Golden Hills

1. Entrance

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: ...I feel weird.

Leif: No kidding. Even the air feels strange.

Kabbu: This is not sacred land in name alone. There must be forces at play we can't see.

Vi: We won't let it stop us, though!

[Story, walk to either side]

Venus: Heehee! Visitors?

Venus: How nice of the two of you to come here.

Kabbu: Goodness!

Vi: Eeep! That plant can talk!

Leif: ...It can't count, though.

Venus: Huh? So there's three of you?

Venus: I see. Hm. So that's how it is.

Venus: So what brings you here? Come to take in the sights?

Vi: We're here for the artifact! Fame and riches!

Venus: Hmph! Such reckless greed! How impure!

(minibubble) Vi: Impure!?

Kabbu: Dear plant, we assure you there is more at play than mere riches…

Venus: Yeah right, you bugs always say the same!

Leif: Nice going, Vi.

Venus: If you want to get the artifact, you'll have to get to the top…

Venus: Let's see if some flytraps don't eat you before then! Ehee hee hee!

Kabbu: Vi, announcing openly you are here to take treasure wasn't very smart.

Vi: I mean, I wasn't gonna lie or anything!

Leif: We're sure that's the reason.

Vi: Whatever! You heard it. Treasure's at the top, so let's get climbing!

Leif: Let's be careful. Something feels off about this place.

[story, coming back in with the big crank]

Kabbu: We should be able to reach the upper level now!

Leif: Hmm... Something's odd. Let's make sure we're ready.

[story, putting in the big crank]

Mothiva: Ohohoho! Aren't you hard workers?

Leif: Uh, who're you?

Mothiva: Excuse me!?

Vi: It's Mothiva! From the festival concert! Wow!

Kabbu: It's an honor to meet such a famous individual!

Mothiva: Hmph. That's better.

Leif: And she came with her personal stalker.

Zasp: I am not a stalker.

Mothiva: I couldn't resist sneaking in! Seeing you work has been so inspiring!

Vi: Heheh. Thanks!

Mothiva: Now, you wouldn't mind just letting us go after the artifact? Pretty please?

Vi: WHAT!? No way!? We put in all the effort!

Mothiva: Aw, come on? I'll even mention you in my next show! You'll get so much exposure!

Leif: Hmph. Think of all the exposure we'll get turning in the artifact.

Zasp: I wouldn't recommend getting sassy.

Mothiva: Tch. What do you even need the artifact for!?

Mothiva: While I was busy bringing joy to Bugaria's citizens, you snuck into Snakemouth!

Mothiva: And now everyone's just talking about you!

Vi: That's not our problem! I ain't giving up that reward!

Leif: The summit may hold answers for us. So we're not going to budge.

Kabbu: I don't really care about fame, or riches. So I would let you pass, but…

(minibubble) Vi: Oi, Kabbu!

Kabbu: It matters to my friends. So my answer is no!

Zasp: Hmph. So you've chosen to do this the hard way. Get ready.

Kabbu: You would attack a fellow exploration team!?

Mothiva: Ohohoho! It's a bug eat bug world, on the way to stardom! We'll just put you to sleep for a bit!

(minibubble) Leif: This is stupid...

Vi: Have it your way! You're gonna get smacked down!

[during battle, if you knock out Zasp before Mothiva]

Mothiva: Seriously Zasp? Get up!

[post-battle]

Mothiva: Ugh... How could you!?

Zasp: Tsk, they're strong.

Mothiva: How DARE you sully my fluff, you talentless, disgusting peasants!?

Vi: That's what you get for trying to hijack our mission!

Kabbu: Mothiva, you are nowhere near as kind as I hoped you would be.

Leif: Mhm. And Zasp? You lost the little respect we had for you.

Mothiva: Silence! I won't forget this... You haven't seen what an amazing performance I can give!

Zasp: Mothiva, we should retreat for now.

Mothiva: I know that. And not because you told me!

Zasp: We'll meet again, Team Snakemouth.

Leif: The things some would do for fame…

Vi: I mean, I almost can't blame her. Getting an artifact really bumps you up in the ranks!

Vi: Not like I was gonna let them take it from us, though!

Kabbu: Well, despite that unexpected detour, we should be able to proceed now.

Leif: We sense some strong magic up there. Let's make sure we're prepared.

[Quest: Butler Missing!]

[Spy Madeleine, before talking]

Leif: We've got a hunch that this is Madeleine. Shall we say hello?

[First talk]

Madeleine: Oh, are you explorers? You've got that reliable aura!

Kabbu: That's correct! Madeleine, I presume?

