Gold Digger: The Were Archipelago

Part IV: Kobras

(Page 1, panel 1. Thropan is standing at the bow of the ship arriving at another dock in the were archipelago. He has the earth flail on his back.)

Caption (N): At the same time Sheila is on the island of the Jagweres...

Thropan's thoughts: Well, send the were-panther to take care of the were-panthers. Sounds like a good idea. I hope that Everyone else does well.

(Panel 2. Thropan arrives at the docks of the were-panthers. There is nobody around the place.)

Thropan's thoughts: Hmm... I thought Baluche said he had contacted all the other were-people to let them know we're coming.

(Panel 3. Thropan exits the boat and walks from the pier onto the island.)

Thropan's thoughts: Maybe they didn't get the message.

(Panel 4. Suddenly a man appears behind Thropan, teleporting in. This is Kobras. He is a middle-aged man in a brown robe. He sports an Imperial beard style. )

Thropan: Who are you?

(Panel 5. The man teleports out as Thropan spins around to see him teleport out..)

Thropan: Hmph.

(Panel 6. Thropan walks up to a store. The place is a modest wood construction with a sign written in ribbon next to the door.)

Thropan's thoughts: The general store... maybe I can get some information here.

(Page 2, panel 1. Thropan enters the store to find nobody there.)

Thropan: Where is everyone?

(Panel 2. A male were-panther enters. He is attired in a shirt, apron, and pants, wielding a sword.)

Shopman: Stay back, Kobras! I will use this if I have to!

Thropan: Kobras? Who's that?

(Panel 3. The shopman advances on Thropan, pointing the sword at Thropan.)

Shopman: You... you're not Kobras?

Thropan: No I'm not. My name is Thropan and I'm here as an emissary from a land to the west. We're here to negociate a trade agreement between our lands.

(Panel 4. The shopman lowers his sword, and looks at Thropan.)

Shopman: Well, the leader's house is down the street a bit. I really can't show you there, because of Kobras.

Thropan: What is Kobras, anyway?

(Panel 5. The Shopman sets the sword down on the counter.)

Shopman: Kobras is an evil wizard that has been raiding us. He teleports in, steals whatever he wants, and then teleports out before we can get a hand on him. We don't know how to stop him.

Thropan: Hmm... sounds serious. However, I think I have an idea...

(Panel 6. Thropan heads to the exit of the shop.)

Thropan: I'll find the leader myself. Thanks for your help.

Shopman: Any time now.

(Panel 7. Thropan is on the street, and walking down it.)

Thropan's thoughts: So how do I get this Kobras guy?

(Panel 8. Thropan stands in front of the leader's home.)

Thropan's thoughts: This is the leader's home, or so that shop guy says. We'll see what's going on.

(Page 3, panel 1. Thropan knocks on the door.)

Thropan: Hello. My name is Thropan, and I'm that guy from the west that Baluche talked to you about.

(Panel 2. The door opens to show an elderly male were-panther there. He looks Thropan over.)

Elder: Ah... welcome, Thropan. Come in.

(Panel 3. The elder closes the door behind Thropan.)

Elder: You have found us at a dire time, my friend. I hope you can help us out with what is going on here.

Thropan: The shopman filled me in on some of the things. He said Kobras was an evil wizard that was raiding you.

(Panel 4. The elder nods.)

Elder: We have had our food stores depleted quite a bit because of him. He has taken most of our riches and put us in starving times. We are hoping you can help us out and defeat him.

Thropan: I will do what I can.

(Panel 5. The elder approaches Thropan.)

Elder: We know he is hiding nearby. Where that is, I do not know.

Thropan: I have a way of finding out.

(Panel 6. Outside in the street, Thropan is sitting on the ground. He has the Earth Flail touching the ground, and is concentrating. About 4 other were-pumas are around him, including the shop man and the Elder..)

Caption (N): Shortly thereafter...

Thropan: This requires concentration... do not let anything try to distract me.

(Page 4, panel 1. Thropan continues to sit on the ground, and concentrates.)

Thropan: Hmm... I have something about 4 kilometers from here in the northwest...

Elder: Hmm... that's rough territory to go through. The jungle is pretty thick there.

(Panel 2. Thropan stands up.)

Thropan: None the less, to stop Kobras, we will have to go there.

Elder: We only have one warrior we can spare right now, Thropan.

(Panel 3. Thropan puts the earth flail on his back.)

Thropan: One is all that is needed.

