Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 34: New Friends And Enemies
WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1
COVER ARTIST / EXTRA ICONS - MIDASTHEGOLDGUY
EDITOR - FALINCHAPTER 34: NEW FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
A few hours had passed by since the battle that took place inside the castle. A blonde girl was patiently waiting in front of the doctor’s office to hear any news about her friend. She almost even fell asleep at one point. But after a while of waiting, the office door opened. Lydia shook her head to get it together and got up to see what was up. Instead of being greeted by the doctor herself, she saw Terry with a few bandages around his arms.
And just like I said, don’t forget to do your exercises!
* sighs *
You got it, chief.
That’s Doctor Oasis to you!
The doctor slammed the door after him.
Geez, that lady has a few problems.
Nevermind her!
* goes to check up on him *
Terry, are you alright?!
Y-yeah, I’m fine.
I am just...
* holds his left shoulder in pain *
...confused if anything.
What even happened?!
* holds his shoulder for comfort *
I heard other crystal knights talk about how Cloe went rogue and attacked you…
Before Terry could respond back to his friend/little sister, he saw someone walking towards them in the halls and instantly frowned. He really didn’t want to see her of all people now.
Terry?
Terry points at the person walking towards them.
* grits his teeth *
How about you ask her yourself?
Lydia turned her back and saw Cloe herself waiting for her chance to join their conversation. Strangely enough, Terry noticed her being... sad?
Cloe?!
…
What happened back there?!
* angrily points at her *
Why did you do that?!
Let her go.
(confused) B-but-
She came here to say something, Lydia.
She wouldn’t be here otherwise.
Lydia lets Cloe go and goes back to treat Terry. He seemed quite hurt after the whole debacle with Cloe. She sighed in regret as she sat down next to the two.
I’m really sorry, you two.
The rumors were true, I did act as a double agent for the non crystallized people outside.
* picks up her hat and looks at it *
But... Now I realize that it was the wrong thing to do.
Suddenly, Cloe threw her tophat to the ground and looked the two in the eyes.
I’m done sticking with them.
The two were both shocked by this. They expected her to say literally anything else.
B-but-
I mean it.
* looks at Terry *
I’m sorry for hurting you like this, Terry.
I will make sure you recover safely.
Cloe smiled at him and while he was hesitant at first, Terry also smiled back.
Even though I was pretending to be someone I wasn’t for the longest time, the one thing I didn’t lie about was enjoying you guys’ company.
Lydia started tearing up like a little baby while Terry calmed her down.
We appreciate that, Ms. Meow.
We really do.
I’m glad you do.
* gets up *
I promise I will make up for my mistakes.
Oh... you are leaving?
Unfortunately so.
But I promise I will be right back.
For real this time.
Alright then...
* sniffs *
Bye bye...
Goodbye you two!
The two waved at Cloe and watched as she left for something else entirely. Something more important perhaps?
You think she really meant that?
* holds his bandages *
I feel she wouldn’t have bothered with us if she didn’t care.
Ooh, I see...
Lydia got up and looked at the small window behind them. The hole Sarpo left behind was still fresh and new.
When do you think they are gonna fix that?
I think...
* raises her eyebrow *
Yeah?
Nevermind.
* coughs *
I was going to say... I heard that other crystal knights were going to fix that sooner rather than later.
Goodness knows we don’t want to deal with another Xtress situation.
Yeah...
* shivers *
I don’t want to go back to that...
* scratches his back *
But hey, on the plus side, we can spend a bit more time together now that my bones are all messed up!
Hey, don’t say it like that!
* lightly hits him *
Ya’ jerk!
Just wait ‘till I’m back to form, nerd!
The two laughed together for a while and then decided to get up. Lydia helped Terry walk for a bit, even if he was much heavier than she would have wanted. But before they could reach the canteen, a crystal knight stopped them in their tracks.
Sorry, is this... Ms. May and Mr. Govner?
Terry looked back in confusion.
Yes?
That’s us, sir!
You wanted something?
The Queen assigned you two to a very important mission!
Oh?
* sighs *
Okay then.
* cracks knuckles *
When do we start?
“We”?
No, no, no.
There’s no “we” here.
Wh-
What do you mean?
The queen is sending you guys on two separate missions!
This instant, in fact.
The two were distraught after hearing the news. Sure, they would love to go on missions for their queen but... separating from each other?
H-hold on!
