Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 38: Fight For The Kingdom
WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1
COVER/PANEL ARTIST - SUPERSONIC32
EXTRA ICONS - MIDASTHEGOLDGUY/SUPERSONIC32
EDITOR - FALINCHAPTER 38: FIGHT FOR THE KINGDOM!
The past...
Heya Mazes, what do you plan on practicing today?
Hm... I don’t know.
* Sharpening her sword *
I will probably do my usual training with that annoying teacher until we meet up at the hill again.
Sounds good to me!
It was the start of the day. The two “friends” were talking to each about their lives on their way to their daily routines. Maizie was wearing her usual clothing with the blue color scheme while Kyle was wearing a more feminine outfit compared to hers. Maizie was fond of his new look.
Boy, this is going to be a great day, I just know it!
Yeah, yeah.
* chuckles *
You have improved a lot since we first trained together.
Thanks to you!
When I first started, I didn’t even know how to hold a sword!
But now?
I would say I’m an average swordsman now!
(...is that supposed to be a good thing?)
While they were walking peacefully, suddenly a buff kid of their same age stopped them on their tracks.
Where do you think you twats are going?!
Hey, what’s the big idea?!
Well, well... isn’t that Mr. Lawrence?
Y-yeah?
* shaking *
That’s me, alright!
Didn’t I tell you not to come to this area ever again?
O-oh, right, s-sorry!
I was just so busy talking to my friend that I forgot about that for a second!
Sorry about that.
* Tries to turn around *
W-We will go now.
Oh no, you don’t!
The bully picked Kyle up by his shirt and threw him to the ground in an instant.
HEY!
HAH!
Pathetic!!
* Looks at the crying Kyle *
That will show you not to forget about this stuff!
Hey, jerk!
Eh?
Leave us alone!
The bully kid chuckled and looked at Maizie with a grin on his face.
You said something, girlie?
What are you going to do?
Beat me to death with your makeup?!
The bully slapped his knee and laughed at his own joke. He looked back at Maizie with a smile only to see her holding a sword towards his face.
W-what-
The bully backed away a few steps. Why did this girl have a sword in the first place?!
W-where did you get that?!
Y-you are just trying to scare me!
I’m sure you don’t even know how to use it!
Maizie looks at the bully in silence. She looked at the apple that was once inside Kyle’s basket on the ground and she threw it in the air. She sliced the apple midair with perfect accuracy and looked at the bully again with an empty expression.
I-I-
The bully quickly ran away from the two while shouting “This isn’t over yet!”. Maizie shrugged, typical bully stereotypes. She would beat him if he ever tried something funny again anyways. What she cared about the most was how Kyle was doing. He was trying to collect the fruits he dropped from the ground. He couldn’t help but tear up in the process.
Hey, hey, it’s okay!
I showed that guy not to mess with us ever again!
* Sits next to him *
But... what was that about when he told you not to come here?
I was...
* Wiping off his tears *
I just wanted to join their friend group a while ago.
Any guy is invited, they said.
But when I got there… they all looked at me weird.
* Points at his outfit *
They made fun of my outfit, my personality... everything!
I was kicked out and was given the rule of not entering this part of the village.
Or else they would beat me again...
Hey!
Don’t listen to them!
I think your outfit looks cute!
Y-you mean that?
Of course!
That’s what people like him enjoy doing, preying on the people who can’t defend themselves!
I… I guess so.
But fear not!
* Points at herself *
When I’m with you, you won’t have to worry about those jokers!
* Starts tearing up again *
T-thank you, Maizie.
* Hugs her *
You are my best friend.
* Hugs him back *
Don’t mention it, Kyle!
I will always be with you.
Maizie hears her teacher calling for her to arrive. That bastard couldn’t even let them have a moment.
Sigh, I guess the class is starting.
N-no worries, Maizie.
* Picks up his basket *
See you again tonight!
Yeah...
“See you there, too.”
Present day...
It was the time of war on Planet Perdiah. So many people across the planet were gathered around the place where it all began. Xtress and his mind controlled hoodsters! The Vengeful Rubies! And of course, the one and only, Maizie the Crystal Queen! Who will end up victorious? No one knew as they were all headed to the fight of their lives!
Ack!
* Pushes the leaves away *
Where are we even going?!
I-I don’t know!
Sarpo and Henna didn’t tell us where we were headed!
Chill out, guys!
We will all be crystallized anyways!
Are you sure bringing him along was a good idea?
Hey, I trust my best friend!
I know he’s not exactly... himself right now but I know he will be a big help when the time comes!
Thank you kindly, G.
G looked at both Array and Bushra. The dream team was finally back!
I feel we can take care of Xtress and his cronies just fine!
You said it!
Uh... so let me get this straight.
Yeah, yeah.
Do tell.
There’s a red sorcerer out to kill us?
I guess so.
Yeah, Artender didn’t describe it all too well.
Ah alright.
* Shrugs *
Works for me.
Hood was getting bored of listening to these three trying to play catch up as she decided to mess with someone more... vulnerable.
Isn't the night sky so beautiful, Array pumpkin?
Don't talk to me, I still don't trust you!
We are only working together out of obligation.
Of course, of course.
* Chuckles *
We were also working together like this when you were one of my hoodsters, hmm?
Can you knock it off already?!
No can do!
Grrr… you stubborn…
* Points at Hood *
Why were you so eager to ask me about not being possessed by Xtress when you, yourself, aren't affected by it?!
You are THE hoodster!
Oh, finally!
* Raises both of her hands *
Finally, someone who asks the important questions!
* coughs *
I'm... you could say... a "special" type of hoodster.
Eh?
Do you want it all spelled out for you like a toddler?
