Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 33: Inside The Castle
WRITER / PANEL ARTIST - VIDD03K (SAM/NINIAN)
COVER ARTIST / EXTRA ICONS - MIDASTHEGOLDGUY
EDITOR/s - TURTLEDOODLE1 & C0NToday was a monumental day for Perdiah, today was the day all of the Queen's plans would bear fruit. Even with some (not so) minor hiccups, Maizie hoped that all of her hard work would finally pay off… It had to, right?
While Maizie was awaiting for good news, Cloe was off to Sarpo's cell. To “get rid of him for good”, as the Queen put it. But Cloe knew she couldn’t do that. And she couldn’t continue playing along when Sarpo’s life was on the line either. It was now.
So, she had a different plan in mind. Or rather... a modified version of Sarpo’s initial plan. After walking for a while, she arrived at the location and looked at the door in front of her. It was finally time to let her love free, in more ways than one. She took a deep breath, before knocking on the door and entering the room…
Cloe, honey, you are back!
* smiles *
How’s my sweetie doing?
…
Cloe?
* raises his eyebrow *
Hey, what's with that look?
Cloe quietly turned her back and closed the door. She didn’t want anyone to overhear them. She took out the sword Maizie gave to her and showed it to Sarpo.
W-what is this?
Maizie ordered me to… kill you.
H-HUH?!
C-Calm down.
Don’t worry, I have no intentions of hurting you, my love.
* throws the sword away *
I just wanted to show you how dire our situation is.
I- I see…
* gulps *
So what do you have in mind?
Well, I can’t play along with the system anymore because if they notice you still being alive, they will definitely know something’s up!
So…?
* holds Sarpo’s robotic arm for comfort *
You remember that plan where you said you would fight against Maizie one on one?
Ooh, right!
Yeah. Well...
* stands up *
I want in on the plan.
But Cloe-
Don’t “Cloe” me!
We started this together and we will end it together, okay?!
…
I won’t let you get hurt again.
* points at him *
Understood?
Yeah, understood.
Cloe picked up the sword and began to undo Sarpo's chains, finally setting him free once again. But before he could thank her, he felt soothing comfort on his lips. It was like living in a dream.
C-Cloe… I don’t know what to say-
Cloe put her hand on his lips to shut him up.
Shush you.
* smiles *
Promise to stay safe for... us, okay?
I-I will.
* blushes *
Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.
* backs away *
You better, because if you die, I'll kill you!
*Laughing*
Oh my, isn't that a bit much?
Oh hush, I've said worse, haven't I?
Haha, sure…
(No, not really.)
And then the two love birds hugged each other… How long has it been since they've hugged? It didn’t matter now, they held onto one another for a little longer, before they both sat up, ready to leave.
Now go!
I will follow right behind you!
And so, the two parted ways. Cloe wished him good luck, with more tears in her eyes, not knowing if she would see him again… Part of her wished she could help him fight alongside Maizie but... no. She shook her head and looked from the cell’s window. She had a different role to play in this plan and she was determined to keep Sarpo safe.
In the meantime, the Queen was feeling restless, wanting to hear the good news she had been desperately waiting for so long. Surely, her plan had to have worked! Either, the ‘Vengeful Rubies’ were completely caught off guard, or simply overwhelmed by UNIT SRP and the fisher boy! Of course! Maizie thought it was impossible for a bunch of unorganised rebels to come up with a defence good enough for her flawless plan!
She waited and waited... until she suddenly started hearing the sound of some boosters. She smiled. Finally, the good news had arrived! She turned around, expecting to find UNIT SRP. But something wasn’t right. She was confused on why he was using his boosters to rush to her room? But as soon as she saw who it really was, however, her heart dropped.
She casted a spell and quickly raised a wall of crystals to her side, blocking the attack by the nick of time…
WHAT?! HOW!?
You didn't expect me to be a sitting duck this whole time, did you?
Maizie was shocked beyond belief. What was he doing here?! She had so many questions in her head. But nothing could match the sheer confusion she felt as she noticed the upgrades on Sarpo’s cybernetics.
Impossible... Those body parts… They're SRP’s!
How on Perdiah did you get them!? And...
* points at him *
Just how'd you escape!?
*Shrugs*
Meh, that's a secret.
* cracks his knuckles *
I can always tell you after I mop the floor with your face!
…Heh, pathetic.
* smiles *
Just who do you think you are?!
You are a fool to face me alone!
You are in MY domain, Mr. Fields!
Sooner or later, my crystal knights will arrive here and destroy you once and for all!
Are you sure about that?
* glares behind him *
Check again.
