Table Of Contents:


 Image created by DeviFoxx. Character & Logo owned by NAMCO ®.
  "A Sandra's Great Adventure" saw only a Japanese and European release in 1992. Even though "The Adventure of Valkyrie" and "The Legend of Valkyrie" were respectively released in 1986 and 1989, this game would set the stage for the main storyline by explaining the origins of Valkyrie, Kurino, Sabine, Zuhl, and the main storyline villain, Zouna the dark wizard.
 
    As you may, or may not have guessed, this game is a prequel to the series. It opens with Kurino Sandra's hometown of 「サンドランド」 "Sandland" being struck with a plague. Everyone, including Kurino's infant son falls gravely ill. Thus, Kurino sets out on his very first journey to seek out a legendary cure-all elixir known only as the "Sun Cure".

  It is not entirely certain as to why the European version was called "Whirlo". Perhaps because one of Kurino's frequently used moves in the game is known as the "Whirlowind" attack (Intentionally Romanized and spelled awkwardly from Japanese to suit the English version better). As a game, however, SANDORA no Daibouken is quite challenging.

  While the game is a fairly decent length for an Action Platformer, the game will be even more difficult even for experienced gamers. Overall progress is tracked with a Password system that is given each time you complete a "world". Additionally, it follows a Platformer rule that's only adopted by a select few games in the early 90's. Games such as Capcom's "Ghouls 'n' Ghosts", and on occasion, SEGA's "Sonic The Hedgehog".

"You can die in one hit."

  Except Kurino has no "Silver Armor" he wears or "Rings" to collect in the game that will let him stay alive longer. He gets hit once, he loses a life. You do not respawn directly where you died, either. Instead, you either start all the way back from the beginning of the stage, or from the halfway point.

  Another challenging factor is the game has an awkward "Jumping" system. Kurino has four different ways to jump. His normal Jump you have full control over. However his other three jumps--High Jump, Whirlowind Attack, & Sprint--you have no control over whatsoever other than selecting which direction you're jumping in.

The Move list is as follows.

  • D-Pad : Movement to the Left or Right.
  • A Button : High Jump or Sprint.
  • B Button : Normal Jump.
  • X Button : Whirlowind Attack.
  • Y Button : Attack with Trident.
  • L Trigger : No Function.
  • R Trigger : No Function.
  • Start Button : Pause The Game.
  • Select Button : No Function.
  • Whirlowind Attack : Like many of Kurino's abilities as you'll soon find out about, the Whirlowind Attack requires that you get a running start first before you hit the "X" button (Quickly nudging the D-Pad in a direction for a split second then immediately following up with the X button works too). Occasionally you will need to utilize the Whirlowind Attack to overcome an obstacle, or effectively combat a boss. The only drawback to using the Whirlowind Attack as a standalone means of jumping is that after roughly two seconds in midair, Kurino will fall and stumble to the ground (If you time it correctly, this can be prevented by quickly pressing the D-Pad in the opposite direction and hitting the attack button). It should also be noted that the height of the jump with this move is determined by how much running speed you gained prior to pressing the "X" button.
  • High Jump : As the name implies, use this move to gain higher ground. The High Jump is far more effective and accurate than the Whirlowind Attack. Use the High Jump by getting a running start with the "A" button. Just like the Whirlowind Attack, overall height is determined by Kurino's running speed he achieved prior to pressing the "A" button.
  • Sprint : The "Sprint" and the "High Jump" share the same button. The "A" Button. When Kurino uses the "Sprint", he will thrust forward quickly and gain a little bit of ground--by both moving forward quickly and gaining a minor amount of airtime. There will be some areas where it will be more than absolutely necessary to use a Sprint. So bear that in mind.
  • Attacking with Kurino's Trident : In every appearance Kurino has made, his mainstay weapon has always been a Trident. Perform a standard thrust with the "Y" Button. If you hit the "Y" button while jumping in the air, Kurino will perform a spinning Tornado attack with his trident. If you hold Down on the D-Pad, while holding the "Y" button during a Jump or while descending in midair, Kurino will perform a downward thrust with his Trident, allowing him to bop his enemies on the head A La "Sonic" and "Mario" style.

  The only other noticeable differences from the Japanese and European versions--aside from a less-than-satisfactory job of translating the game--is that for some reason, NAMCO of Europe decided to make Kurino's eyes look slightly "angrier" than the Japanese version. In addition to that, there's also some gender and name reversal. The villain Zouna is now referred to as a "She" named "Malix", and the Quarkman "Sabine" is now a boy named "Steven" who is Andy's son instead of daughter.

  The following is a storyline FAQ / Walkthrough using the European version as sort of a "base" to go from. The guide uses the original Japanese names for the most part, as opposed to the European translated names. The main character "Whirlo" is referred to by his original name "Kurino". "Steven" is to be known as "Sabine", "Malix" will be "Zouna", the race "Kaulkmen" are now known as "Quarkmen", and so on and so forth. I have written the following in a Storyline / Fan-Fiction style of writing to give you, the reader, a more enjoyable experience--allowing you to get more involved with the story. Granted, there are parts of this written walkthrough that have been embellished or even exaggerated, but this makes for a more interesting read.

Original game ROM owned by NAMCO©. Please keep the ROM for no more than 24 Hours, unless you yourself own a copy of the game. All images, in-game screenshots, and artwork are owned by, and property of NAMCO of Japan Co. Ltd. and their respective artist(s) unless stated otherwise.

  In the world of Marvel Land, the Sandra Clan lived a quiet and peaceful existence in their hometown of 「サンドランド」 Sandland, situated at the very base of Mount Alsandra. Among them lived the kind Kurino Sandra with his family--a wife and infant son.

  Until...

 
 

  For an unexplained reason, Mount Alsandra suddenly erupted into a horrific volcanic explosion!

  The eruption caused the very ground to shift beneath the feet of the Sandras. The earth began to quake violently and the land began to slide, causing the village of 「サンドランド」 Sandland to sink beneath the earth and fall into darkness. Soon, the rest of Marvel Land began to fall into a state of chaos.

 
 

  "Hahahahahaha!! I am finally free from that wretched dark prison! My first deed is to rule Marvel Land with my evil powers! ... Any who refuse to serve me as a slave shall perish by my might!!", shouted the dark wizard Zouna.

Just as Zouna declared, he began to swiftly spread his evil magic across Marvel Land and infect the hearts of as many people as he could.

 
 

  "I'll deal with that pathetic Sandra clan first!", said Zouna. Thus, Zouna's "Ashes of Despair" began to spew forth from the peak of Mount Alsandra. Sprinkling across the village of 「サンドランド」 Sandland and blanketing everything in a drab shade of gray. The water became polluted, crops began to wither, and the town grew increasingly darker as the village of 「サンドランド」 Sandland sank further and further into the earth. Sadly, with the Ashes of Despair came a deadly plague that infected the Sandras, turning them all to stone--silently freezing them in their positions.

However... The worst is yet to be told.

 
 

  Kurino's dear infant son has fallen ill to the plague. Kurino and his wife are helpless! They can do nothing but watch as their child grows weaker and weaker by the day. Until finally Kurino vows to find a way to save his son, and ultimately Marvel Land.

 

  Filled with a newfound resolve, Kurino sets out on what would be both his very first journey, and one of his biggest ones. With his farmer's pitchfork in hand he departs from his home... Leaving behind his wife and deathly ill son.

  Not certain where he should go first, a thought entered Kurino's mind:

  "I know! I'll visit the elder of 「サンドランド」 Sandland village first! If anyone'll knows what to do, he will!"

  What trials await Kurino on his race for the cure? Thoughts of his wife and son remain fresh in his mind as Kurino quickens his steps towards the outskirts of 「サンドランド」 Sandland village.

 
  Kurino hastily ran through the ash-covered streets of 「サンドランド」 Sandland village. He passed by houses of his neighbors and relatives, only to find them in ruins and ransacked by Tattas, and other minions of Zouna. Since Mount Alsandra's eruption, 「サンドランド」 Sandland's geography had become unstable with high cliffs and hills. The only way Kurino could escape was by high jumping whenever he could while staving off Tattas and their ilk. Sadly, as Kurino reached the extremities of the village, he witnessed one of his brethren succumb to Zouna's
plague before his very eyes. There was no time for tears, though. The haunted forest was just ahead, and Kurino had to push on to reach the Elder's hut.

  Kurino entered into the forest. A thick mist swept across the forest floor and wrapped around his feet... and then his body. There were even more monsters in the
wood than there were in 「サンドランド」 Sandland. Strange red insects descended from below, while black Sorchikis rose from the depths of the mist-laden floor. Kurino noticed at that point either the Haunted Forest had been affected the most by the Ashes of Despair, or the Ashes had begun to spew forth from Mount Alsandra with increased intensity. In any case, as Kurino traveled further into the forest, the Ashes grew thick. It was becoming quite difficult to even breathe. In some instances, the Ashes had piled up so high that they formed large gray walls. The only way for Kurino to overcome such obstacles was with a sound Whirlowind Attack!

  Kurino soon found himself confronted with new foes to battle. Blue Talos bulls and stone boulders obstructed his path. Even the Ash itself began to manifest its own living form. A strong Whirlowind attack through another Ash wall sent Kurino tumbling through the treetops down to the forest floor below.

"Hmm...? The path ends here. This giant tree is blocking my way. Oh, where could the Elder be?!"

  Out of the corner of his eye, he then noticed a sign with writing that barely qualified as legible. "It says... 'Knock... like... you mean it?' What could that possibly mean?", Kurino muttered under his breath. "Ah ha! I've got it! I know what to do!" Kurino performed his Whirlowind Attack on the trunk of the tree. It must've knocked something loose! A long rope dropped down from a platform above.
Kurino scaled his way up the rope, hand over hand, and finally reached the top. A rickety old treetop hut laid before his eyes. Without fear, Kurino entered.

"Kurino! Good to see you. It's been a long time. Have a seat, my boy.", the Sandra Elder welcomed warmly.

"Elder! My son has the plague from the Ashes of Despair! Not just my son, but the entire village is infected!", with an unsettling look, Kurino relayed the news to the Elder. "Oh my! That's utterly horrible! I'm so sorry to hear..." The elder's eyes grew wide with shock.
"I know... Is there anything I can do to cure him and everyone else?" Kurino replied.
The Elder began to mumble, "Hmmm... If only we had the legendary sun cure. That Elixir can cure any known illness in the world."

Without missing a beat, Kurino shouted: "The 'Sun Cure'?! Really?? Where can I get it! Please tell me!"

  "Long ago... A star fell from the sky and was split into seven individual pieces... From that time onward, they have come to be known as the seven 'Light Crystals', and have since been scattered across Marvel Land. The legend continues to state that if you gather all seven Light Crystals and hold them up to the sky, the Sun Cure shall appear in a flash of light..." The Elder told the tale of the Light Crystals to Kurino, only to follow with "I don't know where every single one is, let alone if they even exist--"

  Kurino interrupts, "So all I have to do is find all seven Light Crystals?"

  "Kurino! You're not actually thinking about...
     You'd have to travel the world... It'll be a tough journey!
     Even if you find a way to escape 「サンドランド」 Sandland in the state it's in now, that's probably the only option you have to save your son...", says the Elder.

Unshaken by the Elder's words, Kurino vows "I'll get them no matter what it takes!"

  The Elder suddenly walks into a back room of his hut. Shuffling and shifting of miscellaneous goods and bric-a-brac can be heard. Until after merely a few moments, the elder returns holding something golden and glittering in his aged hands.

 The Elder softly speaks, "Take this. I found it in the forest years ago. Now that I think of it... I'm not entirely certain, but this may be a Light Crystal. You would be better off taking it with you, Kurino. Since you're going on a journey anyway, I hope it can help you."

Always sure to have his manners about him, Kurino replies with a simple "Thank you".

"I'm not finished." The Elder hesitates just before handing the supposed Light Crystal to Kurino. "Listen carefully. When you leave this place, you must give water to Scissors. That is the only way you can escape from here. Best of luck, my boy... Best of luck."

