S2fE04

KEMONO FRIENDS

Season 2f

by ProjectS2f

Episode 4 - Savannah Trouble !

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The Japari Bus rides along a dirt road in the open plains. Serval hunches over, scouting the land. After a while, she points forward.

SERVAL - There ! I can see them ! The savannah trees !
KABAN - The grass is getting drier...This is just like the place I woke up and met you, Serval-chan !

Lucky Beast beeps, displaying a map on his core unit. A flashing dot shows they are still to the south of the Gokoku island, in an area of open plains, surrounded by two forests, one in the south, the other in the north.

LUCKY - Correct, we are entering the local savannah area. The savannah is home to many species, including the Serval Cat.

The bus stops in the shade of a large tree. Serval jumps out and lands on all fours. She rolls around, smells the ground, and digs a little with her hands. She smiles, eyes closed.

SERVAL - Umyaaa~ There's nothing like being in your territory...
KABAN - Serval-chan...I'm sorry, by following me you were far away from your territory for more than a month...You must have missed it so much...

Serval stands up, and looks down.

SERVAL - It's true I missed the savannah. But there is no way I could ever, ever regret being with you, Kaban-chan !

She puts her hands on the humans' shoulders.

SERVAL - Before I found you, I was just sleeping, eating Japari Buns, and playing, running away from the larger Ceruleans. Everyone was calling me weak and clumsy, the savannah troublemaker. But thanks to you, I got to see the whole park, and now even beyond ! I met so many new amazing Friends, and learned about the plans your species come up with ! I've just been following you...But now that I'm back in the savannah, I can't be weak and clumsy anymore.

She turns to the sunny landscape of yellow grass.

SERVAL - This is my territory, and even though I haven't met them yet, there's no way I'd let a Cerulean hurt the Friends in it. You've grown so strong, Kaban-chan...

Her eyes glow.

SERVAL - There has to be a way I can grow strong too.

Cut to opening.

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The camera travels over the savannah landscape. It cuts to a tree, and focuses on the branches. There is nothing there. The camera then pans down, showing a new Friend, lying down on the grass, gazing into the distance with a worried look.

SAVANNAH FRIEND N°1 - Haaa...I hope Quagga found it this time...

She looks very similar to Serval. Her clothes are cut the exact same way, but her skirt, long gloves and bowtie are of a solid, reddish sand color. Her hair, which follows this color pattern, is less puffy than Serval on top, but goes into a spiky puff at neck length. Her ears are long, black, thin and pointy, ending with small tufts of hair. She stands up with a sigh.

SAVANNAH FRIEND N°1 - At least there aren't too many of those strange Ceruleans today...

Suddenly, her ears twitch. She turns around, alert.

SAVANNAH FRIEND N°1 - Wh-what's this sound ?

She takes off, running through the tall dry grass, and then leaps in the air, landing on a dirt road. She looks around, only to see the Japari Bus driving towards her.

SAVANNAH FRIEND N°1 - Umyaaa ?!
KABAN - Aaaah ! Lucky-san ! Braaake !

The Japari Bus slows down, wheels screeching against the sandy soil, just in time to just bump the new Friend a few feet away.

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Cut to Kaban and Serval bowing in apology.

KABAN - Sorry for bumping into you !
SERVAL - You really surprised us !
SAVANNAH FRIEND N°1 - Don't worry, don't worry. It didn't hurt. I just never saw anything like that before.
SERVAL - By the way, who are you ?

Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Genus : Caracal
Caracal

CARACAL - The name's Caracal. (Turns to Serval) And what's your name ? You look like a blonder me !
SERVAL - No, I'm the Serval cat, Serval !
KABAN - And I'm Kaban. Nice to meet you !

Despite her cheerful greeting, Kaban looks pensive. Lucky beast arrives from behind and looks at Kaban.

LUCKY - The Caracal is the closest cousin of the Serval among felines. They are very similar and inhabit the same territory.
CARACAL - Oooh, Boss can talk ?!
SERVAL - Yes, but only to Kaban.
CARACAL - Oh, you're lucky, Kaban ! Boss sounds knowledgeable and interesting ! Anyway...

