Chereads / Wakfu: Past in the Shadows / Chapter 2 - Walk in the Forest, Ladies in Danger

Chapter 2 - Walk in the Forest, Ladies in Danger

(A/N): English is not my language, so if you find a grammatical error let me know; 🇧🇷

Opening 1 ♪:

Edmundo is seen waking up from a nap before picking up his sword and clipping it to his belt as he jumps to his feet and runs down a road as buildings loom up behind him like pictures in a book. As he runs, various cities come and go across the scenery as he makes his way before stopping and using his Elemental power over Earth to create a pillar of rock that lifts him into the air when he lands on a mountain range.

♪ Sois ♪

♪ le feu et la terre ♪

♪ L'eau et la poussière ♪

♪ Héros malgré toi! ♪

Upon landing on the ground, the redhead starts running forward jumping from mountain to mountain. However, when stepping falsely on some loose rocks, he begins to fall and before he reaches the ground, a golden arrow of energy is shot in his direction, hitting his shirt and nailing the edge of the mountain, preventing him from continuing to fall.

The boy sighs in relief before vines appear below him, letting go of the arrow and landing on the vines that take him upwards before throwing him into the air. He rises a little in the air before landing in a jungle area with several images of trees behind him and when looking ahead the swordsman sees Evangelyne and Amália who helped him moments ago while behind them they appear a while with the two together as they smile at the camera.

The redhead smiles at the two as the three embrace before running ahead together with Edmundo leading while Cra and Sadida follow close behind.

♪ Vois ♪

♪ la légende s'écrire ♪

As they look up, the group finds Ruel digging in the ground before finding a gold nugget and smiles happily as he tucks the ore into his bag as a gear system behind him shows an image of his smiling face.

Edmundo then teleports him, Evangelyne and Amália to Ruel's side, who is happy to see the three of them while laughing happily.

♪ L'histoire se construire ♪

♪ L'avenir est notre aventure ♪

Shortly after, the quartet is seen climbing a moving circular platform and then a blue figure passes by them accompanied by a Tofu.

The figure then slows down when it stops at a gear and reveals itself to be Yugo followed by Az who lands on his shoulder. The boy and bird then wave smilingly at the camera as the system behind them opens a white flag that features the boy in the blue hat with a magic circle in his hand about to create a portal.

The little boy then opens a portal at his side through which Edmundo, Evangelyne, Amália and Ruel come out, who gather smiling around the boy in the blue hat while the redhead with the white belt messes up the hair of the smaller one who smiles before the swordsman catches him in the arms. arms and drape him over his shoulders as Yugo smiles happily at his brother as the quintet moves on.

♪ Fais ♪

♪ vivre la lumière ♪

Shortly after, in an area similar to the sea the group goes through a platform before stopping at the edge when two Tofu birds raise a red flag showing Percedal with a smile on his face raising his great Shushu sword in the air while doing a heroic pose and smiling victoriously. .

The Iop is seen falling from the sky, crashing into his flag and taking it down with him, he then falls into the sea wetting his clothes. Upon seeing this, Edmundo uses his Elemental power over Water to grab his brother in arms and place him on the same platform the group was on.

Then the boy uses his Elemental power over Air to dry the clothes of the young Shushu Guardian Iop who takes advantage of the breeze to smile heroically and resume his hero pose looking extremely amazing with the wind blowing through him while the others laugh about it before let the group move forward.

♪ Parler les éclairs ♪

♪ La magie entre tes mains ♪

Then the sextet is now seen divided into pairs, running while facing various monsters in their path. The first is a laughing minotaur that is knocked down by Percedal with a sweep and then Yugo appears from one of his portals when he lands on the minotaur's back before running after the Iop.

Next, Amália and Evangelyne are seen on a slightly higher platform while facing a vampire bat that dodged the arrows that Cra fired at it only for vines from vines created by Princess Sadida to grab it from behind, immobilizing it while a freezing arrow hits him freezing him in a falling block of ice as the two girls smile at each other before clapping their hands together in a high-five.

On the next platform, Edmundo and Ruel are seen running towards a Kamas-devouring Genie who attacks the swordsman who dodges his attack while using his Elemental power over Fire to launch a blast of burning flames towards the retreating Genie raising his arms. arms to defend himself and when he lowers his arms, Ruel appears hitting him in the head with his shovel causing the Genie's eyes to spin in their sockets before he falls to the ground as the Enutrof and the swordsman pat each other on the back congratulating themselves on a job well done.

♪ Pars ♪

♪ suivre ton chemin ♪

Now reunited again, the group finds themselves in a more jungle-like background as they come face to face with a large giant golem that resists everyone's attack and takes a menacing step towards the sextet while roaring ferociously at them causing everyone to retreat. .

♪ Et regarde ♪

Edmundo then takes the lead of the group as he holsters his sword before taking the horse's defensive fighting stance. A blue aura surges around the swordsman as a glow appears on his forehead revealing the dragon's mark. Then Edmundo cups his hands together as he gathers Wakfu energy in his hands before firing a powerful blue energy beam at the golem knocking him to the ground.

♪ Ton futur ♪

The group congratulates the swordsman on his feat when they suddenly notice several hooded monsters approaching them. Suddenly a rope ladder falls from the sky as the group quickly climbs it managing to escape their pursuers.

♪ L'aventure ♪

Upon reaching the next platform, they found Serena, an Eniripsa, and Adamai, a young arm dragon, who had thrown down the ladder and were waiting for their friends. The Eniripsa runs to Edmundo before hugging him affectionately while Adamai goes to Yugo and gives him a hug before everyone looks at the screen then at each other before jumping to the screen while Edmundo who was in the middle, draws his sword when you cut the screen in half it opens revealing a single word.

