Turtle's Expedition: Rescribbled Chapter 40: Their Choice

WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1

COVER ARTIST/s - ENDIEMID & MIDASTHEGOLDGUY & SOHEKUN & TURTLEDOODLE1

PANEL ARTIST - SOHEKUN

EDITOR - FALIN

CHAPTER 40: THEIR CHOICE

Ugh...

In the mist of everything that was going on, Markus woke up and looked around himself with a headache. When he finished looking at his surroundings, he was even more confused than before. Where even were they? What happened?

The last thing he could remember was him and his team visiting abandoned places on Perdiah with their hover bike, The Troubling Sky! They were going to rob those places for cash and useful material... at least that was their plan before they all lost their consciousness.

They were on a destroyed castle’s top floor. There were holes everywhere that they could fall into. Markus backed away with a worried expression and bumped into the pillar behind him. He heard sounds of running coming from not so far away. He squinted his eye and noticed familiar faces in the crowd. Those MPC2 freaks were here, of course, Markus thought to himself. Eugh. He never needed their help, and he certainly wouldn’t need them now!

He looked at his sides and saw his teammates lying on the floor, unconscious. The sooner they got out of there, the better. He shook Murray and Joyce to wake them up.

Hey, get up you vermin!

Ugh...

* looks around *

What the heck happened?

* holding his head *

Where are we...

Gah! Who cares?!

* points at the people running *

MPC2 peeps are here!

We need to get a move on already!

Huh?

The heck’s those jokers doing around these parts?

I don’t know but we will figure it out... eventually!

Now come on!

B-but-

What?!

How about we... don’t run away this time?

Huh?

* puts his hand on his chin *

What are you suggesting here?

I don’t know... m-maybe they might help us!

* points at Array *

That kid... he used to be an ex-hoodster... just like us!

If they were able to forgive him, perhaps we could also-

You can’t be serious.

I-I mean... just think about it-

Forget it!

Those guys are just nothing but trouble!

* looks around *

Isn’t that right, Joyce?

But no response came, much to Markus’ surprise. He looked around for Joyce but notices her also looking at the crowd... but with an unexpected expression; confused. Markus was irritated beyond belief.

Oh, for the love of-

* covers his face *

Come on, Joyce!

We need to go!

...

JOYCE!

Yeah... let’s go, boss- man.

That’s more like it!

And so, Joyce followed after the two as they ran away from the hero group. She was looking at her brothers that whole time, wondering why they were here in the first place. And most importantly, why they seemed so... happy. But in the end, it didn’t really matter. She shrugged it off and went on to continue her life as a wanted criminal. Just how she liked it. She looked at her group with a smile, ready for another adventure.

G couldn’t believe what he was seeing. No... this had to be some sort of trick by Maizie. It just had to be! But if this was somehow real... how? How did she manage to do this? How did she manage to resurrect Kyle themselves...

D-Don’t freak out.

* raises his hands *

I-I’m a friend.

No... I remember you!

* backs away a few steps *

You knocked me out once!

(Ooh, right.)

(I did do that once, didn’t I?)

G-Get away from me!

While backing away, Kyle noticed one of their arms have changed into a weird monster arm and starts freaking out.

AGGH! WHAT?!

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY ARM?!

* looks at G *

Did you do this?!

N-No!

You must be lying!

You... you have to be!

* looks at their monster arm again *

What’s happening to me...

Look.

I don’t understand what’s going on either but you NEED to calm down.

I can’t help you otherwise.

Help?!

I don’t need your help!

Please, make this easy for yourself!

Go... AWAY!

Kyle points their monster arm towards G and shot a laser through it. G was able to block the attack with his hammer at the last moment with a shocked expression on his face.

Wha-

How did you do that?!

Kyle looked at their arms with fear in their eyes.

I- I don’t know!

Just as things were about to get more hectic, G saw a familiar face floating towards him.

G, what the heck is going on?!

We heard an explosion and-

Hey, what are you pointing at?

Sarpo looks at G’s direction and sees Kyle looking at him with fear.

What.

Sarpo takes off his shades and clears his eyes.

G, what did you do?!

Me?!

I didn’t do anything!

* looks at Kyle *

Right?

Y-yeah!

Not that I recall!

