Chapter 7: The Everlasting Sapling

By: Elizant II

Being entrusted the Flame Brooch by Vanessa, Team Snakemouth heads into the Giant's Lair.

What sort of place awaits our heroes...?

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An abandoned land, full of horrible creatures and mysterious structures…

The Giant's Lair can make even the most hardened explorer shake.

.

Everyone had to work together to withstand the Deadlander ambush.

The explorers take some time to collect their thoughts, before climbing the cold behemoth before them.

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The Roaches live! Elizant II tries to negotiate, but her plan to destroy the Everlasting Sapling surprises everyone.

Can they convince the roaches that this is the right choice?

.

The Roach Elder has accepted the possibility of the Sapling being destroyed.

The path is clear, and there is nothing left to do but to defeat the Wasp King.

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The Wasp King devoured the Everlasting Sapling's seed, gaining incredible power.

Team Snakemouth somehow pulled through, defeating him before he could reach his full power.

The Wasp King now a tree, the Sapling's chapter closes…

.

Team Snakemouth's earned their place in the Hall of Fame!

A big celebration ensued, and the kingdoms are safe after a long journey.

You did it!

Giant’s Lair, Entrance

[Walk towards next room]

Venus: Wait!

Venus: I've been keeping track of your travels through my buds…

Venus: But this is my limit. I can't help you past here. You'll be on your own!

Leif: We can feel some strong bloodlust coming from the area ahead…

Venus: Yes... This is where the Dead Lands start.

Venus: Disgusting, heinous creatures roam that area where giants lived…

Venus: They are stronger than anything you will find in Bugaria. I can't fathom why they've never tried crossing over.

Kabbu: The Roaches braved such horrors just to hide the Everlasting Sapling!?

Vi: Makes sense, right? It's the ultimate challenge!

Venus: This isn't a game, I'm serious!

Vi: We're serious too! This ain't just about treasure anymore!

Kabbu: The Wasp King seems determined to go on ahead, beyond reason.

Venus: Even though it's dangerous, we can't risk him succeeding in his quest.

Leif: Yeah. We can't let him roam around. For everyone's sake.

Venus: Oh, please be careful. I've grown so fond of you all…

Venus: If you need any healing, just ask me. I really won't be able to help later.

Vi: Thanks! Alright team, we're going after that jerk!

Giant’s Lair, Fridge Outside

Mothiva: This place is absolutely DREADFUL! I've sung in worn down pubs fancier than this.

Kina: Those Dead Landers aren't anything to mess with, either.

Elizant: I pray we won't run into too many of them climbing this behemoth.

Zasp: It seems to be a machine. The giants handled power at such a large scale...

Kabbu: A-And it's a bit chilly near it!

Leif: It reminds us of the Lost Sands' Castle.

Vi: Well, whatever. It can be as tall and as cold as it wants. We're gonna climb it!

Mothiva: Such a simple mind…

(minibubble) Yin: Muh muh muh!

Maki: Let's go in, then...! Wait!

Elizant: What is it?

Maki: Everyone, we've been surrounded!

Vi: E-Eep! What the heck!? When!?

Leif: We should fall back!

Zasp: There's no way out. They've completely pincered us!

Kabbu: Everyone, there is no choice! We fight as one!

Elizant: Well spoken, my knight. I shall assist thee as well!

[post-battle]

Zasp: Good thing the others stayed back. That was close…

Mothiva: N-Not at all…

(minibubble) Mothiva: Phew...

Maki: Everyone, you did splendidly. The coast is clear!

Kina: Well, duh. You were with us!

Elizant: Let's press forward. We need to find a way to get the others to come over.

Leif: We were fortunate to have help…

Kabbu: The Dead Landers must be slowing the Wasp King down as well. Let's catch up!

Giant’s Lair, Roach Village

[Enter village]

Vi: This is...a village?

Guard 1: HALT! OR BE IMPALED!

Maki: ...! Roaches!

Vi: No way!

Leif: So some didn't vanish after all.

Elder: Hmph. You did halt. You may be just. Or simply cowards.

Elizant: Please, allow us to explain the situation. We're short on time.

Guard 2: Bleh. There's nothing to explain. Everyone's after the sapling today!

Maki: The sapling? It is real, then?

(minibubble) Elizant: …

Elder: Silence. You've spoken too much!

Guard 2: ...S-Sorry, Elder.

Elder: You come with that crook?