She extends her arms.

CARACAL - Welcome to the Savannah area ! This is a peaceful, friendly area with many cheerful friends ! Or, so I'd like to say...
KABAN - Is something happening, Caracal-san ?
SERVAL - Is it a Cerulean ?!

The black-eared feline sighs, hanging her head down.

CARACAL - In part, but it's not the biggest problem. Since the Savannah is hot and it doesn't rain often, we rely on the watering holes.
SERVAL - I know ! It was the same way back in my savannah !
KABAN - What's the problem with the watering holes ?
CARACAL - Well...They've all mysteriously dried up...

Serval and Kaban are shocked.

SERVAL - Heeeeh ?! This is really bad !
CARACAL - Thankfully, the hunters in the jungle area bring us some buckets of water to help a bit, but it's still pretty hard...
KABAN - Do you have any idea what made the water disappear ?
CARACAL - Secretarybird thinks it might be those strange Ceruleans.
SERVAL - Strange Ceruleans ?

Noises can be heard behind the group. Caracal turns around, and grimaces.

CARACAL - Watch out ! One of them is going to come up !

In the middle of the dirt road, a blue mass is coming out of the ground, like water spouting through a filter. It coalesces into a blob with a strange flatworm shape. Feelers sprout from beneath its two eyes.

SERVAL - What kind of Cerulean is this ?!
KABAN - ...We've never seen anything like it before !
SERVAL - Where is its crystal ?
CARACAL - Those don't have one.
SERVAL - Whaaat ? But then, how...

Another flatworm Ceruleans spawns, this time behind Kaban and Serval.

CARACAL - They're weak ! Just attacking them will do the trick ! Umyaaa !

Caracal pounces on the first Cerulean and attacks it with her claws, in focused slashes. Serval is dumbfounded for a moment, but then focuses. She lets out a war meow in turn, and slashes wildly at the second.

SERVAL - Umyamyamyamyamyaaa !

With a shriek, the Cerulean seems defeated. Instead of exploding into cubes, however, it just falls down and is absorbed back into the ground.

SERVAL - Wah...Did I defeat it ?

She turns to Caracal, who walks back to the ground.

CARACAL - We're not sure...They're weak and small, but they always come back...And since they act so much like water, Secretarybird thinks they may just be parts of a larger one. One that's stealing all our water.
SERVAL - Uwah...Scary !
KABAN - Then...Maybe if we can find the main body, we can defeat it for real ?
CARACAL - That's what we're thinking, yes...So we asked Quagga, the fastest Friend around, to run all over and find it...But, so far, she had no luck...
SERVAL - We'll help ! Kaban-chan is really good at coming up with ideas !
KABAN - Yes, can you take us to the others ?
CARACAL - Sure thing !

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Cut to later, as the three Friends are sitting in the rear part of the bus. Caracal holds up her fists just below her mouth, sparkles in her eyes.

CARACAL - Umyamya ! Sugooii ! Finding something as amazing as this bus and making it cross a river ! Going on adventures beyond the savannah ! This is all so crazy and sugoi ! I wish I could have been with you !

She leans outside the Bus' windows and watches the tires spin.

CARACAL  - Just seeing that is amazing enough, though ! Plus you've got a talking Boss that has the map of the entire island ! Ha ha ha !

She turns back inside, excited.

CARACAL -Now I feel like we can really solve the crisis !
SERVAL - Don't worry, Caracal ! With Kaban-chan here, we'll solve it in no time !
CARACAL - I sure hope...You do sound amazing, Kaban-san, but that strange Cerulean is really tough...
KABAN - I promise I will do my best ! But...

Kaban ponders for a moment, then looks at Caracal in the eyes.

KABAN - I do have a question...Could you maybe know someone called Mirai-san ?

Caracal's eyebrows twitch, and she stays still for a moment, before cocking her head to the side.

CARACAL - ...No, that name doesn't ring a bell at all.
KABAN - I...I see...

Kaban hangs her head down, and removes her hat, putting it on her lap and gazing at it.

