The Road to Mokepontas!

Tra-la-la-la-la!

Blepple blip!

Oh my goodness, the festival was so much fun, wasn't it?

Bleep!

Who woulda thought they'd invite all the church folks and all the people of Atlantica for a festival?

And for Seze of all people to suggest the idea! She's the last person you'd expect to hold a party, but it turned out to be so much fun!

Blipple-blup!

Everything's been so perfect lately! Blessings abound, the air is fresh, and everybody seems so happy!

Everything's been so perfect lately! Blessings abound, the air is fresh, and everybody seems so happy! And to top it all off, Melina and Clarte even came back for the festival! Thillelille's so happy she could scream!

Bliiip blipple!

And check out how good Thillelille's skin is looking! It's practically glowing. And your fur...

Hm?

Blep?

Moke, you're looking...

Plump?

BLUP?!

Blipple-blepple bleep bloop!

Yeah, look at you! You're definitely getting a bit of a belly! We can't blame this on your fur now, can we? Our newfound peace has turned you into a little lazybones.

And think of how much food you were gobbling up at the festival yesterday! Yeah, that's gotta be it!

Blep-blipple?

Well, what d'ya expect? You haven't done any exercise since the battle at Schnaud Castle. Speaking of Schnaud Castle... You were super cool back then, you know that?

But maybe it was all just an optical illusion. Just look at you!

Blup?!

You need to dial back on the eating and sleeping, Moke! Otherwise, you won't be able to hold a candle to Noah, and you'll just end up this big, squishy blob.

BLUP!

Anyway, we can leave your size and lazy nature for another time.

'Cause Thillelille's gotta go patrol the Merlot Ward now! And once that's done, she promised to come back here and help clean up after the festival.

The ever-popular, matchless beauty Thillelille is just so busy these days! She doesn't have time to chat!

So come along, little companion! It's patrol time!

Bleep blu...

......

Blipple-blep! Bliip!

No way! You're not coming with Thillelille this time?! You've got special training to do?!

Blepple-blip!

You need to train up so that you can protect her?! So that you can show her the Sacred Beast Mokepontas again, with his long legs and his handsome face?!

Blepple!

Eeep, you're the coolest, Moke! 'Kay, you get to training, and Thillelille'll get to patrolling.

See ya later, Moke! Let's both give this our all, okay?

Blipple-blep bleep!

Moke? Whatcha doin'?

Bluuup...

Blep-blup bleep...

Huh? Moke...

You ate so much yesterday that you won't even go on patrol today? How can you be so lazy? Did Thillelille misjudge you? She can't believe you're such a slacker!

Bliiip bloorp!

Blup! Blip-blepple!

Honestly, Moke! It's a mystery why you're acting so lazy!

Grr, that's it! If this is how you're gonna be, Thillelille's just gonna leave you here! She'll go alone today! Don't blame her if you get all lonely!

Bliiip-blep...blipple!

Blup!

Why, Brother Moke. Is something wrong?

Bliiip-blep blipple!

Goodness me! There is a fire in your eyes like I've never seen before! That is a look of pure determination, if ever I saw one! If I am not mistaken... The time has finally come.

Blepple!

If I am right, then you must be trained! And I am the man for the job! I will make you a man among men, Brother Moke.

Now, Brother Moke! Strike! Strike with all your might!

Bleep! Blipple-blep...

BLIIIP!

BLUUUP!

B-Brother Moke!

Blup...

Brother Moke, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?

Did I go too hard on you? Perhaps we should have started with something a little gentler.

Next, how about some leg exercises?

......

No, Brother Moke!

Don't give up, not now! I know how determined you are deep down! Do not give in, Brother Moke! Stand up! Stand! Remember yourself in your ideal form, and arise! Even if it hurts, even if your legs are shaking, don't let it break you! You can do this! For the future you deserve, you must do this!

Bliii...

Blipple!

B-Brother Moke? What is the matter? We haven't finished our training yet!

Brother Moke?!

Brother Moke, you're back! Now, let us continue your training. Let's go!

Hm?

Blipple-blep! Bliip!