MPC2’s leader points at the room's door with a cocky smirk… the door... it was crystalized! They were both trapped in there, both her and Sarpo!
Maizie knew she had no other choice but to fight against Sarpo, one on one. They both readied themselves for a fight. She didn't find him too threatening by himself, but she knew she had to be careful, especially after… last time. Sarpo, on the other hand, was nervous beyond belief, a ‘fair’ one on one with this lunatic from across the room was extremely dangerous, and he could no longer use shock to his advantage either, since she knew what these upgrades had in store.
While Sarpo and Maizie started their fight to the death, Cloe was trying to hide from the other crystal knights. She threw the crystallizers she used away so it couldn’t be used as evidence against her. If they saw her in front of the crystallized door, surely they would start asking questions! Unfortunately for her, however, she wouldn’t be so lucky as a handful of Knights spotted her…
Uh... what are you doing here?
Since when did we have a cat in our team?
She's not, stupid, she locked the Queen in the throne room!
Wait, what!?
Suddenly, Cloe heard a familiar voice from behind the trio of crystal knights and froze up in place. She knew who this was.
Cloe?!
* slowly walks towards her with shock *
W-why?!
Terry, I-I can explain -
Terry grabbed the two Knights by their clothes, then tossed them at Cloe, whom they landed on top of. He made his way to her, while the two Knights held her still… Just what was going on here?! Did he miss something? No, she had to have crystallized the throne room’s door, who else could have done it?! Something was clearly wrong. He couldn't be bothered to think of a plan, so he decided to literally knock some sense into her; he slapped her so hard that… Her crystal helmet came off!?
* holding her head *
… Ugh.
Cloe looked around and saw her helmet on the ground. She started to panic at the spot.
O-oh dear-
Miss Cloe!?
What is this!?
Before the boy could get an answer, Cloe knocked away the Knights that were holding her and tried making a run for it. But she felt someone holding her by the arm, not allowing her to go. She looked back and saw Terry’s confused face.
Miss Meow, please!
I just want some answers!
…I’m sorry, Terry.
Before he knew it, Cloe took off the glove on her other hand and quickly swiped at Terry’s arm.
OW!
Terry stumbled back with blood coming out of his arm. Cloe looked at Terry with regret in her eyes and continued running away. But when she could get to the canteen area, a few crystal knights jumped on top of her, trying to hold her in place.
Nothing made sense, what was even happening!? Did she betray them!? Everyone in the canteen area was looking at the chaos that was ensuing in the area. One of the two Knights took out his Crystalizer Gun and walked up to the unconscious woman, before Terry stopped them.
No no, stop!
* coughs *
We have to get to the bottom of this first!
What are you trying to say?
* points the crystallizer at Terry *
Are you working with her?!
What?! No, no! I was just saying...
We should wait for our Queen to make a judgement.
Hm...
Yeah, she'll absolutely be on our heads if she finds out we did this!
Hm… sounds good to me.
* puts his crystallizer gun away *
Sorry for the outburst, sir.
Y-you are pardoned?
* looks at Terry’s arms *
Sir, you are bleeding!
We should get you health care.
* smiles *
That would be much appreciated.
The two guards picked Terry by the shoulders as they left the canteen area.
Like I said, we shouldn’t act without being ordered to do so.
If she gets mad…
*Sigh*
I'll take full responsibility.
… Sir, I think you're nuts–
*Annoyed* Oh my GOSH!
As the fight between Sarpo and Maizie continued, there was another battle happening on the other side of Perdiah. The Vengeful Rubies continued their struggle against the team of Crystal Knights.
Unit SRP especially was tough to deal with. After knocking off Bushra, he was leading the whole army by himself and he was doing a fantastic job at it. Artender and Hood were managing themselves against the crowd of soldiers, while slipping away from all of the robot's attacks. The former tyrant was showing some impressive fist fighting skills, while the blonde held back some knights with a sword.
So, you're not all talk after all!
* pushes away a Crystal Knight*
Eh, Hood!?
* knocks a Knight away*
Tch, whatever you say, single father!
You're not too bad yourself!
The unlikely duo stared at each other, before they scoff and look away. They had more important matters to take care of.
Unit SRP was able to get in a few lucky hits on the odd couple, with Hood being seemingly more annoyed than hurt.
Urgh, what a cluster of junk!
I will make sure to build a million of these!
* dodges a laser attack *
So you'll have to deal with them!
Maybe you wouldn't have to-
* pushes Unit SRP away with his word *
If you never started this mess!
I don't need your lectures!
Someone has to put you in your place!
Some of the Knights stopped fighting the two, wanting to see where their interaction would end up. It was like watching a romance drama. Some of the other Knights yell at them to get to work as they were losing some ground, because of the two distracting them.