(Panel 4. Thropan is with a young female were-puma in anamorphic form. She has a sword on her back and is following Thropan.)

Caption (N): Later on...

Liata (Woman): So tell me about life on the continent. How much different is it from here?

Thropan: Well, on the continent we have several other races with us, besides were-pumas. It's no paradise, but it's interesting to live there. Life on this island sounds interesting, Liata.

(Panel 5. They walk onwards, towards a large, towering cliff.)

Liata: That cliff is what where we have to go. The place you mentioned is at the top of it.

Thropan: Then we'll just climb it.

(Panel 6. Liata gets nervous.)

Liata: Nobody's ever been able to climb it, Thropan.

Thropan: There's a first time for everything.

(Panel 7. They are at the base of the cliff. Thropan has the earth flail out, and touches it to the side of the cliff.)

Thropan: Mother Jade, listen to my call. Those who would hurt your children are being blocked by this cliff. Let us pass it, and defeat those who would hurt others.

(Panel 8. A ladder-like pathway forms up for Thropan and Liata.)

Liata: By the Gods!

Thropan: The earth flail allows me to communicate with mother Jade. She and I have a nice friendship...

(Page 5, panel 1. Thropan and Liata are at the top of the cliff. There is a moderately-sized house there, made of wood.)

Thropan: This is the place.

Voice (from off panel): What the -!? How did you scale that cliff!?

(Panel 2. Thropan and Liata turn around and see Kobras there. He is attired in a robe.)

Kobras: How dare you invade my home!

Liata: You invade our homes all the time, mage!

(Panel 3. Liata attacks Kobras, diving at him with her sword. Kobras dives out of the way as he erects an aura shield.)

Thropan: Your days of terrorizing these people are over.

(Panel 4. Thropan smacks Kobras in the head with his Earth flail. Kobras was casting a magic missile that misses a diving Liata.)

SFX: POW!

(Panel 5. Liata knocks Kobras down with a foot sweep.)

SFX: WHAM!

(Panel 6. Liata holds her sword to Kobras' throat.)

Liata: You've got a lot to answer for, mage.

Kobras: All right... I give.

(Panel 7. Back at the village, we see Kobras in iron shackles. Several were-pumas are around him. Thropan stands opposite Kobras.)

Caption (N): Latter on...

Thropan: Here's your troublemaker. Kobras will trouble you no more.

Elder: We thank you deeply for your help, Thropan. We have signed your treaty for negotiations.

(Page 6, panel 1. Thropan and the Elder shake hands.)

Thropan: My people will be very pleased, elder. Well, I must go off to the island of the were-crocodiles.

Elder: The boat is making preparations as we speak. We do wish you would stay some more, however.

(Panel 2. Thropan smiles.)

Thropan: When I can, I will return here, Elder. I really enjoyed being here.

(Panel 3. The island of the were-crocodiles. Thropan stands on the dock, next to a small village of crude huts. There is an older male were-crocodile there, attired in a simple robe and headband.)

Caption (N): A ride to the island later...

Elder of the Were-Crocodiles: Welcome to our isssland. You mussst be Thropan.

Thropan: Yea. I'm here to negotiate a treaty between our peoples.

(Panel 4. The two of them walk juxtaposed to a large wooden building.)

Elder: Yessss... come, our council would like to hear your propossssals. They ssssay you ssssaved the were-pumassss from trouble.

Thropan: Yes. There was a small incident between the were-pumas and this evil mage. I stopped the mage.

(Panel 5. They are inside the building. Sitting at a table are 4 other older were-crocodiles.)

Elder: The counsssel hassss been eager to meet you.

Thropan: Great.

(Panel 6. The elder and Thropan are shaking hands.)

Caption (N): Later on...

Thropan: Well, I am glad we could come to an agreement.

Elder: Thisssss could help benefitting everyone. Thanksssss, Thropan.

-To Be Continued-

Part V: Music Soothes the Savage Beast

(Page 1, panel 1. Lenexia is standing on the front deck of the boat, watching the sea for the island of the were-lynxes. Behind her is a were-lynx sailor in a shirt and slacks.)

Sailor: So, what is life like in the west?

Lenexia: Well, it's not that different from life here. Most of what you know about is the same. We do have more contact with earth, however.

(Panel 2. The two of them continue to talk.)

Sailor: Well, the island of the were-lynxes is a wonderful place. I think you'll like it there. I haven't been there in a good while, but there's always a sense of peace and calm there.

Lenexia: Really.

(Panel 3. The sailor smiles slightly.)