Hey, stop that! You'll get yourself hurt! I don't have any snacks for you.

Hm? It's my bow you're interested in?

I'm afraid a little thing like you is far too small to use a bow and arrow.

But I suppose it couldn't hurt for you to learn a few martial arts practices instead.

Sound good? First, no matter the situation...

Blep!

You can't just jump all over the place and hope to land an attack. It doesn't work like that. You must calmly observe your opponent at all times and try to work out their next action. Watch how each muscle moves and how their center of gravity shifts. Dodge your opponent's attacks with minimal movement; shift your weight to match the point of impact... And deliver the perfect blow...

Blip-blep?

I hope you got all that. Because now, I want you to try it.

Blup?

Blip-blepple...

You're so slow.

Blip?!

Blep...

Hey, what do you think you're doing? I didn't say stop! If you truly wish to become stronger, grit your teeth and stand up! Never take your eyes off the prize.

Your tendency to run away when scared really has to stop, Moke. Now, once you're sure you want to do this, we'll spend three days and nights...

Blipple-blep...bliiip!

Hey, don't run away! We're not finished here!

Ah, you're back? Looks like you still have the will and the discipline to train yourself to the fullest. Then we'll recommence our training! First off, half a day of push-ups!

Blepple-blip!

Moke!

Oh my, sweetie! You look so tired!

Bliiip!

Oh my, teehee! You know you can always talk to me if you'd like.

Hmm... If I'm interpreting your gestures correctly... You want to gain the strength to fight for Thilly?

Blepple-blip...

That's so sweet of you, Moke.

But are you sure that you fighting on the front lines is what would make Thilly happy?

Blep?

I don't think Thilly needs you to be a fighter, sweetie. I think she just wants you by her side. Even if you don't learn combat skills, your presence alone will be enough to give Thilly strength.

Blup?

Bleep...

You must know better than anyone how to make Thilly happy. So it's okay, little Moke. Just remember everything you've done together...

Bliiip!

Moke! Someone's looking cheerful today!

Blepple-blip bloop!

What's this? Are you wanting some attention? Well, come and get it, little buddy.

Blepple!

Blep! Blip-blepple bleep bloop!

Ah... You want my power so that you can become Mokepontas again?

Bliiip-blep! Blipple-blup? Blep bloop...

You want those long legs, the sharp jawline, and the fighting skills that put Noah's to shame?

Moke...

Blep?

That's a lovely thing to wish for, but I'd much rather you remain as you are. With your white fur, fluffy legs, and tubby little body, everything about you is perfectly wonderful as it is.

Blip-blep!

If you want to be trained, and you want me to train you, then of course I'll help. But right now, why don't we have a little snack together? You'd like that, wouldn't you? I actually brought quite a few snacks with me that I just know you're gonna love.

Bleep?!

Here, Moke! Come snuggle up on my lap.

Bleep-blipple blup!

Blep blup bliiip...

Blup?!

Bli-bleep!

Moke, you're going already?

It's okay, I understand. But come back anytime you like. Whether for training or snacks, I'm always happy to see you.

Blep! Bliiiple!

Forgive me. I've hogged so much of your time. I just couldn't resist; you're so cute.

Why, hello again, little Moke! Are you here for some tea? I hope I'm not keeping you away from anything more important. Still, I am so very glad to see you again, little guy.

Blup!

Oh, hello, Moke. I'm not used to seeing you out on your own.

Bleep-blip!

You want me to play with you? No, that's not it. Then what?

Hmm... It's hard to work out what your gestures mean, but are you saying you want to fight?

I doubt Thillelille would want you to support her in battle, Moke.

Blup!

Think of something else.

Blep...

I know it's always Mokepontas this, Mokepontas that with Thillelille... But I'm not sure if being a fighter is right for you.

Blep?

However, strength isn't the only trait of a sacred beast.

Something for you to consider, Moke.

Blep...

Bliip-blep! Blipple!

If the chance arises, I'll ask Noah to give you some advice.

Why would you want to fight now, anyway? We're finally at peace.

Stare at me all you like, Moke, but you're not going to get any more out of me. Go watch Thillelille, not me. And think about what we discussed, sacred beast of the future.