Elizant: No! Please, in the name of my people, allow me to explain…

Elder: I see…

Elder: To think that after uneventful generations guarding the sapling…

Elder: So many would come for it in just one day.

Guard 1: That "Wasp" King you're talking about snuck past us while we dealt with his troops.

Guard 2: He used them like pawns... Not caring about their lives at all.

Mothiva: Disgusting. How can he treat his loyal followers like that!?

Vi: Huh. You do have a heart!

Maki: Please, allow us to go after him!

Elder: And what will you do when you get the sapling from him?

Elder: Just what are you planning to do with our sacred treasure!?

(minibubble) Leif: ...

Elizant: ...I…

Elizant: I had a dream. To use its power to fulfill my wishes…

Elizant: But the lust for that power has only brought turmoil to Bugaria.

Elizant: I will destroy it!

Leif: But...what about your mother!?

Elizant: She entrusted her dream to me. And I've fulfilled it.

Elizant: The land teemed with explorers searching for the ultimate treasure.

Elizant: She...would be proud of me. She deserves to rest.

Elder: How dare you spin your words as noble! The sapling is SACRED!

Guard 1: Elder! If they destroy it...what will be of us? Our life's purpose?

Elder: That crook may be mad, but he wouldn't desecrate our treasure like you! Humph!

Guard 2: You heard the elder. She never changes her mind. You won't pass!

Vi: We'll just have to knock-

Kabbu: No, Vi! This is not the way to solve this!

Elizant: They are blinded by their devotion...understandable.

Leif: Elizant, our Queen...We will support you. We must plead our case once more.

Zasp: I guess the others and I will make ourselves cozy for now…

[talk to Elder]

Elder: My word is final! We won't let you through!

Maki: Please, you must listen!

Elizant: Team Snakemouth, you're here. Perhaps you have some words of persuasion?

Vi: Yeah, it's called the Beemer- Ow!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Stop it!

Leif: A few, if you'll allow us.

Elizant: ...Please.

Leif: ...

Leif: This is something only Vi and Kabbu knew, but... We are not of this time.

Leif: We served under the first Queen Elizant.

Elizant: W-What!?

Maki: Is this true, Kabbu!?

Kabbu: Y-Yes. It was not our secret to tell.

Leif: The Roaches used to roam Bugaria, even if they secluded themselves a bit.

Leif: When we were found, we discovered they'd all disappeared... And no one knew why.

Leif: What good has the Sapling done anybody all these moons?

Leif: All it's done is plunge explorers into danger. And now that mad King's gone crazy for power…

Leif: Even our late queen was tempted by the promise of eternal life. The sapling's only hurt others by existing! Even you!

Leif: You live trapped in this forsaken place, guarding an ancient temptation!

Elder: ...…

Elizant: Leif... Thank you for your words.

Elizant: Won't you reconsider, Elder?

Elder: …

Elder: When I was born, my mother said: "The sapling is the key to everything."

Elder: "Good, evil...it all comes from this sapling. It is sacred."

Elder: "So sacred that we endure to protect it."

Elder: And so we have, for so long…

Elder: But you're right, aren't you? What good has it done us?

Elder: Every time a child strays too far, never to be seen again…

Elder: It's the sapling's fault! Sacred, my husk!

Kabbu: T-Then, you'll reconsider!?

Roach Guard: W-Wait!

Roach: Elder, are you sure!? What will become of us!?

Elder: We will find a new purpose!

Elder: One that doesn't doom us to live on the edge of violence.

Elder: One that lets us enjoy the plains of legends again!

Maki: Elder, thank you…

Elizant: You are welcome in our Kingdom, to explore that possibility.

Roach: I...I can't believe it…

Elder: We'll let you pass to the Sapling Plains.

Elder: Go destroy that sapling. Our new future depends on it.

Vi: We coulda done it sooner! Let's run!

Kabbu: Vi really doesn't get politics, does she?

Leif: That's why she's our Vi. Let's finish this.

Giant’s Lair, Stove

[walk towards roach]

Roach: H-Help...

Kabbu: Are you alright!?

Roach: That monster...he put the place on fire and rushed through the flames...!

Zasp: Through the flames!? That's…

Leif: Even our Bubble Shield couldn't pull that off...

Roach: Ngh... The sapling...

Maki: Save your strength. Everything's fine now!

Mothiva: Ugh. You just had to say that, didn't you.

Elizant: Everyone, protect this Roach!

