TE:R Adventures: Cloe Undercover (2/3)

WRITER - VIDD03K (SAM/NINIAN)

COVER ARTIST - SOHEKUN

EDITOR - TURTLEDOODLE1

It's a big day for the Crystal Kingdom today. The Queen had plans, ambitious plans, for what to do next. Given how she was only missing Xtress’ powers to complete her objective, she was ecstatic. Meanwhile, a group of Crystal Knights were training together, in a small, empty camp. It was Cloe, Lydia and Terry. They were starting to warm up to each other, they enjoyed each other's company, and things seemed to go well.

Phew… You're giving me quite the workout, huh?.

Tee-hee!

I can't wait to show off to boss!

I'll be, you're much better than I thought, Miss.

Ah, haha, thanks guys…

Her “fellow” Knights have been treated very well by the Queen lately, Cloe thought. She's been awfully kind to them, a stark contrast to how she was back at the “Pizza Party”, if you want to call it that. Obviously, she'd be inclined to treat her subordinates well, but since Cloe wasn't brainwashed, it was a really jarring difference. Now that she was a little closer to these “kids”, she could ask them about the full extent of Maizie's schemes.

Say, I don't really understand Queen Maizie’s plans, care to explain them to me a little?

Okay, sit down, beca-

I got it!

It's not that complicated, really!

Cloe noticed Terry looking at Lydia with a deadly stare.

I'm sorry, did the middle of my sentence interrupt the start of yours?

Shut up, wardrobe!

Clearly, she asked me!

*Nervously giggles*

It's fine, it's fine, I'll listen to both of you…

Okay!

* sits down *

So basically, the Queen wants the big bad sorcerer's power, right?

Right.

So, she sent a bunch of Knights after him and the Resistance!

She only needs the red sorcerer’s powers, since she already has the others’ powers!

Fascinating.

So, she DOES have those two’s powers in some capacity.

(This is going to make it trickier to get those two’s powers.)

(They will need it once we are all ready.)

Uh… Cloe?

Perdiah to Cloe, hello?

O-oh, sorry. I was just thinking of something, Lydia.

Do go on.

Okay!

As I was saying-

B-but!

Can I ask something first?

O-oh, sure!

* nervously puts her hand on the back of her head *

I can wait!

You said the Queen had Team Bushra’s powers, right?

Yup.

So why hasn't she used them yet?

Right, I forgot to tell you something.

Lydia looks around herself in hurry. It looked like she wanted to tell Cloe a secret. Cloe couldn’t help but feel excited. What could she be hiding-

See, it’s kind of a rumor.

...what?

Yeah! There are a few crystal knights who saw her use those powers but no one can confirm or deny the claims.

We believe she managed to converge these powers into her staff.

Hence why she doesn’t use them as often...

Exactly!

Huh, that's bad…

*Mumbling*

Then again, that's not the worst thing she did yet…

Ms. Meow?

Something wrong?

O-oh!

* chuckles nervously *

Ahah, no no! Nothing!

Are you sure?

Seems like something has been in your mind since you got here.

Oh, it’s nothing.

Don’t worry about it.

You sure?

Yeah.

Awww… come on, Terry.

Don’t judge her too much!

My mind also goes to random places from time to time!

I thought that was because you were stupid.

Hey!

Cloe tried playing along but she couldn’t help but think about the radio she found a few days ago. She had to fix it somehow and warn her friends of Maizie’s plans.

Anyways though, where's Bushra?

Oh, that guy?

I heard he's on a super secret mission.

Super secret, eh?

Yeah. It’s disclosed for everyone who’s not the queen.

I see...

* raises his eyebrows *

Why are you so interested in this stuff anyways?

Terrryyyy!

What? I wasn’t being judgemental this time!

I was just asking a normal question.

It’s alright, Lydia.

* looks at Terry *

I am just a Traveler gal who is interested in the finer details!

That’s all!

Hm... that makes sense.

I’m a big fan of details too.

* trying to count her fingers *

Can I also join the club?

…maybe.

Good enough.

Cloe yawns as the trio get ready to leave for bed.

Well, it’s getting late so... goodnight, guys!

Goodnight, Ms. Meow.

See you tomorrow!

Good luck on your guardly duties!

Thanks, you two.

Cloe waved the two goodbye as she left the canteen area. So Bushra’s whereabouts were disclosed, Cloe thought to herself. It’s disclosed for everyone who’s not the queen, Terry said. Cloe smiled.

“We will see about that.”

Later that day, Cloe takes the shift as Sarpo's guard for the night. She's relieved to see him, the love of his life, still a bit somber about leaving him like this, however; it felt like that day, many years ago, but thankfully it was a much less extreme situation.

