in your mission.

Vi: What a weird bunch.

Kabbu: He ended up causing quite the scene himself.

Kabbu: But that fighting prowess...How many years must he have trained?

Vi: ...So uh. I'm Bee, I guess. From the Hive near the big tree.

Kabbu: And I am Beetle. I moved in just one moon ago, from the north.

Vi: Cool.

Kabbu: Indeed.

Kabbu: Um, Sir Maki said Snakemouth was to the west, right? Should we get moving?

Vi: Right! Yeah! Let's go right away! Don't fall behind, okay?

Kabbu: You need not worry about me. Let us depart.

(minibubble) Eetl: ……

Eetl: Hey, wait you two!

Vi: Something wrong?

Eetl: You know what the goal of the Snakemouth expedition is, right?

Textbox: Of course!

Nope.

Textbox: Change the party leader by pressing |button,6|!

Textbox: You can check your inventory, stats and other things by pressing |button,8|!

Vi: Heh. Couldn't stop me from exploring, could you?

Eetl: You can be sassy at me if you want, but I was just worrying about you.

Kabbu: Give him some credit, Bee.

Kabbu: Exploring isn't a game. Many...have been lost while searching for treasure.

Vi: I know that! But we're not going to be one of those.

Vi: Even Maki thinks we're decent.

Eetl: I hope his intuition is right.

Kabbu: As do I. Let's not be careless, Bee.

Vi: We'll make it back, don't worry.

[first talk]

Gen: Oh, Eri, why must Maki be so dreamy?

Eri: Have you gone mad, Gen!? He's so arrogant!

Vi: You tell her, Eri.

Kabbu: Hmm...Pompous as he was, he was at least kind enough to test us.

Eri: Oh, no. He does that to everyone. You see this once a week.

Gen: Oh, Maki...such a show off~

Vi: Argh! That stupid, roleplaying wannabe gatekeeper! I'll show him!

Kabbu: ...This will not stand.

Kabbu: I shall challenge him to a duel to the death, our honor on the line!

Gen: H-Hey! You don't have to go that far!

Vi: Oh, um, he's just kidding! Right, Beetle?

Kabbu: ...Err, yes. Of course. "Kidding". I was most certainly only jesting.

Gen: You better have been!

Vi: Let's just go, Beetle.

Zasp: Hm. Good showing. Not many stand Maki's blade.

Kabbu: Why, thank you. I assume you've endured it as well?

Zasp: Anyone who belongs to this association can say at least that much.

Vi: Woah. So everyone here is crazy strong!

Zasp: Or they've found a reliable partner to carry them.

Vi: What? You trying to say something?

Zasp: Not at all. If you're offended by it, it only shows your insecurity.

Vi: What's your deal!? You want to fight!?

Kabbu: Stop, you two!

Kabbu: Bee...we just got granted our permit. Let's not get into trouble.

Vi: Grr. Fine. Let's just go.

Zasp: Heh. Good luck, you two. You'll need it.

[first talk]

Artis: Phew...finally done. Sometimes work just doesn't stop coming!

Vi: Uh, okay. Who are you again?

Artis: Excuse ya! I'm Artis, and I keep this place running.

Kabbu: Oh? Thank you for all your hard work.

Vi: Uh, yeah. Thanks.

Artis: So you two faced Maki, eh? Bet ya found it a tad too easy?

Vi: You know it!

Artis: Heh. I see you lot like challenge. One sec, I have this one thing......please take it.

Kabbu: What is this...? A medal?

Artis: Let's say it should make things more interesting for ya. The higher the risk, the higher the reward, as they say.

Artis: If you defeat any powerful enemies while wearing it...come see me, alright?

Kabbu: Suspicious…

Vi: But I won't say no to free stuff!

Kabbu: Indeed, thank you for entrusting us with it. Take care, Artis.

Artis: Safe exploring, folks. Remember to check in now and then.

[first talk]

Vi: Hey, why're you hitting that crystal? You could break it, you know?

Celia: Huh? You REALLY don't know?

Vi: Got a problem?

Levi: Forgive my partner, her mouth is most loose.

Kabbu: This is an...Ancient Crystal, correct? They're unique to this land.

Levi: Correct. They can store the record of previous travelers...if you smack them with something.

Levi: This crystal is yellow, so it will even heal your wounds!

Vi: You expect me to believe that? All that awesome stuff for hitting a rock?

Levi: Hmph. You are one of little faith.

Celia: If you don't believe us, we can demostrate whenever you want!

Kabbu: That would be wonderful. Please, do so.

Levi: It is done.

Vi: W-Woah! It really works! This must sell for a fortune!

Celia: All you'll get for this crystal is prison time.

Levi: Only the Ant Queen can authorize placing these rocks in public spaces.

Levi: Even if you find one in the wild, they are too heavy to be carried by a single bug.

Vi: Ugh...that's so boring.

Kabbu: Still, their properties are amazing! Let's use them when we can, Bee.

Vi: Sure. Let's just get on our way.

Levi: Best of luck!

Celia: ...Best of luck.

Snakemouth Way, Entrance

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: I've grown quite fond of this area. It's just so scenic!

Vi: Well, at least when it's not raining.

Kabbu: It's a good thing rain is so uncommon. It gives us ample time to prepare.

Kabbu: Let's enjoy the view while we're here.

Snakemouth Way, Outside Chuck’s

[Story, walk toward Chuck]

Kabbu: Excuse me, bug of old complexion. Is everything alright?

Vi: Hey! Beetle! We're supposed to be adventuring! Snakemouth Den? Endless riches?

Kabbu: Sorry, Bee. I cannot ignore an old bug in distress.

Chuck: First of all, name's Chuck. And I bet I'm younger than both of ya!

Chuck: But if you need to know...

Chuck: I'm almost done arranging my cozy rest space for travelers going to Snakemouth Den.

Chuck: But I can't pull out this blasted weed!

Vi: You call this cozy?

Kabbu: Chuck, Snakemouth Den is more dangerous than rain on a wedding day. Shouldn't you be warning travelers?

Chuck: ...Look, will you help me or not?

Vi: I'm not doing any pulling. At least not for free.

Kabbu: Hm. Watch this, Bee. If I press |button,5| near small bushes or rocks...

Vi: Woah! Nice.

Kabbu: Something like this is no match for my horn!

Chuck: I'll be! You actually helped me! This made my week!

Vi: You've got a reward ready, right?

Kabbu: But Bee! Helping others is already its own reward.

(minibubble) Kabbu: And you didn't do anything.

Vi: It's really, really not.

Chuck: Hohohoh. No need to be like that. People who help deserve gratitude!

Chuck: This is all I've got on me, but please take it.

Vi: Ah, honey. Wonderful honey!

Chuck: Eat it if you're having a rough time. Alright?

Kabbu: Hm, thank you. We'll be going, now. Just make sure to warn others!

[During prologue, trying to go through to Chuck’s Abode or back the way you came]

Whichever one isn’t in the lead: Hey, where are you going? Snakemouth is through the north west.

Whichever one is in the lead: ...I knew that.

[Overworld Spy, before completing prologue]

Kabbu: This is one of the Ant Kingdom's outskirts.

Vi: You know what it's not? Snakemouth Den. Let's go!

Snakemouth Way, Corridor

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: There are spiked bushes everywhere.

Kabbu: I should be able to cut through these with ease.

Vi: Just watch yourself. I don't want to patch you up if you get hurt!

Snakemouth Way, Outside Snakemouth

[Story, first entrance]

Kabbu: This is it...Snakemouth Den.

Vi: It doesn't look that scary, you know?

