Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 31: Inner Conflict
WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1
COVER ARTIST - SOHEKUN
EXTRA ICONS - MIDASTHEGOLDGUY
EDITOR - C0N
It was an interesting day on Planet Perdiah. While everyone was doing their own stuff all around the planet, none of them knew this was a monumental day for Perdiah as a whole. The day Perdiah would change forever.
Artender cleared his eyes and looked around his room. He suddenly woke up because of a nearby cock-a-doodle-doo. Another day, another dollar; he thought to himself. After changing his clothes, he went to check on his kids. Emily was still sleeping, as he expected. He was worried that her interaction with one of the Rascals would change her personality but surprisingly, it didn’t. Artender wasn’t sure what to make of it. Maybe some of them actually weren’t… bad people? He quickly shook his head and looked at the sleeping Emily again. This wasn’t the time to think these things. He kissed her on the forehead and went to look for his son.
Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t in his cardboard box bed. Artender went to the closet with the bags inside to wake up PotaTeo but to his shock, he wasn’t there either.
T-Teo?!
Artender threw away the bag he was holding and started looking inside each and every bag on there. He was still holding out hope. His son HAD to be here. It was only a matter of time until he found him. Before he could tore open another bag, he felt someone lightly touching his left shoulder and freaked out as a response.
AAAH!
Ssssh, do you want to wake up the entire place you stupid moron?!
It was Hood, with her pajamas, no less. She had eyebags under her eyes and seemed really tired.
You-
Yeah, yeah.
Save your insults for later.
* clears her eyes *
I got here to check up on the guards but saw one of the former MPC2 members making a mess like a toddler.
…
What are you even doing anyways?!
I-It’s Teo!
I have been looking around for him!
…that’s it?
Is that what the fuss is about?
Don’t undermine my son like that!
Hey, you don’t have to take it as a personal attack!
Whatever...
* still looking inside other bags *
He usually sleeps in my backpack instead of his own bed but now, I can’t even find him.
I thought maybe he accidentally fell inside one of the other bags but... I don’t know!
Artender notices Hood looking at “his” bag and gets annoyed.
Are you even listening?!
Yeah, yeah.
* picks up the bag *
Say pumpkin?
What do you think about this backpack?
Well... it’s mine, duh?
You sure?
* confused *
Yeah?
Why wouldn’t it be?
* Chuckles *
You might wanna take a peek inside... more carefully.
* raises his eyebrow *
Okay?
Artender took the backpack from Hood’s hands and looked inside again. There were a bunch of snacks and other types of supplies inside… but he didn’t put these here.
B-but-
* flips around the bag *
This isn’t my bag!
See? Now you are getting it!
Now... Do you remember who this belongs to?
…G?
I think?
I don’t know about you but the answer seems pretty clear to me.
* yawns *
Teo going missing, G not being in his room, the mismatched backpacks...
G...
* tightens the bag in anger *
G isn’t in his room?!
Nope.
So that means...
* looks at the stairs *
Oh, G…
“What did you do...”
Wake up, gang!
It’s go time!
Ugh... 5 more minutes… Please…
Come on, G!
We have to get a move on!
* looks at the awaken PotaTeo *
Is he always like this?
PotaTeo does a “sometimes” sign with his left hand.
G...
* shakes him *
Just wake up already!
Oug… Fine…
* gets up and clears his eyes *
I still don’t know why you woke us up this early...
So we could have a head start, dummie!
* chuckles *
What if I fainted from a lack of sleep, what would happen then?
Well... we would have to carry you there.
Right, potato man?
PotaTeo gives him a thumbs down.
Ack-
Don’t sweat it dude, I will be fine.
* stands up *
I was just exaggerating.
Y-yeah!
Of course I knew that-
* sniffs *
Totally.
Okay so...
* looks around *
Are we all ready for this?
I was BORN ready!
PotaTeo reluctantly gives him a thumbs up. He didn’t seem excited but he didn’t seem mad either. G knew he had to win over him... somehow.
So... lead the way, G!
Oh right!
* pulls out the map *
Okay, let’s see here...
So Temp Never Stops-
The Temple That Never Stops, actually.
