Ned

Edward Bartholomew Hogvanhog, known simply as Ned, is the son of Professor Hogwin. Following the instructions of his father, Ned takes the Dragon Codex to protect it and flees to the Mystic Cave to hide. Once the Mystic Cave entrance is cleared and Ned is found, he helps battle against the Vikings to save his father and reclaim the land.

Interactions

The Trainer interacts with this character in several dialogues, divided into sections below.

Tutorials

Mystic Pasture: Tutorial Dialogues (edit)

Thank the gods, you're here! We have spotted a huge, awesome-looking egg at the end of this path! Can you help and guide us towards it? There are some challenges to complete, but I'm sure you can handle them! Cool! First one down, nine more to go. We'll get our hands on that awesome egg in no time! We are halfway there. I wonder how this door ended up here, though... Strange, isn't it? Wow, we're so close now! Just one more push and we all get our well-deserved rewards!

Campaign Map

Arto - Side Quest Story: Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

My dad sent me to watch you battle because he thinks I'm afraid of dragons? Please, I'm not afraid of anything! I discovered an island where all the materials needed for my perfumes naturally grow, and you want to ruin it too?! I won't let you! Ahhh! A Viking! Save me! S-S-See! If I was a-a-afraid, I wouldn't have even made it through that battle... Let's never do that again, though... I won't let you crush my dream of developing fragrances for the sensitive-and-yet-manly dragon trainer! I'll crush you first! That odd Viking makes perfume? Methinks his talent could be put to good use in wooing a certain fair maiden... I'm going to call my first scent "Loser's Tears" in honor of those you're about to shed when I beat you in battle! Wait! If it's tears you need, I have plenty after watching that terrifying battle. Just please give me some perfume! Halt, you man-mouse! Ha ha! Who is this goofy little kid? I bet if we show him our dragons, he'll run home to mommy. Where did that little kid get those scary dragons?! And why do they listen to him so much better than mine listen to me? When you lose, I'm gonna strap you to the backs of my dragons and deliver you to the great Dunkelviking as an offering! And when you lose, we're going to pinch those cute little cheeks! I lost? Initiating time-out evasive maneuvers. Dragons away! The ruins in this desert were once inhabited by an ancient civilization. Much of their history is probably buried here in the sand... I'm going to bury YOU in the sand if you don't stop following me and trying to sabotage my liquid bouquets! Come on, we can't let him get away! That weirdo's bouquets may be my only shot at romance. This old port was used to ship goods grown on Arto, before the Vikings shut it down. I wonder what interest Olaf has in it. Hey! I won't let you take these forest flowers I discovered. They're essential to the production of my limited-release body mists! Wait, Olaf, come back! I have your flowers! You'll need them to make body mists for me... Well, not for me, but... it's for a girl! Why are you on this tiny sandbar, Olaf? You won't get my beauty essence secrets without a fight! Seawater adds a unique note to dull perfume. Once I get some, I'll name the scent in your honor -- "Eau de Ew!" Because you stink! This forest used to be full of many more trees, but it looks like those Vikings have been cutting them down. What a tragedy! I told them to save the palm oil for making aromas, but they wouldn't listen. Hopefully you will when I say "get out of my forest"! My family wasted the trees on building warships. What's the point of conquering the world if you can't even conquer your own body odor? Do you think the Vikings understand that if they cut down all the trees, they won't just magically grow back? I bet if I cut you down, you won't magically grow back either. Let's find out! The Vikings only enjoy destroying nature, but IF I can finish my colognes, it'll prove to them it's better to create something with it. You must leave an offering at this shrine to the forest spirits, or they'll play tricks on you. How about we OFFER not to fight here? Offer not accepted! Those spirits getting you off my back is the best thing I can imagine! Maybe we could tell the forest spirits our offering was winning that battle? They've got to give us points for chasing Olaf away. There used to be a forest guardian who kept watch from this tower in order to raise the alarm if any fires started. Too bad they're not here to raise an alarm when I burn you in battle! When the Vikings invaded, they threatened to burn the forest to keep the guardian from sounding an alarm, and they were bluffing too. I heard this pyramid is haunted by forest spirits, and if you go inside, you'll never come back out. Let's not go in! Ooo-wooo! I'm a forest spirit... Go away! Aw! Now we have to go in to fight Olaf! I guess those stories about the forest spirits aren't true, since Olaf got away... Unless he was just too irritating for them to keep. Enough of your meddling! I'll never finish collecting the ingredients to make my toilet water if I have to keep fighting you! Then stop fighting us and just make me some toilet water... I mean perfume! All right, you win! I'll leave the island for good and find somewhere else to manufacture my line of fragrances. He got away! Now I'll never be able to get that perfume for Arya! What's that about perfume? I hope you're not planning on wearing it, Ned -- that stuff makes me sneeze!

Industria - Side Quest Story: Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

The history of Industria is fascinating... The tyrants built factories here to produce warships with materials mined from Arto. There's almost an industrial beauty to its skyline -- Hey, is it just me or does it look like someone's stuck to the side of that tower? Ha! You thought you lost me, but I clung to the back of your vessel all the way here JUST to beat you up. Then it's home to mother! You may have bested me this time, but I'll make mother -- I mean, uh -- the Dunkelviking proud yet! I'd tell him to give up and run home to mommy... but it sounds like he already has enough mommy issues. These factories were abandoned by the tyrants when they were overthrown by my dad. I bet they're still full of old ship parts. Finders, keepers! If you want any of these ship parts -- the rigging, the oars, or EVEN the sails -- you'll have to fight for them! That defeat knocked the wind out of Melvin's sails, but he still got away with all that junk. Guess he has mommy AND hoarding issues. Ew! This scrapyard reeks of rotten fish... Oh wait, that's just Brant hiding in that trash heap. It's called "method," Ned. You must BECOME the trash heap. Hey! You're distracting me from my secret mission... You're gonna pay for that! You didn't win... I'm just saving my best moves for my secret mission so Melvin can get the wheels turning on his plan. Wow! You must really want to know what my secret mission is for Melvin. I'll tell you... but only if you beat me first! My secret mission is... to keep you distracted long enough for Melvin to get the wheels he needed from the scrapyard. Hah hah HAHHH! Brant, I don't think you were supposed to tell us what Melvin wanted from the scrapyard, but I appreciate your candor! This cool dome would be the perfect place to throw my role-playing-game parties. It's like a villain's hideout! Get away from my secret lair, you nerds! My creation isn't ready to fight you yet, but I will! What could Melvin be making? All I see in this dome are some rusty gears... and a braided wig. I'll hold onto it for my next party! This old lighthouse was used for guiding supply ships from Arto. I wonder who could have left the light on... The same Viking who's going to knock your lights out! I was waiting on a shipment of magic metal screws, but my creation will have to do without them. Time to wake it up to punish you! Melvin REALLY should have waited on that shipment. He's got a few screws loose himself. The tyrants of Dragolandia may have been mean, but they were very smart. These towers they built are powerful electrical generators. A jolt of electricity is exactly what I need to bring my creation to life. Stand aside so I can reach the taller tower! Melvin dropped something... It looks like a flowery apron. What kind of horrible monster would wear such a thing?! We've got to stop him! Stay away from that tower, Melvin! I don't want to fight you, but I REALLY don't want to fight whatever creepy thing you've made. Wha-ha-ha! My creation was charging up during our fight. Soon it'll give you a good scolding for all the trouble you've caused me! A scolding? That doesn't sound too bad; Arya gives me those all the time. I bet Melvin is hiding in that abandoned inn up ahead! Wrong! Melvin is hiding in these bushes to ensure you never reach the inn. My dragons will see to that! Melvin is on the run! We'd better chase him to the inn and stop him escaping with his creation. I won't let you bother my creation! She finally found a bed in this ratty inn that's up to her standards... and she REALLY needs her beauty sleep. "She?" Could Melvin have dressed up his pile of scraps as a woman? He must be even more desperate for a girlfriend than... me. Look at this huge dragon skull! Hey, I think I'll take a closer look. Since this dragon is dead, it won't attack! But if you'd looked even MORE closely at it, you might have seen someone who WILL attack you! Melvin is right that I didn't look closely enough. If I'd seen that enormous footprint on the ground, I would have stayed FAR away! You've had us in suspense long enough, Melvin. Now show us this weird female creation you've been building, or... or we'll fight you! Good thing she didn't hear you call her weird, or she would have washed your mouth out with soap. My amazing Mom-Bot is complete! But she told me I have to grow up and fight my own battles... and then give her a foot rub. Oh no! Mom-Bot will ground me for life when she finds out I lost to you again! Poor Melvin, so homesick. And so very weird.

Alma - Side Quest Story: Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

Heinrich?! You look surprisingly good for someone whose dream to marry the woman of his dreams was just crushed... Oh, I've got a NEW plan to win Eliza's hand -- earn the Dunkelviking's respect by becoming a monk and uncloaking Crysto. Out of my way! You may have won, but you can't stop me from seeking spiritual guidance with the monks at the inn up ahead! Soon I'll have my Eliza! If we let Heinrich uncloak Crysto, then Arya will never respect me enough to stop calling me "lil' dragon trainer." After him! Why do you want to keep me from bettering myself by becoming a monk? I've nearly reached the men who can help me do it! I'm glad you want to better yourself, Heinrich, but we can't let you unless you do it for a BETTER reason! Fine, you can have the monks! Their methods for achieving enlightenment are inefficient anyway. I'll find a means to do it faster! Now that I've got the book "Shortcuts Down the Path of Enlightenment," I'll be a monk in no time! Go away so I can meditate! I doubt you can become a monk JUST by reading a book... but we can't take any chances. Let's follow him! Ah hah! I bet you never thought you'd see me again. Brant, if you didn't show up to ruin our day, I'd be worried something had happened to you. Well... you're not as bad as you used to be. Hmph. When the Dunkelviking learns of my efforts to capture Hogwin's son, I bet he'll be impressed! Yes, impressed at the lengths you go to get the attention of someone who doesn't know you exist. Dragon dung! Why can't I beat a mouse-man like you? Didn't your mother teach you better than to swear...? Well, I guess if she actually taught you better, you wouldn't want to be a Viking. Dragon's breath! Another distraction? How am I to clear my mind for meditation when you keep showing up?! Distracting Heinrich may be the only way to stop him from uncloaking Crysto. Luckily, it's the one thing I learned to do from my dad's dragon-training lessons. Do you hear whispering from that cave? And I think I see something scuttling around in there... Ahhh! It's Heinrich! I thought this would be a good place to meditate, but it echoes ALL the sounds of the island. It also attracts annoying dragon trainers. I'm not letting you move any farther unless you surrender. You're too small and puny to be in the presence of Vikings. Hey! You've got limbs like sticks too! Grrr! You may be good in battle, but your slightly bigger muscles don't impress me. I refuse to accept defeat! At least Arya is intimidating... but you... I'm ashamed! Grrr! I swam all the way out to this sandbar to seek inner peace, and you're already here to throw it into discord. I won't allow it! I feel at peace after our battle. I'm ready for the next step -- sacrificing my ego... That should be simple for someone as clever as me! Guess we're not in any hurry to distract Heinrich now. I realized it's my ego that wants the Dunkelviking's permission to marry Eliza. I should let her choose... then she'll definitely want me! Uh-oh, Heinrich is close to having a moment of true self-reflection. We need to act fast! I thought your becoming a monk was a joke, Heinrich, but with that poor performance in battle, it must be true. I'm impressed! Well, you've won the Dunkelviking's admiration, Heinrich... but you do know being a monk means you've vowed never to marry, right?

Crysto - Side Quest Story: Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

I'd hoped your instinct for self-preservation would keep you from meddling in my brother's plans, Edward Bartholomew Hogvanhog! J-j-just call me, Ned. Every instinct I've got is screaming at me to run away in terror, but I can't let Arya down! Let's f-f-fight! Let me make this easy for you: If you don't turn tail and run home, I'll wake the legendary dragon Amethost and destroy the island! Legend has it that Crysto was formed from crystals growing on Amethost's back. If Eliza wakes him, he'll shake us into oblivion! Waking Amethost is a pretty cool evil plan, Eliza... How did you say you were going to do it? Hah! Do you suppose you can flatter me into divulging secrets? I'm not as weak-minded as those other Viking fools. Now get out of my way! We've got to follow Eliza and figure out her plan for waking Amethost. Let's just hope she doesn't find out about my dad's thesis... What brings you to the Crysto University library, Eliza? Doing some research on waking the legendary dragon? I threatened those puny book-readers with my muscles, but they knew nothing about Amethost. I will formulate a new plan... after this fight! Whew! I'm glad Eliza abandoned that plan. If she'd found my father's thesis on waking Amethost, we would have been in trouble! Aha! I knew I couldn't battle the answer out of you, but if I played dumb you'd let it slip. Now where's the thesis?! I'll never tell... THAT secret! Run! If we let Eliza catch us, then Crysto will be doomed! They framed my father's thesis here on the wall when he got famous. Let's burn it before Eliza finds us! The only thing getting burned, Bartholomew Edward Hogvanhog, is you! Well, Eliza got the key to wake Amethost... Let's hope the college was right when they said my dad was crazy and didn't let him graduate. Perhaps I underestimated you, young Hogvanhog. Swimming out to Amethost's tail to pursue me took courage. Amethost's tail? What are you talking about...? W-w-we're st-st-standing on it?! Forget the thesis, Eliza -- just let us get out of here! You've disproved your father's theory about pulling the dragon's tail to wake it. You tripped all over it in battle and it never moved. Hmm... I'm glad for that! Catching a tiger by the tail would be bad enough, but a dragon the size of an island... that's my worst nightmare! Olaf? What are you doing here on Crysto? I thought you'd left the Vikings to start your perfume business. I'm in the middle of making a delivery to my best customer. Stand aside! You've wasted enough of my time -- if I don't get this to Eliza soon, then I'll have to give it to her for free... and she also might punch me. Eliza?! Could Olaf be delivering something to help her wake the dragon? We've got to stop him! Ha-choo! Ha-chooo! What's that horrible smell, Eliza?! It's a new scent from Olaf's smelling salts line called "Rancid Resurrection." It should be smelly enough to wake the dragon, don't you think? How dare you drink all my smelling salt, Hogvanhog! You'll pay for this... Olaf's listing price, plus the cost of delivery! Hack! Hack! Hack! If I die... please tell Arya I said... I like... her... hair. Mmm, this Twin Arbors sap smells delicious! Where are you going with that sap, Eliza? You aren't planning to feed it to the dragon, right? I won't let you -- it's Arya's favorite! Humph! You may have gotten my jar, but I've got plenty more stashed up ahead! About my stash of sap... I lied, but I bet the dragon would enjoy eating you instead! Now get in its mouth! Ugh! How could I have been such a sap?! We'd better win this battle so I don't end up dragon dinner. Aha! I was too big to fit in the dragon's mouth. I'm glad all my practice balling up into the fetal position came in handy. Grrr! I've tried every theory in your dad's endless and boring thesis, and not one of them has worked! Thank goodness! He really IS crazy! Now hand over that thesis! Wait! There's half a page here: "After much trial and error, this trainer learned how to wake Amethost..." Where's the other half of the page?! Oh right! I forgot; they told my dad he wouldn't graduate because of the thesis, so he ate part of it in protest. I guess all this battling was for nothing...