Kabbu: According to rumors I have heard...It is the grave of a thousand explorers.

Kabbu: Having ended countless journeys, many a song have been written about its dangers.

Vi: F-For real?

Kabbu: Its interior must be absolutely riddled with monsters and death traps.

Kabbu: Only the bravest of teams even dare to step inside.

Vi: Geez, way to sell it to me, Beetle.

Vi: But the higher the danger, the better the treasure!

Kabbu: Hm. It's true that the artifact is likely to be inside.

Kabbu: But will you really risk your life for simple riches?

Vi: Like you're any better. Let's just get this over with.

Kabbu: (...It's not like she would understand.)

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: Snakemouth Den...The grave of a thousand explorers. Ender of…

Vi: Look, I get that it's scary.

Vi: You don't have to say the whole thing every time.

Kabbu: Yes, I must! Anyone going in must be aware of the danger!

Vi: Just get a move on.

Snakemouth Den, Bridge Room

[Story, first entrance]

Kabbu: There is much more light here... This room must be quite near the cracked ceiling.

Kabbu: The entrance of Snakemouth Den is surprisingly cozy.

Vi: Uh huh…

Vi: Hey, Beetle?

Vi: Do you really have to comment on every small thing?

Kabbu: !!!

Kabbu: I... I'm sorry.

Vi: H-Hey, don't look so sad.

Vi: Err... How about this. If I want to know more about where we currently are...or about something or someone near us…

Vi: I'll just tap the |button,9| button, how about that?

Kabbu: ...Very well. I will make sure to have information at hand for when you do.

Vi: (...Yeah, right.)

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: This is Snakemouth Den.

Kabbu: As its name implies, it is a terrifying and dangerous cave.

Vi: It really is. Let's just find the treasure and get out quickly!

[Story, walking up to bridge]

Kabbu: This bridge seems to be out. How are we going to cross?

Vi: Well, that's it. Game over. Let's go back.

Kabbu: Wait, Bee. Hold on! It's too soon to give up! There must be a way…

Vi: Duh. I was kidding, you know? Look over there!

Vi: It's one of those ancient switches! We just need to hit it!

Kabbu: You can just fly over to it, right?

Vi: That's too much effort. I've got a better plan.

Vi: My mighty Beemerang! I just need to get in front with |button,6| and press |button,5| to throw it!

(minibubble) Kabbu: That thing again?

Kabbu: I will trust you with this, then. Give it your best shot!

[Story, break rope]

Kabbu: Well done, Bee. I wasn't expecting you to do that!

Vi: Uh... yeah! Of course! Just as planned.

Kabbu: Let's continue. I am glad to have a reliable partner.

Vi: Hehehe. Yep. Let's go.

[Examine sign, first time]

Vi: "Leave this place, for beyond this point lies great danger."

Vi: "We have already lost one of ours to this wretched place…"

Kabbu: Curses! This coziness was an illusion.

Kabbu: Our path won't be easy, that much is for sure.

Vi: No place full of treasure's ever been safe.

Kabbu: So many have fallen looking for riches…

Kabbu: ...Let's find the treasure quickly, so no one else ventures in here.

Kabbu: (...I will do this for them.)

Snakemouth Den, Door Room

[Overworld Spy, before falling]

Kabbu: We've reached a dead end.

Vi: But it's ancient ruins, so not really.

Kabbu: Right. If we leave no stone unturned, we will open a path!

[Story, complete puzzle]

Kabbu: A mushroom?

Vi: What!? We did all this for THAT!?

Vi: Seriously? It wasn't even a rare item. Heck it wasn't even a rare mushroom!

Vi: Who designed this place!? I will sting them in the face!

Vi: Oh I'm angry now, I'll never forget this! I'll tear the place DOWN!

Kabbu: I can understand that you're upset, Bee.

Kabbu: But unfortunate as it may be, let's pick it up and start looking again.

[Story, pick up mushroom]

Kabbu: Huh? What?

Kabbu: IYAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Vi: Phew. That was close.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Hrgrgh....

Vi: Beetle! Are you alive!?

(minibubble) Kabbu: Mrggfgh....

Vi: I guess he is. Hmm…

Vi: This is the perfect time to go home, I don't like the look of that place…

Vi: But I'm his reliable teammate…

Vi: …

Vi: I'm going to regret this…

Snakemouth Den, Fall Room

[Story, first entrance]

Kabbu: Nghgh…

Vi: No rush. I can wait.

Kabbu: Oof... I am lucky this mushroom broke my fall…

Vi: I would have carried you, but you seem really heavy…

Kabbu: I assure you I am lighter than I seem.

Vi: Uh huh…

Vi: Anyways, this place is really creepy.

Kabbu: I must agree. There doesn't seem to be a way for me to get back up, though.

Kabbu: We will have to look around.

Vi: Let's be careful, okay? You were almost a goner!

[Overworld Spy, before rescuing Leif]

Kabbu: We're trapped. Well, I am.

Kabbu: How shameful, to make Bee come to such a dangerous place.

Vi: Look, I can take care of myself. Don't make me regret coming with you.

Kabbu: Sorry, I shouldn't undermine your choice. Let's press forward.

[Story, walk up to web]

Vi: Yikes... is that a moth?

Kabbu: By the queen... what a terrible fate.

Kabbu: Let us have a moment of silence, in solidarity for a fallen explorer.

Leif: …

Leif: Zzz...

Vi: WAIT! HE'S ALIVE!

Kabbu: Quick! We must free him!

Vi: Okay, I'm just going to see if the Beemerang can cut through web…

Kabbu: I will make sure there are no other surviv-

Kabbu: Bee! Watch out!

Vi: A... a... a spider...

Kabbu: ...How could a beast so huge sneak up on us!?

Vi: Beetle! We've got to run! Treasure ain't worth this!

Kabbu: It's not that! We can't abandon this poor moth to his fate!

Vi: I...I…

Kabbu: Bee! Bee, wait! Curses!

Kabbu: This has to be some cruel irony…

Kabbu: ...Ngh. I can't give up, even if I'm alone!

[“Battle”]

Kabbu: ...it is stronger than it looks.…

Kabbu: Crud! It's too high up! If only Bee was here…

Kabbu: Must I really sit here and do nothing!?

[leaving battle]

Kabbu: I...It's too much by myself, after all…

Kabbu: Everyone....I failed. I really was just a rookie in the end…

Kabbu: Bee!?

Vi: ...Look, I-

Kabbu: By the holy jaws of the queen, Bee! You left me to my fate! You are vile!

Vi: H-Hey! I was going to apologize! And I came back, right?

Vi: You pushed me away from the web, but I still left, so I'm…

Kabbu: I will properly scold you later. The situation is dire, but I've got a plan.

Kabbu: We will attack the Web holding the moth while battling the spider.

Vi: And once we free it...we run?

Kabbu: Precisely. Except we'll run together, this time. Without leaving anyone behind.

Vi: Geez Beetle, I apologized already!

Vi: H-Here it comes. Let's do this!

[Two turns into the battle]

Kabbu: Remember the plan! We must attack the web holding the moth captive!

[post-battle]

Vi: Alright! We did it!

Kabbu: Begone, wretched beast!

Vi: Beetle! I'm done here!

Kabbu: Well done, Bee!

Vi: Let's get outta here!!!

Kabbu: Leave us alone already, monster!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Huff... huff…

Vi: Gee, glad it is too fat to come in here…

Vi: ......Uh, Beetle?

Vi: I am sorry for running away…

Kabbu: …

Kabbu: Sigh...

Kabbu: Very well. You are forgiven, Bee.

