Calle

                                                                                                                       Before the main events ingame:

Calle was never meant to be sent to the world the Patapons inhabited, nor was she ever really supposed to interact with the creatures at all. But well, things always work in mysterious ways- sometimes by the mistake of a fellow deity or two- and thus she was thrust into their world.

Scouting out the strange place, Calle had found the patapon’s tribe, peering over to get a better look. She had heard great things about their ancestors, they were conquerers, adventurers, and all thanks to their god. But upon viewing them, she noticed a serious lack of the eyeballs at all, and they greatly seemed disheartened. She aimed to watch over them for a few days in secret, in an attempt to gather what had happened to their once great empire. Then, she would find a way back to where she came from! She did not belong here, after all.

Soon, the young deity discovered what had befallen the pitiful beings, their ‘Almighty’ as they called it, had left them long ago, leaving them to fend for themselves. Many things came to destroy them afterwords, sending them to a sad…almost hopeless state. The idea of this broke her heart, and she quickly - though a bit impulsively- decided that since she was here, she may as well offer a helping hand. As a deity herself, surely she could do something to aid their plight.

And so she assumed the form of one of their kind, mostly as not to frighten or seem as a threat to the already down on their luck tribe. Upon her reveal to the tribe, however, instead of a warm welcome or the acceptance of help, Calle was rejected by the patapons, particularly the one who seemed to be their Priestess and leader, Meden. She was told that she could not help, nor did they need her. They would simply wait for The Almighty’s return, as they and their guidance with their drums were the only things the patapons needed.

Frustrated and worried, Calle left them to their own devices, roaming off to come up with a plan. They needed help, even if they were being arrogant in their denial. Though, the deity needed time to come up with her plan. During her short time away from the tribe, she discovered the Deplorable Desert, and in doing so, found what looked to be an outpost. The young deity kept silent and hidden, noting the difference in look of the creatures, and decided to copy their shape in order to communicate upon hearing the two complaining about the patapons. She figured that communicating with what appeared to be the patapon’s enemies may provide her some useful information.

After her approach, the two others asked her what ‘a random zigoton solider’ was doing out here by the desert outpost, to which the deity quickly states that she was checking in on it. The two soldiers exchanged looks, stating that they had never met or seen her before, assuming she had to be new. Relieved that her cover wasn’t blown, Calle introduced herself, and quickly learned that ‘Aiton’ and ‘Makoton’ were the names of the other two, both seeming friendly enough at meeting a new part of their tribe. The trio striked up a small conversation, enough for Calle to manage to get out that the zigotons were attempting to keep the patapons from crossing the desert, and reaching their goal of ‘earthend’. Through the conversation, Calle reached the unfortunate realization that both tribes were bent on fighting to the death if need be, and her heart was with the patapons’ plight. She began to hatch an idea, perhaps to help the suffering tribe and prevent as much violence as she could.

After spending most of the day at the outpost, befriending the two zigoton soldiers, Calle , though feeling bad for it, decided to trick the two to get them away from the desert. She claimed she had seen the patapons planning to head somewhere else entirely, knowing the desert was far too well watched over by multiple forts and outposts already. Aiton then stated his worry of being alone out here anyways, and Makoton asked where exactly the patapons were planning to go. After making up a location and lie, Calle surprisingly managed to convince the two to leave their outpost temporarily to discuss the ideas with one of their generals. With the two gone, she could work on a safe route to take the patapons on. 

Now, the only thing left for her was to find a way to convince the patapons to join her here, where they could possibly sneak around the Deplorable Desert. Especially now that she had gained a good idea of where other outposts were set up.

                                                                                                                                During the main events ingame:

During a travel along Patata Plains, Calle came across a strange blue drum abandoned among the long grass, buried halfway in the earth as if it had been left there for many years, accumulating dust and grime yet remaining perfectly undamaged. As the young deity uncovered and lifted the drum from the earth, she remembered the conversation back with the tribe.

‘The Almighy and their drums shall lead us.’

This must’ve been one of the drums, and as Calle wondered what it was doing buried here, a strange glow took over the object, slowly morphing into a large axe that hit the ground with a thud, a blue drum symbol etched onto the blade. Slowly lifting the weapon into her hands, she found it to be oddly light. …But what on earth was she supposed to do with it now? If the Almighty used drums to lead, how were they supposed to be used?

…Perhaps with enough focus, she could…summon the sounds? And so, the young deity focused hard, imagining the blue drum as she gripped the axe…

Pon

Calle almost leaped out of her metaphorical skin at the resounding sound, relaxing once she realized her odd plan had infact worked. So she tried again, then again, each time summoning the same sound that she had heard the first time.

A couple voices in the distance caught the deity’s attention, quickly listening in to the questions of the drum’s sound, and the excitement in one voice that ‘It must be The Almighty!’. This was it, this was her chance to help the tribe! Soon, she was met with 4 patapons, one of which was carrying a large flag. Upon their meeting, there was a bit of confusion, but the flag-bearer, Hatapon, was very quick to accept Calle’s help to find their goal of earthend, even giving her the red drum that soon joined the etched design of the blue on her blade. Then, the group began to head back to Patapolis, teaching Calle a few of the commands with her current drums along the way as they hunted a few lone kacheeks.