Madeleine: That's me. I'm so grateful for your help! You see…

Madeleine: Seb, my dear butler, got lost while we enjoyed our pilgrimage.

Madeleine: I've searched quite a bit, but I am helpless finding my way without him!

Madeleine: Pretty please... Could you try and find him for me?

Leif: How's he like? It'd help us.

Madeleine: Right. He's precious, tiny...with an orange bowtie! He shouldn't have gone too far.

Madeleine: Please do your best, yes? I'll reward you appropriately.

Vi: Heheh. We're on it! Just hang in there!

[talk again]

Madeleine: Oh, please! Find him soon! If anything happens to him...I don't know what I'd do!

[Spy Madeleine, after talking]

Vi: Madeleine's got some good style going on.

Leif: Vi, ever thought of carrying an umbrella around?

Vi: Nah, I'd just get tired. Hey, Kabbu. What about you?

Kabbu: Hmm. You think I should try it? I could look so pretty!

Leif: Err, sure. If you say so...

[talk with Seb following]

Madeleine: Seb, my dear! You're safe!

Seb: Milady! I'm sorry to have troubled you so…

Madeleine: Oh, how would my life be without you to help me?

Seb: I can only hope my absence would be noted, Milady.

Madeleine: But of course. Oh, brave explorers... I can't thank you enough!

Vi: I can think of one or two nice ways of saying thanks!

Madeleine: Heheh. No worries. I haven't forgotten your HUGE kindness.

Madeleine: As a token of my gratitude, I hope you will make good use of this.

Madeleine: With that said, shall we head home? I fancy some Burly Tea.

Seb: Of course, Milady. With some sweet bread?

Madeleine: You know me too well! Brave explorers... May we meet again sometime!

[end of quest dialogue]

2. Lower Right Crank

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: Those flowers are dripping dew...how refreshing.

Vi: Ugh, I'm getting Snakemouth flashbacks…

Vi: I need to make sure to stay dry!

Kabbu: Silly Vi. Let's make sure to utilize that water wisely to explore the area!

Leif: It's been a while since we froze stuff... We're looking forward to it.

3. Left Main

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: What a vast space.

Kabbu: It doesn't seem like there's a way to cross…

Vi: Nah, it's fine. I see a lot of cranks!

Vi: I just have to be smart with the Beemerang!

Leif: You mean the A.P.B.D.?

Kabbu: Isn't it the A.B.D.P.?

Vi: It's the Beemerang!

4. Left Crank Half

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: This looks like a job for the Beemerang.

Vi: Mhm! The professor's upgrades actually helped out a ton!

Leif: We should probably start thinking up a performance report for when we see her again…

Vi: Uh...report? Right…

Kabbu: We will deal with that later. Let's focus on the mission!

5. Crank Left

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: So these lifts move differently when the cranks turn!

Leif: Gold star, Kabbu.

Vi: So the green ones go down, and the brown ones up?

Kabbu: Indeed. How nice of them to color code them!

6. Right Crank

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: It's been a while since we saw flying Seedlings!

Vi: Time for some smacking!

Leif: Wait.

(minibubble) Vi: Huh?

Leif: Haven't you noticed the spikes in our path?

Vi: Yeah, but what's that got to do with my smackdown?

Kabbu: I see...! We could freeze them to get across!

Leif: Mhm. Finally, a non violent solution.

Vi: Yeah, cool. Whatever...

Vi: I really want to smack something, though.

[Quest: Butler Missing!]

[Spy Seb, before talking]

Leif: Orange bowtie marks the spot.

Vi: (...Wow. He's even tinier than me!)

Kabbu: That bowtie... Are you Seb, by any chance?

Seb: Oh dear! Could Milady have sent you? I am so relieved... She must be worried sick.

Seb: It's disgraceful that I would worry her so fleeing upon the sight of monsters...I can only hope she'll forgive me.

Leif: Stop worrying. She'll be quite pleased to see you.

Seb: You truly think so? ...Then, without further delay, let us not keep her waiting.

Kabbu: My, how devoted! Just stay close to us. We'll get you through safely.

[end of quest dialogue]

7. Upper Main

[Story, upon first entering]

Leif: Ahbrushkiyle...Sjark trasbadki!?

(minibubble) Vi: Leif?

Kabbu: Are you alright!? It's been a while since one of those episodes…

Vi: We're probably getting close to the artifact, then?

Leif: Ngh... Yes... So much magic…

Kabbu: Perhaps you should stay here, Leif. Until we clear a path.

Leif: N-No. We're fine now. We won't retreat when we're so close.

