S2fE05

KEMONO FRIENDS

Season 2f

by ProjectS2f

Episode 5 - Jungle Treetops

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The Japari Bus drives through an area with both savannah vegetation and an increasing number of trees. Kaban, Serval and Red-footed Tortoise chat in the back of the vehicle.

KABAN - So, you said there was trouble in the jungle too ?
SERVAL - Is it another Cerulean ?
TORTOISE - No. Well, not any regular Cerulean, at any rate. Maybe it will be easier just to show you.
SERVAL - Heh ? What do you mean ?

The bus stops.

LUCKY - We have arrived at the local jungle area. The way forwards appears blocked off.

The Friends disembark and look forward. Serval and Kaban gasp.

TORTOISE - That's what I mean.

An absolute mess of vines entangles the already lush rainforest, to the point where it seems it'd be hard to walk inside, much less drive the Bus through.

SERVAL - Uwah ! That's so many vines !
KABAN - It's even more than that overgrown part in the other jungle !
TORTOISE - That's right...We have a pretty big weed problem.

Cut to opening.

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TORTOISE - It started more than a month ago. We always had lots of vines, but around that time, they began to grow so fast you could almost see it. It became hard to move around about two weeks ago, so we decided to take shelter until we could understand how it was happening and how to stop it.
SERVAL - That sounds rough ! Were did you go ?
TORTOISE - Fu fu ! Follow me and be amazed !

She leads them further along the edge of the forest, where a large, wooden staircase can be seen going up, attached to various trees along its way. The vines around it are cut off. The group starts to ascend, Lucky Beast hopping along. The staircase keeps going up, reaching a large platform surrounding an extra-large trunk, just below the deep green foliage. Around the trunk is a spiral staircase. Serval looks down, on all fours, clutching the edge of the platform.

SERVAL - There are so many vines we can't even see the bottom !
KABAN - And we're still going up...
TORTOISE - It's the last stretch ! Hang in there !

They resume their ascent, until the sunshine breaks through the leaves. They find themselves on another platform on top of the tree, supported by beams coming out of the foliage. Serval gasps. In front of them lies the entire jungle canopy, with a snowy mountain range appearing far in the horizon. The platform they stand on extends further, into a complex of small wooden houses.

SERVAL - Uwaaaaah !
KABAN - Amazing...
TORTOISE - Welcome to the Southern Hunter Corps' base and temporary jungle shelter ! The only place the vines won't reach !
SERVAL - It's like the lodge, but on the very top of the trees !
TORTOISE - At first we had no idea what it was, but thanks to President, we now know this was all made by humans.

They step inside the first house. The interior is fairly bare, containing only some knocked-over and rusted file cabinets. A Friend sits on a chair in the back, weightlifting rebar stuck in a block of cement as big as a pumpkin. She wears a white military uniform with black outer ridges, manchettes with two yellow rings and black gloves, and yellow boots. Her hair is white, swept backwards and spiky, with blackened ends, and a large, hooked black lock hanging between her eyes. She has white head wings with black lines, as well as a fan-like tail.

TORTOISE - Captain Harpy Eagle ! I'm back !

The bird lays down her improvised dumbbell and stands up with a military salute, to which Tortoise responds.

Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Genus : Harpia
Harpy Eagle

EAGLE - Tortoise ! Good job on that water supply run ! Are the Savannah Friends holding well ?
TORTOISE - They're clean out of trouble, Captain ! Those two came along and defeated the Cerulean behind the shortage ! This is Serval and Kaban !
SERVAL - Hi ! Nice to meet you !
KABAN - Nice to meet you. We've heard of you, Harpy Eagle-san.

The powerful bird laughs and taps on Kaban and Serval's shoulders.

EAGLE - Newcomers and heroes, are we ? Ha ha ha ! I am certainly not one to think twice about new, helpful Friends, especially not when my Lieutenant vouches for you ! Welcome to the jungle !
KABAN - Thank you. We only did what anyone would have done.
EAGLE - Every Friend wants to help, but not everyone has ability and courage. I can see the fire in your eyes, both of you ! I'd love to hear your story !