  Overjoyed, Kurino held the Light Crystal over his head and gave a cry of joy. The golden orb seemed to be glinting in the candlelit room. Almost as if it were glinting with a faint glimmer of a potential hope... a possible future of peace.
  Kurino departed from the opposite side of the Elder's hut, and quickly noticed that the bridge was missing--or at the very least incomplete. The only way to cross was a series of Jumps and Sprints.

  Boulders rolled towards Kurino from an uphill slope. At the top of the hill however was a long, seemingly bottomless shaft with a sign below that read: "Scissors Below! Danger!"

  Boldly jumping down below, Kurino expected to immediately find his footing. How disappointing it must've been for Kurino when he began to tumble to a cavern down below. "「サンドランド」 Sandland is still sinking...", Kurino thought to himself. "I hope I can save everyone in time... Hang on, son! Just hang on!"
  Our hero finds himself in a trench filled with soft soil. A withered, green, plant-like being lay in front of him. Could this be the "Scissors"? Just outside of the trench was a large stone pillar that was seemingly blocking the water flow of a local geyser. There wasn't much Kurino could do at the moment, so he decided to run up a nearby hill to get his bearings. As he did so, crystal shards began to drop from the ceiling--embedding themselves into the path behind him.

  Finally reaching the top, Kurino found a large ball of ash suspended by a thin crystal pillar. With little regard about what the potential consequences could be, Kurino let a Whirlowind Attack fly on the pillar.
  "Yes!" he exclaimed... Followed immediately by an "Uh-oh..." The now-freed ball began to roll downhill right behind Kurino. Destroying debris in its wake, while gaining both mass and momentum. At the very last moment, Kurino jumped into a ditch low enough for him to duck inside. The ball of ash safely rolled over his head, and fortunately, by chance it also dislodged the stone pillar that was previously blocking the water geyser. The geyser in turn gave water to Scissors.

  Before Kurino's eyes, Scissors' transformed from a crusty, moldy old brown into a healthy spring green.

  Scissors softly blew bubbles from it's mouth. "This is my chance!", Kurino said.

And with that, Kurino hopped in Scissors' mouth and use the bubbles to travel topside!

 

  With help from the Elder of the Sandras, and the plant-like Scissors, Kurino managed to escape what was left of 「サンドランド」 Sandland Village and he began to make his way up towards the summit of Mount Alsandra in an attempt to get his bearings, and find some clues as to where the next Light Crystal might be.

 
  A lone bubble carrying Kurino slowly ascended from a large crevasse in the ground. With a sudden pop, Kurino was released! He now found himself on the base of Mount Alsandra.

  There were weird wooden structures strewn about the landscape. Stranger still, there were large wooden cages suspended by vines. Already, Kurino could tell that he was probably in one of the worst places he could be. Who could've built those cages...?
  Kurino found his answer soon enough! Black Quarkmen began to aggressively advance towards Kurino. Leaping and bounding overhead in an attempt to bring Kurino's adventure to a rather premature end.

  While he furiously defended himself with his pitchfork, Kurino found no way to defeat them. His pitchfork only stunned the deranged Quarkmen. The only other alternative was to run ahead and continue up the mountain whenever an opportunity presented itself.

Continuing along the stretch of dirt road, the voice of a man called out to Kurino: "At last! Finally, someone to help me!"

"Huh?!", Kurino, feeling quite startled looked above his head and noticed a rather awkward looking man in a green vest.

"I thought I'd be stuck in this cage forever! A thief like me... Caught by a Quarkman! Hah! ...I really blew it." The stranger spoke, feeling rather confident after seeing Kurino arrive on the scene.

"HEY!! ... Hey you!! C'mere!", the caged man shouted at Kurino, "Get me outta here!!" This left Kurino with a few options. "Sure... I could help him... But
this seems a little fishy to me. I think I'll wait and see for a bit or two." Kurino thought to himself, and did just that. He waited.

  Growing with anxiety and fear, the stranger spoke again to Kurino. "Ya don't trust me, do ya? I'm not a bad guy!! I fell asleep outside, and when I woke up I was in this mess! I'm a victim here! Ya gotta show mercy! Please, help me!!"

  Jingle bells could be faintly heard approaching from the distance. A Quarkman, this time in purple instead of black, was bounding and leaping towards Kurino and the caged stranger. With each time the Quarkman landed, the sound of a jingle bell could be heard. The being finally stopped right in front of Kurino. He wondered to himself what that sound was...

  That is, until he noticed the jingle bells attached to a bracelet on the Quarkman's hand. "What do you think you're doing with my prisoner?!" It said, rather angrily. Kurino wasn't sure what to make of the Quarkman's intentions--let alone what he planned to do with the poor green-vested stranger in the cage. "Touch him, and you'll pay for it, you Sandra!" it yelled.

  Kurino, at this point, was getting fed up with this foolishness. He decided to help the caged stranger. The Quarkman however took notice of Kurino's intentions and promptly uttered "Don't even think about it..."

  Ignoring the Quarkman, Kurino persisted. The Quarkman warned "You're asking for it! Better stop while you have the chance!", and then "You'll be sorry!". Still, Kurino didn't listen. And so the Quarkman felt forced to act. "Alright, you asked for it, Sandra!"

  The Quarkman engaged Kurino into battle!

  With two or three quick Whirlowind Attacks, Kurino ended the fight early before things could barely even begin to heat up. Defeated, the Quarkman's heart sank... "Now I've lost my last hope..." Curious, however, Kurino inquired "What do you mean?"

  "The King of the Crescent Moon has demanded my only child as a hostage! If I don't do as he says, he'll destroy my village! ...And I thought 'if only I could find a replacement'...", explained the Quarkman.

  Kurino sympathized. "I know how you feel... I'm on a quest to find the Light Crystals to save both my child, and my home village from the plague."

 "Light Crystals!? That's a legend that we of the Quarkman tribe know! Please... I beg you... Destroy the King of the Crescent Moon. If you do, I can get you at least one of the Light Crystals." said the Quarkman. "Is that all? That'll be easy!", Kurino replied with a certain confidence in his voice.

  "Good! My name is Andy." The Quarkman finally introduces himself. "A warrior like you can defeat the King of the Crescent Moon. So let's go!"

  Kurino felt flattered by Andy's words. He never really considered himself to be a strong person before, so he started to blush. With a quick jump, Andy knocked the cage lose. Busting it open and freeing the stranger finally. "Ha ha! I'm saved! I thought I was a goner!" said the now overjoyed stranger. "Well, gotta go! See ya later!" And with that, the stranger skips off to an unknown location, while Kurino and Andy head further up Mount Alsandra. Thanks to Andy's agile feet, Kurino is brought up to a higher plateau on the way to the summit.

"Kurino. I'm going on ahead. Meet me at the end of the road. Hurry the best you can!"

  Kurino readied himself for the dangers that lie ahead. Both expectedly, and unfortunately, Zouna's monsters were up here too! Tattas, Flying Goblins, and even enchanted trees tried to slow Kurino's progress. It became obvious that Kurino was approaching the summit of the mountain. Smoldering rocks and boulders engulfed in fire were hurtling themselves towards Kurino now. And if things couldn't possibly get any worse--the sun was beginning to set and it was getting dark.

  Kurino was soon confronted with a horrible sight. The Quarkman village was being attacked. Their houses were on fire and wounded Quarkmen were laid out on the roadsides. Finally managing to meet up with Andy, the two are confronted by a large stone gate obstructing their path.

"The Crescent Moon King is attacking our village! He's even stolen the Light Crystal from us! ...Hurry, my child. Maybe it's too late? ..Oh.

Kurino... Help me open the gate, please. I'm not strong enough to do this by myself."

  The stone gate was closed by a bizarre, double-Crescent Moon lock. The lock could only be opened by sliding the left moon to the right, so that both moons touch one another.

  The switch was too high to reach, and moreover there's no footing to use to push the switches together. The only answer was of course a nice sound Whirlowind Attack.

  However, as Kurino bashed the left side of the switch, it immediately slid back into place! Kurino kept trying. Until Andy finally decided to lend a hand. With a quick and swift
leap, Andy was on top of the switch. His weight slowed down the switch enough to where Kurino was able to slide the lock into place and release the stone door. As the door slowly lifted itself up with a loud rumbling, a blast of hot air escaped and enveloped Kurino and Andy. The pair entered the depths of Mount Alsandra.

  Kurino was quickly met with the raging inferno inside the mountain. Stone pillars with monstrous faces spewed fireballs. To make matters worse, Honorians and other fire creatures threw themselves at Kurino. And then... The fire began to rise from below. Jumping to and fro on the stone platforms, Kurino finally made his way to the exit of the inferno.
 
  Finally, Kurino reaches the summit of Mount Alsandra, which proves to be even more treacherous than the innards of the mountain. The only way to advance forward now is by heading straight up. Ordinarily, this isn't a difficult task for a Quarkman, but for a Sandra like Kurino this is a bit trickier. Imitating Andy, Kurino bounds and leaps from platform to platform until he can go no higher.
Finally, Kurino came face to face with the terror that plagued the Quarkman village. The Crescent Moon King.

Without so much as a single word spoken by either party, the two engage into battle.

Kurino's attacks with the pitchfork seemingly caused the Crescent Moon King no harm whatsoever. "How can I finish this guy off? ... Hmm. I think I'll try something different."

Much like how a Sumo Wrestling match is executed, the only option Kurino had
was to "Ring Out" his opponent. Normal attacks did no good. And much like the large stone gate at the entrance to Mount Alsandra, a Whirlowind Attack is the only forceful attack Kurino can use against the Crescent Moon King.

  Kurino's strategy proves effective! But the Crescent Moon king won't go down without a fight! The two are locked in a tussle to gain control of the ring--neither wanting to back down. Perseverance was the key that Kurino needed to gain victory.

  "Hraaaah!!" Kurino cried, as he gave one final push against the Crescent Moon King. Sending the dethroned tyrant falling down from his roost to meet his doom below Mount Alsandra.

  "The Quarkman Village is safe now... But... What about my village?"

  As Kurino pondered to himself, a twinkling object began to materialize behind him, in the center of the stone arena. It was a Light Crystal! He was one step closer to saving his village! Kurino triumphantly held the Light Crystal high above his head.

  At that moment, Andy appeared at Kurino's side to survey the current situation. In a panicked frenzy, Andy frantically searches the scene in an attempt to find his child. But then Kurino notices another sparkling object just a few feet away.
  Kurino investigates the scene. And it turns out to be Andy's daughter, Sabine!

  Andy--like any loving father after such a crisis would--tenderly, and affectionately cuddles his only child. But the loving reunion was short-lived, sadly.

The image of the Crescent Moon King rose up from the mountain's depths and hovered over the three. An angry voice bellowed: "This is not over!! If I fall, you all shall fall with me!!"

"He's calling a meteor shower!! Run!!" Andy cried.

  With the meteor shower called forth by the Crescent Moon King, a large meteor struck the summit of Mount Alsandra in a loud, thundering explosion that leveled the surrounding area.

 

  The result of the earth-shaking crash caused the three--Kurino, Andy, and baby Sabine--to be divided. Sent flying across the sky in three separate directions.

 

  Kurino was flung across the sky to the castle that towered over Caldera Mountain. However, the castle was currently flooded by a seemingly endless torrent of water that flowed from an as-of-yet unidentified source from the castle's tallest tower. Kurino's intuition told him that his best bet would be to head towards the castle for more clues regarding the Light Crystals.

 
  Kurino found himself in a town far beyond Mount Alsandra. At the center of which lies a large white castle. Mysteriously, an endless torrent of water flowed from the topmost tower of the castle. As a result, the town surrounding the castle was flooded.
  This left many people homeless. Only the highest of rooftops and tallest of spires protruded from the water's surface.

  Kurino had just saved the Quarkman village, but now another community needed his help. Wisely, the first place Kurino decided to investigate was the castle to figure out what was causing the flood.

