TE:R Adventures: The Beginnings (1/3)

WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1

EDITOR/COVER ARTIST - ADDY

It was a lovely day on Planet Perdiah. Bushra and the Tender family were on their way for a camping trip!All of them seemed excited for the long journey ahead. They started climbing up a very familiar mountain via stone stairs.

Uncle Tender!

Are we there yet, are we there ye-

Not yet, Emily.

Just keep climbing!

Alright!

* looks down *

Hey Bushra, how is the weather over there?

Meh, could be better.

I see.

* holds his hand *

I still can’t believe we are going camping, Uncle Tender!

* unzips Robert and picks up PotaTeo *

Brother Teo also seems happy!

* smiles *

Don’t mention it little ones.

As long as you kids enjoy your time here, I’ll also have a great time. Although…

* looks at Bushra *

Why didn’t G come with us, Bushra?

Oh, right.

He said he wanted to spend some time alone.

I think he is just trying to get used to his limbs working again after the toaster fiasco.

Oh yeah, that.

* chuckles *

It was so confusing and goofy at the same time.

It sure was, hah!

Bushra, you told me you knew of this place when I invited you over.

Have you ever been here by any chance?

Actually, I have.

It was a long time ago though.

That's pretty cool.

Totally.

* yawns *

I don’t remember the way up there being this long though.

I think I’m starting to agree with the kids on this one.

I think we should be there...

* looks around *

Right about… NOW!

Artender stops in his tracks and steps aside to show the kids where they arrived. They saw how gorgeous the view from up there was. Bushra remembered this place from the time he first fought against hoodsters with G and Bushra by his side. Back then, this mountain was home to one of Hood’s bases. And it was extremely hard to climb too. Now, however? Mountain of Worth was a nice camping area with a newly built stone staircase to help Perdians get up there safe and sound.

Woah… this place is great, Uncle Tender!

Yeah, I gotta admit, Artender.

You picked a very great place for this.

* smiles *

Thanks, you all…

PotaTeo jumps out of Emily’s hands and starts dancing around in excitement. Artender was happy to see how overjoyed his kids were. Bushra on the other hand, was looking around the camp area to see if there were any spots left but he couldn’t help but wonder… was the base they destroyed still around?

Sorry for ruining the mood buddy but can I ask you something?

Uh... sure?

I heard from a “friend” that there was once a hoodster base around these parts.

He wondered what happened to it.

Oh, that?

I’m pretty sure it got destroyed or just got abondened.

Why do you ask?

Uh… just curiosity.

I see.

Oh also… can I put down the camping equipment now?

My back is killing me.

Oh yeah, of course!

Artender helped Bushra put down the equipment as the kids started playing around the area. PotaTeo picked up a rock and showed it to his sister, he seemed proud of his find. She looked at it in amazement.

Woah, awesome looking rock!

Are you gonna keep it, brother Teo?

PotaTeo gave her a thumbs down. She got really confused. He started using the rock as a chalk and drew a familiar looking shape.

Ooh... do you want to play hopskotch?

PotaTeo gave her a thumbs up and started the game by jumping over the shapes. Meanwhile; Artender was preparing the grill while donning his grilling apron.

So we got the coal, the grill gates… but where’s the food?

Artender walks towards the resting Bushra and pinches him.

OW, HEY!

What's the big idea?!

Where's the raw meat?!

The raw meat?

I thought you were getting those.

NO?!

I told you I would wake up the kids and get the coal!

...shoot.

Uncle Tender?

ACK!

Um… is something wrong?

N- no, Emily-dear.

We were just preparing the food, yeah!

Hm...

Bushra noticed Artender sweating out of fear.

Okay then!

See you later, Uncle Tender!

Artender takes a big sigh as Emily goes back to playing hopskotch.

Hey, what was that all about?

What are you talking about?

Why did you lie to her?

That was so unlike you.

…to not make her more upset than she already is.

Hm… that’s…

Yes, it’s complicated I know.

Let me guess, you are just gonna tell me to “get over it”?

Nope, not at all.

Artender takes a deep sigh and sits close to the lake. He needed some kind of refresher. Bushra sits next to him with his fishing rod and starts fishing.

Uh… are you feeling alright, buddy?

 

No… not at all.

Hm...

Bushra picks up a rock and throws it to the lake as it hops a couple of times before sinking.

Are you still getting used to Emily as a part of your family?

I guess…

I’m just afraid that she won’t open up to me about her feelings…

Huh, why do you think so?

You took care of the potato man just fine.

What’s so different about her?

Isn’t it obvious?

She used to have people who took care of her… her parents.

I don’t want her thinking I’m trying to replace them…

Pst… that’s ridicilous!

I say just go with the flow!

What do you mean?

She JUST joined your family, buddy.

She will need some time to get used to her new life.

That’s why you feel that way.

Uh… wow.

That’s oddly mature of you.

Don’t mention it, buddy.