♪ Ta lumière guider ton destin ♪

Wakfu...

In a forest outside the village of Emelka, there were two very familiar girls sitting around a small fire as they waited for their food to be cooked while talking to each other.

Amalia: Oh, I love walking! Although, I know, we could have stopped at Emelka. These country taverns are always full of surprises. One day, Lady Camelia told me that she heard a Iop ask for a second helping of cockroaches in her soup. Because he likes crunchy food! But seriously, a bonfire, sleeping under the stars, all that... It's more of an adventure than staying in an inn, don't you think?

Evangelyne: Um, too bad our "adventure" will only last a few days.

Amalia: That's it?! Ham... I mean... The prophecy may take time to come true. Or we can get lost in the woods. Or being cornered by bandits. Or maybe you meet a handsome guy on our journey.

After Amalia says this, she then remembers when Evangelyne ran away from the red-haired boy she found at Emelka's entrance gate.

Amalia: Speaking of which, why did you run away from that guy back in Emelka?

Evangelyne: R-Run away? I didn't run away from him. Why would I run away from a guy?

Amalia: It looked like you were in a hurry to get out of there. *smiling*

Amalia then earns a sly smile before teasing her friend.

Amalia: Was it love at first sight?

Evangelyne then starts to blush as she starts to panic.

Evangelyne: Don't talk nonsense! I do not like him! Don't even know him well! He's just a silly boy with a sword who does nothing but get himself into trouble!

Amalia: Silly boy...? You haven't even talked to him, how do you know he gets into trouble.

Evangelyne: I... Can we change the subject, please?

Amalia: Okay. Anyway, our Dragoturkeys look pretty tired. We deviate a little.

Evangelyne: Your prophetic dream couldn't come at a better time, exactly one day before your brother's birthday, with whom you just had a fight.

Amalia: Ah, you know how prophecies are. They always show up at the wrong time.

Evangelyne: Hey. Don't think I'm the same as a Iop.

Amalia: That's enough, dinner is ready!

Amalia then handed Evangelyne a stick that was covered in several different plants and a small animal on it.

Amalia: White things are roots.

Evangelyne, who was confused about what was on the stick, takes a bite and reluctantly swallows.

Amalia: Um, good, huh? It's good isn't it?

Evangelyne: *sarcastically* Um. They taste like adventure.

[Timeskip with Amalia and Evangelyne walking through the forest while small dark creatures watch them from the shadows]

Currently in the village of Emelka, citizens were fleeing from small black creatures that turned townspeople into bushes. Edmundo, Yugo, Ruel and Alibert were all trying their best to destroy the creatures and save everyone.

Ruel: Say hello to the human digger, you black boogers! Ruel Stroud is here!

Ruel then raises his shovel in the air and then slams it into a group of black creatures. Meanwhile, a group of creatures were chasing a woman, but they tried to run in the opposite direction as Yugo chased them into a barrel and swung a spatula at them.

Edmundo is seen surrounded by several of the small black creatures as he carries a child in his arms, he looks around and finding no way out he draws his sword, wielding it in his right hand while holding the child in his left before swinging the sword and make a series of accurate cuts and listen to slicing several of the creatures. Edmundo then runs to the door of a house before handing the child over to her parents.

Edmundo: Quickly, seek shelter and confine yourself safely.

The family nods in agreement before Edmundo turns and walks away before destroying more of the creatures.

Alibert: Get out of my village, you nasty little things!

Alibert, who was surrounded by the small black creatures, started to smash them with his shovel. He then hears a little girl's children scream and looks up to see that there was a woman and three children about to be attacked by the creatures.

Jason: Mia!

Jason was about to climb out the window and save the woman and children when he was stopped by Alibert.

Alibert: Stay safe, Jason! Let me take care of it.

Alibert then slammed his shovel into the small black creatures, destroying them. Jason then notices that one of the creatures was reaching out for Alibert's foot.

Jason: Mister Mayor, watch out!

It was too late when the creature touched Alibert and caused his body to slowly transform into a bush. Edmundo and Yugo realize this and run to Alibert.

Yugo: Daddy!

Edmundo: Mr. Alibert!

Alibert: Listen, Yugo! A message will appear and tell you where to find your real family. The message! Find the message.

With that being said, Alibert's entire body was turned into a bush as he stopped moving and talking. Yugo's eyes widen in shock and he starts to shake Alibert while trying to get some kind of response out of him.

Yugo: Daddy! Not! Move! Say something!

As Edmundo watched Yugo try to shake Alibert awake, he began to feel a familiar sensation in his chest. He then walks over to Yugo and then pats him on the head and tries to make him feel better.

Edmundo: Sorry, Yugo. Don't worry my new friend, I promise on my sword that I will help you save your father.

Yugo looks at Edmundo with tears in his eyes before hugging the redhead as his tears continue to fall. Edmundo tensed with the boy's action, but soon returned the hug before patting Yugo on the head.

Edmundo: Don't worry. Let's get your father back.

??? : Where are they?

Everyone then hears a voice and then looks to see where it came from. They then look over and see the orange haired boy running and looking for someone.

??? : Where are they? The boy and the swordsman who saved me from that terrible Rubilax!

Ruel: Ah, look who I woke up. The doll woke up.

Percedal: Sir Percedal of Grimwood. Noble knight, of the Guardian Order of Shushus.

Percedal then turns his attention to Edmundo and Yugo before speaking.

Percedal: You two saved my soul!

The Iop then kneels before the redhead and the young Eliatrope who look at each other a little confused.

Percedal: I will pay this debt, even if it costs me my life!

??? : Don't talk to me like that. A knight? *laughs* I've heard that before.