As they continued the fight, most of the people who were hiding away came out to help, trying to hold off the Knights best they could, specifically aiming to destroy their blasters. Unfortunately, some survivors were hit by stray blasts, causing them to join the other side mid battle. Not to mention, the mental fatigue was starting to make itself known.
Of course, little Emily couldn't just sit back and watch, not when her father was out there risking his life for everyone! She got out of her hiding spot to see what was going on, only to find Bushra unconscious, lying on a tree.
Mr. Stoked?
* shakes her head *
Is that you?!
Emily was confused but also happy to see Bushra again. She quickly jumped out of the log and went next to Bushra.
Mr. Stoked?
* shakes him *
Mr. Stoked, are you alright?
It’s me, Emily!
She tried to wake the fisherman, but to no avail.
Oh dear, he must be taking a nap.
* looks over to Robert *
What should we do, Robert?
No response came from Robert, as usual.
You are right!
* quickly looks around *
It’s not safe around here!
Mr. Stoked will get hurt if we don’t do something!
So, Emily decided to drag him into the hideout, even if she struggled to do so. Is he this heavy because he eats so much fish, Emily thought to herself while still dragging him towards the slide. After a minute had passed, the two finally reached the underground base where both would be safe. But Emily knew her job was far from over. Other kind people were upstairs, fighting to keep her and children like her safe. So, she climbed up the stairs to help more people. Dad will be so proud, Emily thought to herself with a big smile on her face.
However, Unit SRP noticed the child dragging Bushra into the fake tree stump earlier. Even if he particularly didn’t care about Bushra, he had to keep him out of harm’s way due to the Queen’s order. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
Back at the Kingdom, the fight between Sarpo and Maizie continued.
As much as Maizie hated to think about it... she was stressed, no, scared! She didn’t want to go out like this, she just couldn’t!
Maizie focused on using the staff to manipulate the Crystals, moving them towards the MPC2 leader and keeping him from getting too close with a sword swipe, one which she took from her trusty yet unreliable biggest adorer. Every attack she threw out was meant to put an end to his life. She wanted him gone this instant!
But Sarpo's offence was relentless, he slipped through some of her trickier attacks and answered them with his own. It seemed like he had the advantage over her... until she managed to finally land a hit on him. And it was a great hit too, as a pillar of Crystals hit him right in the stomach, knocking him into a wall.
UGH!
You filthy rat!
How on Perdiah did you get your hands on my technology, huh!?
* points at herself *
It’s MY tech, MINE!
* trying to catch his breath *
Stop crying like a child… I'm not telling you anything.
A child?!
* casts another spell onto Sarpo *
Don't You Understand!?
All Of My Hard Work, Gone Down The DRAIN!!
YOU AND YOUR STUPID GROUP OF INSIGNIFICANT BUGS ARE RUINING MY PLANS!!
Maizie continued to attack the cyborg as she started to tear up, her moves getting sloppier as time went on. She kept screaming at Sarpo for always getting in her way.
Why… WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS TO ME!?
CAN’T I JUST BE HAPPY TOO?!
I JUST WANT TO SEE MY LOVED ONE AGAIN!!
Maizie...
YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND!
THEIR LIFE WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM ME UNFAIRLY!
I WANTED A FUTURE WITH THEM BUT NOW...
They're gone, I know.
* sighs *
Maizie, I know it is hard to accept but... this isn’t the way to go about it–
SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!!
* casts another spell *
YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT I'M GOING THROUGH!! WHY ME!?
I WANT THEM BACK!!
What are you talking about?!
I don't know what you're going through at all!
This is much different!
THEN I'LL MAKE YOU KNOW!!
* holds her face *
REE HEE!!!
I'LL MAKE YOU SUFFER JUST LIKE I DID!!
Now she's just rambling, Sarpo thought to himself. Either, the power was consuming her, or she was going insane from her feelings. Either way, he had to stop this here and now. She was beyond salvation at this point. All Sarpo had to do now was enduring her onslaught and trying to successfully knock her out, hopefully without needing to kill her.
Back at the remains of Town Mercia; The Vengeful Rubies had the upper hand, most of the Knights were being dealt with, while Unit SRP was starting to falter. Artender was unsure whether that was a cheap copy of his buddy or if it was the real him with a different coat of paint, or, well, steel. Nevertheless, it was on the backfoot for a while now, so taking it out should have been easy.
Huff puff...
What’s the problem, pumpkin?
* chuckles *
Tired?
Yeah, what of it?!
Aren’t you tired yourself?