KABAN - Mirai-san...You knew another Serval, and now another Caracal. How long ago was it, I wonder ?

The camera watches the Bus drive away in silence.

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Cut to the Bus arriving near a hill.

CARACAL - We're here !

The vehicle stops, and the group disembarks, starting to walk up the hill.

CARACAL - We savannah Friends roam around a lot, then meet at one of the several watering holes, but this one has this hut we can relax in when the sun's too hot. So it became our main hangout.
SERVAL - Some shade right beside a watering hole ! Sugoi ! I wish we had one like this !
CARACAL - We should almost be at the...

The group stops in its tracks when they hear sounds of fighting from the top of the hill.

CARACAL - Oh no ! Another Cerulean attack ?

They run up the hill in a hurry. Just when they arrive at the top, a Cerulean comes into view. There is a Friend behind it, just ready to strike.

FAMILIAR VOICE - Don't underestimate an idol's training ! It's Rock tiiime !

The flat Cerulean then takes a flurry of slaps to the head, then unceremoniously falls to the ground and seeps back into the soil. The victorious Friend smiles triumphantly, arms akimbo. It's the energetic Rockhopper Penguin.

IWABI - Yeah ! Synchronizing with the others is fun, but letting go of my full energy is no joke !
KABAN - R-Rockhopper Penguin-san ! You're alright !

The idol opens her eyes, and shrieks in joy at seeing Kaban and Serval.

IWABI - You guys ! You're okay too ! Awesome news ! But, don't let your guard down ! (She spins around, mittens ready to strike) There was another one around here !

Serval and Caracal ready their claws and survey the area. At the center of the hilltop is a large hole, almost completely dry. At the bottom, only a layer of thick mud can be seen. To the side of the hole is a wooden structure. It appears to be a simple cabin, but with a wide roof providing plenty of shade even outside the walls. There doesn't seem to be any Ceruleans left...

SAVANNAH FRIEND N°2 - HiiiYAH !

With a sharp sound, a Cerulean is seen being ejected from inside the cabin at great speeds, flying past the Friends with a whoosh. It falls on the slope and cartwheels downhill, dissolving into the earth after hitting the bottom. From inside the cabin emerges a new Friend. She wears a very formal-looking light grey tunic, glasses and black stockings. Her hair is long and also light grey, with two red bangs framing her face. She has white head wings with a black outer lining, and several large black feathers protruding from behind her head. She strikes a pose, holding one feet in the air and readjusting her glasses.

Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Sagittariidae
Genus : Sagittarius
Secretarybird

SECRETARYBIRD - As long as I'm around, Ceruleans please prepare to be kicked. I'm Secretarybird.

She wasn't looking at the other Friends, and in fact doesn't seem to notice as she keeps posing, satisfied. Lucky Beast straddles forward.

LUCKY - The Secretarybird is unique among birds of prey. It hunts without flying, and is able to subdue venomous snakes with powerful kicks. It is estimated the power behind its kicks is five times heavier than its body weight.
SECRETARYBIRD - That is correct. My kicking power is second to none.

Unfazed by Lucky Beast's speech, she finally deigns turning around and look at the group.

SECRETARYBIRD - Ah, Caracal, you're back. Penguin-san, I see you dispatched your Cerulean with ease as well. Oh, are you two newcomers ? This makes three.
IWABI - Yes, Kaban and Serval were with the group I traveled with and got separated from !
SERVAL and KABAN - Nice to meet you !

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Cut to later.

SECRETARYBIRD - I see, Caracal explained the situation and you'd like to help.
KABAN - That's right. I might have an idea what's causing the watering holes to dry up if I inspect them.
SECRETARYBIRD - I see. However, as you know, the watering holes are under threat. Perhaps even under attack from the Ceruleans as we speak. As a Secretarybird, should I let a Friend travel alone to an endangered, unsupervised zone, knowing they might be attacked there ? Maybe we should be careful and establish strict safeguards to protect the...

Serval points to the hole, just a few meters away.

SERVAL - But the watering hole is right there...
SECRETARYBIRD - Hm, huh...Yes ! Quite. This hole appears secured. The emergency safeguards are a success. Please conduct your inspection. Yes.

