TE:R Adventures: The Life and Crimes of Hood Riley (1/3)
WRITER - TURTLEDOODLE1
COVER ARTIST - SOHEKUN
EXTRA ICONS - MIDASTHEGOLDGUY
EDITOR - FALIN
It was an exhausting day on Planet Perdiah. Not only for the heroes… but for the villains as well.
Hood and her newly acquired followers were on the road, trying to find a new base of operations. Right now, they were going through the Enchanted Forest.
Huff puff...
* looks around the forest *
I wouldn’t want to judge your orders lady Hood but where are we going exactly?
We are going to a very important place, Mr. Mike.
* kneels down and puts her hand on the ground *
Even though it’s a bit far away, it will all be worth it in the end.
I know lady Hood but... are you sure the opposing side hasn’t sent any troops to tracks us down?
Nonsense.
Sarpo is probably suffering in his own misery to think of us.
* snorts *
G and Bushra could cause a problem but we can think about them later.
I see...
The group continued following after Hood inside the forest. The flowers were slowly but surely regrowing after the crystal pillars had disappeared. Hood put her hand on a nearby tree and looked around herself. This place seemed familiar.
Tsk tsk...
They didn’t bother cleaning it up, huh?
Survey raised his eyebrow and went to ask Hood more questions.
What are you talking about, lady Hood?
Survey watched as Hood pointed at the remains of a destroyed hot air balloon.
Ahh... the memories!
* looks over to Survey *
Those idiots came to save me with this balloon, you know?
The morons.
Wait, really now?
Yes indeed.
But...why would they help the enemy?
Oh, Mikey... you don’t got a single clue...
* chuckles *
Sometimes, you gotta take advantage of these people’s moral compasses.
Oh, don’t I know it...
Hm... you do?
Yes, you know the blonde boy, Array?
Well... I managed to BREAK his psyche with my awesome manipulation skills.
Uh huh...
* grins *
That’s good, Mr. Mike.
However... they CAN recover.
Hood picked up a stick on the ground and crushed it with her hand in front of Survey.
And that’s why you need to keep up the pressure.
I-I see...
Survey watched as Hood continued leading the way. He stood still for a second, stuck in his thoughts. Wow... she’s such a beaut, he thought. He spent the last year looking for his master after their defeat at the hands of MPC. Hood usually kept her face hidden during the early days of the hoodsters so he never got to see what she truly looked like. But after seeing her face? He was in love. Even standing next to her would make his heart beat. And her ability to play others like a fiddle? Oh man, he was still geeking out about it. He noticed he was way behind the group and quickly ran towards the front, where Hood would also be.
A few hours had passed by and it was now night time. Everyone’s patience was running thin so Hood knew she had to do something.
Alright everyone, we might have not found a place to rest today but rest assured, we will soon!
We will rest here for the night and once it’s daytime, we start moving.
But... where are we gonna rest exactly?
On the grass?
Hey, don’t question lady Hood you scum-
It’s alright, Mr. Mike.
* coughs *
Since I expected some of you to react like this, I ordered a few of you to gather tents and camp pillows on our way here.
And they should be here around...
* giggles *
NOW!
The group looked behind them and saw ten of their people carrying tents and camp pillows.
Woah, good thinking lady Hood!
Appreciate it, Mr. Mike.
* looks around *
Now, help me with this.
Survey was weirded out after Hood lended him a tank container filled with purple...goo?
Uhm... what is this, lady Hood?
Liquified version of the purple fog from Mount Neverends.
* coughs *
Cover it around this area, this will make us invisible to the outside world for a while.
Woah... isn’t that what that freak Maizie used as well?
Yes but much like everything she did, she misused that one too!
Survey didn’t respond as the two covered the area with the goo. After they were done with that, they watched as the group shared the tents and camp pillows with each other. But of course, naturally, there were ones not abiding by the majority.
H-Hey, let it go!
That tent is mine and Jay’s!
Awww, did I make you two upset?
* grins *
Well, screw off!
This one’s mine now!
Should we... do something about this, lady Hood?
* focused on something else *
Oh, what?
Oh, that. Nah, just let them settle it on their own.
Are you sure this won’t end up in a fight?
Well, even if it does, we both know the superior will prevail.
And just as Survey expected, there was a fight in the middle of the pact. The others tried stopping them but to no avail. The two weaklings were killed with the bully coming out as victorious.
