Lost Sands

1. Entrance

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: The Lost Sands...we've come back at last.

Vi: The heat never gets any less awful…

Leif: You traveled all through this to get to the Ant Kingdom? Separately?

Kabbu: Yeah. It would've been way easier with Vi around, though!

Vi: Heheh. Same to you.

Leif: Well, it's nice to have a guide... Lead the way, you two.

2. Badlands

[Overworld Spy, before going into hideout]

Kabbu: What could be locked behind the door here?

Leif: Pretty suspicious... We could ask when we get to town.

[Overworld Spy, post-hideout]

Leif: Tch... The bandits are partly to blame for all of the wasps.

Vi: They just wanted money though, right?

Kabbu: One must have morals, Vi. No matter the pay, their actions endangered all.

3. Rock Formation

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: That rock formation is impressive. It almost looks bug made.

Vi: Was it always here? Did ya get to see it way back?

Leif: Err...no. This is our first time here, really.

Kabbu: That's a shame. I'm sure many researchers would love a glimpse to the past!

Leif: As long as it's not from us…

Hawk: My research points to a relic being in the area, but I've hit a dead end.

Hawk: Could there be a path I haven't noticed yet?

[Spy Hawk, before solving puzzle]

Vi: Hawk seems uh...stumped.

Kabbu: Understandably. There really seems no way to climb up.

Leif: Hmm. If we get creative, there's gotta be a way...

[talk after solving puzzle]

Hawk: ...! Incredible. Team Snakemouth, this was your doing?

Vi: Yup! All us!

(minibubble) Leif: You did nothing...

Hawk: I simply must see what's at the top. I'll see you there!

[Spy Hawk, solved puzzle]

Kabbu: Alright! Let us climb to the top!

[pick up medal]

Hawk: This is it. The Lost Tardigrade. Legends say these bugs can live for countless generations.

Hawk: Not that I've ever seen one…

Vi: Weird place to put a statue, right?

Kabbu: Maybe this place looked much different, and only the relic withstood the test of time…

Vi: Hey! At least we found something we can use here!

Hawk: A Medal, huh?

Hawk: So this was a Medal covered in dust... Fascinating. I'll have to write up a hefty report.

Kabbu: Should we uh, hand it over?

(minibubble) Vi: No way!

Hawk: Mmmmm. Would you mind testing its properties on the field? I don't really mind if you keep it.

Hawk: I've got the data I wanted already.

Leif: Cool. Thanks, Hawk.

4. Eastmost

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: It's that big wall again!

Leif: So we've reached another limit of the desert…

Kabbu: It'd be kind of fun to draw a map of the whole area.

Vi: On your own time. There's stuff to do!

[Story, ch4, post-scorpion fight]

Kabbu: Leif!

Kabbu: LEIF!

Kabbu: Leif! Please, you have to wake up!

Zasp: Oi. Knock it off already! He lives. I made sure to treat the wound.

Vi: Just what were those things coming out of him...?

Kabbu: It doesn't matter! Only that Leif wakes up!

Kabbu: I...I can't lose someone again!

Zasp: Then stop shaking him! He'll come around.

Leif: Huff... Huff...

Kabbu: Leif! Goodness gracious, you had me in the most deep of panics!

Vi: No kidding, he's been shouting for hours... U-Um, but I was really worried too!

Leif: ...Zasp? W-Where are we? What happened?

Zasp: You let your guard down like a fool, and got shanked.

Vi: Zasp jumped in and broke that scorpion's face!

Zasp: Don't thank me. I had a debt to settle.

Leif: Those things inside us... What kind of abomination are we...?

(minibubble) Vi: ...

Kabbu: Leif, it doesn't matter! It only matters that you yet breathe!

Kabbu: I've lost so many...I truly feared we would lose you. So it doesn't matter.

Vi: Y-Yeah! The doctor said you had weird stuff in you, anyways!