…
Erm, sorry!
* smirks *
Go on, please!
…as I was saying!
Temp Never Stops is not too far away from here.
It will probably take us less than a full day of walking to reach there... I think.
You are not sure?
Yeah... I calculated it in my head so it’s like a guess more than anything.
Oooh, I see.
Well… good thing we are getting started now then!
Perhaps we can arrive there earlier than we thought!
You are right!
* reaches out his hand *
When we see the temple, the first one who reaches there wins, okay?
Pfft… alright!
* chuckles *
Just like old times, eh?
“Yup, just like old times!”
Is the radio working?
Almost...
* backs away *
There we go!
Good.
* walks towards the radio *
Cloe, can you hear me?
Y-yes!
I can, Artender!
Is something wrong?
I was going to ask if you heard about G or… Teo over there.
No? Not really.
Did something happen?
We think G... ran away last night.
And he might have accidentally took Teo with him.
Oh gosh, why would he do that?!
He most likely went to one of the 7 temples to get his powers back.
Oh dear.
Well, I don’t know if they got crystallized or not.
I’m sure Maizie would have made a big stink about it if they did though.
Well, all the same... thanks for your help, Cloe.
Good luck out there.
Say hi to Sarpo from me too.
Will do.
And let us know if Xtress tries attacking the kingdom again.
We could turn that into an advantage.
Of course.
* hears a female voice coming behind her *
Sorry gotta go, bye!
Before Artender could respond back, the radio started making weird buzzing sounds. Artender sighed and turned it off.
So what now?
I-I don’t really know.
Hm... perhaps you could go and try to find them?
I don’t know... I can’t leave my responsibilities here.
Not to mention, Emily is still here.
But pumpkin, what if the potato gets hurt?
Or worse?!
...
Exactly!
That’s why you NEED to go and find them, Artender.
I will take care of things here!
I-
NO!
PLEASE DON’T LEAVE!
Before the two realized what was going on, Emily hugged Artender.
E-Emily?
How much did you hear of that-
Please don’t go!
I... I don’t want to stay with… her.
Oh, please!
What could I possibly do with your absence?!
No... no, Emily’s right.
As much as I hate to say it... I trust G to take care of my son.
My place is here now.
Peh, whatever, your choice.
* leaves the room *
Don’t come to me crying if he gets crystallized.
WHY YOU-
Before Artender could hurt Hood, Emily stopped him. He looked at Emily and saw her shaking her head in disapproval. This wasn’t the way to go about things.
Yeah... you are right, little one.
Thanks for stopping her from getting in my head.
N-no problem?
* puts her finger on her chin *
What does “getting in someone’s head” mean?
“I- I will explain it to you when you get older.”
Ugh... are we there yet?
The group was already tired from walking. At first, the journey started out well. They stopped occasionally to eat snacks and then continued as planned. But as time went on, all 3 of them were starting to get more and more tired. Not even the breaks were enough anymore.
I think...
* looks at the map again *
We have half an hour left!
I hope you are right about that...
* looks at PotaTeo *
Do you want to rest inside my backpack, little one?
PotaTeo nods in the most tired way possible. He jumps inside Array’s backpack.
Coolio.
Afterwards, Array looked at G again. Even though it’s been a whole day since they reunited, he still couldn’t believe he was with G again. Especially after the Crystal Queen’s attack. Things have been much more complicated since the first temple business, Array thought to himself. He didn’t know what Xtress did with his body while he was possessed by him. Array couldn’t ask Team Bushra what exactly happened afterwards either because of all of his baggage. It was simply not the time for that. But now? Perhaps he could…
Hey.
Hey, Array.
What’s up?
So uhm... want to talk?
Sure!
I mean it would certainly make things less boring.
That’s one way of saying it!
* fake laughs *
Well... what did Xtress say... while he was in my body?
Oh?
You know... the whole first temple thing.
Yeah, yeah, I know what you are talking about.
* waits for a few seconds *
And..?
Truth be told... It was a strange experience.
He was using your voice to speak to me.
He said something about a “loved one”... I think.
Huh... I see.
