Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 32: Got Metal In Your Throat?
WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1
COVER ARTIST - VIDD03K (SAM/NINIAN)
EXTRA ICONS - MIDASTHEGOLDGUY
EDITOR - C0NIt was a strange day on Planet Perdiah. Maizie was preparing a small army to take down the Vengeful Rubies once and for all! After learning of her plans, Sarpo knew he had to tell Cloe about it.
That night, Sarpo heard knocking sounds from the door in front of him. Cloe got here just in time, Sarpo thought to himself. The door slowly but surely opened to reveal...
Cloe, I’m so glad you are alright!
I’m happy to see you too, sweetie.
Did you turn off the cameras-
Sure did.
I’m not sure how much longer I can get away with this though.
The guards?
Both left their shift and are now waiting for the next ones to take over.
Phew, that’s good.
I was so worried.
Well... just be careful out there, okay?
Will do, hon.
* checks her pockets *
Is this the part you wanted?
Oh yes!
It’s perfect!
* looks at Cloe *
This is the last part I needed anyways so you won’t have to risk yourself after this.
I appreciate the concern sweetie but we are in this together!
I will blow my cover to save you if I have to!
You are the sweetest person I have ever met…
* blushes *
Thanks, hon...
Well, you can implant it on my robotic leg now.
* smiles *
This is it, we are at the tail end of this plan!
You are right, sweetheart!
* pulls out a screwdriver *
But what does this part do exactly?
It improves my agility!
...more specific?
...it increases the power of my flight boosters.
Ooh okay!
Cloe works on it for a few minutes and then stands up with a smile on her face.
All done!
Thanks sweetie.
* take a deep breath *
But I need to tell you something very important.
Oh?
* raises her eyebrow *
What is it?
This is really crucial.
So, Maizie showed up a day ago and showed me her latest creation.
A metallic version of me called Metal Sarpo!
W-what?!
How is that possible?
That’s not the end of it.
* sighs *
She’s sending an army led by him to destroy our friends’ base!
* reaches out his hand *
You have to warn them before it’s too late!
I-
* holds his hand *
I will try my best.
Thank you, Cloe.
We are ending this nightmare tomorrow!
Trust me!
I-I do!
It’s just... weird.
I know why you feel that way but trust me, it will all be okay.
* looks around *
Now, go!
Get back to your room before they find out!
Tell Artender of the coming army!
This is it!
I will!
And most importantly… never forget that I love you.
* looks back in embarrassment *
I-I love you too, hon.
See you tomorrow.
Cloe slowly closes the door and rushes to her room. She almost got spotted by one of the guards but made it out okay by walking in all 4s. (She wasn’t really used to walking like that anymore.) Cloe quickly shut her door and took a deep breath. This constant back and forth of her bringing Sarpo spare parts was finally coming to a close. After this fiasco, they would finally go back to how things used to be. After catching her breath, she looked around the room for the radio. The sooner she told the others, the more they could prepare for the battle ahead! She found it in its usual spot and changed its frequency. Now was time for business!
On another side of the Crystal Kingdom, a crystal knight wanted to have a private discussion with their beloved queen.
Well, what did you need me for?
It’s like 6 am in the morning, dude-
* coughs *
I-I mean, subordinate.
It’s alright, my queen.
I just wanted to show you...
* shows her the camera system *
THIS!
(confused) What seems to be the problem here?
A few weeks ago, these two cameras went offline for a few minutes.
I originally thought it was just a system hiccup so I didn’t mind it.
But it’s been happening over and over again for the past few days.
Something fishy is going on here.
Are you sure this is deliberate?
I mean, maybe someone like...
* thinks *
I don’t know... Lydia broke the cameras while she was practicing?
It certainly isn’t the case, my queen.
They go offline at the most opportune times, something or someone is manually taking these cameras down.
* puts his hand on his chest *
Trust me, I used to be a security guard before I was crystallized.
I know faulty wiring when I see it.
This is... strange.
Which of the cameras go offline the most often?
The one next to and inside Sarpo’s cell.
...oh.
Yes, I believe there’s a traitor among us.
B-but the guards-
Said they saw nothing.
But I know those buffoons.
They always slack off and arrive at their shift much later than they are supposed to!
* looks back to Maizie *
So that’s why I think we should test every crystal knights’ loyalty to you, my queen.
We have to at this rate.
Do we have a lead of this supposed “traitor”?
As a matter of fact...
* types in a few words *
We do!
Maizie looked at the screen but was as confused as ever. A cat traveler was in all of the past camera footage. She couldn’t believe her eyes.
C-Cloe?!