Welp, I guess that’s that.
* snaps her finger *
Mr. Mike?
Y-Yes lady Hood?
Prepare the camp fire, yeah?
For those who won’t be sleeping for a good while, such as myself.
O-Okay, will do!
Great.
* stretches her back *
I need to take a breather after that whole goo thing.
Just need to wash my face for a second.
O-Oh okay, I-I mean WE will be waiting, yeah!
Survey watched as Hood left to go to the nearby river.
She’s so cute...
Uh... Mr. Survey?
What was that all about?
GAH!
Survey, in shock, slapped Dan on the face.
OW!
Where did you come from, freak?!
Well um...
* scratches the back of his hand *
I was looking around to find you.
Oh?
Why so?
Survey watched as Dan showed him a leftover tent kit.
Since you were busy talking to Ms. Riley, I figured we could share this tent while everyone was fighting each other.
Hmpf... a fascinating offer, Daniel.
I will consider it-
Before Survey could finish his sentence, he noticed Hood getting back from the river with her beautiful face intact. He was so fascinated that he didn’t hear Dan talking to him in the meantime.
-well, the others are kind of jerks too soo...
Survey looked at Dan with a grin on his face.
I accept, Dan.
Oh, neat!
We can start preparing it right now-
Bup bup, I wasn’t finished.
* throws the wood he collected to the ground *
I want you to prepare the campfire first, okay?
W-Wait, JUST me?!
You heard it right, champ!
Now get to it!
Where are you going?!
I have... business to talk with lady Hood.
But I overheard her giving that task to you!
Before Dan knew it, Survey was already gone from the scene. Dan looked over to the joyful Survey, sighed and started on the campfire.
A few hours had passed by as Dan finished the campfire. Hood, Survey and a few other in the group gathered around the campfire. Some were tired while others were awake just to eat marshmallows.
Hey, lady Hood?
* clears her eyes *
Yes, Mr. Mike?
I was wondering... why did you start showing your face recently?
* raises her eyebrow *
What do you mean by that?
Oh, oh, sorry.
Don’t take it the wrong way, please.
I was just curious.
* coughs *
I have been one of the hoodsters for as long as I can remember.
You used to hide your face to everyone around, even us!
Hm... fascinating question, Mr. Mike.
* chuckles *
I suppose I would have needed to answer this question eventually.
It dates back to a bygone era... before this organization was formed even!
“A decade ago, I was a... miner going through life. A life without purpose. A life where I begged for something to change.”
“There was a town called Town Downer. It was way different than it is now. Back then, it was the number one town for miners such as myself. The heat was difficult to manage but it was worth it for the hopes of finding something valuable.”
The now destroyed bar in Town Downer;
Come on, come on...
Come on, Horsey... you can do it!
The two miners heard the sounds of a door opening but didn’t pay much attention to it. They were watching horses racing on the TV.
Gah! Are you serious?!
Speed up, you stupid horse!
Sssh... don’t be so rash.
What if a Traveler heard you?
Oh please!
Those guys barely show up around these parts anymore!
Hah!
You guys are still watching this junk?
Oh please, ███!
You don’t have a leg to stand on!
Yeah, just be a good boy and get us more beer!
Hmpf.
Say, what did you find on today’s expedition?
Nothing as usual.
* snaps his fingers *
Get me and these two beers, bartender pumpkin!
“Bartender pumpkin”?
Yeah, it’s something I came up with.
* smiles *
I think it rolls off the tongue.
...sure thing.
The young boy looked over to the other two.
What about you guys’ end?
The mayor gave you guys more clearance than me, after all.
Oh, right.
Well...
Me and buddy over here have been awake for 13 hours by now.
Sure have.
Unfortunately-
You guys didn’t find anything either, okay, I got it.
Geez.
Man, you are in a MOOD today, aren’t you?
You could say that.
* notices the bartender coming towards them *
Gosh, finally!
You said it, chief!
Let’s dig in.
Ehem.
Apologies for the inconvinience but we are out of beer for the day.
WHAT?!
You are kidding!
Sadly no.
Then give us our money back!
Yeah!
(It was MY money but alright.)
No can do.
Remember the rules!
What rules?!
The three looked as the bartender pointed out a sign with “NO REFUNDS!” written on it.
Oh, screw that!
The two watched as their friend took out a gun from his pocket and pointed it at the bartender. The bartender was startled.