…
Yeah, that’s what I thought!
Artender looks over to the battlefield to see what the survivors were up to. Some were tying up the crystal knights while some were still fighting the free crystal knights.
How’s the people, Midori?
We are overall in good shape, sir.
That’s good.
* tries to catch his breath *
Any major losses?
We… ended up losing a few people in the battle but we got their weapons and tied them up as well.
I see.
* looks back at Unit SRP *
Well, look how the turns have tabled!
We have won, you hunk of junk!
…you messed up the wording on that.
* ignores her *
Just accept defeat and tell us everything you know about Maizie in your… data or whatever.
[WON’T… LOSE….]
* punches Artender on the shoulder *
Stop toying with it and just destroy it already!
You sadist!
Says you!
That was, until the dastardly robot decided to divert its attention to... somewhere else.
What’s it doing now?
Gah, who cares?!
Just slice its head off!
Suddenly, the robot used the remaining power left in his boosters as he marched towards the defenceless child as she was helping people get inside the hideout.
EEK!
* covers her face *
GO AWAY!
And in one fell swoop, Unit SRP snatched Emily away and started flying away while carrying Emily!
DAD!!!!
Well, crap baskets! It's flying away!
EMILY!!! NO!!!
Artender looks around in panic and tears in his eye. His daughter was kidnapped in front of him with nothing he could do to stop it.
Anyone… someone… PLEASE!
SHOOT THAT THING DOWN!
IT SNATCHED MY DAUGHTER AWAY!
I got it!
Suddenly, Artender heard this strange voice out of nowhere. He was confused to say the least. He heard the sounds of a bell chiming as a handful of daggers hit the robot on its head, causing it to lose its balance. The robot looked around itself, confused. Impossible, he didn’t detect any being with wings in the base. Before the faker could escape, a bird-like figure kicks it right into a chasm below them. And hit it with more daggers for good measure. But as the robot fell, so did Emily.
EEK! HELP!
But thankfully, the bird figure grabbed her mid air as the two landed safely to the ground. Emily was confused, relieved and most importantly, scared. She looked around for her dad and ran towards him in an instant. Hood and Artender couldn’t believe what they were seeing. The two saw a bird Traveler standing in front of a tribe of Travelers, all with different species. The Traveler took a few steps forward and showed off her daggers underneath her wings.
W-who are you?!
My name is Henna.
The daughter of Hawk.
WHY WONT YOU DIE?!
As the fight between the Queen and the cyborg raged on, Sarpo started to feel more and more bad about Maizie. She was having a mental breakdown in the battlefield, after all. He managed to get a lucky hit in and sent Maizie flying a powerful kick.
And there she was, laying on the floor as she started to cry. She screamed at Sarpo, hurling insults at him, finding any excuse she could. Sarpo couldn't help but think… She's not the psychopath he saw her as initially. She was hurt, the loss of her partner destroyed her morale, she let her newfound power get to her head, she let that power manipulate her.
He knew what to do.
Sarpo raised his hands up in the sky, then lends one to the girl, reaching for hers.
Get up, Maizie.
… What…?
Come on! Is this what you really want?
Conquering lands? Brainwashing innocent lives?
Would THEY have wanted this?
…
Really, I don’t think you are a bad person at your core.
You are just… hurt and misguided.
And frankly... that’s okay.
* smiles *
Wounds are meant to heal.
... Are you being honest?
Yeah!
… not trying to trick me?
Of course not!
Why would I do that?!
…
Come on!
* reaches out his hand again *
I can help you start over, even if it’s difficult.
Maizie looked at him, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Was he… forgiving her? No, he wasn't, but he was offering her a chance, a chance to try again... Deep down, she really wanted this madness to stop. Perhaps if she did accept his offering, she could rebuild her life and go back to simpler days!... But that would mean she'd have to give up on her current objective… Right, her true goal, Kyle. The love of her life. Their precious smile... she would give anything to see them again. She slapped Sarpo's hand away, and stabbed him with the sword before he could even react.
ACK!
* holding his chest *
W-why?
What a load of crap!
I don't care! I don't need to try again!
* chuckles *
THIS is what I want, THIS is what THEY want!
You don't know anything about US!
She plunges her sword deeper into his body, the floor below him tainted in his blood. Sarpo’s sight was starting to blur, he wasn’t going to make it if he didn’t do anything. He managed to push Maizie away with a quick swipe, finally taking the sword out of his chest. He tried walking towards her while holding his chest, trying not to spill unnecessary blood, but it was hurting too much. The wound hurt, but her denial did so even more.
Of course, he was expecting some resistance, but this was beyond his imagination, he didn't expect... this.