Percdeal got angry and grabbed the small dagger that had an eye similar to the one he was in when he was a monster and started yelling at it.

Percedal: I order you to be quiet, demon!

Rubilax: You would still be a farmer's helper if it weren't for me. A dead farmer, that's what!

Percedal: I would have done just fine without you! I only had a minute of weakness, that was it!

Rubilax: The truth is, you are nothing but a short commoner, wholly unworthy of guarding a Shushu. Especially one from my class!

Percedal: Are you going to shut that racket or not?!

Rubilax: Guardian my nose-

Rubilax was slashed when Percedal began to slam his sword into the ground, causing Rubilax to groan in pain as he continued to taunt Percedal.

Edmundo: How about cutting the violence for now, Sir Percedal?

Ruel: Look, I know that in a couple's fight, we don't put the spoon, but we'll have more fish to catch.

Percedal stopped slamming Rubilax to the ground and looked around to see that some of Emelka's citizens had been turned into bushes.

Percedal: Ham, there are Polters here too, right? They raided two other villages. They come from the Forbidden Forest. I went myself, but didn't have time to find out much. I was attacked by a vile monster when I was sleeping.

Rubilax: And that's when you cried, so I promised to save your life. And then remember that-

Percedal: I told you to be quiet!

Percedal starts slamming Rubilax to the ground once more when Yugo looks at Alibert and then has an idea.

Yugo: The Forbidden Forest! Come on! If we find out why the Polters attacked us, we might be able to find a solution.

Edmundo: Well done, partner! That's how you say it! Let's go!

Little Boy: Please save our parents!

Yugo: Don't worry. Edmundo, Ruel, and I will sort everything out.

Ruel: Those who work for free are clocks, but I make an exception for an old friend.

Edmundo, Ruel and Yugo then walked away and left Percedal behind, who didn't notice as he was too busy slamming Rubilax against the ground.

Rubilax: Sir Percy, shouldn't you be following your saviors?

Percedal then looks around and notices that all three are gone. The rest of the citizens pointed in the direction they went and Percedal ran after them.

Percedal: Hey, wait! Don't go away!

[Timeskip with Edmundo, Yugo, Percedal and Ruel entering the Forbidden Forest while Yugo stays close to Edmundo]

Edmundo, Yugo, Ruel and Percedal left the village and entered the forest to find a cure for Alibert and the other villagers.

Ruel: Bounty hunter? *scoffs* Oh, you can't live like that anymore! It costs much more to look for rewards than to find them!

Meanwhile, Yugo used his powers to open a portal in front of Az and opened a portal behind him. Az who was confused about what Yugo was doing, flies to the portal and goes through the other one and leaves in front of Yugo.

Az is then startled by the trick and starts flying at incredible speed.

Ruel: Fifty years ago it was a respectable trade. But today, things got ugly...

Percedal: Fifty years ago? When were you born old man?

Ruel: Old ass, I can still kick that naked ass of yours.

Edmundo: I won't disagree with you.

Yugo: Hey, has anyone seen Az?

Az was hiding behind a tree and doesn't realize that a portal has opened behind him. Yugo then puts his hand through the portal and drags Az through it before laughing with Edmundo at how scared Tofu was.

Edmundo then messes up Yugo's hair before talking playfully.

Edmundo: His powers are pretty cool, little brother Yugo.

Yugo: Thank you, Edmundo. When we free daddy, we're going to scare him like that too, Big Brother.

Edmundo: Big brother?

Yugo: Yeah, I've always wanted a Big Brother and you've been really nice to me.

Edmundo: *laughs* It's okay, you can call me Brother if you want.

Edmundo then went back to walking with Yugo, the redhead however had a strange feeling about Yugo, as if he had met him before somewhere, Edmundo laughed at that and shook his head when thinking that this was just his imagination.

Percedal: The forest is huge! I spent a whole month here, and I didn't even see all of her. But I made a map so I wouldn't get lost.

Percedal then reaches into his pocket and rummages around and then pulls out a map that looks like it was drawn by a child. Edmundo looks at it without knowing exactly what he was seeing.

Edmundo: *sarcastic* I liked the simplicity. It will help a lot.

Ruel: I think we're fine here.

Percedal: Look, I don't know, but the map is pretty cute isn't it?

Ruel: Oh I see, Sir Percedal is an artist. Ever thought about selling your work? I have good contacts in Bonta.

Suddenly, a blue portal opens next to Percedal and then a hand comes and slams Percedal's shoulder. Percedal then looks around and then thinks that Ruel was the one who patted him on the shoulder, when it was actually Yugo. A blue portal opens beside Edmundo and then slams into his shoulder, causing him to look around and think it was Ruel too.

The two then laugh and pat Ruel on the back, greatly confusing the Enutrof as Yugo leaves the forest.

Ruth: Enough! No more running around! Yugo, go up there and have a look.

Yugo: That's a piece of cake!

Yugo then activated his powers once more and made a portal appear right in front of him and then jumps through it and ends up in a tree. Yugo jumps out of the tree and continues to create portals to fly through the forest as everyone else looks on in amazement.

Percedal: Wow! What a neat trick! Teach me that!

Edmundo: Incredible! I also want to learn!

Ruel: Oh smart boy!

Edmundo: Do you see something Little Brother?

Back with Yugo, he teleports up onto a tree and then sees a huge tree in the distance. He then makes another portal and then jumps through it before coming up behind Percedal and screaming.

Yugo: Boo!

Percedal is startled by the sound and then jumps away before pulling out Rubilax as the sword transforms into a green and white form.

Yugo: *laughs* There's a really big tree over there. Why don't we go there?

Rubilax: Bested by a child! *laughs* How pathetic!

