Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 39: Maixie's Games

WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1

COVER ARTIST - VIDD03K (SAM/NINIAN)

EXTRA ICONS - MIDASTHEGOLDGUY/SUPERSONIC32

EDITOR - FALIN

CHAPTER 39: MAIXIE’S GAMES

The past...

Can I take off this blindfold now?

No no, just wait for a few more seconds!

Okay...

Hm... there!

You can take it off now!

Alright.

Maizie takes off her blindfold and looks around herself. They were at their training hill again but this time, it was different. There was a picnic already setup for the two of them.

Ta-da!

Surprise!

Woah...

Do you like it?

I prepared it for us, hon.

Do I like it?

* Holds her head *

I LOVE IT!

Maizie climbs on Kyle’s back and the two drop to the grass underneath them. The two chuckle together and then share a kiss.

I wanted to do something special for the 1st anniversary of us being a couple!

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

I sure did!

* Pushes them away *

I can’t believe you made me think we were going horse riding for the night!

Hey! You were getting close to finding out what I was planning so I had to make something up!

Yeah, yeah.

* Grabs the bread from the picnic blanket *

Mhm, this is so good!

Yeah, I got your favorite one from the bakery!

You are too sweet!

The two started eating while they watched the night sky filled to the brim with stars.

Man, I can’t believe you are one of the top royal guards now!

Yup, it’s hard to believe it actually happened!

The look on your teacher’s face was priceless!

Yeah, it’s what that jerk deserved after downplaying my skill for so long.

* stretches her back *

I wouldn’t mind taking a break for a bit though, I gave it my all back there.

That’s fair.

The two finished eating and then laid down to watch the stars together. While Kyle was more than happy, they wanted to tell Maizie one more thing too.

Maizie?

* looks at Kyle *

Yes, sweetie?

I really oughta thank you for so much.

Oh? How come?

You know.

For helping me defend myself against those bullies, helping me realize who I truly am and most importantly... being the love of my life.

Maizie smiled at her lover. The two had both grown so much since the first time they met.

Don’t mention it sweetie, we are in this together after all!

Hehe, yeah...

The two continued watching the stars. Suddenly, Maizie noticed a shooting star and pointed at it so that Kyle could see.

Kyle, Kyle, look!

Oh?

It’s a shooting star!

Make a wish now!

Maizie closed her eyes and made a wish. While Kyle looked at the shooting star as it disappeared into the dark sky shortly after.

Ah... that was fun!

* looks at Kyle *

What did you wish for?

I... didn’t.

Oh, is something wrong?

* raises her eyebrow *

You don’t believe in shooting stars or something?

No, it’s not that.

I just... I don’t know.

* looks at the sky again *

I just feel uneasy.

With the current rumors of those hooded figures... I just feel like something’s going to go wrong.

(also worried) H-hey, don’t think about that.

* holds Kyle’s shoulder *

No matter what happens, we will handle it together, right?

* smiles *

Right.

The two continued watching the night sky in its full beauty.

So, what did you wish for?

Oh, me?

Well...

Maizie leaned over to Kyle and kissed them on the cheek.

“I wished for this moment to last forever.”

Present day...

Move it, G!

* holding his arms up in the air *

I’m coming, I’m coming, geez!

After his betrayal, Bushra was keeping G, Sarpo and PotaTeo hostage, unknowing of what just happened inside the castle. The queen will be very satisfied, Bushra thought to himself. PotaTeo was trying to get away, but Bushra made sure to hold him still until they arrived at the throne room.

Hope you are proud of your decision, Bushra.

All of our hard work is undone, just because of your terrible decision making.

...I am proud of my decision, actually.

Uh huh...

* points at him *

Don’t you get it?!

Because of you, we won’t be able to stop Maizie anymore!

Oh, don’t give me that!

Why do you guys want her gone so badly anyways?!

I will show you why... with my FISTS!

Bushra manages to dodge Sarpo’s extendo-arm and looks at him with pity.

Not cool, man.

* points the crystallizer at PotaTeo *

One more funny move and he’s crystallized.

Are we clear?

Sarpo sighed and backed away. He couldn’t believe one of his closest friends was acting like this.

* snaps his finger *

Bow girl, keep Sarpo at bay!

* points at herself *

Is he referring to me?

Yeah, I thought that was pretty obvious.

Midori lightly hits Sarpo as a response. But by mistake, she hits his cybernetics instead, hurting her hand in the process.

