Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 35: Double Joyce
WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1
COVER ARTIST - SOHEKUN
EDITOR - FALINCHAPTER 35: DOUBLE JOYCE
It was a special day on Planet Perdiah. The Rascals were having the time of their lives, driving on a new type of vehicle Perdiah has never seen before! A hover bike!
A few days ago, Markus told Murray to come up with a new vehicle design specifically for the three of them. It took a few attempts for Murray to come up with the perfect design but he eventually came up with one! A 3-part hover bike that each of them could control that could also split into three smaller ones. The main part of the bike took priority otherwise. Markus loved how it looked when Murray was done with it. He named it “The Troubling Sky”. Because it floated slightly above the ground, it was very creative.
Murray was driving the main part of The Troubling Sky, Markus was looking at the diamond they stole in awe and “Joyce” was having so much fun joking with the other two. Even with this fake persona, the other two were so caring and nice that she started feeling like she was “Joyce” from the very beginning. After so many years of loneliness, she finally felt like she had a place she belonged to.
You want to hear a joke, Murray?
This one’s about tarantulas!
Not right now, Joyce.
Sorry.
Aw...
I-I mean-
Darn it!
* turns her back to Murray *
(Gah, keep it together, Mari!)
(One wrong move and you are toast!)
Hm...
* focuses on the road *
Can you ask the boss where we are headed?
S-sure!
* looks back at Murray *
You keep your eye on the road and stay safe!
Will do.
Joyce leans over to her left and waves at Markus with a smile on her face. Markus chuckled back.
Hey boss, where are we going exactly?
Well, I was thinking of finding another one of those temples!
Oooh...
Yeah, you can get those heels you want too when we find that stinkin’ place.
Sounds lovely!
Yeah...
Joyce put her hands on the back of her head and smiled. Today was a great day.
Suddenly however, Joyce noticed something strange above them. It looked like… raining potions?!
What the...
And just as she feared, a barrage of potions fell in front of The Troubling Sky as Murray stopped it at the last second. There was a wall of fire in front of them, stopping them from making any progress. As the trio looked around themselves all confused, they saw a small car with a familiar looking figure stopping in front of them.
I don’t know who you are but you better move out of our way!
You don’t want to mess with the Rascals!
Yeah!
Before the figure on top of the car could reply however, two figures got out of the car first.
* coughs *
Man, that fire potion made me sick.
I think I’m gonna throw up.
* holding his chest *
Same bro, same.
Sigh... you two stay inside the car.
The figure sighed and jumped in front of the Rascals. It was… Joyce?!
Ah finally found ya’, faker!
Markus and Murray looked at the two Joyce(s) in shock. What on Perdiah was happening?! While the other two were confused, Marigold was terrified. Her worst nightmares were coming to fruition.
F-Faker?!
Impossible!
Oh, don’t give me that!
You know what you did!
* points at “Joyce” *
Markus, Murray, that girl’s a fake!
She trapped me inside that pocket zone thing and left me there to rot!
Yeah, I can confirm.
Yep, yep.
She explained the whole thing to us.
* lightly waves at the three *
Also hi, we are her big brothers.
Nice to meet you too!
I’m Don and my brother here is called Hat-
B- but Joyce has a hat!
You don’t have one!
Ya’ stupid idiot!
She stole my hat before leaving me there!
She’s been pretending to be me this whole time!
She’s lying!
* points at Joyce *
That’s the witch who attacked me!
Those two next to her must be her henchmen!
Oh wow, okay.
Uncool, dude.
Oh, so we're just lying now, eh?
While the two Joyce(s) continued throwing insults at each other, both Markus and Murray were trying to make sense of it all. Murray thought the Joyce in front of him was the real deal, she got the exact mannerisms he expected from her. Not to mention, she had her accent. Meanwhile, Markus was on the side of the Joyce standing next to them; mostly because he didn’t remember Joyce ever mentioning having brothers before.
Fine, if y'all are not going to believe me, ah will prove to ya’ all by FORCE!
* points at her brothers *
Don, Hattie, give me those strength potions again!
Ah think Super Joyce will be able to take down that ugly witch.
(Super Joyce, really?)
(Is that what she settled on?)
(I really thought she was gonna call herself Reverse Joyce.)
(Talk about a missed opportunity…)
...ehem.
Can ya’ two hurry it up?
Sorry, sis!
The trio watched as the Folio Bros. threw a bunch of at Joyce, unleashing... nothing.
