Chapter 2: Sacred Golden Hills!

By: Elizant II

Not long after handing in their first artifact, Team Snakemouth's been ordered to head to the Golden Settlement!

Head to the tunnel south of the association!

.

Kabbu's friend, Professor Neolith, was being ambushed by wasps!

With the help of Levi and Celia, Team Snakemouth protected him.

Now, it's time to cross the tunnel and head to the Golden Settlement!

.

The Golden Festival, celebrating the harvest Goddess, Venus, has begun!

For the festival to conclude, the Moon and Sun offerings must be collected. Sounds like a new mission!

.

After bonding as a team during the festival's events and upgrading Vi's Beemerang, the offerings were brought to acolyte Aria.

Sparring in the name of the Goddess, the sun's rise marked the end of the festival!

The path to the Golden Hills has opened. The artifact awaits...!

.

Fighting off Zasp and Mothiva, Team Snakemouth made it to the top of the Golden Hills.

There, they faced Venus and her trial. After a long battle, they were deemed worthy!

With another artifact obtained, and with the blessing of Venus, Team Snakemouth heads back to the castle.

Golden Path, River

Kabbu: Ngh... What...

Kabbu: Vi! Leif! Are you alright!?

Vi: Ugh! I'm all soaked!!!

Vi: Cripes, we really got lucky.

Kabbu: I'm a bit hazy... We got the artifact...then that spider attacked.

Vi: Eep! The artifact! I dropped it!

Leif: …

Vi: Leif! Did you grab the artifact!?

Kabbu: Seriously, Vi!? Worry about the artifact later! Let's make sure Leif is okay first!

Leif: *Cough*. Next time, we'll just freeze the whole dumb river.

Kabbu: Phew. I'm so relieved to see you well.

Vi: So? Did you catch the artifact or…

Leif: Uh, the artifact... It's over there.

Vi: Alrighty! Not a scratch!

Leif: Your concern is touching, Vi.

Vi: Oh, drop it. You look super fine!

Kabbu: Well, at least we've completed our mission!

Kabbu: Uff. We're going to need a good rest.

Vi: After we figure out where we are…

Leif: If we recall, this is close to the Ant Kingdom. We should get back to the city pretty quickly.

Leif: ...It's nice to feel the sun again. It'll be good to go back.

Kabbu: Honestly, Vi may be raving about the artifact. But saving you is the true victory in my eyes.

Leif: Um, thanks?

Vi: Geez, calm down over there! Let's report to the Queen and get our reward!

Leif: (Elizant…)

Outskirts, Explorer’s Association

Eetl: Oh! It's you guys!

Eetl: Oh Goddesses! You're alright! I couldn't stop worrying, ever since you left!

Kabbu: It was a...rocky journey. What with the flood.

Vi: No kidding! I don't wanna see rivers for a while!

Leif: We're glad to finally be out of there, at least.

Eetl: Rivers!? You're some lucky bugs!!!

Eetl: But uh...Vi, Kabbu, who's this?

Kabbu: Oh! Eetl, this is Leif. We found him trapped in Snakemouth.

Eetl: So you DID make it into Snakemouth!?

Eri: Honestly, we thought you'd bail. Going to Snakemouth is crazy!

Leif: Bailing would've been a good idea, really…

Vi: Well, we did! And we got the artifact!

Eetl: Ah haha! Nice one, Vi. The river must have shaken up your hea-

Eetl: I-Impossible! You actually made it into Snakemouth's depths!?

Vi: Yeah! We did it! In your face, Eetl!

Leif: How sportsbuglike.

Kabbu: Vi, it is folly to boast.

Vi: It's folly to tell me I can't do something!

Gen: Um, so is it like, the real deal?

Eetl: Yeah. It's quite like another artifact we've been looking into. That must be the genuine deal.

Eetl: (...It's just like Neolith was saying…)

Kabbu: Hmm?

Eetl: I was just thinking that you should go see the Queen right away! She will be beyond ecstatic!

Leif: It has been some time since we last saw the Queen…

Leif: ...Wait. Actually, looking around, we don't recognize that structure over there. Was it built recently?

Eetl: What, you mean the association? It has been there for many moons!

(minibubble) Leif: ...?

Eetl: You are not from around here, are you?

Leif: We are. We recognize this place. But something feels off…

Vi: You're just fuzzy from the cave! I bet it'll come back to you!