OW!

Sarpo grinned, even at the tail end of their adventure, he wasn’t going to let the enemy have the final laugh. He looked around and noticed that G hadn’t talked back at all during all of this.

You doing okay, buddy?

I... just don’t know what to say.

* looks at Sarpo in the eye *

I can’t believe we lost...

We still haven’t lost!

We are still standing after all!

* puts his hand on G’s shoulder *

Besides, maybe Array actually did succeed in his mission and he’s waiting for us inside!

I sure hope so...

I am really worried about him too.

And so, they entered the castle and painstakingly climbed up the stairs. The throne room was on the highest floor after all. G looked around this place again. It had been such a long time since he had been here. He escaped this place with the Tender Family and Bushra months ago. During those hard days, all G wanted was coming back here after saving his friends and family... not like that was going to happen anymore. On their way to the throne room, suddenly both Bushra and Midori held their heads in agony. Something was wrong.

W-what’s happening?!

Yeah, what’s the problem?

But the two didn’t respond. They continued on leading the two to the throne room without saying a single word. Something was definitely wrong, however. Once they reached the top floor, Sarpo was quick to realize that the throne room’s door was wide opened. And there was a strange... aura coming from the inside.

Oh no...

You don’t think-

* sighs *

Only one way to find out.

As they entered the throne room, they saw a terrifying view in front of them. The figure ominously sitting on the throne wasn’t Maizie nor Xtress... it was something else entirely. Bushra and Midori both pushed G and Sarpo to the ground as they saw the figure grinning from teeth to teeth.

My, my...

* goes in a thinking position *

Sarpo and G, is it?

I can finally remember you guys’ names now, thanks to this body...

Sarpo looked behind them and saw Midori and Bushra blocking the exit. There was nowhere else to go now. He helped G get up and tried to understand what they were dealing with.

I’m so glad you two could show up in time!

You are just in time for the show to begin!

* giggles *

You two can watch as I start destroying this planet to its very core!

G and Sarpo were terrified. They had to do something to stop this creature from destroying their home. Suddenly, G realized something. If Maizie was still around... where was Array?

As G looked further, he noticed the love of his life crystallized. G was going to lose it. Sarpo knew how G was feeling so he was ready to support him.

You...

Maixie was confused at G’s reaction until they noticed him looking at the crystal knight next to them.

Aw... are you mad because of him?

* grins *

Poor thing is sad his “thunder boy” is now mine to control?

YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!

Before the figure could stand up, both G and Sarpo went on the offensive. But they were both stopped midair by the figure’s psychic abilities.

Trying to attack me when I’m monologuing, eh?

* chuckles *

You have not changed at all, Mr. Fields.

The figure launches the two towards the nearby wall. Sarpo was able to stop his momentum in the air and caught G before he had some serious damage.

Still valuing others’ lives more than yours?

That’s going to be your downfall... just like all the other times.

Save it Maizie... Xtress... or whatever you are!

Maixie chuckles and starts slowly walking in circles around the two.

I’m not Xtress anymore, I’m not Maizie either.

* grins *

I’m something else entirely!

Oh yeah?

* holding his head *

Well, that’s not something to be proud of!

Two meanies combined into one, big deal!

Maixie looks at G with annoyance.

I wouldn’t be so cocky if I were you.

* whispers *

G, please.

We should come up with a plan first-

No!

I’m done running away from my problems!

* points at Maixie *

You ruined everything!

G takes a few steps back and summons his hammer. He wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of him and his allies’ suffering.

I will fight against you ‘till the very end!

Maixie’s eyes widened. They were not expecting a reaction like this from G of all people. But their surprised expression didn’t last long as they started grinning. G didn’t understand why they were smiling but he would find out the hard way shortly after.

You will respect the queen!

At the last moment, G blocked Array’s gauntlet attack with his hammer and looked at his boyfriend in pain.

Array, please stand down!

Sarpo was about to help him out but G told him to stop midway through him charging an attack. This was personal.

* looks at Array*

Array, listen to me.

I don’t want to do this!

* points at G *

If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be fighting against me!

Hahaha!

* slams their staff to the ground *

You are almost going to make feel pity because of how pathetic you truly are!

All that big talk and you still can’t hurt a loved one!

Maixie reaches out their arm to stop Array from attacking G. They clearly had more plans for the two than just a straight up duel.