Huh, what happened?
* looks at her arms *
Why didn’t ah turn into Super Joyce?
We don’t have more strength potions for you to become “super”.
Yeah, sorry sis.
Sigh, fine.
* looks at her fake copy *
We will just have to deal with this the old fashioned way then.
Joyce, what is she talking about?
I’m telling you!
That’s the awful witch I told you about!
She must have come back for revenge!
But... What about her mannerisms, “Joyce”?
Mannerisms?
She seems rude, brash and most importantly, egotistical to the next level.
She seems much more in character... compared to you!
I-I-
Joyce rushes in to attack “Joyce” before she could respond. The real Joyce shouted at her brothers before starting the fight.
GAH!
GET OFF OF ME!
Don, Hattie!
You two distract Markus and Murray until I’m done with this freak!
Joyce!
W-wait, how are we-
The two looked in front of them to see Markus and Murray about to attack them.
Uh... we come in peace?
* dodges her punch *
H-how did you escape?!
By outsmarting the system, ya’ witch!
* dodges her cards disguised as potions *
Alongside sheer determination fueled by my hatred towards ya’!
You are crazy!
Tell me something I don’t know!
* smiles *
Can’t believe you spent years there when I got out in less than a week!
S-Shut up!
* throws a potion at her *
You don’t know what I have been through!
Joyce dodges the potion and looks at the angry Marigold. She was starting to shapeshift back to her usual self.
I lost my mom and dad, my little brother and everything!
And ah’m supposed to care because..?
Marigold did a spinning card attack in response as Joyce dodged at the last second.
Woah!
That’s a new one.
I finally had friends after so long and you are trying to take that away from me!
They didn’t belong to ya’ in the first place!
And you don’t deserve them either!
Marigold pulled out a card with fire signs on it as a circle of fire covered the arena they were fighting in. Knowing that no one outside would see them, Marigold transformed to her true self.
With them by my side, I finally felt... at home!
* pulls out another set of cards *
Markus and Murray are both great people and you WASTE them with your ignorance!
Yeah, yeah, ya’ said these back at the swamp too!
* flaps her arms around *
TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY, YOU JERK!
Marigold threw a poison card towards Joyce but she hopped backwards to dodge it.
Sorry pardner but ah fight a lot of people with deep and sad stories!
You are not so special as ya’ think ya’ are!
ENOUGH!
Marigold clapped her hands together as the two cards she was holding combined. The ground suddenly started sucking Joyce into it like a swamp, much to Joyce’s shock. Despite her attempts at getting out, Marigold’ powers were too strong!
Suffocating you inside the ground is what you deserve, you selfish prick!
Joyce was struggling to get out. She was trying to reach out to her pockets for a potion but the swamp was making it hard for her to do that. Not to mention, she was getting more and more sucked into the swamp as time went on. She watched as Marigold took a step back and slowly started transforming to her again.
With you gone, I’ll be Joyce ‘till the end of time!
And then I’ll continue being happy!
(Oh phooey.)
D-don’t hurt me, please!
Don was begging for mercy as he dodged an arrow coming from his sides.
EEK!
Sorry kiddo but we can’t trust you!
Don was running around, dodging Markus’ arrows while Hattie was stuck in a corner with Murray slowly walking towards him.
D-don’t come any closer!
* does a karate pose *
I’m warning you, I know karate... from my middle school days!
It might look like I’m weak but I assure you, you don’t want to-
Calm down, I just want to-
GAH!
Hattie quickly threw a potion at Murray and covered his face in fear. Instead of hurting Murray however, it just healed him.
Look.
* wipes off the potion from his face *
I really don’t want to hurt you, trust me.
I don’t like hurting others too.
* reaches out his hand *
I just want to find out what is going on here!
Y-You really mean it?
Sure do.
Why would I be lying?
I-I’m not sure but...
* shakes Murray’s hand *
I’m glad we are on the same page.
* takes a sigh of relief *
Thank goodness, I thought things were going to get serious for a second.
* smiles *
The name’s Hattie Folio.
Nice to meet you.
Likewise.
My name’s Murray by the way.
Ooh, fancy!
I like how your name sounds!
* smiles *
Thanks, you seem nice.
Murray looks around for Markus and sees him holding Don by his lab coat, about to punch him on the face again.
Woah, woah, calm down boss!
We came to an agreement!
What?
* points at him *
Are you sure you’re not mind controlled or something?
No, no!
Please let him go.
Hm...