You are giving me the money OR ELSE!
Before the bartender could react, suddenly two regional guards opened the door and ambushed the miner with the gun.
GAH!
Let me go you hacks!
The regional guards forcefully took his gun and threw it away.
This is the second time you have attempted something like this, sir!
And you have used both of your chances.
Therefore, you are now BANISHED from these lands!
WHAT, NO!
YOU RAT SONS OF-
The regional guards hit him on the head with their knees as the miner fell down unconscious.
Phew, so much for that blunder.
You said it!
* looks at the other two miners *
As for you two, let this be a lesson!
Yeah!
Follow the rules or face the consequences!
The two royal guards tipped their hats towards the bartender as they left with their now banished friend.
Well... THAT was awkward.
The moron.
I told him he shouldn’t act recklessly around these parts...
You tell me!
I had to work with that guy for months!
Whatever.
* snaps his fingers *
Can you get us water at least?
That I can do.
Thanks.
The two looked over to the TV, the race was already over and their horse wasn’t the winner.
Sigh... another pointless gamble.
You tell me, YOU guys have been the ones wasting your money on this junk.
Don’t get sassy with me ███.
Alright, alright.
The two grabbed their glass water bottles and continued watching the TV.
Say ███.
You know since he left, maybe the mayor will give you his clearance instead!
...huh.
I never thought of that.
Yeah!
We better ask by the morning!
* chuckles *
I wouldn’t mind having you as a co-worker!
...hmpf.
(That’s what you think, you idiot.)
“But by the next day, something strange happened during our shift.”
Hey ███, did you find anything?
Not at all.
* coughs *
I’m still trying to get used to this place!
Figures.
Just let me know if you get lost or something!
Wouldn’t want you to cry out like a baby!
(Whatever.)
“The first day at the new mineshaft was difficult to say the least. Not to mention my “friend” not introducing me to the dead ends. However, it was a blesssing in disguise.”
“I mined for hours on end while gettign used to the place. There were a bunch of crystals hanging above the walls I was working on so I had to be extra careful. It was going as normal until...”
What on Perdiah...
The young boy noticed a small slimmer of light coming from the other side of the wall. First, he thought of telling his friend about it but then... he decided against it. This was going to be his fortune and his only.
He used all his strength to break through the wall with his pickaxe, only to find... a small red crystal?
Woah...
The boy picked it up and looked at the crystal in all of its glory. It looked like it didn’t belong in this world!
Yo ███!
How’s it going over there?
Uh... it’s going alright!
* puts the crystal in his pockets *
Nothing much here!
Alright!
The shift ends in an hour by the way!
G-Got it!
The boy pulled out the crystal again to look at it some more. It was so eye catching. Something about it drew him into it. He wondered how much money this would cost if he sold it to the mayor.
That night, after returning to his hut, the boy put the crystal in his drawer and then went to sleep. However, the dream he had that day was something truly unforgettable.
Ugh...
* looks around *
Hello?
He looked around himself and noticed that he wasn’t in his hut anymore. He was outside, with the desert nowhere in sight.
Guys?
You there?
No response. Shortly after, he saw a guy with a knight helmet riding a horse.
H-Hi whoever you are!
Can you tell me where I am?
But the guy and the horse phased through him, almost like he was a ghost. Soon, a bunch of people followed after the guy with the horse. It looked like they were going to war. The boy looked at the other side and saw an army of troops riding... dragons?! They were led by a figure wearing a hood, obscuring his face.
W-What’s going?!
Suddenly, his head felt like it was about to explode.
GAH!
What is this?!
When he opened his eyes again, he saw humans and humanoid animals fighting a figure in red.
W-Who is that?!
* looks around again *
Where am I now?!
Before he could process what was happening, he felt another headache as he was transported in front of a sand temple.
Whoa... is this... one of those rumored temples?
No response still. And just as he was about to touch the temple’s walls, the boy woke up in sweat.
He frantically looked around himself in panic. Was that all... just a dream? He quickly opened the drawer and looked inside. The crystal was still there but now glowing even more. He didn’t know what the crystal was trying to say to him but he knew the temple had something to do with it.
Fast forward to a few hours later;
Wait... so you are leaving the town?
Yes, sir.
Why so?
* raises his eyebrow *
Did you find something and not report to us?
...no, sir.
Why would you ask?
Well, it all felt a bit sudden but oh well.