------

Cut to later.

EAGLE - Victory through superior tactics and the drive to explore and discover...Outstanding ! Your story is the pep talk some of us could use. Maybe you could even help with our vine problem.
KABAN - We would love to, Eagle-san. It really sounds like a lot of trouble for everyone. I'm not sure how we could help, though...
EAGLE - Then we'll call a briefing and discuss the mater with my team. For the moment, however, how about we give you a tour of our facilities and introduce you to the Friends currently taking shelter here ?
SERVAL - Yeah ! Sounds like fun !
EAGLE - Follow me, then !

They go to the next house, connected to the first by a rope bridge. Inside is a simple communal area, with tables and chairs. Two Friends are sitting in front of each other. The first is a rather plain-looking Friend in all-grey sweatshirt, miniskirt and stockings getup. Her hair is medium length but thick, with bangs tied with white strings sticking out. Large tufts of hair can be see behind her small, round ears.

EAGLE - Everyone, this is Binturong...

Order : Carnivora
Family : Viverridae
Genus : Arctictis
Binturong

The other is a small Friend in a fluffy white suit with a black piece covering her hips and neck reminiscent of a maid's uniform. She wears pink shoes and a white headband. Her bobbed hair is cream, pinkish blonde, and she has a long, prehensile tail.

Order : Pilosa
Family : Cyclopedidae
Genus : Cyclopes
Silky Anteater

EAGLE - And Silky Anteater. Both are Friends who are taking shelter here for the duration of the vine crisis.
SERVAL and KABAN - Nice to meet you !
BINTURONG - N-nice to meet you. I hope you all take it easy and avoid stress-san. He's powerful in times like these.
S-ANTEATER - Hi ! Hi ! To tell you the truth, the vines don't bother me that much, but being in the hunter HQ is really neat ! Plus, I get to see onee-san !
KABAN - Onee-san ?
EAGLE - One of my Lieutenants. We'll see her shortly. Please, this way.

They come out of the room and onto a platform with stairs leading a bit further down, on the canopy of a smaller tree. There lies a large storeroom. On the side of it is a large bucket for collecting rainwater. They enter the room and see various supplies, such as water and Japari Buns, but also sacks of vegetables and eggs.

SERVAL - Waaah ! So much stuff !
KABAN - Looks like you're well organized !
TORTOISE - Yep ! Barn Owl's team gives the stuff Boss doesn't use for the buns to the Hunters, in case of emergency.
EAGLE - Sometimes they bring so much we can't even eat all of them ! Ha ha ha ! But thanks to that, we have enough food for everyone.

A new Friend enters the room and softly bumps into Tortoise. She just stands there for a bit, with an unfocused look. She then ruffles her own hair.

JUNGLE FRIEND - Oh, I didn't see you there, mya.

She smiles and blinks. She wears the usual getup of feline Friends, with brown, striped colors and a red bowtie. Only one half of her shirt is tucked inside her skirt, the other half hanging down. Her hair is very messy and has white streaks. The fingertips of her gloves are torn.

Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Genus : Prionailurus
Flat-headed Cat

CAT - Oh, there's newcomers, too. I'm Flat-headed Cat. Hi, mya. Anyway, I'll go take a nap. Mya.

She turns around and leaves.

SERVAL - She seemed tired...Is she going to be okay ?
TORTOISE - Oh, don't worry about her, she's just...laid back.
EAGLE - I would say lazy, but...Let's say she's very energetic compared to some.
KABAN - Wh-what do you mean ?
EAGLE - You'll see. Next up is the kitchen !
.
The group moves to a wooden house with large, open windows. Oddly, instead of glass panes, they are covered by some sort of thin mesh that lets light and air through. The wind is gently blowing. Around the room, all sorts of cooking instruments can be found, from stovetops to coffee makers. A Friend is seen behind a table, mincing vegetables with a kitchen knife. She looks up and sees the group enter.

JUNGLE FRIEND N°2 - Ah, Captain. Tortoise. I see we have new guests ?

