Now that the two Tools have a plan, all they have to do is get the gift and deliver it to D-structs. How hard could that be?
It was the middle of the day when they finally reached the edge of the forest. The terrain was slowly changing from lush woodlands to a more arid and rocky landscape with cliffs, and a few tall trees dotting around. According to Revvit's calculations, it shouldn't be too long before they reached their destination.
"Are we *SKZZ* there yet?"
"No."
"Are we there yet?"
"No!"
"...Are we *SKZZ* there yet?"
"NO! How many times do I have to tell you, I will inform you once we've reached the Gluphosaur nest!" Revvit tried to explain as calmly as possible, but it was getting hard for him to keep his temper in check.
"Hey, don't get mad at me! I just like being well-informed, that's all!" Skrap-it replied innocently.
"Does D-structs usually appreciate your inquisitive nature?" The Reptool asked, trying to subtly suggest that he should be more quiet.
"I'd like to think so *SKZZ*." The Scraptool replied with a rather naive tone.
"Urgh." He muttered out of earshot from Skrap-it. Considering D-structs' big temper and proclivity to try and destroy anything that annoys him, Revvit found it to be a miracle that Skrap-it had managed to stay on his good side for so long. If that T-trux even had a good side.
"If you would like to know, we will be reaching the nest very soon."
"Great! So, what's the plan…exactly?"
"We have already been over this, I will try and make contact with the Gluphosaurs, more specifically my friend Stix, and then I will barter for some of their Green Ore."
"Yeah yeah, I got that part. But I was just wondering whether you *SKZZ* expected me to be with you when…you do that whole thing you said."
"I do not see why not?" Revvit said, before looking back at the Scraptool with a puzzled look.
"W-well you see, there might be a uhm…small problem with that, hehe," Skrap-it said, his voice filled half with embarrassment and half with nervousness.
"Why?" The Reptool asked, unsure if he wanted to hear the answer.
"I don't know if you remember, but I'm not really popular with the Gluphosaurs. You know, since last time when me and D-structs stole their Ore and *SKZZ* made it seem like you guys stole it…and of course, all the other times where we took it for ourselves! Quite a few times actually *SKZZ*, now that I think about it."
"I…had almost forgotten about that," Revvit replied, not sure if he should be more disappointed in himself or Skrap-it.
"A-and you know how overprotective Gluphosaurs are with their stuff, they just don't seem to able to let it go! It's really infuriating!"
"Yes, it is strange that someone would be angry you stole for them."
"I know *SKZZ* right! So weird. Anyway, that's why I think it wouldn't be that good of an idea if I stuck around during the, uh, negotiation you called it."
"*Sigh* You are probably right. Maybe we can find a rock or somewhere to hide you while I speak with them."
"Exactly what I was thinking. Good idea, Rev!"
"Do not call me that." He said almost instinctively.
"Wha-WHY?!" Skrap-it asked, almost feeling betrayed.
"My friends call me Rev, we, are not friends," Revvit explained, hoping to make his point clear.
"But it's such a good *SKZZ* nickname! Way better than any I've been called by. I've been called Scraphead, Crook-tail, Twitchy, Piece-of-useless-"
"Is that what the other Scraptools call you? That is awful!" Revvit exclaimed with a sympathetic look at his begrudging companion.
"Oh no, that's what D-structs has called me! It's always nice to be reminded of how close we are, but he has a very, um…certain type of humor. Though he's clearly not lacking in creativity!"
Revvit looked at him for a few seconds, before deciding against saying anything. They continued to walk for a little while until they reached a place where the land rolled up into hills that surrounded a small area. It was a natural defense barrier that created a few select entrances to the area where the Gluphosaurs had their nest. Revvit had always found it fascinating how much someone could learn about different Truxs by what places they decided to settle. Craneosaurs and Dozeratops often prefer large and flat areas, as they move in herds and have many eyes to keep track of enemies. But they mostly prefer to move around, which is why they choose places where it's easy to do so in large groups. Gluphosaurs on the other hand are very territorial and group together in tight-knit packs, as proved by their tendency to bunker down in places that are very easy to defend and good at keeping out intruders. This causes most sane Tools and Trux to stay away from their nests and leave them alone, which was why Revvit preferred to approach them from a clear entrance and out in the open, as it usually piques the Gluphosaurs' curiosity and keeps them from attacking at first sight. Something that Skrap-it was the perfect example of, as Revvit imagined how the Scraptool always tried sneaking into their nests and therefore enjoyed a faceful of glue each time.