The group walks over to the empty depression in the hill. Kaban looks around, thinking. After a short while, she realizes something with a "Ah !". The camera then zooms in to one of the slopes, near the bottom. An object is seen protruding from the ground. Kaban carefully walks down the slope to investigate. The object turns out to be a metal pipe.

KABAN - A tube ? Hmm...Lucky-san ?
LUCKY - Yes, Kaban ?
KABAN - Do you know what this object is ?
LUCKY - Scanning...Scanning...It appears to be a canalization. It's a system for transporting water underground for long distances. Japari Park maintains an artificial oasis somewhere in the Desert area thanks to such a system.
KABAN - I see...So that special Cerulean could have shut down the system...

Kaban comes back to the upper level and faces the group.

KABAN - I think I have an idea. The watering holes are connected to another place far away, probably some sort of building. Water is supposed to flow from there, but something went wrong. Probably that Cerulean.
IWABI - So if we find the building, and defeat the Cerulean, we should be able to get the water flowing back !
KABAN - Hopefully, yes. (Turns to Caracal and Secretarybird) does such a building ring a bell ?
SECRETARYBIRD - Not personally, but I believe it highly likely our scout, Quagga, would know.
CARACAL - Yes, without a doubt !
KABAN - Do you know when she's coming back ?
CARACAL - Not exactly, but she will definitely come back here soon, tomorrow morning at the latest.

Serval points at the wooden hut.

SERVAL - With this shelter, it won't be a problem ! We'll wait for Quagga-chan !
SECRETARYBIRD - Very well. Please take shelter inside. This Secretarybird will stand watch.

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Cut to the zookeeper interviews. Caracal is seen lazing around on rocks in a large enclosure.

ZOOKEEPER N°1 - Caracals are a highly successful feline species which range from Africa to Asia, yet they are discreet and more difficult to observe than their cousin the Serval. Their name comes from their immediately recognizable black, tufted ears. They were thought to be a subspecies of lynx for some time, but turned out to be much older than them. They feed on small prey, but with their sharp hearing and agility, they can catch birds in mid-flight.

Then, Quagga is seen quietly grazing in an enclosure, in black and white.

ZOOKEEPER N°2 - The quagga was a subspecies of zebra. They only had the species' famous stripes on the front part of their body, the rest being brown and more horse-like. Like the zebra, most think the stripes help the animal camouflage, but nobody knows for sure. They were wild and lively, yet were known for living along peacefully with wildebeests and ostriches. The name Quagga was said to come from their call, which sounded like "kwa-ha-ha".

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Inside the wooden hut, Kaban, Serval and Iwabi sit around a table which is the only furnishing of note. On the table sit two big wooden buckets and several earthenware cups. A shot from above reveals one of the big buckets is empty and not much is left of the other. Even so, the Friends chat cheerfully.

IWABI - So Koutei, Gen and Hululu are safe in that tower ! All that's left is Princess and Margay-san and we're back in business ! Woohoo !
SERVAL - And I'm sure we'll find them very soon !
IWABI - Who knows, maybe they've already found their way to the cliffs area !

Caracal enters the room. She holds a half-dozen Japari Buns in her arms, still wrapped in paper.

CARACAL - I found enough for everyone ! I think Boss is going easy on us these days, I found so many without breaking a sweat !

She lays the pile on the table and the others help themselves. Kaban turns to Serval.

KABAN - Do the Lucky Beast hide the buns ?
SERVAL - Sure ! It'd be boring if they were always all in the same place, don't you think ?
IWABI - Margay-san takes care of the snacks these days, but I usually was the one on Japari Bun hunt duty when the others wanted to take a break !

The Friends enjoy their meal. After  while, Kaban has another question, this time for Caracal.

