Misson Spy Start

Emerging from slumber, Saru's immediate realization ignited an awareness of Yuki's conspicuous absence within their shared abode. Stepping into the crisp morning air, he undertook a vigilant survey of his surroundings, confronted with the stark truth that Yuki's soothing aura was notably absent within the village's confines. Curiosity and concern blended, tugging at his thoughts. Driven by an escalating unease, he embarked on a resolute journey toward the farm, seeking solace in the rhythmic exertion of manual labor while hoping it might provide both distraction and answers. "Good day," Saru's voice reverberated with a genuine blend of concern and determined resolve as he approached the farmstead. "Is everything well? Could an extra pair of hands be of service?" The farmers exchanged knowing glances, their eyes appraising the sincerity behind Saru's words. After a reflective pause, one of them tossed a hoe his way, indicating a neglected patch of earth. The unspoken agreement hung heavy in the air. Saru's agile reflexes caught the tool in a fluid motion, his steps unwavering as he gravitated toward the awaiting task. Each rhythmic swing of the hoe breaking the soil created a melodic cadence, harmonizing with the whirlwind of thoughts coursing through his mind. As the seeds nestled into their new homes within the freshly turned soil, he found profound solace in the tactile act of nurturing the land. An unforeseen twist ushered in the presence of the girl he had encountered by the graveside the day before. Presenting a series of images, she instantaneously rekindled his curiosity. "It's truly captivating that she's associating with individuals draped in regal purples. Though the connection to the Kingdom of Death's aesthetics is evident, certainty eludes me. Exercise discretion in your reconnaissance. Above all, remain unseen," he advised the girl, who nodded, embodying tacit comprehension before gracefully retreating into the embrace of daylight.

Fast-forwarding in time, we arrive in a town nestled within the Kingdom of Death:

Perched atop rooftops, the girl intently observed Yuki as she engaged with figures draped in opulent purple attire. Transactions of items, maps, and information unfolded, laden with an unspoken gravitas. The rhythmic clicking of the girl's camera shutter echoed her unwavering determination to unveil hidden truths. "My aim is to substantiate Yuki's duplicity for Saru." The townspeople bowed in reverence as the King approached Yuki. Amelia, the observer, adroitly positioned herself to capture the pivotal moment. With a sword raised, the King proclaimed Yuki as the sovereign queen of the Kingdom of Death. Through Amelia's lens, the exact moment when a golden tiara graced Yuki's brow was immortalized. "Saru won't accept this passively."

Meanwhile, back in Saru's village:

Seated on the earth, quenching his thirst after three grueling hours of labor, Saru found himself approached by a villager bearing revelations. Intrigued, he rose to his feet, following the man to the heart of the village, where a modest castle stood. Saru's eyes widened, a symphony of astonishment and gratitude playing across his features. His smile reflected a rich tapestry of appreciation and responsibility. "Who is the artisan responsible for this remarkable creation?" he inquired, his tone a delicate weaving of admiration and curiosity. "I intend to compensate them for their remarkable achievement," Saru earnestly conveyed. However, his words were met with a gentle shake of the villager's head, followed by the emergence of workers from behind the castle walls, genuflecting before him. "No need, sir. A castle befits a king," their words resonated, leaving Saru momentarily taken aback. "Trust me, I am no king. I command neither subjects nor victories," he humbly asserted. In the midst of this profound exchange, a worker rose, adding their voice. "But what if we wish to stand by your side in facing the Kingdom of Death? Though we are humble laborers, our resolve is unwavering. We won't bear to see our lord harmed." Saru smiled, deeply moved. "I understand and appreciate your sentiments, but it would pain me even more to add more lives to the graveyard through senseless bloodshed. There's a young girl under my wing; her brother fell during that attack, now resting in that very graveyard. I hope you see my perspective." As the conversation continued, an unexpected visitor entered the village, walking up behind Saru. It was Raven. "Well, it seems you have your hands full," Raven said with a chuckle. Saru looked over and saw Raven's familiar face. "How did you find this place, Raven? It's pretty well hidden, and I sealed it off with the Mad Wolf's magic." Raven laughed. "You seem to have forgotten that the Mad Wolf gave us a map with all of our villages marked. It wasn't that hard to find." Saru nodded and looked around, his eyes searching for that map. He rushed into a nearby house, tearing through things in search of the map. Eventually, he found it and hurried back outside to show Raven. "Here it is," he said, holding up the map. Raven examined it briefly before speaking again. "Impressive castle you've got here. Looks like you're preparing to take on the Kingdom of Death." Saru shrugged, a mix of uncertainty and determination in his expression. "Honestly, I'm more nervous than anything. There's so much that could go wrong. But I have a question. I need you to summon the Mad Wolf and Aryan for me. We have an urgent matter to address." Raven stepped outside and fired a flare into the sky, signaling everyone to gather. Aryan and the Mad Wolf, who were in separate villages, saw the flare and responded with their own signal. Raven returned inside. "They're on their way." Saru took his seat upon the throne as he watched the door slowly open, revealing Aryan holding the girl who was under Saru's wing. "Hey, bro. I've got this strange person lurking around the village," Aryan spoke up. Saru laughed. "No, that's my spy. I had her undertake a mission for us. Now we're just waiting for the Mad Wolf." Raven looked over at the spy. "So I'm Raven. It seems we'll be working together," he said, extending his hand. The girl smiled and shook his hand. "My name is Amelia Fox." Finally, the Mad Wolf arrived. "So, Saru, what is it?" Saru stood up from his throne and cleared a table in front of him. "Well, Amelia, lay the pictures on the table." As Saru, Raven, Aryan, and the Mad Wolf examined the pictures, Saru glanced at their faces before sighing and stating the obvious. "Seems we have a traitor among us." The Mad Wolf inspected the pictures and then knelt in front of Saru. "Look, Saru, I want to join your kingdom. I don't know what Yuki is planning, but it explains why we were ambushed and why she was taken as 'bait'." Saru took a step back. "Stand up, Mad Wolf." The old man complied. "I'm sorry, Saru. I didn't know she was selling us out." Raven slammed his hand on the table. "Come on, that's not cool." Aryan remained composed. "So how much information has truly been leaked?" Saru looked at everyone. "Truthfully, I don't know. But it might be best if we ally with even the kingdoms who hate us. Someone is bound to work with us."

Act 1 Over