Leif: Vi, Kabbu…

Zasp: How touching...I guess my work here is done.

Kabbu: Zasp, even with what you said... Thank you.

Zasp: It's hard to find good friends. You'd best go get that artifact, before Mothiva ends her vacation.

Leif: That's right...! We heard these voices, something about research…

Leif: It must be connected to us. We can't stop now. What if the castle holds answers?

Vi: Are you gonna be okay? It was looking super bad…

Kabbu: It doesn't matter if Mothiva gets the artifact. We could always go rest at the inn…

Leif: No. We can feel that it's important... We will go. We must go.

Leif: Would you help us just a bit longer?

Vi: As if ya had to ask! Team Snakemouth's gonna get that treasure!

Kabbu: Then it is settled. Let us proceed to the Sand Castle!

5. Scorpion

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: Oh, that artifact over there looks like Kut's tools!

Leif: It seems the ancients also sliced things.

Vi: Ya reckon they had Beemerangs too?

Leif: Eh, maybe? Or something cooler.

Vi: There's no cooler weapon!

Venus Bud

[Let’s talk]

Venus: The area ahead seems dangerous... But if you need to heal, just leave it to me!

[Story, ch 4]

Kabbu: F-Fall back!

Vi: Woah!

Kabbu: What a vicious beast!

Leif: They really aren't making getting all the artifacts simple.

Vi: Eep! We better stop talking, and start fighting!

[Post-fight]

Vi: That was really close…

Kabbu: We truly have come far. Good job, everyon-

Vi: Leif!

Kabbu: NO!

Leif: Trjkh... wjrhn...?

Vi: W-What the... What is this!?

Kabbu: Leif!? ...Curses, what do we-

Zasp: Tch. I wasn't fast enough.

Kabbu: Leif! LEIF!!!

Zasp: There's no time! Do as I say, if you value your friend's life!

Roach: It's a failure. Yet another one…

Roach: Disgusting. If it keeps up like this, our research…

Roach: Sigh. Throw it out with the others. We should call it a day…

Leif: What the... Where are we?

Leif: A failure...? What are we…

6. Sand Castle

[Overworld Spy, before summoning castle]

Vi: This takes the prize for most boring place we've gone to.

Kabbu: The most innocent places can hide dark secrets. I wonder what's in here...

[Spy Stratos or Delilah before talking]

Kabbu: Team Slacker? What could they be doing here...?

[first talk, first time ever]

Stratos: Hm? You're Team Snakemouth, aren't you? You did Aria's ceremony.

Vi: That's us!

Delilah: Nice! We're fellow explorers too. Ever heard of us?

Kabbu: Given what I've heard... Are you Stratos and Delilah?

Delilah: Yep, that's us! I'm Delilah, and this big guy's Stratos.

(minibubble) Stratos: Mhm. Nice meeting ya.

Kabbu: You're known as "Team Slacker", correct? Famous for never finishing missions?

(minibubble) Leif: Not even one?

Stratos: No mission's interesting for long enough. Why bother finishing them?

Kabbu: And you still call yourselves explorers?

Delilah: Of course! We love exploring! No place's outta reach!

(minibubble) Vi: Nice.

Stratos: We're more like informants, ye? For the other explorers.

Delilah: We gather intelligence about tough quests so other teams can do them. Nice deal, ain't it?

Delilah: We think this here's the fabled Sand Castle!

Vi: What, this brick?

Stratos: Well, yes. This tablet's just waiting for its secret to be unearthed.

Vi: You think it's just gonna come out of the sand?

Delilah: Maybe! No clue what's inside - but what good castle has no treasure?

Leif: So how does it come out?

Stratos: Sorry, we don't know yet. And when we do, we've got to tell the Queen.

(minibubble) Vi: Aww...

Leif: Looks like slacker ain't quite the name for them.

(minibubble) Vi: They're living the dream!