Kyle backed away a bit as Sarpo tried finding out what exactly was going on.

H-hey, back off, mate!

* takes a few steps back *

I will not hesitate to fight back!

Please stop pretending to act menacingly.

You are really terrible at it.

Kyle frowned as a response. Sarpo grabbed their monster arm to investigate the situation even further.

This is... strange.

What part of this ISN’T strange?!

...good point.

* turns the monster arm around *

Hm... this looks oddly familiar.

Sarpo backed away from Kyle and looked at the two.

Yeah, that settles it.

Kyle looked at Sarpo with a worried expression on their face. They were scared of what Sarpo was going to say.

You are... Xtress.

Kind of.

WHAT?!

What does that even mean?!

Will you two just relax already?!

* sighs *

I am not %100 sure myself.

This is just the most likely theory I got.

What do you mean by me being... “Xtress”?

Well-

Suddenly, the three of them all looked back after hearing a loud shouting coming from behind them. A figure with blue hair was standing on top of a high place, made with rubbish from the fights inside, shouting at their friends with a hoodster next to him.

Woah...

Who is that?

S-Survey?!

Aha!

It is I, my friends!

* bows *

Now that the Crystal Queen is gone... I, Mike Survey, will be your new ruler!

Everyone looked at him with question marks in their heads.

Uh... who are you again?

WHAT?!

* takes a few steps to the front *

How come you people not know about “Mike Survey”?

Does that name ring any bells?

Not really, no.

GRRR...

* looks at the hoodster next to him *

Minion! Am I well known or not?!

Sir, can you please let me go...

GRR... FINE!

Survey drops off the innocent hoodster from the rubble.

Useless, useless!

Survey looked around for someone... ANYONE who recognized him. But then, he saw Array, the one person who surely couldn’t have forgotten about the glorious hoodster savior himself, Mike Survey!

Hey kid!

You there!

Array didn’t pay attention to the shouting at first but when he noticed who was talking, he suddenly got infuriated.

Surely you remember our glorious battles?

Woah... is everything okay, Array?

No... it’s that MONSTER who made my life a living hell!

Yes, yes!

He does remember!

* points at him *

Come up here, you freak!

Let’s give everyone a fight they will never forget!

But before Array could attack him, Bushra took a step forward and responded instead.

Oh yeah, I remember you!

Didn’t you lose to a group of mere kids?

What-

Survey was caught off guard by Bushra’s nonchalant response. He crossed his arms and pointed at him instead.

N-no!

You were just lucky that time.

Array looked at Bushra with a confused expression.

Bushra?

What are you doing?

Just leave it up to me, buddy.

I know what I’m doing.

Array sighed. He knew Bushra was right. Survey was just trying to toy with him, just like all the other times.

Alright then.

Carry on.

Thank you.

Bushra walked a few steps to the front with a grin on his face.

Oh so?

Do you want to be remembered by a guy who lost to children?

S-shut up!

You are supposed to be intimidated by me!

Not... not this!

Sure, sure...

I’m literally conquering this kingdom for my own, you hear?!

Minion...

* points at Bushra *

ATTACK!

But no one came. Survey looked around in confusion and saw a hoodster trying to get up from the ground.

Oh... right.

I did throw that guy to the ground...

Suddenly, the pipe behind Survey exploded as the water from inside grabbed ahold of him.

Gah, what in tarnation is this?!

Survey looked around in panic and saw Bushra singing a tune to himself and controlling the water with his fingers. Everyone watched Bushra’s powers in awe. He threw Survey from wall to wall until he thought he had his lesson. Survey was unconscious after the fact.

And... that’s how you do it!

(Geez.)

(I wouldn’t want to mess with THAT guy...)

* raises her eyebrows *

You know we could have just taken him out too, right?

Yeah, I was already sneaking behind him!

* jumps off the rubble *

You put a lot of folks at risk with that stunt!

Meh, I wanted it to be more fun!

(Showoff...)

* looks at Array *

Hope that was satisfactory, buddy.

Not even half of it but...

* takes a breath *

I appreciate it, Bushra.

Thank you.

No problem, buddy.

Uh... guys?

Where’s G and Sarpo?

Shoot!

I forgot they went ahead!