* lays back on his chair *
I suppose your friend won’t be too upset that he will have the whole shaft to himself for a while.
* chuckles *
Oh, I’m sure alright!
He wouldn’t even know I was gone!
Well then, I suppose this is goodbye, ███.
Yeah.
Safe travels out there.
No response. The boy was more than happy to dump this horrid town in the first place. Now, he had a goal in mind.
Ooh, so that’s how you found out about old master Xtress, right?
Patience, Mr. Mike.
I was getting there.
“But yes, eventually I found the temple. It was a difficult journey going by myself. After days of walking and resting at nearby towns, I found the temple I was looking for. First, I thought I was hallucinating but when I got closer and closer, I realized it was the real deal. It was even more fascinating once I got a good close look at it.”
So, this is it.
I’m here.
* coughs *
Let’s see if it was worth the trouble.
The boy entered the temple and looked around. It was emptier than he expected. He knew this was the place but he felt like he was missing something. After more looking around, he noticed markings on a wall. The markings pictured humans holding red colored rings on their hands as they were commanding an unintelligible figure.
The boy pulled out the ring from his pocket and pointed it at the markings. And just as he predicted, the door retracted to the other side, revealing another floor. He chuckled and entered the unknown.
As he took more steps, he got more excited. This was undiscovered territory, he was sure of it! He looked around the place and realized that this was a library. He picked out random books from there, excited for knowledge. He couldn’t make out what was written half the time because of them being written in a long forgotten language. Though he could semi understand what was happening based on the drawings.
One of them was an illustration of the very temple he was now inside of. The other drawing depicted the event she saw in her dream, the team up of humans and Travelers. But the last intelligible drawing was the most interesting for him.
It depicted an army of humans riding dragons led by a figure wearing a hood, fighting against other human beings. The hooded figure was also wearing a red crystal as a necklace during the fight. The boy first looked at the crystal drawn and then the crystal he had right now.
Woah... so that’s what it is.
The boy used the nearby string to create himself a necklace with the gem attached to it. He tried focusing his energy to create a spell much like the hooded figure depicted. He created a small circle of red energy in front of him.
He was so mad after the fact. Why did it create a more impressive looking spell for the deceased guy but not for him?! He took a deep breath and reevaluated his thoughts.
In the second drawing, both species were trying to eliminate the red figure he saw in his dream. He smiled. The rumors of a wizard long before their time was real all along! The boy chuckled. Maybe he could use this power for himself if he could save the wizard from his prison... but why would he do that?
The boy took a few steps back with a worried expression. Why was he having these thoughts just now? He had no reason to wanting to take over the planet... or did he?
He thought of his entire life up to this point. His life as an orphan, the first day he started his job as a miner... there was nothing he really cherished. He was just going through with life because... well, what else was there to do? He could care less about being rich as well, he would have used the money to try out new experiences and that was it.
He suddenly had a devilish smile on his face. Yes... yes! He wanted to do this. The people with dragons clearly wanted to take over the planet as well! So, why not him? He wanted to conquer this planet just like his ancestors before him. He stood up, excited to put his plans into motion.
He looked at the drawings one last time, just in case he missed something. His eyes caught onto the fact that their leader was wearing a hood to obscure their face... so he thought he could do the same. He looked around the library, trying to find anything else left over from his ancestors. He trashed the library in the process, making it so that others who came by wouldn’t be able to use the knowledge for their own. After a bit of searching, he stumbled upon a hidden room behind one bookshelves. He entered it and saw a hood in front of him in perfect condition. His ancestors must have kept this for him, the boy thought to himself.
The boy picked up the hood, having a million thoughts in his head at the same time. This was his chance to finally do something and he was more than willing to do it.
He wore the mask and started talking to himself.
Today.
Marks an important day.
If I will be doing this, my past life... will no longer matter.
All those attachments, all those bridges I have built... must be burned to the ground.
The boy chuckled and looked at the rusty mirror in front of him. He looked just like his ancestor.
███ is now dead.
Because...
I.
AM.
HOOD RILEY!
And so, Hood Riley was born. No longer attached to his past life, he was ready to start his plans into motion. But to do that... he needed to visit a familiar place.
* yawns *
So, did you find anything?
Not at all, sir.
I’m telling you, that hack got away with a gemstone.
Sigh, we can deal with him later.
He couldn’t be too far away from here anyways.