In Patapolis, Hatapon introduced Calle as their new Almighty, which the tribe seemed confused by at first. Upon the revelation that she had found the Pon drum on her own, and learned to harness its power, Meden quickly accepted her, and the young deity was gifted the final two drums to fully help her guide the patapons. But, if the tribe was to follow Calle, she must first promise to make an oath.

‘Above all else, no matter what hardships, no matter the danger, no matter what happens, you must promise to protect and guide the patapons.’

And with the new Almighty’s promise, the tribe found new hope.

///

Two or so weeks upon joining the tribe as their Almighty, Calle was ready to begin to lead the group towards their mission of earthend, starting with heading through Eyeball Forest as per Meden’s suggestion. It didn’t take very long for the group to be stopped, however, as many brick walls were lined out ahead, as well as a zigoton fort.

The young deity attempted to reason with the advancing soldiers, asking for them to step aside, that they wished not to fight. But her pleas quickly fell on deaf ears as her tribe was quickly attacked, forcing her to quickly leap into commanding her troops to battle in order to protect them.

It was harsh, she felt. The other tribe seemed so desperate to keep them out of the forest, with wall after wall they had to pass in order to claim the fort. But, the small group managed to find success, chasing off the remaining soldiers from the forest.

Were things always going to be like this?

////

It hadn’t taken long for the success of the small army to spread through the small tribe in Patapolis, leading into a festival and praises for the deity’s help. Calle, happy to see them in such high spirits, still felt a little confused. Had she really done that much?

It didn’t take very long for the group of patapons to beg to go out again, wanting to explore the forest once more. With a promise to head out in the morning, the tribe continued to chatter excitedly about their plans.

When morning came, Calle found herself woken up fairly early to head into Eyeball Forest again, quickly agreeing to the overly excited creatures and setting out with a wave goodbye to Patapolis.

Though the trek started off peacefully, there was something that seemed off. And as a zigoton ambush emerged from the bushes, Calle was introduced to the first of their generals. The zigoton introduced himself as Gong, and stated he was going to stop their march before they could do anymore damage. The deity attempted to reason with him, stating their wish to just move towards earthend, but he was unmoved.

Again, she attempted, but was quickly pushed into battle yet again. The patapons luckily pushed the army back, sending Gong retreating with a promise that they would meet again.

…The young deity realized that things were not going to be so easy, then.

////

Two great beasts were felled that day in the forest, though the one called Majidonga had nearly ended the small army in their tracks. Exhausted from their trek through Eyeball Forest, the team was relieved to see the first outpost of Deplorable Desert completely abandoned and empty. Though the hot air and sands still stung somewhat, it was better than another battle so soon after the rest.

Calle was happy that her earlier planned had worked, and slowly explained to her army of the plan to sneak through the desert, as to avoid any further conflicts. They set a marker, and fully exhausted made their way back home.

///

‘Almighty Calle, my scout has spotted a small army of zigotons coming from Mt. Bachikoi’

This, was not exactly the news the deity was expecting to hear from Meden, especially not so early. But, Patapolis was in danger, and she knew that stopping them in Dodon Basin was an action needed immediately in order to protect them. Gathering her own army, Calle took off to the basin.

It was strange, the battle had been much easier than the last few. Almost as if the zigotons had doubted the numbers and strength the patapons had gained over the past few weeks. They were felled and chased off fairly quick, and Calle felt a minor amount of guilt in her heart for the fallen. But seeing her tribe safe, the one she had made an oath for…She knew it was merely the right thing to do.  She wished the fallen well on their way to their ancestors, and trekked on back towards Deplorable Desert.

///

The afternoon was nice and calm in Patapolis, with the defeat of the desert guardian Zaknel, and the claim of the empty Heave Ho Oasis as a new hunting ground causing quite the buzz in the growing tribe. One of the tatepons, a pyopyo by the name of Ruby, started a question that grew among the patapons. Just why was the desert so empty while they were crossing? Were the zigotons unaware of them being there?

Calle didn’t answer, but she knew it had to have been due to her much earlier conversations with Makoton and Aiton. Without their first post, none of the others would’ve been alerted to keep a look out in the desert. She silently thanked being able to convince the two innocent seeming zigotons to leave. The idea of a fight with them seemed…painful to her.

Once the commotion calmed down, a nice silence fell upon the warm day, allowing the tribe a much needed relaxation from all the excitement.

///

What began as a peaceful hunt during the cooler evenings of the Heave Ho Oasis soon turned into a quick, on edge realization as a zigoton group descended upon the tribe’s army. As they came to a halt, Calle recognized the general she had previously met, scythe pointed threateningly at the deity. Gong quickly spat that they would no longer be able to sneak through the desert, as he’s discovered their route. He then demanded the patapons cease their search for earthend, or else it would only cause issues for both tribes. Staying strong, the young deity quickly refuses, telling Gong to simply stand aside, and that there was no need for a war.