Blep!

Moke! You here for a rest?

Blep-blipple blep!

Erm? Not really sure whatcha sayin' there, li'l guy, but it feels like you're sayin' you wanna get big and strong?

Bleep!

Piece o' cake! I got you covered, li'l guy!

To get strong...

You've gotta go like boom, whoosh, then pow, pow, pow! You get me? Strike fast, then keep strikin'! That's the way to do it!

Blep...?

Blup?!

I'm serious here! Give it a go!

Really get the passion burnin' from the pit of your stomach, and I bet you could throw a Moke Punch!

Blipple-blup?

Bliiip-blep blipple!

BLEP!

Bluup...

Oh... Yeah, sometimes passion alone isn't enough...

Blup?!

Hey, no, I didn't mean it like that, li'l Moke! Don't go gettin' upset now!

But in all seriousness, fightin' isn't really your strength, huh? Why don't you give up on the punchin' an' try somethin' else, like huntin'?

Bli-bleep?

You gotta think about things from multiple angles, li'l guy! Now, good luck!

Blipple? Bliiip-blep...

Hmm, wonder what else you could do other than huntin'? Fetchin' supplies, scoutin', shieldin'? Nope, none of them'd really suit ya...

Moke, me man! What's on your mind, bruv?

Bliiip-blep blipple!

That so? You want to get real strong to 'elp out your master?

Your makin' me all emotional here! You 'ave me full support!

But 'ow're we gonna do this? If you wanna take part in battle... I mean, no offense; I don't really sense any magic power comin' off you. Like, at all...

Yer nothin' like Noah...

Blup!

Blep.

Bliiip-blep! Blipple! Blup!

Hey, cut it out, you two!

Sheesh! Yer gettin' WAAAY too heated over there.

But at least somethin' got you all fired up! Geez, you two are just like your owners.

Blepple-blup!

Moke? What's up?

Bleep!

Bli-bleep!

Um? What are you doing?

Bliiip-blep blipple!

Watch out, that's not safe! Honestly, what has gotten into you today?

Ah!

Bli-bleep!

Do you want to help with the festival cleanup? Is that it?

Blep?!

Great, that would be so helpful! There's still so much to do.

All the decorations have been put here, so why don't you help me move them?

Blipple-bleep?! Blup...

BLEEP!

Moke? Hey!

Looks like he didn't want to help after all. Maybe he just wanted a snack.

He's so hard to understand...

Okay, I'm gonna try really hard to understand you this time.

So tell me what's on your mind! I have snacks now!

Blipple...blep...

Blepple-blip...

Moke, don't go! Even if your cuteness is all you have going for you! Even if it's not enough to make up for your uselessness, !

Thillelille...Thillelille just wants to be with you, Moke!

Blep...

Blup!

MOKE!

Bliiip-blep blipple!

Blep?

BLIIIP!

Huh? Was that Moke?

BLIPPLE!

Please, if you would be so kind.

The church is a cruel taskmaster. I have a feeling it will be a very long time, indeed, until I get my vacation.

...PPLE-BLEP!

Hm?

...... Unless I'm very much mistaken, I believe that's the self-proclaimed savior's pet.

I believe you're right.

So make yourself useful.

You must be joking. Why would I...

And here I thought you had just the tool for this situation.

You're serious?

Why, of course I am.

Sigh...

Bl-Blepple...

There, there, Moke. Everything's going to be fine.

Blup...

Unbelievable. Don't just shoot down the birds, Johann! Use your chain to help Moke as he falls!

What's unbelievable is that I'm using the Stifling Chain for something like this. That said, I do apologize. I should have listened from the outset.

Blipple...blep...

Now, what brings you here, little one? And without your master, no less?

Bliiip-blep blipple!

I see... He says he wants to find a way to become stronger for Thillelille.

You actually understood that?

I think you're lovely the way you are, Moke, but if that's what you want... Why don't you try asking Johann here? I'm sure he'd love to help you find a solution.

Huh?

You never know; perhaps you'll teach him something useful. I'm off to the Winged People's Village to help with the festival cleanup. You're on your own, Johann.