Vi: Took you long enough! Most people would be crying at getting rescued!

Kabbu: ...Right.

(minibubble) Leif: Cough cough.

Kabbu: Let's turn over a new leaf, Bee. This moth is our priority.

(minibubble) Vi: ...!

Kabbu: You're alive!

Leif: …

Leif: Mjaj? Ajeukx... yrdiuf... ghsiaoenbx?

Vi: What the... hey! Are you okay? Did you hit your head?

Leif: Jsgsn. Sjaika? Hsjaosidjs...?

Kabbu: Could this moth be speaking in an ancient tongue? Perhaps he is of the fabled tribes lurking underground.

Leif: ...N-no. We can speak Bugnish.

Vi: Do you need like, a minute?

Leif: ............No.

Leif: We are fine now.

Kabbu: Thank goodness, you had us quite worried.

Leif: Where are we? The spider... where is it?

Kabbu: Alright. Let me get you up to speed.

Leif: Interesting. It seems we owe our life to you, Bee.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Seriously?

Vi: No big deal. It sucks that we're trapped, though.

Kabbu: Were you looking for treasure as well, alongside fellow explorers? Err... what's your name?

Leif: Moth is fine. And we were. Like all others that came before and after us.

Vi: Geez, you've got some luck to be alive…

Vi: Way too many things happened all at once... but the treasure must still be ahead, right?

Leif: Probably.

Kabbu: If we work together, we will surely find both it and the exit.

Leif: We have little choice. We will accompany you.

Kabbu: Can you fight?

Leif: ...Not really.

Vi: Seriously!? You came into this place without knowing how to fight!?

Kabbu: Make sure to stay behind us, so we can protect you.

Leif: How reassuring.

Vi: Ok. We've spent too much time here. Let's look for the exit!

[Overworld Spy, post-rescuing Leif]

Kabbu: This is that blasted spider's den.

Kabbu: I really don't want to stay here any longer.

Vi: No kidding. Can we just go?

Snakemouth Den, Lake

[Overworld Spy, pre-Leif magic]

Kabbu: This room seems surprisingly straight forward.

Vi: No issues here. I needed a break from all the death traps.

Leif: It's a good chance to stretch our legs.

Kabbu: Moth. If you need to take a break, let us know. Bee will carry you.

Vi: That is not happening.

Leif: Oh, the fatigue, it kicks in...

Vi: I said it's not happening!

[first look at the tablet signs, in any room]

Vi: What a weird tablet. It is written in an even weirder language…

Kabbu: It seems to be ancient script.

Leif: Hmm...These letters look familiar to us. We should be able to decipher it.

[Story, walk by exit]

Kabbu: Nice work, everyon-

Kabbu: Moth! Watch out!

Vi: What the heck!?

Kabbu: By the great antcestors...what kind of sorcery is that!?

Leif: We, uh, are unsure? This is new.

Vi: You seriously expect us to believe that!?

Leif: We mean it, it's the truth.

Kabbu: Magic...that is no common feat. There are less than ten known sorcerers in history.

Vi: You're not some criminal with a HUGE bounty, are you?

Leif: And what if we were? You'd turn us in?

Kabbu: We will talk later. I take it you can fight now?

Leif: We'll try.

[battle]

Kabbu: Wait, everyone.

Kabbu: Now that we're a trio, let me share an useful technique.

Kabbu: With turn relay, picked from the colorful flower…

Kabbu: One of us can lend our turn to another.

Leif: How...is that useful? It sounds tiring.

Kabbu: Well, for example, we could let Bee attack twice to knock down flying enemies.

Vi: Heh. You should let me attack three times! I'll take them all on!

Kabbu: You shouldn't abuse it like that, though.

Kabbu: The exhaustion will reduce your attack power by 1 every time you act in a round.

Vi: Grr. Fine.

Leif: Well, it sounds mildly useful...We'll try it out.

Kabbu: Now, on your guard!

[post-battle]

Kabbu: Geez, that magic isn't a joke.

Leif: It's pretty cool.

Kabbu: If you truly couldn't do it before…

Kabbu: This den really is more than meets the eye.

Vi: Everything's just too suspicious. I don't even believe Moth yet.

Leif: We're telling the truth. If we had ice magic...that accursed spider wouldn't have caught us.

Kabbu: I say, let's focus on getting out alive. We can collect our thoughts when we're safe.

Leif: Very well. If you need us to freeze anything...just press |button5| while we are leading.

Vi: ...I guess it's fine for now. Let's keep going, then! I can almost smell the treasure!

[Overworld Spy, post-Leif magic event]

Leif: The spores in this room are quite nice.

Vi: Yep. Blue and pretty.

Vi: Like that convenient ice magic you pulled off here.

Kabbu: It's made you more than formidable at combat.

Vi: If anything, it'll be easier to get out now.

Kabbu: Indeed. If we stick together, we should be able to do it.

Leif: As long as we can keep control over it…

Snakemouth Den, Underground Door

[Story, first entrance]

Vi: EEP!

Vi: It's not funny! I'm all soaked now!

Kabbu: S-Sorry, Bee. I couldn't help it.

Kabbu: It seems the ceiling's dripping…

Vi: Ugh, why is there so much water in here!?

Vi: There's water under us, above us...it doesn't make sense!

Leif: Hm. This is good, though.

Kabbu: What do you mean?

Leif: If it's water…

Leif: Then it can be frozen.

Kabbu: Impressive! If you can do that...it opens a lot of options for us!

Kabbu: I bet I can push them with my horn, as well.

Vi: That's pretty cool, Moth!

Leif: Mhm. Enemies...the water around us…

Leif: Even though they seem like obstacles, we can exploit them for our own benefit.

Kabbu: Let's give your ice magic a try on all we can find.

[Overworld Spy, pre-door opening]

Vi: This room is gigantic!

Kabbu: Indeed. It's hard to know where to go.

Leif: When in doubt, go left.

Vi: No way, right is right!

Kabbu: Given the way this cave has been laid out…

Kabbu: I believe we will have to go both ways.

Leif: What a drag…

Vi: No joke. Let's rest up and then explore some more!

[First examine of the roach statue sign]

Leif: The craftmanship on this statue is pretty good. Compared to everything else, at least.

Kabbu: That it is. It's a shame this monument outlived its creators.

Vi: Yeah. You only hear about roaches in folk tales nowadays…

Leif: ...? When did the roaches disappear?

Vi: Pretty soon after I was born, I think.

Leif: So pretty recently…

Vi: HEY!

Kabbu: Despite Bee's protests, it was indeed quite a recent event.

Kabbu: No one really knows how or why it happened, though.

Vi: Ugh, this is depressing talk. Let's get out of here!

Leif: (...This can't be right...)

[Overworld Spy, post-door opening]

Leif: The door's open. Hopefully there's not another trapdoor…

Kabbu: The one before got you as well?

Leif: Yeah...we fell straight unto the floor. The rest is history.

Kabbu: (Not a mushroom...?)

Vi: Okay. I'll go check it out first.

Vi: If there's another trap, I can just fly out of it!

Kabbu: Heh. Thank you, Bee.

Snakemouth Den, Underground Right A

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: This place is full of switches, how impractical.

Vi: Must've sucked to live here.

Kabbu: The residents probably didn't frequent this area. It's most likely security for the giant door.

Leif: A giant door wasn't secure enough?

Vi: Well, whatever. If they're guarding it that much...there's got to be something valuable behind it!

Snakemouth Den, Underground Right B

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: This level of security is excessive.

Vi: My beemerang's paint is getting ruined from hitting all those switches!

Kabbu: It's quite the impressive trinket. I half expected it to break, but it's so reliable!