KABAN - Caracal-san, I was thinking...Back in Japari Park we had the Professor, a Friend that knew a lot and took care of all problems throughout the Park. Do you have someone like that in Gokoku ?
CARACAL - Hmm, let's see...We have the two Hunter Captains. Harpy Eagle of the South, and Bald Eagle of the North. Harpy Eagle and her hunters are in the jungle just north of here, it's them who bring us water buckets lately. Aside from them....Ah ! I suppose there would be President Barn Owl.
SERVAL - She sounds like our Professor !
CARACAL - I wouldn't say she takes care of all the problems...She and her team just protect the place where Boss makes the Japari Buns. Sometimes they bring us the buns themselves if Boss wanders off for a while. Secretarybird was thinking of asking them for help if they came by, actually.
KABAN - They do sound like helpful Friends. Maybe they'd know something about my species or the special Ceruleans.

Secretarybird enters the room.

SECRETARYBIRD - Someone is coming ! Considering their speed, I believe it is Quagga.

The whole group steps outside. Something is seen approaching the hill, leaving a trail of dust behind.

IWABI - What's if it's some kind of super-fast Cerulean ?
CARACAL - No, Quagga always does that. She is a little slower this time, though...

They arrive at the hill, quickly climb it, then digs their heels in to slow down and stop in front of the group. It is indeed Quagga, as she appeared in front of Raccoon, but sitting on her shoulders is a new Friend.

QUAGGA - I'm back~ Guess who I brought with me ?

The Friend hops off her shoulders, and puts the two buckets of water she was carrying to the ground.

JUNGLE FRIEND - Sorry I'm late ! Things are getting a bit crazy in the jungle right now. But !

She strikes a pose, one arm on her hip, the other across her chest, displaying the thick, red plate armor protecting her forearm. Her regular clothes are simple black nylon covering her legs, chest, thighs and arms. Over those are thick armor plates, black with yellow spots around the chest and thighs, and red around the arm and legs. She also wears a black choker with a small red bow. Her blonde hair is cut in a bob.

Order : Tetsudines
Family : Tetsudinidae
Genus : Chelonoidis
Red-footed Tortoise

TORTOISE - Red-footed Tortoise of the Southern Hunter Corps will always protect the Friends in need !
CARACAL - Yaay ! Hooray for Tortoise-chan ! I knew we could count on you !
SECRETARYBIRD - Wa-wa-water...

Caracal turns to her bird friend.

CARACAL - What, are you that thirsty ? But we still had some water left.
SECRETARYBIRD - I was trying to use it sparingly...Then Penguin-san came and I had to restrain myself further. As a Secretarybird, I...I must...

She rushes forward, stands upright next to one of the buckets, then bows down to drink.

CARACAL - Geez...She always tries to act so serious...
TORTOISE - No problem, no problem ! This is what I come here for !

Kaban steps forward.

KABAN - Everyone, we should all make sure we have our fill...Because today, we beat the Cerulean behind all this !

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Cut to a far-off shot of the Japari Bus following Quagga running at full speed. All the others are in the back of the bus, leaning out of the windows.

SERVAL - Quagga sure is fast !

The horse-like Friend looks behind her, ears perking up.

QUAGGA - Kwa-ha-ha-ha ! Leave it to me ! I'll lead you to the building in no time !
KABAN - Are you sure that's the one ?
QUAGGA - Am I ! There's only one thing like this is the whole savannah !
CARACAL - Yay ! That means we're going to find the Cerulean for sure this time !
IWABI - Still...Kaban-san ?

Rockhopper and Kaban go back inside the Bus to talk.

IWABI - I thought the Ceruleans' weakness was water...How could that one steal the water and not turn into the boring kind of rock ?
KABAN - You're right, I thought about it. And then I remembered something Mirai-san said, back at the lodge. That the Sandstar turned animals into Friends, but if it touches something that's not natural, it creates a Cerulean.
SERVAL - Oh no ! Then you mean...
KABAN - I think the Sandstar must have hit that water system somehow, and created a Cerulean that always was part water.
IWABI - Scary...How are we going to defeat it ?
SERVAL - Hitting the crystal might be the only option this time...

The Bus slows down to a halt.

QUAGGA - We're here !

The group steps off the bus and walks to the man-made structure. It's a concrete one-story building, buried halfway in the ground. It has a metallic door, but it's rusted, twisted and locked in place. Near the door lies a steel rod.