For now, just stick to your usual schedule.
Will do, sir.
The mayor looked at the window next to him in sadness. Years of being the mayor of this town and almost little to no progress in sight. All the miners that arrive to work here, leave after a while. So, he never got to make bonds with... anyone really. Yes, he made up his mind. Tomorrow, he would lend the mayor spot to his son. And that way, he could explore the planet to have experience stuff he never got to before. Unfortunately for him however, things were about to change.
-so I asked Mary, why did you open that can with your mouth?
Wow, your wife is weird as hell man.
You tell me, that gal is something else!
Before the other regional guard could respond, they noticed a figure with a hood slowly walking towards them.
Hey, stand where you are!
We are going to check up on you before you can proceed!
...
Hey, can you hear us, chump?!
Have you ever wondered how getting bested by a stranger feels?
He’s playing with us!
Attack!
My my, so rude.
And before they knew it, Hood dodged rolled to the side and pulled out two guns from her pockets. The two guards couldn’t respond in time as the two’s dead bodies fell to the ground.
Pushovers.
The mayor overheard the gunshots and quickly went to check what was happening from his window. There was no one there, just silence. He was starting to get worried. He tried calling his son to his side but the connection was non-existent. In a desperate attempt to save himself, he tried running away from the town only to get gunned down by Hood. He tried running away but his legs were wounded by the bullets.
GAH... S-STOP!
PLEASE!
I BEG OF YOU!
Pathetic.
Crazy how YOU were the boss of me once upon a time.
Please, I didn’t do anything to you!
Oh, please.
You have done more than your own share.
* points the gun in front of his face *
Now tell me where you keep the town’s savings!
I-I can’t-
GAH!
A gunshot was heard all around the town. The mayor looked back at his legs and saw a bullet wound on his left leg.
That wasn’t a request.
GAH!
* holds his leg *
Okay, okay, I yield!
* smiles *
There we go, wasn’t it so simple?
I-It’s in the vault underneath my office!
You will get it once you type in HR13!
That’s good.
* readies to shoot another bullet *
Now... any last words?
W-Wait, please!
You said you would spare me!
Oh right, I did, didn’t I?
Well, a “thanks” would do!
T-Thanks..? Please..?
Those are sweet last words, pumpkin.
And so, she pulled the trigger. She looked around the town with a smile. Now, there was only one more person left to “take care of”.
After all the shouting, everyone in the town started panicking and running away from the scene, despite Hood not trying to attack them. Morons, he thought. He finally arrived at the hut he was looking for as he busted it right open. The person suddenly woke up after hearing the door being busted.
W-WHAT?!
WHO ARE YOU?!
Hood smiled and took off his hood just for this once.
What?! ███?!
Y-You are-
Don’t call me by that, ever again!
* holds the gun in front of his face *
My name is Hood now and if you DARE say my old name to anyone, I will NOT hesitate to end your pathetic life!
I-I-
Calm down.
* devilishly grins *
It will all be over soon.
Hood showed off the necklace to his once friend and started casting the same spell he used in the temple. The miner’s eyes turned red for a split second as he dropped to the ground in pain.
G-GUH... WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!
Your life essence now belongs to my master, pumpkin!
No… I won’t let you...
The miner held his heart in pain after trying to attack Hood.
What...what is this sorcery?!
You can’t disobey my orders now until I give you your precious life essence back, pumpkin!
I... I don’t understand...
Why...
Why?
Because it was BORING, pumpkin!
Life was BORING!
But fret not, you won’t be bored for much longer.
Hood chuckled as he towered over the pathetic person.
“Welcome to the hoodster army, Number 1020!”
Woah... that’s so devilish... I love it!
Yeah boss, you were killing it… literally!
* chuckles *
Thanks everyone.
It has... quite a bit since then, huh?
Sure has been.
Tell us more about yourself, Ms. Riley!
Please!
Now now, pumpkins.
It’s late, we all need to go to bed at some point.
And... my throat is dying so...
Yeah, back off you freaks!
You should get some rest too, Mr. Mike.
It’s getting late.
* smiles *
But hey, maybe I might continue tomorrow.
Who knows... oh wait, I know!
* chuckles *
Good night chumps!
Good night to you too, lady Hood...
The group watched as Hood went to sleep inside her personalized tent. She was tired but also excited for the future ahead. They were getting closer to where she was looking for...
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