Vi: I was just waiting for you to say it!

[post-battle]

Roach: I-Incredible...! You took out the constructs so fast!

Leif: They were like those in the Sand Castle…

Roach: They're usually harmless, but that monster's appearance riled them up…

Zasp: As if that wall of flames wasn't enough trouble.

Elizant: We'll have to find a way to cross, or shut them off.

Mothiva: Even MORE of them!?

Roach: W-What did we even do to them…

Maki: Team Snakemouth. My Queen. Leave these to Kina and I.

Zasp: Trying to hog all the glory, eh?

Kina: Stop being annoying. We need you to turn off that fire!

Elizant: Team Mothiva. Team Snakemouth. I will remain to assist Maki in defending the village.

Roach: A-A Queen will do that for us!?

Kabbu: A-Are you sure? We could stay as well!

Elizant: Time is of the essence. I need your teams to quell those flames!

Elizant: Make haste! Bugaria is counting on you!

Leif: We'll be back before you know it.

Vi: Yeah! Let's go!

Mothiva: Try not to slow us down. Ohohohoho!

[hit first dial]

Vi: ...Nothing happened!

Kabbu: There must be something else we missed…

Leif: Let's look around, then.

[turn off flames]

Kabbu: W-We did it! Besting those fierce flames by hitting a switch…

Vi: Alright! Let's go meet up with the others!

Mothiva: Oh my. You didn't take as long as I expected you to.

Leif: Whatever. Queen Elizant, how is the Roach?

Elizant: We sent him home when the flames were doused.

Elizant: There were many "constructs", but we defeated all of them.

Vi: Nice job!

Kina: The Wasp King's gotta be up ahead for real now.

Maki: Hearing he crossed those flames by himself... I'm still quite shocked.

Yin: Muh!

Kabbu: Everyone, we must not falter. With our combined might, we are Bugaria's hope!

Elizant: Well spoken, Kabbu. It's time for the final battle!

Vi: Heheh. He's got no chance if we're all together!

Leif: Yeah. Even Mothiva should be able to help out a little.

Mothiva: EXCUSE ME!?

Zasp: Don't doubt it. We'll pull our weight.

Elizant: Everyone. Let's go!

Giant’s Lair, Sapling Plains

Elizant: Stop this instant! Your trail of violence ends here!

Vi: Yeah! Our trail of beating you up comes next!

Hoaxe: You're correct, pitiful Ant. Today, the fighting ends.

Hoaxe: For when I consume this sapling…

Hoaxe: You will have no choice but to squirm in fear and surrender to your King!

Kabbu: You think you'll rule with fear!? That you'll be happy that way!?

Leif: Or that the people will so quickly submit?

Hoaxe: Why, yes. I'm sure. Do you not see my crown?

Hoaxe: No one cared about me, until I put it on.

Hoaxe: Through power and magic, I became feared and respected!

Hoaxe: From weakling to ruler... I had never been happier!

Elizant: You're pathetic. You could never hope to be a true King!

Hoaxe: You will all perish today. Your opinion holds no significance to me.

Maki: I wouldn't be so sure of that!

Maki: Parry this, you crook!

Hoaxe: Grah!

Kabbu: Incredible, Sir Maki!

Hoaxe: ENOUGH! FIRE, TO ME!

Leif: Ngh...huh?

Hoaxe: ...What?

Vi: W-Woah, we're kinda alright!

Kabbu: C-Could it be?

Hoaxe: Hmph. I should have finished off Vanessa. To think she'd give you that…

Leif: We hope you're ready for our counterattack, tyrant!

Vi: I've been waiting all day!

Kabbu: Everyone, for our comrades! FOR BUGARIA!

[post-first battle]

Leif: Give it up, you're outmatched.

Vi: Not that tough without that fire, huh?

Hoaxe: I...I didn't come THIS far…

Hoaxe: To lose to plebeians like you!

Hoaxe: Impossible…

Vi: It's...it's wilted!

Kabbu: A-After all this...!

Leif: It wasn't that Everlasting, huh.

Hoaxe: I reject this outcome!

Hoaxe: I REFUSE TO ACCEPT IT!

Vi: Gross!

Leif: Stop being pathetic. You've lost!

Kabbu: Come here, and atone for your crimes!

Hoaxe: Hnng.....aaaAAAAAAAAAAH!!

Vi: N-No way! That actually worked!?

Hoaxe: GRAAAAAAAAH!!!