* points at the dusty clouds *

Let’s go, people!

They might need our help!

Artender ran ahead as everyone else followed sooth.

What was that all about?

Beats me.

Seems like Bushra took care of it though.

Yeah...

* looks back at Kyle *

As I was saying, you are “Xtress”, in a way.

* points at their monster arm *

My guess is, Maizie changed who was in control over Xtress’ body.

What does that mean?

Xtress consumed hoodsters’ life essences to reform his body.

We all know this.

His body was held together by dead hoodsters with him on the driver’s seat.

* looks at Kyle *

It seems like Maizie changed you and Xtress’ places.

But... I don’t look like Xtress.

(At least, I hope I don’t.)

Yeah, that’s the iffy part of my theory.

* points at the monster arm *

But it’s the only way to explain your... strange arm.

Kyle was losing their mind. So much information was dumped onto them at once, they were so confused and scared.

This is too much to handle... I don’t know what to do!

Woah, woah, relax!

We will help you.

Help who?

The three of them turned back and saw Artender alongside all their friends looking at them with confused expressions. Explaining this is going to be a doozy, G thought to himself.

Sarpo?

W-What is happening?

* squints his eyes *

Is that...

...hi.

Kyle waves “hello” with their monster arm which freaks Artender out.

ACK!

Why is your arm like that?!

* looks at Sarpo again *

Sarpo, do you mind explaining?!

I’m trying to find out what’s going on as well, Artender.

Believe me.

I am.

Sarpo?!

Is everything okay?

We are fine, Cloe.

Just trying to figure out what’s going on.

I see.

I know you got this.

* kisses him on the cheek *

Be careful still.

I will, don’t worry.

Sarpo looked back to see Kyle but they weren’t there anymore. Sarpo quickly looked at his surroundings and saw both G and Kyle looking at the crystal statue of Maizie. G looked at Kyle afterwards and saw them trying to hold in their tears. As much as he hated Maizie for what she did, a part of him felt really bad for Kyle as well.

I-I’m truly sorry, Kyle.

...

Getting separated from someone close to you is hard...

* looks at Bushra from a distance *

I would know.

It’s... fine.

* sighs *

I just... I didn’t think she would go this far.

Kyle leaned over and grabbed the statue’s hand, to feel Maizie’s love again.

You know, it’s funny.

Maizie was always determined to get what she wanted.

She has always been that way.

But doing all of this... and then... losing her life...

Kyle couldn’t help themselves but burst in tears. G tried helping them get up but Kyle refused to do so.

Oh Maizie... my beautiful sunshine...

* looks at their hands *

Why did you do all of this... for me.

G saw Sarpo slowly walking towards the two. The two didn’t exchange a single word but nodded to each other anyways. They knew what they had to do. G backed away a few steps as Sarpo went to comfort Kyle instead.

Hey.

...

Kyle.

Kyle reluctantly looks at Sarpo with tears in their eyes.

What do you want?

* stands up *

You people already got you wanted... just let me mourn in peace!

Kyle... we didn’t want it to come to this either.

Kyle gritted their teeth, they almost looked like they were about to unleash their anger on Sarpo. Bushra leaned on to protect Sarpo but G stopped him in his tracks. This wasn’t their business. But instead, Kyle took a deep breath and sat down again with their knees on the ground.

As much as I want to believe you are lying... I know you aren’t.

* looks at the statue *

My dear Maizie never took “no” for an answer... at least when she wasn’t forced to abide by her superiors.

She was such a strong woman.

Oh... Maizie...

* sniffs *

So... that’s it then, huh?

The love of my life is gone and in exchange for their life, I got brought back-

* looks at their monster arm *

-like this.

Kyle looked at Sarpo with sadness but also a strange type of emotion.

Acceptance.

I suppose you are here to finish me off, right?

Maizie is gone and for the safety of the planet, her lover needs to die as well...

Not at all.

How did you come to that conclusion?

Kyle raised their eyebrow.

You sure?

That doesn’t sound like MPC2 work.

What do you mean?

Oh, come on!

I heard the stories!

You people lock up all ex-hoodsters and then kill them off when you have had your fun!

I don’t know who told you those stories but those are not true in the slightest.

* sits next to Kyle *

Here in MPC2, we are all like a family.

