Kyngdom Survival Guide
*TALE: TWO KYNGDOMS
Chatterbox: KYNGDOM™ Power of Hoof
*TALE: TWO KYNGDOMS
*TALE: TWO KYNGDOMS
A Tale of Two Kyngdoms, Part One
By Zephyra
It was the worst of times. That much was obvious. Chaos everywhere. Claaws was dead. Jaaws roamed our land, jaws dripping with Brazen Goo. Catastrophe was always lurking, ready to fight anyone at the slightest provocation. I heard whispers of a “Mutant Army.” And B.I.G. crept ever closer to finding and activating all four of the Powers, which would lead to--what? Utter global destruction? To be honest, I was finding it harder and harder to go to sleep. Dark thoughts swirled through my brain at all hours of the night.
On one particularly hopeless mornings, as I was drooping over a mug of oak root coffee at the Bog & Burrow, I received word from my faithful network of spies that Dr. Cornelia Hornshaw was heading north, toward the Decoy Forest. My go-to tech wiz, Techibeetle, quickly tapped her phone and, after listening to a very disgruntled conversation she was having with one of her chief scientists, we learned that she believed the fourth Power--the Power of Hoof--was located there. In the forest.
Now, this was a little too close for comfort for me, my fellow spies, and the other Guardians. Because we knew that while the fourth Power wasn’t actually in the forest, it was nearby--very nearby, on the hoof of Regina the Silver Reindeer herself. I sent a message to Regina begging her to retreat to her mansion, and then I began planning my trip to the north.
(Another complication: I was supposed to be planning my nephew Little Crow’s Naming Ceremony. It was time. He was of age. But the party would just have to wait--and I felt terrible about it.)
After another mug of oak root coffee, I hit upon a plan that was simple, but so daring that it made me nauseous. I was going to do the unthinkable. I would try to intercept Cornelia before she went into the Decoy Forest, and I would…talk with her.
Yes, talk. A dialogue. I figured that I could use B.I.G.’s technology to make Cornelia understand what I was saying, and then I could explain how dangerous her behavior was. How it would put us all at risk--animals and humans. Naïve? Maybe. But sometimes the best route is the most direct, no? There’s a reason for the phrase “as the crow flies.”
Of course it was a terrible shock when, while flying over the Labyrinth, I heard something rustling about in the suitcase that was strapped to my back--and out popped Little Crow, squawking that he couldn’t let me go alone and he was practically an adult and why did I get to do all the fun stuff? I was furious that he’d snuck along, but it was too late to turn back. Cornelia’s train was literally zooming below us as we flew. Besides, I’ll admit it: sometimes it’s nice to have a sidekick.
When we arrived at Jökull, the mansion of the Silver Reindeer, Regina greeted us joyfully and gave us each a huge, steaming mug of Black Winter Cherry cider. Little Crow was shivering. I was exhausted.
“She’s coming,” said Regina, giving me a meaningful look.
“I loathe Cornelia Hornshaw,” spat Little Crow.
“Little! She’s done some terrible things, but she is a very lost, very confused woman,” I said.
“She thinks we’re stupid. She doesn’t respect the world we’ve built. Why do I have to like her?” said Little Crow.
I was flustered, jet-lagged, but Regina jumped in with grace. “You don’t have to like her, Little Crow,” she said, her mother-of-pearl horseshoes twinkling. “But what Cornelia Hornshaw lacks is empathy. She can’t put herself in our horseshoes, so to speak. So she’ll never truly understand us--or anything about the world, really. Zephyra is saying that if you try to empathize a little with her, no matter how much it angers you, then you will have already won part of the battle.
“And for the other parts--if empathy and reason fail, at least you have an entire network of spies and warriors on your side,” I added.
Little Crow’s eyes were drooping.
“Let’s go to bed,” I said. “Cornelia is probably staying at that human eyesore, the Wayward Villa, tonight, and won’t be striking off toward the Decoy Forest until morning.”
After Little Crow went to sleep, I turned to Regina.