The words only angered the general, causing him to angrily state that according to zigoton legend, the patapon’s search for earthend and IT would cause chaos for all, especially their own tribe. Calle, a bit angry, told him that relying on a rumor to bring pain to her tribe wasn’t right. She stepped back slightly when he in turn asked her why she believed so much in her own supposed rumor. The deity quickly refuted that even if IT didn’t exist, the simple will to search for earthend was at least not bringing pain or impeding another tribe. Even if it were false, being allowed to continue would not harm anyone.

Unfortunately, the attack continued with both sides vowing to protect their own, eventually pushing General Gong back again, spitting harsh words towards the Almighty and her tribe as he retreated.

At the end of it all, Calle realized that there was no longer a peaceful, quite route through the desert. So be it. She would not let the patapons be held back and harmed.

////

‘Meden, Almighty Calle! We spotted a zigoton castle on Mt. Bachikoi!’

And then, things slowly felt more hopeless as the details unraveled. Heavily fortifications were in place, with many guards on the outlook for anyone going to cross the large mountain. Calle attempted to suggest finding a different route, but according to the scouts, it didn’t seem likely. What were they to do now? Give up and remain helpless in a place they could hardly survive in? Surely there had to be a way to defend themselves and continue to find happiness at earthend…

A day or two went by, with Meden, Calle, and the scouts working endlessly to find some way of going through the seemingly impervious fort. Then, a breakthrough was made by the priestess, as she recalled a tale she once heard in their confinement. Zigoton soldiers were once boasting about a catapult they had made, that could easily destroy forts from a distance. This…could work.

And with a new hope made, the construction began immediately on their own catapult. If anything, they would at least go down trying. With their new weapon and new energy set out, Calle and troops head towards Mt. Bachikoi with a vow to come back after exploring the mountainside with their hopeful success.

////

A success is a success, even if it leaves you exhausted aftwords. The team had made it, taking the fort, and soon even found themselves nearly past the massive mountain they had trekked across. In the process of their march, unfortunately, they had awakened an old stone guardian, Gaeen. The battle was rough, and though successful, Calle was ready to turn back and take the team back to rest.

But the small army of patapons was unconvinced of the need to return home, cheering to their ancestors as they looked up to the nightsky, determined as ever to reach their goal of eternal happiness. And so, the deity allowed them to simply rest here. There was no danger in the peaceful woods of the mountain, after all. No need to ruin their fun.

And with the moon above as the only remaining light, Calle prayed as well. That she would make the original Almighty proud.

Of course things would only get more difficult, such is the way of standing up for what you believe in. A large crab by the name of Cioking had sent Calle’s group back to Patapolis after the battle with the great beast. And on the way back another encounter was made with the determined zigoton general. Luckily, for once, the deity was able to convince him to leave them be. She had to admit that she deeply respected his loyalty and found it honorable that he allowed them to leave after seeing their state. Something about it not being fair to stomp them out this easily

Though, Gong’s final warning of not being so kind next time made the deity’s heart fill with worry. It seemed there was no backing down with him.

Preparations were made, celebrations of their progress were had, and the ever present mantra of finding true happiness was repeated once more as they made their way past Guchoppa Ruins and towards Bovo Volcano.

‘Stay alert,’ she remembered stating, ‘Zigoton territory is getting closer’

And yet the army excitedly stated that they knew they would be fine. It was a far cry from the state she had first met them in, giving her full hope that she had truly done the right thing by stepping in.

///

The final stretch to the volcano, and things had been unusually calm. It was almost like the world was waiting for their next move, to which the tribe complied.

And challenged they were. Again, General Gong descended upon the tribe, joined soon by his own army of zigotons. This time, as stated, he was not going to back down no matter what. He vowed to protect his tribe with all that he had, and prevent Queen Kharma from selling her soul for power. The latter of the statement shocked Calle, questioning why the zigoton queen would do such a thing. A promise of power to protect her tribe, a promise from a great demon to stop the patapons.

She begged for this to stop, that they didn’t need to fight, that they don’t wish to be enemies nor hurt the others. But when her plea once again fell on deaf ears, the deity quickly made her own vow to protect the patapons, as it was stated in her oath.

The unfortunate battle started, with the terrible stakes staying fresh in Calle’s mind. But, she knew that what the Queen did was not of her concern. She knew she had to take care of her tribe, so they could flourish and survive happily. In the end, it was all that mattered.

And again, she reigned victorious, watching as the general fell back in shock, weakened from the battle. Calle strongly stated for Gong to move and allow them to pass, as he had clearly lost and would loose again. He refused, stating he would not retreat as a coward, and he meant what he said about fighting to his last breath.

…

The deity had only meant to block his attack with her own weapon.

She had not anticipated hitting the already weak general. Nor had she anticipated the terrified looks she saw in the eyes of two familiar zigoton warriors. Calle watched as one quickly escaped back off towards their own territory, while the other, now recognized as Makoton, slowly claimed the fallen general’s helm. A look of dismay and betrayal was clear as the zigoton quickly ran off as well.

In her mind, Calle knew that the Queen of zigotons’ pact with the rumored demon was sealed, if Gong’s words had been true.

The protection of her tribe, the will to see them flourish and safe. Her oath. Yet, the guilt still hung high above the deity’s head.

And only silence reigned on the way back to Patapolis.

/////

‘Though I know you grieve our fallen enemies, you are truly doing what is best for the tribe. I can promise as much.’