At this point, yes!
* Crosses his arms *
Maybe you could try being less vague, so this doesn’t happen!
In short, I can't get possessed by the likeness of Xtress unlike you peasants!
* chuckles *
I’m just that special.
* Overhears the convo *
Weren't you possessed by the red man while we were trying to escape Nor Plane?
What now?
T-That was a special case!
Uh huh...
* Whispers at Array *
She's hiding something.
I don't trust her one bit!
Me neither Bushra but we gotta deal with her... at least for now.
Oh yeah, speaking of dealing with things...
* smiles *
Do you want to be the first one crystallized when we are done here?
...I think I’ll pass on that.
* Looks ahead *
Artender, can you tell where Emily is headed?
What do you mean?
Like do you recognize where we are going based on what’s around us?
I-I guess?
* Looks around *
I recall seeing some of these structures from our balloon trip.
Ooh, right.
Come to think of it... yeah, this place does look familiar.
Could it be-
Wait up!
Artender suddenly stopped in his tracks and picked up Emily so that she would stop running away from them any further. Unfortunately for everyone else however, everyone bumped into each other’s backs.
Ouch, sorry bro.
All good, bro-
GET OFF OF ME!
Oops, sorry!
Hey, bow girl, get off!
Okay, okay!
Sorry bun bun.
All good, thunder boy.
Just help me get up and-
Everyone shut up!
Everyone kept shut and looked at where Artender was pointing at. They couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
No...
It can’t be…
Unfortunately, yes.
They all watched as Sarpo and Henna land on the ground to deliver the bad news.
From what we gathered up there, it seems like Xtress is leading an attack on the Crystal Kingdom!
WHAT?!
D-Don’t worry, Bushra!
We will uh...
* Puts his hand on his chin *
Save your crystal friends!
Yeah!
O-oh okay!
If you put it that way!
* frown *
I just hope the queen is doing alright...
So, what’s our plan now, geniuses?
I wish I knew...
We have to think of something though ‘cuz we are running out of time!
Before Artender could respond, they all heard chanting coming in front of the walls of the Crystal Kingdom.
THE TIME HAS COME, MY FLESHY FRIENDS!
THE DAY I CONQUER THE CRYSTAL KINGDOM ONCE AND FOR ALL!
G could spot many familiar faces inside the crowd. So many people were all mind controlled and ready to serve Xtress.
TEAR DOWN THESE WALLS AND DON’T SHOW THEM ANY MERCY!
And so, every mind-controlled person collectively started damaging the walls. The group noticed some crystal knights defending the kingdom’s walls against the mind-controlled people, but it wasn’t enough.
Meanwhile, inside the crystal kingdom, one lone crystal knight was on their way to Maizie’s throne room to warn her about the invasion.
My queen, my queen!
X-Xtress is back!
* chuckles *
How fantastic.
He’s not alone either!
He has an army and everything!
What should we do?!
Prevent Xtress' army from entering the castle, of course!
B-But what about Xtress himself?
* shrugs *
Let him in, I have been DYING for a rematch!
WHAT?!
Yes...
* grins *
A fight between the two most powerful sorcerers on the planet... Which I will come out victorious!
But m-my Queen-
Eh?
* Raises her eyebrow *
What is the problem here?
I thought you were gonna going to support our Crystal knights in the battlefield!
Mhm...
Perhaps I could…
* Looks at her staff *
But what’s the point when he’s coming to fight me anyways?
*Lays her back on the throne *
What are you implying here?
My Queen, with all due respect, last time you fought against that wizard... you lost!
We lost so many people in that fight! Not to mention...
* Glares at her Crystal arm *
Your condition...
How DARE you?!
* Points her staff at the Crystal Knight *
Who do you think you are?!
I’m the QUEEN of these lands and you are just a mere Crystal knight!
I-I'm sorry, my Queen... I was just worried about the safety of our people-
Screw the people!
They are all just replaceable anyways!
They are all sacrificing their lives for the cause and that's that!
* Slams her staff to the ground *
What good would a couple of Crystal knights do without their beloved Queen anyways!?
In the middle of her shouting, Maizie notices a familiar figure mockingly giggling at her in the mirror. Maizie's eyes widened, it couldn't be... The figure was the person who once controlled her entire life. And now, here she was, taunting Maizie again.
HOOD!?
H-HOW...
* Pulls out her staff *
GO AWAY!
The crystal knight didn’t know what was going on, but they realized something was horribly off. They were able to duck for cover as Maizie blasted the mirror with one of her powerful spells. Maizie thought she would feel better after the fact but instead, she walked slowly towards the broken mirror and saw that the reflection was hers all along.
My Queen...?
Are you alright?
Maizie couldn’t keep her eyes off the broken mirror. She was holding her face like she saw herself in the mirror for the first time.
…my queen?
No...
* Holds her head *
No, no, no, NO!
* Waves her hands around *
Don’t you DARE argue with me now!
I’m doing all of this for you!
* coughs *
GAH!
I won’t give up, not when I’m THIS close!
My queen, what are you saying-
J-Just go and do as I say!
* Holding her heart in pain *
Kill those mindless freaks if they resist the crystallization!
Don’t hold back!
* Takes a deep breath *
As you wish, my queen.
Maizie waited for the crystal knight to get out of the room before choking out blood. She didn’t know what was happening to her but she had to wrap up her plans FAST! She looked from her window to watch the battle underneath and waited for her rematch with Xtress to end this, once and for all.
So, what’s the plan now?
I don’t know.
Great insight, G.
* Looks around *
Anyone else?
We are very limited in numbers so to actually change the course of this battle, we have to be everywhere, at once!
What exactly do you mean, feather brain?