She is quite a tall Friend, with a maid getup similar to Silky Anteater. However, both her hair and tail are imposingly large and thick, almost doubling her body volume. Her hair is mostly grey with white-lined black streaks. On top of her hair is a white lace ornament tied in a large flower shape, as well as two jewel hairclips. She smiles to Kaban and Serval, then makes polite bow.

Order - Pilosa
Family - Myrmecophagidae
Genus - Myrmecophaga
Giant Anteater

G-ANTEATER - Nice to meet you. My name is Giant Anteater, but you can call me Ooari. I'm the Southern Hunter Corps' Lieutenant and cook.
KABAN - Kaban. Nice to meet you !
SERVAL - And I'm Serval.
EAGLE - Those two are traveling from another island, and they've already solved the Savannah Area's problems ! G-ANTEATER - Ooh ? Impressive ! I'll have to make sure I make something especially delicious today !
SERVAL - You would ?! That sounds amazing !
EAGLE - Yes, we'll feast during briefing. For now, I'd like you to meet our last currently available member.
G-ANTEATER - Ah hah ! Good luck, Captain. She is particularly determined today.

Kaban and Serval share a quizzical look as Harpy Eagle continues the tour. Through another rope bridge, they reach a platform anchored to the tallest tree, piercing through the canopy. Another spiral staircase leads up, to a cabin, which they climb up into. Compared to the other places, this room is largely overgrown with vegetation, with only few vestiges of its former use as a bedroom. One thing strikes in particular - the large branch piercing through the room, from two holes on the left wall and ceiling. Creeping vines - though not of the type that are currently choking the jungle's ground level - cover it. And from this large branch, hangs another Friend.

She is gripping on the branch with both her legs and arms, but does so so loosely it looks like she could fall at any moment. She wears a sailor uniform with white shirt and a green, white-dotted skirt, as well as two leg warmers, one of which is maladjusted. She wears a fuzzy light brown sweater, too large for her, to the point her hands don't reach the end of the sleeves. Around her neck is a fluffy muffler, with a crooked red bowtie. Her hair is bobbed, light brown, and unkempt. She looks to the direction of the back wall and doesn't move an inch.

EAGLE - And here she is. Kaban, Serval, this is Sloth.

Order :  Pilosa
Family :  Megalonychidae
Genus : Choloepus
Linnaeus' Two-toed Sloth

SLOTH - ...
ALL FRIENDS - ...
SLOTH - ...Hiii.

She still hasn't moved so much as a finger, and is still looking at the back wall. With a sigh, Harpy Eagle steps forward, walks to Sloth, and turns her head towards the group. She is wearing a very mellow, relaxed smile, her eyes a bit closed.

SLOTH - ...
KABAN - Hmm...Excuse me...M-my name is Kaban.
SERVAL - Serval...
SLOTH - ...Got iiit...

Silence. Harpy Eagle walks back to the group.

SERVAL - Is she really a hunter...?
EAGLE - Not in any practical sense, no. But let's say I am...indebted to her, so we let her stay here.
TORTOISE - Officially, she's our lookout.
KABAN - I-I see...
EAGLE - Her punch and grip are actually pretty strong, but as you can see, she is overpoweringly lazy.
KABAN - You must have your hands full, Eagle-san...
SLOTH - ...I'm not lazy. I'm just doing nothing. I'm working very hard at it, you know~
EAGLE - Yyyyeess...Anyway, let's go back to Ooari and brief you on the situation for now.

The group leaves.

SLOTH - ...What a funny hat~

-----

Back in the kitchen, Giant Anteater is bringing plates of freshly cooked food. Silky Anteater is helping her with a cheerful smile. The others are sitting all around the table.

G-ANTEATER - Mashed potatoes sprinkled with spice, breaded aubergine, and stuffed tomatoes à la Japari Bun.
SERVAL - What is it, what is it ?! It smells so good !
KABAN - Hmm...It is good, too ! You are a better cook than me, Ooari-san !
G-ANTEATER - I can't take all the credit. I spent a lot of time learning recipes with President. She has an incredible knack for all things manmade. And since you are a genuine human, I'd love to enjoy your dishes sometime, Kaban-san !

