Chapter 5: The Far Wildlands
By: Elizant II
The Wasps made their move, bringing the Ant Kingdom to its knees.
Thanks to Maki's help, the Wasp King retreated. However, he stole one of the artifacts.
Team Snakemouth must head to the border east of Defiant Root, and cross over into the Far Grasslands.
.
Kabbu's briefed everyone on the dangers ahead. Everyone must travel east if they are to reach the Wild Swamplands.
Kina and Yin stay behind, and the brave explorers push forward.
.
Team Snakemouth and Maki have made it into the swamp. Leafbug tribes and powerful monsters lurk everywhere.
As they prepare to move forward, Kabbu grows uneasy.
.
Being split from Maki, Kabbu crushes his obstacles in a panic.
Leif and Vi's worry for him force him to confess: His previous team sacrificed themselves to help him cross.
The team promises to cross together, but Kabbu's heart feels heavy.
.
The Beast shows itself, sparking Kabbu's rage. He selfishly fought on, and got Vi and Leif hurt.
Coming to his senses, he was able to protect his friends and profusely apologize.
With a weight off his shoulders, the explorers head on to the Wasp Kingdom.
.
The Wasp Kingdom's abandoned and neglected. Its proud warriors don't seem to care about it.
Something's off as the team sneaks around, looking for the throne…
.
General Ultimax stood in Team Snakemouth's way, but was unable to stop them.
It's time to find out what lays in the Royal Chambers...
Sand Castle, Treasure Room
Vi: It's kinda sad though...I wanted to keep on treasure hunting!
Leif: We've still got to get the Sapling.
Kabbu: And help Leif on his quest!
Leif: ...Right. We've got to get back to Neo. Let's go turn this in.
Lost Sands, Sand Castle
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!
Outskirts, Explorers Association
Zasp: It's good to see the evacuations went well…
Zasp: I will go look for Mothiva. Go check on the Queen, and we'll catch up!
Leif: You're going to fight your own people?
Zasp: ...Hmph. As if I was anything like those pests. Stay safe.
Vi: ...I...I never thought an invasion would happen…
Kabbu: Neither did I, Vi. But we must fight. We must protect this town that took us in!
Leif: No time to waste. Let's freeze this invasion to a halt!
Ant Palace, Throne Room
Zaryant: Y-You... Ngh...!
Hoaxe: Hm. You can still speak after bearing my Slayer.
Elizant: Give it up, you Wasp scum! You know nothing of what I can do.
Hoaxe: If your troops were trained by you, I know more than enough.
Leif: Elizant!
Hoaxe: I will say it is impressive...how many vermin care for your pathetic rule.
Elizant: Those "vermin" are of my most trusted explorers. They can dispatch you with ease!
Hoaxe: Spare me your names. I'll forget soon after I get rid of you.
Vi: S-Shut up! You messed up the whole town!
Kabbu: We won't let you continue unchecked!
Leif: Elizant, stand back. We'll show this clown the door.
[battle]
Hoaxe: Hm. Impressive. But I tire of this game...
Hoaxe: AWAY WITH YOU!
[post-battle]
Kabbu: T-Too...strong...
Vi: ...Leif...! C-Can't you freeze him?!
Leif: He's...too powerful.
(minibubble) Leif: Gah!
(minibubble) Vi: The artifact!
(minibubble) Kabbu: Leif!
Elizant: Give it back, fiend!
Hoaxe: As if. Give me the other artifacts before I take them off you!
Hoaxe: !!!
Maki: My Queen!
Elizant: Maki! You are LATE!
Maki: Forgive me, Your Majesty. It seems my mission took way longer than expected.
Hoaxe: ...Hmph. At least I managed to snag one artifact.
Elizant: You will return it, with or without your head. And I won't spare you the time to weigh the odds!
Hoaxe: Taunt as you may. You cannot stop me!
Hoaxe: Take care of your vault, you pathetic Ant. I'll come for it soon enough.
Maki: It seems I arrived just in time. I am glad to see you safe.
Kina: MAKI!!
Kina: Maki! MAKI!! There you are!!!
Kina: Are you safe?! What happened?!
Maki: I got sidetracked. Thankfully it seems everything is resolved.
Elizant: Thankfully? Your delay nearly ruined us!
Maki: There are no words to apologize for my fault.
Kina: I-It wasn't your fault, Maki...
Zaryant: I'm...too glad this is over...to be upset…
Leif: Thank you, Maki. We truly owe you one.