W-what?!

* waves his hand in front of Array’s face *

What happened?!

He won’t be fighting you much longer... until I want him to, that is.

What’s your plan now then, Xtress?!

Destroy the planet like you wanted to for hundreds of years?

Oh my, you catch on quick!

* sits back on the throne *

Actually yes, that was my plan.

* points at themselves *

Now that I have this perfect body, (maybe minus the hair), I can destroy this planet in ease!

Why do you even do this?!

* opens his arms *

Ever since the beginning, you tried destroying Perdiah!

But why?!

There has to be a reason!

You REALLY want to find out?!

Maixie raised their left arm to choke G in the air.

LET HIM GO!

I was once a GOD, boy.

I have waited years to be freed from that stupid dimension... only for humanity to use me as a tool!

* grips their fist harder *

This planet is filled with corrupted people and I will have to pleasure of reshaping it in my own image!

G was struggling to breath with every passing second. He had to do something!

With my already powerful sorcery and this girl’s crystal army, I will annihilate every single living being on this planet in a matter of a few days!

I won’t destroy this planet; I’ll wake it up!

* looks at G *

Is that understood?!

G could hardly nod with the constant pain he felt around his neck. Maixie made him go shortly after. Sarpo quickly rushed in to help G out.

You know, it would be SO simple to just crystallize you three and start my conquest... but I want to have one last moment of fun before I get to business!

W-

* coughs *

What do you mean?!

Maixie snapped their fingers as a bunch of old allies and enemies appeared in front of them. The Rascals, Survey, the mysterious hoodster, Midori, Henna, The Folio Bros, you name it! Since Bushra got teleported alongside them, PotaTeo was now freed. He quickly rushed towards Sarpo and G for comfort. Sarpo spotted Cloe in the middle of the crowd and angrily looked at her. PotaTeo saw his family, one crystallized and the other under mind control about to attack them. He jumped onto G’s arms for comfort. G tried joking around to calm himself down.

R-really, that’s the challenge?!

* fake laughs *

You tried the same thing outside just a few hours ago!

Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t.

* grins *

I just want to see how pathetic you all are by fighting your loved ones!

Surely it must drive you crazy, haha!

(Okay... we might take them out if we split up...)

Oh! I almost forgot!

Maixie got up from their throne and threw away the cape they were wearing to show off their crystal arm in full.

I will be supporting my minions unlike that pathetic freak Maizie!

G, Sarpo and PotaTeo went to their battle stances. This was going to be rough, but it was the best chance they had.

Before Maixie sent the command to battle, something strange happened. Maixie held their chest and coughed a bit of blood.

...what?

Maixie looked at the blood on their hand in confusion. What was happening with this body?!

* looked at their minions *

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

ATTACK!

The two watched as the army started running towards them. G and Sarpo already took down most of these guys before so they wanted to try a similar tactic.

I’ll take the left; you take the right.

Got it.

Before they could attack however, they saw PotaTeo wanting to help the two.

It is too dangerous out here, Teo!

I promised your father I would keep you safe!

But PotaTeo didn’t want to hide anymore. He was willing to stop this madness even if it meant he could get crystallized. He looked at Sarpo and shook his head. He was determined.

* sighs *

As you wish.

Sarpo took a few steps to the back to charge up an attack.

Good luck, Sarpo.

Good luck to you two as well.

And so, the battle had begun.

Sarpo finished charging up his attack and blew the others away with his manual windbox attack. This would give them plenty of time to fight back.

G decided to deal with the crystal knights first. Artender and Henna tried grabbing him by the legs but he was able to avoid them with his hammer jump. In midair, G charged up a whirlwind to stun them for some time. He then landed on the ground and pushed the crystal knights away. He was trying his hardest to not think about the fact that they were all his friends.

He saw the Folio Bros healing up the group. G knew he had to take them down first, otherwise they weren’t going to win this battle anytime soon. He rushed towards the two and tripped them with his leg. The Folio Bros threw a sleeping potion at G but with G’s careful dodging, it hit Henna instead. G noticed Hattie saying “Oops” with Don angrily looking at him. G pushed the two with another whirlwind attack.

Three down, four to go.

Meanwhile, Sarpo was fighting against the ex-hoodsters. He noticed Emily biting him on the legs and gently pushed her away from the others. He wasn’t going to hurt a little girl. But the Rascals? They were fair game.