Kabbu: So that's how things were…

Stratos: Well now. Take care on your mission. I'm sure we'll meet when we figure this out.

(minibubble) Leif: See you.

(minibubble) Delilah: Mhm!

[first talk, talked at festival]

Kabbu: It's Team...not Slacker!

Delilah: Oh, hey. Nice going at the festival.

(minibubble) Stratos: Good moves.

Leif: You really did come all the way out here.

Delilah: Do you remember our talk? We think this here's the fabled Sand Castle!

Vi: What, this brick?

Stratos: Well, yes. This tablet's just waiting for its secret to be unearthed.

Vi: You think it's just gonna come out of the sand?

Delilah: Maybe! No clue what's inside – but what good castle has no treasure?

Leif: So how does it come out?

Stratos: Sorry, we don't know yet. And when we do, we've got to tell the Queen.

(minibubble) Vi: Aww...

Leif: It's still good to see a familiar face in the desert.

Stratos: Well now. Take care on your mission. I'm sure we'll meet when we figure this out.

(minibubble) Leif: See you.

(minibubble) Delilah: Mhm!

[Spy Delilah or Stratos after talking]

Vi: How can they just stay here all day?

Leif: For a team of "slackers", they can do the tedious work.

Kabbu: I shouldn't have misjudged them...

[Subsequent talks]

Stratos: Well now. Take care on your mission. I'm sure we'll meet when we figure this out.

(minibubble) Delilah: Mhm.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Stay safe!

[examine pre-castle spot]

Textbox: There is a hole. Something could fit here.

[Overworld Spy, post-summoning castle]

Kabbu: This looks like a daunting climb…

Leif: Getting second thoughts?

Vi: Never ever! Besides, we promised to help you out!

Kabbu: That's right. Not even the tallest mountain will deter me!

(minibubble) Leif: Heh...

[story, ch5, post-castle completion]

Zasp: TEAM SNAKEMOUTH!!

Vi: W-What?!

Kabbu: Zasp, it is unlike you to be so frazzled!

Leif: Has something happened?

Zasp: The Ant Kingdom...is under attack! The Wasps have struck!

Leif: What?! They've dared to bring the fight to the town?!

Zasp: Mothiva and the others are fighting. We have no time for chatter.

Zasp: We must go immediately!

Vi: L-Let's hurry up, then!

7. Book Area

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: Uh, any idea what that is?

Vi: No clue...It's got some scribbles, though.

Kabbu: The ancient language...I'm sure Neo would love to check this out later!

8. Sand Pit Area

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: Woah! That's one BIG quicksand pit!

Leif: Doesn't seem like we can just walk through, either.

Kabbu: These twigs look quite flimsy...I should be able to open a path for us.

Vi: Good old, reliable Kabbu!

Kabbu: Hehehehe...

9. Caravan

[Overworld Spy, pre-bandit fight]

Kabbu: Oh, aren't those Gen and Eri? Won't hurt to say hello...

Venus Bud

[Let’s talk]

Venus: The area ahead seems dangerous... But if you need to heal, just leave it to me!

[Story, ch3, walking up to group]

Cricketly: Oh, if it isn't those peppy explorers!

Vi: Hiya!

Eri: Hey, Team Snakemouth. How's it going?

Leif: Well, it's a bit hot…

Kabbu: You're traveling to Defiant Root as well?

Gen: Yup. We're on a mission to protect these merchants!

Cricketly: Specifically, our dear Snail. We could fight or run, but this one's pretty wimpy.

Eri: It's been a super good day, though. Easiest mission we've ever had!

Burglar: EHEHEHE! YOU JINXED IT!

Gen: Dangit, Eri!

Vi: Bandits!

Cricketly: You've got some NERVE trying to mug us!

Huscada: D-Dear, it's okay. We can make the money back. Don't get hurt fo-

Cricketly: As if! I'd rather go down fighting than yield to these scoundrels!