I have a few questions!
Yeah, just tell us what the missions are about at least!
No can do!
* looks around *
Especially here!
“It’s top secret!”
Back in the outside world;
It was an unexpected day on Planet Perdiah. Just as Artender thought his life was going to change for the worst forever, a mysterious group of Travelers saved his daughter from the clutches of that robot. After being saved by the bird traveler, Emily ran towards her dad for comfort.
DAD!!
EMILY!
The bird Traveler watched as Emily hugged Artender for comfort.
I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t-
It’s alright, dear.
* kisses her on the forehead *
Thank goodness, you are safe.
I was just trying to be brave and strong…
You still are brave, sweetie.
Never forget that.
* notices the traveler group looking at them *
We will talk about this some other time, okay?
I need to talk with our “guests”.
Okay...
* calls for support *
Midori, please get her inside.
I want her to stay away from danger.
Of course.
O-okay...
* holds her hand *
Please come back soon, dad...
* smiles *
I will, don’t worry.
Now that the crystal knights were taken care of, it was time to find out what this group’s deal was.
Who do you work for?
And who is this “Hawk” character you are referring to?
The bird traveler ties up the last crystal knight with a rope and looks back at Artender.
Geez, why would we save you guys if we weren’t on your side?
...fair point.
* points at the bird Traveler *
Nice moves back there!
* chuckles *
Of course, I would have done better myself but yours was also decent.
Hm…
Henna looked at Hood more closely. She recognized her from somewhere but she was unsure who she was. Her voice sounded familiar to her.
By the way, where did that robot go off to?
Oh, that freak show?
* chuckles *
We sent it far into the depths.
It’s not getting out anytime soon.
Also… what do you mean by “Hawk’s daughter”?
You don’t know about him?
Cornelius Hawk? The mighty Traveler warrior?
Surely your leader, Sarpo, should have a clue.
He’s… not here, right now.
...I see.
* looks at the group behind her *
I’m assuming you are the leader of this tribe?
You stand corrected!
We have been fighting off against these crystal knights since that dastardly queen decided to show her face...
* points at Artender *
So, who’s the leader of you guys’ tribe then?
ME!
The two looked at each other in disgust.
Oh, screw off!
You joined the party later!
I’m the brains of this operation, pumpkin.
You would be nothing without me!
You stubborn-
Okay, that’s enough.
Henna points at Artender and then flip flops over the two.
Eenie, meenie, miney...
* stops on Hood *
You!
God damn it!
Woo, I win!
You lose!
Artender looks around and realizes that there could be more crystal knights coming at them.
Hurry, we should get these crystal knights inside our base before any more come-
Sorry, I listen to pinky.
That’s right!
We should totally do that!
Grr...
If you say so.
Henna orders her group to carry the crystal knights to the underground basement. All of them take the slide down to the base, some enjoying it more than others. Once they reached there, Henna looked around the basement and was fascinated by it.
I gotta admit, this is a very well thought out place.
There’s so much stuff here!
Medics, training rooms, individual rooms, prison cells...
He he, don’t mention it, pumpkin!
(confused) You guys don’t have a hideout of your own?
Not quite.
We are a Traveler tribe, first and foremost.
We don’t “stay” in one place.
Besides the ones who used to live in Diamond City.
We regrouped and protected each other ever since these knights started attacking.
Ooh, I see.
* looks at Henna *
Tell you what though.
You should totally join our group!
We are training everyday to fight against the Crystal Queen.
Yeah!
And your circus freaks-
* Artender hits her with his elbow *
OW!
I mean... Your very cool and wholesome traveler group can feel themselves at home here!
Hm... it’s a tempting offer but...
But what...
Wait.
Henna backs away a few steps and pulls out her dagger towards Hood.
I recognize you now.
* points at her with the dagger *
You are Hood Riley!
The arch nemesis of Sarpo and the number 1 enemy of MPC!
Ehm... yeap!
The one and only!
You look a lot different than how my father described...
Yeah, nice to know your whole family is filled with old timers.
Hmpf...
* points the dagger at Artender *
Why are you teaming up with him?!
It’s “her” actually.
Oh... okay.
(That makes a lot more sense actually.)
But ehem.
* moves closer to Artender with the dagger *
Tell me, why are you teaming up with her then?!
Well... she’s the only one who knows of the threat we have been dealing with.
Yeah, lil’ Maizie kinda used to be one of my hoodsters.