I remember you three!

You are going to pay for ruining my vacation!

Sarpo raised his robotic arm and transformed it to a laser blaster. He was dying to use this for the longest time. And it seemed like they weren’t expecting this either as he noticed the guy with the blue hair running away from the scene with tears in his eyes.

The Rascals still pushed on the offensive. They were just as determined as Sarpo was. But as time went on, Sarpo started to struggle with defending himself. There were just too many attacks coming from all sides. One lucky arrow shot from Markus malfunctioned Sarpo’s flying capabilities. Sarpo looked around himself in pain as the Rascals went in for the kill. But PotaTeo saved Sarpo by growing in size and pushing them all away. Sarpo couldn’t believe his eyes.

TEO?!

PotaTeo looked back at Sarpo with happiness and continued shooing away the ex-hoodsters away from them.

Phew... that was too close for comfort!

Suddenly, Sarpo noticed Maixie casting a spell onto PotaTeo to push him away from the ex-hoodsters. Maixie wasn’t crystallizing either of them yet but they still wanted a good fight nonetheless. Sarpo rushed towards PotaTeo to help him get up but he quickly realized that they were surrounded.

Back to G, he was dealing with the remaining crystal knights: Midori, Artender, Cloe and Array. He dodged Midori’s sword attacks and threw her towards Artender as a distraction. He had a lot of apologizing to do after they saved the day. He noticed Cloe changing her target and going after Sarpo instead. G looked at Sarpo’s whereabouts and saw him and PotaTeo being cornered by Maixie and the ex-hoodsters.

G started to panick. He wasn’t going to let them down, not after everything that went down. He threw his hammer towards Maixie to distract them just long enough so that Sarpo and PotaTeo got back on their feet.

YES!

* raises his hand with a fist *

Good luck guys!

But before he could celebrate even more, Array punched him away with a gauntlet attack. G hit the wall really hard and held his shoulder in pain. He got up as quickly as he could before Array could land another hit on him. G held his hammer with his non messed up arm to fight against Array.

Array...

G...

There was no need for talk. The two lovers already knew what they had to do. They started fighting against each other with everything they got. Array tried hitting G with the gauntlet but G avoided it with a hammer jump. G charged up his hammer in the air and threw his hammer towards Array. Array was able to block the attack by holding onto his gauntlet. After the attack, G’s hammer returned to him like a boomerang.

It was now Array’s time to attack. He hit the ground with his gauntlet to cause an earthquake. G was able to dodge Array’s earthquake attack with another hammer jump. He landed on the ground but before he could do anything, he was trapped by one of Maixie’s crystal spells. He tried moving his body while being stuck between the crystal pillars, but he wasn’t strong enough to break through.

Ah...finally!

* slowly floats towards him *

I have been waiting for this moment for the longest time!

W-What do you mean?!

Well, let’s just say...

* chuckles *

You have something that belongs to me!

Before G could escape, it happened. Maixie put her finger on G’s forehead and started absorbing his power for themselves. Once he was able to see clearly again, G was horrified to realize that he lost his powers... again.

There we go!

* smiles *

That’s more like it!

Maixie summons two hammers to flex on G’s heartbroken self. G couldn’t believe what had just happened. After everything he went through... he was right back at the beginning. Powerless to stop anyone.

Well then.

Now that I got back what’s mine...

* points the staff at G *

I don’t have a use for you no more!

Maixie started charging up another crystal move to crystallize G and once for all.

See you on the other side, freak!

NO!

G closed his eyes at that moment, going on out a somber but also happy note, knowing that he and his friends tried their best at saving their world. But before the crystal beam could hit him, another person took the shot for him instead. G opened his eyes and was shocked to see a crystallized Sarpo instead.

(also confused) Woah, now THAT was unexpected... is what I would say if you weren’t SO PREDICTABLE!

Maixie pushed the crystallized Sarpo away with a spell. He wasn’t going to ruin this for them. G looked at the crystallized Sarpo trying to get up in sadness. He gave away his freedom... just to save him. And it didn’t even matter at the end. He was going to get crystallized anyways!

Now just him and PotaTeo remained. Once they were gone too, they would lose everything. Just dealing with Maizie and Xtress solo was bad enough. But with everyone else here as well? It was practically impossible.

G tried to make a run for it to the exit until Maixie stopped him with a fiery punch. G rolled away from the attack but instead, hit his back on a crystal stuck on the castle walls.