  Hopping from lily pad to lily pad, he approached the castle until finally reaching a rather large waterfall. There was a very small break in the flow of of the water, so Kurino jumped in via a Whirlowind Attack--Propelling himself into the waterfall.

  Behind the waterfall, Kurino fell and safely descended through the roof of a large metal structure. He was about to meet some new friends.
  Kurino found himself in some kind of dock, or hangar for large sea-faring vessels. Startled by Kurino's abrupt entry, a bearded old man promptly questioned Kurino.

  "Who are you? What do you want?"

  "I'm Kurino of the Sandra clan. I'm on a quest for the Light Crystals. Do you know where they might be?"

  "Hmmm... 'Light Crystals', eh...?" the old man in the green hat replied. Followed by a hacking cough. The old man called out to the carpenter who was hard at work on the vessel with his hammer, "Hey Grady! Have you ever heard of the Light Crystals?"

"Let me see..." Grady replied, looking blankly off into space. Then without another word, he resumed work on the vessel.

"...Nope, no idea. Try asking the princess in the castle."
  The old man began to cough loudly again. Until a young girl with blonde hair entered the hangar and softly said "Gramps. You should rest. Here... this is granny's medicine". The girl set down a brown bottle. "Take it every day, gramps."

  "Thanks for coming so far. How's granny?: The old man, muttered. He then continued "Peppy... Granny's getting old. You've gotta hurry up and get hitched so she won't have to worry about you."

  "Gramps..." The young girl, Peppy, said as she shrugged it off. "Building a boat this time? She's beautiful."

  "Yep, ain't she? Thanks to Grady! He's a crackerjack carpenter!", Said Gramps. Gramps then turned to the vessel and called up to Grady, "Hey! Knock off for some tea now!" causing Grady to temporarily delay the completion of his boat. Gramps turned his attention back to Kurino and Peppy, "We've got to finish before the castle is completely flooded." to which Peppy asks "Say, would you fix my house?"

  Grady blushes at the idea of helping the beautiful Peppy. Gramps continues addressing Kurino. "'scuse me, Kurino... I'll help you if you're going to see the princess. When you see the princess, I got a favor to ask. I've never seen the princess before. Can you please let me know what she looks like?" Kurino promptly replies "I'm sure she's beautiful!"

"Well, she's our princess. She must be a beauty... Anyway, use the floating platforms outside to make your way to the top of the castle, Kurino. You take care, ya hear? Best of luck." After Gramps said his farewells, Kurino was off again to make his way to the top of the tower. There were only two platforms and they moved in a very awkward fashion. Jumps needed to be alternated between the two platforms. When Kurino rested on one platform, the other would rise. Needless to say, getting to the top of the castle would be no easy feat, but Kurino accomplished it nevertheless.
 
  Finally, Kurino arrived at the topmost tower of the castle and entered the hallway to the throne room. As he walked by, he couldn't help but notice the strange ancient murals on the walls. One depicted a maiden with a winged helmet, robed in white garments and wielding a sword. While another mural featured a dark wizard wearing robes of lavender and a magical rod in his hand. What could these possibly mean? A legend or prophecy perhaps? Kurino pressed on and entered the throne room, where he found a weeping princess whose face was obscured by a simple white folding fan.

  The Princess, sobbing her eyes out, softly began speaking. "Oh, Nick... Oh... My darling, Nick... Where have you gone...? I've lost your gift... and now you've gone to find it... Ohhhh!". The princess continued weeping. "But don't you see...? I miss you more than I miss the gift! ... Oh, Nick!", And finally, noticing Kurino, the princess inquires "...Who are you?"

  A rather flustered Kurino, hesitatingly responds "Oh... Uhh... Me?! Ahh... My name is Kurino. I'm on a quest to find a cure for my sick son. I'm searching for the Light Crystals."

"Oh... I'm very sorry... If only Nick were here.. He'd help you." said the princess.
  "Is Nick your boyfriend?" Kurino asks. The princess responds "He loves adventure and is very wise. He'd know where to find the Light Crystals you're looking for..." As soon as Kurino heard the princess utter those words, Kurino shouted "I have to meet him!"

  "No... It's not possible. He's gone. No one can find him..."

  To which, Kurino vowed "I'll find him! I will!" If this Nick person could help Kurino find the Light Crystals to cure his son and the village of 「サンドランド」 Sandland, then Kurino could not pass this opportunity by!

  "Really?" The princess' ears perked up. Kurino asks again, "Nick knows about the Light Crystals, right? Then I'll find him!"

  "Really?! That would be wonderful!! Please, do find him... Please...!! Nick... My precious Nick... Your beautiful beard... Those cucumbers you love so much... The lovely music you played for me on your flute... Nick... Nick..." The princess' mind began to wander and think of where Nick might be... and if he's safe. As a result... she began to cry... Harder, and harder... Until the tears flowed from her eyes like twin waterfalls and filled the throne room with her tear water... It was obviously clear where the torrent of water that covered the castle had originated from. Who'd have thought that the flooding of the town below was all caused by the princess's crying? The tears swept Kurino up off his feet... and the current then brought him down another corridor leading out of the throne room and out the door...

  Kurino then fell... Tumbling from the top of the castle to the catacombs far below. After taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Kurino tried to memorize his surroundings.
 
  There was a rusty old sign that had obviously been there for quite some time. Even though the sign was well-aged, it was still decipherable.

  "Right: Coral Forest, Left: 'Nick' Clan"

  Kurino tried the route to the Coral Forest first--which was impassable anyway. Due to a large gap across a good section of the catacombs, accompanied by a floor lined with sharp spikes.

  Unexpectedly, Kurino ran into a familiar face. It was the green-vested stranger he had rescued from before! However... The man was too absorbed in his own predicament to pay Kurino any mind. Talking under his own breath, the man could be quoted saying:

  "...*Sigh*... There's a pile of treasure glittering over there, and I can't get to it! ...If only the water would rise a bit more..."
  Having nowhere else to go, Kurino took the opposite route and decided to interrogate the Nick clan for answers. After entering the clan's domain, the first character Kurino comes across is a rather bizarre looking creature. Or was it a man, perhaps? No. It couldn't be... A "thing"? It had the torso of a man, the hind legs of some type of beast of burden, long blue hair, and a ghostly white face with yellow horns. Resembling something out of a children's book, Kurino thought to himself.

  It began to speak.

  "The Princess is really a problem. We'll all drown if she doesn't stop crying."

  Kurino looks on--confused as ever--trying to make sense of what it is exactly that he's looking at. That is, until he's finally noticed by the creature.

  "...Hey! What are you staring at?!" It yelled in a frustrated voice. Kurino didn't delay with the reason why he arrived. "Well, I'm looking for Nick."

  "Looking for Nick? Ha ha ha ha!! Listen, and listen good! All of the men here are named 'Nick'! Nobody'll know which specific 'Nick' you're looking for!"

  "Huh? Oh... Well. I was told that he has a beard. He loves cucumbers too, and he plays the flute as well." Startled, at first, Kurino gave his description.

  "Oh! That's the Princess' boyfriend!"

  "I promised the Princess I'd find him." Kurino replies.

  "You're a friend of the Princess? You should've said that in the first place! ...I see now. He's been gone. That's why I haven't seen him recently... I don't know that Nick very well, but maybe the other Nicks know something! You should ask them. However, these guys are a bit tricky. They'll try to fool you for sure... Hmm... I've got it! Listen carefully. Ask the guys these questions:

  1. Does Nick have a beard?
  2. Does Nick like cucumbers?
  3. Is Nick really good at playing the flute?

  The four Nicks will probably answer you different ways. The one who correctly answers all three knows where the Princess' boyfriend is--he's the one you want. When you know he's the right one, take him to the princess." After a long-winded explanation, the creature hands Kurino a decently-sized bottle of tea. Then he continues:

  "Here is enough tea for five people. Those guys sure love tea. They'll answer your questions for a cup--they sure are tricky, though. Good luck!"

  With that, Kurino had his orders. After exploring the Nick clan's domain, Kurino finds a small crowd--including the young Peppy--gathered around a young man. He appeared to be an aspiring knife-juggler. The bold young boy began to give his presentation. He opened with the standard "Ladies and Gentlemen!", followed by his introduction,  "Gather around for the ultimate in daring... Buck, master of the whirling blades!"

  The young lad juggled his knives with the utmost precision and care. Even Kurino was impressed at the boy's skill! "Wow! That's amazing!" Kurino exclaimed. The boy was showered with cheers and applause from onlookers. Peppy especially enjoyed Buck's show.

  "...Buck's so cool..." she spoke softly under her breath. And from that moment on, Peppy had developed a young girl's crush on the comely young Buck.

  "Thank you! Thank you, everyone!", Buck said as he took a bow.

  Kurino didn't want to be distracted anymore than he already was. He promptly resumed his task of finding the right 'Nick'. There were four rooms. In addition to that, Kurino remembered that he was only given five helpings of tea. Each Nick will answer one of three questions for one helping of tea. The true Nick has to answer all three questions correctly. Should Kurino use up all five helpings of his tea, all Nicks will promptly switch places and Kurino will have to guess all over again. This would require both Kurino's absolute concentration, and a bit of luck.

  As Kurino interrogated each Nick, his hopes steadily climbed higher as he began to gain positive responses. However, these hopes were soon dashed by hearing "Nick plays the drums", "He likes tomatoes", or "He doesn't have a beard". Finally, after a bit of trial and error, Kurino finds who he believes to be the one who knows where the Princess' boyfriend is. "You're coming with me. Let's go.", and so Kurino returned back up to the Princess' throne room with his informant in tow.

  The Princess welcomed Kurino on his return, and inquired "Kurino... Have you any clues? ...And who might this be?"

  The informant from the Nick clan told the Princess "Actually I have a message from Nick... 'No matter how long it takes, I shall find it. Wait for me, and please don't worry, my darling.'... While he was in the Dragon Forest, there was a big earthquake and the ground split open. That's probably why he can't return."

  "Oh my! Such a dangerous place! ... And he's there on my behalf...?" The Princess' eyes slowly began to well up with tears again.

  "I tried to stop him, but he said he knew a way through the Coral Forest. He must really love you." The informant tries to console the Princess, fearing another flood. Having no other business in the presence of the Princess, the informant returned back to his home. However, as he departed, he was quickly replaced with another person who had something to tell the princess. It was the green-vested stranger again!

  The stranger was completely unable to sit still, and frantically spouted "Princess! I have to talk to you!". He notices Kurino is in the throne room as well. "You again? Hahahaha! It must be fate, eh?"

  The Princess asks, "Yes? What do you want?"

  "He's found it in the Coral Forest!" the stranger shouts.

  "Wonderful!!" says the Princess.

  "Um..." The stranger braces himself and nervously smiles and scratches the back of his head as he prepares for his next sentence. Not knowing what to expect, he mentions. "...I was told I'd be rewarded for this information..."

  "This can't be happening! Nick?! In such a dangerous place?! It's all my fault!" The Princess yells aloud, completely ignoring the green-vested stranger.

  Equally ignoring the opposite party, the stranger rather selfishly mutters "Um... My reward...?"

  The Princess continues aloud. "If anything should happen to him..."

  "Um... I'll come back later..." says the stranger.

  "Nick... Nick... NICK!!" The Princess screams at the top of her lungs, and immediately begins to bawl her eyes out. The throne room fills with the water of the Princess' tears once again, and Kurino is washed back to the catacombs below.
 
  Something new occurred within the catacombs. There was enough water filling the bottom of the catacombs to where the previously impassable route to the Coral Forest could now be reached. Strange platforms resembling red starfish floated on the surface of the water, allowing Kurino to cross.

  After reaching the other side, Kurino finds a third Light Crystal! Without delay, Kurino once again returns to the throne room. Running in at full speed, Kurino clumsily trips on the carpet. He picks himself up and dusts himself off.