Sixth Island (Gloamis): Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

No time for breeding right now! We need to go to battle! Ew! Let me GO, Brant! Your hands smell like CHEESE! That's "Big Bad Brant" to you! Call me by my proper Viking name now that you're my PRISONER! No one's going to call you by that RIDICULOUS name! Now free the fair damsel, or... or we'll make you! This kidnapping has been really fun and all, but it's time for me to head back to the Academy. I'm sleepy, and after helping end the Viking invasion, I've DEFINITELY earned a nap. A NAP! Naps are for BABIES, and I DON'T kidnap them! You'll stay my prisoner till I find that thing Gunhilda wants. Now stay back Ned, or I'll tell Arya you like-like her! Gunhilda? That name makes my knees tremble in terror, but I can't remember why. Come on; let's catch up to him and make him spill HIS secrets instead of mine! Tell the truth, Brant. Is Gunhilda your imaginary Viking friend? I think you'll find I'm all TOO real when I CRUSH you in battle! You've won THIS battle, but the Viking conquest has only just begun... AGAIN! And you won't humiliate me like you did my son; all of Dragolandia will bow before the might of my battle axe! YEAH! Once we have the Lunar Rock, you'll wish you'd NEVER defeated the Dunkelviking. ... Oops, I wasn't supposed to tell that part, was I? Good thing Brant can't keep a secret; I was getting REALLY sick of pretending to be kidnapped to learn his plan. PRETENDING?! What about my brave rescue mission, Arya?! Fine, I'm leaving; I can tell when I'm NOT needed! Ned, WAIT! *sigh* I'll have to make it up to him later. We need to stop Brant from finding that Lunar Rock; such a powerful magical item could do A LOT of damage! It wasn't enough that the Dunkelviking's mom decided to invade Dragolandia; she HAD to bring along all her cronies to slow us down. Guess we'll do what we do best and battle our way through! Watching the Vikings fall all over themselves to flee was ALMOST enough to cheer me up. Catching Brant and giving him a LONG time-out should do the trick! Gloamis has been abandoned since the Lunar Rock crashed down and radiated shadows that covered the island in darkness. The Vikings haven't taken the hint to leave, but maybe we'll convince them with THIS battle! I've heard rumors the island isn't completely abandoned, that some "Shade Folk" live in secret tunnels and caves. If they're real though, why haven't they shown up to help us fight back? Do you hear that strange sound...? Like whispers echoing out of the cave underneath that stump! If the Shade Folk are down there, then we've GOT to battle to protect them! Listen to that crowd of people cheering and clapping! The Shade Folk must be happy we chased off the Vikings. What do you think you're DOING throwing those poor frogs into that hollow stump, Brant?! Trying to make a deal with the Shade Folk for a piece of the Lunar Rock, but I guess they don't like pet frogs. Maybe they'd like a pet Arya INSTEAD! Too bad Brant ran away before we could see if the Shade Folk wanted HIM... Pet frogs are probably less messy and noisy though. The Vikings have been digging holes all over this marsh looking for fragments of the Lunar Rock. Let's end their search with a battle! Yuck! We should have made the Vikings fill in these muddy holes before they ran off! Now I need to find my shoe as WELL as the Lunar Rock. I hope Ned's all right! I should really find him and apologize for pretending to be kidnapped... After we deal with these Vikings! I find this island a little spooky, so I can only imagine how Ned is feeling! He'd HATE for me to tell you this... but he still sleeps with a night-light because he's afraid of the dark. Why are those Vikings rolling giant boulders around? Maybe a battle will convince them to share their secret! They say Gunhilda told them to leave no stone unturned in their search for the Lunar Rock... I had no idea Vikings took everything SO literally! There're SO many different kinds of mushrooms growing in this swamp. Looks like the Vikings have been helping themselves to the fungus banquet; let's stop them coming back for seconds! Do you think any of these mushrooms are poisonous...? I guess my culinary curiosity will have to be sated AFTER we've saved Dragolandia. Brant's just up ahead, but these Vikings are blocking the only path across the river. Ready to battle your way through?! Those Vikings were NOT happy to be going for a swim. Maybe next time they'll wait an hour after eating before they try and challenge US! Luminous lunar LANDING! Luminous lunar LANDING! Stay back; I need total focus to cast the spell that will lead me to the Lunar Rock! If it's total focus you want, then I know exactly what you'll get... That's right, a BATTLE! That battle RUINED my spell! ... I don't think it was working anyway, though; I've been out here chanting for hours and all I got was tongue-tied. *yawn* Darn those Vikings for ruining my nap; this whole island is making me sleepy. Let's see if a battle will wake me up! Nothing like a battle to shake off the sleepies! Now I'm RARING to go; let's get some Vikings! Did you see something move in the water? I've always wondered if there were dragons unique to Gloamis; I'll have to come study the question with Hogwin after we've gotten rid of these Vikings! I've tried to get Hogwin to bring me on a research trip here before, but he always makes excuses. You don't think HE could be scared of Gloamis too, do you? When the Lunar Rock crashed down on the island, it caused a massive earthquake that destroyed all the buildings. We'd better stop these Vikings searching through the rubble for it! That ought to teach those Vikings it's not safe to hang around in ruins, ESPECIALLY when we're around! Ugh! This swamp is crawling with BUGS, but I can barely see them through the shadows. Luckily the Vikings should be easier to swat! We've got the Vikings on the run, but if there's one thing I've learned it's that they're the only type of pest that CAN'T be squashed. After them! Look at these ancient tombstones... Could this be the burial ground of the Shade Folk? We'd better teach the Vikings it's a grave offense to go digging around here! Someone's been leaving fresh flowers on these tombstones. I'm glad we were able to get rid of those Vikings so the Shade Folk could come and pay their respects. All right Brant, I'll bite. Why are you dancing around in front of this strange totem? I am NOT "dancing"! I'm performing the sacred celestial rites to earn a piece of the Lunar Rock. Good thing you showed up because THIS totem demands a sacrifice! Where are you going? Don't you want to find out what happens when we offer YOU to the totem? No...? All right, no human sacrifices today I guess. I can see Illumina shining just across the water. *sigh* Why couldn't Brant be searching for something over there; it'd be a GREAT excuse to do some sightseeing. Maybe Hogwin will let me visit after we stop this invasion! On second thought, I'm glad Brant is nowhere NEAR Illumina. He'd just find some way to ruin it TOO! Gloamis may be a wasteland, but artifacts like this ancient stone wheel are part of our cultural history. We've GOT to stop the Vikings from destroying them in their hunt for the Lunar Rock! I'll take this wheel as a sign that our efforts to capture Brant are finally on a roll... Get it?! The mist is SO thick I can barely see my feet! We'd better proceed with caution in case Vikings are lying in wait for us. AHHH! Good thing those Vikings are better at surprise attacks than they are at battling, or we'd have been in trouble! There's probably a REALLY good reason this place is called "Forbidden Pass," but if the Vikings are going to ignore it, then I guess we'll have to as well. Let's get them! I'd forbid these Vikings from causing any MORE trouble, but they'd probably just ignore that too! The Vikings added beards and battle axes to all the stick figures in these wall paintings. Let's show them they can't get away with vandalizing art! Wait a second -- is that a painting of you and I battling Vikings?! We'd better not touch it; the paint's still wet... You're TOO late, Arya! I've got a piece of the Lunar Rock, and youuu CAN'T have it! If you REALLY have it, then I'm SURE you can show it to us. That is... if you didn't make the whole thing up! I do SO have it! Or I will... right after I get it from the bottom of this pond. The only ones going for a swim will be us, and it'll be a victory lap for having beaten you in THIS battle! HA HA HAAAH! I got you! I got you SOOO good! One of the Vikings is already on his way to deliver the Lunar Rock to Gunhilda on Illumina. Ahhh! *splash* Oh, it's COLD! Arya, how could you throw a little kid like me into a pond?! What if I didn't know how to swim?! We would have saved you, but I was pretty sure you could swim. After all, you've already made SUCH a big splash with the Vikings! Come on; we'd better hurry over to Illumina! I have a bad feeling Gunhilda is after the Solar Rock too...

Gloamis - Side Quest Story: Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

I can't believe Arya was pretending to be kidnapped; I must have looked like SUCH a fool running to her rescue! I wish for ONCE she'd take me seriously! She'd probably take you more seriously if you didn't wander off muttering to yourself, but it's left you wonderfully open to THIS sneak attack! What's the Dunkelviking doing here? I thought we'd driven him from Dragolandia for good! Come on; we'd better see what he's up to! We've got you cornered; now tell us all the details of your NEW evil plan! ... Wait, are you crying?! Only tears of laughter at you falling into ANOTHER of my traps! How could I lose AGAIN! I'll NEVER make mother proud; I don't know why I even try! Aw! Don't give up; I'm SURE you'll find a way to make her happy! You're right; I can't give up at the first sign of failure. Mother always said, "If at first you don't succeed, lay siege to your enemies till they concede." I was trying to be encouraging, but maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut. *sigh* We'd better follow him and make sure he doesn't stir up trouble for Arya... Not that she'll notice! If you drop something in the waters of this lagoon, it'll be coated in shadows that NEVER come off. Would Arya like me better as a shadow man? I've heard her say tall, dark and handsome is her type. One out of three isn't bad; let's see what she thinks after I PUSH you in! On second thought, tall, dark and handsome has to get old after a while. Then I'll make my move! I've heard the Shade Folk built Lunarhenge to tell time by the patterns of shadows creeping across the stones. I wish I could tell time via shadows! I'll tell you what time it is: BATTLE O' CLOCK! We finished that battle in the nick of time! ... Wait a second; the Dunkelviking's stolen my coin purse -- after him! Surrender now or your coin purse will be swimming with the frogs! We HAVE to save that purse! I couldn't care less about the coins, but it contains my ONLY portrait of Arya. Get him! You fought fiercely enough for that portrait of Arya, but I bet you'll be only TOO willing to surrender when I kidnap the REAL thing! I never thought I'd say this after the way Arya humiliated me, but we've GOT to protect her! Come on; let's go find her! Stand back, fair lady. We're here to rescue you! There you are, Ned. I wondered where you'd run off to. What is it you're trying to rescue me from? ME! You dragon trainers NEVER learn, always rushing to each other's aid with no thought for the consequences. Mother will be pleased when I capture you ALL! I QUIT! I'm SICK of always putting mother's happiness before my own. It's high time I followed my dream of becoming a bard. I'll rock the citizens of Dragolandia until they beg for mercy AND an encore! You're a true friend, Ned -- you came to my rescue EVEN after I lied about being kidnapped. I hope you're not TOO mad about that. Me mad? Of course NOT! How could I ever stay mad at such a fair lady?! I'm still feeling grateful, Ned, so I'll let that slide, but if you call me a "fair lady" ONE more time, I'll drape you in fruit and tell my dragons it's dinnertime!

Illumina - Side Quest Story: Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

What are YOU doing here, Eliza? You... haven't coincidentally come here for the Festival of Lights, have you? Yes, I thought I'd take in the sights now that my conquest dreams are all over. Any recommendations for places I should visit? There's the Tower of Light of course, and I've heard that a lot of people enjoy the Festival Square... Wait a minute -- I'm just making you a list of places you'll help your mother invade, aren't I? Ah, Nedders, you get smarter every time I see you -- which isn't saying much. Let's make the first stop on my invasion YOUR last stand! *grrr* I guess the first stop on my invasion will have to be this pretty little church instead! Not the church! Come on; we've got to protect those poor people from Eliza! Stop right there, Eliza! We can't let you enter that church! Oh really? Then I suppose my dragons will have to change your mind. ATTACK! What could you POSSIBLY have against letting me light a candle and say a prayer for my mother's victory?! Wait... what? We thought you wanted to take the churchgoers hostage. ME?! Take hostages on the holy island of Illumina? I would NEV-- ... Actually, that's a really good plan. I'll definitely try that one next time! The radiance of this island is making me see EVEN the Vikings in a better light. I don't think anything could ruin my good mood! Let's see how you feel about that after a humiliating defeat! Nope, seeing your grimace of defeat is doing nothing to wreck my mood, Melvin. Why couldn't you let me make Mother happy and LOSE?! I'm going to tell her ALL about how you picked on me! That's right, Melvin -- run and tell mommy! ... Wait, if we let him catch up to Gunhilda, then our enemy will be EVEN stronger. Come on; after him! All right, Melvin. That's enough! Time to surrender and leave the island quietly. Quietly? I never do ANYTHING quietly! Let me show you what happens to anyone who DARES to get between me and Mother! WAHHH! How could I LOSE? Mother will put me in time-out again for sure! There, there. I'm sure she'll let you out once you finally grow up! Thankfully for us, that should take a while. Heinrich?! Don't tell me YOU'RE here to help Gunhilda's invasion?! I thought you gave all that up when you became a monk. I can no longer fight for something as petty as conquest, but I CAN still fight for something as noble as love, and my heart has been ensnared by the beauteous Gunhilda. Now let me show you my NEW battle technique. Ommm... My motivations were pure, but I STILL lost! I guess my efforts would be better suited preparing this empowerment charm for my lady love. EmPOWERment charm?! Anything that makes Gunhilda more powerful is bad news for us. After him! Have you come to help me with my charm? How kind! If by "help" you mean ruin, then yes! Let's battle! The energy from that battle was EXACTLY what I needed to power up my empowerment charm. Thanks for your help! What have we DONE?! How much stronger did the charm make Gunhilda? Stronger? No, no -- an empowerment charm doesn't strengthen the body, it empowers the spirit! Now my sweetheart's confidence will NEVER falter in battle. Huh. I don't see her confidence wavering with or without your empowerment charm, so I guess... no harm done there. *sigh* All right, Brant, what do you want THIS time?! To capture you and earn my rightful place as Gunhilda's newest Viking son, of course! This battle oughta settle it! So, have you changed your mind YET about becoming a Viking? I'll ALWAYS be a Viking at heart, whether or not Gunhilda's clan will have me. In fact, I'll just start my OWN Viking gang. So what do you think, Ned -- want to join? There's plenty of Dragolandia left to conquer! Sure, why not. How about you start by conquering your parent's house, by which I mean -- GO HOME! Dunkelviking! How has your new career as a bard been going? That name is DEAD to me! Call me "The Battling Bard"! My dream of merging dragon training with music will be realized with THIS battle! A truly epic defeat -- I will immortalize it in verse! Then, axe in hand, I'll travel the land one battle and one ballad at a time! *sniff* I've never seen him SO happy! It almost makes this whole invasion worthwhile... almost. Thank goodness we're FINALLY done dealing with Gunhilda's goons. I haven't forgotten anyone, have I...? Hands off MY treasure, dragon trainers! How could I have forgotten Olaf, or more specifically, Olaf's stench? Wait... *sniff* Olaf, you actually smell kind of... nice! A minor setback with my current fragrance! As soon as I add some of the sea slugs and slime I found on this treasure chest into the mix, I should be back to my malodorous self! I'll save you a sample. Nah, don't bother. Somehow I don't think Arya is the sea-slug-and-slime type.

Glacios - Side Quest Story: Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

Don't just stand there shivering, Ned! We've got to help Hogwin catch that rascal Rathorn. The only thing you two will be catching is a cold shoulder from my dragons in THIS battle! It's sad how you underestimate me, Nedders. Our fight won't be finished until you and all of Dragolandia kneel before me as your warrior queen! I have a feeling Rathorn will be a powerful ally toward that end. We can't let Eliza team up with Rathorn or we'll have an even MORE powerful enemy on our hands. Hurry up, Nedders... er, I mean Ned. Arya, quit trying to scare me by making those creepy whispering sounds. This place is already spooky enough in the shadow of that old abandoned ship. ... I'm not making any creepy whispering sounds! Sorry, that was just me rehearsing my next battle taunt, but the moment has passed. Let's fight! These trees are enormous; I had no idea anything like them was growing here on Glacios. Dad always said it was just a barren wasteland that not even the dragons liked to visit. Funny, my dragons seem to love it here... Or maybe they just love the opportunity to crush you in battle. You're right, Ned. Hogwin always told me Glacios wasn't worth the trip... but it's not like him to be so disinterested. Could he have been hiding something from us? The only way to find out is by pressing on... but it's pretty slippery here. Maybe you should hold my hand... Okay, or maybe not. There's no need to glare at me like that! I hear the mine up ahead is full of precious stones; I'll bet Rathorn would be glad to have them to power his war machines. That mine will be mine... just as soon as I get rid of you two! We've got Eliza on the run, but we need to stop her from claiming that mine. Come on, Ned; charge! *huff* *puff* Sure, you run on ahead. I'm right behind you... as soon as I catch my breath. Stop following me you two. I already told you, this mine will be mine! Not if it's mine... I mean ours, first! Fine, you can have the mine. Warrior queens are too important to be digging in the dirt anyway. I'm sure there's something ELSE I can do to win Rathorn's favor... like helping him defeat Hogwin. *sigh* I'd admire Eliza's unbreakable spirit more if it wasn't always being used against me. We'd better follow her and keep her out of trouble. But I thought we'd at least stop and pan for gold since we went through all that trouble... No? Okay, next time then. Another mine, Eliza? I thought you'd given up on trying to conquer one for Rathorn. Yes, I see now that I was thinking too small with that plan. I have a feeling he'll be far more impressed if I take you two out of commission by sealing you up in this old abandoned mine shaft! Grrr! Why can't you, for ONCE, just cooperate with my diabolical plans so I can have a turn at winning?! WAIT! Are we taking turns? If so, I would like a turn... at not having you try to take over the world. Give it up, Eliza! There's nowhere left for you to run. Oh, but there will be... as soon as I battle my way through you two! *sigh* All right, fine. I can see I'm not going to emerge victorious here today. But DON'T think that means I'm gone for good! I just need a little time to brainstorm my next diabolical plan... and have something to eat... and maybe a bath. YEAH! That's right! Go take a bath... because you're all washed up. ... Good one, Ned. Remind me to add battle taunts to your list of dragon-training exercises.