Harpy Eagle smiles at the two anteaters once they are done serving the plates.

EAGLE - Thanks as always, you two. Well then ! Kaban, Serval, here is what we know. The area always had vines, but they started to multiply at an incredible rate more than a month ago. At first we assumed a Cerulean was behind this so we redoubled our hunting efforts, but there was nothing out of the ordinary in those we found, and their defeat didn't stem the tide.
TORTOISE - It didn't rain much more than usual, too...
EAGLE - So, if it's not a Cerulean, then it must be a regular plant going haywire for some strange reason. The thing is...How could we possibly stop it ?
KABAN - Hmm...Whatever is happening, it has to be at the roots, right ?
EAGLE - The roots ? What is that ?
G-ANTEATER - President explained it to me. The roots are what a plant grows from. A lot of vegetables are actually roots, like ginger, garlic and yam.
EAGLE - Hmm, is that so...?

Serval stands up.

SERVAL - So, if we take a vine and follow it all the way, we should find that root thing, right ?
KABAN - Yes ! That's what I was thinking, Serval-chan !
EAGLE - Going all the way to the heart of the plant...It seems we will require all the claws we have to slash through. Ooari, you're with us. Your claws are the real deal.
G-ANTEATER - Oh, please, Captain, they pale compared to yours...
EAGLE - Do not underestimate yourself ! Tortoise, will you guard the fort ?
TORTOISE - No problem !
S-ANTEATER - I'm going with Onee-san !
EAGLE - Oh, no, we couldn't possibly involve a civilian.

Giant Anteater smiles, picking up Silky.

G-ANTEATER - Captain, Silky's claws are nothing to sneeze at, and she always wanted to go on a mission with me. Plus, she has no problem moving through the vines, unlike me. This seems like the perfect opportunity.
S-ANTEATER - Onee-saaan !

Silky hugs her big cousin. Harpy Eagle nods.

EAGLE - Very well, then ! It's time for the clawed Friends to shine !

She pauses, and looks up, pensive.

EAGLE - Even...

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Cut to the zookeeper interviews. Harpy Eagle is sitting on an artificial nest in a large apiary.

ZOOKEPER N°1 - Harpy Eagles are among the largest eagles in the world, but their wingspan is relatively small to help them navigate through the jungle. Harpies have the largest talons of all eagles, and are capable of incredible feats of strength, snatching monkeys and sloths their own weight from the branches and carrying them all the way to their nest in the canopy. When they raise a chick, the larger female guards the nest, attacking all who approach, while the male goes hunting for food.

In the same apiary, the camera focuses on the very top. Sloth is hanging from the mesh ceiling.

ZOOKEEPER N°2 - The Linnaeus' two-twoed Sloth is among the slowest animals in existence. They spend most of their lives in the trees, eating leaves, and moving thanks to her clawed arms. Their slow movements actually make them harder to spot, especially with the algae that grows in their bark-colored fur and can give it a green hue. They are next to helpless on the ground, but are actually able to swim and cross rivers. They can defend themselves in dangerous situations, but are generally peaceful animals.

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Cut to Kaban, Serval, and both Anteaters walking through the jungle, the latter three slashing vines as they go. A bit ahead of the group is Harpy Eagle, cutting vines with one hand, the other dragging Sloth behind her. Sloth's body is completely slack, and she still wears her mellow smile.

SLOTH - ...The ground feels so good scratching my back~
EAGLE - I know you are stubborn, but going on an adventure to save the jungle will release your wild side, I'm sure of it !
SLOTH - Yay...I'll soon be able to do nothing twice as wildly~

Kaban is following along, unable to do anything about the vines herself, but keeping track of one as the others clear the way.  As they make their way through the overgrowth, light dims an the obstacles multiply. After a while, Serval starts panting.

SERVAL - Umya...There's no end to them !
G-ANTEATER - Hang in there, Serval-san. We're getting closer, I can feel it.
KABAN - It certainly looks like we're getting closer to the heart of that plant.
EAGLE - Still, a strategic respite could...

Eagle is stopped dead in her tracks. She looks behind her. Sloth has latched onto a tree.