Percedal snarls at this before speaking angrily.

Percedal: I already told you to be quiet!

Percedal then raises his sword in the air and slams it into the ground and makes Rubilax groan in pain. The four then travel towards the large tree that Yugo had seen.

Percedal: Look here, and let me tell you, this sword is unbearable! Believe me, being the guardian of a Shushu is no easy task!

Ruel: Guys, I just want to remind you that this is called the Forbidden Forest because it's the most dangerous forest in all of Amakna. And the reason we're here is to find out why the Polters attacked our village. So let's stay out of trouble. Above all, we must stick together.

Edmundo, Yugo, Percedal: Right!

Ruel: Good, why-

Ruel didn't have time to finish his sentence when Edmundo shut him up.

Edmundo: Shhhh!

Ruel: Are you telling me to shut up, boy?

Edmundo then raises his index finger before repeating his speech.

Edmundo: Shhhhh!

Ruel: But what the-

Edmundo: Shhhhh! Please be silent!

They do as asked and Edmundo looks around as his ears focus on one sound and he focuses only on his hearing.

Yugo: What is it, Edmundo?

Edmundo: I hear something...

Edmundo then turns in one direction before speaking with a serious look.

Edmundo: Come from there! Someone is in danger! We will!

He runs through the forest while the others follow right behind him, after a short while they hear something.

??? : HELP!

Suddenly, everyone hears a female voice screaming for help inside the forest. Percedal then draws his sword before taking several different poses.

Percedal: A damsel in distress! Awesome!

Having said that, Percedal passed Edmundo and ran with his sword in his hand towards the place where the scream came from. Suddenly, Edmundo smells the same familiar scent he smelled from Emelka's gates.

Edmundo: That smell again. We will!

Edmundo then runs in the same direction as Percedal and leaves Yugo, Ruel and Az behind.

Ruel: What's the part of "let's get together" that the two of them didn't understand?

Yugo: Then you better follow them!

With that said, Yugo then chases after Edmundo and Percedal.

Ruel: What a great idea. All dumb following the Iop.

Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Evangelyne and Amalia were surrounded by Polters. Amalia's Dragoturkey had turned into a bush as she used it to cling to a tree branch, while Evangelyne's Dragoturkey was scared of the Polters and moving around.

Amalia: But what do they want from us?

Evangelyne: What I want to know is... Wow. Wow! Why did I agree to this crazy plan?

Amalia successfully climbs the tree while Evangelyne takes her bow and pulls the string, causing an arrow made of energy to appear. She then fired the arrow at the Polters and turned them into goo.

Evangelyne: *imitating Amalia* "Of course they're friendly!" And you call yourself an adventurer?! Go for a while!

Amalia: Ah, but everyone makes mistakes, doesn't they?

Suddenly, Percedal comes out of the bushes and then swings his sword at the Polters several times and sends them running. He then laughs while doing even more poses which confuses Evangelyne.

One of the Polters then climbs a tree and goes towards Amalia to turn her into a bush.

Amalia: Oh how disgusting! So everywhere!

Yugo then teleports to the tree and opens a portal in front of the Polter and another one in the air. The Polter then goes through the portal causing him to fall out of the other one and land on the ground.

The Polter manages to get up and heads towards Evangelyne. Her Dragoturkey starts to back away from the Polter in fear before knocking Evangelyne down and running away. As Evangelyne is falling to the ground, Edmundo slips through the bushes and manages to catch her just in time. He then starts to smell her and realizes that the familiar scent was coming from her.

Edmundo: *sniffs* Hey, you smell very familiar.

Evangelyne: What are you... Watch out!

Edmundo then looks down and sees that the Polter was getting closer and closer to him. He then slightly lifts his foot in the air, before stomping down on the Polter. Just then, Ruel finally caught up with everyone as the fight ended and Edmundo put Evangelyne on the ground.

Ruel then turns to Evangelyne.

Ruel: I think we've seen each other through these stops. Ruel Stroud, your humble servant. And this here is Sir Percedal, the intrepid knight, and Yugo, my best friend's adopted son, and red-haired brat is the...

Evangelyne: Edmundo.

Everyone was shocked to learn that Evangelyne already knew Edmundo name.

Yugo: Do you know her, Edmundo?

Edmundo: I don't know, I don't know. I think not. She smells familiar, and I think I've seen those green eyes somewhere before.

Evangelyne: Really? I'll give you a chance, Airhead.

Edmundo: Airhead? The only person who calls me that is...

Edmundo eyes widen in shock as he finally realizes why Evangelyne and Amalia smelled so familiar to him. He then runs up to the two and gives them a big hug.

Evangelyne: We only saw each other once, but it took you a long time to notice.

Amalia: I had no idea it was you, Edmundo. I think that's what happens when you don't see each other for five years.

Edmundo: *laughs* Yeah, the last time we saw each other was when we met in the forest that day with the storm. Don't blame me if I didn't recognize them...

Edmundo then walks around the two looking at them from top to bottom.

Edmundo: ... You two have grown a lot...

The two girls then earn angry looks as they misunderstood what he had said before Amalia smacked the redhead in the head.

Amalia: After five years without seeing the two of us, is that the first thing you say?!

Edmundo then rubs the lump that formed before speaking.

Edmundo: Oh, oh, oh! That's not what I meant! And you didn't have to hit me! What I mean is that your faces have changed a lot, plus you're so much taller than before.

Edmundo then turns his gaze to the blonde.

Edmundo: Especially you Evangelyne, you're still taller than me.

Evangelyne then realizes that she was only an inch or two taller than Edmundo, just like when they were 12 years old. The blonde then decides to tease the redhead.