Ninth Island (Champion's Island): Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

I know you've been on the lookout for Tyrants, Professor, but there don't seem to be any here... You may be right, but -- like anything that suddenly pops out of the ocean -- this island is worth investigating! With mysterious islands come dragons. Of course. *sigh* And very unique dragons, at that! A one-of-a-kind ecosystem and rare dragons... I'll have my studying cut out for me! Say, is it just me, or are the dragons here acting a little strange! Why do they wanna fight us so bad? Hmm. Perhaps they're trying to protect the island. Let's try to better understand their behavior, shall we? I don't need to "understand" anything about this dragon's behavior! It wants to fight, and I wanna leave! And now they wanna... nibble at my clothes? Hey, guys, wh-what's going on here? Why're the dragons so into me...? Arya...? D-Dad? I think these dragons are-- YAARGH!!! B-by the Divines!!! They've taken Ned!!! Don't worry, son; it'll be okay! All dragons are peace-loving creatures! ... Or so I thought... Hang on, Ned! We'll save you as soon as we beat this dragon... and that dragon... and ALL its friends...! Yikes, Professor, there sure are a LOT of dragons! And STILL no sign of Ned. Whew -- Arya, I'm getting a little old for this... We might need some help. These dragons are tough, even for me! But I've got an idea, Professor: I think I know somebody who can help us out... How about YOU, Trainer? Great idea, Arya! Trainer, it's clear to me you have some seriously impressive skills. Won't you help us find Ned... ...and discover the mysteries of this spectacular island? C'mon, Trainer, help me take on these dragons! Nice one! Hehe, it's great to have another powerful trainer around! Goodness, I hope Ned is all right... I'm sure the dragons won't harm him; it's just that he's so FRIGHTENED of them... Don't worry, Professor! At the rate we're going, we'll find Ned in no time! *sigh* I should have raised Ned to put more trust in dragons. I did everything I could, but... how will he EVER trust them now? What's that? I should have more faith in Ned? Perhaps you're right... This one looks tough. But I wonder why the Divine Dragons are sending their followers to fight us! Why not just battle us themselves...? Most interesting... Great job, everybody! The going is tough, but if we all band together, I daresay we can make it through. In the meantime, I've got some pondering to do... Do my eyes deceive me? Is that Dragon Girl and the loony professor? Your eyes don't deceive you, and neither does my nose! I'm all for a reunion battle, Olaf, but we've got bigger fish to fry and dragons to fight! You and your friends are still as terrifying as ever, I see. I saved myself a few grey hairs getting involved in perfumery instead of conquest! First things first: You need to practice your perfumery. Second, what are you even doing here?! What are we doing here? It's a funny story, actually, but let's take care of these pesky dragons first. ... Hold on, did you say "we"? There, now that that's out of the way, my brothers should all be around here somewhere... This is all becoming one big headache! Every smelly Viking dweeb in one place! Well, we'd love to deal with you, but we really don't have time -- Ned's been flown off by dragons! No need for insults, Dragon Girl -- we're just here to rescue mother. Now, less chat -- more fight! Rescue? What happened to Gunhilda, besides a serious attitude problem? Enough of YOUR 'tude! Mother's been... *sniff* Get it together, Melvin... You see, strange dragons took her away to this island -- to the icy summit! If the dragons took Gunhilda to the top of the island, there's a good chance Ned is there, too... Come on; let's climb! I never expected to fight on the same side as Vikings... but family trumps rivalry, I suppose! Hey, Dunkelviking! How's your music career going? Write any hits? Wait, never mind; tell me after this battle... No hits yet, Dragon Girl, but this adventure is BOUND to produce a face-melting rock opera! Get ready, everyone... a horde of Divine Dragons want to say hello! Hey, Eliza, we've been through this before, haven't we? Wanna help us out? I am NOT "helping" you, fool! Our allegiances just HAPPENED to cross... AGAIN... You know, I haven't really had a chance to think on it, but doesn't this place look familiar, Professor? It's like Dragolympus, but-- Whoa! Incoming dragons! You're right, Arya, and the dragons are the same as well! Hmm... We saved them, so why are they fighting us? How puzzling... Dunkelviking, I thought your mom ruined your career dreams. Why are you trying so hard to save her? Seems like she's not the best parent... I don't expect an ex-milkmaid to understand my complicated feelings -- but I DO expect you to help me fight off these incoming dragons! So? What's your answer, "Dunky"? I'm curious! It would be way easier for everyone if we let the dragons play volleyball with her for the rest of eternity. Well, if mother hadn't stalled my bardic dreams, I never would have realized how strongly I wanted to chase them! Also, I mean, she's my mom... Family is complicated, I guess. But you know what's not complicated? Battling dragons! Woo! Ahh, battling's the best -- I almost forget why I'm doing it in the first place! ... Oh, right, Ned! Poor Ned... If the dragons had taken me instead, I probably would've been having a blast! I don't really understand it, but if he's scared, we gotta help him. Hey, dragons! Kidnap me next time! Heh... just kidding. Maybe. Looks like we're almost at a new part of the island. Do you recognize it, Trainer? Well, I know you recognize these feisty dragons! Great job! Hey, we should go head-to-head one of these days! One more obstacle; and it's our old friend, Arya: the Medusa Dragon! Just because it's not a Divine doesn't make it any less fearsome! We're a bit closer now... Hold tight, son -- just remember your happy place and breathe into your paper bag! This place looks familiar, too... Ah, I know -- it's like the Island of New Beginnings, just in miniature! And check it out: The dragons are the same, too! What could it all mean...? Agh, thinking makes my brain hurt -- I'll leave the hardcore thoughts to Professor Hogwin. I remember battling a ton of super-powerful dragons here with Ned. He was scared, but he knew so much about each one! Like, THIS dragon was... Uh... OK, so I can't really memorize facts like Ned... but I remember having a lot of fun with him...! Eliza, you remember when we battled on the Island of New Beginnings, right? I hope you battle a little better today! Grr... Arya, I'm not here for a trip down memory lane -- and I think you'll find I've VASTLY improved! Aww, Eliza, I know Ned and I beat you last time, but we all make mistakes... Except me, when I battle dragons like this! You're getting awfully full of yourself for someone who couldn't rescue her little boyfriend! Huh? Boyfriend? I don't get it! That's an awful lot of dragons coming for us! If only I could work out why they seem so intent on battling... I might have a theory after a few more battles. Let's keep forging on! It's odd. The dragons don't seem aggressive -- just... sporty? It's almost like this is a tournament! Come on now, beasties, let me study you a while longer! If we understand these dragons, we don't need to fear them! Olaf, have you gotten over trying to impress your brother, the Dunkelviking? Maybe this next battle will make him love you! I mean, the battle WAS impressive, but ever since Dunky picked up his music career, he's been a lot more... manageable. What's the word? "Nice"? "Nice"? Did somebody call me "nice"? Olaf, you smelly nut, was that you? Or was I mishearing some approaching dragon's roar...? What? "Nice"? All that lute playing's made you hard of hearing, Dunky. But, hey, did you see how expertly I strategized during that battle? Did you? Olaf, why don't you go home and let me take on this fight, huh? I know you've got some, uh, perfume-y stuff to do, or something like that... B-but... I CAN fight...! Hey, Trainer, help me take on this super-powerful Bamboo Dragon and I'll give you a free sample of my newest perfume line, OK? Just make sure Dunky's watching... Ha HA! We did it! Take THAT, crippling self-esteem issues! And take THAT, familial expectations! Er, Olaf, brother... I told you to go home so you could get back to your REAL passion, right? I know you don't like battling like this! Well, I CAN battle, so I WILL battle! Hmph. Olaf, listen: I like writing songs about adventures; you like making perfume. I don't understand it, but I support it. Just like I support battling these dragons. Does this mean... Dunky, do you love me?! Of course I love you! You're my brother, you dumb oaf!!! Hmm. Professor, do you think the dragons are trying to get us to work out our emotional baggage by kidnapping our loved ones and battling us? It's a good guess, Arya! You're probably not that far off... I DO love making perfume -- well, it's more of a necessity, really -- but... I think I'll stick around and help rescue mother. Do your worst, dragons! That's awfully... NICE of you, Olaf. (Mighty claws, what a strange word to pronounce!) Across this bridge is one of the island's summits. Let's be sure to stop and smell the roses -- and appreciate the view -- before the next battle. Yes indeed, nothing more relaxing than that! Don't get TOO into your sightseeing, Professor -- there's a huge gang of dragons headed this way... and it looks like they want to play! Well played, dragons, but we've won this round! Wow, we're so high up -- I can see the whole island from here! Heeey, Ned, can you hear me?! Oh, no, but a couple of dragons did. It was worth a shot! I guess we'll have to find Ned the good ol' fashioned dragon-battling way. I remember a lot of these temples from adventuring with Ned. It was so cool fighting the dragons inside! I guess these other dragons will have to do for now... Perhaps we could all visit the temples once this adventure is over! What's the matter, Eliza? You've been awfully quiet. Dragon got your tongue? Let's pry it off! I'm FINE, thank you very much! I just don't like remembering my embarrassing defeat at the hands of you and that weakling, Ned! Hey, he's not weak -- he's just gotta work on his self-esteem! Grr... I WON'T let these dragons embarrass me here again! Come on, you scaly ninnies -- let's have a rematch! Eliza sure is fired up! It's even MORE fun to see now that we're on the same side! *blush* Stop having fun this instant! I think I see a familiar dragon face up ahead... But first, time to battle these small fry! Okay! Now, Guan Di Dragon, here we come! Hello again, Guan Di Dragon! Remember me? I fought you with my friend Ned, but I've got a few more friends with me this time around! Thanks for the battle, Guan Di Dragon! I'm your biggest fan! Ack! Here again? I thought I'd left the Golden Pyramid in the past -- literally! But aren't you excited to see the Golden Pyramid again, Eliza? We had such a blast battling dragons in the desert! Heinrich, if you're lurking around here like last time, just watch how I battle these dragons and imagine that happening to your FACE! Don't worry, Eliza; I think we're safe! I know our desert adventure was kind of hectic, Eliza, but wasn't it, y'know, fun in the sun? Didn't we totally beat the heat? Now, let's beat this battle! It's almost like you WANT me to have fun. What's that all about? Arya, I see you and your Trainer friend are getting along quite well with our unlikely Viking teammates. You haven't been... influenced, have you? Professor, the only things that "influence" me are DRAGONS and BATTLES! See? My head is clear, Professor! Besides, those Vikings aren't half bad if you give them a chance to do something... good? Heh, we've fought all of these dragons before -- a few more of them is no big deal! C'mon! Let me at 'em! Thanks, dragons! You've made me THAT much stronger! Wahahaha! Whew, it sure is hot on this part of the island! Amazing how multiple climates exist side-by-side in the same small land mass... I've GOT to keep studying! Yes, every dragon is perfectly suited to each ecosystem. Fascinating! Urgh... It's so... HOT. No wonder Heinrich seemed to do so well in the desert -- that lack of hair kept him cool. HEY, dragons! Singe off my beard a little, won't you? Dunkelviking! Dragons don't give out trims or haircuts unless you ask REALLY nicely. Eliza, didn't you have a "thing" going on with Heinrich when we all went to the Golden Pyramid? No, no, Heinrich had a "thing" going on with mother. That's why she sent him back in time to the desert; probably so that dragons like these could scare him straight. ARRGH! I did not have a THING with Heinrich! And neither did mother! Maybe if you spent time TRAINING instead of gossiping, you'd have beaten that meathead Arya and her Trainer friend back when it counted! I mean, it's just that we thought you'd be married by now, Eliza. Don't you want to make mother proud when we find her? Hey! Melvin! Shut up! And help us fight this dragon! I'll impress mother with my battle prowess alone, thank you VERY much. *muttering* I wish I could impress mom with battle prowess alone... Look, Eliza! It's the Golden Pyramid! Aww, I wish somebody had a disposable picture-box so we could pose together! Maybe this dragon knows where to pick one up? Well... Maybe we could get a picture later. I mean... If I feel like it... Remember this dragon, Eliza? Hey, Dile Dragon, you're far from the Dile River! I wonder what could have made it come so far... Something strange is going on here, that's for sure... Goodness, Arya! You and Eliza fought with some tough customers... But it seems like you had a great time while you did! That's my protégé for you! Now if only I could get Ned to follow Arya's example... So, you DID have fun when you explored the Golden Pyramid, Eliza? Oh, it was nothing, Dunky. Dragon battles are way more "fun" for me... Actually, yeah, I did have fun. I had a lot of fun kicking Heinrich's butt... battling with Arya... B-but it was all in the name of duty, of course! Oh, not you too, Eliza! You KNOW you don't need to impress me. I'm not about that life anymore -- it's all rock ballads and friendly battles. Come, sister; aid me! Heh -- a heart-pounding battle, brother! Well done! Looks like you're getting along better with your brothers, Eliza! Let's celebrate with a battle! Hey, my brothers are still a bunch of losers, and don't you forget it! Except for Dunky, of course... What do you think of all this "togetherness," Trainer? I wonder if this is what the dragons had in mind... Only one way to find out! Another amazing battle! Go on, show off your war cry! ... Arya, I might need your help on this one. We're talking a SARCOPHAGUS-full of desert Divines! High five, Eliza! We did it! And we got to see all our old Divine friends again! No high fives! ... Okay, maybe one high five. Or two. That's fine. What a battle that was! This one should be a piece of cake in comparison, Trainer. Just as I suspected. Great job! I think I'm starting to put it together -- the secret of this mysterious island and the behavior of the dragons that have come here... Your expert battling skills have helped me study the dragons -- so, thank you! The temples all over this island suggest ceremonial significance! Then, of course, there's the presence of the Divine Dragons... and others... Taking notes, Professor? I don't think the dragons would have gathered here without an important reason... Hello dragon, won't you tell me your secrets? Alas! I'll have to keep studying Dragonese... You made that up just now, didn't you Professor? Have you got any ideas about what's going on here, Professor? I do! And I'll tell you after this battle! I believe that the Divine Dragons have assembled themselves and their strongest disciples... to test us! Something very big is about to happen... I'm just not sure exactly what. Apep Dragon! If you like discord so much, then you won't want to hear how we've been kind of getting along with Vikings! Even the Apep Dragon didn't seem to be able to cause infighting within our ragtag group. Interesting... We're nearing the summit of the Island! It's getting icy, but all of this fighting makes the cold feel refreshing! Let's battle! I do hope that we find Ned soon... Poor boy isn't great with heights... I think I hear mother! I'd recognize her battle cry anywhere! And if I find her first, I'm sure she'll read me bedtime stories, just like old times! I see the years haven't made you any less ridiculous, Melvin... Ned might not be the best battler, but he's smart. Perhaps he's already figured out this island's mysteries... Trainer, please, help us find him! You've got great stamina, Trainer. Hmm, what's that? I think I hear distant whimpering... Ned? Wait until mother hears about all of our breakthroughs. She'll be so... so...! You know what? Let's not think about it -- we'll just battle this dragon instead. If only she would wear the perfume I made for her -- we would know EXACTLY where she was from miles away! (But nooo, "too sulfurous," she said...) I thought I'd heard the rumble of an avalanche, but it looks like it was the rumble of a pack of dragons! C'mon everyone; less searching and more battling! I never thought I would enjoy fighting alongside Vikings, but... Hey, that was a great show, everyone! It does seem like this island has brought out the best in everyone. I hope the same is true with Ned and Gunhilda... It would be nice to put conflicts behind us! Fantastic battling, Trainer. It seems like this island has brought out the best in you, as well! Don't worry too much about Ned, Professor. I'm sure when we find him, he'll have already figured out what this island is for -- maybe even without trembling! It's true. I'm looking forward to finding Ned and hearing his thoughts! We need to compare notes! Hm, is this what fatherly pride feels like...? Arya, I don't like to admit it, but you would probably make a good Viking! You're hardy, you're brutal, and you can even make Eliza listen to you! I definitely don't know how to feel about that, so instead, um... Let's battle more dragons! Dunky! Don't tell her stuff like that! Argh! (She WOULD make a decent Viking though...) These temperature changes aren't good for my vocal chords! And just when I was about to try a yodel to find mother... I'll try a yodel too! YODELAYHEEHOO-- *COUGH COUGH* Decent effort! Cheers to us -- and cheers to another great dragon battle! Hey, I think I found some thread from Ned's coat... Not that I usually notice what Ned's wearing. Let's follow this trail! Ah, the Eikthyrnir Dragon! If it's here, we must be nearing the Great Tree -- and, hopefully, Ned! The Great Tree! There it is, in the distance! Oh, Ned would be so excited to see it... Hey, I see them! I see Ned and Gunhilda, riiight past all of these restless dragons! I guess it's time for a daring rescue! Whee! I thought the Vikings would be happy to see their mom... But they all look nervous! Families are complicated, Arya... Ned, my boy! We're so glad you're okay! Not that we ever worried; Arya and I both believed in you. Y-you didn't even worry a little bit...? Whew! Dad, Arya... It's so great to see you again! Wait until I show you this tablet that Gunhilda and I put together! And um, maybe let the others fight these dragons. Did you say you and Gunhilda -- THE Gunhilda -- actually worked together? I'm stunned... and VERY impressed! What took you so long, useless children? I had to mother this other poor whelp in your absence. Stop hugging me so hard, Melvin! I found mother! I'm the one that saw her first. Someone write that down! Ned and Gunhilda assembled a tablet that foretells an ancient prophecy? You'll have to show me after this battle, son. Your mind works in beautiful ways, my boy! The prophecy's written in an ancient language I've been studying, dad. The studying's been a lot like battling dragons! Just with... more books. Listen, everyone. The prophecy reads: "Champion's Island will rise from the ocean when a great cataclysm is set in motion..." "... The Divines and their flock will arrive here to nest, and gather strong Trainers to put to the test." And speaking of test... here come TONS of dragons! Ack! Champions Island, you say? The dragons must be gathering the strongest hearts, minds, and bodies in the land. That must be why we found YOU, Trainer! So the dragons ARE testing us! I knew they had a good reason for all their silliness! The only thing is... What exactly are they testing us for? Arya, do you know what "cataclysm" means...? *sigh* I have an idea about this "cataclysm," everyone. I knew it was coming, but I thought we'd have more time... I believe that the Tyrants are returning -- sooner than we'd hoped, and STRONGER than ever! Hmm. If the Tyrants are returning at full power, we Vikings might be in danger, too... Well, useless children, we'd best get prepared! Show me your strength! Amazing! A lasting truce between Trainers and Vikings?! I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime! *grumble* Don't hold your breath, Hogwin... The enemy of my enemy is my TEMPORARY ally. The dragons are testing our strength, but Ned, I believe they also targeted you for your smarts! And ME for my POWER, obviously! En garde, dragon! Jeez, dad, do you really think so...? I don't know how to feel... Maybe good? You SHOULD feel good, my boy -- good and smart! You might not be a Dragon Master, but... you're a researcher, a historian! That's something to be proud of. Ugh, enough with the chitchat! Let's keep battling until I'm strong enough to beat Arya ten times over! You're on, Eliza! You've gotten tougher, Eliza, but when are you going to find a good husband? *grumble* Not now, mother... Look! The Great Tree is right in front of us. We're almost at the top of the island... It's been fun, hasn't it? Now c'mon -- one last battle before the end! You know, even though I'm literally shaking in my boots, I almost don't want today to end! ... Haha, who am I kidding -- I WANNA GO HOME! Champion's Island, huh? Once we defeat the Nidhogg Dragon, we'll be champions of this island! What do you say, Trainer? Let's give it our all! We did it, everyone! But if the Tyrants really are returning, we'd better take the dragons' advice and stick around to train some more! If we keep training with these super-powerful dragons, there's nothing we can't do together!