  "Princess! Is this the present from Nick?" he asks. Showing the Princess the orb he recently obtained.

  "Yes! How wonderful! Who would've thought it was in such a place?" she exclaims excitedly.

  "This is a Light Crystal... It's very important." Kurino tells the Princess. "That's why Nick gave it to you."

  "Oh, Dear! Kurino, please find Nick for me! Take the Light Crystal. Perhaps it will help you find him."
  The Princess implores Kurino, then--as if Nick was present in that very room--she states "Nick... When you return, we'll marry on Tree Island... Please return to me, Nick..." Sobbing again, Kurino is washed out of the throne room by another torrent of tears.

  Once again, in the catacombs for the third time, Kurino resumes his quest. It's time to get out of Caldera Castle. For the second try, Kurino continues his path in leaping across the platforms in the water to reach the other side. He was now on a new mission.
Go to Coral Forest and rescue Nick.

  On his way, Kurino happed by a mysterious large green door. What could possibly be on the other side of it? Kurino had more than enough distractions to keep him busy for hours on end. He couldn't delay--and pressed on. But no sooner than a few seconds had passed by, who should show up again but the treasure-hungry, green-vested stranger?

  With a rather cheeky grin on his face, he called out to Kurino with "Hey! I've got something to tell you! Don't you want to know?"

  Trying to remain steadfast in his resolve, Kurino ignored the man and continued walking ahead. The man followed Kurino, however, and continued tempting Kurino.
 
  "Just between you and me", he said. "I found something in the Princess' room. A key!"

  Kurino shrugged and continued onward. Only to be followed again. Such persistence!

  "There's a lot of treasure in this castle! We should team up!" the man offered Kurino. But Kurino, once again, barely acknowledged the man's words and continued walking. Only to be followed once more, of course.

  "Tempting, isn't it? How about three for you and seven for me? ... No? ... Alright. Four for you and six for me, perhaps? Okay!! Okay!! We'll split the treasure fifty-fifty?" The man's feeble haggling finally grasped Kurino's attention. Kurino was the one to follow the man this time. All the way back to the green door.

  "It's just behind these doors... What do you think? Let's do it! Let's break in!"

  Kurino defiantly refuses! "No! I won't betray the Princess' trust!"

  The man tries haggling again over something he doesn't even own. "Yeah, yeah! Six for you and four for me--How about that? Will that work? ...Well?"

  Again, Kurino replies with a resounding "No!"

  "That was my final offer! Oh well... There'll never be another chance like this, you know." warns the man.

  Kurino doesn't let it stop him, though. He immediately retraces his steps back to where he was previously headed. Not allowing
himself to be deterred like that again. The stranger was right, though. There'd never be another chance at the Princess' treasure--because Kurino soon found himself trapped in a corridor in the catacombs. More than likely an irrigation tunnel, Kurino was being chased by a steady stream of water behind him.

  Clearing hurdles and large gaps in the tunnel, Kurino finally starts to approach the end of his mad dash. A dead end.

  Several feet above Kurino's head was a crack in the wall. There was only one way gain enough height and enough force to break through. A well-timed Whirlowind Attack!

  Kurino was freed and found himself in the open air and sunlight once more! What now?

  At last, Kurino escapes from Caldera mountain through a busted crack in the base. Kurino was flung from the crack like a bullet leaving the barrel of a gun. The base of the mountain was engulfed in flames. Kurino, fortunately, found himself in Dragon Forest. There was even more at stake now than the fate of 「サンドランド」 Sandland Village. More lives hang in the balance as Kurino continues his search for both Nick, and the remaining Light Crystals.

 
  Among the thick and lush green leafy stalks that outlined the Dragon Forest, Kurino continues his journey. He soon happens upon a small stone hut. In an attempt to gather clues, Kurino enters the hut.

  The local residents happened to be a family of pixies.

  "Yes? What do you want?" said the man of the house, to which Kurino replies, "I'm looking for a man named Nick. He has a beard and plays the flute..."

  "Come to think of it... A man saying he was going to the Dragon Forest came by." recalls the man. His wife, cradling their infant child in her arms, chimes in, "He had a beard, didn't he?"

  The man continues, "The Dragon Forest is on fire. So I told him to go through the Toadstool Cave instead." while his wife adds "The cave is very dangerous."

  Still continuing on, the man says, "He insisted that he had to go.". His wife warns, "If you're going too, you best be careful, sir!"

  Kurino slowly walks across the room, towards the man's wife. He notices the baby she's gently rocking. At that very moment,
Kurino is reminded of his own son back home at 「サンドランド」 Sandland village, awaiting his return. In a loving voice, Kurino softly speaks, "He's such a little cutie... I have a child too. But he's sick. That's why I'm on a quest to find the Sun Cure."

  "That seems very important. Best of luck to you." the man says.

  Outside, there's a faint sound of the flow of water. The wife asks "Did you hear that...?"

  A troubled look washes over the man's face. "Hmm... The water must be rising again. At this rate, the forest fire will be put out, but my house will be washed away. I've got to do something."

  While he wishes he could help the immediate situation, Kurino acknowledges that he has more than enough on his plate right now. The water is rising most likely due to the Princess still crying her eyes out. They say their goodbyes, and Kurino continues his journey. Upon leaving, he takes notice of the large wooden scaffolding next to the Pixie family's house. Resting on top of it is a strange, yet familiar looking Quarkman--snoozing the afternoon away. Andy, perhaps? Hmm...
 
  Along the pathway to just outside of the Pixie family's house, the road was littered with small bits and pieces of flaming debris. Sparks of fire marked the path along the ground.

  No more than several feet down the beaten dirt road, who should Kurino find but the young lad, Buck the Knife-Juggler! He was performing for a local group of Pixies. All of which were either distracted by the young Buck, or completely oblivious to the fact that the forest was beginning to catch fire.

  "Ladies and Gentlemen! Gather around for the ultimate in daring, Buck, master of the whirling blades!" Buck shouted before he performed this act. Presumably he had been training since Kurino saw him last, as Buck has now employed the use of a blindfold in his act.

  Success!! Buck's performance went off without a hitch! Cheers from the crowd once again rang in his ears. And yet, Buck found his mind wandering back to his first performance at the home of the 'Nick' clan.

  "Hmm... That blonde-haired girl sure was cute. I wonder where she is...?" He thought. The image of the young girl, Peppy, was fresh in his mind. Kurino continued his adventure--following the clues as he went along--until finally he happened upon a very foreboding and ominous cave entrance...
 
  The Toadstool Cave. A dark place with dangers at every turn. Throbbing red mushrooms were suspended upon the fungal webbing situated against the ceiling of the cave. Briar patches and thorns filled pits deep below. Fat, purple mushrooms somehow shake themselves, freeing the poisonous dust entrapped beneath their caps. And boulders freely fell and rolled at Kurino.

  How could Nick survive in such a horrible place? In fact... Did he survive at all?

  Trudging, and carefully leaping wherever necessary, Kurino moves deeper into the cave. Aside from dangerous flora, even deadlier fauna soon presented itself. Bizarre black, spiked slugs slowly crawled their way towards Kurino. His trident would become more than necessary in a place such as this.

  Just around the bend, Zouna's minions made an appearance in Kurino's path as well. Silver, animated suits of armor shot beams of light from their helmets in an effort to subdue Kurino, and bronze-colored suits of armor hurled spiked iron balls at the Sandra. Not a swift person by any means, Kurino made use of his trident by jumping, and thrusting his trident downward. Bopping his foes on the head as a means to escape. Kurino soon discovers that a sound tackle with a Whirlowind Attack is effective as well--Splitting the animated knights apart.

  Traveling further in the Toadstool Cave, Kurino was presented with even more obstacles than before.. Purple spikes jutting from the 
ceiling, more rolling rocks, and small alcoves in the walls.

  It was almost as if this cave had been intentionally booby trapped for would-be adventurers. Which, needless to say, is generally the case anyway.

  Finally, after many trials, Kurino reaches a large shaft-like area of the cave. Only simple stone platforms lead the way now. Kurino jumped up until reaching the last two platforms--which began to move by themselves.

  Along the way were more of Zouna's minions. Tan and Green hooded flying imps, and miniature Elec-men that would shoot bolts of lightning in an attempt to do Kurino harm.
 
  Finally reaching the top of the shaft, Kurino enters a corridor, where he happens upon a bearded young man--battered and bruised. Could this wounded young man be the Princess' beloved, Nick?

  In a feeble and raspy voice the man speaks, "I've made it this far... Only to be poisoned by a mushroom..."

  Knowing the identity of the young man right away, Kurino excitedly shouts, "Nick! You're Nick, aren't you?! I'm glad to see you!!"

  "...Ugh... Who are you...?"

  "I'm Kurino. The Princess sent me to look for you. Her Light Crystal has been found. You must return to her quickly."

  "But how did you know where to find me? ...Ohh..."

  "From your friends back at the Nick clan home."
 
  "Heh... I'll bet they gave you some trouble... Thanks for coming... Is there anything I can do for you... Kurino? ...Ow."

  "I'm looking for the Light Crystals!"

  Still wincing in pain, Nick replies... "The Anaconda who lives up ahead has one... But he's dangerous!"

  "Alright. Wait here and conserve your strength, Nick. Try to concentrate on recovering. I'll go get the Light Crystal." says Kurino as he walks ahead of Nick, exiting the cave and finding himself in a rock clearing outside. A flash of red eyes shine on Kurino as a rock shaped like the head of a snake slowly rises from the ground.

  This would be Kurino's second, and more difficult large-scale battle of his adventure. The Anaconda proved to be quite a formidable foe. A forward strike from Kurino's trident caused the snake's segmented body to split into eight different directions. While effective, this was by no means harmful. However, one mustn't be caught off-guard--the stone serpent was simply regrouping itself for another attack. Additionally, the Anaconda would take flight and swoop down on Kurino--with jaws wide open--like a hawk swooping down upon its prey. Having both high endurance and swift movements, the Anaconda would be difficult to subdue. The other effective maneuver Kurino had at his disposal was a downward-jumping stab with his trident from the air.
 
  The true focus of the battle was to simply keep on the move and not to be caught unawares. In spite of that, after a trial of a fight, Kurino finally manages to defeat the Anaconda and claim his fourth Light Crystal!

  There was the sound of rumbling coming from just the other side of the wall. Finally a loud crash! It was Grady's vessel! He finally completed it!

  Kurino and Nick were soon picked up by their friends...

  And the Princess was reunited with her beloved Nick.

  All seemed well for Kurino... But...

      Where would his adventures lead him next?

  "Nick!!" The Princess shouted as she laid her eyes upon her long-lost love. Initially fearing the worst, the Princess' mind is now at ease knowing Nick is safe now.

 

  "Tiana!" Nick shouts in reply to his love. The two gaze upon each other--overjoyed to be reunited after their ordeal.

 

  Nick scoops up Princess Tiana in his arms. Grady's vessel, carrying nearly all of Kurino's friends he's met on his travels, is headed for Tree Island. It is said that another Light Crystal can be found there. However, trouble strikes, and they are attacked by a pirate ship sailing along the Sea of Sirrah. As a result, Kurino is separated from his friends and floats along a lifeboat towards the pirate ship.

 
  Now adrift in a lifeboat that is sinking fast, Kurino finds himself in the Sea of Sirrah.

  The pirate ship that previously attacked Grady's vessel is nowhere to be found for the time being. But as fate would have it, there was a string of scattered lifeboats and debris strewn about for Kurino to "lily pad" his way across.

  Nothing is ever easy, and this instance would be no exception. The waves of the sea made it all the more frustrating to navigate a path across. Each leap had to be negotiated carefully and quickly.

  After reaching the end, Kurino finally arrived on the shore of a rocky land mass. A barren island of sheer rock faces. Zouna's minions weren't around to impede Kurino's progress. However there was something that was equally dangerous.

  The pirates that attacked the vessel. They had found their way on the island.
 