Cloe knocked on the prisoner’s door and then entered there with a big smile on her face, happy to see the love of her life again.

Hey, Hon.

Oh, Cloe!

You got the shift tonight?

Yup, pretty lucky, huh?

Sure is, I’m so glad you are safe.

Me too. There’s been a few… close calls in the past few days but I managed to sneak my way out of it.

That’s great to hear.

That’s the Cloe I love!

* blushes *

Thanks, sweetie... It hurts knowing you are stuck here while I’m free from these shackles...

* holds his hand *

I promise this will be over soon.

Please, don’t try to rush things.

Maizie is definitely playing the long game with… whatever she is planning.

The more intel you get, the better.

Yeah... that much is true.

Speaking of those said intels, there's something I REALLY need to tell you about.

Oh, really?

What is it?

I found a radio down in the kingdom and managed to contact our friends.

I have been feeding them intel ever since.

Oh, that’s great!

That will help our friends change the tides of this battle!

* notices something *

But you don’t sound too happy about it, did something go wrong?

Yes… I lost the frequency values so I can’t contact them anymore!

Ah… that’s a problem.

Sure is.

* starts walking in circles *

No matter what I do, I can’t remember it.

It feels like I’m going insane.

Cloe, sweetie?

Cloe looks at Sarpo with her fists clenched.

Take deep breaths.

I believe in you.

You got this.

With Sarpo’s advice, Cloe takes a deep breath and thinks happy thoughts. She then looks at the open window in front of them.

Sorry for losing my cool like that, Sarpo.

It’s okay, Cloe.

I know you will remember those frequencies… eventually.

That’s… reassuring?

* shakes her head *

I mean what you said really isn’t but the fact that you said it…

Aww, stop it!

You are gonna make me blush too!

Cloe and Sarpo both look at each in happiness. Even if they were forced to be apart, they always had each other deep down.

Well… what about you, sweetie?

Anything interesting happened?

Oh, me?

Well, like I said, Maizie’s been doing some calculations on me for a while now and who knows what she’s planning.

I see.

I have also been thinking of a plan!

Oh? What is it?

So, I have been thinking… since you can go outside, you can bring me some spare robotic part upgrades from inside the kingdom.

Ooh… What are you going to use those for?

Once I have everything I need; I can fight off Maizie and get rid of her for good!

Sarpo... isn’t that a bit… risky?

I know that.

But I can’t just stand idly while you and our friends are spending their days surviving in this apocalypse!

* sighs *

So, can you do that for me, please?

Hm...

*Nods*

Yeah, I can do that, I got it.

Thanks, sweetie.

Before you go, I need to tell you about another thing.

Oh?

I heard from Maizie and the other guards that there are cameras in front of this very room.

I’m not sure how we can deal with those.

The plan is perfect… EXCEPT for this!

Hon, are you really worried?

Don't be silly, I can just shut off the cameras!

You can… do that? How?

*Smirks *

It's a little secret, don't worry about it!

*Blushes*

Oh, you… Heh, you really look like a kitty right now.

*Blushing too*

H-hey, what're you talking about!?

Now's not the time for that!

The lovers took their time to enjoy what little time they had together, they knew it would be short lived.

Meanwhile, inside the throne room; a crystal knight walks in, bearing horrible news. As it turned out, she was the only one to come out of the mission alive, Xtress had wiped out her entire squadron.

I-I’m telling you, my queen.

He was bloodthirsty!

Woah, woah, simmer down, soldier!

I-I’m sorry, I’m just...

Scared, I know.

You are safe here now.

Thank you...

* looks at Maizie again *

He-he told me that...

* gulps *

He said he wanted you, my queen, to give away your powers to him... or he would challenge you to a fight!

*Giggling*

Uh huh… is that it?

* still shaking from the experience *

Y-yes?

My, what an unexpected turn of events…

Heh, I see, you may leave now.

O-of course, my queen.

Maizie watched as Harper left the room as she started laughing to herself.

Yes! This is perfect, hahaha!

I couldn't ask for better!

If it’s a fight he wants, it’s a fight he’s going to get!

But M-my Queen… Why on Perdiah are you so ecstatic about this? We're losing a lot of manpower for this, and-

Hah! Don't be ridicilous, Clara!

He was going to show his ugly red mug eventually!

Why try hunting him down when he’s coming straight for us?!

* claps her hands together in excitement *

When that evil dirtbag with a hat pulls up, it's curtains for him, haha!

Yes, but…

You worried about my hoodster possession thing?

Y-yes! You told me all about your past once and I wouldn’t want that monster to land a hand on you!

I’m glad you think so much about me but really, you worry too much Clara.

Maizie points at the necklace she was wearing.

See this necklace? I'll be fine with this!