Yes, one of the oldest members of MPC and Sarpo’s love interest.
From the recorded camera footage, I saw her going outside her room at very early hours.
Some might say, she was going outside to meet with “someone”.
Now...
* puts her hand on her chin *
This is odd.
Why didn’t she destroy that camera then?
We put a few extra cameras outside the knights’ rooms to check up on their well beings, since you didn’t want us to put cameras inside their rooms.
Well, yes!
It’s their privacy!
Maizie was still confused. This couldn’t be right.
But... Why would she do this?
Is she lovesick or something?!
Who knows, my queen.
The point is, she is the most likely candidate for breaking the cameras.
(Come to think of it, her crystallization has always been a mystery...)
* looks at the guard *
Well, I suppose we can start by interrogating her...
Good choice, my queen.
Have a good rest!
Thanks...
Maizie was really confused about all of this. Could Cloe or someone else really be... an inside agent? She decided to think about it later. She first had to oversee her army one last time before she let them take care of things. After that, she could actually worry about this supposed “traitor”. Only time would tell.
The very next day, Cloe woke up with a weird feeling in her stomach. Like something was about to go wrong at any second. Maybe it was the feeling of finality, Cloe thought. She heard sounds of cheering from the outside. She slowly walked towards her window and saw the crowd cheering on for the army that was about to take down the Vengeful Rubies. Bushra seemed all excited about the praise while Unit SRP was dead silent, only focused on the mission at hand. Cloe could only hope her friends would be ready to face them. She went to check her wardrobe to change fits. When she was about to leave, there was a small note right under the door. She took it and read it out loud.
“Hi Cloe! I wanted to wake you up for the goodbye party since Bushra is your close friend. But then decided not to so you can rest well. By the way, we are inside the cafeteria as usual! See you there!
- Lydia”
Cloe sighs and giggles to herself. What a simple character Lydia was. Even after all the planning, she appreciated her simplicity. She wished she could actually help those two out after the smoke cleared but she knew it wasn’t the main priority at the moment. She had to wait for a signal from Sarpo first.
While she was on her way to the cafeteria, she saw a purple haired girl training all by herself in one of the camps outside from the window. It was Clara. Cloe looked at the hall leading towards the cafeteria and then looked back at Clara. Now that her job was almost done, she could at least fulfill her promise to Lydia and Terry. She decided to meet up with Clara before she met up with the other two.
Have to be better...
* keeps practicing on the dummy *
Have to be stronger… for her…
Uhm... hello?
Oh, hey there.
* stops practicing *
You were Ms. Meow, right?
Yup, Cloe Meow.
Nice to meet you, Cloe.
* sits down *
Want anything?
No, thank you.
* looks at Cloe *
So what brings you here?
Oh, I was just wandering around these parts.
Hm… I see.
* starts sharpening her sword *
I recognize you.
You are one of those MPC folks.
Well… used to be.
Yeah, yeah.
* looks at her reflection on the sword *
Heard people cheered for you guys when you came back from the mission.
* chuckles in pity *
Must be nice.
Woah, woah…
Cloe sits next to Clara.
I didn’t mean to hurt you!
Is everything alright?
Oh, how I wish that was the case.
* sighs *
Failure after failure gets tiring really fast.
You... you didn’t fail-
Oh, you sure I didn’t?!
* starts mumbling to herself *
I lost against a mad scientist and failed!
I tried taking care of the kingdom while my precious queen was gone but made a bigger mess!
And now, she doesn’t even look at me!
She’s so fixated on that dumb robot of hers!
What’s that thing going to do anyways?!
W-whoa.
Simmer down, girl.
* sighs *
S-sorry.
Too stressed out at the moment.
I understand your frustration, really, I do!
* thinks of something *
You wanna know what you can do?
(intrigued) Yeah?
You can destroy that robot with your own hands once it succeeds in its mission!
Uhm... that goes against our policy.
We can’t destroy what the queen values.
* gets suspicious and reaches out to her sword *
Where did you get those TREACHEROUS ideas?!
N-no, I didn’t mean it THAT way!
Then what?
I just simply wanted you to feel happy, that’s all!
...oh.
* puts away her sword *
Sorry.
I-It’s fine?
Hm... so you don’t really like that robot either, huh?
Nope!
It’s a fully robotic version of a... loved one so it’s very bizarre looking.
Oh yeah, I forgot you two had that going on.
Pardon?
* chuckles *
You know what I mean.
H-hey!
* blushes *
Don’t go around saying stuff like that so casually!
* giggles *
If you say so.
The two laugh it off. It was a nice change of pace, Clara thought.
Well...