* chuckles *
Whoops.
Oh great, so we are technically cleaning up your mess then.
Wonderful.
* puts away her dagger *
Sorry blondie but I refuse to join you blokes with HER in charge.
Tee hee, you are so sweet.
Please Henna, I beg you.
* sits down and bows in a worshipping way *
I will do anything, please!
Woah, woah, calm down.
* backs away *
Sheesh.
Henna looks at her group of travelers. They were happily hanging out with other people while some were getting treatments because of their battle scars.
* sighs *
...fine.
I guess we can stay with your group for the time being.
Oh, thank you so much!
But I won’t take orders from pinky any longer!
I will only listen to YOU from now on.
O-of course!
I promise it will be worth it!
Whatevs.
Henna leaves to look after her people. She saw that Midori was both taking care of Emily and the Traveler youngins. Henna smiles in response. Artender sighs in relief and stands up, only to be greeted with Hood giggling to herself.
Man, you folded so easily!
Oh, shut it, Hood.
You know we need extra manpower… traveler…power?
You get it!
Yeah, yeah but it was so funny seeing you so pathetic.
* sighs *
Boy, am I touched.
Artender looks at the radio in worry. He was hoping his friends on the other side had a much better time than they had.
Back at the Crystal Kingdom; the surgeries were still continuing. Ever since Maizie lost her arm in the battle with Sarpo, she had been getting treatments non-stop from her personal medics. But no amount of bandages or stolen healing potion could fix her already torn apart arm. They realized that their queen crystallizing her arm right after it was cut off made it impossible for her to get her arm back but they were too afraid to tell her the harsh truth. So, they decided that her getting used to the new crystal arm would be better in the long run. Little did they know that her heart was also damaged by something…
Maizie was frustrated beyond belief. Her arm, all of her careful planning… now all gone. She couldn’t believe there were two traitors under her nose this whole time! She sent a group of crystal knights to find Sarpo and crystallize him if necessary but they were unsuccessful in doing so. She couldn’t contact Unit SRP either and Bushra’s team was nowhere to be seen. She knew they were also caught. She saw Clara asleep next to her patient room but decided to ignore her, now wasn’t the time.
Maizie entered her throne room and slammed the door with her new crystal arm. Even if it hurt, she knew she had to get used to it. She walked towards the mirror and looked at what became of her. She had messy hair, the crown was misplaced, her outfit was worse than ever. And most importantly, her crystal arm was an eyesore. In frustration, Maizie broke the mirror with her crystal arm. All that power in the world... and yet, she couldn’t even win once.
Of course she couldn’t, she thought to herself. They had an insider agent this whole time! That had to be the reason! Maizie quickly realized she could use this to her advantage.
But first, she wanted to eat something.
You called for me, Ms. Thorn?
Cloe entered the throne room only to be greeted by a giant mess. And in the middle of it all, Maizie was lying down and eating pizza at the same time.
Yes, I have called for you.
* burps *
Sorry for that, you want a slice too?
...no, thanks.
* shrugs *
Your loss.
Before we start, I would just like to apologize to you for my treacherous actions.
I was a fool.
Hm... that’s very nice of you, Cloe.
Speaking of the past...
* points at her with the pizza slice she was holding *
Tell me all you know about Sarpo and the resistance!
As you wish.
* coughs *
Me and Sarpo faked being crystal knights for quite some time now.
Sarpo was planning on taking you down that night but he failed and ran off.
I wish we could have crystallized him when we got the chance…
I really miss him.
Uh huh.
* takes a bite *
Go on.
I have been bringing Sarpo upgrades for his cybernetics secretly every night.
I wish the cameras caught me back then... but I can’t stop to think about it now.
I see how it all went down.
Now tell me about the resistance!
Of course.
They are hiding inside a basement under Town Mercia.
G, Artender, Emily and Hood are all hiding there.
Curse it all!
So that’s why Unit SRP didn’t come back.
Yes, they must have taken him down.
Anything else?
Actually, there is one thing left.
Carry on.
You have been trying to get all of Xtress’ powers to revive your... loved one, right?
* sighs *
Yes, Cloe.
You must have a very good reason to bring this up!
I know we are trying to capture Xtress for his powers but there’s one more person on the planet with a piece of his powers.
Impossible.
I already have G and Bushra’s abilities!
There can’t be anyone else!