Wasp: You speak brave words, for a powerless merchant.

Wasp: This is your last chance to surrender to the Wasp Kingdom!

Gen: L-Like we'd let you take anything!

Eri: Yeah, it's time to s-show what we can do!

Burglar: Bleheheh. Merchants are so greedy. Can't share just a few things. Now we're gonna have to take it all!

(minibubble) Huscada: Oh no, oh no!

Wasp: Hmm? Those three! They're the ones from the report!

Burglar: That'll pay a pretty penny! Let's capture 'em!

Kabbu: You will keep your vile limbs away from my friends!

Vi: Let's kick their butt!

(minibubble) Eri: L-let's go!

[Post-battle]

Wasp: Blast! We've got to go back and report this!

Burglar: I'm, uh, still getting paid, right...?

Wasp: Shut it! Let's go!

Wasp: You... We won't forget this!

Huscada: Uff... That was terrifying. Thank you…

Gen: Yeah. Thanks, Team Snakemouth!

Cricketly: Hmph. We were going to be fine. They were weaklings.

Vi: You're welcome.

Vi: ...Those wasps are showing up more, huh?

Leif: It's worrying indeed. We should report this as soon as we're able.

Huscada: We're just humble merchants. We can't help too much…

Huscada: But we are so very grateful for your help. This isn't much, but take it.

Vi: Woah! I didn't even need to ask this time!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Oh, Vi...

Cricketly: Of course. You won't find merchants in debt. With this, we're even.

Eri: We can keep the merchants safe from here. We're almost at the town!

Gen: Yeah. Don't let us slow you down!

Kabbu: You would never! But thank you. We'll keep going now.

Huscada: Safe travels!

[Overworld Spy, post-bandit fight]

Leif: Smart of the bandits to hide behind that rock…

Kabbu: I wouldn't be surprised if this was a routine ambush spot. Why are there no guards around?

Vi: Two guards ain't gonna do anything against a bunch of 'em!

Leif: In any case, it's not our problem to solve. Let's keep going.

10. Badge Alcove

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: Quite the cliff, isn't it?

Kabbu: And a lot of cacti, too.

Vi: So thirsty... I wanna drink the cactus water... I'm gonna jump in!

Kabbu: Q-Quick, Leif! We must hold her back!

11. DR East Entrance

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: Defiant Root's just ahead! A welcome sight after so much walking…

Leif: And a break from the harsh sun.

Vi: We should drop by the Inn and sleep in a nice bed!

Sign: Watch out! Up ahead is the border with the Wasp Kingdom!

Sign: If you're looking for Defiant Root, head west!

12. Far Grasslands Border

[Overworld Spy, pre-gate destruction]

Leif: What a big gate.

Kabbu: This is the border with the Wasp Kingdom. So the area is heavily secured.

Vi: I only see one guard, though.

Kabbu: A new development. She uh, wasn't here before…

[Spy Aebees]

Vi: The border guard's MASSIVE.

Leif: Perfect for the job. We'd better leave before she gets upset.

[First talk, before gate is destroyed]

Aebees: HEY! WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS AT THE WASP KINGDOM BORDER?!

Kabbu: W-we're just passing by…

Aebees: Passing by?! This is the border with the Far Grasslands, Wasp Territory!

Aebees: Unless you want to start a war, you better get out of here!

Aebees: No one crosses the border on my watch!

Vi: Eep! L-let's go, Kabbu!

[Subsequent talks, before gate is destroyed]

Aebees: What is it?! I told you already! No one crosses the border! Begone!

Futes: That dumb Bee won't let me through! Ugh!

Futes: *Sigh*...I just wanna see the Wasp Kingdom!

[Spy Futes]

Vi: Who'd even wanna visit the Wasp Kingdom?

Kabbu: She may be...seeking the thrill of an unknown culture?

Leif: Right, let's go with that...

[Chapter 5]

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: Oh no! The gate is destroyed!