Evangelyne: Wouldn't you be the one who stays short? *laughs*

Edmundo: Short?!

Evangelyne laughed at Edmundo's reaction, after all she knew he didn't like it very much when people called him short. He then resolves to return the tease with a teasing smile.

Edmundo: Wouldn't you be too big, Elf.

It was Evangelyne's turn to be annoyed at being called an Elf, she snarls at this while Edmundo laughs at it.

Edmundo: But how did you recognize me so quickly?

Amalia: You wear the same style of clothing you wore when we first met.

Edmundo: Huh? Is it right? Hehe.

Amalia: Afterwards, you and I are going to do a general cleaning in your closet.

Ruel: Look, I know the conversation is good, and that you three must have a lot to catch up on, but can you introduce us to your friends Edmundo?

The redhead then scratches the back of his head before speaking.

Edmundo: Guys, these girls are my friends. This is Evangelyne, and she is Amalia.

Evangelyne: Why are you here?

Ruel: The Polters turned Yugo's father into a bush, along with the rest of the village. We're here to find out why, and hopefully find a cure.

Evangelyne: Well, Amalia and I are on a pilgrimage together.

Ruel: And if I may ask. What are two kittens doing here in the Forbidden Forest?

Evangelyne: We don't-

Amalia: Same as you! Two nights ago I had a prophetic dream. Sadida told me to go to the Forbidden Forest for a special mission. So we were destined to meet and go the same way!

The Princess then turns her gaze to Cra.

Amalia: Even if some people think that my imagination.

Percedal: Like who?

Evangelyne: Someone has to be realistic, right?

Edmundo: Looks like you haven't changed much since the last time I saw you.

Yugo: Cool! The more of us there are, the better the chance of saving my village.

Evangelyne then looks over to see that Edmundo was looking at her and smiling, which made her smile back at him, only to have her smile fade when she sees Percedal looking at her with a goofy smile and a blush on his face.

Rubilax: *laughs* Hey Romeo. Hold on, she's not even a princess *laughs*.

[Timeskip with Yugo jumping into a portal in front of Edmundo as he appeared on her shoulder, surprising the redhead while Yugo laughs.]

The group then continued to walk through the forest while Ruel continued to complain about the bounty hunt.

Ruel: Bounty hunter? A sure path to ruin! Expenses, equipment... It costs more than it's worth!

Yugo: Really? My dad always said it was good before.

Ruel: Do you think it's good to survive on just roots and water?

Evangelyne: Ugh, how noisy.

Cra then turns to the redheaded boy before asking.

Evangelyne: Are they always like this?

Edmundo: I don't know. I just met them a little while ago. But it's fun, right?

Evangelyne: You have a strange description of the word fun.

Edmundo gives an amused laugh at that before speaking.

Edmundo: *laughs* It's better than having to travel alone. I think that despite being noisy, this bunch are good friends

Evangelyne raises an eyebrow at that.

Evangelyne: You met them today, and you already consider them good friends?

Edmundo: Huh? Clear. Why not. Not to mention I have the weird feeling I've met Yugo before, but I'm not sure where and I don't remember. *laughs* But when have I ever been sure about something or remembered something, right?

Evangelyne: Are you as weird as they know?

Edmundo: *laughs* I can't believe I missed you.

Evangelyne then blinks at this before a small blush appears on her cheeks.

Evangelyne: Did you miss me?

Edmundo: Wow, of course. You were one of the first friends I ever had. (Thoughts) At least as long as I can remember.

Evangelyne then looks down at the ground happily, as well as a little embarrassed before Edmundo goes to talk to Amalia, letting Percedal take her place before trying to flirt with Evangelyne as she tries to ignore him, but to no avail.

However, she comes back to reality when she hears Amalia start to say something.

Amalia: Horrible. It's horrible.

Everyone then looks forward and sees that Amalia was standing in front of a dead tree while she had tears in her eyes.

Evangelyne: Ogrest's chaos!

Ruel: Do you believe in this ancient legend? I always thought it was bullshit. Everyone blames Ogrest, but no one knows if he exists.

Edmundo: I don't know if it exists, but I believe it. And his story is heartbreaking.

Percedal: Why?

Edmundo: Ogrest was an ogre who loved a woman named Dathura and did everything for her, one day he decided to find 6 artifacts that had great power to please her and he succeeded. But in the end Dathura was just using poor Ogrest to get what she wanted and after getting those artifacts she rejected him and broke his heart by saying that she would never love a creature like him. Heartbroken and overcome with rage, Ogrest pushed Dathura off a cliff, unintentionally killing her. After seeing what he had done, the ogre, filled with grief and remorse, climbed a hill and there he collapsed in his tears. With the artifacts increasing Ogrest's power, the ogre's tears became so strong that they flooded a good part of the world.

Percedal: How sad... There's nothing worse than being betrayed by someone you love.

Edmundo: No, I don't think so.

Edmundo then turns his gaze to Percedal to see him with dramatic tears in his eyes as Evangelyne rolls her eyes at this.

Edmundo: And there are still girls who say that men don't have feelings.

Edmundo then noticed that Amalia got up with an uncomfortable expression on her face.

Edmundo: What happened to Amalia?

Amalia: I... I felt something. An ancient, evil presence. We are not welcome here.

Edmundo: Now that you mention it, I have a bad feeling.

Percedal: Really? Well, I'm going to have to give them a lesson in hospitality!

Rubilax: Displayed.

Yugo then looks around and then notices an extremely large tree and marvels at it.

Yugo: Wow! I have never seen such a big tree in all my life.

Amalia: She was also affected.

Ruel then notices a small insect like robot and recognizes it.

Ruel: That machine over there. I destroyed one of these machines in Emelka.