  Most of the pirates that Kurino faced were of a lesser class--putting up little resistance to Kurino and his fork. Others were more brutish, however. Wielding weapons such as morning stars that have subdued untold numbers of people.
 
  It wasn't until Kurino reached the topmost heights of the rocky island that he noticed that strange Quarkman again. It was idly sitting by--paying little to no attention to Kurino, mind you--and holding what appeared to be a wooden staff of some kind. A fishing rod, maybe? Or a walking stick?

  Kurino pressed on, as always. Until he was stopped again. This time, in front of a large and inviting treasure chest. There wasn't a soul around, so Kurino decided to approach the chest. Who should pop out but the green-vested stranger again?!

  With a smirking, cocksure grin he says to Kurino "Hah! We meet again! Looking for something?" Shaking off the string of pearls and other golden trinkets off of his body.

  Kurino asks, finally having a decent opportunity to do so, "Just who are you anyway?"

  "Zuhl's the name! Treasure hunting's the game!", finally establishing his identity.
  "I'm Kurino. I'm searching for the Light Crystals in an effort to save both my village and my son. Nice to finally know each others' names."

  Zuhl interrupts, "... Well, Kurino. The pirate ship is docked not too far ahead of us. It's about to weigh anchor. We best hop aboard before it sets sail! You see, that pirate ship has treasures beyond belief! Maybe even one of your Light Crystals you mentioned. Let's be on our way!"

  Zuhl skipped ahead before Kurino could so much as utter one syllable. Having no other alternative, Kurino followed suit.
 
  After moving several paces ahead, the pathway that lied ahead became ice-covered and slippery. Tragically, a young whale somehow managed to beach itself on the ice.

  "Help me! Someone! I was stranded here when the tide went out! You have to get me back to sea! Please!" the whale frightfully cried.

  Having yet another soul to save, Kurino was obliged to assist. Maneuvering his way to the opposite side of the whale, Kurino bounced off its blubbery body.

  The ledge of ice that held the whale up seemed to be fairly weak. As usual, with weak rock-like formations, a sound Whirlowind Attack typically disrupts things. This was no exception.
  Working his way through the ice at each opportunity, both Kurino and the whale slipped and slid their way back to the open sea until at last the whale was free to move on its own once more.

  "Thank you so much! You saved me!! ... But where are you going, sir?" the whale asked.

  "Well, looks like my destination's that pirate ship." answers Kurino.

  "Get on my back! I'll take you there!" says the whale, who then asks "Say, have you ever climbed a mountain before?"

  "A mountain?" Kurino asks, wondering why the whale would be interested in such a thing.

  "Yeah! Can you see the other side of the ocean from the top? Can you touch the moon from the top of the mountain? I wish I could climb a mountain..."

  Kurino briefly has a flashback to the Mount Alsandra incident... But quickly shakes it off after a few seconds, only to then climb on the whale's back and set sail for the pirate ship.

  A large, horrible, elongated animal skull made what was to be known as the bow of the ship. Kurino hopped off the whale's back and climbed aboard.
 
  "I knew you'd come along! There's enough treasure for both of us!", Zuhl welcomed Kurino. "It's in here, but I can't open it by myself, Kurino. It must be those weights. See if you can do something with them."

  The only treasure Kurino was interested in was the Light Crystal. Nothing else. So he decided to help out Zuhl anyway. Kurino would soon be in for one of the most annoying tasks of his life.

  The large weight that Zuhl stood upon was secured with the help of three smaller weights on the far side of the boat. Resting just beneath them were three large iron panels. Similar to large buttons.

  They all needed to be pressed at the same time. So Kurino climbed the rope that hung from the ship's mast, then made a quick leap to the three weights that were suspended by chains. By jumping back and forth among the three with the correct timing, Kurino was able to secure all three to the ground and lift the large weight back where Zuhl stood.
 
  Once the seal had opened, Kurino headed back to where Zuhl was. Zuhl had entered inside without Kurino--letting greed take over, of course. Kurino followed anyway. Falling inside, he broke through the first floor and ended up in the cargo area below. In the distance, a young man's voice could be heard.

  "...H-hey, y-you! Help me! Please! Get me out of here!"

  Kurino unhesitatingly rushed to the source of the voice, only to have the voice call out in warning, "Be careful! Some of the crates don't have bottoms!"

  Nevertheless, Kurino gradually made his way to the other side of the cargo room. The young man turned out to be Buck the Knife-Juggler again. Apparently, he had been captured while on his travels. Kurino releases the lad from his ropes.

  "Phew! That was a close one! ...You see, they wanted me to join them. Thanks though--I owe you one. By the way, I'm Buck, master of the knife. Those weasels took my knives from me! If only I'd had it... I could've cut myself loose and escaped. They nabbed me while I was on my way to Tree Island. I was going to visit the birthplace of the greatest knife master. Anyway, enough about me. What's your story?"

  Kurino explains, "I heard the Pirates had a Light Crystal here. I came here to get it."

  "Light Crystal? I'll bet they have it with my knife and the rest of their loot. But we need the key from the next room in order to escape. Be careful, though. I think there's goblins in there. I can hear them." Buck warns.

  Brave as always, Kurino marches into the next room.
 
  The room was filled with the usual boxes and crates of course, although this time they were accompanied by mysterious vases. The key had to be in one of the vases, so Kurino broke one open.

  A goblin emerged!

  These types of goblins are known to be quite trouble in Marvel Land. They have a more ghostly appearance than anything, and they'll chase down whomever disturbs them. Not much can stop them once they've started, unless one quickly leaves the immediate area.

  After much trial and error, Kurino finally found the key and opened the door in the topmost corner of the room. Without delay, he moved onward.
  A long corridor brimming with weapon-wielding pirates. A simple suspended rope leading into a shaft in the ceiling of the ship's cabin. Kurino climbed up above. The faint banging of a hammer fell on Kurino's ears. Somehow Grady had wound up on the pirate ship. Strangely enough, that same mysterious, lone Quarkman was there too. Kurino was in the room for no more than a few seconds until the Quarkman casually walked off. Out of sight, but not out of Kurino's mind.

  "Hand me that nail!" Grady bellowed. "Huh? Where'd she go? She was here just a second ago..." Finally noticing Kurino, he continued, "Ah! Good timing! You hand me that nail! ... Eh...? Say... Haven't I met you before? Yeah! I remember! Gramps' dock, right? I wanna ask you something. Remember that girl that brought me medicine? Do you know where she lives? I've been looking for her. ...This darn tub is full of holes! She could go under any minute! Shouldn't have gone out in her... Can I catch a ride with you?"

  Grady then simply returned to hammering away at the innards of the pirate ship. Kurino, not knowing how to respond, said nothing and continued his way up the rope in an effort to make his way back to the deck. Presumably everything would turn out for the best in the end for Grady. Maybe for Buck too. The doorway that Kurino passed through was now open. Making for an easy escape.

  Yet another long corridor, filled with boxes, crates, and pirates. Many of which suspended themselves from the ceiling. Armed with bows, they tried their best to hit their marks.

  A doorway at the end of the hall. Leading into what would be an extension of the cabin instead of a means of escape. Maybe Buck didn't make his way out after all? Leaping over high crates, and soundly defeating two morning-star wielding pirates, Kurino reaches the final room of the cabin. Another suspended rope. This one would take Kurino back to the surface of the ship's deck.

  Still no sign of the Light Crystal. It was more than likely at the last section of the ship.
 
  Back on deck, Kurino headed towards the ship's stern. The pirates were putting up a strong resistance at this point. After reaching the end, Kurino finally catches up with Zuhl.

  "Kurino, they caught me!" Zuhl shrugged, seeming fairly nonchalant about the situation.
 
  Abruptly interrupting the conversation, the ship's captain drops in--literally--with a hearty "Har, har, har, har!"

  "Another sneaky thief gettin' busy today, aye? Ye look pretty tough for a runt! Not a mere wimp, like 'im over d'ere! Ye'd be wise t'join up with the likes of us, says I, mate! Just like yer buddy! Ye got what it takes t'be a pirate!"

  Zuhl chimes in, "Better do what he says..."

  And so Kurino briefly evaluates the situation and thinks over the captain's proposal.
 
  Ever valiant, and ever true, Kurino refuses the captain's offer. "Never!"

  "Ye don't get it, do ye? Do ye not know what I'll do if ye refuse me offer?" The captain becomes a bit aggravated. Of course, Zuhl doesn't want that to happen, so he intervenes:

  "Captain, let me try. C'mon, Kurino! Join! It's your only choice!"

  "Sorry, Zuhl. The answer's still 'no'." Kurino, stubborn as ever. The captain grins widely, almost in admiration. "Stubborn, eh? I like that! Again I say, ye best join us--ye could live like a king--unless ye'd rather die like a bloomin' bilge rat!".

  "C'mon, Kurino. It's not worth getting hurt over. Just join us." Zuhl says again, of course seeking to avoid a fight.

  "I said NO!!" shouts Kurino. Zuhl knows what will follow next and immediately leaves the scene.

  The captain takes a deep breath... "So that's yer answer? Looks like I'll have to pound some sense into ye!" then brandishing his hook. Kurino draws his pitchfork.

  The two square off, but right away it's clear that Kurino is the one with the upper hand over the captain. The captain makes many attempts to bull-rush Kurino from one side of the ship into the other. The captain even tried firing a barrage of pirate hooks at Kurino from a blind spot. Kurino's pitchfork slowly, but surely subdues the captain after several striking blows. Defeated, the captain flies high into the air with a loud pain-filled scream, dropping a glimmering treasure as he does so. Finally the captain has relinquished the prize that Kurino had sought after.
 
  Another Light Crystal! That brings Kurino's total to five! Only two more remain now! Finding the Sun Cure didn't seem that far off after all.

  Yet again, Kurino's victory would be short-lived.

  The captain's battered body falls back down, meeting the face of the deck with a loud crash.

  This punches a hole into the ship's deck that penetrates into the cabin, the cargo bay, all the way to the ship's hull far below. A forceful blow indeed! It turns out that Grady was right. This ship really wasn't going to hold together much longer anyway.

  Not but a few moments later, Zuhl returns from his hiding place. "Kurino, the ship is sinking! Let's get out of here!"

  Water begins to spout through cracks in the ship's hull and deck; growing wider by the second. Everyone wisely chooses to abandon the now-sinking ship. Including all the remaining pirates.
 
  Finally diving overboard himself, Kurino is stranded in the middle of the ocean. But he is saved by the same whale he helped rescue earlier. Where will his adventures take him now?
 

  In the nick of time, Kurino escaped from the pirate ship and was saved by the whale. They headed towards Tree Island so Kurino could continue his quest for the last two Light Crystals.

  Years ago, the island was a lush, green paradise. It served as the gateway to Neverland.

  But now...
 
  Now finding himself walking through the gloom and mist that enshrouds the once proud Tree Island, Kurino happens upon an an old Kappa man in front of a tree house.

  [A Kappa is essentially a "water goblin / imp". They are a part of Japanese mythology and folklore. Commonly appearing in various forms of literature, films, video games, and Japanese anime. For further reading, please click here.]

  A flash of lightning knocks Kurino and the old man off their feet!

  "Boy, that thunder sure was loud! I hope our house is OK!" the old man said to himself. "Let's have Grady take a look at it. He's a good guy--That's why Granny wants Peppy to marry him."

  Without warning, a tiny body falls from the canopy. Kurino catches the small creature before it hits the ground. It's a young fairy that appears to have been knocked unconscious. Kurino takes the fairy into the house in an effort to see if anyone can help it.

  Not knowing what to expect, Kurino walks in on a conversation between Granny and Peppy.
  Granny asks, "So how about it, Peppy? Are you going to marry Grady?"

  Poor Peppy hangs her head and doesn't reply at all. Her mind is still on the young knife-juggler she met from before. Granny is unaware of the fact, however.

  Granny tries to console Peppy. "Grady's a good fellow. He'll make you happy. I'm getting old and I'd like to see you get married. I'm sure your mother would want the same thing."