Vi: Look, stop acting tough! It'll be bad if you trip and stuff!

Leif: Thank you, Vi. But we're fine. Let's go.

Kabbu: If you feel weak at any point, we'll stop. Let's go, team!

[Overworld Spy, pre-fight]

Vi: I hope Leif is feeling okay…

Kabbu: Yeah. Vi, we must keep watch over him.

Leif: (...Thanks.)

Sign: "When the Goddess eats the sun... And then devours the moon... Only then will she appear."

Textbox: A fly trap rests on this trunk, it seems to be waiting for something...

[Overworld spy, post-boss]

Kabbu: Leif, you don't feel weird anymore?

Leif: It's only weird when we feel new magic. Then it just kinda goes away.

Vi: Phew. It'd be bad if you couldn't be near the artifacts at all!

[Spy Tekci]

Kabbu: It seems Venus has granted this cricket access to the hills.

Vi: Huh. So it's not only by winning offerings?

Leif: What could Venus' criteria be...?

[First talk]

Tekci: What a beautiful, Golden Paradise! I love coming here after the festival.

Tekci: If only she had been able to see it too…

Leif: It's truly something. Here on a pilgrimage?

Tekci: O-Oh, explorers! What a wonderful surprise! I am indeed. Aren't these violet leaves just amazing?

Tekci: This whole area is so full of beauty, yet it's still dangerous. Please be careful as you take in the sights.

Kabbu: Thank you, miss. Be safe as well!

[subsequent talks]

Tekci: I wish these pilgrimages would last forever. I can't get enough of this Golden Paradise...

[Quest: In Search of Something]

[first or subsequent talk dialogue, as relevant, then]

Tekci: ...Wait a second!

Vi: Huh, what?

Tekci: You three look like you are looking for something up here, are you not?

Leif: That's very perceptive of you. Indeed we are.

Tekci: Do you think I could help you?

Kabbu: ...I doubt it. But we thank you for your offer.

Tekci: Oh, come on, try me! I know these hills inside and out.

Vi: Uh, lemme check our quests…

(minibubble) Kabbu: ......

Tekci: There's someone who's restricted himself to a small cave?

Vi: Kind of a weirdo, right?

Tekci: ...Could you take me to him?

Leif: For what purpose?

Tekci: I don't know...I think I can help. Trust me?

Kabbu: This whole request chain is a bit abnormal...very well.

Kabbu: Please stay close to us, and we'll escort you to sir hermit.

Tekci: No rush. Don't forget to enjoy the sights you came here for!

[end of quest-related dialogue]

8. Upper Side

[Overworld Spy, pre-venus]

Leif: Fraghstek, ituyel miyurk...

Vi: Leif, you're speaking weird again…

Leif: S-Sorry. It's been happening randomly…

Kabbu: This area's magic is too potent... Let's try to finish the mission quickly.

[Overworld Spy, post-boss]

Kabbu: Leif, you don't feel weird anymore?

Leif: It's only weird when we feel new magic. Then it just kinda goes away.

Vi: Phew. It'd be bad if you couldn't be near the artifacts at all!

9. Venus Room

[Overworld Spy, pre-boss]

Leif: Ngh... The magic...is very strong here…

Vi: So, the artifact is close isn't it?

Kabbu: It should be. Let's find it... And leave as soon as we can.

[Story, Walk to middle of room]

Leif: The artifact is here. Somewhere.

Vi: You sure? I mean, it's just flowers all around us.

Kabbu: Flowers... That's it! One of these flowers must be the artifact!

Leif: Uh, probably not.

Vi: Only one way to find out! Start cutting, Kabbu!

(minibubble) Kabbu: W-What!?

Venus: That's enough!

Kabbu: By the gods! It's Venus! It's Venus herself!

(minibubble) Leif: A Goddess...!

(minibubble) Vi: W-whoa!

Venus: Hee hee hee! Indeed. The one and only.

Venus: I've been keeping my ear on you, with my precious buds…

Venus: I was really, really hoping all the bridges and monsters would stop you.

Venus: So stubborn! And now, you'd even trample upon my garden!? My precious garden!?

Vi: I-It was just a joke, okay? We just need the artifact!

Venus: To line your pockets, hmph! You cared more for an artifact than your...blue friend there.

Venus: Washed up from a river, yet you worried more about a material thing than your own companion!

Vi: W-What? How did you…

Venus: My roots travel all across the soil. Sometimes, I catch some gossip.

Kabbu: I-Incredible! This is truly the feat of a higher being!

Venus: Heehehe! Though I must say, Kabbu. I am beyond pleased with your worship!

