Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 29: Branching Paths
WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1
COVER ARTIST - VIDD03K (SAM/NINIAN)
EXTRA ICONS - MIDASTHEGOLDGUY
It had been a whole week since the Vengeful Rubies' base was thrashed by the Rascals. Ever since then, a lot of things have happened.
After the heroes were done repairing their base of operations, they decided to go on scouting missions more often. And to their surprise, they managed to find survivors, all by themselves, out in the wild. The heroes took them in and gave them rooms to stay in for the time being. As days went by however, they found more and more people, eventually running out of space. But thanks to the increase in man power, they were able to build rooms for the newcomers by expanding their base even more. Shortly after, they went back to "rescue" the captured Crystal Knights and put them to the designated prison cells inside the base itself. It was... much easier said than done. Artender was in charge of managing all of this while Hood was "trying" to teach others how to fight in combat. Emphasis on "trying". Because of her sketchy past, almost no one trusted her. It was only when Artender told them to work with Hood that the people finally gave in and started training with her.
But even with all of that, Hood's situation PALED in comparison to what G was going through. He was relagated to just taking care of the Tender kids and nothing more. He couldnt even help with the construction all that much. While G didn’t hate spending time with the kids, deep down he wanted to do so much more for his friends. Ever since his absymal performance on their fight against the Rascals, he has been feeling worse and worse with each passing day. Back then, he was the star of the show. But now? He was just a babysitter. Something needed to change.
That night, G was looking at the ceiling and thinking to himself "I wonder… what will happen once this is all over?” It was hard to say. G reminisced the times he spent with his friends. The day he first fought Bushra, the time they beat Xtress and most importantly; his journey with Array to find temples... And suddenly, it all clicked. That's right! G could wish for his powers to return if he made it to one of those temples! Of course!
But there was a catch. He remembered Array telling him that the temple would only accept "materalistic" wishes so he wasn’t sure if his wish qualified as such. But regardless, that was a risk he was willing to take. First thing to do in the morning was telling Artender all about his plans. G could only hope he would accept it.
The very next day;
Come on, little one...
When G arrived at the main center, he saw Artender looking inside a backpack and talking to it. Guess talking to backpacks is a family tradition, G jokingly thought to himself. He wanted to see what was going on.
Yo, Artender!
* still looking inside the backpack *
Oh, hi G.
What are you doing with that backpack?
* sighs *
Teo has been sleeping inside my backpack instead of his actual bed for days now!
(Ooh, that makes a lot more sense.)
Well, can't you just wake him up?
I can but I don’t want to wake him up just yet.
He has yet to flourish.
Uhh, do you mean metaphorically or quite literally-
Sshh, be quiet!
As the two looked inside the bag, they saw PotaTeo waking up after a long sleep. He seemed relaxed. He jumped out of the backpack and to his dad's loving arms.
Aww, cute!
Good morning, Teo!
* smiles *
See, G?
My boy is one of a kind!
He sure is!
Artender puts PotaTeo down and tells him to join his sister. G knew this was his chance.
Say Artender?
Oh, what is it, G?
See, I was thinking... I could visit one of the 7 temples to get back my powers.
I think that would help our team immensely, you know?
...no. Its too dangerous for you to go on a solo mission.
Especially in... this state.
* raises his eyebrow *
What do you mean by that?
* sighs *
G, we both know you have not been in the best shape since Maizie took your powers away.
And I can’t let you get hurt!
...
So, let’s just wait for a bit more, focus on our current situation and then we can come up with another plan-
But those powers won't come back to me if I just wait it out!
* sighs *
I’m... useless without them.
I need to do this to help you guys out!
You are already helping us.
Artender points at his kids while they were drawing together.
Helping the little ones be happy in these trying times.
But I don't want to do that anymore!
G notices Artender looking at him judgementally.
Oh no no, don’t get the wrong idea!
Its not about the kids themselves at all.
It just that...
* puts his hand on the back of his head *
My place is on the battlefield!
I fought against Xtress himself, Artender! XTRESS!
I can handle a few Crystal Knights if I get my powers back-
Stop. Don’t speak any longer.
You are not going anywhere. And that’s final.