Hoaxe: ...Yes...YES!

Hoaxe: This power will suit me just fine!

Hoaxe: I will deliver you to your DOOM!

Leif: Crud.

Kabbu: We've got to stop him here! He must not grow more powerful!

Vi: Well, duh! We can't run away now!

Leif: ...Together, everyone! Let's finish this!

[first health down]

Hoaxe: ...Impressive…

Hoaxe: But with this power, I cannot fail!

Vi: What the- He healed up!

Kabbu: Team... Don't lose hope!

[second health down]

Hoaxe: U-urk…

Hoaxe: T...Try as many times as you want...! You will never defeat me!

Kabbu: Not again... We can't keep up...!

Leif: He can't keep healing forever. Keep attacking!

[third health down]

Hoaxe: It... Can't... Be...!!

Kabbu: Have...have we won!?

Hoaxe: You... How DARE you...!!!

Leif: You can't regenerate forever!

Vi: Y-Yeah! Shut up and give up already!

Hoaxe: I...I AM...ETERNAL...So what if you're STRONG?!

Hoaxe: I...AM IMMORTAL...I…

Hoaxe: I AM EVERLASTING!!!

Hoaxe: I WILL TAKE EVERYTHING! IN THIS WORLD!

Kabbu: Impossible! After such a long fight, you won't concede!?

Leif: It won't end like this!

Hoaxe: IT'S OVER, VERMIN!

Hoaxe: THIS POWER! IS… -GRUHH!?!?!

Hoaxe: NO!

Hoaxe: It... Itwasmeanttobe... INFINITE!

Hoaxe: .............…

Hoaxe: N-no... It can't…

Hoaxe: NO! I'M THE KING! I...I ORDER THIS BODY TO...

Hoaxe: AAAAAAAAH!!

Vi: W-what happened?!

Kabbu: What a pitiful end…

Leif: His greed and cruelty led him to this.

Vi: ...We got super lucky...

Zasp: ...Is it over?

Mothiva: ...You really did it! Wow.

Kina: Team Snakemouth...you've saved us all!

Elizant: I truly thought we were doomed.

Vi: ...So he's like, a tree now?

Elizant: Is this also an Everlasting Sapling?

Leif: ...No. There is no magic coming from him.

Leif: He truly is just a tree, as Vi said.

Kina: That's weird...why'd he transform?

Elizant: The Everlasting Sapling's power was said to be infinite... Was that a myth as well?

Zasp: There's nothing truly infinite, is there?

(minibubble) Mothiva: My beauty!

Vi: He was so strong, though!

Leif: Perhaps he was simply unable to control its power.

Leif: Maybe it was sealed for the safety of others…

Vi: Can we think about it later, though? It's still dangerous here and stuff.

Kabbu: Wait, Vi. What should we do with the tree?

Maki: Perhaps we should strike it down? Just in case?

Elizant: …

Elizant: Lower your blade, Maki.

Maki: Your Highness?

Elizant: It will remain as a symbol of our long struggle. Of our journey for the sapling.

Elizant: A warning to not seek its power any longer…

Vi: Can't we put like, a cooler statue here or something?

Vi: Like a Team Snakemouth statue!

Elizant: No.

(minibubble) Vi: Aw...

Kabbu: Heheheh. Vi, you've truly made this journey something else!

Leif: You too, Kabbu. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Mothiva: You're not gonna get sappy in this dreadful dumpster, are you?

Kabbu: W-Well, it's kind of emotional for me…

Mothiva: Look, the Wasp King is gone, and we have technically found the Everlasting Sapling!

Mothiva: We should celebrate with a big show!

Zasp: ...Or at least rest.

Elizant: ...Hah! Well, it does sound good.

Elizant: We've completed our mission, after all.

Elizant: But first, let us inform the Roaches of what has occurred.

Leif: ...Elizant?

Elizant: Yes, Leif?

Leif: Are you truly satisfied with this?

Leif: Your mother will remain sleeping forever…

Elizant: …

Elizant: Everything I said in the village was true.

Elizant: I...would not place that wish over my people's needs.

Elizant: But no, I'm not satisfied. It was a sacrifice, after all. It was my duty.

Leif: ...Thank you. You've grown into a fine queen. And now we can say it for sure.

Elizant: Thank you too, Leif. I can tell you served my mother and I earnestly, despite your doubts.

Elizant: Let's go. This is no place for us anymore.

Leif: Lead the way, our Queen.