ACK!

HAHA!

You thought you could escape that easily, huh?

G tried to push himself away from the line of fire by holding onto the crystal on the wall. Surprising him however, the crystal had a faint red color on it when he was holding onto it.

What the-

Before he could process what was going on, Maixie hit G on the chest with a kick, launching him to the other side of the room. He could barely breathe after that. He looked around in pain and saw PotaTeo cornered by a bunch of crystal knights and ex-hoodsters. He didn’t stand a chance either.

G watched in sadness as Maixie charged another crystallization spell towards him. In the last few moments of his life, he wanted to think of simpler times.

Them going on a worldwide adventure to destroy Xtress, him meeting with Bushra and the others for the first time, saving his boyfriend from dying etc. All his memories were flashing in front of him in rapid succession... but one of them stuck out to him the most.

Back when they were stuck inside Cave Inertia, they found a strange grey colored door. They were getting chased around by hoodsters in that maze like cave. Since they didn’t have any other option, they decided to enter it. It was such a bizarre experience, looking back. They went through many weird looking rooms and managed to escape the crystal room... wait.

G’s eyes suddenly widened. Could it be? He and Bushra held those crystals with their bare hands for a bit, resulting in those crystals turning red and then exploding. Not to mention him turning the nearby crystal red just by holding onto it... Could this have really ben the solution all along...

TEO!

PotaTeo looked at G with tears in his eyes. He wasn’t really doing good himself either.

Teo, listen to me!

Grab ahold of the crystals stuck on people’s heads and don’t let go!

PotaTeo seemed confused if anything.

Please!

You are our only-

AHHHH!

Before he could finish his sentence, he was crystallized just like the rest of his friends. PotaTeo started tearing up after the fact but knew he had to try what G said to him before he was caught. And perhaps maybe... this was his time to shine!

That... was strange.

I wonder what that was about-

Maixie noticed PotaTeo with an angry expression. He wanted to avenge everyone he knew and loved.

Ooh, what’s wrong little man?

You want to join the rest?!

* points their staff at PotaTeo *

Happy to oblige!

PotaTeo took advantage of the situation as he jumped away at the last second from their attack.

Peh, lucky dodge.

Maixie continued casting the spells towards PotaTeo but he used his friends and enemies in the room to bounce off them. He had to reach Bushra before it was too late.

NO!

SOMEONE GET AHOLD OF THAT POTATO!

After a few more jumps, PotaTeo managed to find Bushra and hugged the crystal on his head.

W-What are you doing?!

* trying to pick up PotaTeo *

Let me go!

Before Bushra could throw PotaTeo away, the crystals on his head started glowing, just like PotaTeo predicted! Maixie covered their eyes to avoid the blinding light, only to see Bushra de-crystallized and just as confused.

H-huh?

Wh-where am I?!

* notices PotaTeo *

Teo?! What’s going on?!

IMPOSSIBLE!

HOW... HOW DID YOU DECRYSTALLIZE ONE OF MY KNIGHTS?!

Maixie was about to cast a spell towards the two to make sure this would end at that moment but before they could, they coughed up blood on the ground again. Maixie fell while holding their heart in pain.

W-what’s happening to this body?!

Aha!

Take that you... sorceress slash queen slash bad man... thing.

* looks at PotaTeo *

Did I do good?

PotaTeo rolled his eyes and gave him a passing score. He pointed at the other crystal knights in the room afterwards.

Uh... what do you mean?

Potateo sighed(?) and tried explaining with everything that went down with sign language.

Ooh, I see!

So, you are saying you can turn our friends back to normal?

PotaTeo quickly nodded. He was actually pretty surprised that Bushra got it right in his first try. They saw the crystal knights; Cloe, Midori, Henna and The Folio Bros readying their crystallizers.

Oh boy, that don’t look good!

Maixie was struggling to get up as they noticed PotaTeo freeing the crystal knights one by one. It was a chaotic sight to behold. Everyone was fighting each other, getting crystallized/decrystallized, you name it! Bushra was distracting the ex-hoodsters in the meantime.

Whoops, sorry for this, Artender!

* picks up Emily *

Here’s your kid, that will be 30 bucks!

Bushra dodges Artender’s punch but just briefly.

I-It’s fine, you can pay later too!

PotaTeo first jumped on Sarpo’s head to decrystallize him. A brief flash of light appeared as Sarpo was freed.