  Again, Peppy says nothing.

  "Are you sweet on someone else?" Granny asks. "Grady's a good man."

  Walking right past Kurino and out the door, Peppy quietly leaves the house. It wasn't until that moment that Granny finally notices Kurino and the injured fairy he cradles in his arms.

  "Oh! It's you! What's wrong!" Granny asks outright. Kurino is uncertain at first if she's addressing him or the fairy. Until Granny takes the fairy from Kurino and, as if in the blink of an eye, nurses the fairy back to health. Having recovered its strength, the fairy flies around the room.

  Granny breathes a sigh of relief. "Good! You're OK!", then turns her attention to Kurino. "By the way. What are you doing around here? On your way to Neverland, perhaps? Sure is a shame that all the trees are dying. At least Neverland is alright."

  "Never mind that." said Kurino, continuing with "I'm on a quest for the Light Crystals."

  "Oh, is that right? Go to the store and talk to the clerk." Granny replied.

  "How are you, Granny? I need to speak with you." the fairy spoke.

  "Did something happen in Neverland?" Granny asked, to which the fairy replied "Walter is sick."

  "Oh! That's terrible! Take some medicine to him. If the tree hadn't died, we could take medicine to him any time." Granny told the pair. Kurino thought to himself. He wondered who "Walter" was and who else needed his help before he could successfully return to his hometown with the Sun Cure. Kurino left the house along with the fairy who followed close behind.

  There was Peppy standing just outside, talking aloud to herself. "My dearest Buck! Where are you now...? I wish I could see you once again. But I'm sure you won't remember me... Oh, Mother. What shall I do?" While not too far from her, a young Kappa boy was practicing with his viola.
 
  Meanwhile, Kurino and the fairy encountered a very large old tree. The tree muttered to itself--complaining about the pain it was in.

  "Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch... These bugs are biting at my roots... Ouch... ouch, ouch, ouch... Please, somebody do something!" it yelled.

  Naturally, Kurino was obliged to assist. He ran and jumped into a nearby hole that lead into a soil-filled cavity below the tree. Sure enough, there were strange yellow bugs biting away at the tree's roots.

  They ascended up and away from Kurino's reach every time he approached.

  Kurino, cunningly hatched a plan. Use a Whirlowind Attack on the walls of the area. The violent shaking would loose the bugs from attaching themselves on the tree's roots.

  It worked! Although the bugs, quite angrily, would try to leap at Kurino. A sound beating from Kurino's fork would do them in, however.
  After dealing with the bugs, Kurino returned to the surface. Overjoyed, the Tree thanked Kurino. "Ohhh! Thank you! They've finally stopped! This entire island is infested with bugs. Even on the easternmost side. I'm sure they'll come back. ...Oh, why is this happening?"

  The tree then felt something shifting amongst its branches. "Hmm... Is that guy on my head again?"

  This would prove to be Kurino's most aggravating trial yet. The only way to advance was to carefully navigate the canopies with a series of jumps and bounds. After first jumping atop the branches of the tree he had just rescued, Kurino was launched high into the air! With a loud smack, he crashed into the same young viola player he saw earlier!
 
  The impact knocked the boy's viola clear out of his hands. Leaving the precious instrument to shatter on the forest floor below.

  Kurino, dizzied and knocked utterly senseless finally comes to.

  "Waaaaah---! My viola!", the boy cries. "It... It fell!"

  "Ah!! ... That's too bad!" Kurino says as a worried expression washes over his face. The boy is still in shock and disbelief. Kurino tries to console the boy. "I didn't mean to break your viola... I'm sorry."

  "No... It's OK. It's my fault. I shouldn't have been practicing in a place like this... Oh... no!"
  The Kappa boy's father down below called out, "Nubs! Nubs! ...Where is that stupid boy? That kid is always playing with his viola and not working!"

  Kurino asks "You like the viola that much?", to which Nubs, the boy, replies "Yes. I want to be a viola player. But my father is making me take over the family business. But I know if I practice more, my father will let me play. ...So I thought, but... I don't have a viola anymore!" Nubs began to cry.

  Feeling compelled to eventually right another wrong, Kurino journeys further into the Tree Island canopy. Eventually he sees something golden, shining brightly in the distance. "There's something shining over there!" Kurino cried.

  It was a golden viola! But unfortunately it was just out of reach! Maybe Kurino could get to it...

  The only place he hadn't checked yet was the eastern side of Tree Island. So that's where Kurino proceeded to next. After jumping off a high branch from up in the canopy, Kurino tumbled far to the side only to find a giant green steeple in front of him. The base of the steeple was covered in what appeared to be ice. There was a hole nearby fortunately. Kurino dropped in and once again had to save the roots of the trees from another batch of strange yellow bugs.
 
  After dispatching another group of vermin, Kurino exited the underground chamber to find himself on the easternmost side of Tree Island. Everything seemed fine until...

  Kurino happened upon the same elf couple from the Dragon Forest. Their infant son was in trouble. The baby was caught in a vulture's nest.

  "Ohh! My baby! My baby!" the mother cried.

  A familiar sound of jingling bells could be heard approaching. Bounding into the scene was the mysterious Quarkman from before. The Quarkman leapt to the top branch, knocked the vulture away and rescued the infant--returning it to its mother.

  "I don't know how to thank you" the mother spoke, feeling very grateful. Kurino, while relieved, he still wanted to know. "Just who are you, anyway?" But without speaking a word, the Quarkman bounded off again.

  Kurino continued on leaping up into the treetops, until he happened upon the old Kappa man and Grady. Grady was repairing the man's treetop house.
  "Ah, Grady. Your work is as good as always. If only my son were as good as you, Grady." the old man gratefully encouraged Grady.

  "Oh, we meet again. Lucky you're OK since your boat sank. Me? I'm a good swimmer" said Grady. The old man spoke to Kurino, "You know Grady? Come over for some cucumbers." Since a Kappa's favorite food is Cucumbers anyway. "Grady. My son wants to be a viola player. But he's lousy."

  "But hey, it's pretty neat to make a living playing an instrument. It's good for him to have a dream. People can't survive without dreams. Actually I play a little bit myself." Grady answers.

  "Oh come on! You play the viola? Hah! ... So anyway. What do you think of Peppy?" the old man asks Grady, whose face is beaming bright red. "W-w-what's this all of a sudden!" he asks.

  "Ha ha ha! Actually Granny wanted me to ask what you thought of her. She's a good girl. Hardworking. She'd make a good wife." the old man says.

  Kurino and the fairy continue on. Kurino leaves the pair to continue their conversation. He pushes ever higher into the treetops now. Hoping to reach that Golden viola he noticed earlier. But his progress soon comes to a halt.

  "We need a bridge to get across... Who can build a bridge?" Kurino quietly asks himself. So he goes back to ask Grady.

  "What now? You want me to build a ladder? ...Sorry. I've run out of wood." Grady dismissively replies. The fairy asks "Kurino! What should we do?"

  Kurino is confronted with two options. Either to flatter Grady or mention Peppy. The mere mention of Peppy sends Grady's heart a-flutter. "I'm a friend of Granny and Peppy."

  "He he he! Oh really? ... Say, gramps. Can I borrow some of this log?" Grady asks.

  To which the old man replies, "Sure! Go ahead!"

  And with that, Grady immediately builds Kurino a bridge for which to cross. Crossing over the rooftop of the green steeple, Kurino and the fairy finally come to a drop-off point. The Golden viola isn't far now. A swift Whirlowind Attack sends Kurino flying--allowing him to snag the instrument.

  Obtaining the golden viola, Kurino takes another big fall. This time, landing directly in front of the tree he had helped earlier.
 
  Noticing Kurino dropping out of the treetops, Nubs walks up to find the golden viola lying at his feet.

  "Wow, this viola's so shiny!" Nubs exclaims. "This is Nick's viola. Isn't it? I've heard about it, but I never thought I'd see it! Kurino, may I have this?"

  Finally standing, Kurino approaches Nubs. Ever happy to help a friend, he gladly obliges. "Of course! ...I'm sorry for breaking your other one earlier. Please use this one to practice with."

  "Oh..! What a waste!", Zuhl was apparently listening in on the conversation. He couldn't overlook such a precious trinket like the golden viola. "Thought I sunk with the pirates, didn't ya, Kurino? Well, I don't give up that easily! Look, this is the only viola of its kind in all of Marvel land! Don't just give it away!"

  A doubtful look washes over Nubs' face as he looks on expectantly waiting for Kurino's answer.

  "Like I said--It's yours, Nubs." said Kurino.
  "It's wasted on a beginner!!" shouts Zuhl. Ignoring him, Kurino smiles softly at Nubs; "Practice hard."

  "You'll regret it", Zuhl feebly warns. But Kurino is still intent on allowing Nubs to have the instrument. Finally giving up, Zuhl scoffs. "Ahh! Phooey! You're utterly hopeless! What a pushover!", walking away and muttering to himself as he says so.

  "Wow! Thanks, Kurino! Don't worry! I'll practice really hard, and someday I'll be famous!" Nubs excitedly shouts.

  "Alright! The birth of a great musician!" The fairy exclaims. "We've gotten rid of the bugs, but the land is still poisoned. Everyone on this island has been poisoned. At this rate, the island will be completely destroyed!"

  "We need to summon the golden birds!" Nubs shouts. "They eat the poisonous black barbs, you know. I'll call them with my new viola."

  And so, with bow in hand, Nubs begins to play on his newly acquired instrument. A beautiful, soul-refreshing melody echoes throughout the air and rushes through the treetops of Tree Island. The enchanting tune calls forth a flock of golden birds that promptly begin eating the poisonous barbs. Everything seemed well until Nubs began to hit a series of sour notes. The sour notes turn into a horrible extended screech--something akin to nails on a chalkboard. The birds fly away in absolute terror of the sound. A disgusted look washes over Kurino's face.

   "Whoops! I think my playing is scaring them away! Not calling them..." Nubs felt rather embarrassed about it.

  The poisonous barbs still remained. Peppy appeared on the scene, urging Nubs. "Cheer up!". Nubs still felt awful, though. "Awww... I'll never be any good!"

  "That's not true! You need a lot of practice, but you can do anything if you try! Never give up!" Peppy encourages Nubs. Nubs grins, "Thanks!"

  "We have to do something! If we don't, the island will be destroyed!" The fairy reminds everyone.

  "The blade of health could take care of the poison" Peppy suggests. "But Buck the Knife-Juggler has it. And we don't know where he is..."

  "Hmm... The young lad from the pirate ship, you mean?" Kurino asks, to which Peppy replies "You know where he is?"

  Nubs, begging Kurino, asks "Kurino! Please give me one more chance! I can go see the man who made this viola and have him teach me! I'm sure I'll be able to call back the golden birds then!"

  "You mean Nick, the guy I saw in the mushroom cave?" Kurino asks. Nubs shouts, "What?! You know Nick?! You sure know a lot of people! Please take me to him!"

  "What are you going to do, Kurino?" asks the fairy.

  To this point, Kurino was left with two options. Either rescue Buck, or help Nubs learn to play:

  1. Rescue Buck: Kurino mounts and rides the whale back into the Sea of Sirrah. Dodging sharks that leap out of the ocean. The sharks can be defeated with one hit from Kurino's trident. Scrolling from right to left, Kurino makes his way to the remnants of what was once the bow of the pirate ship. (Tip: Jumping forward or backward during this scene will cause the whale to move faster and swim under Kurino to catch his fall.) Kurino eventually finds Buck. Of course, Buck is relieved to have been saved from what would have been a certain death at sea. Buck and Kurino return to Tree Island and Buck uses his pinpoint knife-throwing accuracy to take down the black poisonous barbs one by one with the blade of healing. This option, while it has more action involved, it is in fact the shorter of the two options.
     
