At one point, Karaee becomes so frustrated that she explodes in anger and frustration. King Soren, who was calm and collected up until this point, is taken aback by Karaee's outburst and snaps back. You and Inkagi stayed quiet the entire time. You dare not say anything, especially with a powerful ape like King Soren speaking at full volume. “We cannot send humans to do an ape’s job. An ape will save our people. The answer is no!”

Karaee steps forward in protest, “So far, all the apes have done is either come back empty-handed or die trying.”

King Soren replies to her comment. “It is an honor to die for your people. Do not forget that.”

Karaee pauses and takes a deep breath trying to compose herself. “These humans that you are dismissing, have you forgotten already that they earned your trust? Father…. I believe that they can save Aruvi.” She looked deep into his eyes. He could not look away. And he could not deny the truth. Karaee’s request wasn’t like any normal request. She was fighting desperately to save her kin, someone close and dear to her. To risk everything for a loved one is held in high regard in the Mizian Clan.

You could see it. It was clear he had a deep love and respect for his only daughter. King Soren looks at his daughter with a serious face. He knew this decision was a very important one. “So, if I am not mistaken, you want to go and take the two humans…” King Soren corrects himself and says yours and Inkagi’s names instead, “I mean …. and Inkagi to Yertonu, along with a small group of our military to find the Helx flower?”

“Yes, Father. I know it’s been done before.”

King Soren thought about it long and hard. Queen Janaa stays quiet as he thinks.

“And what makes you think that this time it will be different?”

Karaee turns to look at you and Inkagi. “I sense something in them. Something special.”

King Soren did not want his daughter out there, risking her own life to search for the Helx flower. But he had no other choice. His relationship with her would be strained if he forced her to stay behind as an expedition was going underway to find the flower. He looks at you and Inkagi, then turns to look at her.

“I approve of this mission…”

Karaee almost collapsed due to the sheer excitement she felt when he finally spoke those words. She interrupts the king for a moment with a brief monkey cry. Tears ran down her face as he wiped them away.

“I’m not finished. It is approved under one condition. Commander Zard is to lead the group. He is the best of the best. And he will be responsible for your safe return.” King Soren pauses. “Promise me this, Karaee. By no means will you enter Yertonu to retrieve that flower.”

Karaee looked down and then back up at her father’s eyes. “I promise you I will not.”

King Soren takes a deep breath. “My little girl is growing up…” King Soren looks at Queen Janaa, “I realize I can no longer shelter you from the outside world.”

“I know how to protect myself, father. I have my sword. I’ve been trained in the past by our best warriors.”

“That is why Commander Zard will be leading the expedition. All you know is legends and tales of the jungle. You’ve never faced them head-on before. You may have been trained for combat, but you lack the knowledge of what is out there.” King Soren takes some time to think about the situation, then he continues. “Your mission begins tomorrow morning. For your brother’s sake, and all those with Zonda, we hope that this mission is successful.”

Karaee makes eye contact with you as well as the king. He stands up and takes a step toward you and Inkagi. “If my daughter is right, and we are saved by humans, this will change everything in our village. You both have my trust.”

You and Inkagi step out of the room with Karaee. She doesn’t say a word. She’s focused. You can see the seriousness on her face. She knew that the mission ahead would be difficult and there was a lot that needed to be done. It was not about pride, it was not about greed, it was not about proving anyone wrong. This mission was to save her brother.

A servant comes to escort you and Inkagi to your room for the night. Just as Karaee was about to leave, she turns to you and says, “When we are in our most desperate state, we do whatever is necessary to survive.” She walks past both of you and turns to face you, “It’s in our blood. I’m desperate, I want my brother to live. So, I’ll do whatever is necessary.” She turns around and leaves walking down the long hall to her room. You and Inkagi don’t say a word.

As you and Inkagi are led away to your room, you can't help but wonder about the significance of what Karaee said. It seems like there's more to her than meets the eye, and that this mission might be a test of more than just her physical abilities. You respect her resilience and determination, and you find yourself wondering what other challenges she might have faced in her life.