Leif: Unlike Bee herself.

Vi: What was that!? You wanna go back into the spider web!?

Kabbu: ...We're almost at the end. Please keep your fights for when we get out.

[hitting the big crystal switch, first time]

Kabbu: Is everyone alright?

Leif: Did we cause the tremor?

Vi: I guess. It was a pretty big switch.

Kabbu: We must have made progress in unlocking the door. Let's keep going!

[hitting the big crystal switch, second time]

Vi: Alright! That's two switches!

Leif: Pretty sure the door should be open now.

Kabbu: Good! Let's make our way back to the door!

Snakemouth Den, Underground Left A

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: Hey, I see some geysers!

Kabbu: Weird, I thought Geysers were supposed to be hot, yet this room is very cool.

Kabbu: This place is very strange.

Leif: At least we should be able to freeze them.

Vi: Yeah, and maybe ice cubes won't melt when touching them!

Kabbu: Hm. The possibilities we could do with those two pieces of knowledge together…

Snakemouth Den, Underground Left B

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: This room is really tall, isn't it?

Vi: How does this even fit in this cave?

Kabbu: That trapdoor we fell through must have been deceptively deep.

Vi: Hmm...are we really going to be able to get out of here?

Vi: Not to be a downer or anything. I'm just kind of worried.

Leif: Thinking about it isn't going to change anything.

Kabbu: ...Moth is right. Our only choice is to push forward. That is our only way to get out.

Vi: Yeah. You're right. Sorry about that.

Vi: Let's keep going!

[hitting the big crystal switch, first time]

Kabbu: Is everyone alright?

Leif: Did we cause the tremor?

Vi: I guess. It was a pretty big switch.

Kabbu: We must have made progress in unlocking the door. Let's keep going!

[hitting the big crystal switch, second time]

Vi: Alright! That's two switches!

Leif: Pretty sure the door should be open now.

Kabbu: Good! Let's make our way back to the door!

Snakemouth Den, Mushroom Pit

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: There's so many cool mushrooms! I wonder how much they'd sell for.

Leif: They aren't that special.

Kabbu: Hmm. Don't be cranky, Moth.

Kabbu: There are quite a bit of bouncy shrooms in here.

Kabbu: We can fly as high as our hearts wish to! Soar to UNSEEN HEIGHTS!

Vi: Uh...Are you okay there, Beetle?

Kabbu: Y-Yes, I apologize. I got excited.

Leif: Let's put that energy into reaching the exit.

Snakemouth Den, Treasure Room

[Overworld Spy, pre-battle]

Kabbu: By Venus! Have we finally…

Vi: It's the treasure room! We did it! We super ultra mega did it! Yeah!

Leif: It's too early to celebrate.

Kabbu: Moth is right. This place has been consistently dangerous. We must stay vigilant.

Vi: Last one to the treasure is a FAT STINKBUG!

Kabbu: Fat!? B-Bee, wait!

Leif: ...

[Story, walk towards pedestal]

Kabbu: This is...the artifact? Some sort of mask?

Vi: It doesn't really seem special. Or valuable.

Leif: Sueska? Mijrelf ytrik...

Vi: M-Moth?!

Kabbu: Are you alright!?

Leif: …

Leif: Y-Yes...this mask has very potent magic. We reacted strongly to it…

Kabbu: That settles it, then. This is probably the real artifact.

Vi: Dibs. Moth shouldn't touch it anyways.

Kabbu: The queen has claimed it already, Bee.

(minibubble) Leif: The Queen...

Vi: Yeah, yeah. Whatever.

Textbox: You have found the Ancient Mask!

Vi: Eep!

Kabbu: What!?

Leif: ...?

Kabbu: Curses! It's a trap!

Vi: We need to leave!

Leif: …

Spider: SCREEEE!!

Kabbu: YOU!

Vi: S-Seriously!? The spider!?

Kabbu: This is the worst possible timing...!

Leif: …

Leif: We will have you this time...

Leif: It won't let us escape. We must finish it now.

Vi: B-But last time we had to run!

Kabbu: ...We are stronger now, Bee. And Moth is with us. Some battles we cannot run from!

Vi: G-Gah! Alright! Let's take it out, before the room floods!

[Post-battle]

Kabbu: We...We did it! For real this time!

Kabbu: Heheheh...Hahahaha!

Kabbu: We really did it! I was scared for a minute…

Kabbu: But we worked together, and were victorious!

Kabbu: We did it…

Leif: ...Thank you. We don't know much of what's happened to us. But beating up that spider was great stress relief.

Vi: No problem! I was going to beat it up anyways!

Vi: And we got the treasure, too!

Kabbu: C-Curses! We forgot about the flood!

Leif: We should probably leave while we can.

Vi: ...Aw heck.

All: Aaaaaaaaaaah!

Textbox: You did well coming this far.

Textbox: What follows is an alternate story, deviating from the final game…

Ant Kingdom, Main Plaza

[Story, from defeating Spider]

Vi: And that is how we got the treasure!

Tod: Wow! Cool!

Kabbu: ...That's not how it went, Bee.

Vi: Eh, close enough.

Leif: Not really…

Leif: But eh, what should we do next?

Vi: What SHOULDN'T we do next? There's lots of treasure to find!

Kabbu: Indeed. Let us depart!

Textbox: Thank you for playing the Bug Fables demo!

Textbox: It means a lot to us that you got this far.

Textbox: If you're still full of energy, try to complete the side quests and Library!

Explorer’s Association

[Post-completing prologue]

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: Ah, it's nice to be back in the outskirts.

Kabbu: Indeed. It's a relief to return to the association safely.

Leif: Was this area built pretty recently?

Vi: Uh...I haven't been out here that long, so I don't really know.

Kabbu: Regardless, it makes me pretty nostalgic.

Kabbu: Back then, everyone thought Bee was a small helpless child!

Vi: Stop! This nostalgia trip is over!

Leif: …

[Spy Gen or Eri]

Kabbu: P-Please, let's not deal with Gen and Eri.

Kabbu: They always drag me into their quarrels…

Leif: Hey! Gen! Eri!

Kabbu: Moth! Stop that this instant!

[Spy Artis]

Kabbu: That's Artis the Mantis. He is the accountant of the association, and someone who loves challenges.

Kabbu: I've heard he gives prizes to members that have accomplished difficult tasks recently.

Vi: By the time we're done, he won't have any prizes left to give out!

[First talk]

Kina: Oh no...Maki went off by himself? Again!?

Leif: Maki?

Vi: It's a LONG story. I'll tell you later.

Kabbu: Kina, your brother is one of the most respected explorers. He will be okay!

Kina: I know, I know…

Kina: But the nerve of him going without me! We're an unbeatable team! What if he needs me!?

Leif: Maybe what he needed was a little space…

Kina: WHAT WAS THAT!?

Leif: Nothing. Nothing at all.

Kina: That's what I thought!

Vi: S-She's scaring me. Let's get out of here!

[Subsequent talks]

Kina: Just leave me alone. I'll worry by myself.

Kabbu: Sigh. Good job, Moth.

Leif: We didn't do anything.…

[Spy Kina]

Kabbu: This is Kina, Maki's sister.

Kabbu: She always worries a lot about her brother, maybe a bit too much.

Vi: Speaking of him, I don't see him anywhere. Where do you think he went?

[Spy Eetl]

Kabbu: That's Eetl, the caretaker of the Association.

Kabbu: He watches over the quest board and helps teams with their tasks.

Vi: He needs to learn when to relax sometimes, though.

Kabbu: Bee, please don't cause him any trouble.