Vi: Thought that was it for a while…
Elizant: This is NOT over, Zaryant. That lowlife has taken the artifact.
Kabbu: Indeed. We're at fault as well…
Neo: W-What matters is we're all okay.
Elizant: No. We MUST recover the artifact!
Leif: We still hold the others. Should we rush into this?
Maki: We could hold down the castle, and-
Elizant: SILENCE.
(minibubble) Vi: Eep!
Zaryant: M-My Queen…
Vi: W-What's the rush anyways?
Elizant: That artifact is the other half of the Ancient Key.
Elizant: Do you not remember where its partner was procured from?
Kabbu: ...! The Honey Factory's Core! Then that half has incredible energy!
Neo: Would they even know how to, um, harness it?
Elizant: We cannot afford to find out. You must pursue.
Elizant: They have surely gone north, back to the Far Grasslands.
Kabbu: WHAT!? Are...are you sure of this!?
Leif: Woah. Take it easy.
Elizant: I take it there's no objections?
Kabbu: No! We will handle this task! We'll go right away!
(minibubble) Vi: Huh?
Elizant: The border is east of Defiant Root, so our tunnels should let us catch up.
Leif: Can we win, however?
Vi: That magic was really strong... Almost burnt my fur!
Maki: We'll accompany them, my Queen. Together we should be more than a match.
Zaryant: I'll, ngh...work with the others to bring the town to normal.
Zaryant: You'll need some war funds, right? ...I've got this on me. Please take it.
Leif: Looks like it's settled. We'll prepare and move out.
Elizant: Go, Team Maki. Team Snakemouth. Retrieve the artifact with haste!
Kabbu: (I'm...I'm ready to return!)
Textbox: Chapter 5: The Far Wildlands
Maki: Kina, Yin and I will meet you at the Wasp border. Make haste, Team Snakemouth.
Kabbu: ...Oh! Uhm, who is this Yin? I have not heard this name before…
Kina: Sigh. Long story. Let's do this mission first, okay?
Kabbu: (If we're with Maki, I'll have even better chances!)
Vi: Oi, Kabbu. Are you okay?
Leif: You'd normally be telling us to be careful and stuff.
Kabbu: I...I don't want to speak of it yet. Give me some time to think…
Kina: Are you done chatting? Don't keep Maki waiting!
Lost Sands, Far Grasslands Border
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.
Far Grasslands, Entrance
Kabbu: And so, we arrive.
(minibubble) Yin: Muh muh!
Vi: Hey, Kabbu. You're from the north, right?
Leif: We do recall hearing it once or twice.
Maki: You had many tales of this land when we first met. Would you serve as our guide?
Kabbu: ...Yes. To be sincere, I've been waiting to return to this wretched place.
Vi: Uh, what? Wretched?
Leif: You've been acting weird. What's going on?
Kabbu: I have only bad memories of this border. Listen, and listen well.
Kabbu: These are the Far Grasslands. They connect the Lost Sands with the Wasp Kingdom.
Kabbu: Given the state of affairs, it is likely their walls are sealed. Even if we walk north to them…
Leif: We wouldn't be able to get in.
Vi: How did you get here, then?
Kina: There's obviously some off-path or something…
Kabbu: That is correct. East of here...is...the Wild Swamplands.
Kabbu: Hideous monsters, wild tribes, thick water at every turn…
Kabbu: It's...very dangerous.
Maki: Kabbu, I had no idea it was this dreadful…
Maki: I'll take your words to heart, Kabbu. It's clear this is not a journey we can underestimate.
Maki: Kina, you should stay behind with Yin.
Kina: What? Are you crazy? You know how strong we are together!
Maki: I cannot risk this young bug suffering a harsh fate.
Maki: Please, I beg you to watch her until I return.
Kina: Grrr! You always do this! You always run off without me!
Kabbu: Kina... Please, try to understand your brother!
Kina: I'll watch Yin. But I do it for you, brother. Not for her!
(minibubble) Yin: Muh muh!
Kina: If you don't come back...I'll beat you up!
Maki: ...Sigh. Not an easy day for anybody.
Leif: We aren't at the swamp yet, but we cannot relax.
Vi: Yeah. It's east of here, right? I'll make sure there's no traps around!
Kabbu: This area changes constantly, so I can't tell what's ahead.
Kabbu: Stay close to me. Let's go!
Kabbu: (Forgive me, team. If I told you my plans, you'd…)
Wild Swamplands, Entrance
Maki: The air is most dense. It's already starting to feel as dreadful as you said, Kabbu.