CARACAL - Is the Cerulean inside ?

Kaban walks to the door and tries to open it, to no avail.

KABAN - I can hear running water...This is definitely the place, but I can't open this !
SECRETARYBIRD - Then I shall kick it open.

The bird approaches the busted door, and unleashes a kick. It makes a loud noise, but the door still stands.

SECRETARYBIRD - ...A failure ?
CARACAL - Umya ? No way ! Secretarybird's kicks can even defeat boulders !
KABAN - I don't think it's her fault...

She is kneeling to the side of the door. Its twisted shape reveals just a bit of what's inside the building, and a pile of rocks lies just beyond the door.

KABAN - It's blocked from the inside. We can't push it.
CARACAL - So we have to pull, then !
KABAN - That's right.
CARACAL - Leave it to me !

The feline Friend grabs the handle and tries her hardest to pull the door open, but the lock resists. As she gives up and pants, Kaban thinks.

KABAN - Mmh...Maybe we could try this.
SERVAL - Oh ! It's Kaban-chan's idea !

Kaban takes the steel rod next to the door and inserts it between the wall and the twisted door.

KABAN - If we push that staff, it should create a force much greater than if we just try to pull the handle by hand.
CARACAL - Eeeh ? I don't really get it but I can push !
TORTOISE - Let's all push as a team !

Caracal, Serval, Tortoise and Iwabi push on the rod-turned lever, and Secretarybird goes for a kick on the very end of the rod.

SECRETARYBIRD - HiiiYAH !

The door busts open, the broken lock flying in the distance. The entrance was indeed blocked by stone debris, but there's enough space at the top for a Friend to go through.

CARACAL - Yaaay ! We did it !
SERVAL - Alright, I'm going to defeat the Cerulean and protect the savannah !

Serval enthusiastically jumps through the aperture. The group stays silent for a moment, taken aback.

SERVAL - Umyaaah ?!

The ground shakes.

QUAGGA - Wha...What's happening ?
TORTOISE - Run ! I'll protect you !

The entire building is shattered as a huge, blue mass emerges. Serval flies through the air.

KABAN - Uwaah ! Here it is !
IWABI - No way ! It's huge !

The Cerulean towers over the Friends, bits of broken concrete sliding off of it. It has a simple blob shape, but its skin wobbles more than others of its kind. Long tentacles start growing from its main body, one flatworm Cerulean at the end of each. Those broke off and fall to the ground. One dashes for Kaban. Red-footed Tortoise runs in the way and raises her arms, bashing the Cerulean with her arm guards.

TORTOISE - Stay behind me !
KABAN - Y-yes !

Serval lands on all fours, tail raised and bristled.

SERVAL - That was scary !
CARACAL - I'd say you shouldn't have rushed in there, but we do need that thing out in the open, so...Good job ?
SECRETARYBIRD - We'll talk later ! Let's defeat the small ones now !

Serval and Caracal rush together, followed by Secretarybird and Quagga. Tortoise stays close to Kaban.

KABAN - Even after all this, I'm still no good when it comes to fighting...
TORTOISE - It's fine ! Nobody can do everything by themselves ! Your job is coming up with plans, right ? I'll give everything I have to give you the time you need !
KABAN - Yes...You're right, thanks !

Kaban looks up. The Cerulean giant's eye is focused on the Friends fighting. His tentacles are still upward, swaying gently, flat shapes slowly growing at the tip of each.

KABAN - Watch out ! He's regenerating them !

Secretarybird kicks the last of the flatworms right into the main body. It strikes it surface with force, but it just makes it wobble, with no signs of actually hurting the monster.

SECRETARYBIRD - He can make as many as he wants, the savannah Friends will not lose !
KABAN - Looking at the size of them, it looks like we have time before he sends in another wave. Everyone, attack !

Iwabi, Serval, Caracal, Secretarybird and and Quagga let out a war cry as they attack with slaps, claws and kicks. But the moment their strikes connect, they are shocked to see their hands or feet piercing the Ceruleans' surface.

QUAGGA - What ?!
IWABI - This is bad news ! Pull back !

