Mission 12

Monkey Business
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Mission 12 - Epilogue
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Prologue: It's a Long Story...
...
It all happened so fast, no one had time to react. The queen, unable to fend off her attacker in her weakened state, was overcome by the foul villain, and was taken against her will, leaving her loving king heartbroken and empty without her light in his life. His motives had been unknown before, masked by the murk of his dark desire, but now his intent had become clear to the queen…
The seal was to sing.
Yes, it was the perfect crime - a voice as pure and lulling as hers was the final step in his plot. After she had put everyone to sleep, it would be laughably easy for the vile Mightyena to rob everyone blind of their belongings - truly a brilliant plan. And his first targets...would be the scared looking children sitting in the front row.
The black hound cackled loudly, and then snapped at the Primarina. Offering a weak apology through choked sobs, the Primarina moved up to the audience, and began to sing.
A flash of yellow shot over the crowd. Veering upwards, an Oriciorio spread its wings, and let energy flow through it, guarding the audience from the effects of the queen’s song.
The Mightyena didn’t have the time to be stunned by the sudden appearance for long, as a sudden slash of purple energy shoots across the stage, giving him barely enough time to jump out of its way.
The Gallade knight lands on the stage with a flourish, and bravely demands that the villain unhand the queen and surrender. The hound snarled at him, and the two begin circling, each preparing to strike.
Would would be the victor of this fight? We’ll find out--
: --after a short intermission! We will continue in fifteen minutes, everyone, so please feel free to get up and stretch or walk around while you wait.
The crowd bursts into activity, with ‘mon talking excitedly among themselves about the play. While many of them are content to just stand up and stretch, a few ‘mon do get up to talk to friends, purchase food, or relieve themselves. Among those who have left their seats is a small ‘mon with orange and cream fur, who makes their way haphazardly through the crowd.
: Excuse me, sorry, pardon me, just passing through- woah!
He stops suddenly when he feels something tug at his bandana from his side. He turns, and sees an Aipom wearing a white head wrapping.
: Hi there! Do you need something?
: Yes, I need your help.
: R-really? You do?
: I’d be happy to help! What do you need? Me and the Free Swords can take care of any issue you have!
: Well, it’s a long story-
Meanwhile, in the Free Sword’s guild, Bál writes at his desk in his office. The only sound is the light scratching of a quill against parchment. In a rare change from the norm, Bál has no other responsibilities hanging over his scruffy head for the day, so he has the chance to work well into the night, and plans to make the most of this free time.
: BÁL BÁL BÁL BÁL BÁL BÁL BÁL BÁL-
He grips his quill tightly, closes his eyes, and takes a breath.
: Maybe ‘f I’m lucky, he’ll run righ’ by my-
: -BÁLBÁLBÁLBÁLBÁLBÁLBÁL-
: (he pinches the bridge of his nose) Nope, I’m ‘nlucky.
: BÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!
The door is opened with a loud WHUMP as it as slams into the wall.
: BÁL I- (he looks to the door, pulls it back slightly, and sees that his handy work has left a sizable dent from where the doorknob hit the wall)
: Oh! Oh no, Bál! I made a hole in your wall!
: I noticed.
: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-
: I am fully ‘ware, Klutz. Now, do us bot’ an ‘mmense favour, an’ tell me what it is t’at had ya screec’ing in th’ halls.
: R-right!
: Well, I was at the play a while ago having a nice time, but, during the intermission, the stagehand of the play pulled me to the side and told me something horrible!
: T’ey jus’ pulled ya ‘side in pub’ic?
: Yeah, they recognized that I was a part of the Free Swords!
: … I see. Well, what was so horrible t’at t’ey had ta pull ya ‘side to repo’t it to ya?
: Well, it’s a long story--
Early the next morning in the castle, Alaric and Tara slither towards the throne room together with Gaius following closely behind as they talk before they part ways to attend to their various duties.
: -and I thoroughly enjoyed the play!
: As did I. Once again, that was a brilliant idea of yours, I deeply enjoyed spending the evening with you. 
: Hopefully we can do sssomething like thisss again sssoon!
: Though likely not right away, I’d imagine. I assume you’re busssy with meetingsss today, yesss?
: I have several meetings planned that should keep me busy throughout the day, yes, but I wouldn’t be opposed to your company.
: I have no doubt your input would benefit all sides greatly. You might be able to keep Mindaugas from monologuing during my meeting with him and Matteo today.
: Aah, actually, sire, I believe that Matteo was accompanying the other officials of the Free Swords and the citizens on their business in Kalka.
: What?!
: I- were you not aware of this, sire?
: No, I wasn’t! Who gave them the right-
: Oh, I did. I cleared it with Bál lassst night.
: You did wh- why?