(minibubble) Leif: (…)

Kabbu: Eetl, what about Leif? I heard that exploration teams can only have two members.

Eetl: Oh, that! Well, it's unusual. But you did conquer Snakemouth. It's been a goal for ages…

(minibubble) Leif: (...Ages?)

Eetl: I suppose that... Alright. With my authority as the association's caretaker, in honor of your feat…

Eetl: I grant you, Team Snakemouth, the perk of being able to have three members!

Kabbu: Team Snakemouth?

Vi: A proper explorer team name!

Leif: Uh, yay.

Eetl: Well, that's that! Let's go see the Queen! She must know that the artifact was found!

Gen: Oh, I'm so jealous! I hope the reward is good!

Vi: Heheh. It better be!

Kabbu: Let us go, then.

Leif: Yes, a walk through the plaza should help.

Leif: (We need more information...)

Ant Kingdom, Main Plaza

Eetl: Alright, everyone. The palace is through that gate ahead.

(minibubble) Leif: (It's… the same… ...but different… Even the walls look older...)

Vi: Let's hurry it up, then! It's big reward time!

Kabbu: Ready to go, Leif? You seem a bit pale.

Leif: You don't need to worry. Let's go...

Ant Palace, Bridge

Maki: Oh, if it isn't Eetl. Vi and Kabbu too.

Eetl: Maki! Perfect timing!

Maki: The news spread quickly. So, you two succeeded? You conquered Snakemouth?

Maki: You've made a friend, even…

(minibubble) Leif:...

Vi: You bet we did! You were all worried for nothing!

Maki: It seems my intuition was correct. I'm quite relieved…

Maki: I have arranged a meeting with the Queen for you. She is expecting us right now.

Eetl: Well, since Maki is going with you, I guess it's back to work for me.

Kabbu: Thank you for accompanying us, Eetl.

Maki: No problem. Stay out of trouble, alright?

Maki: Well then, let us go. Lead the way!

Ant Palace, Main Room

Ant Lieutenant: Maki. There you are. You know the Queen hates waiting.

Kabbu: Please forgive us for the delay.

Vi: We're ready, though!

Maki: Then you wouldn't mind if we stepped right in?

Leif: No objections. The sooner we answer our doubts, the better.

Guard: That'll do. Let us proceed, then.

Ant Palace, Throne Room

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

Leif: (So it's true.)

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

Elizant:...Wonderful. So very wonderful!

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

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

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

Textbox: Reward first!

Meh. Fine.

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

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

Zaryant: Here, you've earned this.

Vi: W-Woah! This is a ton!

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

Maki: Congratulations. It is praise well-earned!

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

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

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

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

Ant Guard: YOUR HIGHNESS!!!

Zaryant: What? What is this fuss about!?

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

Elizant: That, you say? Come hither.

Elizant: !!! I see...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elizant: Do not dare interrupt us again, child.

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

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

Elizant: Have you understood my command?

Textbox: Of course!

Can you repeat that?

[Of course!]

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

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

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

(minibubble) Leif: Tch...

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

Vi: Geez, alright. Let's go!

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

Textbox: Chapter 2: Sacred Golden Hills

Ant Palace, Main Room

Vi: Alright! We did it! Look at all these berries! Heheh…

Kabbu: Hehe. I got a big scare earlier, but I have to admit... We did really well!

Vi: We've got to celebrate! Maybe in the Golden Hills festival!

Kabbu: T-That's right! How fortunate that our expedition would line up with such an occasion!

Leif: …

Vi: Uh, Leif? You could pretend to be happy or something.

Leif: Vi...Kabbu... May we confess something?

Kabbu: Hm?

Leif: When our team left for Snakemouth…

Leif: The Queen was Elizant the First.

Vi: WHAT!?

Kabbu: W-What!? Leif, that is not possible!

Vi: Y-Yeah! I wasn't even born when the new Queen took the throne!

Leif: It's… it's the truth.

Leif: The plaza has changed, there's a new Queen, we can't find our team anywhere…

Leif: We've been trapped for...decades? We don't even know.

Leif: We hoped we were just fuzzy, but walking around has confirmed it.

Kabbu: Leif...!

Leif: And this new Queen, she rubs us the wrong wa-

Vi: S-Shh! You can't just say that in here!

Leif: Elizant the First was kind and understanding... This new Queen doesn't quite live up to her.

(minibubble) Vi: ...

(minibubble) Kabbu: ...

Leif: ...Sorry. Too much has happened. We didn't get a chance to ask anything, either.