“I’m worried,” I said. “The Decoy Forest never shows travelers the truth. But who knows what she’ll see there? Sometimes half-truths and white lies can lead to the real thing.”
Regina looked down at her fourth horseshoe--the one that was old, rusty, nondescript.
“I am prepared to fight,” she said, simply.
submitted by Zephyra, Decoy Forest
(January 4, 2017 - 1:39 pm)
(January 4, 2017 - 1:39 pm)
Davina~~
We spend about another week in Sanukaville, after the funeral.
We've started to train the Sanukan soldiers in stealth so they can perform sneak attacks on Jokull. More Resistance members have been showing up. I think they might be interested in an alliance of some sort, but no deals have been worked out yet.
My father hadn't mentioned anything else about the Grasplands for a while, but some nanulian scouts said things were getting rough for Sanukans down there. Apparently Catastrophe is viewed as a good person down there, which is crazy.
But today we're finally told something more.
"Kimi, Davina. I've gotten more news about the situation in the Grasplands. One of our scouts found this," He reveals a rather pretty flower.
"What's so important about a flower?" Kimi asks .
"We don't know, but it seems Catastrophe has been collecting them like crazy. We only have eight, but we'll make sure they aren't stolen," Victor explains. "Things are getting a little weird down there, and I think we need to send someone. I've spoken with some of my advisors, and we've come to the conclusion you two would be our best option."
"But why?" I ask.
"Because you've both traveled all over. You know your way around Kyngdom... And I know I can trust you two."
~~~
(November 24, 2019 - 5:39 pm)
Kimi~
I stare at Mayor Starr's flower curiously. It seems so innocent and beautiful--yet if Catastrophe's army is in search of it, what horrible things is it really capable of?
Mayor Starr has decided that Davina and I will be the ones to investigate the situation in the Grasplands. It's not a bad decision--because I've been there.
"I'd be...honored to help out. I spent a few weeks in the Grasplands a long time ago, right after I was rescued from Jokull the first time. Some strange things were starting there--political drama. People disappearing. Back then I didn't know much about the war...so I didn't know to pay attention to what was happening." The Grasplands were where I'd gotten my first taste of the real Kyngdom after parting ways with my Resistance rescuers. I was...a different person back then. Didn't exactly understand laws. And I got into some trouble with law enforcement. I wonder if they'll remember me...
"Being so far away from everything else, the war was just a whisper back then," I continue. "It...must have changed a lot since then."
It's hard to believe anyone could see Catastrophe as a hero. Although...once, I did, when his men dragged me from the Decoy Forest and started this whole adventure.
"It has," Mayor Starr informs us.
I stare at the snowglass on Victor's desk. Tiny snowflakes drift through the narrow glass, marking each passing second. My fur prickles at the thought of going back into the fray. It's not a frightened tingle--it's one of anticipation. I am eager to delve back into action. Deeja's funeral awakened a restlessness inside me.
"Let's get everything ready, then," Davina says. "We'll need to be careful down there--since Catastrophe is their good guy."
"How soon do we set out?" I wonder.
(November 25, 2019 - 8:34 pm)
Davina~
"How soon do we set out?" Kimi asks.
"Tommorrow, hopefully. I'm giving you the rest of today to say your farewells and pack. Tommorrow morning, meet me down at the hangars--they're the large buildings halfway down the mountain," Victir explains. "You''l probably be taking a helicopter, if we can get the cloaking device working in time."
"Got it," I say.
"I've never ridden in a helicopter before," Kimi says wistfully.
"It's quite experience. The sort of thing you'd enjoy, from what I've heard of you," Victor says with a wink.
"Sounds great!" She replies cheerfully. We exit the building, heading back out into the whipping winds.
---
We spend the entire night packing backs and getting supplies. At one point Kimi turns on a record player my mom had bought for me a few years ago, and the house is filled with the sounds of Louis Aardwolf's and Ella Fishscale's "Dream a Magic Dream of Me."
I begin to measure the night in songs. First is Glenn Mystic's "In The Magic", next is Benny Goodbear's "All the Dolor Felis Join In", then there's "Northeastern Wood" by the Beatles of Kyngdom, and so on. The night becomes peaceful.