* turns his back *
I don't want anyone else to be in grave danger... ever again.
Especially after... losing him.
Artender looked at G with sorrow in his eyes. G knew exactly what he was referring to.
Am I clear?
* sighs *
Yeah... okay...
Thank you.
We will investigate the temples with a small group... eventually. You can try your chance then.
But when exactly?
Assuming we keep up this pace, we will be able to explore those areas in about... a month.
A MONTH?!
THATS TOO LATE!
G.
* looks back at him *
You are following the rules just like anybody else and I won’t hear you out any longer.
* reaches out his arm for a handshake *
Got it?
...okay.
* shakes his hand *
Have it your way.
Thank you.
Now, what were you planning on doing today?
(still annoyed) I don’t know.
Guess I was thinking of getting something for the kids.
* smiles *
Very good.
As for me, I was actually going to have a small meeting with Hood.
Speaking of whom...
* quickly looks around *
I wonder where she’s at-
* puts her hands on his shoulder *
Heya there, pumpkin.
Miss me?
* sighs *
(annoyed) Your timing is impecable as much as it is frustrating.
You know it!
* points at the table *
Come now, let us discuss things.
Let’s!
While Hood and Artender were talking, G took a peek at Artender’s backpack. It had the same design as his own. What a strange coincidence, G thought to himself.
He then shook his head to concentrate. This wasn’t the time to gush about someone’s personal belongings! He looked at Artender, with a frustrated expression. Artender didn’t understand how G felt at all. The feeling of becoming powerless, the stress of not making ammends and most of all... unable to protect his loved ones was disheartening to him. G took a deep breath and looked around. It was a great looking basement despite everything that has happened to them... but the stuff he could have prevented if he still had his powers… He knew what he had to do.
While the two were talking, G went to pack his stuff. He went to his room and picked up all of his necessary supplies. Next up was getting some snacks for his journey. Unfortunately for him however, the hut with the snacks was located very close to the main center itself.
So let me get this straight, pumpkin.
* points at Artender *
You want to send more scouting groups to find more people?
Precisely.
That won't help us in the long run since we arent taking back any ground-
B-but! We can’t exactly conquer any place above because we will be easier to spot by the crystal knights.
Oh, please!
We can fight them off!
They all carry their own crystallizer with them.
The only advantage we have over them is the number of our people.
And... we can’t afford to lose that too.
...
Say.
* looking through the notes *
You told me before this meeting that you had a new idea in mind. Well, lets hear it!
Oh, now we are talking!
* chuckles *
You see pumpkin...
Hood puts her legs on the table and also puts her arms behind her head. She was living the life.
How about we investigate some of my old bases you MPC2 folks GENEROUSLY left untouched?
Perhaps we could find something useful inside them.
You know, perhaps something like-
* spins her finger in the air *
-those red rings!
Oh yeah.
We could try going for those...
* quickly shakes his head *
But no. I can’t make exceptions.
Eh?
What do you mean?
Just as I told G, we can't waste resources to look for those things right now.
Its simply far too risky.
The two suddenly hear a bunch of creaking sounds behind them. They both looked behind them, only to be met with a worried looking G. It looked like he accidentally dropped a few snacks to the ground while stocking up.
Uhh, what are you doing, G?
Oh, well...
* pretends to think *
I was just... getting snacks for myself and the kids, yeah!
Hm... I see.
* turns his back *
Oh well then, carry on.
(Phew.)
G quickly left the area shortly after. He felt really awful doing this but he knew they wouldn’t allow him to go along with his plans. He had to act even more cautiously than before. He quickly went to check the closet. It was filled with backpacks belonging to the next scouting group. He decided to put his backpack next to them to not look suspicious. He quickly asked for a map from the folks in the base for an “important mission”. Afterwards, he paid PotaTeo and Emily a visit and then patiently waited for the perfect opportunity.
That night, G stayed up until 3AM, waiting for everyone to go to sleep. Especially Artender. He got off from his bed and looked at the ceiling once again. It was now or never.