The words of Meden relaxed Calle slightly that night after the battle near Bovo Volcano. An understanding was made, that though she wished not to bring harm to the other tribe,  she wasn’t responsible for how they react. If they wished to battle, it was only right to defend her own. She just wished things could’ve been easier.

And with a warning of an ancient demon named Gorl returning to the world, she knew now the stakes were truly much higher. Preparations were to be made, since passing through zigoton territory was going to be much more difficult in the upcoming days.

////

‘I am General Spiderton! You stand no chance against I and the Ziggerzank!”

Calle knew entering zigoton territory wasn’t going to be an easy task, nor were any of the newly strengthened soldiers open to any form of giving up. The sight of the enormous tank and the general charging towards the army on his horse gave her enough of an incentive to remain quiet this time, merely standing back to guide as she had always done.

Anger bubbled slightly as they fought, directed towards Queen Kharma. Selling not only her soul to a demon, but many more as well…What good would that do for her tribe? This would only hurt them in the long run. It wasn’t fair, simply an act of selfishness for power.

…

The whinny of the general’s horse caught the deity out of her thoughts, looking at the destroyed tank and weakened zigoton standing before them, mumbling about the loss of the weapon. Calle sighed, fearing the answer she thought she already knew, and simply told Spiderton to surrender. Shocked, the general questioned the reasoning, wondering why he wasn’t being cut down where he stood. She stood tall, telling him that she wished not to kill, only to protect her tribe, and told the general that he was free to leave. And to her surprise, he listened. A quick ‘thank you’ and the trotting of the horse’s hooves past the tribe told Calle all she needed to know; Spiderton would not be back to fight again.

And she was thankful for that, as she and her troops carried on. Once less senseless death was a second victory to her. Though, she still felt on edge during the travel. The lack of soldiers, the slow reveal of crumbling buildings and…fire.

In the middle of the slowly growing carnage sat something that Calle was unsure of. A demon of some sort, definitely. One of her troops identified it as ‘Gate Ghoul Baban’, who often takes souls in exchange for power.

The deity’s blood boiled as they rushed to take the horrid creature down. No mercy for this one.

////

‘I know you may find rage in what has befallen the zigotons, but…Gorl is a master of manipulation. One who was rumored to destroy the earth once before. This was no selfish act on Kharma’s part. You both have the will and want to defend your tribe, no matter what.’

Though the frustration was still there, Meden’s words rang true in Calle’s head as she led her troops further into the half-abandoned zigoton territory. This was more than she expected, but she knew that Gorl had to be stopped. Not just for the good of her own, but the others as well. Demons were tricky creatures, that much she knew for certain.

‘Then, if you refuse my help, I will watch you die!’

Calle hadn’t expected to see the Queen so soon, nor hear such harsh words directed towards one of her own generals. But as the tribe stood back, watching Kharma disappear in a flash, she realized in fact that was what had happened. And as quickly as the Queen’s statement was made, the tribe was quickly rushed by the angry general. Beetleton, the deity thinks he was called.

The zigoton was far stronger than any of the previous generals, that much was certain. Arrogant too, from the constant taunts and insults flung towards her and the patapons. But, like all others, he too was pushed back into defeat.

‘Beetleton. You are free to leave.’

‘You think I’d fall for that and escape as a coward? I’d rather fight to the end.’

The dekaton continued to approach the deity, despite the clear exhaustion from him. She realized, he even knew he wouldn’t be winning as he rose his hammer. He simply wished to die honorably defending his tribe. A request she had once been faced with before, though it had been an accident then. The choice had already been made for her.

‘Now, show me your strength, Almighty! What are you really made of?’

And the deity bowed her head and raised her axe.

…

‘You won’t be going any further! Master Gorl will stop you, so you may as well turn back now.’

Calle held her ground, staring up at Queen Kharma with concern and determination.

‘No. I won’t let him destroy everything once more.’

The Queen simply laughed, flitting away as a mighty roar tore through the air. Monstrous, sullen eyes stared back as the creature landed, cracking the earth. Everything was at stake.

But if one thing was proven time and time again, the patapons will always refuse to back down in the face of death. Especially with everything at stake now other than just themselves.

And as flames rose from the demon, the Almighty stepped forth.

///

                                                                                                                               After the main events ingame:

Though they had traveled far, the realization that what they had reached not being earthend was incredibly disappointing to the group. It was merely the sea, stretching seemingly endlessly across the horizon. What now? How were they ever to make it past this?

Calle’s mind wandered back to a week after Gorl had been defeated. The zigotons quickly had realized that they were wrong in believing the patapons were going to bring destruction. Queen Kharma, freed from the clutches of the demon’s manipulation, made an alliance with them as well. It was almost strange, after the seemingly harsh attitude the Queen had portrayed before.

A promise to help them, should they ever face danger again.

…

Perhaps, they could use some of that help now, as an idea hatched with the tribe. The wheels were then set in motion. Earthend would be found, no matter what.

With the plans of a boat underway, Calle could finally rest for now.

‘To protect and guide the patapons, through any circumstance no matter how dangerous.

That is my oath.’