Leif: A shame, but we can enter the Far Grasslands with ease now.

Vi: With permission we could've crossed anyways…

[first talk]

Aebees: T-they destroyed the gate...

Vi: Did you see who did it!?

Kabbu: Vi! Can't you see she's in shock?!

Vi: It was her job to watch the gate, though…

Aebees: ...Y-you're right. I have no excuse... W-watching the gate was my only job... I'm useless!

Leif: Her will's more broken than the gate. Let's leave her alone for a bit.

[subsequent talks]

Aebees: M-My only job... A failure!

Leif: Let's leave her be for a bit.

[Story, ch5]

Maki: Good. You've arrived quickly.

Yin: ...Muh! Muh!

Leif: So who's the cute little thing?

Kina: Just some stray from the streets…

Maki: Now, Kina. Don't be rude.

(minibubble) Kina: Hmph.

Maki: This is Yin. I found her while spying on the Wasps.

Maki: She should have become a Moth moons ago. And, well, her condition fascinates me.

Kabbu: ...Is that so? That's weird.

Vi: Yeah. Never heard of a super old caterpillar!

Kina: Whatever. We've got work to do. I just hope she doesn't slow us down…

Maki: We'll head in first. Make sure you're well prepared.

Kabbu: We've never been more ready!

Leif: Uh, right. See you there.

13. Trench South

[Overworld Spy, right side]

Kabbu: B-Be careful! Don't fall into the quicksand!

(minibubble) Leif: Phew...

[Overworld Spy, left side]

Leif: Oh. There's a fence. Wonder who built it.

Vi: It's all old and busted. Didn't do a very good job, eh?

Kabbu: The passing of time strikes down even the finest craftmanship in this arid land...

14. Trench Middle

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: Those poor cacti! It must be so difficult being bunched up together.

Vi: Come on, Kabbu. Plants don't have feelings!

(minibubble) Leif: ...Venus?

15. Mountain

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: Fancy place for a cave.

Vi: This has gotta be Stream Mountain!

Kabbu: What an imposing name! It must be extremely dangerous!

Vi: Nah. There's just water coming out of the side!

(minibubble) Kabbu: That's it?

Leif: Hm. Still, call it intuition but... We feel the need to explore it.

(minibubble) Vi: Let's do it!

16. DR South Entrance

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: This place's got a good view of the big tree.

Vi: And the Bee Kingdom…

Kabbu: It's amazing to see such a large living being!

Leif: Makes you feel tiny sometimes, doesn't it?

Vi: Nah. When you're at the top, you feel like the coolest bug in the world!

Cricketly: We're even, so don't think I'm giving you any discounts!

Vi: Gotcha…

Huscada: I can't thank you enough for saving us!

Common shop dialogue

Ant Guard: Lots of bandits showing up lately... Something's up. Be careful out there.

17. Jump Puzzle

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: The Lost Sands sure love their rock formations…

Leif: And their thorns.

Kabbu: Perhaps one day, these barren places will be home to new settlements!

18. Oasis Entrance

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: Those vast walls cover the desert, don't they?

Vi: Mhm. When you see the Lost Sands from the Hive, it's one big box!

Leif: That can't be a coincidence, can it?

Kabbu: Nature works in most mysterious ways. It's quite possible it's mere chance.

Leif: We should ask Neo sometime...

19. Oasis

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: Now this is something. Water flowing freely in the desert.

Vi: Bottoms up! I'm taking a big chug!

Kabbu: Why, I wouldn't mind splashing my face a bit either!

Leif: Perhaps we could even find the source of it if we look around.

[Quest: Tidal Wyrm]

[after talking to Doppel]

Common Stratos and Delilah bounty spy

[Talk to Stratos, before Delilah]

Kabbu: It's Stratos and Delilah.

Vi: Wonder what they're doing here...

[First talk to Delilah]

Stratos: Hello there.