Vi: I won't! ...As long as he doesn't cause ME trouble.

[Spy Bandit]

Vi: This guy looks super shady.

Leif: It's not like we look any better.

Kabbu: Nonsense. I look trustworthy and approachable!

Vi: …

Leif: …

Kabbu: H-Hello?

[Spy Huscada]

Kabbu: This is one of the members of the traveling caravan.

Kabbu: He is always managing trades and sometimes calming his wife down.

Vi: How did someone like him end up with a hot headed cricket like her anyway?

Kabbu: Bee, we shouldn't pry on other people's affairs!

Kabbu: ...Even if I am curious about that too..

[Spy Cricketly]

Kabbu: She is one of the members of the traveling caravan. I've heard she is pretty hot headed.

Vi: No kidding, you can already tell by her looks!

Kabbu: She does have a soft spot for her husband, though.

Kabbu: It seems we shouldn't judge people by their appearances.

[Spy Leby]

Kabbu: Geez, she's crying really hard. We should probably leave her be.

[Quest: My Brother is Gone!]

[Spy Leby, before talking]

Vi: Isn't that the girl that posted that request in the board?

Kabbu: Yes it is, Bee. We should talk to her and see what she needs.

Leif: She's crying. We must be in the right place.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Moth! Have some tact!

Leby: ...You...are you explorers?

Vi: You know it. We saw your post on the wall!

Leby: Oh, thank goodness!

Leif: So, your brother went missing?

Leby: Y-Yes. He's been going on about getting me some treasure for my birthday…

Leby: Even though I told him I didn't need anything…

Leby: He hasn't come yet! He must be lost in Snakemouth Den!

Vi: Don't worry, Leby. I'm on the case!

(minibubble) Leif: …

Kabbu: Indeed. We will escort you safely. I am sure he is okay.

Leby: Oh, thank you! Let's go. I can't stand imagining him all alone!

Leif: ...Yes, let's get going.

[Returning from Snakemouth]

Leby: Again, thank you for everything.

Leby: I hope we caused no trouble for you.

Kabbu: No problem. Stay safe, you two.

Vi: Come, let's find something else to do!

Leif: ...Take care, you two.

[Spy Leby or Dib]

Vi: Heh. These two look much happier lately.

Kabbu: It is that joy we bring that gives purpose to explorers.

Vi: And the rewards! That medal was super good!

Kabbu: …

Vi: A-And the joy! Lots of joy.

Leif: Alright, let's go.

[End of quest-related dialogue]

Snakemouth Way, Outside Chuck’s

[Overworld Spy, post-prologue]

Kabbu: Ah, this is where we met Chuck.

Vi: Oh yeah. Where did he go anyways?

Leif: Well, this doesn't seem like a safe place to stay in.

Kabbu: He mentioned building a "cozy" space for explorers. He must be near.

Kabbu: Let's see if we can find him.

Snakemouth Way, Outside Snakemouth

[Quest: Lost Toy]

[Walk up to numbnail]

Vi: Look! That's probably the Numbnail Tod ran away from!

Kabbu: Do you think it has the kid's ball?

Leif: Only one way to find out...

[post-battle]

Vi: There it is!

Kabbu: Let's go back and give the ball back to him.

[End of quest-related dialogue]

Snakemouth Way, Chuck’s Abode

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: Hmm. So this is Chuck's Abode?

Vi: Uh huh. I think he calls it a hut though.

Kabbu: Is there really any difference?

Leif: For someone so well spoken to make such a basic mistake…

Kabbu: W-What?

Leif: It's just such a shame.

Kabbu: Stop playing games Moth. Tell me the difference. I demand it!

Leif: Eh, there's no time. We will tell you later.

Kabbu: N-Noooooooo!

[First talk]

Chuck: Hey. It's good to see ya again. You've made a friend, too!

Leif: We're friends?

Vi: Of course we are!

Kabbu: Indeed. After all we've been through, we can trust and depend on each other.

Leif: ...We can get used to that.

Chuck: Hohoho. I'm only glad that you didn't get hurt exploring. Found any treasure?

Vi: Yup! As expected from me!

Chuck: Now nobody can tell ya you're just a little rookie. Stay proud!

Kabbu: Thank you, Chuck. Your hut is progressing nicely as well.

Leif: The hammock looks nice to sleep in.

Chuck: Drop by anytime, and you can sleep for free!

[Spy Chuck]

Leif: It's some old bug.

Vi: Yeah, whoever that is.

Kabbu: Bee, you know fully well that's Chuck!

Kabbu: His hut has been coming along well, we should say hi.

Vi: Before he takes a nap.

Leif: Or he croaks.

Kabbu: *Grumble.*

[Quest: I Want a New Taste]

Chuck: *Grumble...*

Kabbu: Chuck, we saw your posting on the quest board.

Chuck: Oh! It's you guys. Ya did? Any luck? I'm starving!

[End of quest-related dialogue]

Snakemouth Den, Door Room

[Overworld Spy, post-prologue]

Leif: This room brings back bad memories.

Kabbu: Agreed. Just thinking about it makes my back hurt!

Vi: Oh yeah. I heard a bounceshroom showed up down there after the flood!

Vi: We can go down whenever we need to!

Leif: We would really prefer not to…

Kabbu: Besides, I feel as though this room is hiding more secrets than we can imagine!

Vi: Fine, fine. We'll walk around!

Snakemouth Den, Lake

[Quest: My Brother is Gone!]

[Talk, enemies remaining around]

Dib: Help! The monsters are after me!

Kabbu: Don't worry, we will take care of them for you, just hide somewhere safe!

[Spy Dib, enemies remaining around]

Kabbu: This kid is in danger! It's not time to talk!

[Spy Dib, all enemies defeated]

Kabbu: Dib is safe. Let's reunite these two already.

[Talk, all enemies defeated]

Leby: Brother! Oh, you're safe!

Dib: S-Sis!

Leby: How DARE you run off alone!? What if you got HURT!

Dib: I just wanted to get you a present!

Leby: I don't need presents! I need you to be safe!

Leby: You're all I have left…

Dib: Sis...

Leif: How touching…

Kabbu: Let's give them some time to talk.

Dib: S-Still. I got you this!

Leby: O-Oh, my favorite!

Dib: I'm sorry for running off. But I'm mad at you too!

Dib: You give me most of the food, and then pretend you're not hungry!

Leby: …

Dib: I-I'm not a kid. I can help you out too. We're a family.

Leby: Yes. You're right. I will depend on you a bit more from now on...

Dib: I uh, don't want Sis to pay the reward. It's my fault she had to come here.

Dib: Is this enough? I found it while exploring..…

Leif: Um. Yes, thank you.

Kabbu: That is more than enough. Thank you, brave lad.

Vi: Come on, let's get out of here before more monsters appear!

[End of quest-related dialogue]

Snakemouth Den, Treasure Room

[Overworld Spy, post-prologue]

Leif: This place sure is nicer without spiders and floods.

Kabbu: It's quite nostalgic.

Vi: Why ARE we here, though?

Vi: It's not like treasure is going to suddenly appear.

Kabbu: Sometimes, it is about the journey, not the destination.

Leif: Very funny, Beetle.

Vi: Screw that. If there's no treasure let's just get out.

Kabbu: (I never get to have any fun...)

Snakemouth Den, Empty

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: ...Well, this is disappointing.

Leif: Yeah.

Kabbu: Maybe the door was a trap as well…

Vi: Oh well. Let's check the room out.

[Spy Zombiant]

Kabbu: This ant is different from other ants we saw.

Vi: How so?

Leif: For once, it is not trying to kill us.