Champion's Island - Side Quest Story: Campaign Map Dialogues (edit)

Arya? D-Dad? Argh! I'm separated from everyone, LOST in a strange place, and surrounded by powerful Divine Dragons! HEEEELLLLP! Pull it together, Ned. I just need to breathe, and shake, and breathe... At least things can't get worse-- Wait. Is that Gunhilda?! Ugh, is that Hogwin's spawn? PLEASE refrain from whining. I thought I'd at least enjoy some peace and dragon-fighting here. Okay, weakling, I guess you helped out a little. Maybe if Hogwin did a better job raising you, he'd have a tough kid who could PROPERLY protect us! What did you say about my dad? Oh, like YOU'RE parent of the year! You're lucky these dragons are coming toward us, otherwise I'd-- Eek! You'd better find some books to hide behind, boy! YOU'RE lucky I'm so mighty! Ugh, I wish we could find Dad and Arya. Maybe one of these dragons will show us where they are! N-nice dragon... Holy moly! These dragons are tough. Like, REALLY tough -- tougher than anything Arya and I have faced! *sigh* Arya... Ahh, this reminds me of raising my kids. I used to tuck them in at night and whisper, "TOUGHEN UP!" Now let's fight! These mythical dragons must have some deeper purpose, and no childhood trauma! If only I could find a library to hide in-- I mean study in! You're gonna need to stiffen that wobbly upper lip unless you want to be stuck here forever, kid! Now, let's deal with these dragons! Hmph. Fortunately, I can think on my feet! You're lucky you got stuck up here with me, bookworm! Oh! ... No. I thought I saw Arya up ahead, but it was just a particularly lovely flower. Gosh, what if she's in trouble? I must fight on! Ugh, you've got pep, but you're going to make me gag with all that lovey dovey-- Oof! What's this? I've tripped on... something? Gunhilda, are you okay? You took quite a spill tripping on this... strange and mysterious stone! Let's investigate after this battle! It looks like you stumbled on a clue -- literally! This stone has a bit of ancient writing on it, but it's broken. I can't make it out... I wonder if there are more clues... up ahead in the even scarier part of this island... Your stone seems to have the dragons even more riled up! Maybe we should throw it away. I can't believe I'm saying this, but no. We should keep the stone if we want to get ourselves out of here in one piece. We've got to... *shudder* ... keep going. Ah! I recognize the writing on the stone! It's an ancient language I've been studying! If only I could remember the ancient word for "ESCAPE"... Look! It's another stone. They must be part of a bigger tablet. I bet if we find all of the parts, we'll know what these dragons want! Tablet-schmablet! It looks like a throwing stone to me! Let me use it to handle these dragons! Hm. The tablet does seem to have their attention. Fine. I'll help you gather tablet pieces. Just in case you might be right... Greetings, dragons! Um. I'm just looking for some stones. No need to even notice me... It must be hard for you to think while shaking so much! You better translate that tablet fast, boy! My research on these dragons tells me that we just need to be very respectf-- Ah! Why are you running at them?! Gunhilda! Gunhilda, I realize how tough you are... but we need to try to work together. These dragons can sense discord. And they don't like it! Dragons respect toughness. That's what I was taught. And that's what I think. Oh! Another piece of your tablet-thingy. Behind that dragon! You're lucky, puny boy. I'm both battle-hardened AND good at spotting bits of treasure! Hm, you're actually being helpful, Gunhilda. AND mean. No wonder your kids are so... um... Look! More dragons! Ha! Finding pieces of tablet under dragons reminds me of a Viking game: Find the pickled herring under grandma. Look! There's another piece up ahead. I still can't figure out what the tablet says. We need more pieces, and I guess that means... *gulp* ... climbing higher. Ladies first! Mountain air is good for the lungs. Now stop whimpering and let's get going! I'm starting to figure it out. This tablet seems to be referencing a prophecy. I'm sure glad I don't believe in curses... Were you hiding behind me for that whole battle, boy? You better work out that tablet puzzle quickly! The Divine Dragons like order, and so do I! Gunhilda and I working together is probably making them stressed. (I know I am...) Where did you find that piece of tablet, Gunhilda? On second thought, I don't want to know. You talk too much! Do more ancient puzzling. I'm going to use my ancient lady wiles on these dragons. I hope I solve this quickly. The closer I get, the tougher these Divines are getting! Maybe this tablet will reveal a prophecy about how to harness the Divine Dragons' power! Make sure you check for the phrase "rule the world," boy. *sigh* Just when I think we might see eye to eye, you get greedy. Let's stay focused! We need to go higher! Uh, Gunhilda, m-maybe you can go ahead and check things out and I'll just keep translating... Hey kid, when you hid behind that tablet, it seemed to have calmed the dragons. I think they like it. Keep going! W-whoa. I never thought I'd be nearing the summit... I bet it's a great view. If I could just open my eyes, I'd see-- DRAGON! ACK! You have an interesting fighting technique, boy. Do you call that the "duck and cringe"? Oho! I see the last piece of the tablet. It's over there behind those super-tough dragons! Hooray! Gunhilda, you did it! You found the last piece! And-- Ow! Why did you push me?! Sometimes it's good to get a push. I pushed all of my children. I think I read that in a book! Now come! Help me with these dragons! See, boy? I pushed you all around just now and you never fell down. I'm helping! I think you're supposed to push YOURSELF, Gunhilda. And I'm glad to hear that you HAVE read a book. (No matter how poorly written...) So tell me! Is the prophecy a treasure map? A taming manual? I'm on the edge of my throne, here! Hey, I can read the tablet now! It says... "Champion's Island will rise from the ocean when a great cataclysm is set in motion..." "... The Divines and their flock will arrive here to nest, and gather strong Trainers to put to the test." Wait. What?! Hey, dragons, what does this mean?! Fascinating... and foreboding. But I make and break "great cataclysms" on a daily basis! Also, no treasure? Try to read the prophecy one more time. Just in case it mentions treasure. I never thought I would say this, but... I couldn't have solved this mystery without your help, Gunhilda. Now let's take on this dragon! You're right, boy! I WAS very helpful to you! And all of your dragon knowledge made me even more helpful... Now that you've solved your word puzzle, why are the dragons still restless? This one can't WAIT to have a tussle. I think they want us to get along... because they know that something even BIGGER than our fight is about to happen. Oh, my nerves... After we find your friends, I bet you'll miss me. If you want, I can find you and give you more advice. Like, "LOOK OUT! MORE DRAGONS!" Well, I for one appreciate your help, Gunhilda... And I'm sure you appreciated mine. Right? Right?! These majestic dragons knew we needed to work together to appreciate both of our strengths! Life is all about balance! I don't usually like giving compliments to people, so I'll just say this: Goodbye!

More...

Events

Midgarden: Boss Challenge (18/10/22) (edit)

Arya! Trainer! Whew, good thing I found you - I forgot to tell you something... The Northern Divines have set up a training arena for tournament hopefuls. I'd rather pick flowers, but you two should check it out. I hear that winning arena battles can earn you divine treasures...and who doesn't want treasure? Seriously!

Frosty Foes (17/12/08): (edit)

Here we are, Ned, just outside Frosty Woods. Now, aren't you glad I got you up from that old armchair for a bracing winter hike? *brrr* I miss the armchair less than the roaring fire we left behind. Are you sure going for a hike with Otto is a good idea? He's kind of... strange. Oh yes, Otto's VERY strange, but he's also my oldest friend, you know. In fact, we first met over 60 years ago not far from here, and-- *SMACK* Got you, Hoggie! You never could dodge a snowball. Come on, we've got to get started if we hope to reach Frostytoes Peak before the Frost Festival begins! *splutter* Get back here, Oddie! I'll show YOU who can't dodge a snowball! Hoggie? Oddie? Some kids never grow up... Guess I'd better make sure neither of them falls into a snowbank and breaks a hip. It's going to be a looong night! I wonder what Otto has up his sleeves? It seems significant that he asked us to hike through Frosty Woods when it's where he and I met so many years ago. I suppose we'll just have to press on with our hike to find out! I hope you've been keeping up with your training, Hoggie. I plan to finally beat you and claim the title of "Dragon Lord of Dragolandia" from you once and for all! Now wait a minute, you've got an unfair advantage here. I haven't had a chance to survey the battle conditions. Oh, very well. You can borrow my Frost Fairy Dragon to even the odds, but I'll still be the one whose wish comes true by winning this battle! Not bad, old friend, but I've got my best dragons stationed between here and Frostytoes Peak ready to battle. The "Dragon Lord of Dragolandia" title will be MINE! *sigh* I should have known taking a hike with these two would somehow involve dragon battles. Guess we'd better get going, right Dad? ... Dad! Don't leave me behind! Finally made it, Hoggie; you're slowing down in your old age! With age comes battle prowess. Now, let's find out what sound your Spruce Dragon makes when it falls in battle! *humph* It seems my Spruce Dragon needs some sprucing up. But don't worry, the roots of my battle strategy run deep! I've hidden a number of Keys throughout the forest. You'll need to collect them all if you want me to accept your victory. Now, let's see if you can keep up! Why don't you make like a tree, Oddie. We'll be close behind, as soon as we find that Key... I've found the Key, Dad. Great work, Ned! Hurry, we can't let Otto get too far ahead of us; who knows what traps he might set in this forest given his history with the Clockwork Dungeon! Here we are in Gustyvale; this is the little town where Otto grew up. Really?! There's nothing here, just a couple of houses and a WHOLE lot of snow. There's a nearby village Otto's family visited from time to time, but there weren't many children for him to play with. I was his first human friend... ... Speaking of friends, where has that rascal gone to? We'd better find him! Glad you've arrived just in time for my Snowman Dragon to bury you, Hoggie! Not if we turn it to powder first! Catch my drift?! What's the matter, Oddie? Did your snow day turn into a mayday?! You'll be the one signaling distress when I battle you up ahead in Twinkle Village! Twinkle Village? I haven't been back there in over 60 years... What are you up to Otto, I wonder...? Here's another Key, Dad. Hmm? Oh, good work, Ned. Sorry, I'm a bit preoccupied... I can't help but feel that in visiting Twinkle Village, we're walking right into a trap... Well, only one way to find out. I used to visit my Great Aunt Hogwinona here in Twinkle Village during the holidays, but she detested dragons and made me keep them outside. I was playing out here one day with them when Otto appeared and challenged me to a dragon battle. We've been best friends ever since. Ah well, enough musing about the past. We'd better see what Otto is up to ahead! Come to battle my Li'l Angel Dragon? You'd better start saying your prayers! No need to pray; beating you in battle will be heavenly! Well met, Oddie! Your Li'l Angel Dragon is quite the li'l devil on the battlefield. Not devilish enough to best you and your dragons, but never fear! Your next opponent is the gift that keeps on giving defeat! Look, Ned, I've found the next Key! What fun! ... The one bright side to spending the Frost Festival in the wilderness is that there's no one around to see you embarrass me, Dad. Good point. I must remember to tell Arya how much you liked to run around in nothing but diapers as a baby, just as soon as we get home! We must be very careful, Ned. Cracklecrunch Lake is just up ahead, and it's known for having very thin ice. In fact, Otto and I once had an accident while playing on the lake when his favorite dragon fell through the ice. Luckily, we worked together and rescued it. Otto spent the next three weeks nursing it back to health. I wonder if we'll see it on this hike...? I have a feeling my Present Dragon is just about to unwrap a victory in battle! I don't know, Oddie, you seem to have a real gift for admitting defeat! Poor Otto. I think we enjoyed the gift of that battle more than he did. I've got the Key! Thank goodness -- walking around on all of this thin ice is really putting me on edge. Oh, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about so long as we're careful... *CRACK* ... Yes, let's get going, shall we?! Wow. This is a pretty steep mountain... Maybe I should just wait at the bottom of it and you can come get me once you're done battling. You're welcome to, but I hear the wolves of Frostytoes Peak like to come out at night... W-- wolves?! They're even scarier than dragons! ... *sigh* I suppose a person should climb at least one mountain in their life. Let's go! Do you hear the sound of bells ringing, Hoggie? They're tolling for your impending defeat to my Jingle Dragon! Sorry, I'm too busy to listen to any music as I'm about to ring in another victory! Otto took off pretty fast, he must have heard alarm bells ringing after that devastating defeat! Ho ho ho! Here's the Key, Dad. Should we head on up the mountain? Yes, I think it's high time we learned why Otto invited us to spend the Frost Festival atop Frostytoes Peak. Otto met his favorite dragon on this mountain; it was the first friend he ever made. I wonder if it's waiting for us up there, too... Dad, you said that Otto met his first dragon on Frostytoes Peak... but what was he doing on top of this mountain as a kid? Otto has always been a bit... well, strange. He tried making friends with the local children, but they only teased him. Then on the Frost Festival, they told him he could play with them if he went to the top of Frostytoes Peak and brought back a snowball. Otto just wanted to belong so he climbed up the mountain all alone, but he got lost in the dark and couldn't find his way down. He was scared, but a Snow Queen Dragon appeared and guided him to safety. His new dragon never let the other kids tease him again. I hope you haven't forgotten my beautiful Snow Queen Dragon. Its attacks will make your blood run cold! Then I guess I'd better heat things up with a battle! Poor Oddie; our victory was SO spectacular he didn't even want to stick around to trade battle barbs. Now, let's look for that last Key. All right, Oddie -- we bested all your battles and collected all your Keys. Now what is this REALLY all about? *chuckle* You always knew me best. You're right, I didn't invite you here to see who is the "Dragon Lord of Dragolandia"; that's always been you, my old friend. Sixty years ago, we buried a time capsule on this mountain and promised to open it one day to prove we'd always be friends. Let's open it with the Keys you've collected now. Oh my goodness! Just look at all these wonderful old photos of us! Otto, you've truly given me the greatest gift I could ask for: your friendship. I have something special for you too, Ned. A thermos full of piping hot chocolate to make up for missing your fire. Happy Frost Festival to all!