We all take care of each other.

...

I know you probably don’t trust me.

But just to convince you that I’m not-

Sarpo turns his back and calls the blonde boy with the hat next to him. Kyle’s eyes widened the moment they saw the kid in front of them. They instantly recognized who he was.

Array?!

I thought you were a goner!

H-heya, Kyle.

Long time no see, eh?

Kyle was not only shocked to see Array here but more that he was friends with an MPC2 member.

But... she said you didn’t show them any mercy!

Maybe the MPC of old did but now...

* looks at Array with a smile *

We are willing to give second chances.

Sarpo raises his cybernetic arm and Kyle braced themselves for an attack. But instead, they noticed Sarpo reaching out for a handshake.

What...

I mean it.

Join our side and we will keep you safe.

I promise.

Kyle was hesitant to go along with this. After all, this organization was the reason their girlfriend was now dead. But if they refused... then what? They would have to live by themselves for the rest of their life... especially with this monster hand stuck to them. So, knowing that they had no other choice, they took a deep breath and accepted Sarpo’s offer.

Thank you so much for the opportunity, Mr...?

Fields.

Sarpo Fields.

And so, Kyle was now a part of their group. The whole group knew they couldn’t repay what happened to Maizie but they would try their hardest to make Kyle feel at home.

You ready to rebuild our planet, Kyle?

I guess so...

It would certainly put my mind in ease knowing I helped undo our mistakes...

Sarpo helped Kyle got up as everyone started to celebrate once again. Not only was the day just saved, but they also gained a new ally as well! They all prepared to leave the remains of the castle to announce their plans to the people outside. Sarpo ordered Midori to help Kyle walk while he went from ahead.

Here, take my hand.

Thanks, bow girl.

Midori helped Kyle walk with the best of her ability.

I overheard what happened...

I’m sorry for your loss.

...thanks.

Midori looked at Kyle with a tired expression. She went through this song and dance before them... and it hasn’t exactly been easy to forget about it.

Believe me, I understand the feeling...

Hmpf, really now?

...yes.

I lost my mother too.

Oh.

Kyle didn’t expect this to come out of the girl who they just met but... a part of them was happy that she shared this with them.

I... see.

Sorry for your loss as well.

Kyle looked back as they walked farther and farther away from the statue Maizie had turned into. They saw Array walking towards the two while holding something in his hands. They couldn’t tell what it was from far away.

Kyle, here.

Take this.

Array throws Maizie’s crown towards Kyle, much to their surprise.

W-what?

* looks at the crown *

Why give me this?

Well, I figured you would want something to remember her by.

You know?

...

Array walked closer to Kyle and whispered at them.

No matter what her intentions were, Maizie would want you to be happy, don’t forget that.

* sighs *

I know.

* looks at the sky *

And that’s the part that hurts the most.

Meanwhile, the group was split into smaller groups, each one having conversations different than the other!

Man, that was tough!

I didn’t think we were going to make it!

Tell me about it.

I was SWEATING while I was fighting alongside G and Teo.

I can only imagine the stress.

Artender looked over to Sarpo as he was carrying Survey and the mysterious hoodsters’ unconscious bodies with both of his shoulders.

Dude, how can you lift those two up at the same time?

Oh, them?

Oh, this is nothing.

Getting used to these cybernetics makes you stronger in general.

Ooh, I see.

That’s fascinating.

Sure is.

Say, what do you plan on doing with these two?

Meh.

We will lock them up as usual.

* points at Survey *

The blue one especially spells trouble.

Agreed on that.

Artender notices his kids playing around on the way downstairs and stops Emily on her tracks before she could fall off one of the holes.

Hey, be careful Emily!

Sorry...

It’s fine, sweetie.

Just be more careful.

Yeah, okay!

I was just talking with Robert and brother Teo!

He was so cool out there!

* raises his hands happiness *

* smiles *

He sure was.

* picks PotaTeo up *

And I’m so proud of him for that.

My awesome boyfriend fought bravely against that mean queen too!

* holds Sarpo’s robotic hand *

Didn’t you, Sarpo?

I-I-

* blushes *

B-boyfriend?!

I didn’t know I was-

BOOO!

Get a room you two!