  2. Help Nubs learn to play the golden viola: Kurino takes Nubs all the way back to the Nick Clan, who still reside at their residence in the catacombs beneath Caldera castle. Kurino must interrogate all five Nicks all over again to find the real Nick. Upon locating him, the true Nick teaches Nubs how to play the viola in the privacy of the Princess' throne room, which is now empty since she was there after you rescued Nick from the mushroom cave. Nubs takes his newfound skill and uses it to call the golden birds back. The golden birds finish the job they started and Tree Island is liberated.

  The fairy breathes a sigh of relief. "Ahh... The trouble has finally left the island."

  Meanwhile, Buck playfully juggles his knife, Peppy, doubtfully says "Buck... He doesn't even notice that I'm alive. Kurino, I don't know what to do. Grady proposed to me. I know Grady's a good guy and all, but I'm confused."

  Alternatively, Nubs states "I can't convince Dad with this lousy playing... I wonder if I have no choice to become a cucumber farmer.."

  Kurino is left with a few options to use for friendly advice. Tell Peppy to marry her love, Buck, or to stick with Grady. And tell Nubs to keep practicing, or to settle for being a cucumber farmer.

  ( This has no major impact on the story. It will however change certain visual events when you reach the next chapter, "Neverland". Peppy will either wind up with Buck or Grady. Nubs will either continue practicing the viola, or go to being a simple cucumber farmer. The scenes are only aesthetic--being merely for show, and nothing else. )

  Kurino, supportively offers his insight. "Peppy. Turn down Grady. I think you should marry the one that you love! Tell Buck how you really feel! You'll regret it if you don't. And Nubs. Keep trying. Practicing more instead of complaining and you might succeed."

  "Kurino!" The fairy shouts "Something terrible has happened! The clerk is still stuck in the store underneath the ice! Hurry! You can get to him through the top window!" Referring to the green steeple-like building from earlier. Kurino once again climbs the trees, getting as close as he possibly can towards the top of the steeple. Kurino then summons all his might and performs a superb Whirlowind Attack--making sure to get a maximum amount of height before launching into the stained glass window.
 
  Smiling at his visitor, the store clerk welcomes Kurino warmly. "Thank you for saving me. I'm alright, but the store is frozen solid."

  "I'm Kurino. I'm on a quest for the Light Crystals."

  The man thought to himself, and uttered "Hmm... The Light Crystals, huh? If you've come this far, they must be important to you. There's a Light Crystal hidden in the roof of this store. I'll give you the Light Crystal for your kindness. Please put it to good use."

  Noticing the fairy, the man says "Hello there! How've you been? How's Walter doing?" To which the fairy replies "I need to talk to you about that..."

  Without warning, a bolt of lightning strikes the tower. Blasting the Light Crystal from the roof and tossing the trio outside of the building.

  "Something terrible has happened! ... The Light Crystal! ...I thought this would come in handy. The leader of Neverland, Walter, is sick. He is unable to protect the Light Crystal. Who should I give it to?" says the fairy.

The store clerk frowns. "Fairy..."
 
  "Yes... You're right. Kurino should take it." the fairy replies. And with that, Kurino triumphantly raises the amber-colored orb high over his head. That's six now! Only one more to go!
 
  "The Island's disease infestation. The store freezing. All these horrible occurrences are the handiwork of Zouna. If Zouna got his hands on the Light Crystals, something terrible would happen..." says the clerk.

  "The Light Crystal that was in the store flew towards Neverland in the blast." says the Fairy. "Let's get aboard and go to Neverland!"

  A wicker basket carried by fairies descends to the ground, allowing Kurino to hop inside. Everyone comes to see Kurino off. They all want to travel to Neverland too.

  Kurino's journey for the Sun Cure was almost complete. Was the Sandra Elder's tale true? Could his son really be saved?

  Kurino headed off for Neverland. However, Kurino was blown to the ground by a strong gust of wind. Unluckily, Kurino had been knocked unconscious as a result.

 

  Fortunately, the kind fairy people saved Kurino and allowed him to rest in bed at the fairy's palace. During this time, the people whom Kurino had left behind on Tree Island ultimately moved to Neverland, following Kurino, to start their new lives.
 

 
  After awaking from his long slumber, Kurino finds himself in the royal courtroom of the king of the fairies, Walter. The fairy Kurino had spent his time with on Tree Island was there to greet him. Fluttering circles about him, happy to see that he had recovered.

  "Kurino! You're OK!" fairy joyfully shouts. "Walter, let me introduce you. This is Kurino."

  "Quite an ordeal, I must say. Are you feeling better, Sir Kurino? Hmm... Fairy, it appears you've made a good choice! *Cough!* ... *Cough!*" The fairy king was still a bit ill. "I understand you took care of my fairy. I thank you."

  "The trees on the island are well again! It's all because of you, Kurino!" Fairy smiles warmly.

  Walter asks Fairy "Did you find the Light Crystal yet?"
  "No... Not yet. I've tried. The only place I haven't checked yet is the Goblin canyon." fairy responds.

  "...*Cough!* ... *Cough!* ... The Goblin Canyon?!" Walter answers.

  "Don't worry, Walter. We'll be safe as long as the monument is there to protect us! Let's go, Kurino!" Fairy takes flight, urging Kurino to follow. "Come! It's this way to the Goblin Canyon!"
 
  As if by sheer coincidence or perhaps by fate, Kurino happens to run into the same mysterious Quarkman from before. Perhaps it's Andy?

  "You! Hey! Yeah you! I'm glad to see you're OK!" Kurino shouts.

  Puzzled, the Quarkman turns around and gives Kurino a strange stare.

  This causes Kurino to become confused as well. "...Aren't you Andy? It's me, remember? Back from when we fought the King of the Crescent Moon?"

  "...'King... of the Crescent Moon'...?" The Quarkman replies.

  "You're not Andy? Hmm." Kurino begins to worry.

  "What're you talking about?" The Quarkman curiously asks. Kurino simply replies, "Sorry... You looked like someone I knew."

  "Looked like me?", The Quarkman has a doubtful expression.
  "Yeah. His name was Andy. He had a daughter, but... The kid was taken by some bad guys. The two of us fought to save the baby." Kurino informs the Quarkman.

  "Was the child safe?" Asks the Quarkman.

   "Yeah! Of course! ...But..."

   "But...?"

  "The bad guy called in a meteor storm right before we nailed him. The mountain exploded and we were all blown in different directions." An occurrence that Kurino obviously laments.

  "What happened to the baby and the father?" The Quarkman wonders.

  "I don't know. I hope they're ok...
               Sorry for going on so. But you look just like Andy." And so, Kurino continues his journey.

  The next person that Kurino meets again is Nubs, the Kappa boy who aspires to be a viola player. "Hi, Kurino! I've been doing my best, just like you said! Growing cucumbers and practicing! I'm enjoying both! You've inspired me! Everybody's rooting for you! Everyone!"

  Nubs takes his bow in hand as before, and this time, accompanied by a small orchestra, continues to practice his instrument. Kurino gives a warm smile at Nubs and continues towards the Goblin Canyon.

  This time, Kurino found himself in front of an unfinished house. Peppy and Buck were standing side by side.

  "Kurino. I've finally decided to open up to him. ...And maybe Buck will feel the same way about me." Peppy smiled softly.

  Buck added "I never thought I'd marry the boss' daughter! Must be fate."

  Another life made happier by Kurino's actions. Who else was waiting just around the corner?

  It was Granny, with Nubs' father. "These young ones are as stubborn as mules!" said Granny. Nubs' father added "As long as we're all happy... It's alright."

  "That's true... Even us." Granny smiled warmly and snuggled close to the old Kappa man. Kurino had brought smiles to so many faces. He couldn't wait to see who he'd be reunited with next!

  Who should show up again but Zuhl...?

  Rubbing his hands together, tenting his fingers, and smiling that same cheeky smile, Zuhl comments. "Hey, ha ha! It's been a while! Anything going on?" Then he recalls, "Oh! Yes! Yes! ... That Quarkman. I just met that Quarkman again. The guy that caught me. That's right! You saved me twice! Once with the Quarkman, and the other with the pirate ship. I really owe you!"

  "I think you're mistaken", Said Kurino.

  "Nope! It's you! I wouldn't forget you. I hear Andy's been looking for his kid ever since!" Zuhl says.

  "So Andy's OK? Good... Where did you see him?" Kurino asks.

  Trying to remember, Zuhl replies. "On the outskirts of the village. He said was going to some place called 'Goblin Valley'..."

  At that moment, another one of Walter's fairies interrupts the conversation. "Trouble! Trouble! Fairy's been caught by Trigger! Someone help!" Cutting their conversation short, Kurino races towards the scene.

  ( The next area has a progressively scanning screen that moves from right to left, forcing Kurino to advance further. There are also wooden logs that serve as obstacles. You must be light on your feet. Should you be caught by the end of the screen, you will lose a life. )

  After another long and difficult ordeal, Kurino finally reaches the other side of what seemed to be an obstacle course.
 
  Fairy is trapped high in Trigger's nest. Seemingly unconscious. The familiar jingle-jangle of a Quarkman's bells could be heard. It was the same Quarkman from earlier.

  Kurino and the Quarkman leapt their highest in an effort to reach the fallen Fairy. It proved to be too high for Kurino to reach. A strange spherical monument was nearby however. The Quarkman leapt atop the monument and used it to jump up to the nest and retrieve Fairy.

  This act however caused the monument to tip over from its previously carefully balanced position. The sky grows dark as soon as the monument hits the ground. Relieved, Fairy wakes up. "That was scary! I thought I'd be eaten for sure!" only then noticing the monument. "Oh no! ...The monument's broken! With that, the eggs in the Goblin Canyon are sure to hatch! I'm sure a Light Crystal is in the valley. But if the Goblins hatch, we won't be able to get anywhere near it! We have to act before they hatch, Kurino!"

  Having a flashback to the Goblins he encountered in the cargo bay of the pirate ship, Kurino proceeds with haste, yet the utmost caution. Goblins cannot be defeated once they hatch. 
  Ominous-looking purple eggs sat on gray, wooden perches throughout the valley. While indestructible, Kurino soon found a way to deal with them.

  Jabbing and thrusting away with his fork, Kurino manages to push several eggs into the abyss below--allowing gravity to do the rest of the work!

  The eggs only hatch under certain circumstances.

  One mustn't touch the very tops of the eggs. Jumping and landing on the top will cause the creature inside to hatch.

  Once that happens, the Goblin will endlessly chase its quarry. And given the lay of the land, that wouldn't be a very good situation indeed.
  After yet another physically exhausting ordeal, Kurino finally reaches the last area of the valley. But instead of the normal purple eggs, there were green goblin eggs. Could these yield even stronger monsters inside? Kurino didn't want to stick around and find out!
 
  The green goblin eggs were just about ready to hatch! Kurino however swiftly put them to an end and knocked them all off of their perches.

  Andy was there. Laying exhausted, sprawled upon the ground. The other Quarkman from earlier was trying to help Andy.

  Finally, after the area is secured, Kurino helps Andy to his feet.

  Breathing a sigh of relief, Andy smiles softly at Kurino. "Thank you so much... Kurino... Here's the Light Crystal."

  The seventh, and final Light Crystal appears high in the air over the heads of the three. The other unknown Quarkman leaps in the air to retrieve it. Grabbing it and handing it off to Kurino, who victoriously lifts it high above his head. As the Quarkman lands, the familiar sound of the jingling bells rings in Andy's ears.
  "The sound of that bell! Could it be?!? That's Sabine's bell! Oh Sabine... I knew you'd be alright...!!" Andy's heart warms at the sight of seeing his daughter once again. Sabine, not sure what to make of the spectacle, uneasily replies, "W-w-who...? Me?"

  "This bell shows that we are parent and child; father and daughter. You don't remember? ...Of course not! You've grown up so..."
 

  Andy, at last, was reunited with his child. His daughter Sabine. Andy is so overcome with joy that he even sheds a tear. The two--father and daughter--embrace one another in an emotional reunion. Andy graciously thanked Kurino for making this possible.