Kabbu: Maybe we should talk to it to see what it wants.

Ant Kingdom, Main Plaza

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: Ah, the Ant Kingdom's main plaza. It greets both tourists and citizens alike.

Kabbu: It is the bridge between the commercial area, the castle and the residential area.

Kabbu: To top it off, it has many historical points such as the Inn, the Theatre and the founder statue.

Kabbu: We should try to enjoy ourselves and look around.

[Examine statue, first time]

Leif: The first settler's statue...it's nice to see this hasn't changed.

Vi: Hmm, isn't it weird? I heard the Queen led everyone here.

Vi: How come she didn't make a statue of herself?

Kabbu: Apparently, the Queen was heading in a different direction when this ant got lost.

Kabbu: Rather than abandoning it, she decided to return with her people to find the ant.

Kabbu: When they finally regrouped...they were standing in this very soil.

Vi: Huh. So this whole town was built thanks to a clumsy ant?

Leif: Life works in mysterious ways.

Kabbu: The first Queen was extremely humble. Even if that ant hadn't gotten lost…

Kabbu: I'm sure she would have wanted this statue. It resonates with the people.

Vi: Meh. When I rule the world, every street will have my cute face in it!

Leif: ...Goodbye, Your Majesty.

Ann: I wish I could just make Fry cook Honey for dinner every night…

Leif: Mmm. Agreed. Maybe we should give him two honey drops instead of one.

Vi: D-Don't do that! It's dangerous!

Kabbu: What harm could some more honey do?

Vi: Look. Don't ask me. Just don't do it.

[Spy Ann]

Kabbu: Oh, Ann! She grows every time I see her!

Kabbu: She's such a great bug - she listens to all my stories without complaining!

Leif: That sounded really sad.

Vi: We're not being... too mean to Beetle, are we?

[Spy Pillbug]

Kabbu: This is a pillbug.

Kabbu: Its tiny, round and docile nature makes it a very popular pet.

Leif: A pet, huh…

Kabbu: Pillbugs are also obedient, and simply adorable!

Leif: Maybe we could…

Vi: Don't even think about it. We're not getting one!

[Spy Tod]

Kabbu: Hm? I haven't met this kid before.

Vi: Oh, that's Tod. He moved in recently, I think.

Kabbu: Is that so? He seems to be doing well.

Leif: So small. To think we looked like that, once.

Kabbu: You must've been cute as a baby, Moth.

(minibubble) Vi: I'm not walking into this one. I must preserve my cute, baby image!

Kabbu: I can easily imagine a small, grumpy, sleepy Moth.

Leif: ...And you must have been a chubby whiner, Beetle.

[Spy Samira, before talking]

Kabbu: I...I don't know who this bug is. But she seems very distressed, so we should speak to her.

[First talk]

Samira: Sob... Sob...

Kabbu: Excuse us, fine lady. Is everything alright?

Samira: No! N-no, it's not. I've been trying to play in the theater so long…

Samira: And I felt like I could f-finally do it. But now Mothiva's so popular...they only want her.

Samira: They said I'd never be as good as her...And now I don't know what to do, or how to make money.

Vi: So what? If someone says you can't do something…

Vi: You prove them wrong! And they'll beg for forgiveness!

(minibubble) Kabbu: !?

Vi: If you enjoy it...just play! You don't need to be the best, just do what you can!

Vi: Who needs that dumb theater!

Samira: Y-You're right!

Samira: I just need to get fans of my own!

Samira: Um, if you know any songs you like, I can play them for you.

Samira: P-please bring berries and come hear me play soon!

Kabbu: Heheheh…

Vi: What? What's so funny?

Leif: You, being kind and supportive... thought we knew you well.

Vi: I wasn't being kind! I was being honest!

Kabbu: Sometimes, a bit of honesty is all the support someone needs.

Vi: Yeah, whatever.

Vi: ...It's all up to her now, you know?

Kabbu: She'll be fine. Let us drop by later.

[Spy Samira, after talking]

Vi: Samira's been doing good.

Leif: We do pay well.

Vi: Geez, it's not just that. Other bugs come to hear her play too!

Kabbu: Heh. I hope she gets a big following soon.

[First talk]

Vi: Hey, Vivi! Got any quests for me?

Vivi: Yes I do, Bee. Looking for the quick and dirty ones, ain't ya?

Kabbu: We would like to see any and all available ones, if possible.

Vi: Ugh, those are almost never worth it.

Kabbu: Nonsense, Bee. Helping others is its own reward.

Leif: Oh. How noble...it's moving, really. Kinda.

Vivi: Alright. I will make all quests avaliable for you lot.

Vi: Oh well. Let's see what you've got.

[Spy Vivi]

Kabbu: Vivi helps with the Notice Board.

Kabbu: She makes sure to keep the board in pristine shape, and to alert others of new posts.

Kabbu: I hear she sometimes helps out people herself. She is an outstanding citizen.

[Spy Ant Guard]

Vi: I think this is Ant Guard...seven?

Vi: Ant Guard number four used to occupy this post, but management must have switched them around.

Kabbu: She probably won't have an issue with us, well behaved as most of us are.

Vi: I heard that!

[Examine Portrait, first time]

Leif: Ah, the inn founders.

Kabbu: Indeed. We owe these cozy beds to them.

Kabbu: They'll be happy to know that every new owner took care of the inn with equal passion.

Leif: Say, why do you think that is?

Leif: How they could work just as hard for something they didn't create?

Kabbu: If you ask me, I think it's not about being the founders.

Kabbu: They probably shared the same ideals, that's all.

Vi: You two are getting all sappy. Sounds like nap time!

Kabbu: Yawn... Maybe I am a bit tired…

Leif: Shall we call it a night?

[Spy Innkeeper]

Kabbu: Ah, that is the Innkeeper. The 7th owner of this inn!

Kabbu: ...Although the inn has seen better days, she does her best. Let's support her.

[Quest: Inn Review Required]

Innkeeper: Oh, customers...welcome.

Vi: Heya. We've come to write a review!

Innkeeper: Oh, by the Queen! Really? I am so glad you've come!

Leif: Be glad after the review.

Innkeeper: Our standard fare is 3 berries a night.

Innkeeper: So for you three, that would be 9 berries - with a free Honey Drop on the house!

Innkeeper: But since you're writing a review for the Inn, you can stay here for free tonight.

Vi: For free? I won't complain, but…

Leif: Trying to bribe us already, huh.

Innkeeper: O-oh, um…

Kabbu: Worry not, Innkeeper. We will accept your generous offer.

Kabbu: Please make sure we have the same experience as all your guests.

Kabbu: And we will keep the price of stay in mind for our review.

Innkeeper: Phew. Alright, then. Your room is upstairs. I hope you'll have a lovely night!

Leif: I hope so, too.

Innkeeper: Please come talk to me when you wake up, so I can get your review.

[Talk after waking]

Innkeeper: G-Good morning! Did you sleep well?

(minibubble) Vi: Hmmm...

(minibubble) Kabbu: Hmmm...

(minibubble) Leif: Hmmm…

Innkeeper: Gulp...

Vi: I slept pretty well. The honey drop you left was great!

Leif: We haven't had a bed so cozy in years. Or any bed, really. It was good.

Kabbu: It...it was great, yes.

(minibubble) Kabbu: (M-My bed actually hurt my back...)

Innkeeper: Oh, thank you so much! I'm sure a good review will help me out a lot!

Vi: It's well deserved. I can't wait to come again!

(minibubble) Leif: Mhm.

Innkeeper: Heheh. Come back anytime!