They manage to retreat safely, and stand some distance away from the monster, which keeps gazing at them.

SERVAL - No way ! If I had pounced, I would have been eaten !
CARACAL - I don't get it...All the others have hard skin...
KABAN - Just as I thought. This one was created from the water system. It's much more liquid than the others....
TORTOISE - But there has to be a way we can defeat it !
KABAN - Yes...Its crystal must be somewhere. We have to...

A tremor beneath the group's feet gives her pause.

KABAN - ...find it ?
IWABI - Why is the ground shaking ?!
TORTOISE - This doesn't sound good, let's...

Water violently erupts from the ground, sending the Friends flying. They are all shown screaming and flying around, Rockhopper Penguin being the only one that manages to stay upright, flapping her arms. They all land on the ground, uncomfortably close to the Cerulean.

CARACAL - What was that ?!
KABAN - It's the Cerulean ! It's using the water, and I think it just tried to fling us into its body !
TORTOISE - Not good ! If we fall into that body we'll get eaten !
IWABI - Oh no, the ground is shaking again !
KABAN - Run !

The group flees, and another geyser erupts right behind them. Then another. Then another. But as they run away, panicked, Serval breaks off from the group and dodges one of the blasts. The Cerulean ignores Serval and continues to attack the group, until.

SERVAL - Hey ! Look over here, you big...blob !

The geysers stop. The Cerulean's eye slowly turns to Serval. Kaban turns around and reaches towards her companion.

KABAN - Serval-chan ! What are you doing ?!
SERVAL - Don't worry, Kaban-chan. You're always the one who comes up with the ideas. This time, it's my turn.

She picks up the metallic door that was flung away by the Cerulean's appearance, and holds it as she faces the giant eye.

SERVAL - Do you think you can cause trouble to the Savannah Friends and get away with it ? Sure, the Savannah can be a tough place, but I love it. It's my one and only territory. And the best part of it is coming together to the watering hole, forget the dangers of the wild, and laugh between Friends. If you think you can take it away from us, then I'll defeat you ! Try and eat me, if you can !

The ground shakes under her.

KABAN - Serval-chaaaaan !

Serval smiles, and steps on the door, clutching its sides with her hands.

SERVAL - Here I gooo !

Water erupts. Serval flies through the air, riding the door. As Kaban predicted, the geyser is aimed towards the Cerulean's body. Serval finds herself upside down, looking at the large blue mass.

SERVAL - Kaban could learn my tree-climbing skill. I can learn too...Masked Booby-chan !

She prepares to jump, pouring all the strength into her legs.

SERVAL - Uuuu...MYA !

And dives down, using the door as a stepping stone. She hits the Cerulean's surface hard and straight as an arrow, diving deep inside.

SERVAL - (Now...Brown Long-eared Bat-chan ! The sounds !)

She emits the loudest moan she can muster without opening her mouth. Her eyes closed, she focuses on listening to the sounds.

SERVAL - (There ! I can hear the echo !)

She starts swimming, but the Cerulean's interior is viscous, and she has a hard time.

SERVAL - (Bottlenose Dolphin had a strange way of swimming !)

She starts undulating her body in between her breaststrokes, picking up speed. She manages to reach the crystal...and in one powerful claw swipe, shatters it.

The Cerulean explodes into countless cubes, leaving Serval about fifteen meters up in the air.

SERVAL - Heh ? Heh ? Myaaaa !

She falls to the ground, and waters spouts all around her. All the Friends rush to her side.

KABAN - That was amazing, Serval-chan !
IWABI - You did it !
CARACAL - I don't get how, but you saved everyone !
SECRETARYBIRD - This Secretarybird must acknowledge your fearlessness.

Quagga lifts Serval above her head.

QUAGGA - Kwa-ha-ha-ha ! Hooray for Serval !
TORTOISE - Amazing ! Captain Harpy Eagle would be impressed !

Lucky Beast walks up to Kaban.

LUCKY - Kaban. Without the Cerulean, the water should be released through the canalization. The watering holes should be back to normal by sundown.
KABAN - Yes, even without the system, that water has to flow somewhere, hasn't it ?
CARACAL - Then let's have a party ! For the peace of the Savannah, and for Serval !