W-what happened?!

Where’s Cloe?!

PotaTeo gently pointed at Cloe running towards them with a crystallizer at hand.

Oh dear-

Sarpo took off in the air and started spinning in circles with PotaTeo on his back.

What did you guys do?!

Did you find a cure or something?!

PotaTeo shrugged. Clearly, he didn’t know the exact reason either but it worked so he wasn’t going to complain now!

I see!

* points underneath them *

So, we better get everyone changed back before that monster gets up!

WHY. AREN’T. YOU. WORKING?!

Maixie was ripping their hair out in anger. This didn’t make sense. They couldn’t stand up without feeling pain, let alone stop the potato from ruining their plans.

(I can still call for my army to crystallize them...)

(Of course!)

(We still outnumber them!)

(We can still-)

But suddenly, Maixie heard sounds of a trumpet playing outside. Maixie looked outside from the broken window and saw a huge army headed to the Crystal Kingdom. The cavalry had arrived! So many Travelers and humans were heading to the kingdom with horses while some were following behind them with other type of vehicles.

NO, IMPOSSIBLE!

Where did they come from?!

Maixie tried standing up but instantly fell to the ground again. The pain was unmatched.

RAGHHH!

* still holding their heart *

WORK YOU STUPID BODY, WORK!

Stop in the name of the-

PotaTeo jumped on Hattie’s head and decrystallized him on the spot.

Ouch...

* holds his head *

That hurt...

Hattie cleared his eyes and when he realized what was going on around him, he started to panic.

What on Perdiah is going on around here?!

Hattie looked to his left and saw his brother about to crystallize him again.

Don! Listen to me!

* reaches out for a potion *

Don’t do this!

Sorry Hattie but the queen’s rules-

Before he could also finish his sentence, PotaTeo decrystallized him too in an instant.

* raises his eyebrow *

You were saying?

Don’t... don’t tell that to anyone.

The two checked their pockets and readied their potions for a counterattack. But before they could do so, they saw Midori getting decrystallized next to them.

Oh!

* waves his hand *

Hello Midori!

Welcome back from being a crystal knight!

(...I wish I stayed crystallized.)

What’s going on?!

Artender quickly shook his head and looked around after his decrystallization. There was chaos everywhere.

We decrystallized you!

SARPO?!

Don’t worry!

Just stay calm!

O-okay.

* looks around *

W-Where are the kids?!

I don’t know where Emily is but Teo...

(scared) W-What about Teo?

Sarpo pointed at the chaos in front of them. Artender saw PotaTeo decrystalizing folks while they were fighting back against the ex-hoodsters. PotaTeo was just done decrystallizing Henna.

Woah, that was unpleasent!

* cheers PotaTeo *

Thank you kindly, little potato man.

Our clan will cherish your name ‘till the end of time!

* smiles *

Well, what do you think?

* wipes off his tears *

I couldn’t be any prouder...

Artender waved at PotaTeo in the mist of everything that was going on. He was able to see how proud his dad was for a brief moment before continuing to save others.

I will try to find Emily to make sure nothing bad happens to her.

* puts his hand on Sarpo’s shoulder *

Good luck with... her.

...thank you.

Sarpo looked at his back and saw the love of his life staring at him with a blank expression. So, it all came to this, Sarpo thought to himself. He was going to save the love of his life one way or another. He looked at Henna and PotaTeo, they had a plan in mind already.

Henna started flying around the building to distract Cloe while Sarpo grabbed PotaTeo and launched him towards her head. She was now free just like the rest of them.

W-what...

Cloe looked around herself in confusion. She thought she was hallucinating after seeing Sarpo alongside her childhood best friend.

S-Sarpo?!

* squints her eyes *

...Henna?!

Cloe was worried that Sarpo would be angry with her after she spilled out their plans to Maizie and the others but instead...

It’s okay, sweetie.

I’m here.

Sarpo walked towards Cloe to hug her. It was hard to believe what just happened. At first, she was hesitant but soon, Cloe hugged him back.

I missed you so much sweetie.

I missed you too...

Let us never split apart ever again!

And so, Sarpo kissed Cloe on the lips, much to Henna’s weirded out reaction.

Wait... you were referring to Cloe this whole time?!

Y-yeah?

I thought you had a human girlfriend or something!

Sarpo blushes out of embarrassment.

(sarcastically) Happy to see you too, Henna.