Kabbu: Y-yes...of course...

[End of quest-related dialogue]

[Spy Janet]

Kabbu: This ant...I've never seen her before!

Kabbu: Or maybe I have? She seems to have no characteristics to make her stand out.

Leif: How tactful.

Vi: That's Janet, Beetle. Remember?

Kabbu: By the holy spikes of Venus! I forgot Janet!

Leif: So cruel, Beetle. So cruel.

Kabbu: I...I must go apologize…

Ant Kingdom, Theater

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: Ain't this place fancy.

Vi: A bit too fancy. It's straight out of the Bee Kingdom. Yuck.

Kabbu: You know, Bee...for someone who cares so much for treasure, you dislike most high class establishments.

Vi: It's just too pretentious! Use money to eat good food, or go on a trip!

Vi: I hate when bugs use money just to look important!

Leif: Ah, Bee. You're not too bad after all.

Vi: What's that "after all" supposed to mean?

Kabbu: Just take the compliment, Bee. Just take it.

[first talk]

Chubee: Oh, hey Bee! Haven't seen you in a good while!

Vi: Heya, Chubee! Come to see the play?

Chubee: Yup. Bugaria is just full of talent!

Chubee: These your friends? They look cool!

Leif: Yes.

Kabbu: C-Cool? I mean, yes!

Vi: Uh, yeah. We explore and stuff.

Chubee: Awesome. Let's go grab a bite later, Bee.

Kabbu: Heheh. It's nice to see that Bee has friends.

Kabbu: ...Uh, just as expected.

[Spy Chubee]

Vi: That's Chubee!

Vi: She's always traveling and looking for the best foods and shows!

Leif: You seem to care for her.

Vi: Eh. When you get to know Chubee, you can't help but like her!

Kabbu: You'll have to introduce us, Bee.

Vi: I don't know about that…

[First talk]

Fuzzo: Heh. You look like smart bugs.

Leif: Some of us are.

Kabbu: Can we help you?

Fuzzo: Heh heh. Sure you can. I've got an offer you just can't beat.

Vi: Gold? Some legendary berry?

Leif: Perhaps a powerful medal?

Fuzzo: Heh heh. Take a look...at THIS!

Kabbu: ...! Is... is THAT...?!

Fuzzo: Indeed it is, you bunch. This is a LIMITED print edition of the Green Bug Ranger!

Fuzzo: Only 10 of them were ever made!

Vi: Eh. It's alright, I guess.

Leif: ...Bug Ranger?

Kabbu: P-please, esteemed merchant...name your price!

Vi: Oi, Beetle!

Fuzzo: Heh heh. For you, how about 40 berries?

Kabbu: Hngh! A bit steep…

Vi: ...Beetle, if you spend all the berries we made in Snakemouth here, I'll never forgive you.

Kabbu: ...…

Leif: Beetle.

Kabbu: D-Don't worry, you two.

Kabbu: I shall save up and buy it myself.

Vi: Fine. It's your own money.

Fuzzo: Heh heh. I will be waiting.

Fuzzo: So? Still up on my offer? 40 berries for that limited edition Green Bug Ranger plushie!

Textbox: I will take it!

No Thanks.

[Spy Fuzzo]

Kabbu: That moth is part of the traveling caravan that comes through Bugaria.

Vi: What is he doing here anyway?

Leif: This place is full of fancy folk. Maybe he is selling expensive items.

Kabbu: We should speak to him, perhaps he has something of use.

M.M.: OH, BUGLIET. YOU SHINE SO BRIGHTLY...

Kabbu: Hello, what are yo-

M.M.: OH BUGMEO, YOU DAZZLE ME SO!!!

Leif: Heh, yo-

M.M.: BUT WHY THEN, MUST FATE COME BETWEEN US!?

Vi: As much as I want to keep this going, we should probably just go.

[Spy M.M.]

Vi: Oh, I know this guy. It's M.M.!

Leif: That's not a real name, is it?

Vi: Nah, but no one knows who he really is!

Vi: No one has seen him without his mask!

Leif: Half of his face is visible…

Vi: That part is a mask too!

Leif: What?

Kabbu: Unbelievable! I must go rip the mask out myself!

Vi: No! You're staying right here with us!

[Quest: Theater Help Wanted!]

[Spy Mothiva]

Vi: It's Mothiva! She is super popular!

Kabbu: Even I have heard of her from my homeland, it is such an honor to be here near her in person!

Leif: ...We do not see how she is that special.

Vi: Come on, Moth! Even you must have heard of her, wherever you came from!

Leif: …

[First talk]

Vi: Wow, it really is Mothiva!

Mothiva: Oh, who might you three be?

Kabbu: We saw your listing for help. We are at your service.

Leif: (We only wanted to watch…)

Mothiva: Oh, really? Hmm…

Mothiva: (They look so lame! Ugh! Am I going to have to work with AMATEURS!?)

Mothiva: That's great! When can you start? We have to rehearse!

Leif: No audition?

Vi: Shush Moth, don't ruin this.

Kabbu: We can start as soon as you are ready.

Mothiva: (Well, if they're bad...It will just make me shine brighter! Ohohoho!)

Mothiva: Let's begin! Mothiva's training regimen!

Mothiva: No! Not like that, DORKS!

Mothiva: NO, THE PROPS! NO!!!

Mothiva: ............…

Mothiva: Sigh. We're finally ready. You're pieces of work, alright.

Mothiva: Look. People are coming in. Don't ruin this! Just talk to me when you are ready to start the play.

Kabbu: Mothiva seems...different to how I imagined.

Vi: She's "a piece of work", alright.

Leif: This is why you shouldn't meet your idols.

Kabbu: Still, let us do our best. This play carries a lot of people's efforts!

Vi: And we're actually getting paid. Let's do this!

[Start play]

Narration: Once upon a time, there laid a kingdom in the desert with an immense Oasis.

Narration: Travelers from all over the world wished to visit. For its clear water and its beautiful ruler.

Narration: The princess would greet all who came with smiles and hospitality.

Narration: It was so, how an evil prince fell in love...

Mothiva: I cannot leave my people. They are my pride, my joy!

Zasp: Oh, how I wished for thee to make this easy.

Zasp: You have left me no choice!

Mothiva: No...stop, stop!

Leif: Halt, you fiend! You will sully the princess no longer!

Vi: Yeah! Uh, Give her back!

(minibubble) Kabbu: (She forgot her lines...!)

Kabbu: W-We will stop you!

Zasp: Minions! Get rid of these pests. We have places to be.

Mothiva: H-Help me! Somebody save me!

Vi: Alright, let's kick their butt!

(minibubble) Kabbu:Sigh...

Leif: You freakish beasts, you dare stand between us and the princess!?

Leif: You chose poorly. Prepare yourself!

[Post first battle]

Leif: Curses! That villain escaped with the princess.

Kabbu: Whatever shall we do now? How will we face the people!?

Vi: We will get her back! After them!

Narration: The unlikely heroes left their loved haven behind, with the princess in their heart.

Narration: The journey was long, and the desert unforgiving...

Kabbu: Water...oh gods, guide us to water...

Leif: Do not complain! Our suffering is slim, compared to what the princess faces.

Vi: Ugh, I bet she's getting treated real nice.

(minibubble) Offstage: For the love of...

Kabbu: Oh, bandits! We are in such trouble!

Leif: Out of our way, scoundrels. We have no time for thee.

Vi: Yeah! Or face my beemerang! I mean, blade!

Thief: Nyehehe. You shouldn't have come to the desert…

Bandit: ...In such expensive clothes!

Leif: Your greed knows no end...prepare yourself!