Time Rift II: Divine Allies (19/06/21) (edit)

Th-Th-The Rift is back?! I thought we were done with it after befriending the future Divines of Mount Dragolympus! Not so, son of mine! Do you remember the Pangu Dragon, from your adventure with Arya on the Island of New Beginnings? You mean the super powerful Divine Dragon that shaped the earth and heavens with a swing of its tail?! *GULP* That's right! It appears this very dragon had a hand-- er, claw -- in opening the Rift again. Or, at least, a dragon that looks quite like it... The whole thing bears further investigation -- from courageous adventurers such as yourselves, of course! *sigh* Here we are again. The scenery's a bit different, but that endless drop into the void of space-time sure hasn't changed... It's like a whole new Rift to explore! I wonder what kind of dragons we'll meet this time around...? Y-You won't have to wonder long, Arya -- look! I-I-It's the Erlang Shen Dragon! Hide me! I've ALWAYS wanted to meet you again, Erlang Shen Dragon. Are you saying you'd like to travel with us? What an honor! E-Eliza?! What are you doing here? And what in Dragolandia is THAT?! Well "hello" to you too, brats! To answer your first question: This creature dragged me here and seems to be carrying out my every whim, no questions asked! As to question number two: THIS is the Chrono Erlang Shen Dragon, and it's going to utterly DESTROY you! ARGH! I thought for SURE I had you this time! J-Just give me a second to recuperate and I'll be back to FINALLY beat you! Whew! What a battle! I wonder what that was all about, though... It's not every day you see a Divine Dragon totally getting along with a Viking. It's unusual for sure. But we gotta remember, we have no idea what these Chrono Divines want, or who exactly they're allied with... Cool! The Erlang Shen Dragon sniffed out a key! Say, can you show me one of your 72 transformations next? M-Maybe we should just let it focus on leading us through here in one piece! Wow! It's like a palace in space! Isn't it beautiful, Ned? It's not nearly as beautiful as...*mumbling*... What was that? Our dragon friend's looking at you funny -- it can see through lies, you know! Better watch what you say! Huh? Don't tell me the Chang'e Dragon is on Eliza's side! I thought at least Divines from OUR time would defend us! It must be some sort of misunderstanding. Nothing a good battle can't clear up! I'll ALWAYS be mystified by that logic of yours. Anyway, let's go, Chang'e Dragon! There's extra treats in it for you if we win! Hmph. Looks like you're only getting the NORMAL amount of treats today, Chang'e Dragon. Nooooo! Eliza, you're too cruel! Oh please. Look how happy the Chang'e Dragon is just being around me! And before you say anything: No, I don't get it either! Where to next, Erlang Shen Dragon? Are you going to lead us to Eliza again? It seems like a lot of your friends are on her side -- even YOU from the future! I keep wracking my mind to figure out why that is... If I could just... Oof! Ned, you're a genius! You've tripped right over the key we need to keep exploring the Rift! Whew, it's hot in here. How is that possible? Isn't space supposed to be cold? Oh, you feel it too? I thought it was just my wild fighting spirit. Sometimes it really heats me up! Sometimes I wonder how exactly I ended up with such a big crush on-- I mean... I hope we, uh, crush Eliza...!!! Ah-ha! That explains the heat! Eliza's got her hands on a rare Furnace Dragon! I-I guess all kinds of dragons have gotten lost -- or stuck -- in this Rift... I can't WAIT to get out of here! I don't care how they got here, as long as they keep obeying ME! Hehe -- this is great! Hmph! Fine! Go cool down, Furnace Dragon... You three haven't beaten me yet! I'll kick you out and rule over this Rift! E-Eliza, I don't think that's such a good idea... We don't know enough about this place to-- Be quiet, Neddy! Go follow your little girlfriend and useless dragon while I rule the Rift! Eliza! That was super rude and-- Aw, hey, don't cry, Ned! All this power sure is going to Eliza's head. It's making her into a big jerk! I thought we were sorta becoming friends... Sorry, Arya. I guess she's still a Viking at heart... But there's gotta be a bigger reason why all these Rift dragons are on her team... In the meantime, our Erlang Shen Dragon pal's found another key! Way to go! Whoa! To think I called that OTHER part of the Rift a palace...! THIS part's like a... a mega-palace! Do the future Divines get to hang out here all the time? I suppose so -- but I bet they liked it way better when it wasn't all broken and stuck in a Rift... I wonder what the Erlang Shen Dragon thinks of all this. Poor thing -- I hope it's not too stressed out! Uh-oh -- the Erlang Shen Dragon's getting really steamed! Of course it is! Its future self is here to teach it a lesson! The only one who needs a lesson here is you, Eliza! No! Chrono Erlang Shen! Ugh, you won't be so lucky next time. You'll NEVER believe who else I've got on my side! Try me! I'll believe ANYTHING! *sigh* Arya... I'm worried, Arya... If Eliza has all these Chrono Divines on her side, that kind of power is nothing to toy around with... Sure, but WE'VE got the original Erlang Shen Dragon, and I hear it can cut mountains in half! Isn't that right, buddy? I guess it can find keys, too! It pays to have multiple talents... Hey Ned, if Eliza really does manage to kick us out of here, what do you think will happen to her? Well, that's the problem. The dragons and their lands are all displaced and jumbled up in here. If the Rift closed with those dragons and Eliza inside, they could get stuck. Or Eliza could be tossed into the future...! All I know is, I've got a bad feeling. Eliza, why don't you give this up? If you stay in the Rift with all these dragons, you might never be able to leave! Quiet, Dragon Girl! I don't care! I finally have power! For once, I'm respected! I'll never give that up! Now, Chrono Pangu Dragon, show these fools the power of a dragon who can rend earth from sky! No! I don't believe this! I bet the Chrono Pangu held back because it recognized an old comrade...! But I've got one more ace up my sleeve. See ya, losers! I have to admit, I kind of feel for Eliza... Well I don't! I think she's powerful! I respect her plenty! Why can't she see that and stop acting like a big jerk?! Hmph. You know what? I don't care if Eliza gets stuck here forever -- I just want to get the dragons safely out of the Rift! Hehe. Arya, the Erlang Shen Dragon's looking at you funny. Could you be telling a lie? N-No way! It just looks like that 'cuz it's found a key! Ah! It's so bright! What's the ball of light, Ned? Or does the Erlang Shen Dragon know? I'm not sure... But I think I might have figured out the answer to our OTHER problem. I'll know for sure when we find out what that "ace" up Eliza's sleeve is! We're lucky you're so good at solving mysteries, Ned! Meet the Chrono Nezha Dragon! It's one of the most devoted, most powerful dragons out there, and it's chosen ME as its master! NOW will you leave me alone?! No! We're getting you AND all these dragons out of this crazy Rift! You... are... so... annoying! I... I really lost...? Ah-ha! I knew it! I was worried about being right, but this might be the only explanation: See, the Nezha Dragon is the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon's disciple... ... During our time on the Island of New Beginnings, Eliza wanted to kidnap the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon, the ruler of the Island Divines... What if, in the future she actually managed to do it?! Ack -- stop pushing me toward the exit, Erlang Shen Dragon! I want to see if I'm right! There's something that doesn't sit right with me. If Eliza KIDNAPPED the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon in the future, how come the other dragons all WANT to obey her? Wouldn't they be mad? Wait -- Eliza... maybe you TAMED the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon! These dragons aren't bad, and neither are you, Eliza! N-No way...! Do you really think...? Could I really befriend such a powerful dragon...? In any case, can't you come home with us? If you do, I bet all your dragon friends will follow. And... I'd rather you didn't get stuck in space-time. I... I guess I owe it to them to take them out of danger. Fine. For now, let's go back to our own time... I'm a little worried about the future after all this... but only the past is written in stone. Anything can happen -- for better or worse!

The Great Hatchling Hunt (18/03/23): (edit)

Are you ready to go, Arya? You bet your last bonbon I am! I can't WAIT to reach Sweet Thistle and gorge myself on all the tasty treats the bunnies there make to celebrate spring! I'm going to eat chocolate till I burst! Shhh! If Brant hears you talking about the secret village of candy-making bunnies at the edge of Briar Forest, he'll try to conquer it! Oh, good point, good point. I don't want to share any of my candy... I mean, OUR candy. Come on; my cavities await! To Sweet Thistle Village we go! Look Ned, there's a little fluffy bunny! I'm going to catch it and cuddle its cute little ears! What are you doing so far from Sweet Thistle, bun bun? Hmm... It's strange that this bunny is so far from Sweet Thistle. Everything I've read about the Sweet Thistle bunnies indicates that they don't like to stray far from their village... It's too bad I don't have a carrot for the bunny, but dragons just won't eat their vegetables... Maybe it'll like this piece of fruit I've got in my pocket. ... It won't eat the fruit; must taste like dragon spit. Don't worry, bunny; we'll get you back safely to your village so you can munch on carrots while we munch your sweets. Let's go! Hand over that Sweet Thistle bunny, you diabolical dragon trainers! Heinrich?! What are you doing here? I thought you ran away with Gunhilda when we defeated her in Illumina?! She kicked me out of her warship halfway back to Vikolandia. Said something about me being too clingy. Can you believe it?! Well... actually... Enough! Attack, my Wraith Dragon! We can't let that creep Heinrich take our little bunny. We have to fight back, and it looks like this Petal Dragon wants to help us. To battle! Blast! Beaten in battle again, but no matter. I'll have all the little bunnies I need as soon as I make it to Sweet Thistle Village! What could Heinrich want with a bunch of defenseless little bunnies?! We'd better find out before it's too late! You're right, and it looks like this Petal Dragon wants to help us. You can come along Petal Dragon, but no more fighting; you need to rest. Let's go! Ned... You don't think... surely not EVEN Heinrich is evil enough to want to capture all the bunnies to make a fur coat, right? He's pretty strange, but I can't see why he'd want one... unless there was some lady he was planning on giving it to... That had better not be his plan, or I won't be letting him walk away from the next battle... Come on! Wow. This forest is a real maze; I hope we don't get lost in here... Who knows what kind of animals come out at night! Aw Ned, you worry too much! This forest wouldn't be full of adorable little fluffy bunnies and dragons if there was anything dangerous in here. *sigh* She never learns that the dragons are what I'm most afraid of... Wait, Arya! Wait up! Don't leave me alone in the forest with the... bunnies. Ah hah! So you're back for more? Oh Wooly Dragon, here are the poachers I was telling you about that want to capture you and steal your wool. Get them! I never thought I'd see the day someone pulled the wool over a Wooly Dragon's eyes. Good thing I've never been sheepish about a battle! All right Heinrich, out with it! Are you trying to capture the Sweet Thistle bunnies to make them into a fur coat?! Ew! What?! I knew you didn't think much of me, but I can't believe that you think THAT little of me! Of course not! ... Well... What do you want the bunnies for then? Never you mind. The less you know of my plans, the greater the chance that they'll succeed! There's nothing I dislike more than a smart Viking. Come on; after him! *huff puff* How did we lose Heinrich again? Vikings are fast! I think he's headed over to the river. We might be able to catch him before he crosses it. Off we go! Ned, I've been wondering: How DO the bunnies of Sweet Thistle make their treats? Some say the bunnies dig up the candies, which are naturally occurring underground in Sweet Thistle. Others say they're confectionary geniuses who make all the candies themselves. ... So what you're saying is that no one really knows. It's just one of Dragolandia's many delicious mysteries, and one that Heinrich will ruin if we don't catch him! There you are Heinrich, and this time there are no wild dragons to come to your aid. Wrong again! That always feels SO right to say. Oh Flutterby Dragon, here are the thieves that stole your fruit! Get them! Wait, you can have the fruit I've got in my pocket... Drat! The bunny has eaten it! They'll be no flying away from this battle! Grrr. One less bunny for my factory. No matter; there are more up ahead in Sweet Thistle! Factory?! Why would Heinrich want a bunch of bunnies for a factory... unless... he's planning on *shudder* eating them?! If he tries it, he'll be dead meat! After him! Look! The Flutterby Dragon is following you, Ned! I guess you made a new friend. No! Down dragon! Why do they always pick the trainer that's afraid of them?! *sigh* All right, I guess you can come along. We can use all the help we can get in taking on Heinrich. Yay! New friends, new dragon friends, most loyal friends you'll meet! The scaly kind, the fangy kind, in battles they can't be beat! You've got the next verse of the Dragon Friends Song, Ned. Take it away! New friends, new dragon friends, the kindest friends you'll meet! The fire kind, the water kind, every kind's a treat! Now to catch Heinrich! Don't worry, little bunnies; we're not far from Sweet Thistle, and we won't let Heinrich do anything bad to you! I can see him just up ahead! Did he... did he just push a Painted Dragon into the river?! We've got to save it! Come on! Trainers! You're right on time to battle that extremely irritated Painted Dragon I pushed into the river. Color me unsurprised that you'd turn a silly prank you played to your own advantage. I'm still going to paint you into a corner with THIS battle! Enough, Heinrich! Tell me the truth -- are you trying to capture the Sweet Thistle bunnies to turn them into meat in your factory?! What?! NO! I'm a vegetarian. *sigh* I can see I'm going to have to tell you my plan so you don't tar my good name all over Dragolandia. I'm building Dragolandia's first-ever chocolate factory, and I'm going to have it run entirely by the Sweet Thistle bunnies! Aww. Fluffy little bunnies making chocolate in a factory. That's kind of cute! But still... they'd have to work for Heinrich. We've got to save the bunnies! Why would Heinrich want to make chocolate? Something about this isn't adding up. I've never known him to be interested in sweets... Not interested in sweets?! I just don't UNDERSTAND. Then again... when have we ever understood the Vikings. Good point. Better focus on trying to stop Heinrich's weird plan before we focus on understanding it. How big is Sweet Thistle Village, Ned? With all the bunnies we've been finding, it must be large! All you can see above ground is an enormous tree with a knothole the size of a dragon's head. Below ground though, it's said there are miles of warren where all the bunnies live together. The bunnies only come out of the warren in springtime to hide their candies all around the meadow near their tree so that children can find them. Heinrich will grab all the bunnies as soon as they come out of that tree if we don't get to him first! My Wraith Dragon is rested and ready for round two! Then I'd better make this battle a knockout! Heinrich, I hope you don't mind me asking... but WHY are you building a chocolate factory? Because women love chocolate, of course! If I control the creation of the most delicious chocolate in the land, then surely I'll FINALLY meet a nice woman who'll love me back. ... Huh. I've heard some crazy plans in my time, but that's by FAR the craziest! We can't let Heinrich rope the poor Sweet Thistle bunnies into his weird love schemes! ... If Heinrich does make his chocolate factory, then I could buy some of the chocolate and give it to Arya... What's that, Ned? N-nothing! I was just saying that we have to save those poor bunnies. Let's go! Sweet Thistle Village is just up ahead! I think we can still make it in time to stop Heinrich. Come on! Princess Dragon, here are those dragon trainers I told you were coming to kidnap all the poor Sweet Thistle bunnies to make them work in a factory! After them! Heinrich, you're proving to be a royal pain, but I'm about to RULE this battle! There goes Heinrich! Oh no! I can see the Sweet Thistle bunnies coming out of the tree up ahead. We've got to save them! Hurry! Heinrich! You're here... but I don't see any bunnies. What have you done with them?! *sob* I was too late! They've all gone back into the tree because that repulsive boy already ate all their sweets. *crunch munch* Ned, Arya? If I'd known you guys were coming I'd have at least saved you a couple pieces of candy. *gulp* ... ... YAHHH!!! Arya! No! Fighting Brant isn't worth it! I'll get you some other candy! ... Well. At least we saved the Sweet Thistle bunnies from Heinrich. Next year though, we're bringing along Brant so I can keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't eat MY candy! Now that's what I call a SWEET ending. Wait Arya, why is this Princess Dragon following me?! Shoo! Shoo! *sigh* New friends, new dragon friends, most loyal friends you'll meet!