Eventually, Kimi and I decide to hit the hay, "Dragon with Butterfly Wings" by the Stardust Pumpkins still playing.
~~~
The song references were fun.
(November 26, 2019 - 5:33 pm)
Ashzan~
I finger a vial of Decoy Sap, and wonder where Saoirse, Granite, and Shadow are. Tsuki walks in with a grin on her face. I hide the sap quickly, but I'm not exactly sure why.
~
Just playing around.
(November 26, 2019 - 7:58 pm)
Tsuki~~
I walk into Ashzan and I's room with a large smile on my face.
"Hey, Ash," I say. "Look what I've got." I show her the envelope .
Ashzan stuffs a vial in her pocket quickly, then walks over. "What is it?"
"A letter," I reply in a sing songy voice, "From someone very special."
"Who?" Ashzan asks, seeming totally uninterested .
"Saoirse and Raven. I showed the letter to Davina and Kimi already this morning. They seemed to be a hurry, something about going on a mission for Victor."
" Really? Let me read it. "
She unfolds the letter and sets it on the table.
Hi friends! Travelling has been going pretty well. We haven't been attacked at all yet, which is great! And I made some new equipment, too-- a gun that fires bullets infused with dark magic. I sent four of those, one for each of you. Good luck with your new jobs!
Saoirse (And Raven and sweet Granite too!)
She smiles. "That was sweet of them." I nod , then pull out the cardboard box with the two guns inside. Davina and Kimi already got theirs.
~~~
(November 26, 2019 - 8:48 pm)
Kimi~
Just as we were making our final preparations that morning, Tsuki showed up with a letter from Saoirse, Raven, and Granite. Enclosed within the package had been four dark magic guns, which were expertly crafted and fit perfectly within one's grasp. Mine sits now in a holster on my belt. The ammo is too precious to waste on target practice, so I'll have to wait to test the bullets.
Victor gives us some last minute info on the Grasplands before the helicopter starts up. He explains the trade protocol, hands us a list of contacts, and gives me my very own Sanukan medallion. If I'm ever separated from Davina, the medallion will ensure my safety with any Sanukans or Sanukan allies.
With that, it's time to leave. We head out to the giant platform where an enormous helicopter glints in the sun, waiting in silence for liftoff. It stands three times my height, far larger than I expected it to be. (They always look so small when they're in the air!) Since our supplies are already loaded up, all Davina and I need to do is hop in.
The seats are snug and made of worn leather. The belly of the copter is full of buttons, wires, and levers. The pilot even has to use his feet to control the settings. We're sitting in the back, which is good. That way my tail won't accidentally flick any important switches.
The pilot and copilot introduce themselves and start the engine. All at once, a roar fills the air, and the smell of exhaust blasts into the copter. The blades begin to spin--slowly at first, and then faster and faster until...we begin to lift off into the air.
Snow blows wildly as the blades kick up a mighty gale. I let out an excited laugh as the ground shrinks, and suddenly, we're above the treetops! Icy wind cuts through my clothes, but I don't care. All of Kyngdom is sprawling out before us--and we're off.
(November 27, 2019 - 6:50 pm)
Davina~~
Kimi loves the helicopter ride. There's a childish wonder in her eyes as she gazes at the trees of the Sanukan woods below us.
We fly on through the day, the pilot and copilot occasionally breaking the silence to make small talk or warn us of bumby areas. It's surprisingly peaceful compared to the last air traevl trip Kimi and I took.
Eventually, the perpetual snowclouds clear from beneath us. The temperature begins to climb. We're over the Crimson Fields now-- Catastrophe territory.
"We're going to try to remain unpsotted, but just...be prepared for any issues," The pilot warns us. Fortunately, we pass over in peace.
Finally, at late afternoon, we reach the Grasplands. Miles of green fields spread out below us, interrupted on occasion by a small village.
~~~
Should we move to the other thread now?
(November 27, 2019 - 10:31 pm)
I think so! Should we land them in the same town as the others, or in a bigger/different city?