Giant’s Lair, Roach Village

Elder: ...So that's it, then. The Everlasting Sapling is no more...

Roach 1:What should we do now, Elder? What are we meant to protect?

Elizant: This is still your home, sapling or not. You can protect it with heart.

Elizant: But if you'd like to visit greener pastures…

Elizant: You are welcome in Bugaria. All of our Kingdoms would have you.

Elder: Bugaria... We've only heard the tales our ancestors left us.

Elder: I fear I've grown too used to this small town and its Scorpions.

Elder: I will be okay, staying here.

Roach 1: Elder…

Elder: Everyone! You are not bound to this land any longer.

Elder: You need not fight monsters and forage for food.

Elder: Nor fear sleeping in case of an attack...you're free.

Elder: Those who wish to go to Bugaria, don't stay fearing for my sake.

Elder: After all, you can always visit!

Roach 1: ...Thank you. Thank you, our elder!

Roach 2: No offense, but I'm outta here!

Roach 3: I can't leave the Scorpions, but thanks for offering.

Roach 2: I'll miss mine, but I want to see the world!

Leif: Our Queen, you've caused quite a stir.

Vi: It's cuz they can have adventures now, too!

Kabbu: Heheh. Indeed. It makes me want to go beyond Bugaria as well!

Elizant: Team Snakemouth! We depart! We have a feast to attend to!

Elizant: I trust you won't keep us waiting!

Mothiva: Or I'll start the show without you, don't doubt it!

Maki: Well, I've got quite the report to write, so…

Kina: I'll help you! We're not missing the food!

Zasp: Heheheh. Mothiva's in quite the mood.

Zasp: I'm just glad we survived. All thanks to you.

Kabbu: You helped us as well! It was truly a team effort!

Zasp: ...Let's work together again, sometime.

Vi: Aww, why can't he be nice with Mothiva around?

Leif: Dunno. Pride or something?

Kabbu: As long as we know his true feelings, it's fine!

Leif: There's a lot we want to say, but...let's go celebrate.

Vi: Heck yeah! I'm super hungry!

Kabbu: Thank you, Vi...Leif...for helping me experience the adventure of a lifetime.

Kabbu: If my team could see me now...I hope they'd be happy for me.

Leif: More than that, they'd be proud.

Vi: Yeah! You're a super explorer now!

Kabbu: ...Heheh. No, just part of an incredible team!

Kabbu: Now, for our final mission: Let's head to the castle!

Textbox: Battling through Rubber Prison and the Dead Lands, Team Snakemouth discovered the Roaches' Village.

Textbox: Resolving to destroy the Everlasting Sapling, they faced the Wasp King with determination.

Textbox: And so, after a long journey and many harsh fights, Team Snakemouth and their comrades defeated the Wasp King.

Textbox: Although the Everlasting Sapling's chapter has closed, a new one begins.

Textbox: ...It's time to celebrate!

Ant Palace, Plaza

Leif: The Queen's gone all out with this celebration, has she not?

Kabbu: It's great to see such a joyous mood in town!

Vi: Heheh. All we've gotta do is go get our super reward!

Ant Palace, Throne Room

Elizant: We congregate to celebrate the brave efforts of all the explorers who protected our land.

Elizant: Many of them are here today, and I can't thank you enough.

Elizant: But there is so, so much more to be joyful for.

Elizant: The assistance of those who believed in us.

Elizant: The freedom of the Wasps from their tyrant.

Elizant: The promise of reconciliation with the Termites.

Elizant: And the closing of the Everlasting Sapling's chapter.

Elizant: A new future for Bugaria and the Ant Kingdom!

Everyone: Wooooooooo!

Elizant: Team Snakemouth.

Elizant: Even though this is only possible due to the efforts of many…

Elizant: None can deny the great part you played in this campaign.

Vi: Heheheh, you know it!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Vi, not now!

Elizant: ...Anyhow, it is my absolute honor and privilege...

Elizant: To knight the three of you as Royal Blades for the service to our kingdom.

Elizant: May fame and glory come to you, for your brave efforts!

Everyone: WOOOOOOOO!!

Elizant: Everyone! Tomorrow, we work to become better than we are today.

Elizant: But today! WE! FEAST!

Everyone: YEAAAAAAAH!!

Leif: All's well that ends well.

Vi: We did it! We're like, super famous now!

Kabbu: Heheheh... Let us face this feast with pride! Team Snakemouth, move out!