Vi: Yikes, what should we do? This isn't normal at all…

Kabbu: Leif...

(minibubble) Leif: ...

Kabbu: I cannot understand the pain you are feeling. Probably there is no one who can.

Kabbu: But come with us. Maybe as we explore, we'll find the truth behind what has happened to you!

(minibubble) Leif: The truth...

Vi: Uh, yeah! Maybe there's clues around, or something…

Leif: ...Alright. Once again, we're left with little choice. You're fun to be around, at least.

Vi: Well, yeah!

Kabbu: Thank you, Leif. Together, we conquered Snakemouth…

Kabbu: And together, we will figure this out!

Leif: For now, let's focus on this mission. We'll be okay.

Vi: Alright! Let's head on south, for clues and glory!

(minibubble) Kabbu: (Leif...)

Ant Kingdom, Main Plaza

Leif: Sorry about that.

Kabbu: Heheh! Well now… Leif, after all you've gone through, you must be famished!

Vi: ...Welp, he ain't the only one!

Kabbu: We should grab something to eat.

Leif: Yeah. It would also be a good time to prepare for the trip, would it not?

Vi: Yup! And the commercial area is right over there!

Kabbu: Indeed, and it's got it all! Medals, Items, and even a Chef!

Leif: With all that's been going on, a little shopping wouldn't be the worst.

Vi: Just go easy on the budget.

Vi: Anyways, let's go hit up Fry for some food!

Ant Kingdom, Commercial

Fry: Are you ready for the chow of your life? Bring me ingredients, and I will make you some chow!

Fry: Chop chop, come on, let's get messy! Give me what you want to cook!

Textbox: Let us cook with one ingredient.

Let us cook with two ingredients.

W-We’ll pass...

[after cooking]

Leif: Huff... We feel just like new. Literal ages since we ate something. And we get hungry real fast, so…

Kabbu: We'll definitely eat here again. It's been nice to share.

Vi: Sounds good. But it's time to get back to the mission!

Vi: We've gotta go south, to the Golden Settlement! Off we go!

Golden Path, River

Neo: SOMEBODY, HELP!!!

Neo: I-I told you, you savages... I don't know anything...

Wasp 1: Hmph! The renowned Professor Neolith doesn't know anything!?

Wasp 2: Spill the beans about the artifacts or pay with your life!

(Minibubble) Neo: Oh gods...

Kabbu: Stop! I will not allow this injustice any longer!

(Minibubble) Neo: K-Kabbu...

Leif: Assaulting someone who can't even fight... You have no dignity.

Wasp 2: Stay out of this. We will eliminate any who get in the way!

Vi: Who do you think you are!?

Kabbu: You've made your choice. To protect my friend...I'll take you down!

(minibubble) Leif: Friend?

Wasp 1: You only have yourselves to blame for the pain you're about to suffer!

Levi: Halt!

Levi: Those crooks are soldiers from the Wasp Kingdom!

Celia: We'll help out!

Wasp 2: It doesn't matter how many of you appear! We will complete our mission, for the Wasp King!

Levi: Focus your efforts on one of them, we will handle the other one!

Vi: We didn't need your help! ...But thanks! Let's go!

[post-battle]

Wasp 2: Blast it all... We underestimated them...!

Wasp 1: We must report this at once! Count your blessings, explorers! You won't be so lucky next time!

Kabbu: Thank you. It would have been a steep fight without your help.

Levi: Think nothing of it. Explorers must support each other.

Neo: What a scare... Thank you all so much!

Neo: I really thought I'd croak before finishing my research…

Kabbu: Neo! I am so glad you're alright!

Neo: Kabbu, it was thanks to your timely appearance! This has to be fate!

Vi: So uh, who's this Professor Neolith guy?

Celia: You don't know?! Professor Neolith is the leading authority in archaelogy!

Vi: Oh! Nice to meet you!

(minibubble) Vi: (...Archaelogy?)

Neo: Aw, shucks! I'm not that famous!

Kabbu: Neo and I met in the Lost Sands while I...travelled to the Ant Kingdom. He helped me find my way.

Neo: It was nothing, compared to saving me from that ambush!

Neo: Coincidentally, I was examining this tunnel, linking the outskirts to the Golden Path.

Neo: I never expected to get assaulted! Although a less visited path does lend itself to it.

Celia: From what I overheard, they seem to be looking for artifacts as well?