* reaches out her hand *

It has been such a long time, hasn’t it?

* smiles *

Sure has.

Happy to see you here around these parts.

Don’t mention it, Cloe.

I am happy to report that my clan is still doing great!

That’s awesome to hear!

Sarpo watched as the two previous best friends hugged it out. He noticed Array fighting against the crystallized G to get him to listen. PotaTeo was there to thankfully decrystallize him. Once it was over, G looked around himself in confusion.

W-where am I?

* looks around *

Is this… heaven?

Before G could realize what was going on, Array jumped at him as the two fell to the ground together.

Woah, what’s the problem, thunder boy?!

I thought you were a goner, bun bun!

* kisses him on the cheek *

I’m so glad you are okay!

Ugh... that’s enough of watching lovebirds from me.

Yuck!

And whoop!

Bushra trips Murray down and throws him towards Markus and Survey to distract them.

This is almost too easy!

But Bushra didn’t take one of the Rascals into account. His eyes widened as he looked behind him, just to see Joyce about to bombard him with potions.

You know, that makes more sense.

Bushra started running away from Joyce’s endless barage of potions.

Gah, you were always my least favorite out of the three!

* dodges the potions *

A little bit of help?!

We got you!

And so, Sarpo and the rest of his friends fought off against the mind controlled ex-hoodsters. At least for a bit!

STOP!

What, why?!

Emily’s with them!

I can’t let her get hurt!

Y-yeah, please don’t hurt anyone!

Huh?

What’s with you two?

We think, one of them...

* points at the girl in the lab coat *

-is our sister!

WHAT?!

The ex hoodsters were gaining ground once again. They had to be stopped.

Okay then...

* raises his arm *

Change of plans, everybody!

We just push them back!

Don’t harm them!

Everyone yelled “Got it” out of sync once again and pushed the ex hoodsters outside the throne room.

Meanwhile, Maixie was starting to lose control of their body. Her eyes turned white for a split second as Xtress left Maizie’s body in a powerless state. The pain was just too much to handle. Maizie opened her eyes and looked at the chaos around her. Her inner voice continuously shouted “no”, this wasn’t how it was supposed to end!

Maizie held her head in pain and saw Xtress lying on the ground, powerless. This was her chance.

YOU...

* tries to get up *

YOU INSIGNIFICANT LITTLE-

Before Xtress could finish his threats, Maizie casted a spell on Xtress to stun him in place. She held her chest in pain. Now it was time to do what she wanted to do from the very beginning.

Once every ex-hoodster was out, Sarpo looked back and saw Maizie casting a spell on Xtress. He was confused, why wasn’t she attacking them?

G-guys?!

What’s wrong?

Maizie is trying to do something!

We have to stop her!

Maizie overheard his shouting and right before they could reach her, she covered around herself and Xtress with crystal pillars. Now they were both stuck inside with nowhere to go.

DANG IT!

* looks around *

Guys, this is the final stretch!

Come on, we can do this!

* punches the crystal pillar with his cybernetic hand *

Help me tear this thing open!

Right behind you, sweetie!

Not sure if my daggers are strong enough to leave a dent but I will do my best!

* holds G’s hand *

You got it, Mr. Fields!

* blushes *

Y-yup!

Let’s kick some crystal queen butt!

Yip yip!

We gotta find you a better catchphrase after this...

* holding PotaTeo *

We have got your back, always.

Boy, what a joy.

And so, everyone nodded and went to work. G and Bushra were kicking it since they didn’t have their powers, Array was punching it repeatedly with his gauntlet, The Folio Bros were throwing whatever potions they had at the thing, Midori was trying to slice it open etc. They had to reach her before something drastic happened.

Meanwhile, Maizie was continuing to cast her spell onto Xtress. She could hear the cracking sounds coming from the outside, they were all trying to reach her. Xtress’ once lively red color suddenly vanished as he become entirely white. Maizie took a deep breath afterwards as her glowing red eyes reflected on the crystals covering her. After such a long time, she was able to think clearly again. She looked at the crystal pillars in shame. She covered her eyes with her crystal hand and sat down. She didn’t know where to begin.

She started this whole thing to prove Hood was in the wrong but instead... she became just like her. She abused so many people on the way to getting what she wanted, just like her. Perhaps Sarpo really was right. Things could have turned for the better if she didn’t plot out this overly complicated scheme, resented MPC2 and biggest of all... knew the side effects of using this kind of power.