Before the main events ingame:

 ‘It’s good to have allies looking out for us’

Hatapon’s words rang out as the ship took sail, with the tribe of patapons cheering and celebrating as they made their way out to sea. Calle was grateful as well, with a new allyship found in the zigotons, their search for Earthend seemed a lot less lonely and scary. She hoped peace would last on their journey.

49 days and 49 nights pass successfully, with spirits high among all in the ship...

Until, it was sunk by an unknown creature. The unfortunate circumstances washed up Calle and her remaining troops upon a lone beach, something they would later come to know as Torchira Beach. Infear, the deity quickly set out to find Hatapon, Meden, and any survivors of the wreckage. Luckily, it seemed several yaripons, including Pudge, and the yumipon known as Rudy had survived unharmed. But, now came the issue of what exactly to do now.

Meden, upon being found, suggests making a new Patapolis in these lands, and to continue their search no matter what.

A little worried and with a heavy heart, the Almighty agrees.

                               During the main events ingame:

It had been a little while after the horrible crash of the patapon tribe’s ship, and things were slowly starting to get back on track for their search for Earthend. The new Patapolis was coming together just fine, and there were more troops prepared to explore the ancient and familiar seeming lands. As Calle was helping work in some of the fields they had begun to farm, Meden’s scout came to get her for something important. 

As the deity arrived, the priestess told her to head to a place known as Nanjaro Hills. She prophecied that they will meet someone very important there. And so, trusting Meden, Calle and her troops prepared to head out.

-----

The hills were quite nice, and nothing truly seemed to be off. Had the scout been wrong in seeing something odd happening around here? No...That couldn’t be it. Meden and her scout were always right when they truly thought something was amiss. There was no need to let her guard down.

Preparing to head off to Nanjaro Hills, Meden alerted Calle that she prophesized that the patapons will meet someone of great importance there. The deity thanked the priestess and takes off asap, troops hollering with excitement to go explore once more.

Upon their arrival, they see a strange patapon with a mask trapped within some boulders. He hollered for their help, stating he could help them out if they freed him. Calle agreed, more-so on the basis to help her people than anything else, and they begin to work to free him. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to have the strength needed.

During the tribe’s attempts and the patapon’s mockery of the ordeal, a powerful Dodonga approached, roaring with rage and immediately descending upon the scene. Luckily, the boulder is loosened in the process and the strange masked stranger manages to break free and help Calle’s soldiers defeat the creature.

----

 “You know, Calle...There was a legend of a stranged masked hero saving the world.”

 “Hero? Me? You got to be kidding.”

 “A patapon so great cannot go without a name. What should we call him?”

 “And now you’re going to name me? Are you serious?”

It was a troubling ordeal, to learn that she was now housing a supposed savior to the tribe, and that she was now gifted with naming this masked stranger. The only word to truly come to mind that wasn’t insulting was simply...’Hero’.

Luckily, he seemed to agree to his role without an issue. Almost as if he, somewhere in his lost memory, understood his own destiny already. Peculiar.

---

 “Oh that place? That’s Usso Forest.”

Hero’s knowledge of these newlands was incredibly helpful, if not strange. With his new-found tatepon powers, the deity led the masked patapon and her troops further along the outskirts. There were strange masked patapons when they had all washed up on shore, behaving extremely aggressively immediately.

Hero alerted her to the identity of these creatures, the Karmen. And their aggression was no accident. Of course. With a sigh, a familiar feeling of the rivalry with the zigotons hit as the troops slowly made their way into the bushes of Usso forest.

Conversation was a little hard with the masked patapon, with his missing memory and strange mannerisms. Almost as if there was a guilt clouding his vision. But she vowed to protect him as one of her own in the tribe. For he was of their kin.

Unfortunately, her encouragement was cut short by an ambush by their new nemesis, the karmens. Quickly after dealing with the few that had been sent after them, a brand new issue arrived, fortresses built by the karmen.

After taking the one in the forest, Hero suggested that the tribe head towards Nyokiri Swamp to strengthen their numbers and forces further.

...How did he learn to fight on his own, Calle had to wonder. And why, just why, did the karmen hate them already? Did they too have a false prophecy of the end of the world?

-----

 “Well. There’s not much I can do about that, ma’am.”

The iron structures seemed near impenetrable to the troops, and with Hero’s words on not exactly being able to do this alone...Calle was having second thoughts on the swamp entirely. Perhaps they should find a work around, a shortcut--- She had made a shortcut before, to save Makoton and Aiton back home. 

However, her words were quickly cut short by shouts and pointing from her troops, quickly glancing towards the source of the commotion. Up on the tower in-front of them, an oddly familiar  masked creature sat upon it, glancing downwards. A knot forms in the young deity’s stomach. Why does this situation feel so familiar?

 “...I don’t need this.”

All at once it clicked as the mask clattered across the swamplands. The voice, the scythe, and the horned helm, though this time it appeared to have gained an extra pair of horns. General Gong was standing before them. How? Why? A nervous guilt built up in the deity, along with a sense of relief.

With a swing of the scythe, a tornado that she knew all too well was whipped up, barreling across the metal structures and weakening them greatly. A call of challenge graced the airs. A meeting in the desert.