Levi: I'll have to make sure to report that upon our return…

Neo: The wasps have behaved for a few moons, but they can't be planning anything good.

Neo: If it's going to be this unsafe, maybe I should cancel this trip and head back…

Celia: Professor, we're on a journey to the Golden Hills. We would be glad to escort you.

(minibubble) Kabbu: There goes my chance...

(minibubble) Vi: Phew...

Neo: Oh! Thank you!

Leif: We're on our way there as well, so we'll catch up to you eventually.

Neo: Heheh. It'll be a fun festival with everyone there!

Vi: Let's play some of the games later, Neolith!

Kabbu: Neo, stay safe. Let's hang out later!

Golden Settlement, Main Area

Celia: Seriously, Aria! Open the way!

Aria: The way to the hills is sacred. I will not sully it for any reason.

Levi: Please, won't you reconsider? The wasps could beat us to the punch!

Aria: They tried. They failed. I will not waver in my conviction.

Celia: They...failed?

Aria: I dealt with them, yes.

Levi: Ngh. As rushed as we may be, if there's no danger, I don't think we'll manage to skip the festivities.

Celia: Bummer. Guess we'll have to relax, for once!

Aria: The way to the hills will open after the festivities are concluded.

Aria: Not sooner, not later. You must wait.

Kabbu: That's that, huh...

Vi: You heard her! Relaxing is the mission!

(minibubble) Leif: ...

Vi: That goes double for you, Leif. Let's check this place out!

Leif: Alright, alright.

Kabbu: The main event starts at night time. Let's talk to Aria when we're ready.

Aria: Oh? Are you here for the festival? It should start as soon as the sun sets.

Textbox: Keep exploring

Wait for nightfall.

[Wait for nightfall.]

Aria: The Golden Festival has begun!

Aria: Oh Goddess Venus, who watches over us, and ensures a bountiful harvest without fault…

Aria: We congregate to share our gratitude. May it reach your roots and bring you joy.

Aria: And when the two offerings, held by our esteemed guest hosts, are brought to me…

Aria: The final ceremony will begin.

Aria: Now feast! Laugh! All in good faith! Let's make this one more festival to never forget!

Leif: Well, she's passionate.

Kabbu: Thank you, Venus. For watching over us…

Leif: Kabbu, you're praying too?

Kabbu: Er, I felt the need. We should be respectful of their tradition.

Vi: Didn't you hear? Feast and laugh! Now THAT's a way to show respect!

Leif: We should probably gather the two offerings. They sounded pretty important.

Kabbu: Let's look for them as the festivities ensue. They may help us complete our mission.

Vi: Uh, right. The mission. Yup. I'm on it!

[if you haven’t talked to Zasp before]

Zasp: If it ain't Team Snakemouth. I'm Zasp, part of the Explorers' Association. I've heard of your expedition.

Vi: Heheh, really? We did super well, didn't we?

Zasp: Did you now? Heard you got pulled out of a river, half dead. Pretty embarassing, if you ask me.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Oof...

Leif: We already dislike you.

Vi: You got a problem, wasp?

Zasp: It's Zasp. And no, I'm too busy to be petty.

Zasp: I'm here to represent my team in the eating competition. The winner gets an offering, so it is my aim to win.

Zasp: I just wanted to relax a little before it, is all.

Leif: We must say you're going to lose, Zasp. Horribly.

Leif: In an eating competition... We won't be bested.

Zasp: Hahahah! Try your luck. I'll see you in the ring.

Vi: Grrr! You better beat him, Leif! We'll show him embarassing!

Kabbu: (Can't we just get along...)

[If you’ve talked to Zasp before]

Vi: Hey, Zasp.

Zasp: Hmph. Hello, Vi.

Leif: Friend of yours, Vi?

Vi: Fat chance.

Kabbu: Zasp is a fellow explorer. We met in the association.

Zasp: Congratulations on the expedition. I assumed we wouldn't meet again, given you almost drowned.

Vi: Oh, thank you kindly for your concern. So glad to surpass your expectations.

(minibubble) Leif: Pfft.

Kabbu: Err, what do you say we start on a good limb this time?

(minibubble) Vi: You wish.

Zasp: I'm too busy to hold grudges. Fine by me.

Zasp: I'm here to represent my team in the eating competition. The winner gets an offering, so it is my aim to win.

Zasp: I just wanted to relax a little before it, is all.

Leif: Is that so? However, we must say you're going to lose.