G quickly changed from his pajamas to his regular outfit and got out of his room. He tried walking as quiet as possible, hoping he wouldn’t wake anyone up. His first goal was to find his backpack and then getting out as soon as possible. The corridor that usually took him 3 minutes to walk from start to finish, took him almost 20 minutes to get to the other side. At the tail end of the corridor, G looked at his surrondings and saw a lone nightguard leaning back to the nearest wall, almost looking like he was about to fall asleep. G knew there would be guards around these parts. He remembered Artender telling him all about it. Oh right... Artender... G walked a few steps back to the corridor and stopped in front of one of the rooms. He lightly touched the room's door and whispered "Forgive me, Artender. I will be back soon, I promise." After he was done, he went back to check up on the nightguard. The nightguard was now fully asleep. G quickly (but also quietly) rushed towards the closet and was met with a mountain pile of backpacks. After searching for a few minutes, he found it. He didnt’t realize how heavy his backpack was but he wasn’t going to complain about that now.
It was now time for the next step of his plan. He started climbing the ladder and hoped the nightguard wouldnt see him. When he reached the hatchet, he was with another problem. There were sounds of two people bickering with each other. At first, G didn’t know where these sounds were coming from but then, it clicked. There were guards outside too. G was frustrated beyond belief. He had a few mean things to say to Artender but he tried keeping his composure.
So uhm... hey.
Yeah, twerp?
Do you... feel safe with Hood in there?
Not really, no.
She’s a lying snake!
But... if Artender trusts her, we have to trust her too.
I suppose so...
* sighs *
But I’m not sure if I can trust Artender and co. either?
(confused) What do you mean?
I mean... MPC2 could have prevented all of this from happening if they acted sooner...
Ssh, careful with what you are saying!
O-oh!
* covers her mouth *
Sorry!
It’s fine.
Don’t panic.
Yeah, my bad... it’s just been on my mind for a while.
I get that.
* sighs *
I can’t help but think about that sometimes too.
There was a small period of awkward silence between the two guards afterwards. Both didn’t know what else to talk about after that topic was brought up.
So... what’s for breakfast?
I wrote it on the billboard a few hours ago.
You... did?
Yeah?!
* sighs *
Have you been paying attention at all?!
Give me a break, I just got here a few days ago!
G knew he could take advantage of the tention. He reached out to his pockets to find anything to distract the two. He found a small stick in his pocket and decided to go for it. He lightly lifted up the hatch and threw the stick in the bushes. The two guards looked at the berry bushes with fear and confusion in their eyes.
W-what was that?!
Only one way to find out... Come on!
After the two went to check the bushes, G quickly opened the hatch and made a run for it to the forest. And hopefully, he wasn’t noticed. Even if he was caught, he could always make a run for it. He knew this forest like the back of his hand, after all. But he made a critical mistake. The hatch was left wide open and the guards were... confused, to say the least.
W-why did it open on its own?
I dont know nor do I care.
* points at the hatch *
Check the base to see if anyone got inside.
Okay...
Sorry, what were you sayin?
* purposefully looks around all confused *
Huh, must have been the wind.
You are the worst.
Just shut up and check if something’s wrong!
G sighed in relief. After all this time, he was finally free. He was able to plan something and execute it perfectly... all by himself! He looked at the stump one last time and waved goodbye at the guards whom couldnt see him. He still felt regret for his actions but he hoped this would pay off in the end. He turned his back and readied himself for the adventure ahead.
"Is she going to be alright?!"
"Is the Queen okay?"
" Did she...lose?"
" Are we safe?!"
Maizie had been dealing with endless bantering like this from her people ever since she returned from the battlefield. The people were all scared after the battle with Xtress. During the fight, some crystal knights noticed Maizie struggling to keep on going while holding her heart in agony. And if that wasn’t enough, Xtress left a small crack on the crystal walls, putting everyone's lives at risk. While she was able to calm down most of the population with her recent announcement, one of the crystal knights was still worried sick for her. The worried crystal knight spotted their queen on her way to the prison cell.
My Queen, are you alright?!
I-
* coughs *
I'm fine, Clara.
Just a little hiccup, that's all.
But you don’t seem healthy at all!
Are you sure you are alright?!
I AM...
Maizie points her staff at Clara in frustration.
-FINE!