I'm sure you and Moke will make the best of friends.

Bleep?!

......

Bliiip-blep blipple!

That's all just noise to me, I'm afraid. Animal languages are not where my expertise lies.

Blipple-blep! Blup!

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I don't have time for this. The role of Tower Defender is going through a time of upheaval, and do you know what that means? More work. And that's not to mention all the other church tasks I have to attend to...

Oh dear, was I just complaining about work to an animal? Wow, I really must be tired. That's it. After today's inspection, I'm applying for a leave of absence again. How I wish they'd accept it...

Come on, little critter. I'll take you to Atlantica, but you'll have to find your own way back to your master.

Blup!

......

Blup! Blup!

Are you trying to intimidate me...?

Blup!

......

Sigh... I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be threatened by a small animal.

Fine. I'll kill a little time with you, but only a little, you understand?

Blep?!

Blipple-blepple bleep!

You're a manipulative one... Now then, let's get this over with. We'll make you a fearsome beast in no time.

Blep!

It occurs to me...

...That you're not particularly suited for battle.

Bluuuup...

I've been throwing everything I have at you, but you're really not getting any better. Great. And now I feel bad for you. As if I didn't have more important things to worry about.

Blipple...blep...

Ah, you were just pretending to sulk so that you could take a snack break? My gosh, you are so like your owner.

......

Just a thought, but what if you were to contribute in a manner other than fighting? You certainly have a natural talent for digging, treasure hunting, and the like. Every hole you've dug has struck gold...or rather, food.

Blip?! Blepple...

Blep-blipple! Bliiip-blup!

"I don't want to. I want to be able to show off"?

Now, now, you shouldn't talk like that. Don't be so focused on showing off. The most important players aren't the ones showing off on the front lines... They're the ones supporting us from the shadows.

But, of course, I'd think that.

Blep?

For that is the role I play.

Still, I can understand where you're coming from. You want your master to appreciate you, and she's not one to acknowledge the subtle. So what else could you do?

Aha.

Blep?

There are many creatures of your species living in these parts, are there not?

If a human like me is struggling to draw out your fighting abilities... Then perhaps those of your species would be able to give you more insight.

Blep?! Blip-blepple!

Bleep!

Bliiip-blep blipple! Blepple-blip!

Please, you don't need to thank me. I didn't end up doing anything at all for you.

It will be a tough road ahead, so you must do whatever it takes. I'm sure you have your own unique style of fighting. I just can't see it myself.

Blep! Blipple-blup!

Sigh... What an odd experience.

I guess it's back to work for me.

What? Brother Moke is gone?

I'm afraid so. I've been searching for him ever since I heard him blippling earlier, but no luck.

Oh no, I hope nothing bad has happened to him! We have to get searching!

Umm... Maybe I'm wrong, but... Li'l Moke came over for a combat lesson earlier...

And well, I guess I wasn't a great teacher. All I did was depress him. You don't think that's what this is all about, do ya? Did I make him wanna run away from home?

I-I did the very same thing! Could that really have driven him to such lengths?

Yeah, he also came to me, all eager for a lesson. I had to give him a stern talking to about his flighty attitude.

Ah, crud.

Oh dear. I think I might have misunderstood what Moke wanted...

Yeah, I totally misread what he was after. I tried to get him to help with the festival cleanup.

Do you think he really ran away from home? We have to go find him!

I'm baaack!

Oh, hey guys! Didn't expect a whole welcome party!

Thillelille!

Now don't panic, but we need to tell you something about Moke...

Huh?

Bliiip-blep blipple!

Bleep-blep blepple...

Blep?

Blep...

Blepple-blip?

Bliiip-blep blipple blup!

Blep?

Bliiip...

Blipple?

Blup...

Blipple-blup.

Blup!

Blipple-blep! "Blup"!

Blup...

Blepple-blip bleep!

Bloop-blepple!

Jackpot! Looks like we found 'em!

And right where she said they'd be, too! Don't see why anyone would wanna shell out the big bucks for these silly-lookin' things, though.