Leif: In an eating competition... We won't be bested.

Zasp: Hahahah! Try your luck. I'll see you in the ring.

Vi: Grrr! You better beat him, Leif!

Kabbu: (Can't we just get along...)

Golden Settlement, Farms

Vi: Ugh. It's her.

Beette?: Oh geez...I came all the way here…

Beette: But these plebs really can't compare to the Bee Kingdom...

Vi: Grr!!!

Leif: Well, she's rude.

Vi: She? Most bees are like that. They're so stuck up!

Kabbu: Vi, I never did ask. Have you any beef with your kingdom?

Vi: ...A little. We just don't get along. They tried to stop me from exploring because it was "dangerous".

Vi: They're annoying, okay? Being an explorer is way better! Who wants to be stuck in the Hive forever!?

Leif: So you're an outcast amongst your own people.

Vi: You don't have to say it like that, but I guess.

Leif: We do understand how it feels, though.

Kabbu: Stop. You're no outcasts! You're equally incredible within this team!

Vi: Heheh. You're too corny, Kabbu.

Leif: Agreed. Don't you get embarrassed saying stuff like that?

Kabbu: No. I am serious. I won't let my friends feel like outcasts!

Leif: ...Thanks.

Vi: Yeah...thanks, Kabbu.

Kabbu: Oof. Now I'm actually embarrassed! But I digress.

Kabbu: We have a festival to enjoy. It's our mission!

Leif: You're right. Let's go make some new memories.

(minibubble) Vi: And have tonsa fun!

Textbox: Kabbu can now use the Pep Talk skill in battle!

[First talk]

Kabbu: Mayor! It is good to see you!

Mayor: Hohoh! Hey, Kabbu. You seem to be well back on your feet!

Leif: Mayor? Of where?

Kabbu: This is the Defiant Root's mayor. He graciously hosted me when I got lost in the desert.

Vi: You're just full of wild stories you haven't told us, huh.

Mayor: I wouldn't say wild...Kabbu is such a good bug! Come visit at the Lost Sands when you can.

Mayor: Right now I'm hosting this year's Whack-a-Worm! It's an honor, really.

Mayor: Come talk to me to give it a shot, eh? You can even win an offering!

Kabbu: That we will!

[talk again]

Mayor: Hohoh! Come to try some Wacka-a-Worm? It's 15 worms for the prize!

Textbox: I'm ready!

How to play?

No thanks!

[too low a score]

Mayor: Oh, only |var,1|? That's too bad! Maybe next time?

[if you get enough]

Mayor: Oho! |var,1|! You sure showed those worms who's boss!

Vi: They didn't know who they were messing with!

Mayor: Hohoho, that's right! Here you go, lass. You've earned this!

Leif: Not bad, Vi. Not bad.

Vi: Mhm. I never knew a mission could be so fun!

[goes to applicable offerings dialogue]

Honeycomb: Ahem! One moment, young lady!

Vi: Huh? What's your deal?

Honeycomb: That boomerang you have there, where did you find it?

Vi: ...I uh, I bought it?

Honeycomb: YEAH, RIGHT! YOU STOLE MY AUTOMATED DRONE BOOMERANG PROTOTYPE DIDN'T YOU, YOU THIEF!?

Honeycomb: COUGH COUGH HACK COFF!

Leif: Vi, look what you've done.

Kabbu: One moment, please! Vi is no thief. There must be a misunderstanding!

Honeycomb: Don't stick your horn where you ain't asked, you green stinkbug!

Vi: I didn't steal anything, okay? I bought it in the Ant Kingdom!

Hawk: Professor, please watch your temper. Doesn't she seem to have mastered the A.D.B.P. quite well? She could be useful.

Honeycomb: Useful!? How could this... Wait. Yes, I'm a genius!

Honeycomb: Listen up, you rascal. You can keep that prototype.

Honeycomb: ...If you help us gather data and with some upgrade testing. You can't say no!

Vi: This is what I get for buying from Shades… Fine. Upgrades sound cool, anyways!

Honeycomb: Hawk! Give her prototype the Halt Upgrade!

Hawk: Of course, professor.

Hawk: This will take just a moment.

Textbox: Your Beemerang has been upgraded!

Textbox: Vi can now use the Hurricane Toss skill in battle!

Hawk: Professor, I've successfully upgraded the A.D.B.P.

Leif: Doesn't seem like you did anything.