I don’t know how much of that was true so I didn’t really think about it all that much.
Okay, I understand.
I just want you to forget about all of that.
He could have lied!
Yeah, that only seems fair.
I mean, you weren’t really... you when he was in control so I understand.
(Oh gosh, he is totally getting suspicious of my feelings for him, I just know it!)
(What am I gonna do?!)
You were gonna say something?
N-no, no!
Nothing!
Absolutely nothing!
Okay then...
(Phew...)
So according to the map, the temple should be... here!
The two looked around and saw nothing. Nothing but a giant crater, that is.
What in Perdiah...
* looks at the crater *
Where did this come from?
I don’t know but it’s weird...
The crater itself seems oddly... perfect?
What do you mean?
I mean, look at the curves!
The edges and corners!
This seems deliberately made, like something has been travelling between these craters with perfect accuracy!
Suddenly, the whole area turned dark. It looked like they were drowning in the shadows.
Uh, did the sun set early today?
* looks at G *
G? What’s wrong?
G was left speechless as he was pointing up. Array looked where he was pointing at and saw a floating continent trying to land at the crater they were next to. Array quickly pushed G and himself away from the crater as the continent landed perfectly on the area.
Woah...
So, that’s how it works!
(On second thought, maybe the name should have been a giveaway.)
A floating continent?!
Really?!
Yeah, I suppose so!
What a fascinating temple!
You could say that...
The two slowly walk towards The Temple That Never Stops. It was just as majestic as Temple Skulled, perhaps even prettier!
So... I guess we can all enter freely now!
Wait, isn’t there a challenge before these temples let somebody in?
Well, maybe finding this temple in the first place IS the challenge!
Hm... good point.
Array picks up PotaTeo from his backpack for him to see the temple too. He seemed amazed by the design of it as well.
* notices the signs *
Hold on, let me translate these too.
Alright.
“Once every blue moon, the temple rises from afar.”
“To get inside, one must challenge a person they care deeply about.”
“The race is on!”
The two looked at each other like sad puppies.
I-I can’t challenge you!
C-calm down, G.
We can find a workaround for this!
* sits down *
The text says something about a “race”.
So that means the challenge will be a “race to the finish” type deal.
And?
I can just lose to you on purpose so you can enter the temple that way!
Oh, good idea!
Yup!
Bet the temple didn’t think of that, hah!
* cracks his knuckles *
Okay, let’s get this started then!
I can’t wait to get my powers back!
As the two pressed on the buttons located on the temple’s opening, a flash of light surrounded the area and suddenly a race track was in front of them. G didn’t know if this was a hallucination or something the temple changed in the real world but he wasn’t going to question that. For now, he had to reach the finish line before Array. It should be a piece of cake, G thought to himself. He looked to his left and saw Array giving him a thumbs up. G didn’t know when they were going to start but he patiently waited. Suddenly a deep voice started counting down. 3… 2… 1… GO!
And so, the race was on! G started running as fast he could to the finish line. He knew Array wasn’t going to catch up to him on purpose but he just wanted to make sure. But soon enough, he was shocked when he saw someone in front of him.
Array, what are you doing?!
I DON’T KNOW!
I-I CAN’T STOP MY LEGS!
WHAT?!
They are moving on their own, G!
I can’t stop running!
You gotta make it there before me!
(Dang it! So the temple DOES have other tricks up its sleeve.)
G tried catching up to Array but he was starting to get tired from all the running.
G! Throw something at me!
I won’t!
Why not?!
You might get hurt... or worse!
Can’t Teo try stopping you?
I-I’m not sure if he’s here with us right now!
Dang it!
Don’t worry about me, G.
You need this far more than me!
G rejected the idea. He wasn’t going to hurt his friend. He tried running as fast as he could but it wasn’t enough.
G, I’M ALMOST THERE!
PLEASE!
...
JUST DO IT!
G leaned down to grab a rock and threw it at Array’s leg which slowed him down immensely.
ACK!
Sorry!
N-no, keep going!
You are almost there!
No... NO MORE!