* looks at Don’s messed up face, still begging for mercy *
Alright then.
Markus dropped Don to the ground as he tried to catch his breath.
DON!
* rushes towards Hattie to help *
ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!
Pfft... that was nothing.
* holds his black eye *
I could have beaten him...
No, you wouldn’t have.
Sigh, you are right.
Who am I kidding?!
* coughs *
That was painful.
Don’t worry bro, I will heal you up real quick!
Thanks, bro.
So what did you tell them, Murray?
I just told them to explain what happened and Hattie said he would.
Are you sure they are gonna tell the truth?
I’m unsure but it’s the best option we got.
I don’t want to blindly attack anyone!
Hm... not the first thing I would have done but I gotta say, that was clever thinking on your part, Murray.
* nervously smiles *
Thanks boss.
You should be fine soon, Don.
Thanks, bro.
I owe you one.
You actually owe me more than once but I will let it slide this time.
The two chuckled as Murray lightly touched Hattie’s shoulder to get his attention.
If you guys are done... Can you tell us what exactly happened, Hattie?
* points at the arena covered with fire *
What is up with Joyce...(s)?
Yeah and which is the real one?
* puts his hand on chin *
I still think it’s the one with the hat!
Allow me to explain from the very beginning!
Any last words, freak?
…
That’s what I thought!
Marigold's transformation to “Joyce” was complete. She looked at the pathetic looking girl trying to not drown and grinned.
Once I’m out of here, I will tell Markus and Murray to take out your siblings!
That way, no one will know what happened and I will be the TRUE Joyce!
Ya’ think ya’ will be happy once we are gone?
* trying to climb up *
Then what?
Ya’ think they will just continue to believe you are me?
Y-Yes!
* shrugs *
What else can happen?
Oh, you wouldn’t even dream of it.
Let’s just say... What if those two found out about ya’ little trickery?
Then what?
N-no, stop it!
* grits her teeth *
I know they will never betray me if I continue being... you!
That’s a nice theory, witch.
But I gotta say, ya’ should know that...
* smiles *
Ya’ talk a lot.
Suddenly, Joyce pops out of the ground with a half full potion on her hand.
How did you-
You thought ah only made potions similar to mah brothers?
Tsch, tsch...
Ya’ silly goose!
GRR...
* raises her arms to summon more cards *
I BEAT YOU ONCE AND I CAN DO IT AGAIN!
In response to her attack, Joyce threw two potions at the ground and created a rock pillar in front of her to block the attack.
DON’T HIDE BEHIND THERE, COWARD!
YOU WEAKLING!
Nuh uh.
* readies another potion *
Ya’ fought me while I had no potions with me.
Besides, ah tried mah brothers’ way but since that doesn’t work, ah will go with the ol’ reliable!
Joyce threw 3 potions in the air and kicked all of them with her left leg towards Marigold. She created a shield made out of psychic energy to block the potions, only to get hit by Joyce’s raw punch to the face. Marigold was completely caught off guard by this attack as she dropped to the ground. She was frustrated beyond belief.
I WON’T LET IT END LIKE THIS!
Marigold materialized more cards from her hands and threw them all at Joyce. Joyce knew she couldn’t contest Marigold’s powerful cards so she just dodged them instead. Joyce could tell Marigold was slipping. Almost like her power was slowly depleting. Marigold didn’t want to waste energy while fighting so she transformed back to normal for the time being.
Ya’ are getting sloppy, witchy.
* does a ballerina move while dodging another card attack *
Ah would stand down if ah were you!
No... NEVER!
* clenched her fist *
I WILL KILL YOU AND THEN HAVE MY HAPPY ENDING!
Joyce expected an emotional outburst from her and therefore, managed to dodge Marigold’s powerful ground attack. But surprising Joyce herself, Marigold’s hair was slowly turning into a plain yellow one. It seems like her outburst had more effects on her than Joyce thought.
What the...
N-No!
* trying to hide her hair *
NOT NOW!
Taking advantage of Marigold’s panicked state, Joyce quickly threw a potion at her face with Marigold getting hit by it. Marigold’s eyes were now messed up, she couldn’t see anywhere. The potion turned Marigold’s hair back to the usual grey color.
W-where are you?!
* flips around *
COME OUT!
Marigold started throwing cards at random locations in panic. Joyce wanted to do the final blow but knew she could get hit by Marigold’s mindless attacks.
S-STOP! PLEASE
I BEG OF YOU!