Kabbu: I wish I could say it'll get better as we go…
Leif: This is the only way to the Wasp Kingdom, though. We'll have to deal with it.
Vi: Chill out. We're gonna be fine, Kabbu. Okay?
Kabbu: Only if we keep our guard up. The Leafbug tribes are sure to attack us.
Maki: Is diplomacy not an option?
Kabbu: They don't speak our language. Our words are lost on them.
Leif: Guess conflict is universal.
(minibubble) Vi: Heheheh.
Maki: Let's make haste and cross. Listen up.
Maki: During my scouting of this area, I've found a few structural weaknesses in the Wasp Kingdom's walls.
Maki: We can sneak inside through one of these at the back of the swamp. Stay close, and stay vigilant!
Kabbu: (...Indeed. I must not make any mistakes…)
Wild Swamplands, Leafbugs
Leafbug Ninja: Waka! Bub Waka Bub!
Leif: Oh, aren't these cute…
Kabbu: Raise your guard. These are the vicious Leafbug tribes I mentioned!
Vi: Seriously? These look super harmless…
Maki: As do you, Vi. But your foes have learned to fear your power.
(minibubble) Vi: Uh... Thanks?
Maki: We'd best give it our all!
[post-battle]
Leafbug Ninja: Waka Waka Shh Waka Bub!!!
Leif: They're vicious alright.
Kabbu: This area is their territory. We must try and get through without confronting them.
Maki: It's truly a shame they do not understand us.
Vi: Well, at least they're not super tough.
Leif: Let's go then. Worst case, we freeze them over.
Kabbu: (Maybe with Leif's help, I can…)
Wild Swamplands, Bridge
Maki: ...! Curses! We must cross quickly!
(minibubble) Leif: Hmm?
Kabbu: N-No! Wait!
Vi: Phew. That was another close call! Good thing I can-
Vi: IYAAAAAAA!
Leif: Ugh…this hasn't been our year.
Vi: No kidding...! Everyone's fine?
Kabbu: Maki! Where's Maki!?
Maki: Over here!
Maki: Team Snakemouth! I'm here!
Maki: ...Tch. I hurt my leg...
Kabbu: WE HEAR YOU MAKI, HANG IN THERE!!!
Leif: Yikes. I know he has to hear you, but…
Vi: SHOULD I FLY OVER THERE!?
(minibubble) Leif: Ugh.
Maki: It's okay... I'll wait here! Help Kabbu and Leif reach me too!
Kabbu: You've heard him! We must rendezvous with haste! Let's look for another path!
Leif: Just wait till we find 'em. Revenge will be cold.
Vi: Uh, right. Time to search!
[Inspect rocks]
Leif: These don't look like they'll budge.
Vi: Ugh, we're stuck already!? This is bad.
Kabbu: Ngh... Grr…
Leif: Uh, Kabbu?
Kabbu: ...GRRRRAAAAAAAAH!!!
Kabbu: Huff... Huff...
(minibubble) Leif: Okay then.
Vi: W-Were you always this strong?
Kabbu: We must save Maki. We cannot let anything happen to him!
Leif: Well, yes. But how did you…
Kabbu: When I remember how it felt to be left alone... My helplessness here...I get so angry I can crush anything!
(minibubble) Leif: Hey.
Kabbu: So let's go. We must hurry!
Vi: Oi, what's all that hopelessness talk!?
Leif: Everything's always worked out fine. Why are you so frazzled?
Kabbu: A-Aah, it's, um…
Vi: Just tell us! We'll get it!
Kabbu: …
Kabbu: ...Very well. I will tell you the truth.
Kabbu: I've spoken enough of how dreadful this place is.
Kabbu: In my hometown, it is regarded as a graveyard of naive explorers who drowned before they noticed…
Kabbu: My master, my friend Bit and I…
Kabbu: We wanted to see Bugaria's vast and beautiful kingdom.
Kabbu: Despite many warnings, and to avoid the Wasp Kingdom, we crossed this swamp.
Leif: You can't mean…
Kabbu: It...it speaks for itself, doesn't it!? I'm...I'm the only one who made it!
Kabbu: Even though I was the rookie, they...made sure I would…
Leif: K-Kabbu...Why would you hide this from us?
Vi: Y-Yeah. You're always telling us you'll help us!
Kabbu: ...I...There was no need.
Kabbu: The pain of that journey...I wished to bury it. To overcome my regrets in a new life.
Kabbu: Alas, I find myself back here. Haunted!