Vi: Hiya! Fancy meeting you here!

Delilah: Indeed! Seems you are also curious about this mountain over here?

Leif: Somewhat. What can you tell us about it?

Stratos: This is Stream Mountain. Called that because of this very oasis here, as the water comes from it.

Stratos: We've heard a powerful monster lives in here, so we are investigating.

Kabbu: A monster?

Delilah: Yeah, don't know much of it yet but it seems pretty nasty!

Delilah: Be careful if you explore the mountain, lots of strong creatures live inside!

Leif: But we bet it is full of treasure. Thank you either way.

Vi: Mhm! Treasure!

Stratos: Just stay safe, alright? Wouldn't want us to be blamed if you went missing.

[talk again]

Stratos: Be careful, alright? We don't know what the monster is but locals says it is powerful.

Stratos: Don't go blaming us if something goes wrong.

Delilah: Seems like this place is full of water. Horrible! I don't want to get my wings wet!

[Spy Burglar]

Kabbu: Haven't we met this fellow?

Vi: Something's very familiar about him, for sure!

Leif: (They can't tell?)

[first talk]

Burglar: Urp… that was a total failure. The boss will have at me!

Burglar: I just hope he can manage to trick some chumps at the well.

Kabbu: Excuse me, sir. Are you alright?

Burglar: Oh, yeah. I am alri-

Burglar: E-EEEEEEEERR...

Kabbu: Is something wrong?

Burglar: I-it's nothing, bud! J-Just taking a break here near the water! Ahahahaha...!

(minibubble) Burglar: (They don't remember me?)

Leif: Uh. Sure thing, "bud".

[talk again]

Burglar: T-there is nothing we should talk about! Just let me take a rest here...!

Kabbu: Oh, uh, alright. Excuse us.

20. West Dunes

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: This floor is unbearable. So uneven…

Kabbu: It could be fun to roll around all the hills!

Vi: And ruin my fur? You're nuts!

(minibubble) Leif: We concur.

Kabbu: Killjoys...

21. Before GH

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: Water... Need...water…

Kabbu: We're close to...the Hills... Hang in there…

Leif: (We're not thirsty, but perhaps we shouldn't boast this once... )

22. Southern

[Overworld Spy]

Kabbu: Not the most exciting of places…

Leif: Given deserts are just a bunch of sand... We're surprised it took this long for a barren spot.

23. Roach Village

[Overworld Spy]

Leif: This smells like Snakemouth Ruins.

Vi: Couldn't the Roaches have lived in a normal place? Like the Ant Kingdom!

[Spy Hawk]

Vi: Hey, it's Hawk!

Leif: Let's see what he's up to. Maybe he's got a lead on the keys.

[Story, ch4]

Leif: This statue seems eerily familiar. A Roach?

Hawk: Oh, it's you.

Hawk: That's correct. It's most likely a statue of the Roach village founder.

Kabbu: That's right! We saw some Roach ruins in Snakemouth too.

Hawk: What!?

Vi: Yeah. It was all around where we found the artifact!

Hawk: Incredible. This is information you should've shared right away.v

Hawk: I guess that explains why this key was here…

Leif: That key, could it be for the Sand Castle?

Hawk: Don't ask me. But Roaches and artifacts often pop up together.

Hawk: Just what made them disappear? This is what I want to know.

Hawk: All the damage you see is simply a result of the passage of time. A few sandstorms here and there roughed up the place, but…

Hawk: With the Oasis so close by, I find little reason this place would be abandoned. Most curious…

Vi: Uh huh. Hey, you wouldn't mind giving that to us, right? We really need it!

Hawk: You're asking me to hand you over a priceless historical relic?

Kabbu: P-Please? We'll return it…

Hawk: ...Well, sure. If it really leads to the artifact, it'll give my research a boost.

Leif: Thanks, Hawk.

Hawk: Do get back to me with any developments.

[key dialogue]