All I’m saying is… try to get to know her for the time being.

Alright?

A- alright. 

* wipes his tears *

Thank you so much, Bushra!

I don’t think just one talk will completely fix my problem but… it’s a start.

It is a start, indeed.

The two fistbump each other and then hug it out. The two couldn’t really interact with one and another a whole lot after the Xtress war ended but now, they were closer than ever.

Wow, that felt good.

It’s like everything is right in the world!

Glad to hear that.

Well, it would be… if we had something to eat.

Yeah…

Bushra’s rod suddenly starts shaking.

Speaking of the devil!

Bushra holds the rod stronger and then jerks the rod up, hoping to catch it. And sure enough, he was able to catch the fish, and it was a big one too.

And THAT’S how you get it done.

* starts clapping *

Bravo, Bushra!

Crisis alerted!

Now we don’t have to buy something to eat!

Yup!

Bushra picks up the fish and puts it inside the nearby bucket.

Although...

Eh, what is it?

Bushra stands up and gives Artender his fishing rod with a smile on his face.

What are you-

Call Emily and the potato man to fish with you.

It will help you get along with both of them.

I can set up the tent and prepare the food.

You can thank me later, hah!

I… don’t know what to say.

* chuckles *

Well you said one sentence, that’s enough for me!

* picks up the bucket *

See you three on the flipside!

* still looking at the fishing rod *

Sure… See you.

Artender was still conflicted despite what Bushra told him. Was he ready? He took a deep breath and thought to himself  ‘Only one way to find out.'

Hey kids!

Emily hears his call and stops jumping. She picked up PotaTeo and ran towards her uncle.

What happened, Uncle Tender?

We were just playing hopskotch.

* looks at PotaTeo *

Brother Teo is really good at this game!

Heh… I figured.

* smiles *

Say, would you kids like to fish alongside me?

Ooh, of course!

Sounds like fun!

What do you think, brother Teo?

PotaTeo nods.

Awesome!

How do we fish, Uncle Tender?

Well, kids...

And so, Artender started explaining how fishing worked to the kids. While he wasn’t the most experienced with fishing, he still remembered a bunch of stuff Bushra told him about. When Emily got the basics, the three started fishing.

A few hours of silence passed by with no trace of fish anywhere. “Bushra makes it look so easy.”, Artender thought. Right as he was about to give up hope, the rod started shaking again.

Uncle Tender, it's moving!

Oh, crud!

* holds the fishing rod with Emily *

Pull it Emily, pull!

I- I'm trying!

Teo, help us!

PotaTeo looked determined and held the other end of the fishing rod with his newly grown fingers. As the three of them continued pulling the road towards them, the fish finally jumped out of the lake and into their hands.

AHA! We did it!

Yippee! We did it, Uncle Tender!

Artender reaches out his hands for a hug and Emily happily gives him the happiness he wanted all along. He was finally sharing a moment with his daughter.

Are you… crying?

* smiles *

Heh… no.

You must be imagining things.

Hey, look over there!

Wha-

Artender holds her and tickles her armpits.

HEHEHE!

STOP IT, UNCLE TENDER!

* stops and pats her on the head *

Of course, little one.

You are funny, haha!

Thanks…

Artender picks up the bucket and the three go back to the camping area. The others campers were already sleeping as Artender predicted. It was getting pretty late. When they arrived at the camp area, they saw Bushra resting right next to the camping area with a grilled fish right next to him. The tent was ready too.

I’m impressed, Bushra.

Thanks but what took you guys so long?

Well...

We caught a fish, Mr. Stoked!

Ooh, that’s awesome!

Yup, she’s a natural!

That’s cool.

* yawns *

Man, it sure got late huh?

Sure did.

I think we should eat before the cows come home.

Good idea!

The four of them sat down and started eating their pieces of the fish. Bushra suggested cooking the other fish they caught as well but Artender told him not to. Emily seemed attached to it so he didn’t want Bushra to get a hold of it. After everyone was done with their fish, Artender stood up and started talking.

It’s getting pretty late so we better prepare to sleep.

But Uncle Tender!

I don’t feel sleepy!

Yeah, I agree with the kid, buddy.

I really don’t feel like sleeping now either.

Sigh… if  you guys say so.

* sits back down *

So, what should we do?

Hm...

I have an idea!

Go on ahead, Emily.

Maybe we can tell spooky stories to each other.

We used to do that with my old girl scout friends!

That’s a fantastic idea!

Oh, I was thinking of making marshmallows but sure.

This works too.

PotaTeo gives Bushra a thumbs up and starts making marshmallows for the two of them.

You really are a cool potato, you know that?

PotaTeo nods. He semeed pretty happy.

So, who wants to start?

Oh, oh!

* raises her hand *

Me! Me! Pick me, please!

* smiles *

Sure, Emily.

Go for it.

YAY!

* coughs *

Well, it’s called….

LITTLE MISS IN A LITTLE HOUSE!