Everyone in small group laughed to one and another.

Yeah, just kidding.

* smiles *

I’m happy you found your special one, Ms. Meow.

Cloe picked up her tophat and bowed as a response.

I appreciate the kind words, Ms. Hawk.

Thank you, thank you.

I must say though, you certainly changed a lot since we were little.

You used to be such a shy gal when we were spending time in our clan.

* chuckles *

I always thought I would have been the one to get a boyfriend first!

Well...

* smiles *

Funny how that works, huh?

Yeah... sure is.

Suddenly, Henna grabbed Cloe by the arm and split up from the group, much to Cloe’s surprise.

Woah, woah, what’s all this about?

You gotta tell me your secrets RIGHT NOW!

W-what-

What do boys usually like?!

* opens her wings *

Come on Cloe, you gotta give me the rundown!

The two chuckled as they continued walking.

Any signs of Joyce around?

* sighs *

Nope.

It seems that she left again... without telling us goodbye.

Not too surprising, unfortunately...

* puts his hand on Don’s shoulder *

It will be fine, bro.

Yeah, I guess so...

Don hugged Hattie to make him feel better about the situation. The two both didn’t know what to feel about Joyce. Did she really hate them? But even if she did... she was their little sister. They couldn’t just ignore her.

We will reunite with her again... someday.

Yeah...

* sighs *

I hope it’s sooner rather than later though.

Man, it has been a while, hasn’t it?

Yep... it almost feels unreal.

Yeah...

G felt Bushra holding his shoulder.

Can’t believe I’m saying this but... I really did miss you, buddy.

* smiles *

I did too, Bushra.

The two smiled at each other. After this long journey, the two best friends were back together again once more.

But hey, let’s stop with the heartfelt wishy-washy talk, shall we?

Wha- why?

It’s not really my thing, you know?

* chuckles *

Plus, you and Array and are WAY better at that than me!

Oh, you jerk!

G lightly pushes Bushra as they share a laugh together.

So, we both got our powers back, eh?

Sure seems like it!

* summons his hammer *

All the same... it’s good to be back.

Same here, especially because I’m no longer a mind-controlled freak.

Bushra remembers something and looks at G.

Hey, G.

Yeah, Bushra?

Say, how did you get hammer powers before we took down Maizie?

Oh, that?

Well... I went to one of those temples with the wishing rivers and then got my powers back!

Daww... really?!

(sarcasm) I could have used that wish for myself instead!

The two have another laugh and continue walking. But Bushra still had one question in his head.

Ooh, ooh, one more question!

Yeah?

If you got secondary powers from that river... shouldn’t you have two hammer powers now instead?

...huh.

G summons his hammer again and looks at it. He was confused now.

You know, I never thought about that.

That’s odd.

I wonder what happened to that other power...

The two looked at each other with worry in their eyes but then shrugged it off. Now wasn’t the time to think about that. After a few minutes of walking downstairs (with Hattie almost falling in one of the holes), they could see the exit door. They all sighed in relief as they continued down the clear path. They heard the crowd cheering on for them. Sarpo smiled, at least the people were happy, even after the apocalypse had just ended. With a few adjustments to their current system, they could go back to how things used to be real soon! He looked over his friends and family to see how they were. Kyle still seemed tired so he went to cheer them up.

Heya Kyle!

Hey.

We are almost at the exit!

How do you feel?

Uhm... I am still not sure myself.

I... see.

It’s fine, though.

That’s a completely valid reaction.

Yeah...

Say, you said someone told you those false stories about MPC, right?

Yeah?

What of it?

I was wondering... who told you those stories in the first place?

Uhm... Hood herself?

Suddenly, Sarpo’s eyes widened. All MPC2 members looked each other in panic, much to Kyle’s confusion. They entirely forgot about her... where even was she?

H-Hood?!

Yes?

Sarpo leaves the conversation in a hurry and ran towards the door with the help of his boosters. Kyle didn’t understand what the big deal was and decided to follow Sarpo from behind. When the two got outside, they realized what was truly going on.

The cheering wasn’t for them.

W-What’s going on?!

Sarpo noticed the people cheering on an unknown figure. Kyle could spot them from the crowd but couldn’t tell who exactly that was.