Vi: I-It's gonna be ok, Kabbu! We're gonna cross it together!
Leif: ...Yeah. No one's getting left behind. We'll save Maki and get out.
Kabbu: (...Just crossing...is not enough! I...I wish to…)
Vi: K-Kabbu... Come on, say something!
Kabbu: ...Y-You're right! We will best this cursed land together!
Leif: It's a promise. Let's watch each other.
Vi: You got it! Team Snakemouth's ready to go!
Kabbu: Vi, Leif...thank you. Let's go!
Kabbu: (And I'm sorry...)
Textbox: Kabbu's Dash is now the Horn Dash! Tap |button,5| twice to activate a rock destroying dash!
Wild Swamplands, Beast Preview
Kabbu: (Everyone, lower yourselves.)
Leif: (What's the matter?)
Kabbu: (Just listen to me and do it!)
(minibubble) Vi: (Eep!)
Vi: T-That thing was huge…
Kabbu: That shape... It must be that cursed beast!
Vi: You mean the one that…
Leif: Look, it seems to not have noticed us. With some luck we'll avoid it, Kabbu.
Vi: Yeah, we'd better get a move on!
Kabbu: (Avoid it? ...No, this time I'll…)
Wild Swamplands, Boss
Vi: Alright, let's settle this!
Leif: A tremor, here?
Kabbu: It's coming...!
Vi: W-WHAT'S THAT!?
Leif: Kabbu! Is this...!?
Kabbu: YOU! You MONSTER! How many must you terrorize to sate your infernal urges!?
Leif: We've never seen anything like this...Kabbu, we should fall back!
Kabbu: No! This beast...this beast ate my friends!
Kabbu: ...You vile, wretched scum. You will rue the day you let me live!
Leif: Kabbu, we get you're angry! But this is too risky!
Kabbu: We've beat way stronger foes! We will destroy it!
Vi: K-Kabbu…
Vi: E-Eep! It's too late to run!
Kabbu: Come, you degenerate beast! FACE JUSTICE!
[Battle]
Kabbu: V-Vi! L-Leif!
Kabbu: G-GAH! No...NO! NOT AGAIN!
Kabbu: ...Ngh...My-my friends…
Kabbu: All because I...I wanted revenge!
Kabbu: I haven't honored my companions...I've tarnished their sacrifice!
Kabbu: Vi, Leif...
Kabbu: Because of you, I found friendship again!
Kabbu: I will defeat this monster, not for revenge…
Kabbu: But to PROTECT YOU!
[post-battle]
Vi: Huff... Huff...Thought I was done for…
Vi: T-Thanks, Kabbu…
Leif: That was too close for comfort.
Kabbu: ...
Maki: You actually did it...I was extremely worried.
Maki: Kabbu, what is wrong with you!? You endangered your team! AND the mission!
Kabbu: ...I...
Kabbu: If I had been stronger back then, if I hadn't ran, could I have saved them? My friends…
Kabbu: Vi, Leif... I'm sorry. I...I was blinded by this pain.
Kabbu: B-Because of me, you almost...!
Vi: You better be sorry! I'm too young to get eaten!
Vi: B-But I think I woulda done the same if someone, um, hurt you guys…
Leif: U-Um, same. Even so, Kabbu…
Leif: We cannot turn back time. Even though they're gone, we're sure they're proud of how much you've grown.
Leif: You saved us, after all.
Kabbu: My teacher...would be scolding me like you are, Maki. For being such a fool!
Maki: ...I'll take that apology.
Kabbu: ...Thank you, everyone. I don't deserve this kindness.
Vi: Shut up! You're the kindest bug around!
Leif: To a fault, we must say.
Kabbu: E-Everyone…
Maki: *Sigh* That being said, we're at the Wasp Kingdom's door.
Maki: Because of my injury, I won't be able to accompany you inside, but…
Maki: I shall move on ahead and set up a camp so we may rest up.
Maki: I shall watch the exit route to make sure you can return.
Kabbu: We can do this mission...together. Let's go, and fulfill our duty!
Far Grasslands, Outside Swamplands
Kabbu: Huff...If only I could express how glad I am to be out of there.
Vi: No surprise, we can do anything!
Maki: It's not much of a celebration, but we get to set up camp and rest for a few moments.
Leif: Would it be wise to stop now?
Maki: Of course. We've all taken quite a beating. My leg most of all…
Maki: If you're going to infiltrate their kingdom, you'd best be in top shape. Give me a moment.
Leif: Not bad.
Vi: We should eat something. I brought some secret honey!