“There was this one girl who loved partying with her friends! One day, she was preparing for another one of those parties. But when she got there, she found outthe party was cancelled!“

Emily does a lightning sound affect with her voice.

“She didn’t know where to go to…”

Can’t she just go back home?

Ssh… let her continue!

Okay, fine.

* eats a piece of marshmallow *

Let’s see where this goes.

“She couldn’t stand not partying for a whole day. She had to find some other party for the night. And so, she traveled inside the city to find more partying people like her! But every house was either pitch dark or just empty… except for one. There was a small house with all of its lights open. The little girl knocked on the door and no one responded. But after a few seconds passed, the door magically opened all by itself!”

Uh huh...

“When she entered the small house, she looked around to find friends she can party with! But when she turned around, she saw GHOSTS!”

PotaTeo hugs his dad in fear.

“But these weren’t any regular ghosts…”

Oh?

“And then, they invited her over to their party! The ghosts and the girl partied around the house until the girl started getting tired. She waved them goodbye and then smiled when she realized she made new friends! The end!”

Artender and PotaTeo started clapping for her while Bushra was left confused.

That’s… it?

Yeah!

What did you think, Mr. Stoked?

Well… to start, the whole thing is just all over the place.

Like where are her parents?

Did they not worry about their daughter?

How did those ghosts even become “party ghosts”?

Why are they haunting that very specific house?

How did they even die-

* frowns *

Yeah, I think that’s enough, Bushra.

I would like to see YOU come up with a better story!

Tsch… me? Sure, buddy. My story is called…

THE FISHER HERO!

“There was this one fisher, just casually fishing all by himself in the middle of the night. He used to fish at that exact spot every single day. One day however, he heard roaring sounds coming from the forest behind him. He knew something was up so he decided to follow the noise cuz’ of his bravery! His intelligence brought him to a place filled with berry bushes. He decided to eat one of the berries cuz’ he was hungry. But when he tried to pull one to eat… BAM!”

EEK!

W- What happened?

“A two headed dragon suddenly jumped out of the bushes and shouted their name for everyone to hear.  The Hoodzilla XV!”

Ooh!

A two headed dragon… jumped out of the bushes!

Ssh… let me finish. Here comes the best part. 

Bushra coughs.

“Our hero slowly but proudly walked towards the dragon. He knew they were a worthy opponent. He shouted his war cry and ripped out his shirt to attack the monster! It was a fierce battle between two godly beings. The monster was starting to lose the fight. The fisherman’s power… it was too strong! So he gave up and gave his alligance to our hero. The fisherman told them to go back where they came from. The fisher looked at the dragon as they ran away to the unknown… never to be seen again. The end!”

Bushra waited for the camp’s reaction only to find Artender frowning and the kids sleeping because of the boredom.

Wow, good job Bushra.

That story sucked!

I- Don’t talk to me like that!

YOU come up with a good one then!

Can’t. The kids are sleeping.

I need to get them inside the tent before they get a cold.

Just collect back all of our stuff and then get inside, okay?

Sure...

And make sure to put out the fire as well, okay?

...

Artender picked up both of his kids and tugged them inside their camp bed. He kissed both of them on the forehead and went outside to check what Bushra was up to… only to not see a single trace of him anywhere.

B- Bushra?

Are you there?

No response.

Come on, Bushra.

This isn't funny!

Artender was getting a bit worried. Why would Bushra leave so abruptly… or did he even leave by his own choice to begin with? He had to investigate. He opened up Robert and picked up a flashlight and started wandering around the camp area. He didn’t want to wake anybody up in the middle of the night so he had to keep quiet. As he walked further and further, the voices of owls and bats got louder and louder. He couldn’t have gone off too far, Artender thought. He thought of possible places Bushra might have ran to. But then, he remembered something.

(Did he go to the destroyed base?)

Artender broke a nearby tree’s branch to use as a weapon to protect himself. If somehow any hoodsters kidnapped Bushra, he needed to save them both. Before he could process what was going on, a ghostly figure appeared behind the bushes.

Oooh, I have killed your friend Bushra! Oooh-

Before the ghost could finish his sentence, Artender hit his head so hard that the figure fell down to the ground and started making sounds of pain.

Gosh darn it, Bushra!

You scared the crap out of me!

Ugh… I didn’t know you were that strong…

* holds his head *

My head…

That’s what you get for playing tricks on me!

* throws the stick at Bushra’s chest *

Get up already, we both need to have a good nights sleep.

Ugh… sure…

While on the way back, Bushra thought to himself; 

'Didn’t believe in karma before I can definitely now confirm it exists!'

END OF CHAPTER

FAN ART OF THE CHAPTER!

(Art by @Vidd03k)

FAN ART OF THE CHAPTER!

(Art by @Sonic32Super)

FAN ART OF THE CHAPTER!

(Art by @sohekun)

(All design credits are on the volume release)