Sailor: Oh yes. It's not a paradise on Jade, but it is a place where the were-lynxes are friendly.

Lenexia: Let's hope so.

(Panel 4. Suddenly the boat starts rocking uncontrollably. Everyone has a hard time maintaining their balance, and Lenexia falls over.)

Lenexia: What the -!?

(Panel 5. The boat suddenly gets smashed, and breaks in two.)

SFX: WHAM!

Sailor: Swim for it!!

Lenexia: I can't swim! I hate water!

(Panel 6. Lenexia holds onto a plank of wood as she falls into the water. The boat is now in pieces.)

SFX: SPLOOSH!

Lenexia: Onoli, if I get out of this alive, I'm going to kill you!

(Page 2, panel 1. One of the sailors grabs a hold of Lenexia.)

Sailor: I'm an adept swimmer. I'll take you to that island over there.

Lenexia: Watch those hands, mister!

(Panel 2. They are at the dock, and Lenexia is climbing onto the dock.)

Sailor: You're welcome.

Lenexia: Just what hit us?

(Panel 3. They look out and see several the boat in pieces. One or two sailors are out amidst the debris. Another sailor is with them.)

Lenexia: Wow... something really big hit us.

Sailor 2: It's the curse, lassie! Ill fortune befalls those that carry a were-girl over water.

(Panel 4. Lenexia gives the sailor the evil eye.)

Lenexia: Don't be silly. I've traveled several places via boat without any trouble.

Sailor 2: I knew we were cursed from the moment we set sail! Ye cursed us, lassie!

(Panel 5. Lenexia draws her sword, and points it at the sailor.)

Lenexia: That's enough of that! A correlation does not necessarily explain causation.

Voice (from off panel): She's right you know. That monster has been plaguing us for weeks.

(Panel 6. Show Lenexia's face only.)

Lenexia: That voice? Can it be?

(Page 3, panel 1. Lenexia turns around to see a young male were-lynx standing there.)

Man: Can it be who?

Lenexia: Oh - sorry. You sound just like someone I knew. My name's Lenexia, and I'm here from the mainland to the west.

(Panel 2. The man shakes Lenexia's hand in a friendly manner.)

Man: My name is Greuber. Come, I will take you to the council.

(Panel 3. Inside a stone chamber. Greuber is standing opposite Lenexia. There are a few other were-lynxes there as well.)

Caption (N): Later...

Greuber: Welcome to the island of the were-lynxes, Lenexia. I'm afraid you've caught us at a bad time here. An evil wizard from the east came in and cursed us with that leviathan that you ran into.

Lenexia: Well, it's all right. It seems that wherever I've gone since joining the Edge Guard, trouble seems to follow.

(Panel 4. They continue to talk.)

Greuber: Well, they say you are a powerful warrior. Our own troops have been ran ragged by that beast. We're only down to about 4 warriors left. Will you help us defeat that leviathan?

Lenexia: Of course. I could never refuse a request from my fellow were-lynxes.

(Panel 5. Greuber and Lenexia shake hands again.)

Greuber: Thank you, Lenexia. I hope you can lead us to victory.

Lenexia: I'll do everything I can.

(Panel 6. Three other were-lynxes enter. They are two women and a guy. All of them have light armor and carry swords on their backs.)

Greuber: These are the other warriors you'll be working with. I have very little information on the leviathan we are facing, though. It is said the beast's strength comes from its anger. The angrier it gets, the more invincible it is.

Lenexia: Hmm... well, I have just the thing to put it into a calm mood, I think...

(Page 4, panel 1. The next day, Lenexia and the other warriors are standing on the beach. All of them have their swords drawn and look ready to attack.)

Caption (N): The next day...

Greuber: Are you sure this is going to work?

Lenexia: Well, if it doesn't, we probably won't live to regret it.

(Panel 2. Suddenly the leviathan rises out of the sea, looking angry.)

Lenexia: Here we go!

(Panel 3. Lenexia waves her sword around, causing a soothing melody to come from it.)

Lenexia: Just listen big guy... we don't want to harm you... we just want you to leave us alone...

(Panel 4. The Leviathan stops looking angry. Lenexia continues to wave her sword around.)

Lenexia: Get ready, but hold off until I say so.

(Panel 5. Lenexia approaches the Leviathan, still waving her sword.)

Lenexia: Do you understand me? We don't mean you harm. You're being manipulated by an evil wizard.

(Panel 6. One of the were-lynxes rushes to the leviathan, and thrusts her sword into its head.)