: Well, if I told you before they had left, would you have not gone with them asss you did before with Sssazanami?
: I-
: You ssshould be around more in Aether. Not only do you have your dutiesss here, but your people need your sssupport as well.
: I, alssso, wouldn’t mind sssome sssuport.
: Yes, yes, you’re right. But will you at least tell me what’s going on here?
: Well, it’sss a long ssstory...
Mission 12
----
Back to the Beginning
After about three weeks at sea and several days of travel on foot, the Aetherians could see their destination. In the distance, the river that had acted as their landmark took one final turn in the distance before it entered a humid jungle of lush greenery with leaves so wide they obscured the sky, creating a dark canopy.
At the head of party, a Lucario in a large, dust brown cloak walks slowly, eyes ever closed, steps ever steady. At his right side is Matteo, who takes seven paces to keep up with one of Cecil’s, and fluttering at his left is Klutz, who hums a jolly tune the entire way, stopping his tune only when dust flew up his nose, causing him to sneeze.
All but Cecil and Matteo have some reaction to seeing the jungle: most of them make some show of celebration at the chance to finally rest and get out of the heat, some of them mutters a few, quiet words at finally reaching their destination, Klutz pumps both fists into the air and cheers happily. Also loudly. His cheer echoes over the savanna.
: Thank you for that, kid, I’m sure everyone in Kalka knows we’re coming now.
: Waah? Oh! I’m sorry Matteo! I didn’t mean to do anything ba-
: I’m fully aware, but try to keep quiet for the rest of the trip, we don’t want-
: A group approaches from the east.
: Of course it does.
: What?
: Stop there.
Just as the Lucario said, a large group of ‘mon approach from the area to the east that led to the plains. At the head of the group is a Girafarig, who is followed by forty or so other ‘mons who are watching the Aetherians with skeptic eyes.
: Entering the great rainforest has been prohibited by our inkosi. Why are you here, outsiders, what is your plan?
: Ah! Well, we got word that the A Ngoke tribe is in terrible danger, so we came to help them!
: What?!
: Yeah! Their messenger said that their tribe was made up of monkey-like ‘mon-
: Kid, you’d be doing everyone a huge favour if you shut i-
: You’re all hanging around really close to the jungle, so you’re locals, right? Do you know how to find them?
: If my inkosi has their way, you would be able to find them easily once the jungle has been burnt down.
: What!? You can’t burn down the jungle! That’s horrible!
: Many would agree with you, but it is the inkosi’s intent... they will likely want to hear of your goal. Restrain them, and take them back to camp.
: But wait! We’re not here to do anything bad, I promis-
: Hold your tongue, Klutz, this is not the time to state our case.
: But Ceciiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil, they’re gunna burn down the jungle! They’ll hurt everyo-
: Then we shall do our best to convince them to do otherwise, but we would have an easier time if we brought their leader to our side first.
: (the Lucario turns his attention away from the pouting fae, and addresses the Girafarig) You will not harm any of these ‘mons with me. They are here with good intentions, and will go peacefully if no ill intentions are shown by your people.
: (he nods slowly) I would like it if both sides would travel together in peace.
: Then the restraints will not be necessary, you have my word.
: Honour your word, and no conflict shall arise.
: Everyone, I ask that we travel calmly and respectfully with these ‘mons. We are without all available information, and it would benefit everyone involved if we are allowed to gather it without causing trouble for ourselves or the locals.
: Translation: be on your best behaviour, children. We’ve already walked into a pitfall, let’s try to avoid digging down deeper, shall we?
With instructions given to both sides to honour and not antagonize the other, the Aetherians are escorted away from the jungle’s edge, and into the plains. Though neither side acts hostile to the other, the tension between both parties is evident, and it is difficult to separate the sweat caused from the burning sun overhead from the nervous sweat caused by the occasional griping of weapons.
After nearly half an hour of walking, a village comes into sight. The village consists of large huts made of reeds arranged in a circular formation around a large kraal, and is encircled by walls of wood reinforced with rocks. The huts themselves are surrounded on all sides by hide tents of all sizes, housing what looks to be five times the normal size of what would be a Kalkan tribe’s average population - clearly, the Aetherians were not the only ‘mons visiting today. 
The Girafarig leads everyone around the right side of the village until they reach a tent situated between the largest hut in the village and the hut to its right. Outside the tent is a female Pyroar, who watches the procession with leery eyes. The Girafarig gives her a deep nod before he begins to speak.
: Inkosi, we found these outsiders approaching the jungle. They received word from a member of the A Ngoke of what was happening in Kalka and came to assist.
: So they come as reinforcements for our enemy, then?
: I have half a mind to let them try, and watch them burn with the rest of the jungle in the process.