This very ruby right here can negate his ability to take over me!

*Sighs*

That's good news… Just be careful, alright?

Yes, yes, I will, don't you worry, you sad little dog.

Maizie comforted Clara. She was enjoying way more than she should have.

You can leave now.

I need to prepare for the battle ahead.

Oh, I see...

Clara was a bit upset her time with Maizie was coming to a close this soon but alas, she had to do what her Queen asked of her. She was about to leave the room until...

Actually, wait up!

Don’t go just yet!

Oh? What is it, my queen?

There's something I need to ask of you.

Clara’s eyes shined brighter than before. It was an honor to work for her beloved.

Oh yes!

What is it, my queen?

Go look after our people in here instead of joining us in the battlefield.

B-but-

* giggles *

Surely, you can't fail to do that, can you sweetie?

I… But, my Queen, going all by yourself is too dangerous, I suggest that-

Clara, listen, I get it, you're worried about me, and that's nice, I really appreciate your concern.

However, you HAVE to do as I say, I know what I'm doing, okay?

… I understand.

There we go, much better!

* smiles *

Off you go!

Clara, with a heavy heart, finally gets ready to leave. Guilt was all she could feel, failure after failure. She was an utter disaster in her own eyes, she couldn't bring any results to her beloved… Beloved Queen. The mere thought of disappointing Maizie again was gut wrenching for her. On her way to the balcony, she encountered the two people who have been looking for her all this time.

Oh, hi boss!

It's been a while!

Boss! How's it going?

*Worried*

… Boss? Are you there?

… Oh, hey guys, I don't have much time, you have to go.

W-what do you mean?

The Queen issued a new mission for you, you're gonna fight against Xtress.

Please ready your stuff.

…oh.

Okay then…

Are you also coming?

...no. The Queen told me to look after these people so... I guess that’s that.

* waves the two goodbye *

So yeah, see you two later.

The two watched in silence as Clara left the corridor just as quickly.

Aww…

*Sighs*

Don't worry, Lydia.

Once this is all over, we'll be back at what used to be, I assure you that.

I sure hope so… I really miss hanging around with boss…

She couldn't face them. No, not like this, not after all of the failures and disappointments she caused. She has already failed her Queen numerous times before, she couldn’t bear the thought of failing them too, the thought of their respect for her vanishing. With a heavy heart, she moved on, getting ready to hopefully set the record straight. Just this once…

Meanwhile, Cloe was just entering the canteen while everyone was packing up their stuff. She spotted Terry and Lydia also preparing.

Oh, hey guys… what’s going on?

We are going on a dangerous mission!

The queen is forming a special formation group for this.

Oh sweet!

(That’s fantastic, with them gone from the kingdom, I can investigate this place even further-)

Oh yeah, I think you are also coming with us.

WHAT?!

Yeah…

* gives Cloe a list *

Your name was on the list so I thought you already knew.

This is… an unexpected turn of events.

Yeah but hey.

* shrugs *

What can you do, right?

I suppose you are correct…

A few hours later, of the three packing their stuff, they were worried and also excited for the mission ahead.

Come on guys; we need to get going soon!

Right, right, just give me a minute.

Yeah… Yeah! I'm ready!

* almost trips over her backpack *

D-don't worry about it, Ms. Meow!

*giggles*

Alright, alright, if you say so.

Lydia, you actual numbskull idiot, can you stop forgetting your axe! It's made out of silver, for goodness sake!

Oh! Tee-hee, whoopies!

You're also forgetting stuff though!

Where is your bag with the crystalizer gun?

S-shut up, twerp!

I was gonna get it just now!

Stop bickering, you two!

* chuckles *

If you keep at it, I'll make you forget your own names!

Ma'am yes ma'am!

* whispers at Terry *

Golly, she's almost as scary as boss…!

I dunno, Lydia, I think she actually means business…

The newly formed Trio is now ready to go! Some more time for preparation would have been nice, but they would make do with what they have. Cloe remembered a little bit about the battle against the sorcerer that took place so much time ago, it was a grueling battle, many lost their lives there, she was terrified at the idea of having to face a tragedy like that again, especially after getting so close to the goofy duo of Lydia, a flower obsessed bundle of energy, and Terry, the sassy and intelligent one of the team. Fear was a great motivator so she was determined to protect these two at all costs.

Meanwhile, Clara watched as the Queen and her friends departed from the castle. Her head was feeling heavy, all of these depressing thoughts were starting to get to her. She puffed her cheeks and hit them with her hands, like a little kid would. She knew she had to focus on the task given to her, so for the time being, she let go of those thoughts. Well, she let go most of them, besides her unconditional love for Maizie, a feeling that kept her motivated, for better or worse.

END OF CHAPTER