* squints their eyes *

Is that-

As a flash of light covered their faces, they would both get their answers.

Well, well, look who it is!

Sarpo looked around and saw Hood standing on top of a wooden stage.

We were all wondering when you were gonna show up!

HOOD!

Sarpo transformed his cybernetic hand to a laser blaster and pointed at Hood. He turned his back and saw his friends and family have caught up to them.

Your menace ends now!

Guys, take her down!

* points at her *

You are going back to that prison cell!

Hood seemed surprisingly chill about his threats. She smiled and closed her eyes. Almost like she was waiting for something to happen. Sarpo wasn’t going to take that risk however. Before his friends and family could jump into the action, a majority of the people in the crowd pushed them away from Hood instead. Sarpo was shocked beyond belief.

W-What are you doing?!

What’s the meaning of this?!

Hood gives them the order to stop as they went a few steps back. Sarpo didn’t understand what was going on. The people didn’t have crystals stuck to their heads anymore, so mind control was out of the question. Xtress’ old hoodster technique shouldn’t be able to work as well, Sarpo thought. But then... why were the people trusting Hood all of a sudden?

I assume you were wondering why the people you have been fighting to save for all these months, suddenly turned on you?

...

Well, fear not!

I will explain it right away!

* jumps off the stage *

While you JOKERS were wasting your time inside, I told these people the truth!

* claps her hands *

And I believe it’s time for a recap!

Hood did a dramatic pose and started explaining her whole ordeal.

“Ever since you put me in prison, I knew Maizie was alive from the very beginning. She had to be. She’s a resilient hoodster, after all. She had been that way even before I burned down her village! So, I patiently waited for her to come and rescue from me from my prison cell but instead... she followed her own dumb scheme. So, I had to adjust my plans.”

“I knew you people would come back to rescue me. After all, I helped you get into the Nor Plane all those months ago. And I took advantage of that.”

“While you were trying to stop Maizie, I was planning on my next big move. At first, I tried inventing a new version of the hoodster conversion process. It was going to be a process where you would bind their souls to Xtress without asking for the other person’s consent. But as time went on, the project went nowhere. So, I had to get... creative.”

“I didn’t have to worry about my safety during Maizie’s mayhem. After all, you and your pitiful friends trusted me and wouldn’t let me get crystallized. “

YOU MONSTER!

We treated you during your time of need!

And THIS is how you repay us?!

It’s a fatal flaw to put trust on the enemy, Artender.

You of all people should know that by now.

* smiles *

But of course, I shouldn’t be too surprised of a father figure.

You went SOFT!

...

“As for Maizie, I just let her do her own thing. The idiot didn’t even bother reading the fine prints. She had no idea that there was a reason I built a separate machine to crystallize people, rather than mastering crystal magic on my own. The second I heard that she used crystal magic with her staff, I knew her time was limited in this world. Crystallization takes more away from the person who uses it than the ones who get effected by it. The more Maizie used her crystal powers, the more her heart got crystallized too! She did all of this to herself, without thinking of its consequences.”

Hood stopped talking as she noticed something in the crowd.

Bap bap!

* points at Henna *

I can see you readying a dagger towards my face!

I- How did you-

* chuckles *

Surely you wouldn’t to anger the crowd, hm?

GRR...

* puts Henna’s wing down *

Henna... not now.

...fine.

All and all, the fool ended her journey the same way she started it. Pathetic and sad.

While I came out victorious!

Fat chance!

Even if we were to somehow believe your story, that doesn’t mean we should just obey your rules!

Oooh, really?

* smiles *

Ask that to these innocent people that you all recklessly took for granted!

Suddenly, there was a lot of grunting/in-talking from the crowd. Sarpo and his friends were scared more than ever.

You are made of nothing but lies!

I wouldn’t be so sure of that!

Not when taking your portfolio into account!

* puts her hand on her chin *

Hm... let’s see here.

“Let’s talk about how you DIDN’T warn the people of Diamond City or heck, no other place on Perdiah about the crystal pillars! Surely, you could have just given everyone a heads up!”

I-

ENOUGH!

Everyone looked at Cloe with her arms up in the air. Sarpo had a terrified look on his face.

Are you people forgetting who you are listening to?!