Honeycomb: Hmph! As if you'd know real science! The Halt Upgrade allows you to hold the prototype after you throw it!

Leif: Do physics work that way?

Vi: Shush, Leif. That's awesome!

Honeycomb: Listen up! You just hold |button,5| after you toss it! That will hold the prototype in place until you release |button,5|.

Honeycomb: The kinetic energy generated by the Halt should be able to spin things around.

Leif: That is literally impossible.

Hawk: In any case, we hope you'll aid with our research when you can.

Hawk: For example, why not test the halt on that crank over there?

Honeycomb: Great job! Even a half-wit like you can use the Halt, it seems.

(minibubble) Vi: Hey!

Honeycomb: Another tip for you. If you hold then release the prototype, it will come back in the same direction it came from in a straight line.

Honeycomb: It can even go a bit beyond the starting point!

Chubee: Heyyy! You've come for the eating competition?

Leif: Mhm. We can't wait to show our eating prowess.

Kabbu: Don't let Leif's slim figure fool you…

Chubee: Heheh, coo-...!!! Oh! Oh my gosh! You're that bee!

Vi: Uh... What?

Chubee: You're Vi, right!? Some people were talking about you! Short and with attitude... It must be you!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Uh oh...

Vi: Yeah. I'm short, so what? What do you want!?

Chubee: Hehe. Easy there! I'm Chubee, your number one fan!

Vi: What?

Chubee: The first explorer bee, who conquered Snakemouth and survived being dragged by the river!

Chubee: I have no idea why the other bees aren't freaking out!

Vi: ...! ...? U-Um…

Leif: (Psst. She wants to be your friend, Vi.)

(minibubble) Vi: (O-Oh!)

Vi: Uh, Yeah! That's me! The greatest one and only bee explorer!

Chubee: Wooow! You're even cooler than I thought!

Vi: So you don't think exploring's silly? I'm not too good at art or anything…

Chubee: No way! It's cool to see bees trying new things!

Chubee: Me, for example...I'm going to travel all around Bugaria. Go to lots of events and meet all sorts of bugs!

Vi: That's awesome!

Leif: Let us make this competition the highlight of your trip. Least we can do for Vi's friend.

Chubee: Oh, you're on! I'm not going to lose!

Vi: We won't lose either! Do your best, Chubee!

Kabbu: Making unexpected friends, healing the spirit... This must be thanks to Venus too!

Leif: Uh, probably not. But let's go get that offering.

[if you haven’t talked to Zasp]

Jud: The eating competition for an offering will start soon, when we have three contestants.

Jud: So far we only have one, unless some of you want to join.

Vi: Well, I'm not joining! I can eat, just not fast…

Kabbu: I, uh, will skip. Don't need any more weight…

Leif: We'll do it. We're pretty hungry.

Vi: Already!?

Jud: Well, we still need one more to start. Maybe you can find a willing participant?

[if Zasp is there but haven’t talked to Chubee]

Jud: We have all the competitors if one of you join, but you should still talk to the other contestants to know them before we start.

[talked to Zasp and Chubee]

Jud: We have everyone for the eating competition, are you ready to start?

Textbox: Ready!

Not yet.

[Not yet.]

Jud: Get ready soon or we will start without you.

[Ready!]

Jud: Welcome to this year's eating competition.

Jud: The rules are simple: Mash |button,4| to eat as fast as you can. Whoever finishes their plate first is the victor!

Jud: Here are this year's competitors:

Jud: From the Hive, Chubee!

(minibubble) Vi: Good luck!

Jud: From the Ant Kingdom! Leif!

(minibubble) Vi: You too!

Jud: And Zasp! Who's come from a land far from Bugaria.

(minibubble) Vi: BOOOO!!!

Jud: With that, we are ready to begin! Give it your all, for the Goddess Venus!

Jud: Ready... Set...

Jud: Eat!

Jud: Stop! We have a winner!

[if chubee wins]

Jud: This year's winner is... Chubee!

Leif: Well fought, Chubee…

Chubee: Same to you, Leif!

Jud: Congratulations. Here is your reward.

Leif: Sorry. We never expected Chubee to be so powerful.

Kabbu: Do not worry. But how should we proceed? That offering is essential for our festival plan.

Vi: Um, Chubee's my friend, right? Maybe we can trade with her!

Leif: A non violent plan? Impressive.

Kabbu: It's worth a shot! We've got nothing left to lose.