* stands up *
Thanks for the talk, Ms. Meow.
Wish we could have talked more but I have my knightly duties.
Don’t sweat it, Clara!
Anytime!
I appreciated your company a lot.
Same thoughts.
* suddenly remembers something *
W-wait, before you go-
Eh?
Your teammates... Terry and Lydia.
They want to talk with you again.
They missed you a whole lot.
…oh.
* turns her back to Cloe *
How do you know about them?
I became friends with the two not too long ago.
And they wanted me to tell you this.
* also stands up *
Please, talk to them again.
They don’t hold any grudges against you.
They just want you back.
Hm… thanks.
* smiles *
I will talk to them... eventually.
The two shook hands as they both left the camping area. Cloe was happy that she fulfilled her promise to Terry and Lydia. She wasn’t sure if Clara would apologize to them before or after this whole thing was over but she was glad that she got Clara to listen. Now, she could meet with her friends again.
She went to the cafeteria and saw Terry and Lydia waiting for her. Little did they know that was the last time they would ever share a friendly banter.
Ayy, there she is!
Really?
* looks around and sees Cloe *
Hiiiii Cloe!
* waves her hand *
Over here!
Cloe chuckled and sat next to them.
Hi to you guys too.
Yeee!
So, what have you been up to?
(sarcasm) Eh, more or less the same.
(confused) You sure?
It doesn’t sound like it.
Yeah, I’m sure.
Did you hear about the rumors of the queen feeling sick?
The poor gal.
I hope she will be alright!
* stands up and starts flailing her arms *
That dastardly sorcerer caused this, I just know it!
You can just say his name, you know?
I WON’T GIVE HIM THE PLEASURE!
Woah woah...
* puts her hand on Lydia’s back *
Calm down Lydia, it’s fine.
It isn’t... but okay.
* crosses her arms *
Hmpf.
As she was saying, yeah the queen isn’t doing super hot right now but I’m sure the medics will help her.
I see...
Suddenly, they see a crystal knight with glasses walking towards them. He started pointing at Cloe which made her worried.
You there!
The queen calls you to her throne room.
* looks at her with disgust *
Don’t be late.
What’s that all about?
Yeah, why would the queen want to see you?
(scared) I-Its fine, guys.
I will just talk to the queen and be right back.
Well then, see you around Cloe.
Yay, see you later bestie!
Cloe was starting to feel guilty. She couldn’t say goodbye to these people out of good will... not when she was about to betray all of them very soon.
I wonder what their deal is...
Oh well... I will just continue trying to solve this.
* trying to solve a rubik’s cube *
Ugh, this is so hard!
(tired) Gah, gimme that.
* picks it up and solves it in less than a minute *
There.
Woah... you are very smart, big guy!
Yeah, yeah.
Terry was still looking at the hall Cloe left from. He had a feeling that something weird was about to happen. Terry decided on what he was going to do. While trying to give Lydia back the rubik’s cube, he accidentally applied too much force and hit her with it.
* holding her chest *
Ouchie...
You stay here for a second.
I will be back!
Aww...
* makes a sad face *
Where are you going?
I’m going to see what’s up with Cloe and the queen.
Why, though?
I’m sure Cloe will explain everything once she’s back.
Perhaps...
“But something about this... doesn’t feel right.”
Meanwhile; back at the Vengeful Rubies’ base of operations, things were going well. For the last few days, they have grown much in numbers with more and more of them learning how to fight thanks to Hood. They also got a bunch more prisoners locked up in the cells. While Artender was still worried for his boy, he knew he had to focus on the mission at hand (as well as taking care of his daughter.) He was waiting in the meeting room for Hood to arrive.
Cloe told them about an army led by Bushra and a robotic Sarpo called Metal Sarpo. Artender really didn’t like the naming scheme at all. He thought they wouldn’t be seen but in the off chance they do get found, they needed a plan. That’s what this meeting was suppose to be for. Artender was getting real tired of waiting until he heard knocking sounds coming from outside.
There you are, Hood!
I was wondering what you were up to.
Save it, pumpkin.
I was too busy dealing with your twerp.
Don’t talk to Emily that way.
Whatever.
You got the map?
Yeah?
Artender gives Hood the map and waits for Hood to give him something they all needed. But as time went on, he didn’t get any answers from her so Artender couldn’t help but just outright ask.
Before we start, did you prepare the backup plan?
Oh, that?
* mocks with her tongue *
Pfft, nah.
I figured we would focus our attention on these instead!
Are you kidding me?!
I told you to make a backup plan in case Metal Sarpo or other crystal knights found us!