EAGLE - Well, you sure listen to me when it comes to breaks, don't you ?!
SLOTH - It's important to rest when you're doing nothing.

Eagle tries to pull her off the tree, but Sloth doesn't budge an inch.

EAGLE - Come on, Nama ! We have to move, so let go !
SLOTH - I could let go, but you have enough strength to just tear me off.
EAGLE - You're so much harder to snatch in this form, and I can't expend my full strength when we don't know what's ahead. Please, Nama ?
SLOTH - ...Okay.

Sloth lets go of the tree and goes completely slack again. Suddenly, a loud sound echoes through the air. A deep, long bellow. Serval jumps and stands ready to strike.

SERVAL - Wh-what is it ?!
S-ANTEATER - This sound...It can't be ! (Jumps into Giant Anteater's arms)
EAGLE - A Cerulean ?!

The Friends regroup, back to back.  The bellow echoes again.

EAGLE - A big one ?! Here ?!
G-ANTEATER - It can't be ! There is no room for a Cerulean of that size !
KABAN - S-Serval-chan...It sounds like the one that almost ate us...
SERVAL - No way ! What's it doing here ?!

The group stays silent,  nervously checking their surroundings. A third roar makes Silky Anteater yelp and hug her cousin's large tail. Sweat pearls on Harpy Eagle's eyes. Sloth is snoring. Then, suddenly, Serval perks up and relaxes her pose.

SERVAL - No, wait...
KABAN - Huh ?
SERVAL - It's not just like that big black Cerulean...It's exactly like it ! It's exactly the same cry !
KABAN - What do you mean...?
EAGLE - Serval ! Do you know something ?

The feline Friends makes a confident smile.

SERVAL - Yes ! I know what's making this sound and why it could enter such a dense jungle !

She runs off.

SERVAL - Follow me !

-----

The group follows Serval in an area where most of the vines have already been cut at surface level, though the ones in the upper layers still blot out the sun. Serval points forward.

SERVAL - It came from here !
EAGLE - Someone was there...That big Cerulean ?!

A fourth roar startles the group, but this time they seem more perplexed than afraid. They all look up.

G-ANTEATER - It came from...Up there ? But how...?

Serval makes a triumphant pose, then calls.

SERVAL - It's safe to come down, Margay !

In the branches above, the familiar Friend comes out of hiding and smiles upon laying her eyes on Serval and Kaban. She jumps to the ground and hugs the former, letting out a happy cry.

MARGAY - Serval ! I'm so glad you're okay ! You too, Kaban !
KABAN - You knew it was her and not a real Cerulean ? Amazing, Serval-chan !
SERVAL - Ha ha ! Don't underestimate my hearing !
EAGLE - Oooh, is she one of the Friends from your island ?
KABAN - Yes, she's Margay, PPP's manager. She has the power to imitate anyone's voice, even a Cerulean.
EAGLE - Oh, I see...But...Why did you imitate such a monster, Margay ? You would scare any Friend with that !
MARGAY - I'm sorry, but, you see...I did want to scare a certain friend.
EAGLE - What ?! I won't allow any bullying, even if you're a friend of Kaban and Serval !

Margay throws her fists down.

MARGAY - It's not like that ! I was trying to find a way out of that overgrown jungle and find my precious idols, when a Friend bellowed and attacked me ! She looked really strong, too ! I'm only still here because I could escape to the trees. I've been keeping her away by imitating the strongest Cerulean.

Harpy Eagle ponders.

EAGLE - It's not that I want to doubt you, but I don't know of any Friend who would be this aggressive.
MARGAY - I didn't think any Friend would be, either ! But I walked to her to greet her, and she just rushed towards me, roaring.
G-ANTEATER - Captain...Do you think it could be...?
EAGLE - ...Yes. This is bad. Margay, do you know where you saw her last ?
MARGAY - Yes, I can lead you to it, but are you sure ? She looked really dangerous.
EAGLE - I am sure. We must get to her. It's our duty as guardians of the jungle.

------

Margay leads the group through a patch of terrain that's mostly cleared of vines, even though they're even denser than before in the upper layers. The trees around them bear deep slash marks.