Maizie started to laugh maniacally, with her staff ready to Crystalize him…
I could just end you right now, you know?
* chuckles *
Or, better yet, you can be proof of what happens when anyone challenges me!
* coughs *
W-whatever do you mean...
I will end your puny life, of course!
And after I’m done with you, I’ll find the traitor who helped you! * chuckles *
And I got a pretty good guess on who it could be!
* holds his chin to mock him *
What do you think, Mr. Fields?
Any last insults you want to throw at me before I rewrite history?!
No response.
Oh, man! Did I scare you off too much?
* grins *
Are you scared of what I will do to… her?
And at that moment, Sarpo finally snapped. Without thinking, he turned his robotic hand into a blade and swiped Maizie. Maizie stumbled back a few steps, holding her left arm… but she didn’t feel anything.
It took her a second to register what had just happened. Her hand... was no longer there. She looked next to Sarpo and saw her left arm lying there with blood on the floor, reflecting her face.
W-WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
Maizie couldn’t help but kneel and grip her cloth in pain, screaming while trying to stop the bleeding with her torn cape.
Sarpo wanted to end her here and now, but he was also bleeding to death. The more time he spent here, the more likely it would be for him to lose his consciousness. Suddenly, the once crystallized door was torn right open with a bunch of crystal knights holding their own crystallizers. They were shocked at the scene in front of them.
Sarpo took advantage of their shock and decided to run away from the Crystal Kingdom. He narrowly dodged a handful of blasts from the Crystal Knights as he made his way outside. He looked at the kingdom’s walls to see if he could make it outside without losing his consciousness. Meanwhile, the Crystal Knights outside realized what was going on and started firing towards him. It was hard to both dodge attacks and also find somewhere to break into. After a while, he noticed a cracked open, weakened, spot on the kingdom’s walls. He didn’t know what caused this in the first place but he wasn’t going to question it now! He blasted it right open to get away, trying to keep his cool while his whole body was hurting from his injuries. He had no idea where to go but the farther he got away from the kingdom, the better. Unfortunately, his boosters run out of power mid flight, causing him to lose his consciousness in the process. He started falling to the ground at high speeds. The last thing he could think of before everything went black was... the love of his life.
Meanwhile, Maizie was still in the Throne room, holding her shoulder as she screamed as loud as she could. No matter what she did, the pain wouldn't go away, the bleeding wouldn't stop. She reached for her staff and tried to cast a spell on her own arm. The crystals began to form over her wound and as they did, the agony became unbearable for a moment. But after the process was done, she had a functioning arm again but this time… it was a crystal monster arm. The group of Crystal Knights were trying their hardest to keep their Queen calm and safe.
My Queen!
Are you...
What happened to your arm!?
Where...
*Coughs *
Where's our traitor?!
Bring them to me!!
Clara was shocked to see her infallible Queen in such a pitiful state… If only she could bear witness to what happened prior to their entrance. Reluctantly, Clara nods, then tells her comrades to bring over Cloe.
After a few minutes, Clara and a random crystal knight brought over the now awake Cloe. Cloe was shocked to see that the whole room had become a mess, not to mention Maizie’s new monster arm.
Of course... That makes sense!
Of course it was you!
I knew it! HAH!
* hits herself on the head *
OF COURSE! HOW COULD I BE SO STUPID?!
What happened to Sarpo, you monster?!
What happened to Sarpo?! * spits out blood * What happened to ME?! I LOST MY ARM BECAUSE OF HIM!
Serves you right, you monster!
ENOUGH!
From sheer anger, Maizie grabbed Cloe by the neck with her new arm. She was ruthless.
Anything else you want to add, huh?!
ANYTHING?!
After getting no response from a both frustrated and scared Cloe, Maizie threw her to the ground with force.
M-my queen-
Give me my staff, Clara.
I will show these ingrates what happens when they try to make a fool out of me!
Clara was terrified of Maizie at that moment. Sure, she seemed angry when she lost to that sorcerer but... this?! It was a whole other level. Even though she had concerns, by all means, Clara was in for the cause. She grabbed the staff from the ground and gently handed it over to Maizie. After quickly snatching her staff from Clara’s hands , Maizie pointed it at Cloe. She closed her eyes, holding back tears. She was terrified, knowing what was going to happen to her. All she could do now was to wish for this nightmare to be over.
And then, there was silence.
Cloe was now crystallized, just how she should have been from the start. Maizie smiled and looked back at her army.
Attention, everyone! Welcome our newest recruit into our ranks! Now, fully loyal to my Kingdom!
“Give a warm salute to our new ally, Cloe Meow!”
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