(minibubble) Kabbu: P-Please, I am not worthy!

Venus: You're so chivalrous, and kind. So why won't you share your burdens with your friends?

(minibubble) Leif: Huh?

Kabbu: Venus, please! Say no more…

Vi: What's your deal!? Is nagging people a Goddess' job?

Leif: You know everything, then? What bothers Vi, Kabbu and us.

Venus: Well, not everything. But I certainly know more than you lot.

Leif: T-Then what about us? Why are we still here, after so many years?

(minibubble) Kabbu: Leif...

(minibubble) Vi: ...

Venus: ...You, you're all way different than your average bug.

Venus: Greed, sadness, purpose... Such diverse motives within your team!

(minibubble) Kabbu: ...

Leif: Please, tell us!

Venus: Vi! Kabbu! Leif! The artifact, and all the questions you want to ask…

Venus: If you get through my special trial, they are yours!

Leif: Bring it on. We will have our answers.

Vi: Heheh! Well said! It's artifact time!

Kabbu: Venus, despite everything, I will face your trial with honor!

Venus: Hee hee hee… Get ready!

Venus: Ehee hee hee!

Kabbu: W-What in the shining crown of the Queen is that!?

Vi: T-That's way bigger than the spider!

Leif: ...Get ready, you two. We're getting what we came for.

(minibubble) Vi: R-Right!

(minibubble) Kabbu: We can do it!

[battle]

[First attack]

Venus: Hohohoho! Are you ready for this?

[first hp threshold]

Venus: Hmph. You are stronger than you look...

Venus: But have you ever seen something like this?

[second hp threshold]

Venus: Uff... You really know how to fight dirty...

Venus: But I can fight dirty too! You better get ready!

[defeat Guardian]

Venus: AYIEEEEEEEEE!!

[post-battle]

Venus: Ouch... Bugs nowadays have become quite strong...

Kabbu: It is our honor to hear so, Venus.

Leif: Now, if you'd answer us…

Vi: And hand over the artifact!

Venus: Fine, fine. I really owe you, anyways. Other than Aria, it's been years since I saw another bug It's been so refreshing!

Leif: Hm? Were your roots not all across Bugaria?

Venus: Well, my buds don't really have eyes. I can only sense things with them, you see?

Leif: So you didn't see what happened to us in Snakemouth Den?

Venus: Tell me more, you curious thing.

Leif: Back when Elizant the First ruled, our team was on a scouting mission to Snakemouth…

Leif: We fell under, and a spider trapped us. We went asleep and woke up. When Vi and Kabbu saved us. So many moons later…

Venus: That was quite a while back. Let me try and remember.

Venus: ...…

Venus: Yes, a team of three. One of them falls, the other two flee with their lives.

Leif: They lived!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Thank goodness!

Venus: The remaining one lingers, yet the presence vanishes.

Vi: What, it just vanishes?

Venus: Mhm. I don't recall feeling that presence since.

Venus: Even now, I cannot sense Leif's presence. Although I see you here. I'm sorry, but that's all I can tell you.

Leif: Venus, thank you. Knowing our team was safe brought us much peace.

Venus: Hee he he! Ain't a Goddess for nothing!

Kabbu: We are ever closer to the truth, Leif.

Vi: Yup! Awesome!

Venus: No questions from you, Kabbu?

Kabbu: Thank you Venus. But don't worry. I am managing quite well…

Vi: If anyone's fine on the team, it's Kabbu!

(minibubble) Leif: Hm?

Venus: I'll respect your wishes on this.

Vi: Anyways, that just leaves…

Venus: I know, I know. The artifact. Honestly, such a greedy Bee doesn't deserve it! Be grateful for your teammates.

(minibubble) Vi: Rude.

Venus: But anyways, here you go~

Textbox: You have found the Ancient Tablet!

Textbox: Team Snakemouth ventured into the Golden Settlement, in search of another hidden artifact and answers about Leif's slumber.

Textbox: After a festival of joy, friendship and bonding, the path to the sacred hills opened for them.

Textbox: Filled with determination, they gathered the pieces to reach its highest point, and fought off Zasp and Mothiva along the way.

Textbox: Now that they've earned the Goddess' approval and artifact, could the way to the Everlasting Sapling finally be within reach...!?

Textbox: End of Chapter 2.

Vi: Mission super complete!

Leif: We should go report back, then.

Venus: That tablet is important to find the Everlasting Sapling that the Queen's searching for.

Venus: I do not know how it works, but it should hold clues on how to locate it.

Kabbu: Thank you, Venus. How can we ever repay you?