(November 30, 2019 - 4:47 pm)
I vote for a different city, so there can be a bit more diversity.
(November 30, 2019 - 6:18 pm)
Ashzan~
"Silencer!" A higher guard calls. I stand and walk to him. He hands me a letter. "Your first mission. Judging by your previous position, this may be hard. Remember, you're an assassin now." He smiles sinisterly. I nod my head.
"Thank you, sir." He leaves as I go to find my best equipment for the job. Opening the letter, I gasp.
Agent Silencer - First mission. Infiltrate Jokull, you know it well. Find General Caligo, get him alone,
My heart skips a beat as I read the following words.
And kill him.
~
@Hazel she's coming for him.
(December 2, 2019 - 8:40 pm)
Whaaaat iffffff Jokull gets claimed by the Sanukans when Caligo is gone? This could lead to a major advancement in the war! Except that would be really hard, and there might be self-destruct bombs inside the walls of some of the important rooms. But it could happen.
Cendaren Caligo~
A fresh shipment of Decoy Trees went out today, along with three barrels of Decoy sap, to be researched at the BIG laboratory. SOCS is there, I've heard--they'll know what to do with it. And I'm sure they'll do a far better job than Saoirse did. They certainly can be trusted not to ransack the findings.
In the meantime, Jokull has been fortifying and cleansing itself. I've orchestrated numerous interrogations with lieutenants, captains, and Elites. Anyone remotely suspicious is to be tagged with a recording device and watched closely.
As of right now, I'm finishing a meeting with visiting generals from the Grasplands and the Crimson Fields. Further conquest of East Kyngdom is on its way, but determining which land to take next--and how--is difficult. My belief is that if we can take the ocean, we can take Kyngdom. Our decision will have to be reviewed by Catastrophe before any real action can be taken.
As I pace down the hall, ready for lunch, I allow my mind to wander. Natsu has not been found. (I believe she is with the Sanukans, having escaped after the battle. There is no way we are going to find her if she's there.) Saoirse has not been found. (I have soldiers tracking her, but she is elusive.)
And then--Moksovinan. She is a special case. Imprisoned by Sanukaville? We have received no notice of this. Executed? Perhaps, but knowing her species, that is not likely. Dead? Certainly not killed in the battle, for the same reason. Defected from the army? I would not have thought her likely to do so. Either way, she has vanished with no one the wiser.
As I turn down the dim hall leading to the cafeteria, my skin prickles and the corridor's shadows seem to ripple--ever so slightly...
-------------
He feels like he's being watched. It could be one of two things: 1) Paranoia, or 2) Ashzan. If Ashzan is still on her way, then it's just paranoia. The pressure of Head General is getting to him.
(December 3, 2019 - 10:19 am)
General Cendaren Caligo~
For the past few days, I have been overseeing the wrending of a new path through the Decoy Forest. This path will become a road which will be used to extend our control to the rivers flowing out of mountains west of the Sanukan Mountains.
These small streams merge into enormous rivers that rush thousands of miles across Kyngdom: Their first major stop is between Meek and Bleak Peak. Their second major stop is Rainefall. (Meanwhile, we are already in some degree of control over the Barrier River, which begins halfway down the Wreath Wall, feeding Southeast Kyngdom--the Green Hills, the Grasplands, New Cogville, Sprocketville, and the Clawmark River.)
Catastrophe ordered it; I complied. The Decoy Forest road will be completed in five days, by estimate of Lieutenant Sanders, who is positioned at the head of the progress. I am situated back at Jokull, where I am keeping a close eye on our diminished supply of soldiers.
Although we're vulnerable for now, I'm hoping this harvest of Decoy trees will yield a greater advantage to us. If I can figure out how to harness the power of the decoys, we will have quite a leg up in the war. I'm doubtful there is anything to discover, but I'm sure that Saoirse knew something we didn't. If we follow in her footsteps, discovery won't be far behind.
(December 31, 2019 - 5:12 pm)
Tsuki~~
I stare at my reflection. The blade of the knife serves as an excellent mirror. I am surprised to see how much I've changed since my first day at Jokull.