: I assure you this must be some kind of misunderstanding, if you would allow us to explain-
Matteo stops talking as he sees the Pyroar walk away from him and towards a tent. Many tribes members follow in tow, escorting the Aetherians along with them. As the Girafarig approaches a large, solitary tent, he slows his pace, and calls out to the person inside for permission to enter.
: Inkosi?
: (as everyone approaches the tent, they hear the leader growl from inside) Bring me their leaders. I do not have time to listen to all of their plees.
: Yes, inkosi.
He briefly looks back at the ‘mons escorting Matteo, Cecil, and Klutz, and motions with his head for them to follow him inside.
: Ah, no, you see, that one -- (he gestures to Klutz) -- is more like a mascot, a lucky charm, he-
: You will need all the luck you can get, outsider, unfortunately...
: (under his breath) Yes, that’s my point.
The Girafarig enters the tent, slowly. Matteo and his escort follow afterwards, then Cecil and Klutz side by side, shadowed by the two tribe members behind them. The tent’s interior is bare save for a patterned rug on the floor, and the person who sits on it.
: So, YOU’RE really the leader of the Isilanga tribe? I thought the leader of this tribe was a mal-
Cecil places a paw over Klutz’s mouth, muffling the rest of his words as the female Pyroar glares at them with unmasked animosity. Matteo steps forward to draw attention to himself in an attempt to save the situation.
: Please excuse my tiny flying friend for his manners, my lady. It would appear that our intel was incorrect.
: Your intel? Who is your intel?
: Monifa-
: A member from the A Ngoke tribe who-
: The one you are here to aid against me?
: No, my lady. In fact, we were not even aware of your-
: Our previous inkosi, my brother, was murdered by the very group you claim to be here to aid. A conspiracy of the jungle tribes that have come to war against us, and the A Ngoke tribe runs high in their ranks!
: … Regretful as that may be, we were not informed of this. Perhaps you might tell us when and how this happened, and why we-
: You are not in the position to ask me to explain myself, or anyone in any of the plains tribes.
: Be that as it may, it would help us understand the situation, because, as I have attempted to tell you, we only came here to-
: (She swipes her tail in front of the Pikachu to silence him)You will be silent until I say, rodent. I have heard enough of your honeyed-tongue. (She turns her attention to Cecil) You, Lucario, you have been silent both in and outside of this tent, can you not speak?
: I am able to.
: Then answer: what is your purpose here?
: A young Aipom from the aforementioned tribe visited our group in the Aether capital. They asked for aid regarding the death of the former chief of their tribe, whom they claim was murdered by an Oranguru. They were concerned both for their tribe, as well as the true objective of this monkey, and the hostile takeover of their tribe and others in the jungle.
: How did this Oranguru accomplish such things?
: Monifa said they infiltrated the tribe and rose through its ranks by posing as a healer and shaman, and then used their influence in the tribe to poison the old chief!
: They are suspected to have ulterior motives, exactly of what, though, they were unsure.
: Do not expect me to believe that. Tribes have traditions! How could an outsider get appointed as new inkosi? Especially if they were suspected of such treason?
: Because the tribe itself already had some bad members in it! Monifa said they were previously banished for starting fights with other tribes for no reason!
: They were described as a large group of Passimian-
: Ah, from your expression, I assume you know of this bunch?
: We have had to deal with them in the past.
: Their kind naturally flock to a strong leader, so the Oranguru would have won them over to their side with his position and healing abilities, and then used them to secure his position within the tribe.
: You want to drive out both him and his Passimian lackeys?
: Yeah! You’ve got it, la-chief!
: How do you hope to do such a thing? Those Passimian are fierce fighters without honour! They will not fight on their own to prove their strength, they shall work together and overcome you.
: Are they particularly dangerous when they work together?
: Disturbingly so. They get in large groups, and then take turns beating up warriors with their quick strikes. Six of them can stop a single warrior if they use their Beat Up strategy, but they like to travel in groups of twenty - often twenty-one, many times we have seen one other, different monkey instructing them. You can imagine the damage they do in groups of twenty, and that is the Passimian alone, we know nothing of this Oranguru or any other allies they could have.
: We can have our forces divide into groups, separate the Passimian forces from one another, and lure them away from their home territory into various traps.
: Hmmpf, you would never succeed. You do not know the jungle territory, you will never make it out alive, especially not with the other jungle tribes aiding them.
: We hadn’t heard that there were other tribes aiding the Oranguru, what prompts your suspicion?
: My brother was killed nearly a month ago, we believe the murder was because of the difference in our patrons faiths.
: You have different patrons in Kalka?
: Our tribe is the most mighty of the plane tribes, for we are protected by our great ancestor, the mighty Solgaleo; the true patron of this land!