* continues throwing cards *
I don’t want to be alone again!
I want to have fun with Markus and Murray again!
* covering her face *
I JUST WANT TO BE HAPPY!
In one of her attempts, a card hit a tree as an eye appeared on it. Marigold could now partially see through the tree now. She smiled and threw a card right towards Joyce. Unknown to her however, Joyce was also preparing a powerful potion during Marigold’s monologue. She threw it at the card coming towards her, causing a huge explosion and launching Marigold out of the fiery arena. Now, everyone could see her true identity.
Oh no...
No way...
See?! I told you guys!
Woo-hoo!
Ugh...
Marigold cleared her eyes and looked around herself. She realized she wasn’t “Joyce” anymore and backed away in panic.
N-No, I don’t-
* looks at Markus and Murray *
Please, you have to understand-
* covers her face *
P-Please, don’t hurt me!
Marigold’s powers were at their weakest now. If she had more, she could teleport away but right now? She couldn’t teleport her way out of this. She threw a card at them as a last resort but Joyce destroyed it at the last second with her potion. It was over for her.
Playing dirty, eh?
* cracks her knuckles *
Ya’ want me to play dirty with ya’ too?
Ya’ aren’t getting away with what ya’ did to me!
While Joyce threatened the poor witch, all Markus and Murray could think of was the times they spent together with “Joyce”. It really didn’t matter in the end, did it? All those memories, the fun times... nothing.
Like ya said!
* readies her fist *
Any last words, punk?!
P-please...
Just what I thought!
But to everyone’s surprise, Murray was the first one to try to stop Joyce.
What are ya’ doing, Murray?
* waves her hand to the sides *
Move away!
L-Listen Joyce!
I always knew something was up with... “you” when you were gone but deep down, she seems like a good person!
I can’t let you hurt her.
Murray looked back at Marigold with sadness in his eyes. Marigold looked at him too but she couldn’t tell him anything in response. She was so ashamed of what happened.
Yeah!
Perhaps we could have two Joyce’s in the same team!
* snap his finger *
There could be four of us!
Yeah, sis.
I didn’t know this gal was hurt in the first place.
She seems like she had a troubled past.
* gently moves away Joyce’s hand *
Maybe we could show her a bit of mercy.
Perhaps we could even help her become a better person!
Marigold started smiling but couldn’t help but keep crying. She didn’t deserve their sympathy at all. Joyce looked at the 4 of them in disgust.
Ah can’t believe ya’ all!
* points at Marigold *
She left me in that dastardly mountain to rot!
Ah have no sympathy for freaks like her!
Joyce prepared to throw a potion at Marigold to finish the job, only for a familiar flying beast to attack her.
OW!
WHAT THE HECK?!
Joyce looked around and noticed that Loi was attacking her.
LOI?!
Loi hawked at Joyce and landed on Marigold’s shoulder.
You- you came back for me, Loi...
After seeing her old friend, Marigold felt… happy again. Even though this was a complete bust, Loi still cared for her.
* scratches his head *
What on Perdiah is that crow doing here?
It’s the witch’s pet bird... it’s a long story.
From the happiness she felt after seeing Loi, Marigold regained a bit of her powers. Her hair started glowing shortly after.
W-What’s happening?!
* grits her teeth *
SOMEONE STOP HER BEFORE SHE-
And so, she used it to teleport away from the group with Loi, causing an explosion in her place. The five of them all get launched away from the area. And the two teleported somewhere... where no one could find them.
After a while, Markus got up and looked around. What even happened in the last few hours? It felt like his world flipped upside down. He saw Murray trying to get up while holding his back.
Ugh...
* sees Markus *
Boss... please help!
Markus rushed in to help. But before he could reach there however, he saw his comrade helping Murray get up.
J-Joyce?
Yeah, yeah.
* reaches out her hand *
Get up already, ya crybaby!
* grabs her hand *
Are you... actually "you"?
Joyce hit him on the shoulder as a response.
OW!
WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!
Hope that answered ya’ question, bald freak!
Murray was both angry and happy at the same time. This was the Joyce he knew and hated! But at the same time... it didn’t feel right. Afterwards, Joyce walked over to the hat lying on the ground that Marigold left behind.
Ah will be taking what belongs to me now.
Joyce looked at her hat with a smile on her face. It had been such a long time since she wore this ol' thing. She donned her iconic hat and looked back at her still confused teammates.
Heya boss, been a bit, eh?