G gave it his all and reached the finish line just in time before Array did. The two looked at each with regret in their eyes. This didn’t go how either of them planned. As the two started waving goodbye, another flash of light appeared as Array disappeared. G was bewildered. Where did Array go? Was he alright?!
He took a deep breath and tried thinking rationally. PotaTeo wasn’t there with them while they were racing so perhaps Array got teleported back? Who knew at that point. All G could do now was hoping for the best and taking his prize.
G looked around the place and realized that he was now inside the temple itself. Weird, he thought to himself. It didn’t look like they were inside the temple while they were racing each other. He didn’t want to overthink these magical temples and looked around for the river. He saw one materializing right in front of his eyes. He slowly walked towards the river and thought about what he could wish for. He had to be specific with his wish… or did he? He could wish for something else as well.
His other self has been a constant problem for him ever since he touched that ancient text. He couldn’t control it and it took over his body at the worst of times. So maybe… he could...
G remembered Array only putting his hand with the gauntlet inside the river to get the effects. So... was he supposed to do the same? Or was he supposed to throw himself into the river? It was hard to tell. G looked back one last time and jumped inside the river.
It was a horrible experience. G felt like he was suffocating, was this supposed to happen?! G tried getting out of the river but it was too late. It was like a black void trying to consume G as a whole. G could feel his body deteriorating in real time. He had to do something. So instead of rejecting the river, he stopped fighting back and closed his eyes. He thought about his final wish: “Give me the strength to defeat Maizie and my inner demon.” and accepted his fate.
Meanwhile, PotaTeo was drawing something on a piece of mud. Suddenly, Array appeared out of nowhere and landed next to PotaTeo.
W-what the?!
* looks around *
Where am I?!
Array saw PotaTeo hanging out all by himself.
Teo?!
Thank goodness you are okay!
* looks around some more *
Where is G?!
PotaTeo pointed at the temple.
Oh...
You think he actually made it?
PotaTeo nodded and continued drawing again.
Okay, phew.
Man, you have no idea how horrible that was, Teo!
I was going to lose on purpose but then the temple took control of my legs and then we-
* holds his leg from getting hurt *
Ow!
PotaTeo looked at him in worry.
N-no worries, little one.
I will be fine.
PotaTeo shook his head and then jumped inside the backpack. Before Array could say something, PotaTeo jumped back with a bandage on his hands.
Woah!
Bravo, little dude!
PotaTeo quickly covered Array’s bleeding spot with the bandage and then put the remaining bandage inside the backpack.
I really gotta thank you for this, Teo!
You really know your stuff!
PotaTeo gave him a thumbs up in return.
Where did you learn this from anyways?
PotaTeo stopped drawing for a second and showed Array the drawing he was working on. There were 3 figures on the drawing. But the one PotaTeo wanted Array to focus on was the taller figure with the baggy clothes.
Ooh, so your dad did?
PotaTeo nodded in sadness. Array could tell he was missing him.
Don’t worry, little dude.
We will go back to meet with your dad after we are done here!
But as Array looked closer to the drawing, he realized that maybe that wasn’t the reason he was upset. In the drawing, there were 3 figures. One taller figure and one small female figure as Array expected. But instead of a potato, there was a human boy standing in the middle of the two.
I-Is this supposed to be... you?
PotaTeo nodded in sadness once again. He looked like he was about to cry.
I’m... so sorry to hear that, Teo.
I’m sure your dad loves you just the way you are!
You don’t have to be someone else for him to love you.
* sighs *
...believe me, I know.
PotaTeo jumped towards him in happiness and hugged him.
Aww... no problem little guy, don’t mention it!
I’m always here to help!
Array was happy to see PotaTeo finally in better spirits. He hasn’t been this happy since they met up with Array again. Afterwards, PotaTeo wanted to repay his friend for all he did. So he picked up another stick and started drawing something else on the mud. After a few minutes, PotaTeo lightly hit Array’s shoulder.
Oh, what is it, Teo?
You want to show me something?
* nods *
Well, okay then!
Let’s see it!
He looked over to see the drawing and was stunned from embarrassment afterwards. It was a drawing of a heart with “ G + A ? ” written inside it. He looked at PotaTeo in shock.