While I was once a beautiful, innocent young Homo Aquarius (well, perhaps not entirely innocent. SOCS did that to you.) but now thin scars cried crossed my face, dangerously close to my eyes. While my eyes were once filled with emotion, they now seem empty and broken.
"Natsu, Victor Starr requests your presence," A guard says , approaching me. I turn around, setting down the knife I was gazing at. My pondering has been interrupted, and I'm slightly annoyed, but I know that they wouldn't interrupt me unless it was important.
I seek out Victor as quickly as possible. He's in the main building at the peak of the mountain, as usual.
"The forces at Jokull have been pushing through the Decoy Forest, heading towards the rivers that flow from the Northern Sea," Victor explains. "Ashzan was sent out very recently to take out General Caligo. But we recently received word that the town of Hvall was destroyed by the monsters."
"Tsuki, I need you to head there and find any survivors. And then I'm going to kill Caligo myself if Ashzan doesn't. I will not sit by while my people are brutally slaughtered by twisted beasts."
~~~
(January 19, 2020 - 8:47 pm)
Tsuki~~
The helicopter lands a short distance from Hvall, just on the other side of a small pine forest. The two pilots wish me luck, then they leave me there.
I watch the helicopter soar away for a few moments, then turn to the trees. I pull out my gun. Victor warned me that the area would be infested with Catastrophe's soldiers, and I want to be ready for them.
I climb a tree and begin to hop from one tree branch to another, crossing the woods. It's much quieter than walking on crunchy leaves.
I hear voices, and I recognize some of them. Curious, I peer from the leaves down at the forest floor.
It's a group of Catastrophe soldiers, smaller than the usual groups you find. They look tired and hungry. Evidently Jokull hasn't been faring well. I recognize their leader as General Sanders. The Sanukans told me he'd been promoted after the battle, and now is second-in-command to Caligo. I know him because he was one of the ten soldiers turned to stone by Saoirse.
I pull out the tranq gun instead of the silenced pistol. They aren't worth wasting Saoirse's dark magic bullets on.
Soon, the group of four is all unconscious, darts sticking out of their necks. I turn on the walkie talkie Victor gave me.
"This is Leviathan, requesting a unit of soldiers to my area to retrieve four unconscious Catastrophe soldiers."
"How long will the sedative last?"
"Two hours."
"Alright. Tie em up and finish your mission. We'll pick em up when we get you."
I turn off the walkie talkie, then realize I don't actually have anything to tie them up with. But I'm also not going to let them get away. The Sanukans are trying to clear Catastrophe from the Northeast and my job is to help them with that.
I find a large coil of rope in the soldier's pile of stuff. There's also a few very nice assorted weapons, which I take. Using a knife I cut the rope into smaller sections. Then I bind their hands with several sailor's knots. That's not coming undone anytime soon.
Satisfied, I take the remaining rope with me. I exit the woods, and look at the burned remains of Hvall.
~~~
(January 20, 2020 - 8:37 am)
I'm sort of realizing how much I missed role-playing as Tsuki.
Tsuki~~
Ash crunches under my boots as I walk. It's like walking through a cemetery. The dead are everywhere, their burned eyes haunting me with every step.
There's nothing left of the town. It's all gone. Everything has been burnt to the ground and the stone foundations have been wrecked. The ash on the ground is stained red with the blood of the villagers.
I'm beginning to think there's nobody alive when I hear the sounds of crying. I follow them to a pile of rubble.
I lift a plank of wood out of the way to reveal an infant Dolor Felis, crying, wrapped in soft blue blankets, which are partially burnt.
I lift her from the pit and cradle her gently. She's mostly white, with splotches of black. Eventually, she calms down.
I notice her eyes are purple --exactly like Deeja's.
"You're okay," I whisper. I look around and realize she has nothing , no one left.
Just like me.
"Vida," I whisper . "That's what I'll call you."
Holding her against me, I trek back through the woods. The helicopter is waiting.
"There was only one survivor," I say, showing the pilot Vida.
~ ~~
(January 20, 2020 - 7:05 pm)