I’m afraid, there is one.
* reaches out to her pockets and shows Maizie a picture of MPC2 *
The name’s PotaTeo.
He’s a sentient potato, the adopted son of Artender.
He is Xtress’ biological son because of an accident.
WHAT?!
* stands up *
Since when did they have a sentient potato with them?!
Since the beginning, really.
We tried to keep him a secret once you first invited us here... sorry again.
GRR!
This is so infuriating!
They think they are so clever, huh?!
Suddenly, the two heard sounds of the door knocking.
Who is it?!
The door opens to reveal a saddened Clara, holding flowers with a sign that said “Get Well Soon!” for her love.
Oh, it’s you.
My queen!
Are you doing alright?!
Yes, I’m fine, Clara.
What do you want?
N-nothing!
I just wanted to make sure you were alright!
Well, you don’t have to worry now because I’m -a- okay!
Hm... I see.
* puts the flowers on a messed up desk *
Is there something else I can do for you?
Maizie suddenly starts to smile. She had an idea.
Oh yes, you can!
Maizie walks over to Cloe and grabs the picture out of her hands. She gives it to Clara instead.
This is Potato Joe or whatever his name is!
He has a part of Xtress’ powers too!
I need you to bring him to me in one piece!
* frowns *
And I don’t want any more failures on your end, Clara!
Is that understood?!
* sighs *
...Of course, my queen.
Excellent work, you two.
You are both dismissed.
Cloe started walking away from the throne. She and Clara looked at each other before Cloe exited the room.
What are you still doing here, Clara?
I told you to leave too.
But my queen, you didn’t assign me to a group of crystal knights yet.
...I didn’t?
Clara shook her head like a lost puppy.
Huh, that’s odd.
* chuckles like a maniac *
Silly me!
I love you too, hon!
...excuse you?
I-I meant-
* coughs *
You are assigned to team C37!
Tell them to pack up!
Of course.
Clara looks at Maizie one more time before leaving the room. Something was off about her. Clara went to her room to pack up her stuff. It was going to be a tough journey ahead. She pulls out the picture and looks at it again. Next to “Potato Joe”, there was a blonde man cheering him on. Clara knew this person, he was an MPC2 member. She figured she would find him under Town Mercia. (She had been listening to Maizie and Cloe’s conversation for a while.)
She packed her stuff up and locked her room with her key. The key... she chuckled. She remembered the time she lost the keys and blamed it on her teammates; Terry and Lydia... That’s right, Terry and Lydia!
Clara looked around the halls and rushed to their rooms. They had to be there! When she reached there, she walked towards the door to knock on it but suddenly stopped herself. She was unsure. What if the two were mad, despite what Cloe said to her? But then, she bit her lips and knocked on the door, waiting for a bunch of yelling.
But surprisingly, there was no one. She was confused. She rushed over to Terry’s room and knocked on his door too but same deal. No one responded. Clara figured they were hanging out in the canteen! But sadly, she was proven incorrect once again. She was starting to feel bad about herself. She had to know what was going on.
Hey, you there?
What?
Have you seen anyone named Lydia or Terry around here?
Actually yeah.
* smiles *
Really?!
Yup.
The two left for separate missions just a few hours ago.
To Town Bloom and Downer respectively if I recall correctly.
...oh.
Yup, sorry if you were looking for them.
I… see.
Thanks.
Clara left the canteen in silence and disbelief. They were waiting for her this whole time and by the time she decided to make amends, they both weren’t here. Clara sighed and looked at the canteen again. Oh, how she wished things went differently between them.
Ugh... where am I...
Wake up, sleeping beauty!
Gah!
Hood?!
And...
* looks around *
Where am I?
You are inside one of our cells, pumpkin!
So... did I fail the job?
Yeah, pretty much.
* crosses her arms *
Do you remember how you people used to keep me inside a prison cell?!
* chuckles *
Look how the turns have tabled!
Uh... what?
Can it, Hood.
You are making him confused.
Sigh, fine.
Can’t a girl just have some fun around here?
* looks at Henna *
Please ignore her.
Alright.
Artender?!
Hey Bushra.
Glad you are awake, buddy.
So uhm… can you open the locks so I can take you guys to the Crystal Kingdom?
Not a chance, Bushra.
I know you aren’t feeling entirely like yourself but I’m not going to hurt you in any way.
But pleaseeee.
Bushra, please stop trying.