Yeah, don't ask me why, but I hear they're worth their weight in gold. So quit fussin', and start stuffin' as many of 'em as you can catch into the bag!

On it!

Bliip!

Blup...

Hey, this punk looks like he wants a fight.

Nah, you're imaginin' things. This species is s'posed to be as dumb and docile as they get.

That so? Hah!

...... ...... Blup...

Blup?

Bleep blup?

Blep?!

Blipple-blep?! Blepple-bliiip!

What a haul! You've done well!

My, such enigmatic little faces. Yes, this is the species, all right. Well, you kept up your part of the bargain, so I'll keep mine. Here's your payment.

'Preciated!

Why d'you want all these weird li'l furballs anyway? You gonna skin 'em and make a coat or somethin'?

You can't be serious. I'd need a good 100 just to make a small jacket.

No, what I want them for is something far more lucrative. These critters have quite the gift, you see. If I can tame them, then I'll be rich beyond my wildest dreams.

Whoa! What the heck kinda gift they got, then?

Heheh...

Do you think I'm stupid? I'm not telling that to common thugs like you!

Aww, don't be like that...

Oh, spare me the puppy-dog eyes. You wouldn't understand even if I told you, anyway.

Blipple!

Oh? Looks like this one's got spirit.

Blipple! Blep-bleep blup!

Hahaha! Is a helpless little thing like you really trying to intimidate me?

I'm afraid that's not how this goes. Your weak little punches won't quell my intellectual curiosity, nor will they break through your cage.

Your little friends, at least, seem to understand. Don't try me. Mess around, and you will pay the price.

Oh, silly me! There I go, getting myself overexcited the moment my research materials turn up. There's no time to waste; I must prepare to begin the experiments right away!

You two, with me!

Yes, ma'am!

Fwahahaha... Now, behave yourselves while I'm gone, my little moneymakers. I'll be right back.

And then...experimentation time!

Bwahahahaha!

Blipple-blup!

Blep? Blepple-blip?!

Blep...

Blep! Bliiip!

Bliiip-bliiipple!

Blep?

Blup!

Blip-blep blipple!

Blip? Blup...

Bliip-blep...

Blep...

Blepple-blip...

Blup?! Blepple!

Bliiip...

Blep?!

Blipple-blep?! Bliiip...

Blep...

Blep!

Blup!

Blup!

Blep?

Blip! Bleep!

Bliiip!

Blipple-blep? Blepple-bliiip!

Blep?

Bliiip...

Bleep blup?

Blep! Blipple-blup!

Blipple-blep... Blepple?

Blipple?

Blup?! Blipple-blep!

Blep?

Blep...

Blep?

Blep?

Blip...

Bliiip!

Blep?

Blup!

Blepple...

Blup! Blip-blepple!

Bleep blip!

Blup?! Blepple-blip?!

Blipple-blep blup!

Blup! Blipple-blup!

Blipple-blep!

Blipple?! Blep-bliiip?!

Blepple...

Blep?

Blep?! Blipple-bleep!

Blip-bleep blipple!

Well, well. What have we here?

So this is what triggered my alarm? My little furballs were trying to escape?

Blepple!

You managed to escape your cage and even open the main door? Impressive.

I can't wait to pick your little brains apart and see what makes you tick.

But before that, I'm going to have to make sure you naughty little fuzzballs understand your position.

Blipple-blep! Blup!

Blup...

Hahaha! That's not going to work!

Heheheh! They're so weak!

Blep!

Blep!

That ain't going to do nothing. Just give up already.

Behave, and maybe we won't be so harsh on ya.

Blep...

Ywah?

Blipple-blep?!

Blup!

That's it, you little rodents!

I'll beat you into a pulp!

Hold your horses, you two! I need them to be healthy, remember?

Blep!

Blipple-blep...

BLIIIP!

Aaahhh!

Eeek!

What in the world? Where did all those fluffy little things come from?

So cuuute!

Do they look angry to you?

Ow ow ow!

Those brats! I tried being nice to them, and this is the thanks I get? Don't bother going easy on them this time, they don't deserve it. Just make sure you catch them!