Maki: You got through that treacherous place while keeping a stash? Incredible…
Leif: You'd best share, Vi. We're starving.
Vi: Eat your own stuff!
Vi: ...Just kidding. It's fine this once. We beat that super huge monster!
Kabbu: Everyone…
(minibubble) Kabbu: *sniff*
Maki: Kabbu? Are you hurt!?
Kabbu: N-No. I'm just so happy. That our journey didn't end today, and we can share more of these moments.
Leif: You're such a softie... Of course we'll get through everything if we're together.
Vi: Team Snakemouth's the best for a reason!
Maki: Heh. It seems it was my loss for not putting you on my team, eh?
Maki: Maybe I would have made such an incredible bond, too.
Leif: You're our friend too. Kinda.
Vi: Thanks for passing us and all.
Kabbu: I'm sorry for delaying us with my sentimentality…
Kabbu: Let's feast and get ready for our mission!
Maki: Now, for the briefing...
Maki: The path ahead is one of the structural weaknesses into the walls I spoke of.
Maki: Because this area is covered by heavy foliage, it seems the Wasps haven't noticed this crack yet.
Leif: Well, good for us. Let's go in then.
Maki: Don't be hasty. You mustn't let the Wasps catch you.
Maki: If you're captured... That's it. It's over.
Vi: Can't be any tougher than the bandit hideout.
Maki: Do not underestimate the Wasps, Vi.
Kabbu: Indeed, we must be utmostly cautious.
Leif: Yeah, Vi. You better not do ANY underestimating.
Vi: I get it! Drop it already!
Maki: Uhm, either way, I shall remain here securing the exit route.
Maki: If you get hurt, do retreat and come to me for treatment. You cannot afford to be reckless.
Kabbu: Team! We're starting the operation!
(minibubble) Vi: Alright!
(minibubble) Leif: Woo!
Wasp Kingdom, Sneak Entrance
Leif: Okay, we managed to sneak inside.
Leif: Let's find the artifact and get out.
Kabbu: Wait, Leif. Remember. We must not be caught, the Wasps are formidable foes.
Vi: Hey! We managed to get past the bandit hideout, didn't we?
Kabbu: I don't think the Wasps will be as easy to shake off as the bandits were.
Kabbu: Let's plan our moves carefully, so that the mission may succeed! Let's move!
Wasp Kingdom, Branching
Vi: Huh. It's super quiet in here.
Leif: They must not be patrolling past here too thoroughly. Yay.
Kabbu: Huff... Alright, team. This is a good spot to rest. We can proceed when we're ready.
Vi: Less guards means whack 'em time!
Kabbu: You know I'd rather we be cautious…
Leif: And you know how we are. Let's give it to 'em.
(minibubble) Kabbu: Sigh…
Wasp Kingdom, Jayde
Jayde: Huh! Oi! Who are you!? How did you get in here!?
Leif: It's nice to get spoken to for a change…
Jayde: ...!
(minibubble) Kabbu: ?
Jayde: ...!?!?
(minibubble) Vi: Uh.
Jayde: W-Wait! Are you THE Bug Rangers!? Oh Queenie!
Kabbu: P-Pardon me?
Jayde: Yeah! Just look at the poster!
Jayde: It's such an honor, wow! Finally someone's heard my pleas!
Vi: Pleas? What'dya mean? You're the ones attacking everyone!
Jayde: Not me. I'm just a cleaner. Everyone's gone super nuts lately after the Queen went missing...!
Jayde: I've kinda just rolled with the punches. Better than getting thrown into a cell.
Leif: You're saying the Wasp Kingdom's changed under the King?
Jayde: You've looked around, right? Everything's so unkempt... Everyone's just focused on fighting!
Jayde: Dunno where he came from, but he sure messed stuff up fast!
Jayde: ...You'll help, right? You're the Bug Rangers!
Kabbu: ...Um, yes! Yes we will! On our honor!
(minibubble) Leif: Right.
Vi: To help, we uh...need an ancient artifact! Got any of those?
Jayde: Oh, no way they'd give anything useful to me. You'd have better luck asking the King himself.
Jayde: Here, this should help ya.
Leif: (We can't believe this is working…)
Kabbu: Hang on tight, miss! We will restore your kingdom!
Jayde: Aaaaah! You're all so cool!
Vi: Heheheh, yeah! You'd better have a reward ready when we do!
Jayde: I'll give you some of my famous stew for free!