* Grits her teeth *
I’m saying that we should split up!
Hm...
And if we are lucky, we will be able to get in contact with our army back at the base-
What’s stopping you from just talking to them now?!
* Looks angrily at Hood *
As I was saying before, you RUDELY interrupted me...
* Pulls out the radio from her backpack *
I tried contacting them in the sky while we were following Emily and it seems like the connection was severed with!
Huh, that’s strange...
You said it!
Yeah, that DOES limit things...
My theory is that, maybe and just maybe... the connection is better inside the kingdom itself?
What gave you that idea?
Well... I figured maybe Maizie is calling for her other crystal knights around Perdiah for the final battle!
* Crosses her arms *
And in that case, how else are they supposed to communicate with each other?
…
Thanks Henna.
You made your point.
* sighs *
Unfortunately, it doesn’t change the fact that we have so much to take into consideration!
Like what?
Take down Xtress, avoid the ex-hoodsters AND the crystal knights, take down- I-I mean “befriend” Maizie and so on!
That’s why we could go with my plan!
...I will consider it.
* Looks around *
Anyone else got any ideas?
We can ask the new guys for one!
“New”?
S-sorry, I didn’t mean it like that!
It’s alright.
We take it as a compliment.
Yeah, I don’t know how this war mumbo jumbo works but I don’t mind being a part of it.
But suddenly, they all noticed the person with the gauntlet raising his hand.
Actually, I might have thought of something.
Oh?
Do tell us, Array.
Well... I was thinking.
We need someone to distract Maizie so that she doesn’t... win.
Hm... where are you going with this?
I figured... I could fight off Maizie on my own while you guys do your thing-
WHAT?!
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
B-but why?!
We can’t act recklessly again!
Sarpo fought against her on his own once and he barely made it out alive!
B-But think about it!
Too risky!
Idea dismissed!
* Looks around *
Anyone else?!
Actually... Array might be onto something.
Excuse you?
I... do?
...Kinda.
Oh.
Array is right about the fact that we should distract her with everything we got...
...and?
What I’m getting at is, he needs backup while fighting off that dastardly queen.
* Whispers to his brother *
Pretend that we know what’s going on, so we actually look smart.
Sigh... these two...
I see where you are coming from… but it’s still too risky.
Y-yeah, thunder boy!
I can’t allow you to go there on your own!
I know, I know.
But trust me on this, I feel I can take her out!
She hasn’t been on the battlefield for weeks while I’m nicely rested with tons of experience!
Isn’t that enough?
Against crystallization?
I wouldn’t be so sure of that.
That’s what I have been thinking of too.
See, Array?
I told you-
Let me finish please.
Ack, my bad.
It’s alright.
* coughs *
-And that’s why I believe you need me to tag along with you.
Wha-
Excuse you??
Array seems like a very powerful kid for his age.
With my hindsight and his powers, we could turn the tides of the battle to our favor!
Y-yeah!
* Points at the kingdom *
We can fly towards the throne room and take that nasty lady down for good!
Uh... what?
H-He meant he was going to meet up with him, Bushra.
Huh... okay then.
That DOES feel more logical...
Artender was unsure of Array’s idea. On one hand, it was still too risky. But on the other hand, if the two were able to weaken Maizie before things go out of control...
So, let me get this straight.
* Points at Array *
You and Sarpo will fight off Maizie while the rest of us distract the army, correct?
That’s the jist of it.
Hm... fine.
You win this one.
Sweet!
An excellent observation, dear friend.
* Smiles and looks at Sarpo *
I feel like a team-up coming along!
Wait, h-hold on-
I will take it from here, Sarpo.
You two should go ahead if you want to catch her there!
Noted.
* Hugs Artender *
Good luck with your mission.
Good luck on yours’ too.
You guys are gonna need it.
Before they could take off, Array felt someone holding his hand. He looked behind and saw G with a worried expression. G wasn’t ready to let go of his love again.
I-I dont know how to begin.
Everything’s moving so fast and...
G looks to his left and takes a deep breath. He had to calm down and stay strong for the both of them.
Please... Just be careful out there, okay?
Array smiled and hugged G. He was just as scared as G was, but he knew he couldn’t waste this opportunity.
I will, don’t worry, bun bun.
* Points at the group *
You take care of yourself and the others.
O-okay...
* sniffs *
Good luck out there, thunder boy.
They all watched as Sarpo and Array waved them goodbye and took flight towards the castle. Now, they had to follow suit.
As for the rest of us...
* Points at Henna *
Henna! You and I will try to connect to our group from inside the Crystal Kingdom!
If your theory is correct, they must have functioning frequencies inside!
Got it.
* Points at the Folio Bros. and Midori *
You three will back us up!
Sweet!
Brothers in arms, together as one!
Wait, am I seriously teamed up with these two?
* Raises his eyebrow *
Is there a problem with that?
...not really, I suppose?
It’s just, I would have preferred having more...
Midori watches as the Folio Bros. try to pull off an elaborate handshake with one and other.
“Professional” associates.
Meh, you can keep them at bay.
* sighs *
Whatever you say, sir.
* Points at Team Bushra and Hood *
And you three will be handling Xtress!
All three of you already have previous experience with taking that demon down so I trust you on this!
Ay ay!
Sure, whatever.
Oh yeah sure!
* grins *
If only you guys get crystallized afterwards though!
Yeah yeah, that’s lovely, Bushra.
Thanks for your input.
* coughs *
Anyways, did everyone understand their mission?
They all said “Yeah”, not in unison however so it just turned into loud gibberish.
Good enough.
Now... for the hard part.