------

The Friends are back to the watering hole with the wooden shack. The hole is once again filled with water, and the sun is sinking behind the horizon. Rockhopper Penguin is on the shack's roof, giving an impromptu performance to everyone. Only Kaban and Serval are by themselves, sitting together, looking at the sunset.

KABAN - You were right, Serval-chan. You could grow strong too. You did something I could never have done. I didn't even have the first idea how to defeat it.
SERVAL - Don't worry about it, Kaban-chan ! As I said, it was just my turn this time. And it was all thanks to the Friends we met these last two days.

She ruffles her hair.

SERVAL - Besides, I wasn't that sure it would work...
KABAN - That's what having an idea is like. You never know for sure, but if it can help, you have to try it.
SERVAL - I think I get it !

The cat then lays down on the grass, lovingly digging up the dirt.

SERVAL - I'm just glad I was able to save my territory. Tomorrow, we'll go on a journey again, because you have to know the joy of being in your own territory, Kaban-chan. And I'll be with you until you do.
KABAN - (Nodding energetically) Yes !

----

Cut to the next morning. The whole group stands besides the Japari Bus.

KABAN - You're sure you don't want us to drive you to the tower, Iwabi-san ?
IWABI - No problem, no problem ! I've got enough rock power to run all the way there !
CARACAL - So, what's your next destination ?
KABAN - Our goal is the Arctic area, but I'd like to meet with the three leader Friends of Gokoku. Harpy Eagle, Bald Eagle and Barn Owl along the way.
TORTOISE - You want to meet the Captain ? I'll take you to her, no problem ! I'm certain she'd want to meet you too ! Maybe you could even help with our problem !
SERVAL - Thanks ! Hop on board then !

Tortoise joins the duo on board the Bus. Caracal approaches Serval with a smile.

CARACAL - Serval. You made me realize there was more to life than my territory. I think I'm going to go with Iwabi-san. I want to meet all the Friends from the other islands and hear their stories. I'll learn many things, and one day, maybe I can be a real adventurer like you.

Serval stays silent for a minute, then smiles.

SERVAL - Yes. I'll be waiting, Caracal-chan !

---

A green shape can be seen in the darkness of an unknown location. A Cerulean eye glowing with Sandstar looks over it. A reflection in the iris shows Serval, looking up, holding the metallic door.

From the green shape emerges two appendices that look like rainbow-colored wings.

Cut to credits.

------

Raccoon is in a jungle, entangled in a mess of vines.

RACCOON - Haaaah ! Fennec, save me, nanoda !
FENNEC - Ara ara, Arai-san...

Pan to Fennec, also entangled.

FENNEC - It seems I'm in the same situation~
RACCOON - Gyaaah ! We'll never make it out of her alive ! Life is cruel, nanoda !
IRIOMOTE CAT - Geez, how did you get into this mess ?

The feline walks up to them and frees them from the vines.

RACCOON - We-we are saved ! Thank you, Cat !
FENNEC - I didn't know you were so dexterous...
IRIOMOTE CAT - I come from the jungle, so I'm used to this kind of stuff. You've got to move closer to the ground and take it slowly.
FENNEC - I've been to the jungle before...It was never this overgrown with vines...
IRIOMOTE CAT - Really ? That stuff is normal back at Ryukyu.
RACCOON - With Cat's help, we can get through this treacherous jungle and save the Park, nanoda !

She runs off.

FENNEC - Take it easy, Arai-san~
RACCOON - (In the distance) Aaaargh ! Let go of mee !

------

PEPAPU YOKOKU !

KOUTEI - Next time, we're going back to the Jungle !
GEN - This line feels familiar somehow ?
HULULU -  Maybe we should make a song about it.
IWABI - Heeeey ! Guuuyyys !
GEN - I-Iwabi chan ?!
IWABI - Boy have I got a story for you !
HULULU - Tell us, tell us~
PPP TOGETHER - Papapipupepepepapapepapu !
KOUTEI - Next time : Jungle Treetops !

------

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