Island of New Beginnings: Divine New Year (18/02/16) (edit)

Arya, it's time for the Divine New Year's celebration! The Island of New Beginnings has risen from the sea so Divine Dragons can battle all comers. Not that I'm complaining about a battle, Professor... but why DO the Divine Dragons celebrate the New Year by battling? Dragons believe the more battles they win, the more luck they'll have in the coming year... Divine Dragons bestow blessings at New Year's by allowing a lucky few to challenge them. I want you to take Ned and go battle, then report back. Heck yes! Hey, Ned! Neeed! Let's go for a walk. I promise this has nothing to do with dragons... Here we are Ned, the Island of New Beginnings. It's just as Professor Hogwin said: It's risen from the sea for the Divine New Year's celebration. What?! I hear the Divine Dragons of this island celebrate the New Year by battling! Come on; they probably want to be left alone... Too bad for them! I'm here to get the party underway... by kidnapping the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon! Then Rathorn will invite ME to join the Tyrants. Eliza?! We can't let her interfere with the Divine New Year's celebration, or the dragons' battle ritual could be thrown out of whack! Come on, Ned. Leave me to my dastardly deeds, you dragon-loving doofuses! No way, Eliz--huh? What's this... a baby Nezha Dragon? You want to help us save the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon from Eliza? Let's do it! You may have won this battle, but you won't stop me from kidnapping the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon! Later, little trainers... Get back here, Eliza! We've got to catch her and it looks like the Nezha Dragon wants to help, but it can't battle anymore; it needs to rest. *sigh* If we want to move farther up the mountain, we'll need to find an offering for the Divine Dragons. I'll start looking... Here it is, Arya! I found the Lucky Coin we'll need to offer the Divine Dragons in order to move farther up the mountain. Good work, Ned. Come on; after Eliza! This is THE Cave of Pangu -- I recognize it from Dad's research. The Pangu Dragon is responsible for shaping the very earth, and separating Yin from Yang with a swing of its mighty tail! Impressive. It sounds like a dragon that can handle itself, but I wouldn't put it past Eliza to dream up some scheme to overpower it. Let's go! That's right, Pangu Dragon -- THESE are the meddlers who've come to invade your territory! Get them! Wait, Pangu Dragon! We're not-- Ack! That creep, Eliza, tricked the poor Pangu Dragon into thinking we were the enemy! Then she ran off while we were busy with that battle. Let's go, Ned; we can't let her cause any MORE trouble. Look, Arya, here's another Lucky Coin... I guess whoever made offerings before us just left them lying around. Lucky for us, then! We can find out where Eliza ran off to. This must be the Guan Di Dragon's training grounds! I'd hate to run into it in a bad mood... No sign of Eliza. She can't be too far ahead. Let's go. There's Eliza! She's gone into the Shrine of Guan Di! Lucky for us, the Guan Di Dragon is known for being loyal and righteous... S-so we should be fine, right...? Right, Arya? Check it OUT, Ned! These training grounds are my idea of paradise. A-are you kidding me? There are sharp, POINTY things everywhere! Eliza might as well be sitting on a powder keg! We've got to stop her! These trainers have invaded your sacred training grounds, Guan Di Dragon. Show them the meaning of WAR! A battle against the famed Guan Di Dragon?! Pinch me Ned, I must be dreaming! ... Ouch. All right, let's battle! Thank you for the battle, Guan Di Dragon! I'm your biggest fan! This isn't the time to be dragon-struck, Arya! Come on; we can't let Eliza get away! Another Lucky Coin! Maybe the Guan Di Dragon blessed us for leaving it in peace? *sigh* I wish it had blessed us with another battle instead. Oh well; we'd better deal with Eliza and then maybe I can challenge it again later. I've got a b-b-bad feeling about this place, Arya... Sure, it's a little cold... and there's an eerie feeling in the air... and a chill up my spine... But for talon's sake, Ned, we train DRAGONS. Come on. You've meddled with my meddling for the LAST time! Get them, my Ba Jiao Gui Dragon! A ghostly Ba Jiao Gui Dragon?! Well then, prepare to be haunted by this battle! Eliza was pale as a sheet after her Ba Jiao Gui Dragon lost that battle, right Ned? G-G-Ghost Dragon! Right. I guess it's a combination of the two things that scare you most. Let's go look for that Lucky Coin to get your mind off things... Look Ned, I found the Lucky Coin! Huzzah! G-G-Ghost Dragon! *sigh* I'm sure he'll snap out of it... eventually. Onward! What's the story here, Ned? Do you think whoever owns this temple will let me play with all these giant sabers? The Erlang Shen Dragon is rumored to be able to cut mountains in half, call forth holy lightning, and fire energy beams from its third eye... it's terrifying. Cool! Come on, come on. Forget about these sabers; I want to see the Erlang Shen Dragon do all that stuff! Best of luck beating this unstoppable warrior dragon god! You will cower before its awesome might! Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Whatever, Eliza. Come on; let's just battle already! The Erlang Shen Dragon can see through lies and illusions... so why didn't it see through Eliza? Maybe it was just putting us to the test -- and since Eliza made a break for it, I think we passed! Now, let's tail her! What? Back again?! Get them, my Ba Jiao Gui Dragon! Ahhhhh! G-G-Ghost Dragon! Stop screaming, Ned. Look, the Ba Jiao Gui Dragon doesn't want to hurt you; it's just interested in that Lucky Coin you've got. Aww, how cute. I think it wants to be friends. Want to join us, Ba Jiao Gui Dragon? Yay! There it is up ahead: the Temple of Hou Yi. Wow. It's so majestic and beautiful... Yeah it's beautiful, just like... just like yo-- Dragons! I know, right?! Okay Arya, in this next temple we have to be very careful, because this Dragon is especially tough... Arya?! Wait up! The Temple of Hou Yi. It's said that the Hou Yi Dragon is a great archer. An archer?! Wow. I've never seen a dragon use a bow and arrow. Do you think it would show us? Let's go! Here are the trespassers I told you about, Hou Yi Dragon. They're your target! We'd better pierce through Eliza's lies with a good, clean battle! Eliza has really snapped to go around upsetting all these Divine Dragons. What if they turn on her? They say the arrow doesn't fall far from the bow. If she's anything like her brother the Dunkelviking, she won't give up no matter the risk. Come on. Here's the Lucky Coin we needed, Arya. Thanks! We'd better hurry. I'm worried about what Eliza has planned for the Chang'e Dragon! Come on, Ned! We're almost at the Temple of Chang'e. *huff puff* Right behind you. As soon as I get this stitch out of my side... Eliza has already entered the temple! We can't let her mess with the poor Chang'e Dragon. Charge! Here we are at the Temple of Chang'e. The Chang'e Dragon is said to be married to the Hou Yi Dragon. Isn't that romantic, Arya? ... Arya? ... What? Oh, sorry Ned. I was busy thinking about my next battle strategy. What did you say? *sigh* Never mind. Let's find Eliza. Here are the wicked trainers who attacked your poor husband, Chang'e Dragon. Teach them a lesson! A battle?! That's the only kind of lesson I like. Let's do this! We're sorry we had to fight you and your husband, Chang'e Dragon. We'll make Eliza pay for tricking both of you. ... The Chang'e Dragon doesn't look like it understands your apology. Let's get out of here before it marshals its strength and attacks again! Ned, I found the Lucky Coin... for a change! Get it? ... Do you get it? Your puns are like a bad penny; they just keep turning up. *hehe* ... Oh, come on Arya! That was funny; don't storm off! Oh no! I think Eliza's already arrived at the Temple of Taiyi Zhenren! There's no time to waste; let's go! Here we are at the temple, but what's that sound from inside...? I'd know that sound anywhere: It's a battle! Eliza must have started fighting the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon. Hurry! Wow. The Temple of the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon is even more amazing than I'd imagined! It's said that the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon is a great teacher to the other dragons, the Nezha Dragon in particular. This baby Nezha Dragon looks anxious to greet its master. We've got to rescue it from Eliza's clutches! Thank goodness you're here! This crazy Taiyi Zhenren Dragon keeps trying to battle me, and it's WAY too tough! The Taiyi Zhenren Dragon thinks you came to challenge it in celebration of the Divine New Year. We'd be honored to be its opponents in your place! Thank you for a great battle, Taiyi Zhenren Dragon! Now Eliza, will we have to fight you, too? Forget it; I give up. Rathorn can have his revenge without me. All I want to do is ring in the New Year with a hot bubble bath. My feet are killing me! Eliza surrendered?! Maybe this WILL be a happy New Year for us. I could really use one more win to ensure my year will be lucky. What do you say, Ned? ... Ned? Ah well, happy Divine New Year to all!

Time Rift: Heaven & Hades (19/03/22) (edit)

Ned! Arya! Come quick! I've received some news of dire importance! What's going on, Professor? Is it about dragons? I hope it's about dragons... How did you guess? In any case, I was given a message by the Hermes Dragon: It appears that Chronos, the dragon master of time, is in need of our help. The events at the Golden Pyramid appear to have caused a RIFT in space-time! We need to make sure nothing dangerous comes through. While Chronos tries to fix it, I'm sending you two and your Trainer friend into the Rift to investigate. Who KNOWS what sorts of wonders await you within?! "Wonders" is an interesting way of saying "dangers," Dad. *sigh* At least we have another powerful Trainer with us... Are you ready? Holy Chronos, Ned! We've been on a lot of crazy adventures, but I've NEVER seen anything like this! It's like Mount Dragolympus, but... mashed together! I REALLY don't like the sound of that! Aw, Ned, don't be scared. The Hermes Dragon is here to help us... and our Trainer friend too! Now let's explore! Brant! Is that you? How did you manage to get inside the Rift? It's too dangerous for you to be here! Quiet, Dragon Girl! I snuck in alongside you because I'm... conveniently sized! M-m-more importantly... what in the name of Dragolandia is THAT?! You mean this dragon I found? I dunno! But it looks powerful, and if I can beat you and take it back to the Vikings -- I'll finally be a REAL villain! Drat! I guess this dragon's no good. Just you wait -- I'll get you, and capture all the weird dragons in the Rift for the Vikings! Brant, wait! I'm too scared to chase you! The Hermes Dragon seems confused... Oh! I get it. Brant's dragon looks a lot like the Hades Dragon Hogwin and I found on Mount Dragolympus! Hermes Dragon, you know the Hades Dragon, don't you? But this one looks so strange... Is it even really the Hades Dragon we know? Wow! Have you guys ever seen dragons like these? Even the Hermes Dragon is in disbelief! I wonder... Dad said this Rift was caused by a break in space-time. Maybe that means dragons from other dimensions were able to get inside... Fighting super-cool dragons from another dimension? How can I pass THAT up?! Come on; let's go! Whew. We're lucky those dragons didn't use any crazy, mind-breaking alternate dimension attacks or anything... A dragon is a dragon is a dragon -- no matter what dimension they come from! I hope we can meet them all again. *sigh* I guess it's what Dad would want... Look, guys! I found a key... I wonder if doors here work like normal or if they'll send us into some endless space vortex or, or-- Only one way to find out! Here, Ned, your hand is shaking -- why don't we let our friend do the honors? How about that, Ned? We didn't get sucked into the vacuum of space after all! Darn. I was kind of hoping that door would just lead us back home... Let's keep searching the Rift. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious, Trainer! EEEEEK! Wh-wh-what kind of dragon is THAT?! Oh, Ned! It's just the Poseidon Dragon -- the Divine Dragon of water from Dragolympus. I wonder what it's doing here. Any ideas, Hermes Dragon? It's here to do MY bidding! That's right, scaredy-Ned, I've got a dragon GOD under my thumb, and it only sprayed water at me TWICE! Ugh, you useless dragon--! Uh, um, I-I mean-- BYE! Brant, you can't keep tangling with Divine Dragons like this! That Poseidon Dragon isn't gonna tolerate it! He'll get in trouble if we don't catch up with him... But at least the Poseidon Dragon is safe. Hermes Dragon, do you think it got lost in the Rift? I wonder if the Rift has been drawing the Divines to it? Like moths to a flame... or dragons to a really, really big vacuum. Found another key, Trainer? Thanks! Let's go to the next area, then... Wooooow. This place is beautiful! Arya, watch your step! The floor tiles are coming apart! Sheesh. It's like a full-time job watching over her... Huh? You think I should worry less? NOW you're gonna get it, you simpletons! THIS dragon looks super cool, and it's gonna crush you! Agh! Stop licking me, Vivid Dragon! Considering the context, I'm not sure you should be calling us "simpletons"... That Vivid Dragon is from another dimension, Brant. Are you sure you know what you're doing...? How about a nice how-do-you-do first? ARGH! Can't you guys just let me take ONE cool dragon back to the Vikings?! Not if you're gonna force them to battle! They're visitors here, you know! Bad guys aren't nice to visitors, doofus! Whatever -- I'll be back with even COOLER dragons! Look Ned, the Vivid Dragon wants to come with us! I can't wait to show it around Dragolandia! H-hi Vivid Dragon... Do you come in peace? Whoa. This is ALMOST exactly like depths of Mount Dragolympus! If Hogwin saw this, it'd knock his socks off! Speaking of socks coming off, it's HOT in here! Where's all that lava coming from? Aren't we in space?! WHAT'S HAPPENING?! Guess who, chumps? I'm back with the Hades Dragon! God of... um... stuff that's underground, maybe! Brant, that's not the Hades Dragon! The Hermes Dragon doesn't even recognize it. It's from... somewhere else! We don't know what it's capable of! We should probably call it something else, right? Oh, how about... Chrono Hades! You know, because of Chronos! Go free, Chrono Hades! And Brant, you go on home! I'm sure your parents wouldn't want you playing in a time Rift! I'm NOT playing and you CAN'T catch me!!! *sigh* Somehow he's worse than the Vikings... Let's see. Did we pick up a key? Yup! Lead the way, Hermes Dragon! And not a moment too soon. I'm sweating like a Piggy Bank Dragon! Wow, just look at that, guys! A beautiful, lush temple in a place like this... I wonder which Divine Dragon it's for? I'd rather not stick around and find out, if the Divine Dragon looks anything like Chrono Hades... It's okay, Ned. I don't think the Chrono Divines are interested in hurting us. I bet Chrono Hades just wanted to play with Brant! U-um... g-g-guys? I... I tried getting this dragon to fight you, but it started shooting blue lightning everywhere! I-I can't stop it! I'm scared! Th-the Hermes Dragon is frightened too -- and let's not even get STARTED on me! What do we do, guys? I had a hunch when I saw that that temple... This must be the Chrono Zeus Dragon! The only thing we can do is try to fight it and calm it down! I-I'm sick of this place AND of you losers! I'm out of here! Brant, wait! We're running out of places to chase you! Whew... At least the Chrono Zeus Dragon seems to have calmed down. I wonder if it was just as frightened as us, being in a totally alien place... Now that we have a key, let's finally grab Brant and go home to give our findings to the Professor! Sounds good to me. I've been taking notes to show Dad... which is easier said than done considering, you know, all the trembling... You're doing great, Ned. And you too, Trainer! Braaaaaant! Where aaare yooou? It's time for dragons and Trainers and wannabe Vikings to go home! You know, the more we walk around the more I get used to this place. It really IS fascinating! Or maybe it's just the fact there are no narrow walkways over endless abysses in this part of the Rift... THERE you are, Brant! Are you in trouble with another Chrono Divine? N-no... It saw me get scared and tried to take me under its wing... I think it wants to battle you to make sure you're strong enough to take me home... N-not that I need to be chaperoned! See, Chrono Aphrodite? We don't want to hurt Brant -- we just wanna take him home. And we want to thank you for watching over him! A-and if you and the other Chrono Divines need a place to stay, well, Dragolandia is pretty nice! Wow, Ned -- that was really brave of you! And I agree! The dragons here could have gotten lost. Why don't we give them homes? (I kinda just wanted to ask the Chrono Aphrodite Dragon who my soul mate might be, actually...) Welcome back! I'm glad to see Chronos retrieved you all in one piece... and with new friends! Your excursion was fruitful! It was absolutely amazing, Professor! We saw dragons from all different dimensions! But we still don't know where they came from, or even what they are exactly... and we have no idea what could come through that Rift into our world! Quite right, Ned -- the whole thing bears further study... of the serious sort! For now, let's welcome our new dragon guests.