MARGAY - She's around here. I'm sure of it.
G-ANTEATER - Silky. Make sure you cling to me. This is dangerous.
S-ANTEATER - Yes, Onee-san !
EAGLE - Everyone, keep your eyes peeled.

Serval moves close to Kaban, arms raised. Kaban clings to her backpack.

KABAN - Harpy Eagle-san...Do you know this Friend ?
EAGLE - No. That's the problem.

Before Kaban can ask her what she means, a Friend emerges from behind the trees. She is a feline Friend, but larger than any seen so far. She has a tie instead of a bowtie, and both it and her skirt are red checkered with orange. Her chest is quite large. Both her hair and her stockings are orange, striped with black. Her eyes are glowing with Sandstar, and so is the air around her. Harpy Eagle scowls.

EAGLE - Just as I thought. Everyone, stand back.
KABAN - What's happening, Eagle-san ?
EAGLE - This Friend was just born, and absorbed too much Sandstar.

The feline slowly steps towards the group, with a predatory look.

EAGLE - You know what a Wild Release is ?
KABAN - It's when Friends unleash their power, yes ?
EAGLE - It would be more accurate to say that emotions let them reach strength they didn't know they had, using the Sandstar inside them. But this Friend has too much Sandstar, and is forced into a Wild Release. Since it's tied to emotions...

The feline stomps the ground and roars.

EAGLE - She can't think straight. She doesn't even realize she became a Friend.
G-ANTEATER - What can we do for her, Captain ?
EAGLE - There's only one thing we can do.

Harpy Eagle steps forward, and clenches her fists.

EAGLE - Make her unleash all her energy.

Her eyes start to glow.

EAGLE - Here I come !!

Harpy Eagle rushes towards the haywire Friend, who rushes in kind.

Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Genus : Panthera
Bengal Tiger

TIGER - ORYAAAA !
EAGLE - KYAAAA !

Tiger throws a fist that connects with Eagle's chin, and Eagle hits Tiger's neck with her fingers held into a claw shape. They both recoil from the hits. Tiger bellows and charges. Eagle punches her stomach, but she barely flinches, and hits her opponent with a powerful headbutt. Eagle is thrown away, but she flaps her wings and loops in, hitting Tiger's head with a powerful heel dropkick.

EAGLE - Don't underestimate me ! Bring everything you have !

Tiger gets up and roars, then pounces on the bird of prey. Eagle dashes low on the ground, and hits Tiger with a kick powerful enough to send her flying up, where she gets entangled into vines. After a few seconds of confusion, Tiger spins and obliterates the overgrowth, then jumps down to the ground. Harpy Eagle smiles as she hops in place, fists at the ready.

EAGLE - Good ! Unleash everything ! You're almost there !

Tiger looks around, sees the other Friends, and charges towards Kaban. Giant Anteater steps in.

G-ANTEATER - Oh no you don't !

She delivers a straight punch that sends Tiger flying. Eagle swoops in, catches her by the waist, then slams her down on the ground. Barely fazed, Tiger catches Eagle's leg and slams her in turn.

EAGLE - Urgh...Resilient, are you ? Alright, let's finish this !

The world's strongest cat and the world's strongest bird rush towards each other, and punch each other at the same time, their arms interlocking. After a moment of pause, they both fall to the ground. Their Wild Releases end at the same time.

EAGLE - (Panting) Calmed down now ?
TIGER - (Also panting) Huh ? Who are you ? Wh-why is my body like this ?
EAGLE - Heh. Welcome to Japari Park.

----

Cut to later. Tiger is sitting in front of the group, and bows.

TIGER - I see...That's a lot to take in. What will I eat from now on ?

Silky Anteater emerges from behind her cousin's shoulder and hands out a Japari Bun.

S- ANTEATER - Here, take this ! I was saving it but you can have it because you're not so scary anymore !
TIGER - Oh, can I ? Thanks !

She steps in an takes the bun. She eats it, and smiles.