: But, many tribes, especially jungle tribes, are only faithful to their god, Xerneas. They wish to be rid of us, but Solgaleo will invokes the sun and reduce their homes to cinders, reclaiming the land in its name.
: If you truly believe that all the jungle tribes have conspired against you, perhaps we could convince you otherwise.
: Your word alone would not be enough.
: My plan is not to give you my word alone. I would suggest that you allow myself and my underlings to venture into the jungle so that we may convince the leaders of various jungle tribes to speak with you on the matter.
: Of course, you could attempt to do so yourself, but I would imagine that they won’t be as willing to receive you, given how much time you and your fellow plains tribes members have spent stalking outside of the jungle with fiery intent in your eyes. Thus, I believe that it is in both of our interests if we acted as your impartial envoys.
: Stop there, rat, I will not allow you to do whatever you please.
: It would please you as well, would it not, to hear that your enemy is far smaller than you once thought, no?
: …
: You seem to have gotten it into your head that we are here to harm you, but answer me this: what would Aether gain from making an enemy of you?
: What would you gain from making an ally of us?
: Hmm, an unfortunately fair point…
: What if we gave you a guarantee of our good intentions?
: By doing what?
: We shall leave part of our people behind to create traps. They’re to be your hostages, as it were.
: What?! Matteo-
: Our little winged-friend here will stay behind as well. If we were not to leave without all our people, then you can be assured that we will not leave without one of our leaders, yes?
: But-
: The rest of us should be allowed to leave and assist you in dealing with the Passimian and other tribes. Cecil here we lead some of our ‘mons to lure the Passimian into the traps at the edge of the jungle, which yours hostages will assist you in making.
: Meanwhile, I will take some of our forces with me and venture into the jungle to talk to the other tribe leaders in there. We shall convince them to meet with you so that they may explain their stake in this affair. Is that acceptable for you?
: And the Isilanga and other plains tribes? We will not sit and do nothing.
: I was hoping as much. It would be wisest if your tribe members helped in the construction and placement of traps, as well as waited for the Passimian in case they need more than traps to subdue them.
: You should also find a way for you to hide yourselves. You have amassed an impressive fighting force to your cause.
: Admirable as it is, it would make the Passimian and Oranguru wary if they saw all of the warriors of the plains tribes waiting for them outside of the jungle.
: If you can think of a way to hide yourselves and our people we leave with you, it would help the effort greatly.
: Yes, this can be done. 
: I shall see that you have suggested is done, but you are not free to do as wish.
: You will report to me regularly, at least once an hour.
: That might be difficult, given that both Cecil and I will be busy, as well as the canopy of the jungle will likely be obscuring our vision of the sun.
: You need not come yourselves, a representative will be fine. You yourself said you planned on sending those to me anyway.
: Hmm, I suppose...
: Very well then, whenever we convince a tribe to send a representative to you, I shall send one of my people back with them with a message from me to keep you updated on the situation.
: Though I have little doubt that you’ll get more updates from the sound of screams will come from Cecil and his team luring away the monkeys.
: I-
: Scream your updates loudly, then.
: I shall tell everyone who assists me as much.
: Then we are agreed?
: Yes, we shall use your plan for as long as you honour your words.
: And, if we honour our words, we have yours that none of our people left in your care will be harmed?
: (nodding) You have my word.
: Then I believe we are done for the time being. We should each address our people and fill them in on the situation.
: Philani, please escort these three to the rest of their people. They are to explain the plan, and then get to work.
: (pointing to Klutz) And those who stay behind with this one to assist in building traps are to be unharmed.
: (nodding) It shall be done, inkosi.
: Please, follow me.
Cecil, Matteo, and Klutz follow the Girafarig out of the tent, their three tribesmen escorts close behind them. They are led slowly around the edge of the circular village, wary eyes still on them. As they walk, Matteo falls back from his place at the front of the procession so he walks in pace with Klutz.
: You’re going to be on your own for awhile, kid. Try not to burn anything, or anyone.
: I’ll be good, Matteo! I’ll help out and make everyone proud, promise!
: Well, I don’t doubt that, your promise I mean, b-
: Be kind to these people Klutz, and make sure that none of the Aetherians are harmed. They are in your care.
: I will, Cecil!
: Good good, that’s settled. Now, let’s get to work.
Journal
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Assist the plains tribes with the removal of the Oranguru and his Passimian lackeys. What you can do during this mission is affected by the class of your job title. Your mission prompt and objective will differ depending on what your class is: warrior, tradesmen, denizen, or rogue.
Class Objectives 	Class Objectives 	Class Objectives 	Class Objectives
Warrior Prompt 	Tradesmen Prompt 	Denizen Prompt 	Rogue Prompt
Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue
Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue
Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue	Mission 12 - Epilogue
Category:Missions
Category:Arc 2
Category:Kalka
Category:Branching Objective