SFX: SHLUK!!

Lenexia: What are you doing!?

(Page 5, panel 1. The Leviathan gets angry, and the were-lynx slashes at it with her sword. Lenexia stops waving her sword.)

Lenexia: We could have ended this peacefully had it not been for you!

Were-lynx: This creature killed my husband! My son will never know his father thanks to this creature!

(Panel 2. We see that she has slashed the creature up so badly that it has died. Lenexia and the others confront the female. She is soaked in the creature's blood.)

Caption (N): Later, after the creature has died...

Lenexia: I hope you're proud of yourself. This is a Kruppert's Squid, and they're normally sweet and docile.

Were-lynx: This creature sure wasn't docile when it killed my husband.

Greuber: That's enough! Go get cleaned up. We will decide your fate later.

(Panel 3. Later on, we see Lenexia talking through a mystical sphere to Onoli. Greuber and a were-slug male is nearby.)

Lenexia: I've secured a treaty with the were-lynxes, Onoli. They're ready to open their island up to trading with us.

Onoli: That's great, Lenexia. So far, you're the first to report in. I did secure a treaty here with the were-lions. Let's hope everyone else is just as successful as we were.

(Panel 4. Lenexia looks away.)

Lenexia: Yea. Well... while I was here, I found out some evil wizard put an enchantment on a Kruppert's Squid. I tried to calm the beast down, but one of the other were-lynxes killed it. The squid smashed our boat and we're stranded until another can be built.

Onoli: Hmm... Well, just return to the island of the were-slugs when you can, Lenexia. We'll rendevous there.

(Panel 5. Lenexia smiles slightly.)

Lenexia: Will do, Onoli. Thanks.

(Panel 6. We see the sphere from Onoli's side. The sphere is blank, and he is standing next to a were-slug.)

Onoli: Well, four down, eight to go. Can you raise the island of the Jagweres?

Were-Slug: Sure...

(Page 6, panel 1. A little later, we see Sheila wearing a laurel crown and people around her are enjoying themselves.)

Caption (N): Shortly thereafter...

Sheila: Hey Onoli, how are things with you?

Onoli: Very good. I got a treaty from the were-lions. How are you doing with the Jagweres?

(Panel 2. They continue to talk.)

Sheila: Oh, things are wonderful here! They think I'm some kind of child of prophecy that's going to lead them into a new era of prosperity. I've already got a treaty from them and the were-eagles.

Onoli: That's great, Sheila. Return here as soon as you can, all right?

(Panel 3. Sheila pulls a face.)

Sheila: Aw, I was having so much fun too... well, great things don't last forever.

Onoli: Don't forget you're still on a mission. We still need you, Sheila.

(Panel 4. Sheila smiles.)

Sheila: Don't worry, Onoli. I'll catch the first boat back to the island of the were-slugs.

Onoli: Good. Lenexia has gotten a treaty as well. We're halfway there.

(Panel 5. The sphere goes blank.)

Sheila: Cool! Well, see ya!

(Panel 6. Onoli strokes his chin in contemplation.)

Onoli: Hmm... better send Raphiel there after he's done. Well, let's check in with Tigra next.

(Page 7, panel 1. Onoli is now talking to Tigra via the sphere.)

Onoli: So how have things gone at your end, Tigra?

Tigra: Things are wonderful, Onoli. The were-tigers have welcomed me with open arms and want the treaty.

(Panel 2. They continue to talk.)

Onoli: Wonderful. How about the werewolves?

Tigra: Oh, I haven't gotten to them yet. Negotiations here are... dragging out a bit.

(Panel 3. A hot babe were-tiger is next to Tigra now. She looks at him with love in her eyes.)

Were-tiger babe (in a heart-shaped word balloon): Tigra, how long will you be on that communication sphere? It's getting pretty lonely without you...

Onoli: >Sigh<...

(Panel 4. Tigra looks at the babe.)

Tigra: I won't be long, darling.

Onoli: Tigra, what did I tell you? Don't go around breaking girls hearts.

(Panel 5. Tigra smiles.)

Tigra: Oh, come on, Onoli. She knows I won't be here tomorrow.

Onoli: Be on the island of the were-slugs day after tomorrow, Tigra. No excuses.

(Panel 6. The sphere goes blank.)

Tigra: Oh, I will, Onoli. Relax.

Onoli: That's what I'm afraid of...

Coming next time: The final chapter: Speed, Stealth, and Trouble!