TIGER - Ooh, that's tasty ! I guess this strange form isn't so bad. I really want to fight something, though !
EAGLE - Ha ha ha ! I guess you would ! It happens I lead a group of Friends that use their strength to fight monsters who try to eat the weak. You're a very strong fighter, we'd love to have you on the team.
TIGER - Fighting monsters ? Sounds fun ! I'm in !
EAGLE - Welcome aboard then !

They share a handshake. Kaban raises her hand.

KABAN - Huh...Excuse me ?
EAGLE - What is it ?
KABAN - Tiger-san got exposed to too much Sandstar, right ? I think it might have something to do with the vine overgrowth. Do you remember how you got transformed, Tiger-san ?
TIGER - Hm ? Oh, sure. I was looking for a watering hole, and found this strange, bubbling, chiming puddle. I was really thirsty so I took a sip even though it looked suspicious...And next thing I knew, I was here.
KABAN-  I think this is the key to the mystery. Do you remember where that strange pool was ?
TIGER - I think so. Follow me !

-----

The group walks into an area absolutely overrun with vines, but Tiger clears them out. In the foreground is a pool of Sandstar, about as large as a double bed. It is bubbling, as Tiger described. At the edge of pool is something that looks like a tree trunk, but lacks any bark. Kaban looks up. It is connected to all the vines.

KABAN - I knew it. That Sandstar pool didn't affect only Tiger-san. It made the plants go crazy too.
SERVAL - Heeh ? But how come the Sandstar comes from the ground ? It comes from the sky, right ?
G-ANTEATER - What are you talking about ? It always erupts from holes in the ground.
KABAN - Really ? Back where we come from it came from that huge mountain at the center of the island.
EAGLE - Hmm...Sounds like our islands are very different from each other. Ooari is right, here the Sandstar comes from the ground. Still...it doesn't usually stagnate like that. I never expected it to affect a plant, too.
SERVAL - But we found the culprit ! If we cut that thing, then all the vines disappear, right ?
KABAN - Yes, they should.
TIGER - Let's whack it then ! OOORYAAAA !

Tiger slashes at the strange trunk, but it seems completely unaffected.

TIGER - What ? No way ! Harpy Eagle, you might be able to do it.
EAGLE - I'll try my best ! KYAAAA !

The bird of prey also slashes with all her might, but to no avail.

EAGLE - What the hell ? It doesn't even leave a mark...
KABAN - Maybe the Sandstar protects it ?
SERVAL - How can we defeat it, then ?
G-ANTEATER - Hmm...We know it's a root. If what President told me is true, the whole plant should die if we pull it from the ground.
KABAN - I see ! Even if it's made invulnerable by the Sandstar, we should still be able to uproot it !
TIGER - Alright then, I'll put my strength to good use !

She walks to the root and tries to tear it off the ground, but to no avail. She nods to Harpy Eagle, who tries in turn, to similar results.

EAGLE - It's no good...I can feel it just about to give, but not quite...
TIGER - Yeah...Maybe if there was a way of combining both of our strengths ?
KABAN - Hmm...A rope, maybe ? If we tie it to the tree and both of you pull...
EAGLE - No, I'm pretty sure it would be torn apart. Your idea is sound, though, we just need material strong enough to withstand both of our strengths.
KABAN - Something that can cling to a tree really hard...

She slowly turns her head towards Sloth.

SLOTH - ...

-----

Cut to Sloth clinging onto the oversized root.

EAGLE - Alright, Nama, this is your time to shine. I need you to Wild Release so I can't even tear you off at full strength.
SLOTH - ...But Wild Release is tiring...

Tiger is shown grapping Sloth's left leg, Eagle her right.

EAGLE - Where is your pride ?! This is the time to do nothing three times as hard ! Or do you want to make it look doing nothing isn't a skill ?!

After a moment of silence, Sloth's eyes start glowing, with no other movement on her part.

EAGLE - Now, Tiger ! Pull !
TIGER - ORYAAAA !
EAGLE - KYAAAA !

Sloth doesn't react, and just clings onto the root. As it begins to give way, she falls asleep.

TIGER - Almost there ! I can feel it !
EAGLE - One last push ! Let's go !