H-how-
“How do you know?!”
Any sign of Xtress or the rebellion?
Nope.
Meanwhile, a crystal knight group was investigating the very same area where the temple was “temporarily” located.
Urgh… boring!
Can you two shut up already?!
We will report back in a few hours anyways!
Suddenly, the group overhear sounds of a high pitched voice (and very embarrassed, judging by his tone) coming from nearby. The crystal knights told each other to shush as they went to check what was up. A blonde kid and a... sentient potato(?) were discussing something about a person called G.
Well boys, who’s ready to have a potato as your ally?
W-wait!
What?!
Don’t you know?
G is one of the original MPC2 members!
He’s the one with Xtress’ powers!
Oooh, right!
Now I remember too!
Hm...
We should contact the queen before we do anything.
But we don’t have time to go back!
I wonder what’s up with the temple behind them...
We can use our phones to contact her..?
The network system has been broken since the queen took over Perdiah, you moron!
Hey, who are you calling a moron?!
SILENCE!
* keeps the group shut *
I know we can’t contact the queen right now so we will do the next best thing!
* everyone looked at him all confused *
We will kidnap the two and bring them over to the Crystal Kingdom just in case the queen has plans for them!
What about G?
Oh, him.
Hm... we can use these two as bait to lure him back to the Crystal Kingdom!
* chuckles *
After all...
“He would definitely come to save his boyfriend!”
Y-you know about this?
* nods *
S-since when?!
PotaTeo shrugs. It seemed like he wasn’t sure either.
D-did you tell G?!
* shakes his head *
Phew... alright.
* takes a deep breath of relief *
I was so scared for a second.
PotaTeo was confused about why Array wanted to keep it a secret.
You seem confused...
I... don’t really blame you.
* sighs *
It’s very complicated.
I just... I’m scared.
I know I love him but... what if G doesn’t love me back?!
You know?
Even though PotaTeo wanted to help, he knew this situation was far more complicated than he imagined. So, he tried helping the best he could.
Maybe I could try talking to him about my feelings...
You think that’s a good idea?
PotaTeo nods. He just wanted his friend to be happy.
* sniffs *
Thanks, little one.
I will... try to find the perfect opportunity to tell him about my feelings.
J-just promise me that you won’t tell him, okay?
PotaTeo gives him a thumbs up.
Very well.
* looks at the temple again *
Now let’s-
Array suddenly notices a crystal laser coming out of nowhere.
WATCH OUT!
He quickly picks up PotaTeo to save him. He didn’t expect any Crystal Knights to find them here.
We are not afraid!
Show yourselves now!
As Array finishes his sentence, a group of crystal knights emerges from the forest behind them.
Surrender in the name of the Crystal Queen or get crystallized!
Nuh uh, no sire!
* puts PotaTeo in his backpack *
This is too dangerous for you, little one.
Just stay inside.
Who’s he talking to?
The potato obviously, you moron!
Hey!
I will tell the queen on you!
All of you, shut up!
Just get them!
Okay!
(Creepy…)
Array quickly dodges the laser and climbs on top of a nearby tree. He couldn’t take all 5 of them at once and he surely wasn’t going to risk PotaTeo’s well-being. He jumped on top of a bunch of trees while throwing some stuff at the Crystal Knights along the way.
Stop jumping around and face us like a man!
* chuckles *
Have you ever heard of the game “Tag”?
Well, dem’s the rules!
You will just have to catch me!
Array dodges another crystal blast.
Ooh, nice try, pointy!
You will definitely get me in your hundredth attempt!
GRRR!
PLAN B!
CRYSTALLIZE THE TREES!
Wait, huh-
Suddenly, Array felt as if the tree couldn't carry his weight. So he jumped to the next one but they were all getting crystallized one by one. He was running out of options.
Come on G... you can do this-
Array suddenly falls to the ground with his arms getting hit the hardest. He held his arms with tears in his eyes and looked at the grinning Crystal Knights coming towards him. This was the end.