Artender looks at Emily again. She was still trying to get away from them. Artender looked at her in sadness. He still didn’t want to let her go. Unfortunately for Artender, however, he had to say “goodbye” to her regardless.
SOMETHING’S NOT RIGHT...
* Squints his eyes *
SOMEONE’S MISSING FROM THE PACT!
Oh crud!
Artender, you have to let her go now!
What?!
Why?!
He might think someone’s spying on him!
We can’t risk this!
B-But I can’t!
I won’t be able to forgive myself otherwise!
Trust me Artender, she would have wanted us to do this!
Artender looked at Emily with tears in his eyes. He was risking their entire plan for his beloved daughter... He noticed PotaTeo jumping out of his backpack to comfort him. Even PotaTeo knew this was the right thing to do... So eventually, Artender closed his eyes and let her go. He turned his back and looked at his friends in front of him. The sooner they ended this nightmare; the sooner he would get to see his daughter once again.
Children, eh?
They go away as fast they come into your life.
Shut it, Hood.
I will defeat both of those monsters for my daughter and that’s final!
Your choice, pumpkin.
“Just don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
OH, THERE YOU WERE!
I WAS WONDERING WHERE YOU WENT OFF TO...
LITTLE GIRL?
Xtress was confused to say the least. Why did a little girl take so long to join their forces... unless...
NEVERMIND THAT!
* Points at the wall *
TEAR THE DOOR WIDE OPEN!”
“THIS KINGDOM IS MINE FOR THE TAKING!”
While Sarpo and Array were airborne, they noticed how tough the battle underneath them was. Ex-hoodsters were fighting the crystal knights, both sides not having free will of their own and instead, fighting for their sinister masters.
* Still flying alongside Sarpo *
You know where her throne room is?
Sure do.
Like Artender said, I did fight against her myself once.
Well... how did it go?
Not the greatest, I’m sorry to say.
* puts his hand on his chin *
Though I will say, I did technically rip out one of her arms in the process so-
Oh, what?!
Dude, that’s so baller!
* chuckles *
It wasn’t as cool as it sounded.
But I appreciate your enthusiasm, kiddo.
While they were airborne, Sarpo pointed at the top of the castle. This was it. They were really here. They were going to defeat Maizie for good!
You ready for this?
* Looks at the worried Array *
I mean I had some previous experience with her so I figured I might ask you first.
I don’t know what to feel, really.
I... knew her from my hoodster days.
Wait… really?
Yeah.
So, it’s a strange feeling to see her like this now... she used to be so calm and collected.
I see...
* Looks over to the castle’s walls again *
We will go in when you give the word.
I think they will spot us if we keep staying here.
STOP RIGHT THERE!
Speaking of the devil...
And so, a bunch of crystal knights arrived at the castle’s inner walls to stop Sarpo and Array. But no one could predict who was leading the charge against the two...
No...
Stop in the name of the Crystal Queen, you-
Cloe looked at Sarpo in shock. She couldn’t believe who she was seeing in front of him.
S-Sarpo?!
Is... is that you?!
Cloe...
(Who…?)
Oh-oh my gosh...
* Starts tearing up *
I-I can’t believe you are here!
Cloe looked back at her crystal knights.
Put down your weapons!
What?
Did I hear that right?
Put down our… weapons?
You all heard me correctly, do as I say now!
Everyone dropped their crystallizers to the ground afterwards.
I missed you so much, sweetie.
I... I can’t believe you are actually here!
I thought you were-
Dead?
Not a fat chance!
* smiles *
You are right.
* Smiles back *
I missed you a lot too!
Yeah!
Now that you are here... we can crystallize you, stop this invasion and live happily ever after!
* Smiles again *
What do you say?
...no.
Whu-
Sorry Cloe but no.
You are not... yourself right now.
I will save you and everyone else here.
Trust me.
I wish you didn’t say that...
* sighs *
...surrender now and I promise we won’t hurt you.
Cloe...
Otherwise...
Cloe orders the army behind her to take back their weapons.
I will have to do it forcefully.
...do you know about this girl?
Know her?!
I LOVE HER!
Ah.
I won’t repeat myself!
* orders the crystal knights to aim at the two *
Come with us now or you will be forcibly crystallized.
…
Please pick the logical choice, my love.
This pains me more than you realize.
I’m sorry Cloe... but I can’t.
* Points at her *
You will thank me for this later!
...very well.
* Points at Sarpo *
Knights of the Crystal Kingdom, crystallize these two!
Sarpo started dodging the crystal lasers with Array on his back trying to keep his balance.
Yikes, what’s the plan now?!
You remember how you said you wanted to go solo?
Y-yeah?
Well, you got your wish!
WHAT?!
Sarpo looked for an opening and noticed a window on the castle.
B-but what about you?!
There are too many crystal knights out here!
They will interrupt our duel with Maizie if I don’t keep them at bay here!
Plus...
Sarpo looks at the crystallized version of his love and tried picturing her as the version of Cloe he saw in his nightmares. It made him feel a lot better about his current situation.
I have my own battle to have here.
U-Understood, Mr. Fields.
* Barely dodges a crystal laser *
Youch! That was close!
Yeah, you be careful in there!
* sighs *
And good luck, we all believe in you!
T-Thank you!
Sarpo starts flying towards the throne room’s broken window.
So... what now?
Do you just tell me when to jump or-
Suddenly, Sarpo threw Array towards the already broken window without warning. He waved Array goodbye without him noticing
as he went back to those crystal knights to distract them.
That blonde kid got inside the queen’s throne room!
Stop him before he hurts-
Cloe noticed Sarpo distracting the crystal knights and even making them push each other off the walls. Cloe was frustrated beyond belief.
Sarpo.
Cloe.