Edmundo knelt down while looking at the machine with attention while thoughts swirled in his head.

Edmundo: (Thoughts) That... sounds familiar...

The group then turns around to see that there was a huge pile of equipment from other adventurers who had passed through the forest.

Ruel: What happened now huh?

Edmundo: Looks like we weren't the only ones to go through the forest.

Ruel: *laughs* And best of all, these adventurers are so full of kamas!

Ruel then starts digging through the pile of equipment and finds kamas and puts them inside his bag. As he did this, something within the pile began to move within it. A giant tree creature then pops out of the pile and then heads towards Ruel.

Ruel: Relax there! It's just that I'm not into waste.

Percedal: That's what attacked me in the middle of the night!

Amalia: They are Treechnids!

Suddenly, several Treechnids started moving towards the group as everyone prepared to attack them.

Rubilax: Free me. It's your only chance!

Percedal: No. Never again, demon!

Evangelyne and Amalia took off the cloaks they were wearing as they prepared to fight. A Treechnid slammed its hand into the ground as it traveled towards Amalia's underground, before turning back and falling towards the girl. She quickly jumped back and slammed her hand on the ground, causing vines to come out of the ground and wrap around the Treechnid and crush it.

Percedal then used Rubilax to cut a Treechnid multiple times and turned it into small pieces.

Edmundo: Let's go! It's ninja time!

Edmundo unsheathed his katana and ran towards a group of tree monsters before doing a series of quick slashes, he passed through the group of monsters before holstering his katana and as he did so the group of Treechnids collapsed to the ground in strips of wood.

Ruel then swung his shovel at one of the creatures and sliced it to pieces.

Evangelyne: And lastly... freeze arrow!

Evangelyne then drew her bowstring and an arrow made of ice appeared. She then fired the arrow at the Treechnid, freezing it in place.

Evangelyne: Not bad for an old Enutrof.

Ruel: Not bad for two shaved feet.

Edmundo: We did well guys.

Suddenly, two large wooden hands grabbed Percedal and Amalia before lifting them into the air. The wooden hands then dropped Percedal as he fell towards the ground, Yugo opened a portal underneath Percedal which he passed through before landing safely on the ground before vomiting.

Ruel: Reminds me never to set foot in one of those portals. There are safer ways to travel.

Yugo: And Amalia?

Suddenly, everyone was quickly surrounded by an army of Polters as they got closer and closer.

Back with Amalia, she was still being lifted into the air until she came across the face of the giant tree.

Soft Oak: Leaf? Leaf are you? Leaf, little Leaf, your Old Oak is suffering. Strange machines came here. And they burned my heart and stole the sap from my little brothers.

Meanwhile, everyone on the ground looked confused at the tree when they heard that the tree was talking to Amalia.

Ruel: Am I dreaming or is she talking to a tree?

Yugo: Why do you call her "Leaf"?

Edmundo: He must have a few leaves less than that.

Edmundo and Percedal laugh at the pun while Evangelyne rolls her eyes at it.

Evangelyne: He must think he's someone else.

Soft Oak: My Polters are turning all humans into trees! All humans! From now on, their destiny and ours will be one.

Amalia: Venerable Oak, you are wrong. Not everyone has hearts of stone. My new friends are examples of this.

Soft Oak turns his gaze to the ground to see the rest of the group, Edmundo then waves at him with a silly smile.

Edmundo: Hey old man! All UP? Why is he huge, right? *laughs*

Edmundo pun was met with a well-placed snap from Evangelyne.

Edmundo: Ouch! And this why?

Evangelyne: He can literally turn us all into trees and you drop one of those?!

Edmundo: Sorry, I have to do this, I can't help it.

Evangelyne: Then shut up.

Edmundo: Okay, but if I could, I'd GET ROOTED in the puns.

Evangelyne returns to give Edmundo another knock while Ruel, Yugo and Percedal fight not to laugh so much at the knocks the redhead took as at the puns he made.

Soft Oak looks at this with annoyance before turning his gaze to Amalia who has a bead of sweat on the back of her neck.

Amalia: Believe me! I am Princess Amalia Sheran Sharm, daughter of King Sheran Sharm, great protector of the world's forests.

Big Oak doesn't seem to like this as he speaks in an annoyed tone.

Soft Oak: Leaf?! No, and you?!

The Polters continued to walk towards the group.

Edmundo: This place is getting crowded!

Percedal then realized that one of the creatures was heading towards Evangelyne.

Percedal: Evangelyne, watch out!

Percedal then hit the Polter with the flat side of his blade and crushed it before turning to Evangelyne with a smile on his face.

Percedal: Speak up, this deserves a kiss, right?

Percedal then moves towards Evangelyne trying to kiss her, but suddenly the Polter gets up and heads towards Percedal. He touched Percedal and started turning him into a bush, but Percedal still tried to get the kiss but was completely turned into a bush.

Edmundo: Percedal!

Amalia: Listen to me, I beg you. I have no idea who Leaf is. And I don't know what Sadida expected by leading me to you. But I know that the world's forests are threatened in many ways. And only free men and women can protect them. Listen to my heart and you'll know I speak the truth.

Amalia then kneels down and places her hand on Soft Oak's body and the green energy flows into it. The old, broken wood in the trees' bodies was repaired as the orange leaves turned green again.

Soft Oak: Amalia of the Sadida Kingdom. Thanks. You have softened my heart, as little Leaf did a long time ago. Out of friendship with you and your people, I will remain patient and hopeful for mankind.

The Soft Oak then placed Amalia on the ground before raising her arms in the air as the gem in the middle of her forehead started to glow. Soft Oak then released a wave of green energy that causes all the trees in the Forbidden Forest to turn green.