Jud: Oh, Leif was it? There's a runner up prize. Don't forget it!

Leif: Yay, participation prize... Thanks.

Kabbu: D-Defeat is also a precious memory. Stay strong, Leif!

Leif: Yeah, yeah. Let's go.

Chubee: Heyyy! I really gotta say, Leif, you had me worried!

Leif: Hmph. Spare us your sympathy. We were completely defeated.

Chubee: Heheh. No need to be so serious!

Vi: Say, Chubee... About that offering.

Vi: We're on, um, a mission! And we really need both offerings.

Vi: Do you think you could trade with us?

(minibubble) Kabbu: So polite!

Chubee: Trade, huh? Sure! I didn't enter for the prize, anyways.

Chubee: How about some Berry Juice? I saw a stall selling some!

Vi: We're on it! Berry Juice coming up super quick!

[talk again]

Chubee: Hey! You found some Berry Juice at the stalls?

[Leif winning]

Jud: This year's winner is...Leif!

Chubee: Well fought, Leif!

Leif: You were a worthy rival.

Jud: Congratulations. Here's your reward.

Jud: Consider joining us next year!

Leif: We may, judge. We may.

Kabbu: Nicely done, Leif! You've done it!

Vi: You've got one heck of a stomach!

Leif: Thanks. It was a piece of cake really. This festival was good, not gonna lie.

Kabbu: Leif, it's not over yet. You're going to have even more fun!

Leif: We'll try, Kabbu. We'll try.

Vi: Heheheh.

Kabbu: You've made a friend too, Vi. This festival is wonderful!

Vi: Geez, Kabbu. You should have some fun too!

Kabbu: I'm having the time of my life! No worries.

[goes applicable offerings dialogue]

[First offering]

Kabbu: We still need one more offering…

Leif: Hopefully, it'll be as entertaining to get as this one.

[Second offering]

Kabbu: We've got both offerings now... We should head back to Aria!

Leif: Thanks, team. The festival was pretty fun after all.

Kabbu: And it's not even over yet! Let's go, everyone!

Leif: (Muse... If only we could have come together. Watch over us.)

Golden Settlement, Main Area

[Walking into the area with both offerings]

Leif: So if we give Aria the offerings, we can get through to the Golden Hills?

Kabbu: Indeed. It's been quite the festival, but we should get ready and go meet her.

Vi: Let's go get that treasure!

[Talking to Aria with the offerings]

Aria: The offerings... I can sense them. You've brought both?

Aria: You would wish to start the ceremony, then?

Textbox: We're ready.

Not yet.

[Not yet.]

Aria: Very well. Take your time to prepare yourselves.

[We’re ready]

Aria: Very well. Only three may perform the ceremony. Two bugs holding each blessing, and I.

Leif: So one of us will have to sit this out.

Kabbu: Well, we owe the offerings to you two. You should go!

Vi: No way, you haven't had any fun! You're going!

Kabbu: Vi...! Thank you!

Aria: So, who will participate in the ceremony?

Textbox: Kabbu and Vi

Kabbu and Leif

Let us think about this.

Aria: Oh, Goddess Venus.

Aria: May this ceremony please you and grant us a bountiful harvest for this following year…

Aria: May our battle shake the earth, and bring joy and dance to your roots!

(minibubble) Kabbu: It's a battle!?

Aria: Now, let us spar for the Goddess!

[post-battle]

Aria: That was a fierce battle. I am sure Venus enjoyed it.

Kabbu: Respected acolyte, have we earned passage to the Golden Hills?

Aria: It is all up to the Goddess.

Aria: Oh Venus... If you enjoyed our display, please grant us passage to the Golden Hills!

Aria: The path has opened. Beyond this point, lies the sacred Golden Hills.

Vi: Woah! It opened all by itself!

Aria: Whatever is your business there, Venus has granted you passage.

Vi: W-Well, whatever! We did it! That artifact will be ours in no time!

Leif: Soul: Relaxed. Passage: Open. Mission success, we'd say.

Kabbu: Let's tread carefully, team. We're heading into sacred ground. It won't be as simple as it seems.

Leif: It would have been nice to get some sleep... But we can do it.

Vi: No worries. We beat Snakemouth, right?

Kabbu: Heh, indeed. Let's go!

Golden Hills, Entrance

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

Golden Hills, Upper Main

[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!

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

[Give Offering]

Textbox: The flytrap is satisfied with what you fed it.

Golden Hills, Venus Room

[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.