But it was too late now. She could tell she didn’t have much time left in this world. Even if she surrendered now, she was going to perish not long after. Not to mention every awful thing she did towards others. Her heart’s been beating slower and slower since Xtress took control of her body. She wasn’t even seeing things clearly anymore.

Maizie reached out to her pockets and pulled out a picture of her and the love of her life. She did all of this for them after all. She started tearing up as she realized what she had to do before she said goodbye to this world.

Maizie stood up and pointed her staff towards Xtress. This was going to be risky but she knew this was her only chance. She started transferring over Xtress’ powers to her next spell as her eyes became normal like before. She started casting a spell;

“When there’s darkness, there’s light.

Ignore the light and reignite the darkness!

Save the one I desire the most!”

And then, a brief moment of silence.

As she finished her spell, a brief flash of light, combined with a powerful energy wave afterwards, covered the entire planet. It destroyed all the crystals on Perdiah, essentially freeing every crystal knight in the process. It also caused a small explosion on its center point, causing everyone trying to get in to get launched back.

G was barely able to open his eyes after the fact. Once he got up and cleared his eyes, he saw his friends helping each other get up.

Ugh... my head...

G?!

* puts the rock back in its place *

Are you alright?!

Y-yeah, I’m fine, Array.

* looks at his hand *

I feel... strange.

Screw that!

* hugs him *

I’m just glad you are okay!

* tears up *

M-me too.

* looks at his hand again *

Let me try something.

Okay...

G focused on summoning his hammer and sure enough, he was able to summon his hammer again.

Woah...

My powers returned back to me...

So, if that’s the case...

G looked back where Maizie used the spell, it was hard to tell what was there with the dust clouds covering the air.

What happened to Xtress?

G and Array looked around themselves and saw their friends looking underneath them through the broken window. They saw people outside looking at each other all confused with broken crystals everywhere. The whole group had battle scars but G was certain the Folio Bros would take care of them sooner than later.

I-Is it-

Yeah, it’s finally over.

And so, the group started celebrating. The nightmare was finally over! G noticed Bushra manipulating the water from a nearby broken pipe to play around with the kids. He got his powers back too it seemed.

Yeee, this is so fun!

* lands on her dad’s shoulders *

You did it, dad!

No...

* kisses Emily on the forehead *

We did it, little one.

Yay!

And of course...

Artender picked up PotaTeo. He seemed so giddy.

My son saved us all from that maniac queen!

Everyone cheered on for PotaTeo. He was so happy! But then, he noticed G looking a little upset. So, he pointed at G too.

Wait, huh?

They all looked at G at the same time which made him turn red out of embarrassment. He really wasn’t used to this attention.

You are saying that G told you what to do?

PotaTeo nodded. And so, the group started celebrating G as well!

T-thank you?

I-I don’t know if I’m okay with this…

G felt someone holding him by the shoulders.

It’s fine, bun bun.

I will be waiting for you here.

Yeah, just relax man!

You earned it!

Array and Bushra’s words gave G the confidence to take some pride on his accomplishments. He and PotaTeo really did save the day!

T-thank you everybody!

* wipes off his tears *

I’m so happy to be with you again after such a long time!

They shared the credit together as they started celebrating. But G was still feeling uneasy. He had to make sure Maizie or some other force didn’t run away from them like all the other times.

E-excuse me, I need to check something!

What is it?

I’m gonna check if Maizie or someone else is still there!

But G, it’s too dangerous!

There might be holes everywhere!

You might fall!

I will take that risk!

G went ahead as everyone else looked at him all confused. They were going to wait until the dust settled to check up over there but G didn’t want to take any risks anymore. He reached there first and looked behind him. They were still celebrating their victory. G chuckled to himself. It seemed like things were about to go back to normal. But what he saw would change the course of Perdiah forever.

He saw two figures standing next to each other, but he couldn’t exactly tell their silhouette from all the clouds of dust. As G walked closer, he saw a crystal statue version of Maizie alongside a person mourning for her loss. He saw this person’s right arm being replaced with one of Xtress’ monster arms. He could faintly hear the figure mourning over Maizie’s death.

Oh sweetie... what did you do...

And then... it clicked. G’s eyes widened as he realized who this person was. It... it can’t be. No person with their life essence removed should have been able to come back to Perdiah... until now.