Venus: Hmm... Just promise to visit me sometime, alright? Bring Aria if you can! Hee he he!

Venus: Oh, and don't tell others of me, of course... Stay safe, and remember, I'm always watching over you.

[talk again]

Venus: Come visit me sometime in the future! Hee he he!

[Spy Venus]

Kabbu: Goddess Venus is so nice for someone of her status!

Leif: No kidding... Elizant II could learn a bit from her.

Vi: Maybe we should bring the Queen to visit!

Kabbu: That will probably be difficult, I imagine.

Leif: And we're not willing to put in the extra effort to make it happen.

(minibubble)Vi: Aww...

[Overworld Spy, post-boss]

Vi: Hey, Leif? You're feeling okay?

Leif: Did her words get to you? We're not angry at you or anything.

Vi: Ugh. You're fine alright.

Leif: The magic is still quite potent, but we can manage.

Kabbu: Heheh. Let's not spend too long here, then. For Leif's sake.

[Come back to talk to her]

Venus: Back already? Well, it's nice of you to visit!

Venus: Feel free to relax around my flowers.

[Quest: Team Snakemouth...]

Kabbu: Goddess Venus!

(minibubble) Vi: Hiya!

Venus: Vi! Kabbu! Long time no see! I'm especially glad to not get spooked by you, Leif.

Leif: Uh, sorry. We can't help it.

Aria: Goddess...I have brought you a humble offering, with the help of these brave explorers.

Aria: Please enjoy it to your heart's content, so that our village may be blessed for just a bit longer.

Venus: Aria! You know the festival's more than enough!

Venus: But thank you. I can tell it's going to be wonderful! Let's share, shall we?

Venus: Oh. My. Self!

Vi: A-Awesome!

Kabbu: Can earthly ingredients reach this flavor!?

Leif: We're gonna have to hunt for more Tangy Berries…

Aria: I-It was beyond my expectations. Thank you so much for sharing with me, Goddess.

Venus: It was nothing. I've never had a picnic! I'm feeling overjoyed!

Venus: Team Snakemouth! You're getting a healing discount from yours truly! Only 5 berries now!

Vi: That should've been the regul- Ow!

Kabbu: It was our honor!

Leif: It was worth it as soon as we tasted that dish…

Aria: Please take this Medal too, as a token of my gratitude.

Aria: I'm so relieved you enjoyed the offering.

Venus: I sure am glad I don't constantly monitor everyone, it would've ruined the surprise!

Venus: Come back again, yes? You are most pleasant company.

Kabbu: Anytime!

[talk again]

Venus: Thank you for that gift! I won't forget it!

[End of quest-related dialogue]

[Postgame, first talk]

Venus: Ehee hee hee! Team Snakemouth! To what do I owe this honor?

Kabbu: Please, Goddess. We are not that big of a deal!

Venus: After such a big parade, you can still act so humble...adorable!

Vi: We're just saying hi! There's no problem, right?

Venus: Oh, not at all. You know I love a visit!

Leif: There's something we were wondering...If you don't mind answering.

Venus: Hm? What is it?

Leif: You've heard the Everlasting Sapling had wilted, yes?

Venus: It was the talk of every town! To be honest, I was quite shocked as well…

Leif: We only reached the Sapling thanks to the Ancient Tablet you entrusted us with…

Leif: How DID you get that tablet?

Vi: Woah. That's right!

Kabbu: Goddess Venus! Surely you didn't just stumble upon it!?

Venus: ...Oh, alright. I guess it's fine to say.

Venus: It was a very hurt Roach, who stumbled upon my garden.

Venus: Long before the Golden Settlement reached its prime…

Venus: He begged me to hide it from those filled with greed…

Venus: I wasn't able to save him, but I kept my Goddess word!

Venus: Although rumors spread, I never let anyone have it...until you three.

Vi: Huh. I wonder what happened to him…

Kabbu: And you considered us worthy of that Roach's trust?

Venus: Ehee hee hee! You passed my trial, you know? Even if I was holding back…

Leif: Thanks for being honest... It doesn't really matter anymore, with the Sapling gone.

Leif: But we were quite curious.

Venus: It's a long chapter that's finally come to an end…

Venus: I wonder what will be the next great legend Bugaria chases! Ehee hee hee!

Vi: Heheh. Whatever it is, we're gonna find it!

[talk again]

Venus: My dear explorers, you're always welcome! It's a joy to chat with you!

[Spy Venus, postgame]

Kabbu: We truly owe the Goddess Venus for her help in our journey.

Leif: We wish we could publicly thank her in some way…

Vi: We're gonna have to make the next festival the best one EVER!