Mr. Thornberry: GPS says we're close. Keep pace, got it?
sighs Alright, I hope that's accurate. We can't afford to get lost out here.
we won’t sir looks at the GPS
nervously taps his fingers against his thigh Hurry up, CharmingDunes. We're running low on time.
we enter a circle of mushrooms and I feel a feeling of unease then the ground slowly starts to move like a big shake but it’s only coming from a little ways in front of us
eyes widen What the hell is happening?! Stay close, CharmingDunes! We need to stick together in this mess!
quickly scans the area There must be some sort of trap or mechanism here. Stay alert, CharmingDunes!
the ground is moving like quicksand but it’s not quicksand I’ve seen this before but where…the ground moves fast then stops
takes a cautious step forward We need to investigate this further. Keep your eyes peeled, CharmingDunes.
it looks like there was something here before the ground moved I see a small trail of footprints 5 heading towards the direction the ground went looks back at the ground the ground is now perfectly still
examines the footprints closely Five...heading towards the direction of the ground shift. This could be important. We need to follow these tracks, CharmingDunes.
what do you think caused the ground to move like that sir
thoughtfully taps his chin It could be some sort of underground creature or maybe a hidden machinery.
I think it’s a creature of some sort because of how it moved like quicksand but more solid
As Mr. Thornberry and CharmingDunes follow the trail of footprints, they suddenly come face-to-face with a massive, burly creature emerging from the ground, its eyes glowing menacingly in the dark.
steps protectively in front of CharmingDunes Stay calm, CharmingDunes! We need to find a way to handle this situation without provoking the creature.
the creature starts making a deep grunting sound then a rumbling noise as it begins to speak
stammers W-what...it can talk? How is that even possible?
shouting over the creature's grunts CharmingDunes, stay quiet! We need to listen to what it's saying. Maybe we can find a way to reason with it!
what are you talking about sir?
holds up a hand to signal for silence Shh! Listen to it! It's trying to communicate with us. Stay calm and pay attention to its words.
slowly and cautiously This...this thing, why are you here? What do you want from us?
what are you talking about sir?
frantically gestures to the creature CharmingDunes, listen to me! We need to try and understand what it wants. Maybe we can negotiate or find a way to peacefully resolve this.
speaking in a shaky voice W-what kind of creature are you? Why do you have the ability to speak?
sir did you just say it can speak?
nods quickly Yes, CharmingDunes, it can speak! We need to take advantage of that and try to communicate with it.
I didn’t know creatures could do that looks at the giant creature oh no backs up a bit scared
steps forward confidently Don't worry, CharmingDunes. We're going to handle this situation together. Just stay close to me and keep your composure.
takes a deep breath Alright, CharmingDunes, let's try to communicate with this creature. Remember to stay calm and speak clearly.
clears his throat and speaks in a firm voice Um, excuse me? Can you understand me? We mean you no harm and we just want to know why you're here. Can you please explain yourself? Giant Creature: pauses, seemingly considering the question before responding in a deep, rumbling voice I am here because this land once belonged to my kin. Your kind took it from us, and now I have come to reclaim what is rightfully mine. Mr. Thornberry: furrows his brow Your kin? What do you mean by that? Who exactly are you referring to? Giant Creature: lifts its head to meet Mr. Thornberry's gaze, speaking with a hint of anger I speak for the ancient ones who dwelled here before you. We were driven out, forced to hide. Now, we seek our rightful place again. Mr. Thornberry: glances at CharmingDunes, then turns back to the creature I-I'm sorry to hear that. But, um, is there anything we can do to help you? We're willing to listen and try to make things right. Giant Creature: (lowers its head slightly, contemplating Mr. Thorn
I feel scared but I try to stay calm
carefully approaches the creature We may not fully understand your plight, but we can work together to find a solution. Is there anything specific that you need from us? The creature lifts its head once more, its glowing eyes narrowing as it considers Mr. Thornberry's words. After a moment, it responds in a low, gravelly voice. Giant Creature: Your acknowledgment of our existence is the first step. We need access to the lands that were taken from us. Return them to us, and we will coexist peacefully.
wait isn’t that the whole reason we came here for?
pauses for a moment, thinking deeply You're right, CharmingDunes. We did come here to uncover the secrets of these lands. If returning these lands to their rightful owners is the only way to achieve that, then so be it. We will do whatever it takes to make things right. turns to the creature, speaking with determination We will help you regain your lands. But in return, you must promise to remain peaceful and cooperate with us. Do you agree to these terms? Giant Creature: nods slowly, its glowing eyes dimming as it agrees to the conditions Very well. We shall honor our agreement.
claps his hands together Alright, CharmingDunes! Now that we have an understanding with our new friend, let's get to work. We have a lot to do and time is of the essence. First things first, we need to gather information about these lands. Can you start by telling us more about the ancient ones who lived here? For example, where did they come from and how long ago did they inhabit this place?