That’s Hood Riley!

She destroyed countless places and sacrificed a bunch of people for her cause!

You can’t seriously be trusting her!

Cloe is right!

Even as a little gal, I heard stories about Hood’s evil plans!

She’s evil, I tell you!

And then, there was silence. But only for a brief moment. Hood smiled and looked at Cloe in the eyes.

Oh, how rich... coming from YOU of all people, kitty cat.

Say... who was it that ran away from her problems when their dear needed her help the most?

Cloe’s expression suddenly changed to a horrified look.

W-What?!

How do you know that?!

Oh believe me, I have did my fair share of digging around.

* gigles *

Now if you will excuse me... let me continue.

Cloe was silent, she didn’t even know what to respond with.

“Second, you let Xtress grow more and more powerful, eventually leading to his escape! The people of Diamond City had to stay inside their homes, terrified of the blob monsters that could kill them if they made any bad move!”

Hey, you were a part of that too!

* clenches his fist *

Oh sure, I was also a part of it.

I won’t lie to these people, unlike you peasants.

* smiles *

But I am not the top of the worldwide protection organization now, am I?

...

You know, it’s kind of funny how MPC was a far more respectable organization under that coward Carlos’ watch.

You take that back!

As the heads of MPC2, you two have way more responsibility for these people than I ever did!

“Speaking of which... that ties nicely to our last topic at hand... Maizie. You let her get away from that base and essentially let her take over the whole planet overnight! A REAL leader would stop her before she grew stronger!”

What do you have to say about THAT, Mr. Fields?

Sarpo was dead silent. He didn’t really know what to say. If he said anything, he knew he would anger these people even more.

That’s what I thought-

Wait!

Eh?

Sarpo might have made a lot of mistakes... but he has stuck to his mission of protecting everyone since the start!

(...even I wasn’t as dedicated to that mission unlike him.)

Yeah!

He saved me and my best friend Bushra during the toughtest time of our lives!

He sure did!

He’s an awesome guy.

* carrying both of his kids on his shoulder *

He gave me a purpose in life.

He saved me from one of those evil monsters and kicked their butts!

Mr. Fields is a good person!

* gives a thumbs up *

The group expected a bunch of people in the crowd to support them but instead, it was unusually quiet. Sarpo had a weird feeling in his stomach.

Hm... a valiant attempt from you people.

But unfortunately, a few good deeds does not magically solve everything!

Hood jumps on the stand again and points around herself.

Who’s going to repair these places after this whole thing clears, huh?!

* points at Sarpo and co *

Not you, of course! The people will!

Suddenly, a bunch of people started cheering on for Hood instead of the “heroes”.

“Hood will save us!”

“MPC2 never did anything for us!”

“We will be safer under Hood’s control!”

“Our voices will be heard!”

Sarpo was almost going to faint just from hearing all the reactions. This had to be a sick nightmare!

Take it easy everyone!

* chuckles *

Take it easy!

As I was trying to say, I just showed everyone the truth.

Yes, she did!

Everyone looked at Survey with confusion in their eyes. Just who was this guy? And most importantly, how did he get away?

Didn’t you tie him up?

* shrugs with a worried expression *

...oops?

Who are you supposed to be?

I am Mike Survey!

One of your most loyal followers!

Huh, fascinating.

I have been looking all over for you!

Really now?

Hood was surprisingly flattered for once.

* grins *

Tell me more.

I have been searching for your whereabouts with my group of hoodsters for months.

Hm... where is your “supposed” group of hoodsters then?

Uh...

Survey looks around in worry. He sees the hooded figure trying to get away and gets a hold of him.

EEK!

We have severely decreased in numbers but rest assured, we are just as loyal to you as ever!

With my good friend...

* looks at the hooded figure *

What was your name again?

It’s Daniel, sir-

-Dan here!

We would really appreciate it if we joined your cause!

Hm... very well.

I was looking for subordinates anyways so... Survey, you are in!

YES!

Survey and Dan walked behind Hood and waited for her to continue her speech.

But as I was saying...

The choice is on the people to decide who they trust more.

Suddenly, the crowd went wild. Both sides were hearing Hood out on this.

You can either pick MPC2 with their ignorant nature...

OR you can pick lil’ old me!