Was she right to believe that this must be a form of revenge for what she had done before? Did he know of the pact of truce? ...But it was too late to question. The old zigoton general had disappeared as fast as he had appeared, and the karmen had been alerted to the presence of the tribe. 

The desert it was. She would meet him there soon.

---

With a great Mochicchichi felled and troops fed at Patapolis, Calle begun to alert Meden of Gong’s challenge. At first there was confusion, almost questioning if the deity was right in seeing the general alive again, then a comforting word or two.

 “Almighty, anything dished out to you, you can handle. We have faced grave danger and prospered. This task is just like any other.”

Just like any other. Perhaps so. And with Hero by their side, she was sure it was going to be fine. To Gangoro Wastelands, to protect the patapons and defend the world as well as they could.

Though, as the group departed once more, Calle heard Meden’s scout alerting her to something. Surely trouble would await back home upon her return.

---

The situation was strange, seeing the zigoton general approach her with such calm grace. Calle attempted to apologize for their last meeting, but was quickly halted.

This was simply the journey of a warrior, to put ones self on the line for their home. He knew of the truce. This test of strength was not to harm them, only to serve as a way to make sure the patapons could handle what was coming next.

 “The Centura is your first test, Calle.

I will not hold back next time we meet. You must be able to prove your strength to me.”

It was critical. With a promise to meet him upon Mt Gonrok, the deity watched as Gong disappeared once more.

Prove her strength. Gain a new ally. A worthy cause.

-----

 “Is that?...”

While Calle surely expected something to happen upon returning to Patapolis, the sight of a familiar horse followed by a very familiar face was....Not entirely what she was ready for. The commotion in the tribe was loud, boisterous as if they had won a great battle. Just what was going on?

Then came the excited squealing of a very familiar tatepon. Ruby? Then came the megapon May, dekapon Roe, and the mahopon Spinny. The lost members of their tribe had been found, and reunited.

It was shocking, almost as if it were simply just a dream the deity was having. Holding the excited rabbit-like patapon in her arms, Calle made her way to thank the familiar zigoton that had managed to find the tribe.

 “Spiderton...How did you know where to find us?”

 “Well, we just followed the path you marked---And found the shipwreck. The rest was easy from there.”

A little sappy over the reunion, the action confirmed something in Calle’s mind. Sparing an enemy is worth more than snuffing their light out. For one never knows when an ally will appear.

With a thankful word or two, Calle reorganized her troops, ready to set out for their next trial. A fire was ignited in her heart. Lead her tribe towards earthend. Find more about these lands. And do everything in her power to continue forth. No matter what.

--

It was odd to feel so at ease, wandering across the rocky field towards their next trial. But this was not a fight to the death. This was a test of strength, a way to spar and make sure her tribe was truly ready for anything coming next. And with a whinny from Hero’s new horse, she knew this was all for the greater good in the end. A patapon with the ability to shift to any class on a whim was certainly handy and....well, odd. The fable was certainly true. A mighty hero to save the world.

And as they grew closer to Mt Gonrok, the troops were immediately greeted by a few kibatons as their horses stepped carefully over. Orders from Gong to help lead them to where the match was to be held. A friendly air was held, something that Calle had not grown accustomed to in these lands, but was incredibly thankful for. A cleanser to all the senseless mayhem she had seen. A way she knew the creatures she looked after would be safe.

It was nice.

And as general and deity shook hands, she took his warning to heart as the trial begun.

 “The Karmen will not be the only enemy you face, o’ Almighty. This is a test for what is to come. I will share more should you pass this test.”

The young patapon deity bowed her head as a mock war cry was shouted, signaling the sparring had begun.

A greater threat was on its way. She would prepare accordingly.

--

 “There’s a new enemy waiting for us. Above Ejiji Cliff.”

The words Gong had told the deity had now been quickly relayed to Meden, with the priestess learning of the trapped deity in the castle. Curious, for their enemy to trap a zigoton deity like this, and the idea fueled Calle with rage. To harm an unrelated tribe for whatever scuffle this was...foolish. She would put a stop to it. Surely.

Preparations were quickly made, and a warning was given out by the priestess. This new enemy, she could feel an odd connection from them. Calle took this message with a grain of salt, readying herself for whatever may happen up in Ejiji Cliffs.

--

The arduous battle through Ejiji fortress left the troops feeling nervous, tired even. There had been such great fortifications from the karmens that it left Calle feeling afraid of what may come next as they made their way to Momokunn Cloudsea. The fortress surely must be just as severe, if not more-so.

However, upon making their way up so high, the deity noticed a surprising lack of forces. Even though she was quite worried, the oath she took all that time ago struck her, and Calle powered through just like she always had.

As the all too easy fight subsided, a chill ran down the troops’ spines. She knew that this couldn’t have gone this well. 

And as the demon Pharamatara rose from the clouds, the deity quickly drew her axe. She was not going down this easily.

---

With her troops further weakened, Calle wasn’t entirely sure what they could face next. Pharamatara had hurt them severely, but there wasn’t much that could be done. They had to continue to the castle, or risk all of the tribe to this new enemy.