The root gives way. Tiger, Eagle and Sloth fall to the ground as it flies, lots of earth debris in its wake. The vines almost immediately start to whither.

G.ANTEATER - Captain ! You did it !
EAGLE - No, it was all thanks to Sloth. As well as our new Lieutenant.

Tiger and Eagle nod to each other, then shake hands.

TIGER - I don't really get it, but I can tell we just helped a lot of animals.

She turns to the group.

TIGER - And Friends, too.

----

Cut to the edge of the jungle. Lucky Beast is starting up the Japari Bus. The vines have fallen and withered, revealing a road through the jungle. Binturong and Flat-headed cat head inside. Eagle and her lieutenants stand to the side of the bus, inside which are Kaban, Serval and Margay.

EAGLE - So, you are headed to the Arctic Area...
KABAN - Yes. Some device here is the only way of reaching my species. I know it's a dangerous area, but...
EAGLE - You have to see it through, don't you ? Don't worry. The Arctic Area has been a problem for a long time. Maybe now is the time to take the fight to them. You have to see President and Bald Eagle so we can all act together, though. Nobody knows about humans more than President, as well.
TORTOISE - Once you're out of the jungle, go through the dry lakes. North of those is a valley. The Japari Bun Farm is there.
KABAN - Got it, thanks !
G.ANTEATER - Be careful, all of you.

The bus departs. Margay looks out the window, melancholic.

SERVAL - You're sure you don't want to go back to the others ?
MARGAY - Iwabi, Gen, Hululu, Koutei...Yes, I really wish I could go back to them. But Princess is still all alone. I can't abandon her. When I go back, it will be with the whole band.
KABAN - I understand. We'll help you find her too.

Cut to credits.

------

Raccoon, Fennec and Iriomote Cat make their way through an area with ochre soil and sparse vegetation. Raccoon hears a sharp, unnatural sound.

RACCOON - Huh ?

She turns around and sees a bush. A different sound, that of a wind chime, comes from it next. Curious, Raccoon goes to check. She starts parting the branches of the bush to investigate, when she hears a happy squeal behind.

IRIOMOTE CAT - Nyaaah ! Fennec, Raccoon, come check it out !

Raccoon loses interest in the bush and runs to the others. From behind the bush, an out-of-focus shape runs away and disappears. Cut to the Raccoon and Fennec looking over Cat's shoulders. She shows them a small, glowing orb floating close to the ground. Red and blue colors swirl inside it in a yin-yang shape.

RACCOON - Oooh, shiny, what is it, what is it nanoda ?
IRIOMOTE CAT - It's a good luck charm the Shiisas sometimes leave behind after something good happened. You can take it, Raccoon.

Raccoon takes the glowing orb and triumphantly holds it high in the sky.

RACCOON - Yaaay ! It's so pretty !
FENNEC - Isn't it nice, Arai-san ?
RACCOON - Now I really want to meet Cat's friends ! They must be amazing Friends, nanoda !

She runs off. Cat smiles.

IRIOMOTE CAT - I'm just glad you're okay, Hidari, Migi.

------

PEPAPU YOKOKU !

IWABI - Next time, we're going to learn about some pretty strange Friends !
HULULU - Strange like what ? Can they leap through time ?
GEN - I...don't think that's possible for anyone.
KOUTEI - Maybe they can eat everyday ?
IWABI - How is that strange ?
GEN - Oh, girls, I got it.
ALL - ...
GEN - It has to be Friends who go "Baaa~n"
IWABI - What the hell ?
PPP TOGETHER - Papapipupepepepapapepapu !
HULULU - Next time : Dry Lakes !


-----

Current episode list :
https://pastebin.com/VZMenHAm : Episode 1 - Ocean
https://pastebin.com/9qd6cTYW : Episode 2 - Windy Cliffs
https://pastebin.com/rE2TLgWN : Episode 3 - Outpost Seven
https://pastebin.com/QS4GhUZw : Episode 4 - Savannah Trouble !
https://pastebin.com/As1VaaD9 : Episode 5 - Jungle Treetops
https://pastebin.com/x1AXHDvu : Episode 6 - Dry Lakes