I really wish it didn’t come this.
Trust me, it hurts me more just THINKING about it!
* Sheds a tear *
I WILL SAVE YOU FROM THIS FATE, CLOE!
* growls *
I DON’T NEED SAVING!
And so, the two lovers started fighting each other while trying not to hurt each other in the process.
Maizie suddenly heard the sounds of someone breaking in and decides to greet them.
My my, there you are, Xtress!
* Rubs her staff *
I knew you wouldn’t keep me waiting for too long!
But instead of meeting with the almighty sorcerer, she was met with a young boy holding his head in pain.
Ow... I wish Sarpo gave me a heads up...
WHAT?! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!
* Rapidly looks around *
WHERE IS XTRESS?!
Oh, so you didn’t expect me?
Not at all!
* Points her staff towards him *
You are not worthy enough in the first place.
Maizie tried crystallizing Array on the spot, but he quickly avoided the move and makes her trip on the spot. Maizie frantically looked around herself in shock.
W-What?!
How did you-
Sorry queenie but you are facing off against ME now!
I may not be Xtress but I’m here to take you down for my friends and family!
Maizie angrily looked at Array with fire in her eyes. She wasn’t going to lose to a mere kid.
“You are going to pay for that!”
You should stay in my backpack, Teo.
It’s too dangerous out there!
PotaTeo looked at his dad with sadness in his eyes. He really wanted to contribute to the fight but realized his dad knew best. So he stayed inside while Artender and the other 4 tried finding a good spot for the radio. They were all hiding inside a bush, waiting for an opportunity to get inside the kingdom.
Wait...
* Looks around *
Where is Hood and the other two?
They went to fight against Xtress.
* smirks *
I know those three can take care of themselves.
Us on the other hand... need to be more cautious.
They watched as Xtress started blasting the crystal knights’ homes. Some of them were fighting back while some were running for their lives... Artender was surprised that Maizie had the decency to do something like this.
The coast seems clear to me.
* Looks at Artender *
Artender?
Artender quickly shook his head to snap back to reality.
O-oh, sorry.
I was just thinking.
All good.
We need to get to a higher place for the connection to be stronger.
Henna looks around and sees a tall house very close to their current location.
That will do!
* Opens her wings *
I will have to carry you folks one by one to not blow our cover.
Sounds good to me.
I… have a fear of heights...
Oh, suck it up, bro!
This is the end of the WORLD!
We can’t risk that just because of your phobia!
Oh, don’t give me that!
You want me to tell your phobia to everyone here too-
SSHH, NO!
* Covers Hattie’s mouth with his left hand *
Not in front of everyone!
* sighs *
I don’t have such “phobia” so it’s fine by me.
Good to know!
* Picks up Artender *
Okay, get ready!
The three watched as Artender and Henna took flight. She quickly flew towards the building and left Artender to start the process. A crystal knight did notice her blurry silhouette in the sky, but he was taken out by one of Xtress’ minions before he could tell anyone else.
You start setting that up!
I will be back with the others!
Okay... good luck.
Artender picked up the radio from Henna’s wings and got to work. He turned his back to set up the exact frequencies and waited for something to happen... He heard someone land behind him and turned his back to greet them. But instead of Henna... it was a crystallized bird traveler. Artender was shocked by the encounter, the traveler started blasting him with his crystal ray gun. Artender had nowhere else to run but here. He couldn’t just leave the radio on here either. So, all he could do was stall for time.
DO NOT RESIST AGAINST THE CRYSTAL KINGDOM!
Artender didn’t respond and continued dodging the lasers with the best of his ability.
Suddenly, two potions hit the crystal knight on the face as the two scientists arrived from the sky. Taking advantage of their distraction, Henna hits the crystallized traveler on the chest, causing him to fall off the roof.
Are you alright?!
Y-yeah, I’m fine!
Sorry for taking so long.
I know I said I would carry you guys one by one but the human with the glasses didn’t want to go without his brother!
I-I’m sorry, okay?!
I was just too scared...
There, there, bro.
* Lightly hits him on the back *
It’s over now.
Okay... where’s Midori?
She’s waiting for me back there, I gotta hurry up!
The trio watched as Henna took flight once more. But the second she left; they were left with a bigger problem.
Um... sir Dowell?
* sigh *
What is it, Hattie?
You might want to look at this.
Artender looked around and saw that a dozen crystal knights were here to fight them on the rooftop. They were using their feathered crystallized traveler friends to reach them.
This is bad...
* Looks at the Folio Bros. *
You two, create walls with your potions and whatever to stall for time!
* Hits the radio for it to work *
Midori and Henna are on their way!
Will do, sir.
The brothers started creating a safe space with their potions but some crystal knights were able to bypass it by flying above the walls. Artender noticed the crystal knight about to attack them from above and drop kicked it before it had a chance to crystallize any of them.
Woah!
Impressive stuff!
Thanks!
“I learned it from a good friend!”
WHY. WON’T. YOU. GET. CRYSTALLIZED. ALREADY?!
Meanwhile, Array was fighting against the one and only, Crystal Queen. Maizie’s attacks were powerful but very brash at the same time.
No can do, queenie!
* Mockingly points at her *
You caused my friends and family a lot of trouble!
I can’t let you get away with that!
Maizie didn’t respond but instead, cast another spell onto Array. He punched the ground to create a dirt pillar to block her attack.
Insolent child!
You will slip up once and you will become one of my crystal knights, just like the rest of them!
I would rather not have that happen, thank you very much!
Array quickly stepped to his left and ran towards Maizie for a punch to the face. But she was able to block his gauntlet attack with her crystal arm. She tried crystallizing him in that spot but he quickly did a backflip to avoid her attack. He was getting tired by the second. He took a deep breath and hoped Sarpo was also doing great on his half.