Time Rift III: Afterlife Adventure (19/08/23) (edit)

Interesting tidings, my young Trainer friends. Can you guess what they are? Please don't say Space-Time Rift, please don't say Space-Time Rift, please don't say... Oh, boy! It's another Space-Time Rift, isn't it? Indeed it is! And this time, an unusual friend has shown up to deliver us the news. I don't believe I recognize this beastie... I do! It's the Anubis Dragon. Eliza and I met it at the Golden Pyramid. What have you come to show us, old pal...? I REALLY don't like the looks of this place. W-why are those statues' eyes glowing?! No need to be afraid, Ned. The Anubis Dragon will protect us. After all, it led me safely through the underworld! Yes, Arya. I will trust the big scary dragon who dragged you to the underworld. *sigh* How do I always get caught up in this craziness?! Huh? What's that awful sound? *TWANG* Oh, hello you two. I've *TWANG* been trying to get this dragon to sing along with my lute, but it just doesn't sound right... That's one heck of an understatement! Can't you cut it out before our ears fall off? Cut it out? You can't censor my art, insolent whelp! Pah! If you don't like my sound, I'll go practice elsewhere! *TWANG* How weird. The Osiris Dragon is supposed to judge peoples' souls. Is it saying the Dunkelviking is on to something with his terrible tune? It may be a great judge of souls, but it's a terrible judge of talent! I don't know what the Osiris Dragon wants... but I know I don't like it! Hm, looks like the Anubis Dragon found something... N-no, I don't wanna play fetch with you! Looks like you two are getting along great! But we probably shouldn't play fetch with that key -- it'll help us get deeper into the temple! Hot springs in space-time?! Tell me you're seeing these gravity-defying pools of spring water, too... I sure am. And I wanna take a cosmic dip! Think I can outdo my cannonball splash radius record? Looks like I won't have to stop you this time. The Anubis Dragon seems to be doing a pretty good job of keeping you on track...! Tweedleedlee! Oh, it's you two again. Come to rag on my art, you philistines? Actually, no! You're sounding a little better now, Dunky. What's your secret? This powerful dragon showed me some patience and kindness, and suddenly my sound... changed. Let me show you hatchlings what I've learned! *TWAANG* ARGH! You made me break a string! But that Hathor Dragon believes in you, and it's a Divine Dragon of love, so... that must count for something! Maybe you're right, Dragon Girl. Perhaps it's telling me to... write a love ballad? I need to go think! Wait! It's not safe! *SIGH* How come nobody ever listens when I say that? Hello? Are you listening? Is anyone listening? Ahhhhh... I know it's kind of redundant to say that something weird's going on in a Space-Time Rift, but... something WEIRD's going on! Why do these Ancient Divines seem so invested in the Dunkelviking's lute-playing skills? I just don't get it... For now, let's just follow the Anubis Dragon's lead. It hasn't led us astray in the past OR present. Plus, it just helped us find a key to the next chamber! Wh-whoa! This room is totally collapsing! Watch your step, AryaaAAAGH...! Whoops! Don't worry, Ned; I got you! But you're right -- we DO need to be careful. The Anubis Dragon looks pretty on edge, too... *TWANG* *SKRRTCH* You Trainers won't believe it. This dragon's opened up a whole new world of sound for me! Hear that beautiful dissonance? *SKREECH* Ow, my ears! There's nothing beautiful about it, Dunkelviking! G-get away from that dragon before someone gets hurt...! I don't know, Ned... there IS something sort of appealing about that wild sound... But the Apep Dragon of Chaos isn't an ideal jam partner! Amazing! My sound keeps evolving with each fight! Listen, I've got a bandmate deeper inside that I've got to meet up with, but I'll catch up with you folks later! Play us some more weird stuff when you do! Arya, I can handle scary dragons and space-time and near-death experiences, but I will not stand for another measure of dissonance! I WON'T STAND FOR IT! Arya, I REALLY don't like ANY creature of chaos having influence over the Dunkelviking's music... Well, the Apep Dragon gave us trouble for sure, but it's not EVIL. It just makes sure chaos exists along with order. Everyone needs a bit of BOTH in life. ... That was a surprisingly deep thought! I guess I'll trust your judgment for now. Trust is the ticket, Ned! Now, let's use this key to figure out what ol' Dunky's up to! And I thought the LAST temple chamber was falling apart. This place looks like it was totally torn up...! And it's DARK, too. I can't even see the stars anymore... Let's be careful, Ned. *twang* ... *twang* ... D-did you hear something...? Something... twangy? Ha! All I did was strum a bit, and this amazing dragon made all the lights go out AND tore up the temple! I wonder what else I can make it do with my tunes... Th-this is no joke, Dunkelviking! That Ra Dragon protects light and order, and we can't let you snuff either of those out! *GADUNKADUNK* GRAH! Just when I had found an enthusiastic audience! Well, I won't let that Apep Dragon's lessons go to waste! *TWAAANG* I know your musical career is important, Dunky, but don't you think you're going too far? Your sound is unique, but it's starting to make the Divines batty! But, Dragon Girl, imagine if I could create unique music, AND command the Divines! Huh, conquest sounds pretty good right about now. I'm so disappointed...! I thought for sure Dunky had finally given up on his awful family business... All this has got me thinking: What if order and chaos aren't two sides of the same coin, but more of... a balancing scale? Could the Apep Dragon and... whoever it's working with... be using the Dunkelviking's music to tip the scale? Could chaos be trying to topple order?! Nice thought, Ned! See? Having you along on adventures is "key"! Ha! Get it? I just found one. Agh! Is that smoke?! That building's on fire! And what are those creepy glowing tendrils?! I wanna go home already! Haha, I can't believe you aren't used to this kind of thing yet. I'm a sensitive little boy with a brave little heart. Now let's just set things right and get out of here before the Dunkelviking's lute destroys the universe... *TWANG-TA-TWANG TWANG* Guten tag, shmoopies! The moon heralds tidings of melon-tasting bonanzas and deep dark dolphin dugouts! ... I think he's lost it. Ugh -- whatever that dragon is, it's making MY mind all fuzzy too! That MUST be the Chrono Apep Dragon -- the Apep Dragon from the future! Its helmet is... gumdrop good like a fishing pole security scarf! Say WHAT?! Oh, no. N-not you, too, Arya! Anubis Dragon, please help? We defeated the Chrono Apep Dragon, but the Dunkelviking and Arya are as loopy as ever! Poor Arya... Let's get her to safety. Wheeeeee! Arya, will you please stop tap dancing for HALF a minute?! My toes are hatching and I gotta set 'em free!!! *SIGH* At least YOU'RE keeping a level head, Anubis Dragon... Huh, never thought I'd get along with a dragon. What's that? You've found a key to the next chamber? Hey, you really are a steady creature. Eep... it's so dark in here... But I've got to be brave! Arya can't help me in the state she's in... Anubis Dragon, I'm putting all my trust in you, okay? Help us solve this mystery, and save all our friends! *tweedle-twang* Owl flower peanut power! Prepare to be masticated, young larvae! *strummm* What NOW?! Arya, please, I don't know what this dragon does! I can't-- Wait... did the Dunkelviking's music just get a LITTLE easier on the ears? Whuh? Huh? What happened? I feel like my ears just popped... *strumm* Lute sounds good, though. Hogwin's beard! Ned, did we just fight the Chrono Seth Dragon? The Seth Dragon is a dragon of chaos, like the Apep Dragon, but it KNOWS the importance of balance! Chrono Seth Dragon, were you trying to "balance the scale"...? (Speaking of, I feel WAY sturdier on my feet!) I'm so glad you're doing better, Arya! I was worried... Well, thanks to you and the Anubis Dragon, I'm safe. And is it just me, or do I see you two getting along? I... I guess we are! But, uh, can we talk more about how I kept you safe and-- Let's go find Dunky! I'm still a little worried about his apparent change of attitude... Oh Dunkyyyy, where are youuuu? We want to hear more tunes! Actually, we want to rescue the Divines and get out of here, Dunky-- I mean, Dunkelviking... Wherever he is, we might as well take our time. This chamber is HUGE! There's so much to explore! This is the biggest chamber yet, so you must be the head honcho, dragon! I have... *deedleestrum* come to play you a song. This must be the Chrono Isis Dragon! It's supposed to guard fate itself... but something's wrong with it. Now THAT'S foreboding! Arya, I say we let the Dunkelviking play his song. I've got a feeling it'll help the Chrono Isis Dragon feel a little less chaotic... "Chrono Isis Dragon, you are free to fly. You hold our fates in your clawed hands, and... we should share some pie!" *strum-de-dum* *TWANG* Weird lyrics, weird melody, but... like you said, Arya, life needs a bit of order AND a bit of chaos. And it looks like the Chrono Isis Dragon is all evened out. Whew! Now let's explore the rest of the Rift before heading home! The Divines are all calmed, Dunky's come to his senses, and all's right with space-time. Actually, Arya... *gulp* I think space-time is in for a rude awakening. Remember the prophecies you found at the Golden Pyramid? I found one that's... different. "Since time began its wicked turn, primordial fires burn and burn. If Chrono Dragons raise concern, the Proto Dragons soon return." Burning fires... PROTO Dragons? What on Dragolandia does THAT mean?! We'd better get everyone out of this Rift and warn Professor Hogwin -- c'mon!

Heaven & Earth (19/09/27): (edit)

Is it true, Professor? Have the Divine Dragons from the Island of New Beginnings invited us to a PARTY? It IS true! A party to celebrate the anniversary of their arrival in Dragolandia, many, many moons ago: The Festival of New Beginnings! Dragons under protection of the Eastern Divines gather at their sacred party grounds -- the enormous Kaishi Castle. There, they eat, dance, and battle! How lucky we are to be invited! On the guest list is you -- Arya -- and Ned, of course. Myself as a plus-one, and... Eliza?! She DOES have a special sort of relationship with the Eastern Divines, you know. Don't you worry, Professor, this will be so much fun! Okay. I hate parties. I'm afraid of dragons, AND I'm afraid of Eliza. What exactly am I doing here? I second that question, actually. Mother would keel over if she saw me cavorting with a bunch of do-gooders like you. This is an INCREDIBLE opportunity, my young friends. For battle, for research, and maybe even for Trainer-Viking relations! Look, everyone! A baby Green Lion Dragon's come to be our party chaperone! Let's all have a blast, right, little one? Ah, a Moon Rabbit Dragon! They're quite loyal to the Chang'e Divine Dragon. I wonder if it's here to meet its Divine friend post-party? Our little green buddy looks like it's raring for a battle! What better way to start a celebration, right? Strangely enough, we agree. Come, Arya, let's begin the festivities with a pulse-pounding battle! Thanks for a great first battle, everyone. I knew you'd have fun if you came along, Eliza! I'll admit, that got me into a... festive mood. Lead the way, Dragon Girl; I trust your party instincts. Um. Hey, Arya? Can I battle you next? Ha! Even the puppy wants to play. A fine job -- we've found the pass to the next room of the castle! Come, I'm sure there's excitement on every floor. I can't wait to examine the different sorts of dragons that have gathered here! Look at the boxes and jars piled up... Are we sure this is a party palace? It's more like a storehouse! EVERY party palace needs a storehouse, Ned. Where else would they keep their party hats and noisemakers? Oho! It's a sturdy Terracotta Dragon, no doubt here to help with heavy lifting. Let's give this beast a break, shall we? I-I'll try helping it battle against you, Arya! I mean, maybe I'll learn something... Pfft! Neddy's just jealous his little girlfriend likes battling ME better! That was... TERRIFYING. A fine job, my boy! Pay no heed to the naysayers! Grr... Key GET! Now we can look forward to more partying and more battles! Speaking of, it was really fun to battle you, Ned. You don't need to be jealous of anything! It's just a bit hard to keep up sometimes... b-but that's okay. I'm having fun! I'm TOTALLY having fun... Looks like we're about to enter the castle proper. Ah, and a lovely garden marks our entrance! Take care not to trample the lilies, Eliza. Stupid Trainers... I'll have you know I LOVE lilies-- Ah-CHOO! Haha! A Viking with a pollen allergy! That's-- Um... Never mind, I don't quite know how to make a joke out of that... So even the stoic Monk Dragon is here to celebrate! I wonder if it's come to meditate, or if it's a little lost...? Who cares! It's here to battle, and I'LL aid it. Come on, Dragon Girl -- you're facing ME! A rousing battle that was! Way better than Neddd'saaAAHCHOO! Let's get you away from the lily pond, Eliza -- and help the Monk Dragon find its way to the party! We found the key, so let's get out of here already. Are you okay, Eliza -- I mean, aside from the sneezing? I thought you LIKED battling me. I'm just FINE, you dimwit...! NOW it's starting to look like a real party! Anybody wanna dance? ... ... Oh! Me! I do! Wonderful! The Fut San Dragon is an accomplished dancer. It's said that watching one perform will bring you luck! Luck? I-I'll take this battle! Whew! Thank you, Fut San Dragon, that was-- Uh, p-p-please don't dance so close to me-- That was so great, Ned! You were barely afraid at all! And I think your dragon pal has taken a shine to you. (That's NOT who I want taking a shine to me!) Ah-ha! A key to the next party chamber. I'm excited to encounter new guests, but you don't look as ready, Arya... *sigh* It's just that Ned and Eliza don't seem to be having as good a time as I am -- and I really want them to! Hm. I can't quite speak to their feelings, but... I will go easier on our Viking friend. I promise! Your friendship with her speaks volumes. Friendship, huh... AAGH! Wh-Wh-What was that loud noise? Are the dragons firing cannons? Can they DO that?! Wahoo! Fireworks! This is... fun? Here's the creature responsible for those fireworks -- a Sparkler Dragon: an indispensible guest to any celebration! Hey, Professor, would you like to try battling this round with me? I'd be delighted to test my apprentice's skill! It was a little loud for my taste... but great battle, guys! I was especially fond of the explosions. (Don't look now, Arya, but I think our friends just MIGHT be getting along...!) Who's this, Professor? This one dragon here seems to really want to come with us! That, my dear, is a Sunrise Dragon, and it seems like it's looking for something. How can we help, Sunrise Dragon? Why don't we visit the rooftop? It's the best part of every party. Maybe the Sunrise Dragon will find what it's looking for up there? (More importantly, I can get some air...) Wow, a rooftop garden! The little Green Lion Dragon really seems to appreciate the fresh air. And so does Ned! Ned? Where'd he go? Hey, Eliza, uh... sorry I've been weird. I don't really DO parties, and feeling how I feel about Arya, well-- Save it. I'm just interested in finding out what the Sunrise Dragon wants... Sunrise Dragon, is this who you wanted to see? This dragon looks like it's the partier supreme! I wonder if it won all its battles... Now I see! The Pigsy Dragon and the Sunrise Dragon are lifelong pals. They probably flocked from across Dragolandia to see each other! The party brought them together, huh... Hey, Eliza, d-do you want to battle me this round? That was surprisingly well fought, Neddy. I... Thanks. You two looked sooooo cool! It couldn't have been a better battle! Now, let's go enjoy the rest of the Festival of New Beginnings, my friends! At last, the party is drawing to a close, and look who's come to herald the ending ceremony: the Azure Dragon! The Divines must have appointed it as party planner... and I believe it wants to thank us personally for attending. We sure livened up the party with some great battles. And I bet if we party some more, we could get the Green Lion Dragon to come with us! Man, Arya really loves battles. They might be the most important thing to her! But I have to live with that for now. I'm glad I came, anyway. I can't believe I'm saying this but... I am, too. I guess friendships truly are forged in the fire of parties. ... N-NOT THAT WE'RE FRIENDS!

The First Fire: Dragon Board (19/11/08) (edit)