You will thank me later, I promise.
Oh, hi Mr. Stoked!
Hey Emily!
Can you tell your uncle to set me free?
But you have one of those nasty crystals on your head!
Well... you get used to it.
Enough of this.
* looks at Bushra *
We are not getting ourselves crystallized Bushra and that’s final!
Sheesh, you really do sound like Hood!
I sound like Hood?!
I sound nothing like her!
Artender looks at Hood with anger and sees her giggling.
Sorry, I couldn’t waste the opportunity.
Sigh, whatever.
* looks at Henna *
Want me to show you the other places?
Sure.
Alright then.
* looks at Emily *
Hang out with Midori and the other kids, sweetie.
I will be back once I introduce Ms. Hawk around the place.
Okay!
* waves at Artender *
Have fun on your date, Uncle Tender!
WHAT?!
I-It’s not a date, Emily!
I swear...
It’s fine.
Kids are kinda silly like that sometimes.
Yeah... you are right.
* sees Hood still messing around with Bushra *
Take care of yourselves too, Hood and Bushra.
See ya around, pumpkin.
* looks at Bushra again *
Okay, let’s continue.
Would you rather fight against 5 million hoodsters or 5 hoodster millions!?
Man, this sucks.
(I wonder what happened to that dumb robot…)
So, here’s our training room!
You can practice sword fighting, use your magic powers against the spare dummies-
How about potion making?
Potion making?
Well, you see.
We had a supplier back in Diamond City but I think both of those guys got crystallized alongside the others.
Hm... that’s a shame.
Potion making is a fine craftsmanship.
* points at her group *
We have a few potion makers in our tribe.
They are mostly support based though.
We prohibited the creation and use of potions for violence.
Why so?
We realized that it was way too unstable to use for the average person.
Only a cold and insane person could use them without breaking a sweat.
Interesting.
You asked for a reason?
Actually, yeah.
There’s like a trio of hoodsters, called the Rascals, going around and robbing people.
One of those three uses explosive potions for her own gain.
Fascinating.
Never thought someone could use those types of potions that effortlessly.
Yup, it sure is fascinating.
Artender sits down on a chair and tells Henna to sit down as well.
I gotta say, ‘Tender.
You really are a good leader.
Aww... don’t mention it!
I would even argue you are better at managing things than Sarpo!
Um... I’m not sure I would go THAT far... but I appreciate it!
No problem.
* looks around the base *
Oh yeah, speaking of.
Where’s Sarpo anyways?
Oh, he’s inside the Crystal Kingdom right now.
He’s playing double agent with Cloe by his side-
Uhm... can you say that again?
He’s playing double agent with Cloe by his side?
Cloe... Are you talking about Cloe Meow?!
...yea?
I know her!
You do?!
Yep!
We were friends when we were little.
I remember when we last talked with each other before my dad decided on the Traveler and human exchange program.
...I feel like I’m missing a lot of context here.
Yeah... it’s a lot.
I will have to explain it later.
But the point is, I can’t believe Cloe is still around!
Yeah, she is!
She has become a remarkable lady in her own right!
Wowie...
* points at the radio *
Why not call her?
I can only imagine her surprise once she realizes she’s talking to an old friend!
Heck yeah!
* looks at the radio *
What do you mean “call” her?
All the connections are down!
Besides radios!
Cloe discovered that we could communicate by using specific frequencies!
Oh wow, that’s very smart!
She’s still as smart as ever, I see.
Yeah.
* stands up *
Watch this.
Artender quickly changes the frequencies as the buzzing sounds get replaced with silence.
Ta-daa!
We are connected.
* whispers *
Hey, Cloe!
We are here!
I have someone you will find very interesting.
No response.
Cloe?
Move back a bit.
* also whispers to the radio *
Heya Cloe!
It’s me, your old friend Henna!
Still no response. Artender was confused and most importantly, worried.
Are you sure this thing works?
I-I’m sure of it.
Otherwise, there would still be buzzing sounds...
What on Perdiah is going on?!
Much to Artender’s shock, Cloe finally speaks up.
I have seen the light my friends.
And now, I will help you find yours.
I have given your location to the crystal knights.
Please do not resist-
Before she could finish her sentence, Artender changes the frequency. Leaving them with the nauseating buzzing sound. Artender and Henna looked at each other in shock. None of them are safe here now.
END OF CHAPTER
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