Hope that kid’s doing alright in there...
Don’t just stand there!
Crystallize him!
Sarpo was dealing with the nonstop crystal knights shooting at him. He was blasting them with his cybernetic canon in response. Even though he had been doing better since the days of staying with Carlos, he knew he couldn’t use his cybernetics too much.
Stand down, Sarpo!
Please... you don’t know what you are doing!
You don’t know what you are doing either, Cloe!
We have to end this madness once and for all!
You asked for it...
Cloe gives the order to continue shooting crystal blasts at Sarpo with tears in her eyes. But the constant back and forth suddenly stopped as everyone turned around to check out the giant explosion in the middle of the kingdom. It was Xtress unleashing his full raw power against the forces trying to stop him. He looked in front of him with a devilish smile, he was so close to the castle.
But suddenly, the faces he wanted to see the least showed up to stop him.
NO...
Hey, Xtress!
Miss us?
THE FISH AND THE REPTILE...
YOU WILL REGRET FACING AGAINST ME-
Yeah, yeah, whatever.
You always say that.
WHAT?!
Yeah, it’s just cliche now, dude.
YOU ARE IN NO POSITION TO MAKE FUN OF ME!
Xtress put his hands on the ground for a charge attack. G and Bushra already knew about this move so they split up as always.
You are too slow!
RAGHH!
Hey stinky, why don’t you just teleport inside the castle or something?!
GRR…
Ooh, ooh, my turn!
* chuckles *
Maybe he was too dumb to figure that out!
ENOUGH!
Xtress teleported behind G to catch him off guard, but he crouched as Bushra punched Xtress on the face. They were perfectly in sync.
GAH!
Glad to know we didn’t miss a single beat after all this time.
Same here!
Xtress was getting more and more mad with each blow, he wasn’t going to be stopped by these two again! So, he decided on a different tactic. He teleported away, shocking Team Bushra as a whole. But when he teleported back, they saw Xtress next to a bunch of familiar faces.
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TELEPORT INSIDE THE CASTLE...
* Clenches his fists *
BUT I CAN DO... THIS!
Unlike last time when Xtress had to split himself to control the ex-hoodsters, he could just power them up while he was still on the battlefield. And so, the likeness of the Rascals, Survey... and a mysterious figure who still had their hoodster cloak on for some reason were teleported around the duo in a circle formation. Their color schemes turned to a bright red one just like the fight they had in front of Temple Skulled. It was a 6 against 2 fight now.
...shoot.
This is going to be a problem.
ATTACK!
And so, another battle had begun. G and Bushra split up to fight against the powered up ex-hoodsters. Bushra was distracting Markus and Survey while G was handling the rest with his hammer powers.
Come and catch me, you dorks!
Bushra was able to maneuver around the destroyed kingdom while Markus, Murray and Survey tried hitting him. Survey didn’t have any projectiles to take care of, and Markus’ crossbow shots were easy enough to manage for the time being.
Meanwhile, G was dodging Murray’s bombs and Joyce’s constant potions while the third guy was just following behind them. G thought of reflecting one of the bombs to throw Joyce off her game. Before he could do that however, he had to stop Xtress from getting inside the kingdom. He jumped in front of Xtress and pushed him away with his hammer whirlwind move.
GAH!
* Cleans his eyes *
YOU ANNOYING LITTLE...
Sorry but I can’t let you get inside!
Afterwards, G wanted to try this new tactic he came up with on the spot against the two Rascals. When Murray threw the bomb towards G, he reflected it and threw it towards Joyce, leaving a huge explosion behind.
WOO HOO!
Score 1 for Team Bushra!
After the dust settled, G looked ahead to see if he was able to stop them for the time being. But instead, he was shocked to see not only Joyce not hurt at all, but also looking more powerful than before!
W-what?!
She was floating a little above the ground with a different color scheme than before.
HM... A POWERFUL EX-HOODSTER...
WHAT A LUCKY FIND!
(Crap.)
While Murray and the other guy were down for the count for now, G still had to deal with this new powered up form of Joyce alongside Xtress. G was struggling to keep up as a lucky blast from Xtress knocked him towards Bushra.
UGH!
G, you alright?!
Ugh...
* Holding his shoulder *
I-I don’t know!
I wasn’t expecting her to have new powers like this... we need to find a new strategy!
Good idea!
Before Bushra could continue his sentence, G blocked a quick rapid jab attack from Joyce and responded with a hammer slam to the face.
This is getting out of control!
You said it!
* Trying to shoot Markus and Survey with the crystal gun *
Where is Hood anyways?!
Wait... yeah, you are right!
I didn’t even notice!
* Looks around *
Just where the heck is she?!
I don’t know but we will have to find some answers once we are done beating these guys to a pulp!
Meanwhile, the fight was still going on the rooftop. Midori and Henna joined with the Folio Bros. to stop the surrounding crystal knights while Artender was still trying to contact the outside forces.
This is so stressful!
* Hits a crystal knight with her shoulder *
How long do we have to keep this up?!
I’m not sure!
Theoretically, we can’t know for sure as Artender’s still working on the radio thing-
* Hits the crystal knight with a sleeping potion *
Not the time, bro.
We can’t lose any ground now!
Henna looks over to Artender.
How’s the progress?
I think I’m almost done!
* Moving the antennas *
ALMOST...
Henna throws one of her daggers towards a crystallized bird traveler to make them fall to the ground.
Nice shot!
Thanks!
Henna’s eyes widened as she noticed a crystal knight about to shoot Don from his back.
LOOK OUT!