A polter then walks up to Percedal and turns him back to normal, as he falls forward and still tries to kiss Evangelyne. Evangelyne dodges by stepping aside and Percedal falls towards Ruel and kisses the old man. Ruel then quickly pushes Percedal away and starts spitting in disgust as Edmundo falls to the ground while collapsing in laughter.

Edmundo: *laughs* Ahahaha! Oh ahaha II hahaha I have to remember this one hahahaha!

Edmundo was then approached by a hug from Yugo.

Yugo: We got Edmundo!

Edmundo: That's it bro!

Yugo: Thank you, Amalia. You saved my village.

Edmundo: Well done Princess!

Yugo: Daddy won't believe the adventure we've had!

[Timeskip with shirtless Edmundo stretching his arms, showing off his toned body, not noticing that Evangelyne was looking at him with a little blush while Percedal was jealous to see Cra eyeing the redhead.]

After that, the group was now being carried by the Polters back to the city of Emelka, with the exception of Edmundo who was walking right next to Yugo.

Yugo: I really don't understand why you don't want them to carry you.

Edmundo: Sorry Little Brother. After those little black guys almost turned us into trees? No thanks, I have two good legs and I keep walking as long as I have my legs. Also I travel a lot, I'm used to long trips.

Percedal: You're the one missing out.

Ruel: I declare that this is a cool way to travel.

Percedal: Yugo, Edmundo, even if we have to fight all the demons in the world, with Iop as our witness, I will pay my life's debt. My blade is yours.

Rubilax: Oh really? Perhaps you should ask me first.

Yugo: Thank you, Dally! My father and I need to find my family. You can join us if you like. That goes for you too, Edmundo.

Edmundo: Wow, I don't know Yugo. I too have my way forward.

Edmundo then notices a sad look on Yugo's face before trying to cheer the boy up.

Edmundo: But I promise I'll think about it. Who knows as I help you, maybe I'll find what I'm looking for.

Percedal: By the way, I would rather you didn't call me "Dally". Please remember that I am a knight after all, and therefore appreciate a little respect. I'm the guy!

After some time, the Polters finally reached Emelka and began to return the townspeople to normal. One of the Polters then walked towards Alibert before he reverted back to normal.

Yugo: Daddy! Are you okay?

Albert: Yugo! *picks up Yugo* Come here, little Piwi. I thought I would never see you again! We had no rest all day. Is that you?

Yugo: I learned a lot about my powers, right, Dally?

Alibert: Speaking of which, we have a lot to talk about.

Yugo: About the message I know, but I wanted to release you first.

Nox: Greetings. My name is Nox.

Suddenly, everyone hears a mysterious voice and looks up to see that there was a figure standing on top of a building.

They all got into fighting stances with Dally activating his dagger and turning it into a sword shape and Edmundo held the hilt of his katana while Alibert held Yugo to protect him with Ruel doing the same with his shovel while Amalia stayed behind of Evagelyne who has her bow pointed at the robot.

Nox: Do exactly as I say and everything will be uh...not bad. You, the boy in the blue hat, we have a lot to talk about. You and your red haired friend too.

Evangelyne: Get behind me, princess!

Evangelyne then quickly shot Nox with an arrow as Edmundo prepared to draw her sword.

As the arrow flew towards Nox, he raised his hand and the arrow stopped in mid-air mere inches from the Xelor. Nox then disappears in a flash of blue light before teleporting behind everyone, shocking them.

Nox: You're fast young Cra. But not as much as me!

Ruel: He's a Xelor! Wizard of time!

Nox then extends both arms out and then sends everyone flying away before leaving everyone trapped in the air.

Nox: My time is precious. And your time is up.

The Xelor then turns its attention to Yugo.

Nox: Now, young man, you will tell me everything you know about the dragon Grougaloragran. And I mean everything!

Yugo: Dragon? I... I don't understand.

Nox: Maybe you'll understand more if I deal with your friends first. Starting with this little Tofu.

Nox then grabs Az and noticed the large blue feather that was growing on him before grabbing and pulling it. The feather then floats in the air before writing a message in a strange language, Edmundo watches the image while understanding a little of what was written and the message flies to Yugo's eyes. Nox then summoned a sword before pointing it at Yugo.

Nox: Tell me what you just heard, you brat, or I'll tear you and your friends apart.

Edmundo: You... miserable!!!

Nox and everyone else turns their gaze to Edmundo to see him begin to slowly move as his red hair covers his eyes.

Edmundo: How dare you... point a sword at a child...?!

When Edmundo said this a small blue light lit up on his forehead. Edmundo looked up revealing that on his forehead a mark was glowing in blue energy and it was the same mark that was engraved on Edmundo scabbard and katana. The boy locked his vision on the Xelor as he snarled at him showing his fangs that had grown a bit.

Nox: Well, well, look at this. Say my boy, how much Wakfu do you have in you?

Edmundo: Let's see! It's ninja time! Let's go!

Nox smirked and Edmundo grabbed his sword tightly before running towards the Xelor. Nox held his sword before preparing for Edmundo rapidly approaching attack, Nox waited for Edmundo to approach before executing a horizontal slash with his blade.

What happened next surprised everyone as Nox's blade sliced through the air. The Xelor blinked in surprise as did everyone else when he saw that the redhead was gone. Nox then looked around for the swordsman before he heard something.

Edmundo: Hey Iron Man!

Nox and the others turned their gazes up to see Edmundo in the air, swooping down before delivering a kick to Nox's face who recoiled a little stunned. Edmundo did a somersault before landing on the ground, picking up his sword and running towards Nox.