Clara was shocked by beyond belief. Did her Queen just... threaten her?
* her eyes widen *
I-I'm sorry, Clara.
* puts her staff away *
I didn’t mean to do that.
I’m just a bit stressed due to... recent events.
I-I understand, my Queen.
I just... Wanted you to be okay.
I appreciate the concern... A lot, really.
But I will be fine.
* gets angry *
I can’t just let that sorcerer get away with this!
I should have won that fight!
Don’t go hard on yourself, my queen.
I know you are so much stronger than he could ever wish to be!
… thank you, Clara. You are truly one of my bests.
Maizie looked at the other side of the corridor with sheer determination. She had to unleash her project to the world before it was too late.
This has to be worth it... it WILL be worth it!
* looks at her hand *
It's our one chance at moving to the next step of MY plan!
* looks back at Clara *
Clara?
Yes, my Queen?
Calm the people down, tell them that the puny resistance will be no more.
* bows *
As you wish, my Queen.
And...
Hm?
Take care of yourself.
Clara, for the first time in forever, smiled at someone and then waved goodbye to her Queen. Maizie smiled back and unknowingly blushed in response. That smile... the last time Maizie saw Clara smiling like that was the night she was crystallized. She knew Clara had some feelings for her back then but what if... What if I have feelings for her too, Maizie thought to herself. Maizie quickly shook her head before she could turn fully red. No... This wasn’t the time to think about that. Not now... When she reached her destination, she knocked on Sarpo's door. It was fun to mock the already broken.
Hello there, Mr. Fields!
I hope you are still having fun in here!
* chuckles *
Because, your usefullness is about to run out REAL soon.
...
What's the matter?
Scared of little old me?
Sarpo still kept shut. He didnt want her to find out about the upgrades Cloe has been bringing him for the past few days.
Or perhaps, you are waiting for my invention to show up.
* chuckles *
Don’t you worry your pretty little head!
It’s on its way, I ordered my crystal knights to bring it here.
Maizie started slowly walking in circles around Sarpo. Sarpo was starting to panic. He had to change the topic before she noticed anything different about him.
So... How did the mission go, eh?
(confused) What are you talking about?
I heard from one of your crystal knights that you guys went on a war against Xtress.
Thats all.
* smirks *
So how did it go?
...
If you aren’t gloating about it, I assume you guys lost.
WHY YOU LITTLE-
* picks up her staff *
Watch your words with me, Mr. Fields!
You are beneath me.
(sarcasm) Sureee, I am!
Peh. Sarcasm will get you nowhere.
* puts her staff away *
Besides, we won't be needing you once my project is done.
Before Sarpo could respond, he sees two Crystal knights bringing in Maizie's project with a cart. It was covered with a blanket to hide its appearance.
We have brought your secret project, my Queen.
Oh yes, we did!
Thanks, you two.
You can start your breaks earlier for today, consider yourselves lucky.
Sweet!
Heck yeah!
The Crystal Queen is the best!
The crystal knights left the room, leaving only Sarpo, Maizie and the mysterious project.
What... is that?
* chuckles and looks at Sarpo *
Allow me to show you.
As Maizie took off the blanket, Sarpo couldn’t help but shake in fear at what he was seeing. A robot was under that blanket this whole time! It was lumped over, presumably because of it not having a power source yet. But it wasn’t just any ordinary robot! The robotic claws... the metal gray hat... The shades covering its eyes.. it was a robotic replica of himself! But unlike him, it was fully made of metal, it was like looking at a twisted mirror.
Wha- What is this supposed to be?!
Oh sweet Sarpo... Isn’t it obvious?...
* chuckles *
You can be so incautious sometimes-
Unexpectedly, Maizie suddenly sneezed right next to Sarpo. He was even more confused once he noticed... the blood on the floor? What was going on with Maizie?
A-are you-
SILENCE!
* sniffs *
I will not tolerate any more of your pointless dialogue!
...
* chuckles *
See... isn’t the silence better?
Sarpo was so confused about everything up to that point. He wanted to ask so many questions but he knew none of them would get a satisfying answer.
What are you going to use... Metal Sarpo for?!
(confused) Metal Sarpo?