"Since time began its wicked turn, primordial fires burn and burn. If Chrono Dragons raise concern, the Proto Dragons soon return." I couldn't get that prophecy out of my head, ever since I touched it on the wall in the Rift... But now the Rifts are closed, and Chronos isn't giving me any answers. (That's right, pup. I've given you enough to work with -- the rest is yours to figure out.) AND its VOICE won't get out of my head either! AGH! I feel like I'm going nuts! ... It's a good thing I found you before Chronos transported us here. I don't know what it was thinking, but... Now that you're, er, yelling at yourself, I don't know if I'd trust you navigating this strange place alone. I've... never seen a dragon like that before -- at least, not in Dad's Codex. (What is a "Codex"? Is it edible? And what are your names? Who are you? Are you edible?) Wait, wait, wait! I can hear YOU, too?! Otto -- help! There are dragons in my brain! This is LITERALLY my worst nightmare! Sorry... I'm not sure what to do. I've flown the great seas in my balloon, but I've never encountered anything like THIS... (There's nothing to be afraid of, little human. The magma here makes life good for your kind and mine. It's what New Dragolandia is famous for.) (Did you not know that? What else do you not know? Will I find out if I battle you?) That dragon we fought told us we're in "New Dragolandia"... Otto, have you ever been to a place like that? I can't say I have... But maybe we'll get some answers from this creature -- it looks like it wants to tell you something, boy! (Your guardian is correct! I am called Zoli -- here on behalf of the Divines of the Pyramid. They wish to deliver you a message, hatchling.) I don't wish to hear it! (When you touched the ancient prophecy, the age-old bond between yourself and my kind was restored. Hooray!) (It is good, because we will need human help in the future. The future that your kind have irrevocably marred...) (Hello! Are you the new Scaleless? We're all very confused about you. Some are happy, some are scared. Me? I'm neither -- I'm Ik'ez.) I-I'm... um... I'm Ned. A-And this is my friend, Otto. (I can't believe I'm doing this...) (Okay! I'm gonna fight you and scare you away now. My hatcher will surely praise me if I do!) (But if I don't, my hatcher might be angry... They're scary when they're angry. It's bad! That's why I have to beat you!) I really don't like that logic! Are you okay, Ned? Hoggie would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you. I wish Dad were here right now, honestly. He'd handle this way better than I ever could. I bet he'd give up his Codex to have this power I don't even want! (Quiet your noisy snout, Scaleless! Your kind is so loud, so disruptive, so ungrateful! I can't stand your kind!) W-Wait, what? Um, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you mad -- I don't really know what to do about my... scaleless-ness. It's rare for a dragon to show true anger at a human. How odd... Or is this how dragons have thought all along?! (Oh, hello, sweet little humans! It's nice to see your species thriving, but I do hope you're not here to dig up my nice earth, like some of your kin...) This one seems a little friendlier than the last. What's it saying, boy? W-We're not here to dig up anyth-- Wait... YOUR earth? (Well, I made it, didn't I? All the soft soil and soaring mountains -- those're mine! So please don't hurt them, okay?) (Of course, my nice earth would be nothing without magma and heat. That's why I have to battle you, before I let you meet my leader!) There you are! Are you two the newcomers that've got our dragons all worked into a tizzy? Ah -- and Audo, is that you? RATHORN?! What in Dragolandia are YOU doing here? And who's Audo?! ... Eh? Who is this "Rathorn"? My name is Delith, and it seems like I've misnamed you, my familiar-looking friend. Well, confusion aside, I'm sure you two are here for some of New Dragolandia's famous dragon battles. Unfortunately, I've only got time to entertain you with a single one! Strange things are afoot, and my presence is needed elsewhere. So, either Rathorn's got another personality, and I'm hallucinating all this, or dreaming, or... Have I lost my mind, Otto? I'm scared. (Scared? Of me?) Huh...? NOW THAT YOU MENTION IT: YES! I am VERY scared of you, and I want to go home! (I have never understood your human fears. Why fear the dark -- especially when it cools the oppressive heat around you?) I don't know what that Darkfire Dragon is saying, boy, but we don't need to fear it. When we battle dragons, we understand them better... And if you take a moment to understand someone, no matter what they look like, you'll find you're less afraid... *sigh* I've been thinking about what you said, Otto... I'll try to understand dragons -- I mean, I have that ability now, I guess. (Can you understand? That's good -- my human can't! I used to be able to talk with her, but she can't hear me anymore...) That's--! (Take a deep breath, Ned, you can do this...) *sigh* That's really sad, actually. It hurts to be misunderstood by someone you love. Um... is there anything we can do to, uh, help? (Yes! Way to go, boy! Ah, if only Hoggie could see you now...!) (Well, you could tell my human I'd like more fruit for breakfast... And you can battle me! My human never knows when I want to play anymore!) (You must be the strange Scaleless from another realm, new to my lively caldera your kind call "New Dragolandia.") Hm. This one looks important. What's it saying, Ned my boy? (I am called Oyar. It was I who crawled forth from the earth's egg, split the land, and created this place where Scaleless and Scaled co-exist.) Um... Otto, I think we're meeting God. (Not God -- Oyar! You Scaleless can be so presumptuous. Come now, battle me so that I may know who you truly are!) (It is strange -- I cannot get a proper read on you. I know the rest of the Scaleless here like the pads of my claw, but I sense chaos in you two...) Oyar! Are you bothering these humans? You must remember to treat them as equals, with respect and empathy. (Hmph. It is difficult, Delith, when so many of them turn away from us in favor of their futile industry. Why, we cannot even speak as we used to.) I apologize, Audo, and you, young man. Oyar is frustrated that we humans have recently had difficulty "hearing" our dragon compatriots. I... *sigh* It's Otto, not Audo. Otto. (Let us battle again. I want to know more about these Scaleless. I sense they are from farther away than I once thought.) (Oh, hello again! Did you just battle my hatcher, Oyar? No wonder you look like wobbly hatchlings!) (But if you battled Oyar, and you're still here, that must mean you're "good." Good Scaleless can stay. I like them because they're fun -- like me!) (I LIKE playing with their machines. Sometimes, I make them explode, and the Scaleless run all around like ants! Say, Tall One, can I make YOU explode?) Um, Otto, you might want to step back. This one's a little unstable... Yeah, I think I'm beginning to understand why it's so important for people and dragons to understand each other. (I see you two've mingled with my more brutish comrades. They've become especially annoying since our understanding of humans grows thinner.) (It's a shame for me, too. I enjoy learning about your kind. I always want to know more.) (But I am young, and I'm told that before I was hatched, humans and dragons spoke much and were tightly intertwined.) If... if it makes you feel better, where I'm from, I have lots of friends who love your kind, and take care of them... (I see. It sounds like a beautiful future I can only dream of. Now, allow me to battle you. I am growing fond of you two.) *sigh* All right... Wait, future--?! Fill me in, Ned. It seems we've stumbled on quite a complicated situation -- and by some miracle, you're the one bearing the brunt of it. Based on everything we've been told... AND everything I've read in what little written history I can find... I think we're FAR in the past, like, at the beginning of everything we know... And I think that humans and dragons were ALL able to talk to each other. But the humans can't really hear the dragons anymore, and it's making everyone sad, and confused... Speaking of... Otto, you've been acting a little weird around Delith (and don't get me started on that Rathorn lookalike!) What's that abou--? (Hey! Your clumsy claws are tromping too close to my nest! You Scaleless never listen to anyone but yourselves, do you?!) Otto, you... Will you tell me what's going on? Why does Delith keep calling you "Audo"? Who IS Delith? ... There are a few things you and your dad don't know about me. What I can tell you is: I think-- no, I KNOW Delith is a distant relative of Rathorn. I'm sorry, boy, I'm not ready to say much more. And I've got no clue what made Delith's descendants eventually turn their backs on dragons... (Ah-ha! Humans! I positively adore humans! They used the caldera's magma to give my scales this GORGEOUS shape! Isn't it magnificent?) (Won't you battle me, you darling humans? It'll be such fun to show off my moves!) (You're looking less fearful than the last time I saw you, little human. I'm glad, although it makes me want to give you a fright...) (Forgive me. As a being of shadow, I enjoy a trick or two! But I am much more interested in unusual specimens like you and your guardian, and Delith...) And I am grateful for your fondness, Molim! This dragon is an excellent ally in my efforts to ease the growing divide between our species... Alas, this crusade of understanding is why I've been so busy. How can we live together when humans and dragons look ever-away from each other? This... this is exactly what Dad fought for all those years ago! Delith, I think I understand you, and I think I get why dragons are so special... (The hatchling is growing before my eyes. Won't you humans entertain me with a battle of brain and brawn, in celebration?) (Delith! My earthquake made a whole new island! I think I'll call it "Arto." Will you ask the other humans to start planting trees upon it?) Arto! Otto, did you hear that? They just MADE Arto! Is this really how the Dragolandian islands began?! Delith, this might be hard to understand, but... Ned and I are from the far future of Dragolandia. We've been sent here, but we're not sure why. And the boy's suddenly been given the ability to understand dragons, as you can see. It's... probably a good thing, but there's a lot we don't know. That's... er... quite a lot to take in, although it's in line with Oyar's suspicions of you. (Enough of this serious talk -- I'm so excited, I want to battle!) (Hatchling Ned, I sense great reluctance, but also great resolve in you. I am drawn to creatures like you and your guardian, who exist between worlds.) That's pretty spot on... I think I know what I have to do now. Like the prophecy said, I need one -- or all -- of you guys to come with us to the future. (It's as I thought. The oddest of us always have the best stories. I can only urge you to do what's right with your knowledge and your gift.) I... I will. I'll try. (Come, it does no good to frown. Let us have a rollicking battle to send you off on your great destiny!) (Molim told me you two are leaving, so Oyar is going to put me in charge while they accompany you!) Oyar is coming with us...? Wow-- Wait, YOU'RE gonna be in charge?! (Yeah. Yamad doesn't think I can do it, but I can! I can help humans with their machines, and make sure everything's hot, and... stuff.) Um, Ik'ez, right? I know what it's like to be different from your dad. Or hatcher. It's hard, but I hope you do what's right. And not explode stuff. (If that's what it means to be a good leader, then... I guess I'll try! Hey, Ned, will you battle me again?) (I hear Oyar is going to the future with you two. I'm worried what it will mean for us, but I know it's important.) (I like to worry, and I like to think. Others say that's unusual, but I don't care. I want to see the future one day. I hope it's interesting.) It's... definitely interesting. And I think it's good to think hard about stuff, Yamad! Here, I'll give you one of my books so you can study the future. (... Thank you. I like you, Ned, and your quiet guardian. Will you battle me before you go?) Yeah -- we'd be happy to! Oyar, if my thinking is right, we need your help to stop a really bad future from happening -- a future that threatens dragons, and all Dragolandia. *sigh* I can't help but be anxious about all this, but I know it's for the best. Tell me, at least, has my work mattered at all in your future? It... ... Actually, yeah, it has. It mattered a lot, a-and I'll make sure it continues to matter, Delith! Come on, Ned. We've got a lot of work to do. (Indeed. I'd like to battle one last time before we get to it! Scaleless-- no, humans, let us celebrate!)

Blizzard Buddies (19/12/13): (edit)

Gwuh...? Where... where am I? I was asleep, in my bed, and... Why am I on the edge of Frosty Woods all of a sudden? What's going on?! I'll tell you what's going on: You've been KIDNAPPED! The Battling Bard has need of you, boy... Eep! T-T-The Dunkelviking! But what are you--... Are you going to use me as dragon bait? No... As target practice?! HA! Don't be ridiculous! You, my lad, are going to help me write my first-ever Frost Festival holiday album! ... What? It's simple! "Frost On My Lutestrings: A Battling Bard Celebration" will have six songs on it, each inspired by a wintry dragon of yore! But I can't be INSPIRED by those dragons if I can't find them and battle them, can I? And to do THAT, I need YOU to tell me all about them! Well... you or your father, really. But the last time I kidnapped ol' Hogwin, it didn't exactly go as planned, now, did it? Anyhow: That's why you're kidnapped, the first dragon is here in these woods, and MY ALBUM WILL BE UNSTOPPABLE. That about covers it! ... What?! HALT!!! Whoa there, lad! That majestic specimen before us... it's the first of the six wintry dragons! Tell me what you know of it -- quickly! Uh... It's... uh... Well... It's... red? ... Good enough for me! TASTE THE POWER OF MY POWER CHORDS, FOEDRAGON!!! "Like cherry blossoms in the breeze, my foe was blown away with ease..." HA! I like that! But where'd that dragon run off to anyhow? O-Oh! The Cherry Ice Dragon is very reclusive... but if we gather up enough shiny stuff, it should come out of its den and befriend us. I think. HA! See? And here YOU thought you wouldn't be any good at this! Well? What are we waiting for? Time's a-wasting, and we have five more dragons to battle before my holiday album is done! Let's forge ahead! Uh... Well... I guess I'm not getting back to my bed anytime soon, so... okay... One question, though: What actually IS a "holiday album"? You know: an ALBUM! Like a book full of festive engravings -- only with the sheet music for my songs in it! Doesn't Hogwin teach you anything? Uh... Yes? I mean... um... N-Never mind... Hush, boy... We've arrived at Gustyvale Village: the fabled stalking-ground of the legendary Frost Dairy Dragon! Stealth is of the essence... Uh... actually, it's called the Frost Fairy Dragon? The "Frost Dairy Dragon" is a subspecies of the possibly apocryphal Gelato Dragon-- I SAID HUSH, BOY! STEALTH IS OF THE ESSENCE!!! Y-Y-Y-Yessir, Mr. Dunkelviking, sir! There it is, boy! I KNEW my masterfully stealthy yelling would draw its attention... What do you know of this fabled beast? Uh... It's said that, if you look into its eyes, it can cause visions of sugared plums to dance in your head...? HA! Informative AND delicious... and just the piece of lore I need to face this Frost Fairy and TRIUMPH! "Fairy dragon made of snow... I beat you just now. You can go!" A fine first line for a power ballad, wouldn't you agree? Uh... actually, if you're open to constructive criticism, I... um... have a few notes, and... uh... N-Never mind. Courage, my lad! Twinkle Village is just over that ridge -- we'll have to hurry if we're to climb Frostytoes Peak by dawn! Uh... I've actually been here before, so I... uh... I know that already... What's that, boy? If you want to be as strong OR as stealthy as me, you'll have to learn to speak up! Look around you, my lad: Twinkle Village! Home to our next battle... and my next award-winning song! (And my Great-Great-Aunt Hogwinona, if I remember right...) Haven't you been listening AT ALL, boy!? We're not here to fight your great-great-aunt -- we're here to fight a DRAGON! AND SPEAK UP! O-Okay! I'll... uh... ... ... I'll try? Right! Now-- THE LI'L ANGEL DRAGON IS KNOWN FOR ITS GENTLE DEMEANOR AND DISTINCTIVE MEZZO-SOPRANO VOCAL STYLINGS! Uh... SIR! Ha-HA! NOW you're getting it! "An Angel fought with harmony... but now it's hanging out with me! Oh, what a striking twist this be!" ... And then there's a 20-minute lute solo. Well? How's THAT for a third song in my holiday album? Remember what I've told you, boy: Speak up! *cough* ... I... *hack* ... I would... but after the last time I did that, I... *AHEM* ... I think I need a lozenge... Ah-HEM... Uh... I was gonna say this earlier, Mr. Dunkelviking, sir... but you don't really have to keep calling me "boy." "Ned" is just fine. Ned, eh? Well, brave of you to push through your sore throat to say so! In that case, you may call me "Duncan." Duncan... Wait... That's your name? You have an actual NAME?! Of course I do, Ned, my boy! "Duncan-the-Viking!" You Dragolandians just keep pronouncing it with an "L" for some reason... Pft... HAHAA! Ohh, the look on your face! Joking aside, though: Dunkelviking may be my title, but Duncan IS my name. Call me by it if you wish! Right... SOME holiday albums sag in the middle when the songwriter runs out of material. I swear by my beard... THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN THIS DAY! YEAH!!! I mean... uh... Hooray...? Ha! Your first instinct was the right one, Ned, my boy! This IS a joyful occasion -- it deserves enthusiasm! AND LOUDNESS!!! YEAH, DUNCAN! LET'S GO FIND US A REINDEER DRAGON!!! (Whoo! That was actually sorta fun...) Okay: the Reindeer Dragon of Cracklecrunch Lake comes in EIGHT distinctive subspecies: the Dasher Dragon, the Dancer Dragon, the-- FACE THE RESOUNDING CRESCENDO OF MY HEART-SYMPHONY, YOU MAJESTIC LAKE-MONARCH! HRAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!! ...aaaand there he goes. Ahhhhh... Another battle well fought, and another song well written! As it turns out, there are a LOT of good rhymes for "reindeer." On to Frostytoes Peak, Ned, my lad! And don't try to stop my singing on the way, either -- many have tried, and few have succeeded! Heh... I know the feeling. I used to have to read my history books after my dad was asleep... but I still read them! Wait... You didn't just kidnap me so we could hang out and talk about the stuff we like to do... did you? WHAT?! NO! That's-- NO!!! That is SILLY, and I am going to write a SONG about how SILLY that is! Harrumph, Ned, my boy! HARRUMPH!!! Focus on the task at hand, Ned, my boy! The Yeti Dragon of the Frostytoes Foothills is a fearsome opponent indeed... Which is why YOU must hold my cape while I charge its hiding place, hollering a challenge-song at the top of my lungs! "COME OOOUT, YETI--" Uh... Mr. Duncan, sir? You said you wanted me to speak up, so... I have a suggestion. I know you're good at fighting, but I'm good at history... ...so why don't you actually stop and listen to what I know this time? BEFORE you charge. It might even help you write a better song! Hrrrrrmmmm... Well, I DO love charging... but I love writing better songs just as much! Very well, Ned, my lad... let's try things your way. ... So, in Ancient Dragolandian, "Yeti" roughly translates to "Dragon of the Rocky Place"... but it's usually called "The Abominable Snow-Dragon"! Must... not... charge... immediately...!!! Haha! It's okay, Duncan -- that's all I had to say! You can go and fight it now if you want. "I faced the mighty Snow-Dragon Abominable, and..." And... Hrmmm. How about "But its attacks were deflected by my muscles abdominal!" I mean... I know it's not a perfect rhyme, but... Ha HA! Well-composed, Ned, my lad! We'll make a bard of you yet! Let's get up to the top of Frostytoes Peak, Duncan! I can't wait to see who the last dragon is... I bet I'll get SO many good lyrics ideas! And I bet I'll be inspired by your lore-mastery in turn, Ned, my boy! In fact... why don't we credit you as co-writer on the final song? Duncan... I wouldn't have even known that was something I wanted yesterday... but OH MY GOODNESS YES, PLEASE. All right, Co-Writer Ned: the summit of Frostytoes Peak -- and the finale of our album -- features the mysterious Avalanche Dragon in all its glory! Now... what do you know about this beast that might lend itself to a face-meltingly triumphant musical spectacular? SO MANY THINGS, Duncan! You start looking for the dragon -- I'm gonna get my notebook out and write down everything I can remember about it! Okay: fun fact! Did you know that, in certain parts of Dragolandia, the Avalanche Dragon is more commonly known as the "Snowslide Dragon"? I do NOW, Ned, my lad! Did YOU know that I plan to best it with an effortlessly timed Battling Bard Battering Barrage, singing all the while? Haha! I do NOW, Duncan! "Call it an Avalanche or call it a Snowslide..." "...defeating it soundly was reason to show pride!" Twenty-minute lute solo? TWENTY-MINUTE LUTE SOLO!!! NED! Thank goodness you're safe! I heard the Dunkelviking kidnapped you, and I came here to RESCUE you, and-- ... And... you're fine. And in the middle of singing a duet? With Dunky. What even is happening right now? What's HAPPENING is that me and my co-writer are putting the final touches on our holiday album! And, may I add, having GREAT fun doing it! Yeah!!! Happy Frost Festival, Arya! Hey -- wanna sing backup vocals on our grand finale? I know you'd be great at it! Uh... I'm still REALLY confused right now, but that kind of sounds amazing? Count me in -- and Happy Frost Festival to you guys, too!

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See Also

• Characters, for the complete list of game characters and character descriptions.
• Ned (disambiguation), for other uses of the name "Ned".
• Dialogues, for all in-game dialogues.