Pfft... relax, pumpkin!
We have been here for a while now and not a single crystal knight group managed to find us!
* chuckles *
I wouldn’t worry about that.
You DO know that it’s still a possibility, right?
You can’t act this reckless!
Yeah yeah, I know.
* stretches her hands *
I guess we can talk about that after we are done with this, you big baby!
Sigh... works for me.
Artender leans back to his chair and picks up a map from his backpack. But this wasn’t any ordinary map. It was a map of the Crystal Kingdom itself.
So from all the intel we got from Cloe, the Crystal Kingdom should roughly have a layout like this!
Hm... fascinating.
We could try the sneaky approach...
With the giant crystal wall surrounding the whole place?
Not to mention all the crystal knights around it?
No, sire!
* points at the point blank entrance *
We have to overpower that brat and her army.
Well, we don’t have enough people for that!
And even if we did, Maizie can turn them into crystal knights to turn the tides of the battle!
Then, we will try a mix of both strategies!
Better than nothing, I suppose.
The two shook hands while still not trusting each other. Even though they led the group of survivors together for days now, they still didn’t like one another.
Now that we got that out of the way... how are the temple quests going?
We sent a few groups to secure the temples but so far, none of the groups have responded back!
So that means...
* sighs *
Yeah... yeah, I know.
* tries to be hopeful *
Once G comes back, I’m sure he will help us reach those temples!
How are you so sure he isn’t a Crystal Knight right now?
Because...
He’s G?
...yeah.
Not very reassuring now, is it?
I want to think more positively about this, thank you very much.
Hmpf...
As for the final topic... we gotta have some sort of backup plan in case the army finds this place-
Like I said, just relax pumpkin.
I’m sure we will be just fine-
Umm... sorry to interrupt but you might need to see this, generals!
...eh?
What is it, Midori?
What happened?
...please follow after me.
The two follow after the girl soldier with a bowtie. She reminded Artender of Emily a lot, actually. She pointed at the ladders leading above.
So, what’s the big idea?
The guards above reported that they saw Bushra and Metal Sarpo around the area!
Where are the guards now?
They used the slide to get inside, they are safe now.
That’s good.
Well, can’t we just wait it out?
I mean, phooey, I’m sure they won’t think to look under a stump!
...as I was going to say, Metal Sarpo has scanners in his eyes from what the guards told us.
They are investigating underground as well!
Artender angrily looks at Hood.
...crud.
Hello there, Ms. Meow.
I have been waiting for you.
* bows *
Hello there, my queen!
You can skip the formalities for now, Cloe.
I need to ask a favor of you.
Oh?
Of course, my queen.
Maizie gets up from her throne and tells Cloe to follow behind her. Cloe could notice Maizie sometimes holding her heart while walking, it seems that the rumors were right. She was sick after all! While Cloe was trying to act normal, she was getting worried the closer they got to their destination. Sarpo’s prison room. Maizie knocked on the door as always and entered the room with Cloe by her side. Cloe was struggling to act cool.
You know, Cloe?
Since I built Unit SRP-
Who?
(confused) You know the Sarpo-bot?
Ooh okay, sorry.
Carry on.
Ehem.
As I was saying, since I built Unit SRP, I don’t really need to keep Sarpo as my prisoner anymore!
* lightly spins around her staff *
You might be thinking “Why don’t you just crystallize him?”.
Well, I don’t think it’s really “fun” that way, you know?
Why would I have the need for two Sarpo-s when one of them is inferior to the other in almost every way?
Makes you think, doesn’t it?
I-I-
So, here’s your task for the day!
Before Cloe could process what she meant, Maizie handed her a sword. A fresh, untouched one at that.
I want you to kill Sarpo.
He’s vital to this kingdom and myself!
I know you would rather have him crystallized but this is for the greater good of the kingdom.
Cloe was out of words. She couldn’t believe what was happening. She looked at Sarpo, he seemed just as worried as she was. S-she couldn’t kill the love of her life. She wouldn’t have been able to live with herself otherwise.
* sighs *
I’m going back to my throne room.
Report back once you are done with his execution.
My top men will be watching the entire thing on the cameras, Cloe.
* puts her hands on Cloe’s shoulders *
Believe me, I didn’t want to do this either.
But I need to make sure of your loyalty to the cause.
Cloe wasn’t paying attention to what Maizie was saying. Everything was moving so fast. She couldn’t process all of it.
And please…
“Don’t fail me.”
So uh, when do we fight these bozos?
Shhh… quiet!
