After gaining clues from the Rilla clan, the monanimals find their way through the thick jungle using the map that Salmonad brought with them. They could finally see civilization and faint skylines in the distance.

"Look, there’s the capital city up ahead. We can check if Mongrod passed through, maybe picked up supplies or asked questions."

"Do we even know what he looks like?" Mouch asked, glancing at Molandak.

"Well, I met my Mongrod as a cyborg," Molandak replied.

"Great," Chog muttered. "So now we’re asking if anyone has seen a Rilla. That should be easy."

When they reached the capital city, they were greeted by a busy crowd and a variety of Monanimals, including lots of Rillas.

"Whoa," Chog said in awe.

"Yeah, who would’ve thought Rillas might be in a city close to their village?" Mouch said sarcastically.

They stood by the gates, taking in the scene.

"So what now?" Moyaki asked.

"The Rillas said Mongrod was weak. Look for the odd one or ask around," Salmonad replied.

"Let’s split up and see what we find," Molandak said.

Salmonad handed each of them a small gadget. "Take this."

"What is it?" they asked.

"A flare gun. Fire it if you run into trouble. That way we’ll find you faster. But each one only has a single shot, so don’t waste it."

"Alright gang, let’s go!" Molandak called out.

The Monanimals scattered through the city, asking questions and following clues.

Chog ran into a cheerful merchant with a cart full of colorful items.

"Hello, my spiky friend, my name is Flarry, Flarry the merchant. Do you need potions, weapons, traps? This one works wonders and.."

"Sorry Flarry ," Chog interrupted. "I’m in a bit of a hurry. I’m looking for someone."

"Oh? How can I help you?" the merchant smiled.

"I’m looking for a Rilla. This one looks a bit different from the rest. Probably not very strong and somewhat short."

"Ah yes, I know who you mean. He bought nets and bows. Said he was heading into the dark forest."

"That’s him! Do you know which way he went? And how long ago?"

"He’s on his way to the city’s gate right now," the merchant replied, pointing.

"Thank you, Flarry!" Chog shouted, already running. He fired his flare into the sky.

The Monanimals regrouped quickly.

"He’s heading for the gate!! We have to move," Chog said.

They rushed to the city outskirts. Mouch flew into the sky and spotted a cloaked Rilla entering the forest.

"There. I think that’s him," he called down.

The gang followed Mongrod into the dark forest again, keeping low and quiet.

Suddenly, Moyaki stepped on a twig.

"Shhh," Molandak whispered.

Mongrod turned around, spotted them, and took off running.

The Monanimals gave chase, but a trap snapped shut in an instant, launching a reinforced net into the air. They were caught together, swinging from a tree. All except Salmonad.

"Arrgh!" they groaned, struggling inside the net.

"Don’t bother," Mongrod said. "The net is reinforced. Picked it up from that merchant."

"Why are you following me?" he asked.

Molandak looked directly at him.

"Mongrod, you have to stop."

"How do you know my name?" Mongrod frowned.

"I’m from the future. I’ve seen what the orb does to you and to the Monadverse. No matter what happens, you cannot touch it."

"You’re a time traveler?" Mongrod paused. "So I succeed?"

"Yes, but at a terrible cost. You lose yourself. The orb's power corrupts you. It tears the world apart."

"WHY SHOULD I CARE?" Mongrod shouted. "THE WORLD NEVER CARED ABOUT ME! ! I was mocked, beaten, cast aside. So why should I care what happens to it?"

While he ranted, Salmonad worked quietly on the traps buckle. With a loud snap, the net released and the group dropped down, surrounding Mongrod.

"We won’t let you take the orb," Molandak said.

"We’re the same," Salmonad added. "The world may not understand great minds, but that’s not a reason to destroy it. Power is an endless pursuit. You’ll always want more until it consumes you"

"I’ll fight all of you if I have to," Mongrod growled ready to take on the monanimals

KRAK BOOM!!!

A blinding lightning bolt struck the ground in front of them. The shockwave threw everyone off their feet.

Chog opened his eyes slowly, ears ringing, vision blurry. The smoke began to clear.

Through the smoky haze, a massive figure stepped forward.

A larger, cybernetic Mongrod emerged.

Future Mongrod!!

He looked at the younger version of himself.

"Go get the orb. Leave these pests to me. You have an empire to conquer."

The younger Mongrod hesitated, then turned and ran into the forest.

Molandak stumbled up, heart pounding.

"No. No! How did you make it to the past? What did you do to the Doc?"

Future Mongrod turned slowly and faced Molandak.

"Now you’re mine."

Credits:

iam_spyrex