Of course the castle only brought upon them more karmen soldiers, vying for the chance to end the patapons’ march for good. They were lucky to make it through with barely an extra scratch on them. And as promised, far in the castle, wrapped in chains and guarded by a strange lock, was the deity Gong had mentioned.

Calle rushed to try and free them from the chains, but a sudden assault threw her off guard.

These creatures were strange. Slightly larger than both a zigoton or patapon, with arrays of purple to their looks. Demonic, she gathered. And as the troops clashed, the young deity spotted two figures approach from behind. A masked being and a dark star, similar to a star she once freed before- Hoshipon, she thinks their name was.

 “Your march ends with us, patapons! The akumapons are here to stop you.”

Something about the masked enemy’s voice was familiar to Calle, but she couldn’t figure it out...

It didn’t matter, as a sudden tornado attack flew by from the patapon’s side. General Gong had come to back up the tribe, and the new enemy had been named. The identity of the two possible leaders could be found out later.

--

Such familiarity with the akumapon’s general, it truly drove Calle crazy as she arrived to tell Meden of the news. Demonic entities....coming straight from the underworld. Surely the priestess would understand better than anyone why this was happening. She was older than anyone else in the tribe. 

Luckily, General Gong had dropped some info on the new enemy. ‘Dark One’ was one of their generals, fighting under their main leader ‘Dark Hoshipon’ to spread evil through the world. It seemed like the karmens had invited them to the above ground, though the details on ‘why’ were unknown completely to either tribe.

That’s why, with any hope, Meden could share some light on this.

--

 “Have you ever heard of the World Core? It once held a beautiful Rainbow Egg, and when it was broken by a single rogue Wakapon, the world itself was shattered as well. Tempted by evil, the world slowly grew corrupt, and the patapons weak. That is how we lost our home country, including all of Pata-pole.

Perhaps, the karmen are using the destruction of the egg to continue to invite more evil within the world. Truly these are troubling times, Calle.”

With her troops healing and resting, the young deity is left to dwell on the World Core. A single member of their species, tempted by an evil fate to destroy everything. Almost a complete flip of Hero’s destiny to save the world. Curious indeed. This was no longer just a matter of reaching earthend. A lot more was at stake.

---

Bryun Snowfield was an easy location to traverse through, only with the taunting of Dark Hoshipon to deal with momentarily. The eerie quiet and way the star left after was enough of a red flag for Calle to keep her troops on high alert.

As the troops begun to traverse through Ice Forest Shalala, they were quickly attacked again in the icy caverns, with the opposing two tribes trying to push them back with the freezing cold. Eventually, Dark One once more came back, riding upon a horse with a quick taunt how the patapons would quickly freeze in the cold. But, Dark Hoshipon beside him quickly seemed to grow annoyed with the persistent progress Calle made, as the deity heard a call for a general to come to their aid.

Upon the akumapon general’s arrival, the dekapon immediately immobilized Calle’s troops, impeding their movement for a few moments. The pummeling, reckless attacks with his hammer were all too familiar to the deity as she listened to The Dark One harping for him not to do anything stupid. 

 “General Kuwagattan, do not put our mission in jeopardy.”

There was a soft realization of an old general the patapons faced back in zigoton territory. As she pressed her troops forwards, Calle realized just who this dekapon was.

 “Beetleton?”

The glint of slight surprise and pride that shone in the akumapon general’s eye was all she needed to confirm the unfortunate outcome of Queen Kharma’s old pact. 

Perhaps, this time, as her troops begun to push the other army back, a different outcome could be achieved.

---

 “Calle, do you remember what Aiton said back during the boat construction?”

Calle felt a bit of worry over Meden’s words. Back during the zigoton’s truce, there had been a mention of one of the two troops she had befriended, Makoton, going missing. The implications between him and the Dark One were not welcome in her mind after the priestess spoke.

Surely. This couldn’t be the case. It wouldn’t be.

Taking the information from General Gong, Calle took her troops towards the location of Demon Gate Bababaan. A familiar name, bringing back terrible memories of the old demon they had faced long ago.

As they arrived upon the scene, Calle spotted Dark One once more, though for a moment without his mask. The truth hit her then. Who that truly was.

With a vow to free the zigoton soldier before his soul could be lost, the deity launched into battle once more. This wouldn’t stand, the trickery and hatred these demons spread.

---

The night was relaxed in Patapolis, with the cheers and excitement of the patapons still high from the earlier victory. The demon Bababaan was defeated, and the zigoton soldier, Makoton, was returned to General Gong to see what could be done for him back home. Calle just wished there was more calm moments such as these.

However, as Meden’s scout arrived, Calle knew this peace wouldn’t last, much to her annoyance. The exhaustion of two enemies meant never truly getting much relaxation.

A warning of an akumapon ambush at Babaran Crater, the information given to the scout by the zigotons. 

Calle had to act fast before the opposing army reached Patapolis, as that outcome could be detrimental. With very little time to prepare, the young deity set out immediately to defend her home and tribe. There seemed to be a lot of these incredibly dangerous situations as of late.

During their arrival, Calle made contact yet again with Dark Hoshipon, listening to the star complain angrily about the loss of her ‘pet’, Dark One. The comment about another creature being a ‘pet’ made the deity’s blood boil a little, watching as the familiar akumapon general arrived on the scene.