* shakes her head *
No, no, no.
Maizie looks at Sarpo with a devilish smile.
His name is Unit SRP!
“And he's the key to destroying your friends once and for all!”
Meanwhile, G was sitting next to a fireplace, hoping it would be enough for him to not get a cold. Even though he was still upset over running away without saying goodbye to his friends (Artender especially), he hoped they would understand his situation once he got back... or when they found out. He was walking by himself for a few hours and just recently sat down to relax. It wasn’t as bad as he feared. He didn’t encounter any Crystal knights... yet. And the weather seemed nice. He knew the journey ahead would be a long one so a small rest was more than justified. G rested on a small log, using it as a pillow, to watch the stars. They were just as gorgeous as the last time he saw them… Afterwards, G got up up and reached out to his backpack to get some marshmallows. He remembered putting a few packs of them next to the medical supplies. He opened his backpack, only to be greeted by...
T-Teo?!
PotaTeo was opening and closing his eyes repeatedly after G shouted. G could tell he just woke up from his nap. He looked just as confused as G himself.
I-I don't understand, why are you here?!
PotaTeo finally got back his senses and started freaking out. He was jumping around everywhere. Where were they? What was going on? Where was his family?!
This can't be...
* looks inside the backpack closely *
Unless...
There were some medical supplies, a few packages of milk and...
toys? G suddenly realized what was going on. He picked the wrong backpack!
Oh no...
G noticed PotaTeo looking angrily at him. He wanted answers, here and now.
I-I'm so sorry, Teo.
I was just going on a solo mission by myself but I accidentally picked the wrong bag!
I promise!
PotaTeo looked like he still wasn’t convinced. There was more to this story than G was letting on.
What else do you want from me?!
I said I was sorry!
PotaTeo didn’t want to listen to him any longer. He jumped away from G and decided to go back home... with or without him!
H-hey, no!
Teo, come back!
But PotaTeo was determined. He didn’t want to spend anymore time with G. He was determined, yes... but how he was going to find his way back was an entirely different question.
It’s too dangerous out there!
* notices PotaTeo looking back at him *
Please, you will get yourself hurt!
PotaTeo turned his back once again with a frustrated expression as he started rolling towards the woods at high speeds. G could only dream of stopping him. He watched as PotaTeo disappeared into the woods, nowhere to be seen. G looked down in shame. He knew Artender was going to be mad but telling him that he lost PotaTeo in the process? That was a death sentence for him. But suddenly, PotaTeo started rolling back towards G, much to his surprise.
Teo! You are back!
I knew you would come around!
* opens his arms *
Come here, little guy!
But G didn’t notice why PotaTeo was rolling in the opposite direction. He would find out the hard way as a mutant beast emerged from the woods and suddenly rushed towards G at high speeds.
EEK!
WHAT IS THAT?!
G quickly dodged to his right and looked at the beast in fear. It was a mutant crow with more wings than he could count. Suddenly, he remembered why this felt so familiar. He fought against one of these beasts back in... Mount Neverends, yeah, that's what it was. But back then, he had two friends backing him up, not to mention his powers too. He looked around in panic for PotaTeo and saw him trying to fight back against the beast by growing in size. But even PotaTeo's powers weren’t enough as the beast threw, a now normal sized PotaTeo, back at G. He quickly grabbed PotaTeo midair before he got hurt.
I'm so sorry for putting you in harms way, little dude.
* puts him back to the ground *
Run as far as you can from here, I wont let this beast hurt you.
Even though PotaTeo was still mad at G, he didn’t want one of his family to be hurt. He lightly hit G's knee and looked at him with determination. The two smiled back at each other. Either the two of them would make it out okay or neither of them would. But before the two could fight back, a shadowy figure marched in and punched the beast on the face. The beast flew away in panic after such a powerful blow to the face. The figure takes the dust off from his hands and stood there confidently. G didn’t understand what was going on, he didn’t know anyone whom had the strength to go toe to toe with one of these beasts... Unless...
No need to thank me, strangers!
* shows off *
You can go on with your merry way now!
Those beasts mean nothing but trouble!
Array?!
W-what-
* almost falls down *
G?!
END OF CHAPTER
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