But before they could crystallize him, however, something strange happened. The crystals on the crystal knights’ faces started... glowing red? They all held their crystal parts in pain and looked around to see who or what was causing this. It was hard to tell what it was with all the dust in the air. But before they knew it, they were met with a giant spinning hammer to the face!
The crystal knights had no idea what was going on. Where did that hammer even come from?! As the crystal knights looked around themselves with fear and confusion on their faces; the dust started to settle, revealing who this figure was all along.
It was G himself, looking at the crystal knights trying to hurt his friends. He was holding his trustworthy hammer once again. He was back to his previous glory! But he looked... different.
G-G?!
Ignore him, just crystallize these two first!
Before they could shoot, G appeared in front of them and blocked all the shots by spinning his hammer so fast that it reflected the shots themselves. The crystal knights were getting worried.
We will not stop even if we die trying!
G was still silent. He called Array for help with his hand. As the two both hit the ground, with a hammer and gauntlet respectively, a small hole appeared on the ground. The two hit the ground again to push the crystal knight into the hole, causing them to fall in the process.
G took a few deep breaths afterwards. While Array was grateful, he was still worried for his lover.
G-G?
You okay?
I’m...
* quickly shakes his head *
Yeah, I’m fine.
What’s up dude?
G!
Array quickly went in for a hug. PotaTeo also jumped out of the backpack to join in.
I-I’m fine!
That’s great to hear!
* notices PotaTeo *
Hi to you too, Teo.
I’m sorry for all the trouble.
PotaTeo gave him a thumbs up. It seemed like things were getting better between the two.
I’m so glad you are okay!
* looks at him again *
What happened to you?!
What do you mean?
Well...
* points at G’s head *
You look... different.
Oh, really now?
Y-yeah?
You don’t have your headphones anymore!
...huh.
Come to think of it, you are right.
I think I left it inside the temple.
* touches his head *
And is this... more hair?
Sure seems like it!
* poses next to him *
Now it looks like we are matching... kinda!
* chuckles *
That works for me!
He he!
* notices Array’s damaged arms *
Are you alright?
Could be doing better.
* notices PotaTeo covering up the bleeding spots with more bandages *
But I’m sure I will be fine soon.
That’s great to hear.
So, are we going back to you guys’ base now?
Since we are done here and all that?
Well, that was the original plan but uhm... I think I have a better idea!
Oh, what is it?
Hold on a second.
* looks at the hole *
I need to take care of this first.
G slowly walks towards the hole and sees the angry crystal knights trying to climb out of it.
I will let Artender know to get you guys from there whenever I get the chance.
We don’t need your help!
We only serve our queen.
Yeah, yeah, I heard that one before.
G went back to talk with Array and PotaTeo.
You know what, guys?
I think the Vengeful Rubies can take care of themselves for now.
Oh?
PotaTeo looked annoyed. He wasn’t liking where this was going.
Now, now, hear me out.
If we go around Perdiah and help people out in the process, we could redirect them to the base!
Ooh!
And that way-
-we can build an army!
The two started laughing from just the thought of it all. Going on a small worldwide adventure while helping other folks seemed like a brilliant idea. PotaTeo still wasn’t keen on the idea.
* looks at PotaTeo *
Don’t worry little one.
Perhaps in one of those towns, we can find a radio to communicate with Artender and the others too!
Ooh, I like that!
After hearing about that, PotaTeo was now on board too! The admiration from his father after saving so many people would be awesome!
Well then.
Now that we are all pumped up... let’s start our new journey, shall we?
Heck yeah!
Where to first?
Well...
* pulls up the map *
Town Bloom is near!
Do you want to make a run for it?
You bet I do!
Before the two started running, G looked back at the temple one more time. Or more specifically, what he left behind. He remembered having a weird sort of attachment to his headphones when he first found it in a shop with Bushra and Sarpo. But now? He no longer had the desire to pick them up. And so, the trio went on a new quest to help their Vengeful Rubies friends!
But after a few hours have passed, something weird started happening inside the temple. Once the continent started floating again, the once fresh blue river started filling with squishy, black goo. As time passed, a mysterious figure made out of the same substance pulled the headphones back to the river again. The figure was now resting there, waiting to be unleashed.
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