The Vengeful Rubies leaders (+ Midori) were watching the army from inside the bushes. They were fully hidden there. Midori was wearing a war general hat while the two still kept their regular clothing. Hood told her it was a bit too grandiose but Midori wanted to keep it.
They haven’t noticed the the stump yet so if we are lucky, they could just ignore it-
Sssh!
They are coming this way.
(Darn it.)
The three waited until the Crystal Knights did something drastic. In the very tail end of the army, they saw Bushra making jokes to Unit SRP.
So then I told Sarpo “You should eat your green beans!” then he was like “I’m allergic to those!”, which then I responded with “Excuses, excuses!”.
* looks at the army *
Wasn’t that funny, gang?
I guess it was a bit funny...
I can see the funny part but the delivery could have been better...
I dunno, I liked it.
Peh, everyone’s a critic these days.
* lightly hits Unit SRP *
What do you think, robotic version of my friend?
[ LOGGING THIS UNDER: AMETURE AND UNFUNNY.]
[BUSHRA STOKED SHOULD STOP MAKING JOKES TILL THE END OF TIME.]
Every crystal knight started laughing at Bushra which made him really upset.
Hey now!
That’s not cool, guys!
[STOP INTERFERING.]
* presses the button next to his shades *
[ AREA ANALYZING: NOTHING WORTH OF VALUE SO FAR.]
* looks at the crystal knights *
You guys see what I’m talking about?
This rusty bucket of bolts ain’t worth squat!
Um...
* points behind
Are you sure about that?
Huh-
[ POPULATION OF 200 PEOPLE SPOTTED UNDER THIS PLANE.]
[ UNDERGROUND BASE IS CONNECTED TO THE SLIDE UNDER THIS STUMP.]
[DESTRUCTION ADVISED.]
!?@#
Now’s our cue to move in!
YEAH!
The three of them jumped out of the bushes and readied themselves for a fight. The crystal knights all pointed their crystal guns to the three. They were waiting for Bushra and Unit SRP’s orders. Bushra looks at them in shock.
ARTENDER?!
HOOD?!
SOME GIRL I DON’T KNOW?!
Hi Bushra.
* sighs *
Didn’t expect to meet you like this.
Yeah, you bet!
You guys are working together?!
Um... kinda?
Eh... comes with the job.
Um... sir? Should we shoot in for the kill?
Nuh uh!
B-but they are standing there!
I know, I know!
But I will try to talk to them!
[ THIS IS NOT PART OF THE MISSION.]
[WE ARE SUPPOSED TO ELIMINATE: THE RESISTANCE.]
[THEY ARE TARGETS.]
Oh, shut it, tin can!
Just give me a few minutes!
Bushra slowly walks towards the three while holding up two fingers, essentially making a peace sign with his hand.
Look Artender, I know you probably don’t trust me but please listen to what I say!
Hm...
No, just take down their leader while you have the chance!
* Artender lightly hits her *
ACK!
Can you shut her off, Midori?
Gladly, sir.
Who are you to tell me to shut up?!
I LITERALLY RESURRECTED XTRESS, ME!
I’M THE REASON YOU ARE HERE, YOU B-
Artender tries to ignore Hood’s shouting behind them and continues looking at Bushra’s eyes. His once joyful eyes were turned into lifeless, deadpan ones.
How am I supposed to know this isn’t a trick, Bushra?
Oh, believe me!
I would have thought the same thing!
That’s why I told those guys to stand down.
…what are you trying to do here?
I... just want the gang back together!
I mean, wouldn’t it be great if we were all together again?
Once we defeat Maizie, we can be together too!
* takes a step towards Bushra *
It doesn’t have to be HER way!
B-but dude, I spent so much time there!
It’s actually not that bad once you get used to it!
Maizie uses her magic to brainwash all of you to praise her!
It’s not a genuine feeling!
Oh but you will team up with Hood instead, huh?!
I-
And you don’t trust your old pal, Bushra?
Isn’t that hypocritical?!
Bushra...
* bites his lips *
It isn’t like that...
[WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF PATIENCE.]
[JUST FINISH IT ALREADY!]
N-no, I still need to get through to him!
I know he will listen!
Before Bushra could do anything, Unit SRP forcibly grabs his hand as Bushra looks at him in shock.
[THAT WASN’T A REQUEST.]
[THAT WAS AN ORDER.]
Unit SRP flings Bushra to the air and throws him towards the nearest tree, knocking him unconscious. Everyone, including the Crystal Knights, were shocked. Artender knew this wasn’t going to end well.
[PRIORITY 1: KILL THE RESISTANCE’S LEADERS!]
[AND CRYSTALLIZE THE REST!]
Masterful, Turtle and Sam
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