 

  Suddenly, mysterious bells begin to ring, and before the eyes of Andy and Sabine, Kurino is magically transported to a vast desert, via Zouna's evil spell.

 

  Dizzied, Kurino comes to. Endless sand and cacti lay before his eyes. An ominous pyramid stood tall and defiant off in the distance. Little did Kurino know that he would have a fateful meeting between both good and evil in this barren wasteland...


 
  As Kurino tries to get his bearings in the desert, he is first confronted by the telepathic image of the Sandra Elder back from 「サンドランド」 Sandland village. How was this possible? Perhaps by the courage in Kurino's heroic heart, he was able to hear and see them? Or perhaps by the power of the Light Crystals? Maybe both. Who is to say for certain?

  The old Sandra spoke. "Kurino! Good to see you again! You're almost there! Deep in the desert, there is an earthen altar. On top of it, you must raise the seven Light Crystals to the sky! You'll know what to do then."

  Having his instructions, Kurino moved ever forward. The end of his journey was almost near. The concentration of monsters grew stronger now. Spiked beasts, and monstrous golems made from the sand arose. All attempted to slow Kurino's progress.
  "You're amazing! You made it!" Kurino looked up to identify the source of the voice. It was the image of Zuhl communicating with him. Zuhl continued, "My hat goes off to you! ...Now if only you were as smart as me, you'd be set." Unsure whether to feel flattered or insulted, Kurino moved on. This time, the image of Princess Tiana and Nick hovered overhead. The Princess spoke to Kurino.

  "Kurino. Thanks to you, I can be with Nick."

  Nick added, "Yes. The Light Crystal protected her from evil".

  Smiling adoringly at Nick, the Princess said "But I don't need it anymore... Now that I have Nick by my side. We hope your child will recover. Best of luck!"

  The Princess and Nick's images were then followed by Nubs and his father. Nubs then spoke. "Kurino, I'm really glad I met you. Your advice was great. I'm happy now, doing what I love." Nubs' father adds "At least the kid's getting better now."

  Encouraging Kurino, Nubs adds "Kurino, stay with it!"

  Kurino continues his solo advancing march through the desert. Even more obstacles present themselves. Kurino knows he's come too far to stop now, however. The image of Peppy and Granny then appear.

  "Kurino, thanks to you I'm happy now." Peppy states. "I told him how I really felt."

  "If Peppy's happy, then I'm happy!" Granny adds. "Thank you very much."

  "Kurino, stick to it! You'll make it! I just know it!" Peppy adds. Next, the image of Walter, the fairy king appears. "Oh, Kurino! You made it! The altar is just up ahead! Raise your Light Crystals to the sky!"

  If that wasn't enough, the store clerk appears to share his words. "If those crystals are real, the legendary tower will appear."

  Fairy chimes in, "You're almost there! Keep with it! But beware! Zouna is after you!"

  Lastly, the image of Andy and Sabine appear.

  Andy tells Kurino, "You're the only one who can save your son! Good luck!"

  While Sabine adds, "I'm really glad I met you. Being back with my family is great. Don't give up!"

  Everyone was depending on him now... Kurino steeled himself for what dangers lie ahead.
 
  A booming voice thundered down from the sky as Kurino approached the altar.

  "You who have collected the seven Light Crystals must pass three tests to prove your worth before you can claim the Sun Cure from the top of the tower. These tests must be passed at all costs!"

  And so, Kurino braced himself for his last mission.

  Kurino took all seven Light Crystals and proceeded to raise them high above his head. The Light Crystals began to glow brilliantly and spun about in the air.

 

  A large, mirage-like white tower appeared over Kurino's head. The Light Crystals--all seven--ascended into the tower. Followed by Kurino who was pulled upwards into the tower. What awaits him inside...?


 

         "This first test is one of Knowledge." spoke the voice.

  Kurino's goal was to successfully navigate the multi-colored floating platforms to the next phase of the tower. The platforms came in three colors. Red, Blue, and Green. The puzzle was fairly simple to figure out though.
  • Stepping on Green Platforms causes Red Platforms to spawn.
  • Stepping on Red Platforms causes Blue Platforms to spawn.
  • Stepping on Blue Platforms causes Green Platforms to spawn.

  A fairly simple pattern and method of execution. Kurino simply needed to follow through all the way to the top.

  After reaching the top of the platforms, Kurino dives into a magical mirror and is transported to the next area. He hears the voice again.

  "Knowledge must be tempered with mercy. No matter how much you know... It is for nothing if the love for people and the earth is forgotten. This second test is of the heart. Here you must show your compassion. These ducklings have strayed from their mother. Save them by filling the holes in their path and stopping the landslides."
  • Kurino must rescue the ducklings over a large obstacle course. The more ducklings that are rescued, the more roses that will bloom on the back wall of the room. Once they all bloom, Kurino may move to the next area. Occasionally, question mark boxes will appear. Break them open with a Whirlowind Attack. Sometimes they yield a trapped person (who makes more flowers bloom) and sometimes they yield one of Zouna's minions. Also, stepping on flowers causes the roses to bud back up, too.

  "Kindness pours from your heart." Kurino has successfully completed the second test! The final test awaits.
 
  The voice calls out to Kurino once again:

  "This final test is one of courage. You must follow the hidden path across a mighty gap. It began with a falling star. Look to them now for guidance. And if you are truly brave, you will strike your precious Light Crystals."

  Kurino finally catches up to the Light Crystals he gathered. The final room is as vast as outer space. Almost as if the tower saw what, or who was within his heart, the stars began to form constellations of Kurino's friends and family.
  • Kurino must strike the Light Crystals he has gathered using his fork. There is an invisible path ahead. The way is lit only for a short time after striking the Light Crystals, so Kurino must make haste. Be light on your feet and memorize the path ahead of you before it grows dark again.
  Kurino has completed all three tests!

  Finally, Kurino obtains the Sun Cure! That which he has struggled for is finally within his grasp!

  Kurino can rest easy now...

  His family will soon be safe again, as will the people of 「サンドランド」 Sandland village and all of Marvel Land.

  Kurino finally obtains the Sun Cure. "This will cure the plague!" he shouts aloud to himself. Finally satisfied with the knowledge that his family and village will be safe soon.

 

  Anxious to return home, Kurino's mind begins to wander. He thinks of his family back home. He thinks of how delighted and overjoyed they would be to see him safely returned home. Most of all, Kurino thinks of how happy he'd feel knowing that his son is alive and well. That his child actually has a future to look forward to.

 

  But this was not so. The potential reality was then revealed before Kurino inside his mind's eye instantaneously. 「サンドランド」 Sandland Village was entirely covered in Zouna's ashes of despair. Kurino wandered through the illusion in his mind, frantically searching for his family and friends... Only to discover the truth that everyone had simply perished...

 

  A sinister voice echoed. "You're too late, Kurino! 「サンドランド」 Sandland is already covered in ashes! Your friends are choking from it... And your son is suffering! The child is in pain! Hahaha! He's calling for you: 'Daddy! ... Daddy!' and you can do nothing! For it is too late! I, Zouna, am your only hope now! Join me, Kurino! I have the power to save your son. He cries for you. Calling for you. Join me if you want your son to recover!"


 
  Bravely, and adamantly, Kurino outright refuses!
           "Never, you fiend!"

  "FOOL! You'll see my power and despair!" Zouna wails, materializing before Kurino's eyes! And so, the final battle begins. This would prove to be Kurino's longest battle he has faced by far.
  • The battle with Zouna is divided into three stages. All of them are the same as the last. He has a basic pattern. He materializes in the air, giving you a few seconds to jump up and take a few swipes at him. To which point, he will swoop down on you, homing in on you in an effort to kill you. You can try doing a downward thrust with your trident when he does this, but I advise against it because it's very risky. Remember that in this game, Kurino can die with just one hit. And the Jump system is awkward enough as it is. For minor reference however, performing a downward thrust does more damage than a forward thrust. A Whirlowind Attack does the most damage, but it's very difficult to time, considering how Zouna randomly phases in and out of the battle scene. However, I suggest using it if you want to end the battle quickly. But only use it if you absolutely know what you're doing.
  The battle rages on and after quite an ordeal, Zouna goes down for the count for the first time--letting out a loud groan. He tries to tempt Kurino into joining him once again. "Join me and save him. Don't make him pay for your folly!" But again, Kurino refuses, angering Zouna again. "Grrr! Die, pathetic Sandra!"

  Zouna begins his second phase of battle. Not having anything new to offer to the battlefield, Zouna continues to test Kurino's endurance. Zouna fails at this as well, and tries to tempt Kurino again. But again, Kurino remains steadfast and selfless.

  Zouna starts his final assault on Kurino. Waiting for one chance for Kurino to falter.

  Kurino doesn't allow himself to be easily defeated by Zouna. Resisting to the very end. But why has Zouna not been defeated yet? Was Zouna just toying with Kurino?

  Zouna falls for the third time... His painful groan echoes throughout the tower. Has Kurino finally won the battle?

  "You weakling! You are utterly worthless! How dare you resist my might?! You thought you were fighting the real me, but you were only fighting my illusion. Hah! You shall pay for your insolence." Zouna proclaims.

 

  Utterly exhausted and spent, Kurino finally collapses at the revelation of fighting Zouna's illusion. Was all he fought for simply for naught? Was there no justice and no point to all that he strived for?

 

  "Wuhahahahahahaha! You will continue to endlessly walk the desert and guard my pyramids, like all the other Sandras I've captured!" Zouna's proclamation echoed through Kurino's ears. Kurino was filled with hate and sadness, for he felt that he had failed greatly.

 

  After finally collapsing in front of one of the pyramids, Zouna weaves his evil spell around Kurino. Transforming the poor Sandra into an evil "Black Sandra". His mind was gone, and his body became a terrifying sight to behold.

 

  Kurino, now a Black Sandra, continued to guard Zouna's pyramids until soon after he came face to face with a mysterious, yet gorgeous blonde haired young maiden.

 

  Without fear, and yet with compassion, the maiden takes her sword and shield in hand and strikes the newly transformed Kurino Sandra. When that happened, a change sparked in Kurino's heart. This change caused Kurino to relinquish the Sun Cure that he forgot he was even carrying!

 

  The golden-haired maiden took the Sun Cure from Kurino and held it up to the sky. A radiant, dream-like light filled the air. A relaxing wind blew through Marvel Land.

 

  The Sun Cure melted away Zouna's ashes of despair, and lifted the plague from 「サンドランド」 Sandland Village, and from Kurino's infant son as well. Kurino's one wish had been fulfilled at last...

 

  Kurino, having recovered from his enchantment, greatly thanked the young golden-haired maiden. It was as if she knew what would happen, and came to Kurino's aid. The maiden introduced herself as "Valkyrie". To show his appreciation, Kurino helps Valkyrie by opening the sealed doors of the pyramid and letting Valkyrie inside.

 

  Angered, Zouna is thrown into a rage at the fact that Kurino betrayed him and overcame his enchantment.

    "You've betrayed me, Kurino! Grrr! You'll pay for this! As long as I have the Key of Time in my possession, I am still in control of Marvel Land. My reign will never end! Wuhahaha!"

 

  Valkyrie looked Kurino straight in the eyes.

    "Kurino. Do you know why I came here? The purity of your heart brought me here. We must destroy Zouna to bring peace back to Marvel Land, and to keep your family safe. Join me, Kurino, and help me rid the land of his menace once and for all."

  Without a doubt in his heart, Kurino joins Valkyrie in an effort to make sure the future stays secure for generations to come.

 

  And so Valkyrie, Kurino, and their allies set out to stop Zouna once and for all by recovering the Key of Time and saving the world. Side by side, comrades in arms, they march toward victory in the name of peace and love.

             - The End -

 

The Story of our heroes continues on into the next article. Valkyrie, Kurino, Sabine, and Zuhl continue their adventures in:

The Adventure of Valkyrie: The Legend of the Key of Time.


 

Article written by DeviFoxx on 06/13/2007 12:32:53 PM

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