Why a Goblin?

Rick and the rest of the group calmly made their way back to the cave in which Rick called home. Of course Rick made sure to travel with ample daylight and also to give a wide berth to the area where he encountered that Hawk. Much to his own annoyance of course, but he knew what he had to do, especially since he was now responsible for others.

Though there was no way of knowing if there were any other similar foes nearby or if the Hawk itself had moved locations, so Rick made the rest of the team aware of the danger and they all kept their guards up. Which of course slowed them down a little, but not enough to put significant time on their timeline.

So despite the need to maintain battle readiness, and taking a much wider path to their destination, the team was just barely a full day away from the lake in which a great beast slept, a lake that was of course devoid of any Goblin presence per orders of Rick.

Well it was devoid of any Goblin presence right up until Rick and friends finally reached its periphery.

“This is the lake I mentioned earlier, something way stronger than us is apparently sleeping inside of it, so remember while your here to never step foot near it just in case it wakes up with a taste for Goblins…In fact we need to consider relocating since the actual cave where I live isn’t that far from here.”

The other Goblins all gave solemn nods, before they all quickly began heading south towards the cave. With all of them rather eager to meet Rick’s tribe.

It was just supposed to be another regular scouting trip for this lone Tier 1 Goblin. As part of all the new changes Jaba implemented, there would be daily scouting trips out in the forest, just walk around a bit in your assigned location and make sure nothing dangerous is lurking nearby.

That's it..nothing more, nothing less.

But today was different for this Goblin, for as he walked to his assigned location which was the southern periphery of the lake. Probably the easiest and scariest location to scout as it was usually always safe, and very close to the tribe, but at the same time it was close too the lake where a slumbering beast that could wake at any time slept.

It was only a short time after he left the cave and began walking to his location that he saw a small group heading towards him.

He quickly tensed as there wasn't supposed to be anyone this close to the cave, especially not a group. He didn't recognize the individuals approaching, nor was he going to try and figure out who they were, and if they were enemies or not, but what he did know was that he had to warn the tribe as fast as possible.

So he dropped all caution, quickly turned around and made a beeline for the cave. Moving as fast as his little Goblin legs could carry him.

Now if the Goblin could see Rick and crew, then of course Rick and the others could see him as well.

They quietly watched as his expressions went from relaxed to shock and worry before settling on a determined one as he began sprinting in the direction he was coming from.

"Mr.Rick...are you sure we shouldn't have said anything? That Goblin looked a little frightened."

"Honestly Kida..I thought he would recognize me. Though I didn't recognize him either since he probably evolved after I left, so I guess it's only fair..."

"..Understood Mr.Rick"

"Anyway, It'll work itself out, let's continue back to the tribe."

It wasn't long before the cave entrance finally came into view.. though what Rick saw left him speechless.

Neatly lined up and armed with spears, were three different squads of Goblins, all around 20 Goblins each. Some of them were even Tier 1.But standing in front of the three squads were three more goblins, though far larger in size.

They were of course Dal, Geedi, and Tal. All of whom were Tier 2 just like Rick.

Then of course the Goblin at the front wasn't to be outdone. Still firmly in Tier 2, but he seemed different. He appeared a lot more battle hardened and stood at the forefront like a true general ready for war.

This was Jaba, right hand of Rick and someone who fought from the front, standing solemnly ready to defend his tribe.

Well at least he was standing ready right up until he finally saw who was at the head of the approaching group..and then also hearing his name being called in a voice he hadn't heard in far too long.

"JABA!! I'M BACK!!"

Jaba himself almost tripped even though he was standing still..he couldn't believe it. The Leader he and of course the rest of the tribe missed so much was back! And not only was he back, he seemed to have accomplished his mission and found other Goblins!..Though that was only regarding two of his group members..Jaba wasn't really sure who the others were, though for some reason he couldn't quite shake the feeling they were Goblins too..?

Jaba obviously wasn't the only one to hear Rick's shout..

Dal couldn't help but want to scream in Joy cause their Leader was finally back! He hasn't been our Leader for a long time, but it just somehow felt..right to wanna support the Leader.

'Though I really hope Geedi doesn't cause too much of a fuss about these children she wants..what if..what if the Leader..turns..turns her down?'

That thought alone caused a shiver to run down Dal's spine.

'I've decided not to think about this further..yes..this is a good plan.'

While Dal was going though his own inner turmoil so too of course was Tars and Geedi.

Though Tars’ thoughts were a lot less drama related than Dal, they were no less complicated.

'The Leader is...still Tier 2..Will this cause any problems I wonder? I hope not..for some reason my instincts tell me the Leader is the right person to be in charge..I wonder why that is? Why as I stare at him do I get this feeling to be respectful? Is it only me that feels this? Hmm, I'm not sure what's causing these instincts of mine to feel this way but these same instincts of mine have kept me alive while fighting in the forests so I'll continue to trust them.

'The Leader is the Leader and that's that.'

After reaching that final conclusion Tars seemed to relax as if everything was right in the world.

Now Geedi..Geedi probably was probably having the most tumultuous thoughts of all of them.

'He's Back!! He's finally ba..- who. is. that. ...and why is she standing so close to him?!'