The Xelor got up a little dizzy from the kick he took and just in time to see Edmundo go towards him with the katana ready to attack him. Nox quickly brought his sword to him and blocked Edmundo attack. The two then disputed while thrusting their swords trying to see who would give in while facing each other.

Edmundo: Why did we attack?! What do you want with the boy?!

Nox: I need something he has and it looks like you have a lot of Wakfu just like he does.

Edmundo snarled at that before Nox could speak.

Nox: You're a strong young swordsman, but I've already wasted enough time here.

Nox then kicked Edmundo in the chin making him fall back. Edmundo then looked back at the Xelor to see it teleport right in front of him.

Nox: Our fight is over boy.

Nox hit Edmundo hard in the stomach making the boy's eyes flash white while the mark on his forehead flickered until it disappeared. Edmundo dropped his sword as he fell to his knees and felt the pain of the blow run through his body.

Alibert: Edmundo...!

Alibert then struggles to move and later manages to get his shovel and heads towards Nox. He then knocks Nox's sword out of his hand and then slams Nox down and knocks him to the ground. Alibert then raises his shovel in the air and then slams it into Nox, but his attack doesn't land as it was stopped when Nox put up a barrier.

Nox then disappeared in a flash of blue light and Alibert's shovel stabbed into the ground as energy swirled around Alibert's body. Suddenly, Alibert's shovel broke as they all fell to the ground. Alibert's hair changed from brown to gray as Yugo ran towards him.

Yugo: Daddy! Daddy, are you okay?

Alibert says nothing and just passes out.

Evangelyne, Amalia and Percedal then ran to Edmundo before he could weakly speak.

Edmundo: I just... need... rest... a little...

He then lost consciousness and fell to the ground as did Alibert.

[Timeskip with Edmundo standing while Yugo playfully sat on Edmundo's shoulders.]

A few hours passed, Alibert had finally woken up, but now older he could no longer help Yugo to find his family. Edmundo was now seen lying on a bed while tossing and turning.

Amalia and Evangelyne then approached to see how he was doing.

Amalia: He hasn't woken up yet?

Evangelyne: After the blow he took, I doubt he'll still stand up today. This airhead only lies in trouble.

Amalia then realized that the redhead seemed to be having a bad sleep.

Amalia: He looks like he's having a nightmare.

Evangelyne: Really?

Edmundo then suddenly opened his eyes, got up from the bed before standing over it while breathing heavily. Edmundo's unexpected action scared the two girls who jumped when they saw him get up out of nowhere.

Amalia: Oh, what a scare you crazy person!

Edmundo: What happened? Where am I? Where's the Tin Man?

Evangelyne: Take it easy. You must still be hurt.

Edmundo then felt a pain in his stomach before kneeling on the bed.

Edmundo: What happened?

Amalia: You and Alibert were knocked out.

Edmundo: What about Xelor?

Evangelyne: He's gone.

Edmundo: And Yugo?

Amalia: He's fine. Good more or less.

Edmundo then blinked as he realized something.

Edmundo: You said that Mr. Alibert was knocked out?

Evangelyne: Yeah, actually I think he wants to talk to you.

Edmundo got up carefully before leaving the inn and finding Alibert sitting on a bench. The redhead soon noticed that Alibert looked older and now had his white mustache.

Edmundo: Mr. Alibert?

Alibert: Edmundo. Glad you woke up. I wanted to talk to you.

Edmundo then sat down beside the man before speaking.

Edmundo: Are you okay?

Alibert: Yes, I am... just a little tired...

Edmundo: I'm sorry I couldn't help you.

Alibert: Don't apologize. You protected my son and that's what matters to me. Thanks.

Edmundo: You're welcome, I think.

Edmundo got a downcast look and Alibert spoke.

Albert: Listen...

Edmundo turned his head towards him and did as he was told.

Alibert: I know this has nothing to do with you... But... Could you do me one last favor?

Edmundo: If it's within my reach.

Alibert: So you know I'm not Yugo's real father... But I won't be able to accompany him on his journey... So I beg you to go with him and take care of my boy.

Edmundo then turned his attention to Yugo who was standing beside him, the redhead put his hand on his chin and thought for a while before speaking.

Edmundo: Very well.

Edmundo then got up and knelt down in front of Alibert and Yugo.

Edmundo: Mr. Alibert, you fed me and sheltered me after I was felled in battle. I owe you and your family a debt, so I will accompany Yugo on his mission and protect him at all costs until I die or he wins!

Alibert smiled as he spoke.

Alibert: I knew you would agree.

Edmundo: I'm happy to help.

Yugo was very happy to hear that as he immediately hugged the redhead, Edmundo didn't bother looking at him as he patted his head.

Percedal: Group hug!

Percedal screamed as he opened his arms and since Evangelyne wasn't interested in joining and Ruel was too old for hugs, Percedal then hugged the other two boys while Amalia also joined in the hug.

[Timeskip with Edmundo, Yugo and Percedal playing with wooden swords while Evangelyne, Amalia give this tired looks]

The sun had set when Yugo, Edmundo, Percedal, Evangelyne, Amalia and Ruel were all leaving Emelka.

Ruel: Come on guys! There's a new family for us to find!

Ruel then threw a rock in a circle like a tree and a portal opened.

Ruel: Alright, let's start by heading to the Kelba Market. With a little luck, we might get a map there.

Percedal: Follow me, friends!

Edmundo turns to Evangelyne and Amalia before asking.

Edmundo: Are you coming?

Evangelyne: We don't know yet.

Edmundo: Then see you on the other side.

Edmundo then turns to the portal just in time to see Percedal enter first, followed by Ruel.

Edmundo: Let's go! Adventure is out there and waiting for us!

Edmundo then runs and jumps into the portal before Yugo does the same.

To be continued...