People will live under my watch but without their ignorance.

I cannot guarantee the best lifestyle but I assure you, serving me will be much better in the long run than just being some casualty!

Hood jumped out of the stand and landed in the middle of the crowd. She slammed the ground with her foot to cause more impact.

Those who choose to follow me... stand on my back!

Everyone went silent. It was time to choose.

It was a stressful moment for everyone involved. MPC2 and their friends were worried about defending themselves if their group was outnumbered compared to Hood’s group. But Sarpo wasn’t just worried about that aspect. Hood was kind of right about him. He was scared that the people he tried protecting would turn against him. Cloe noticed him feeling down and tried to make him feel better while the voting was still going on.

After a few minutes, the results were in. 70% of the people outside had chosen Hood’s side while the rest were staying behind Sarpo and his friends. Hood chuckled, she had won.

Oh, how delightful!

Turn out majority of the people picked the right choice!

Sarpo and the others prepared their weapons for a fight of their lives. Even if they were tired after the whole battle with Maizie, they weren’t going to let Hood take away their freedom.

Oh, what’s with all the weapons?

Did you all seriously think I was going to fight you?

Right now?

The group didn’t respond. They were equally as confused as each other.

Well... tell you what.

* snaps her fingers *

As a consolation prize, you can have Diamond City and this place all for yourselves!

Sarpo was confused as ever. What was she planning to do?

What are you trying to accomplish?

Oh, you don’t trust me!

* chuckles *

Don’t worry, I wouldn’t either.

* crosses her arms *

I know ending you morons here for good would be the better option but... it’s just not FUN otherwise!

Hood snaps her fingers and orders her group to ready themselves. They were about to leave this destroyed kingdom.

Don’t get too comfy though!

We will be back to conquer your side of the planet when I’m bored!

...so you are still going to conquer places, huh?

Sure will!

What did you think?

I wouldn’t expect anything worse from YOU!

Oh, you charmer!

* giggles *

You got that right!

How are you going to do that?

People will eventually rise up against you once they realize how terrible of a person you are!

* points at her *

And you can’t control them either!

Crystallization seems to be gone for good and Xtress no longer exists!

Oh, pumpkin!

Hood shows him a slight glimpse of a blueprint. It looked like the gauntlet Array was wearing.

You don’t have the slightest idea!

Hood waves the group goodbye as she left the kingdom with a big smile on her face.

Toodles, everyone!

Good luck with the repairs!

As Hood turned her back, Team Bushra and Array decided to follow them. But their friends stopped them.

Guys, what are you doing?!

Yeah, let us get ‘em!

She will pay for her evil actions!

Sarpo put his finger in front of his mouth and told them to shut it. These kids, Sarpo thought. They didn’t know the extent of their problem.

Yeah, why did you stop us, Sarpo?

If we fight them now, we will get destroyed by their sheer numbers.

I can’t let my friends, family and everyone who has stuck with our cause to get hurt more.

* sighs *

And despite their choices... I can not let you guys hurt those people either.

They chose Hood because they grew tired of our “failures” and simply thought they had no other option.

And we will fix those mistakes first to get those people back on our side.

Team Bushra and Array backed away. But Sarpo could tell they still wanted to fight against Hood and her forces.

But it’s not fair... she can’t keep getting away with stuff like this!

Unfortunately, that’s her biggest strength.

It really doesn’t matter if some of us have magic powers or not.

Because Hood has the deadliest power of all...

Manipulation.

As soon as he said the last word, the three stopped arguing with Sarpo. He was right, of course. Everyone was silent for a brief moment. They were all evaluating everything they had experienced. By giving Hood so much authority, they gave back power to their deadliest enemy. It was sickening to even think about.

So... what now?

Hm?

Yeah.

* holds Sarpo’s hand *

What are we going to do now?

Sarpo looked back to see all the people that had stayed behind but most importantly, to see the people he held most dear to his heart. The duo he saved when they were defenseless, the love of his life, the person who was now a proud father, the girl he saved from being alone her entire life, a powerful little kid, a brave and determined kid... To see the friends he made along the way. The goofy scientist brothers, a petty but still great associate, friend of a loved one and of course, a new player in their group... they were all there. Staying by his side until the very end.