And then silence. It was already too late.
D-Don?
Don suddenly turned his back with crystals stuck to his head. He started throwing potions towards the group to make them retreat. Afterwards, he started throwing potions at the walls to allow the other crystal knights to get inside.
N-NO!
DON!
Sorry bro, you will thank me later.
I GOT IT!
Artender shouted at the radio after the buzzing stopped.
Everyone, we need backup now!
We are at the Crystal Kingdom right now and we need everyone you can possibly find-
Before he could finish his sentence, a crystal knight crystallized the radio, leaving it completely useless. Artender backed away in fear as he realized they were cornered on the rooftop with his allies decreasing one by one. He saw Hattie getting crystallized in front of him and started panicking. He looked over to Henna and Midori, they had to get out of here NOW!
HENNA, GET US OUT NOW!
Henna opened her wings and tried flying away with Midori and Artender holding on to her legs. But due to her sheer speed, the bag Artender was carrying slipped away and fell to the ground in real time. Artender looked in horror underneath him.
HENNA, STOP!
WHAT, WHY?!
WHAT IS HAPPENING?!
TEO IS FALLING TO THE GROUND, WE HAVE TO-
But before he could finish his sentence, he heard the creaking sound of a crystal blast hitting somebody. In this case, it was none other than Henna Hawk herself.
Oh no no no...
The now crystallized Henna tried letting go of the two, but they were holding on for dear life.
Ms. Hawk, STOP!
Sorry guys but the queen’s rules!
M-Midori, I don’t think we are going to land safely now!
* Points at her *
In case something happens to me... I want you to find Teo and keep him safe!
B-but-
Before she could finish her sentence, the two started falling to the ground. Artender hit the grass while Midori was nowhere to be found. Artender’s vision was starting to get blurry from the damage he took. He looked around and saw a bunch of crystal knights heading towards him, including the Folio Bros and Henna. He shed a single tear and hoped his friends would save everyone before the inevitable happened.
In the middle of their fight however, Sarpo saw what happened to Artender and co. He had to do something drastic to save them.
Ma’am, he’s just standing there!
Okay?!
Then just crystallize him!
Alright, alright.
Sarpo didn’t say a word as he started blasting the wall Cloe and her crystal knights were standing on instead. He didn’t completely destroy the wall, but he created a big gap between the crystal knights and the entrance to the castle.
Crystallize a way into the castle!
Cloe looked as Sarpo took flight to somewhere instead.
This isn’t over yet, Sarpo...
“I will make you understand, my love.”
In the middle of his flight, Sarpo noticed Midori running away from a crowd of crystal knights with bruises all over her body. He swooped in to grab her at the last moment but noticed her covering her eyes.
Are you alright?
W-What...
Midori opened her eyes and saw Sarpo carrying her to a safe place. She took a deep breath of relief as she realized she was in the clear for now.
What happened over there?
T-they ambushed us and then...
Suddenly she remembered her mission and opened the backpack she was carrying. She picked up PotaTeo and showed him to Sarpo. PotaTeo was shaking in fear after what had happened.
The commander told me to protect him before he...
* sighs *
Yeah, I understand.
Sarpo turned his back and looked at the castle ahead of them.
Hopefully they won’t stay like this for too long if our plan goes accordingly.
Sarpo looked back once again and saw Midori trying to comfort PotaTeo.
There, there, potato kid...
It’s all going to be okay...
We are going to save your... dad, was it?
Yes.
Okay then...
* Takes a deep breath *
Yeah, we are going to save your dad soon!
You said it!
That’s the attitude we should be having!
* Readies his robotic arm *
We need to help Team Bushra defeat Xtress before this goes more out of control!
* Focuses his eyes and looks around *
I’m just trying to find where they are...
* Points at the giant explosion *
Could they be there?
Oh hey, good catch!
Now, come on!
We need to help them out!
Meanwhile, the battle with Xtress was getting worse by the minute. G was struggling to hold all of them off as Bushra couldn’t do much without his powers. Xtress grinned at how pathetic G was and continued his path towards the castle.
N-NO!
* Blocks another one of Joyce’s attacks *
BUSHRA, STOP HIM!
Bushra nodded and threw his fishing rod somewhere far away to hopefully get the same result... but this time, none of them were affected by it. The days of chasing after the fishing rod were over.
No...
G had to sit and watch as Xtress entered the castle. With one slip up, Joyce grabbed him by the hand and threw him to the nearest building. G didn’t know how he was going to get out of this one.
Thankfully however, his half robot friend had arrived at the scene.
Sarpo!
Hi, G!
Sarpo noticed at the hoodster horde and started blasting them farther away from G.
Hold still, G!
I will try to get us out of here!
N-nevermind that!
* Points at the door *
Xtress got inside the castle!
HE WHAT?!
Yeah!
We need to chase after him now!
While the two were fighting against the powered up hoodsters, Bushra was talking with Midori.
Hello, do you need some help?
I would appreciate that, yeah.
What did you have in that bag?
Oh?
It’s just the Teo kid.
You know, the potato?
PotaTeo jumped out of the bag to hug his friend. He was happy to see Bushra again, crystallized or not! Weirdly enough however, Bushra’s expression suddenly changed as he saw PotaTeo.
Woah, is everything alright?
Come to think of it... didn’t PotaTeo have some of Xtress’ powers? Wouldn’t the Queen need him for that? And another thing... why was he helping these people anyway? They were trashing his new home. He looked around and saw all the destruction in front of him. The land he used to walk on was getting destroyed by the second. He saw Cloe and her crystal knights trying to reach the castle with their crystal ray guns. All this chaos, all this destruction... The Crystal Queen had the power to rebuild it all by herself. And to do that, she needed another more of Xtress’ powers.