Remembering Kuwagattan’s previous strength, she warned her troops to be careful and wary. He was not going to hold back. He hadn’t in the past, and surely wouldn’t this time.

...

Of course, it hadn’t been easy. With the shouts of the urge to retreat by Dark Hoshipon, Calle wasn’t surprised to see the general ignore those words as she blocked a weaker strike with her axe. Just like it had been in the past, it was a challenge to her real strength.

 “This doesn’t need to end like this. Kuwagattan, you have a second chance, don’t waste it.”

"You're too soft, Calle. Weakness like this is what gets a leader killed."

"It's not soft to offer a hand to another. You are a zigoton warrior, I know you are...Our fight has already ended, Beetleton."

That last sentence seemed to strike some sort of nerve with the general, something that wasn't lost on Calle.

But before she could utter another word, a sudden blow to her head knocked the deity unconscious.

...

 “Calle, are you alright? The akumapons---They retreated before we could retaliate.”

Hero’s words were fuzzy as Calle rose, but she understood what had occurred. 

...Was that truly the right choice? It seemed that allowing such a powerful enemy continue forwards would only make things harder.

And yet....she had let him go. That look in his eye before the attack, something seemed...different. He wasn't going to come back to cause trouble here.

---

 “The Karmens have been getting closer...I fear for what they’ve been planning since our fight with Garuru...”

With a warning from Meden, Calle set out alone to gain as much intel as she could. With them so close to the jungle, she didn’t wish to cause a fight or gain their ire further at the time.

And lucky she felt, when the deity stumbled upon a meeting between the three karmen generals, knowing that her troops wouldn’t have been able to take them on in this state. A plan to stop General Gong at Sokshi Gate, preventing the patapons and zigotons from proceeding further. A stolen catapult. A few other nasty words directed at her tribe, filling the deity with a tad bit of rage before the three left towards their own missions.

 After their departure, Calle listened carefully as another karmen moved about, conversing with the remaining troops about his pact with the akumapons, and how Dark Hoshipon had failed them for the last time.

She learned the name of this mysterious karmen, Ormen. Their leader. Nervously and afraid of being caught, Calle quickly fled back to Patapolis to warn everyone of the incoming threat at Sokshi. This was enough information to make a plan.

---

 “Though we still have our tank, that lost catapult would be incredibly useful to you. If you wish to help us siege Sokshi Gate, you should probably reclaim it.”

Agreeing to Gong’s request, Calle prepared her troops, at least relieved that they had already been through Ejiji cliffs before, making it easier to lead the charge for the weapon in that area. The fortress was already mostly destroyed and enforcements not at all prepared for the deity and her soldiers, making reclaiming the catapult all the easier.

However...This was not the end of their mission. She knew it was only going to get more difficult as they moved the weapon back on course, heading back towards Sokshi.

--

Of course it could never be easy. Nothing ever was on the road to Earthend. While pulling the catapult forwards, the troops had encountered the three karmen generals one after the other. Unfortunately, and somewhat due to Calle’s growing paranoia of another attack being formed by the generals...none of the three were spared. Nomen, Kimen, and Hukmen were all felled by the patapons, helping the push forwards to help the zigotons at the gate. Someone so willing to summon demons upon the world just for the pure satisfaction of destroying it, she couldn't let it pass by her.

Though, again, Calle’s heart felt heavy over the defeat of the others. It was hard, even though it was clear the karmens were no ally of theirs, death was still a heavy subject. Perhaps in another world, this all could've been prevented.

The state of her own troops wasn’t pretty. Greatly weakened and growing tired, the deity worried for the upcoming siege on Sokshi Gate. They had all promised to help, though. She couldn’t give up. Not now.

--

 “Good work Calle, but my troops will handle it from here.”

As much as Calle tried to argue with General Gong, more reasons for her own army to retreat were given. From the burns from Hukmen, to the exhaustion from the patapons due to the travel. Calle attempted once more to argue for helping, but was quickly shoo’d away. It was better to listen.

 “Gong? You better not fail.”

It was a joking few words, mostly to ease the deity’s own nerves. But as the general nodded and turned to continue to push forwards, her own confidence grew. Rest was earned. It would be fine.

--

 “Ormen Karmen is gaining more power. He’s awoken an ancient demon and plans to attack...”

Meden’s worried voice reached Calle, with Hero following close behind in concern. A spark of memory or other and suddenly the whole truth rang out.

He had been the one tricked into breaking the world egg, and he was destined to fix this mistake. To rescue the princess and help clear the world of evil.

With axe raised high and Hero by her side, Calle refused to let the karmen leader win in his cruel game.

This wouldn’t be their final march.

--

After the main events ingame:

With the defeat of Ormen, it seemed the worried karmens were quick to try and offer a peace treaty to Calle and her tribe, afraid of being destroyed as well. The deity promised that as long as they did not harm the zigotons or patapons, neither tribe would attack them, easing the strange tribe’s nerves. 

Luckily for her, with this new treaty came an offering to help rebuild a bridge to continue their march towards earthend. And with the princess freed came even more hope for the patapon tribe. 

Things were going well, and finally...Calle felt she could rest for a moment.