I-I still can’t believe you have been gone for so long.
And we didn’t even notice!
Actually... yeah, how did ya’ freaks not realize it?!
She acted nothing like me!
Murray had some suspicions but I thought you inhaled some of that purple smoke.
Eh?
It’s... also a long story.
* points behind Joyce *
Speaking of long stories...
Joyce turned her back and saw her brothers running towards them in worry.
Never knew you had such... interesting brothers, Joyce.
...crud.
Sis, are you okay?!
Are you hurt?!
Did you use healing potions on yourself?
Is there any collateral damage?!
Guys, ah’m fine.
* sighs and looks at Markus *
Yeah, you are right.
They are mah older twin brothers.
Twin brothers, eh?
* chuckles *
Older you say?
Can it, Murray!
* sighs *
But yeah... they are a real bunch, alright!
* holds her shoulder *
And she wouldn’t have it any other way, right?
Silence.
Um... right?
Joyce didn’t respond to them. Hattie and Don looked at each other in worry. She was more interested in the vehicle in front of them.
Ooh!
* points at The Troubling Sky *
What’s this hunk o’ junk?
* holding his head *
Something I invented a few days ago.
It’s our personal vehicle now!
I call it “The Troubling Sky”!
Oooh, sweet!
It’s not heels but this will still do!
* chuckles *
Can’t wait to ride on this bad boy!
* hits the side car with her foot *
And it seems tough too!
Yup, it has an excellent design.
* holds the back of his head from embarrassment *
Aww, don’t mention it guys...
Well then!
Now that ah have my ACTUAL life back...
* hops on the side car *
Let’s go make some mess, party boyz!
YEAH!
Wait… what about us, sis?
Yeah, are we coming too?
Hm...
* gives them a thumbs up *
Yeah, sure!
Ah just know just the place for ya’ guys!
Cut to a few hours later as Joyce dropped off her brothers in front of Town Mercia.
There ya’ guys, go!
Ya’ can hang out with the goody two-shoes now!
W-wait!
Are you not coming?!
Can we at least hug for goodbye-
Bye bye!
The Rascals rode off to the sunset while Joyce’s laughter could be heard all around the abandoned town. Don and Hattie looked at each other, confused.
Well... now what?
I don’t know.
* hits the ground with his foot *
I can’t believe she sold us out like that!
H-hey-
She left us the second she got her crew back!
It sucks, I know but think about it this way.
She could have just left us there on our own if she didn’t care!
She brought us here to keep us safe!
I guess... we don’t know if this place is safe to begin with though.
There could be those weird crystal guys we saw...
* crosses his arms *
I still didn’t like how she acted.
Me neither but hey, what can you do?
We didn’t even get her phone number!
Don, the phone lines are all offline, you know that?
Yes but I wanted to have hers, just in case!
Yeah, that’s fair.
* looks towards the sunset *
I don’t want to lose track of our sister, again.
Same here, I already miss her a ton.
Suddenly the two noticed a bunch of people rushing towards them.
Are you two alright?!
We saw the Rascals with you!
W- we are fine, sir.
Thanks for asking.
* moves his glasses *
I think I remember you guys.
Come to think of it... yeah!
Are you guys-
From MPC2?
Yeah, we are.
Sweet!
Though I will let you all know that you are not safe around here anymore.
* reaches out his hand to the two *
Please come with us, we are leaving here soon for a safer place.
Alright then!
Sure!
If you need any help with potion making, we will be happy to be of service!
* appears behind Artender *
Oh sweet, you found more potion makers!
Her sudden appearance startled Artender.
H-How long were you behind me?
Since now.
Henna chuckled.
But yeah, I know these two will be a real help once we fight off against the Crystal Queen!
Hattie whispers to Don.
I think we are missing a lot of context here.
* whispers back *
Just play along for now.
Meanwhile, the Rascals were on their way for another quest. Joyce was enjoying a freshly made orange juice while the other two were thinking about what had transpired.
Man, it is so nice to be back!
Right, boss?
* looking into the sky *
...yeah.
Ya’ still thinking about that witch?
A bit, yeah.
Me too, I wonder where she got off to.
Meh, ah don’t really care.
She could be rotting inside a cave for all ah care!
“That’s what she deserves for messing with the Rascals!”
Markus and Murray looked at each other in worry. Even though they were happy to have the real Joyce with them now, a part of them really missed Marigold’s presence, even if they didn’t realize it was her all along.
END OF CHAPTER
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