Before Midori could do anything, Bushra pulled out his crystallizer and crystallized Midori on the spot, much to her shock.
Sarpo and G were just wrapped up with dealing with the powered up hoodsters (Joyce especially was quite troublesome) but even they couldn’t predict what was going to happen. They heard the creaking sound and turned their backs to see Bushra forcefully holding PotaTeo in his arms.
B-Bushra?!
What are you doing?!
Shush, G.
* Points the crystallizer towards PotaTeo *
The queen needs you and Teo’s powers for her own gains.
* sighs *
And I can’t let you destroy my home any longer.
Bushra are you crazy?!
I-I thought we had a bond!
Sorry guys but we can’t let you hurt the Crystal Queen.
* Snaps his fingers *
Bow girl or whatever your name is, please call for nearby crystal knight friends to take these two to the queen’s room.
I WON’T LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS YOU-
But before Sarpo could attack Bushra, he was hit by one of Hattie’s potions, making him feel dizzy. G couldn’t believe what was happening.
SARPO!
G ran towards the now dizzy Sarpo lying on the ground. He was trying his hardest to wake him up. He couldn’t fight off against all these crystal knights by himself.
I-I just don’t understand!
* Looks at Bushra *
Why are you doing this?!
...
YOU CAN’T EVEN SAY A THING??
* Tries standing up but to no avail *
WE WERE SO CLOSE TO WINNING, BUSHRA!
WHY DID YOU THROW IT ALL AWAY?!
...I’m sorry, G.
But think about it this way...we stick together no matter what.
And this... this is just a variation of that.
You told me that before, didn’t you?
G looked at Bushra with anger in his eyes. After all the struggles... they lost. And because of his best friend, no less. He screamed at the top of his lungs from anger to stop him, but he had the same fate as Sarpo shortly after.
Array and Maizie felt the castle shaking just a few minutes prior, but they were too busy fighting each other to question it for long.
You know...
I was wondering why you looked so familiar... I remember you!
Array dodged another attack from Maizie while she was still talking.
I tried to stop you from running away from your hoodster duties...
* Spins her staff around and casts another powerful spell *
We were both hoodsters once and yet... you still defy me!
Array does a backflip to dodge her crystal pillar attack and lands on his feet with one hand on the ground.
I didn’t become a tyrannical maniac when I ran away that day!
I changed!
* grins *
So did I!
Array hits the ground to cause a small earthquake as Maizie dodges it by creating a crystal pillar underneath her.
You did not have to do this!
You could have been free!
* Dodges an attack *
You could have made this world a better place with MPC2-
I WAS MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE ON MY IMAGE!
WITH MY RULE, EVERYONE WOULD HAVE LIVED IN PEACE AND HARMONY!
But you were brainwashing everyone in the process to obey you!
So much for “freedom”.
* Points at Maizie *
You are no different than her!
Maizie’s eyes suddenly widened in response.
S-SHUT UP!
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!
Array took advantage of her emotional state to knock her out of the pillar she was standing on with a punch to her chest. Maizie couldn’t block it in time and hit the castle’s walls with impact. She felt herself dying by the second. She couldn’t lose now... not when she was so close...
Array walked towards her with pity in his face. This was the same girl he once shared the same fate as. But they ended up being in the exact opposite places today. At first, he hesitated to kill her because of that reason. Maybe she could be a good guy in the future... just like him! But then, he remembered all the horrible actions she took to get to this spot in the first place. All the backstabbing, all the manipulation... she was far too dangerous for this world. And so, he raised his hand with the gauntlet to punch her for the kill.
But suddenly, he heard G’s screaming coming from the outside. He suddenly lost track of what was going on. What happened to the love of his life?! In an ironic twist of fate, Maizie took advantage of Array’s emotional state as well to crystallize his gauntlet first. Array was shocked beyond belief. His gauntlet fell to the ground and as he tried getting it up, he realized the gauntlet was too heavy now. What did she just do?!
W-what-
Sorry sweetie but...
* chuckles *
YOU. JUST. LOST!
Array tried fighting back as he was getting crystallized. He managed to get a hold of Maizie’s necklace at the last second as he fully turned into a crystal knight. Maizie chuckled as she proved to everyone that no one could stop her!
My, my... weren’t YOU a resilient one?
The now crystallized Array got up and instantly apologized to his new queen.
I-I’m sorry, my queen.
I don’t know what came over me-
Ya da, ya da!
* Opens her hand *
Just give me the necklace now.
Array walked towards her to give Maizie the necklace but much to everyone’s surprise, Xtress entered the room with a sinister smile. He had the perfect opportunity now.
W-WHAT?!
* Looks at the necklace *
GIVE ME THAT!
In the rush to quickly grab the necklace, she accidentally makes Array drop it to the ground. Maizie’s eyes widened and made a run for the necklace herself.
N-NO, NOT NOW!
NOT NOW!
But it was too late, Xtress managed to get hold of Maizie before she could grab the necklace. He smiled at his prey and made room for himself in his vessel. The confused Array watched as Xtress possessed Maizie fully. At first, she fell to the ground with her eyes closed.
MY QUEEN!
Array rushed in to help her get up but instead, she started floating on her own. Her color scheme started to turn red as she slowly opened her eyes as a new being entirely.
Array watched in horror as the figure chuckled to themselves.
Such power.
Such energy.
I finally have it all for myself!
The figure stretched their arms to get a better look at their new form. It was perfect.
I’m no longer The Crystal Queen nor Xtress...
The figure telepathically grabbed Array to taunt him.
GACK!
I.
AM.
MAIXIE!
END OF CHAPTER
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