Narration: After many harsh nights, the knights pulled through.

Narration: And now, it was time to take back what they had lost...

Mothiva: Let me go already, you monster!

Zasp: Even with all my riches, with the grandeur of my land…

Zasp: You would still reject me!?

Kabbu: Oh, the evil prince. He is so scary and imposing!

Vi: Hey! Give the princess back!

Leif: You will pay for your crimes!

Mothiva: My knights! You've come to my aid!

Zasp: Why...why must fate work against me?

Zasp: Very well. I shall end thee, and take all I want by force!

[Post third fight]

Zasp: No...I can still fight!

Zasp: I will show you my true power!

Leif: No...we are too drained from the fight!

Kabbu: Is this the end for us...?

Vi: Hey, I can still fight!

Zasp: AAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Mothiva: That is for kidnapping me, you cruel tyrant!

Crowd: MOTHIVA!

Crowd: MOTHIVA!

Crowd: MOTHIVA!

Mothiva: Oh, my knights...I thank you for all you have done.

Mothiva: In the name of my mother, the Queen...I grant you the highest honors.

Mothiva: To stay by my side as right hand bugs, as we restore our kingdom.

Leif: It was all for you, Princess.

Mothiva: Heh. You runts had me worried. But it went pretty okay.

Leif: It went way better than okay.

Kabbu: I didn't really like my role...but I managed.

Vi: It was super easy. Now, for payment...

Mothiva: (Easy! She almost ruined the whole play!)

Mothiva: (Good thing the audience is happy just seeing me…)

Mothiva: Well, the play succeeded, so fine. Here is your reward.

Vi: Nyehehehe. Thanks, Mothiva.

Mothiva: Honestly, a lot of people are asking for an encore.

Mothiva: Feel free to talk to me if you want to go again.

Mothiva: (Please don't come back...)

[Lose any battle]

Crowd: Huh?

Crowd: What?

Crowd: Wait...

Crowd: Uhh...

Crowd: Mommy!

Crowd: Wah…

Mothiva: No! You RUINED IT!

Mothiva: ...

Kabbu: We...we're sorry.

Mothiva: ...I made up some excuse with the owner…

Mothiva: They'll let us try again tomorrow, if I give free autographs today.

Mothiva: Rehearse in your own time, and let me know when you're ready.

Mothiva: (...I hate amateurs...)

[End of quest-related dialogue]

Ant Kingdom, Residential

[Overworld Spy, after completing demo]

Vi: Woah, the place changed a bit, right?

Leif: It's still a bit barren…

Kabbu: We deserve a break. Let's check it out.

[Spy anyone]

Kabbu: I can't grasp the true nature of these bugs...!

Ant Kingdom, Commercial

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: This is the commercial area, the best area of them all!

Vi: There's a medal shop, a chef…

Vi: And Madame Butterfly's store! No other store can compare!

Leif: Commerce excites you too much, Bee.

Vi: Heheh. And there's a little something else. But I can't tell you what it is!

Kabbu: I suddenly feel like leaving no stone unturned…

[Spy Amber]

Vi: This is Amber, an ant working for the Item Storage Association!

Leif: That bag looks really heavy.

Kabbu: Ants can carry many times their weight. It is quite inspiring.

Leif: Such strength...perhaps we were born as the wrong bug…

Vi: You don't get to complain, you can shoot ice!

Kabbu: Please, do not fight in front of Lady Amber. Her work is stressful enough already.

[Spy Madame Butterfly]

Vi: It's Madame Butterfly! She's got the best prices in the whole kingdom!

Kabbu: Ahem.

Vi: Oh, sorry. I always get excited when I come here.

Vi: Everything's so cheap, and Madame Butterfly is so pretty!

Vi: I bet she's super rich, too…

Leif: Everyone has a role model.

Kabbu: Indeed. Let's make sure to shop here for what we need.

[Spy Miner Ant]

Kabbu: It's weird to see a Miner Ant out in the surface.

Vi: I wonder what they'll build here.

Leif: Maybe a house for us.

Kabbu: This is the commercial area, Moth. That is unlikely.

Vi: Details. A house is just what we need!

Kabbu: ...I'm just going to end the conversation here.

[Spy Mun]

Vi: Geez, Mun's still in the same spot as always.

Kabbu: Still gossiping, huh.

Vi: Yeah, that can't be a good look!

Leif: You two can't talk…

[Spy Fry]

Vi: This is Fry, the fly!

Vi: Most chefs live in the royal castle, but he chose to work here.

Vi: Though I don't get it. He could make more profit at the castle.

Kabbu: He probably just wants to see his fellow, common bug smile.

Leif: There has to be more to it than that…

Vi: What matters is I'm really hungry. Let's get him to cook for us!

Leif: We could go for a mushroom salad.

Kabbu: Hmm, a cooked shroom would do me good.

Vi: What's with you and shrooms? Aphid Omelette all the way!

Kabbu: Let's make sure we have the proper ingredients, first.

[Spy Oma]

Kabbu: What is this bug doing here?

Leif: It's cute sleeping like that…

Vi: Uh. Well...Fry isn't complaining, so I guess we can just leave it here.

[Spy Merab]

Vi: This is Merab. The owner of the Medal shop.

Vi: They say he has traveled across the land to build his collection!

Leif: Which he is now selling at high prices.

Kabbu: Indeed. It's surprising that he would part with his possessions, but I won't judge.

Kabbu: After all, these will be quite useful in our journey.

Vi: Travel, treasure, and power! Now that's the life!

Bestiary

001 – Seedling

Kabbu: Hm, it seems this land has seedlings as well.

Kabbu: Despite their adorable looks, they plague many fields and have no qualm devouring crops.

Kabbu: Although weak and puny in comparison to me...their flying variation is troublesome, as I can't reach it…

Kabbu: I'll have to ask Bee for help.

002 – Inichas

Kabbu: An inichas, this spiky bug is still in its larval stage.

Kabbu: Although it has impressive armor, it stands no chance against my horn!

003 – Zombie Ant

Kabbu: By Venus... that ant walks after its passing! A "zombie ant"…

Kabbu: I truly believed they were nothing more than a myth.

Kabbu: It is my duty as a fellow explorer... to end its suffering!

004 – Jellyshroom

Kabbu: By the queen...what an abomination.

Kabbu: I cannot hurt this beast while it is airborne.

Kabbu: Bee, would you lend me your strength?

005 – Spider

Kabbu: We meet again...you vicious affront to bugkind.

Kabbu: For all the suffering you've caused, I...no, WE will see to your end!

Kabbu: I'll rely on the others to knock the beast down when I can't reach it.

Kabbu: And use my skills to protect them from damage!

006 – Numbnail

Kabbu: Oh, isn't this a Numbnail? I've read it is quite the endangered species! Perhaps we should flee and leave it alone.

Kabbu: But if we are left with no other choice, I will bring it out of its shell!

Kabbu: Take care with its numbing attacks!

007 – Acornling

Kabbu: What a sturdy little creature! Its appearance truly betrays its resilience!

Kabbu: But alas...it will be no match for my horn!

008 – Thief

Kabbu: Darn! That flying thief keeps stealing my favorite snacks!

Kabbu: And I can't reach them at all…

Kabbu: Quick, team! We must defeat it before it uses it for itself!

009 – Bandit

Kabbu: Hmph, a cricket bandit. It has been a long time since we encountered each other.

Kabbu: Be ready, you rascal. My strength is far greater than you remember!

010 – Zasp

Kabbu: Zasp, we are fellow explorers...why must we fight!?

Kabbu: As much as it pains me, I won't let you get in our way!