Yes, boss!

We'll make 'em pay!

Eeek!

Hey, wait a minute! What do you think you're doing?

Run away, little darlings!

Blep!

BLIIIP!

Gyaaah!

Blepple?

Don't think we'll let this stand. Nobody hurts our friends and gets away with it.

Blepple-blip?

Blep-blipple bleep blup!

Great, the little brats have friends, huh? Well, I'm not letting you take my test subjects! No way!

I fink she's tryna tame the monsters with that machine!

Hunt them down! Those fuzzballs belong to me!

Blep?

Right behind you, Thillelille.

We'll make you regret this.

Now...

APOLOGIZE!

Urrk!

Blipple-blep bleep!

Hey, cut it out, Moke! You know Thillelille has tickly feet!

I'm glad you're all right. We were all really worried about you.

Blepple-blip bloop!

We thought you had run away at first, but then we heard that you had been kidnapped!

Blep?

We asked around in Atlantica, and eventually came across someone who knew something. They said they saw a suspicious duo stuffing you into a bag out in Verdot.

Honestly, Thillelille couldn't believe her ears!

Why would anybody wanna capture a load of air-headed fluffballs like them?

Ah, you don't know?

These creatures have a unique ability. I've seen it myself.

Oh my, how intriguing. Tell me more.

It was a moonlit night...

Hm?

My, what are those curious creatures? Hm?

I-Is that...

It is! It's a gold coin! An actual, genuine gold coin! How could this be?

I must capture them and study how they do that! Then I could get MORE gold coins!

Hahaha! Forget the golden goose and her golden eggs, 'cause I've found something even better!

Moke's clan...

Lay GOLD COINS?!

But that doesn't make any sense.

I saw it with my own two eyes. On a moonlit night in the uncharted region of Verdot, they formed a circle and...

Ah!

That was me, actually!

Huh?

I was transporting trade goods from the Winged People's Village through the uncharted Region...

I was flying as quick as I could, it gets so scary when the moon's out like that, when I heard something from below...

It was some kinda creepy monster chant!

I looked down in fright and saw these glowing white ghosts...

GYAAAH!

I was shaking so violently that I dropped the gold coin from my pocket.

That must be what you saw! Sorry for the confusion there, heheheh...

Well, that was kind of a letdown.

Blep?

This...can't be... Ugh...

Still, the important thing is that you're safe.

Blepple!

Both you and your little friends!

Come to think of it, you guys should probably be getting home.

No way these airheads're gonna make their way back to Verdot on their own.

But not to worry, 'cause Thillelille is here to save the day! We'll take you home!

Blep?

Heheh... Is this your way of thanking them for fighting alongside Moke?

N-No! Why would you even say that?

Okay, no time like the present. Let's get Moke's little friends back to Verdot.

Blep...

Blipple!

Blep-blipple!

You can blep and blipple all you want, Moke, but Thillelille can't understand a word of it! All she can say is...

...She's so happy you've made some new friends!

Blepple!

Blep blup?

Blipple-blep! Bliip!

That's incredible! You all worked together to escape your cage and open the main door? Great job, Moke!

How very laudable, Brother Moke! It seems you didn't need our training after all. You found your own way to be useful to Sister Thillelille.

Blep!

Don't be so stupid, Prai!

We all know little fluff-brains over here isn't exactly capable of much.

Blep?!

You thought YOU could protect Thillelille? Honestly, it's laughable more than anything.

Blipple-blup?

Still...

You were super cool, the way you stood up to those baddies.

You protected your friends like a sacred beast should, like the true Mokepontas! And Thillelille, the Sword- wielding Savior, is super proud of you!

Blep?

But you're still not as strong as her. Don't forget that.

Blipple-blep!

You'd have to get a whole lot stronger if you ever wanted to protect her.

So quit it with the silly training, 'kay? You're not cut out for it.

Bliiip-blep! Blipple-blepple!

Heh. Moke looks really happy.

Yeah. He finally got what he wanted.

Bleep-blipple blup!

Hey, cut it out! Stop clinging to Thillelille's legs like that! Ugh! Don't make her take it back!