Jayde: Or I would but, uh, I'm in a tight spot now. Economy's bad…
Jayde: But you'll get a super HERO discount!
Vi: ...Eh, I'll take it.
(minibubble) Leif: A snack wouldn't hurt.
Jayde: Name's Jayde. I can't believe my dream's coming true! Make yourselves at home, rangers!
Wasp Kingdom, Throne Room
Fuff: HYEHEHEHEHEH!
Fuff: I won't let you take another step!
Kabbu: ...Who's there!? Show yourself!
Fuff: Hmph! Hear me and hear me well!
Fuff: I am the cruelest! The most cunning! You face General ULTIMAX! The crusher of rebellions!
Fuff: Hyehehehe! You cretins thought you could enter these halls without my noticing!?
Fuff: We have been watching your every step!
Fuff: And here I was! Waiting for you to come for my grand entrance!
Leif: Your entrance was absolutely, what's the word... Yeah, lame.
Fuff: Insolent! Peasant! COMMONER!
Fuff: I shall teach you how we deal with outsiders here in the Wasp Kingdom!!
Vi: Just get out of the way! We're in a hurry!
Fuff: As if I'd let you take even one more step...!
Fuff: TROOPS! TO YOUR GENERAL!
Kabbu: Tch. We've lost the element of surprise!
Vi: Look. Just hand over the artifact and you'll save yourself a whooping!
Fuff: Fools! The artifact is only for our great king to behold!
Fuff: Even now he enjoys its splendor, safe within his chambers... You are not to disturb him in any way!
Leif: Your king feasts and rests while your kingdom crumbles. Have you no obligation to your people?
Fuff: All who serve the king are well cared for. Traitors don't deserve a thing!
Kabbu: Hng. We cannot afford to debate our enemy. Let's clear the path to the artifact!
[post-battle]
Fuff: N-No! My troops! How dare you!?
Vi: Ugh, just shut up already!
Leif: This is getting tiresome. Get 'im, Kabbu.
(minibubble) Kabbu: As you wish!
Vi: Let's get the artifact back!
(minibubble) Fuff: Hmmmph!
Leif: The King should be in the next room. Let's go.
Wasp Kingdom, Queen
Vanessa: ...! You... Who are you?
Leif: What?
(minibubble) Kabbu: !?
Vi: Uh, are you the King's, um…
Vanessa: Heavens, no! I'm but a hostage in my own castle…
Vanessa: I am Vanessa II, ruler of the Wasp Kingdom.
Vanessa: Or so I was, before that poser somehow stole my people's minds and locked me in my own chambers…
Vanessa: Could it be you've come to save me?
Kabbu: Er...It would be a lie to say so.
Leif: We came to defeat the King. He's not here?
Vi: Or at least to take the artifact…
Vanessa: I'm afraid not. He left the general in charge some time ago, when he decided to attack the Ant Kingdom.
Vanessa: I have not seen him since.
Kabbu: What? How could this be?! He was driven out of the Ant Kingdom and we've had reports he...
Kabbu: C-COULD IT BE!?
Leif: This is bad! Disastrous!
Vi: Uh, what's up?
Leif: We were tricked! There's no artifact here!
Vi: WHAT!?
Kabbu: The general lied through his dirty jaws! Curses!
Vanessa: Your kingdom must be in danger, too!
Kabbu: We must return, immediately!
Vanessa: Please, allow me to accompany you. It would not be wise for me to stay here.
Leif: Have your people forsaken you completely?
Vanessa: ...My people have lost their minds, even if I do not know how. We cannot rely on them!
Vi: Let's leg it! What if the town's all ruined again!?
Kabbu: With haste!
Wasp Kingdom, Throne Room
Fuff: HYEHEHEHEHEH!
Fuff: You fell for our trap! I cannot help but LAUGH!
Vanessa: General Fuff!
Fuff: NOT MY NAME! And you're too late! Our attack at the Ant Kingdom may have failed the first time…
Fuff: But the second time, with you lot and that sword guy out of the way…
Fuff: Our glorious King will finally take all the artifacts!
Kabbu: Curses! We won't be able to get back in time!
Leif: We played right into their hand...!
Vi: Grrr! Get out of the way!
Fuff: Gladly! Not like you can do anything to stop us now!
Fuff: HYEHEHEHEHEH!
Kabbu: No time to waste! Let's meet up with Maki and rush to the Ant Kingdom!
Maki: Team Snakemouth! What's wrong? Did you find the artifact?
Kabbu: Maki! We have no time! We must go to the Ant Kingdom right now! You see…