"A-are you sure this is *SKZZ* a good idea? Shouldn't we, oh I don't know, try AVOIDING being attacked?" Skrap-it asked as he looked around nervously, expecting an angry Gluphosaur to jump out at them at any moment.
"That is what I am doing," Revvit replied calmly.
"Oh, good. Cause it looks like you're walking right into their GLUE-FILLED JAWS!"
"Skrap-it, we are not here to do anything bad, we are merely going to trade with them. There is no reason to try and hide ourselves."
"Easy for you to say, I bet you haven't had to try and *SKZZ* get glue out of your tail!"
"No, I have not. Neither have I tried to steal their rightful Ore, so maybe there is a correlation there?"
"...A what now?" Skrap-it asked, earning a tried groan from the Reptool.
Before long they reached the innermost part and were met by a flat area, filled with the strange constructions made by the Gluphosaurs. These were small tower-like structures of rocks put on top of each other and sometimes held together with sticks, but mostly glue, only a little higher than the Gluphosaurs themselves.
"I have always found these builds most interesting. Most Trux stay away from building, while some like the Gluphosaurs do it almost like it is an instinct." Revvit explained, sitting down and taking in the short towers.
"Very interesting, I'm sure," Skrap-it said, having only listened to the first part of what Revvit had said. "But, since you seem to have things figured from here on *SKZZ* out, I think I'll just go and see if I can't find a rock or something to hide behind and-oh boy."
Having turned away from the Reptool, Skrap-it was met by the face of a not-very-friendly Gluphosaur, who stared him down. Revvit quickly looked over to see what had happened, and then in a flash, the two were surrounded by what seemed to be an entire pack of Gluphosaurs. Contrary to Revvit's optimism, they didn't seem very keen to have a conversation.
"Alright, should I say my last words, or would you rather go first? Know what, I'll just start. *Ahem*...I'D LIKE TO BLAME THIS TURN OF EVENTS ON MY-"
"Pull yourself together, Skrap-it! There is nothing to fear, I assure you." The Reptool declared, though his own assurance was starting to falter.
"Oh, nothing to fear, is there?" An older Gluphosaur stated in an amused tone, rolling up to the front of the pack. "You're sure brave for such little Tools. Or should I say…little thieves!"
At that moment, Revvit was regretful that he hadn't memorized each member of the Gluphosaurs, as then he would have known who he was talking to. However, he could at least come to the conclusion that the one speaking was either a leader or one of the elders of the pack. Collecting himself, Revvit tried to be as non-threatening as possible.
"Good day to you. I would like to reassure you that we are not here to steal from you, rather, we are here to-"
"Don't try and trick me, little one! I might not know you, but I know that one over there, very well. And he is a well-known thief around here." The Gluphosaur said, gesturing over to Skrap-it with a threatening tone, who smiled innocently.
"Oh yeah, I think I *SKZZ* remember you too! I might still have some of your glue stuck to my tail, hehe…" Skrap-it chuckled nervously, though it did little to ease the tension.
"Now, let's see, what shall we do?" The old Trux asked his fellow Gluphosaurs, who looked at each other with unnerving anticipation.
"Will we send them on their way, covered in paste, getting stuck to every piece of trash on their way? Or maybe, we will teach them a lesson about the dangers of stealing, with something a little more… permanent." He continued, now grinning sinisterly, before slowly closing in on the two with the rest of the pack, as they unfolded their bright-orange frills.
"T-there is no reason to resort to violence!" Revvit said pleadingly, as he and Skrap-it stuck together back-to-back, eyeing the Gluphosaurs with worry. "If you would merely allow us to explain, then I am sure we can come to an understanding!"
They didn't seem to listen and only came closer.
"'There's no reason to try and hide ourselves!', 'It's completely safe!', wasn't THAT what you said!" Skrap-it muttered angrily.
"To my defense, I do not remember that I said that it would be safe," Revvit replied with an almost hollow tone, as the gravity of the situation started to dawn on him.
"Well, that was kinda the impression I got *SKZZ*!"
Just as it seemed the Gluphosaurs were about to jump on them, a voice came through.
"Wait! What are you guys doing?!" A young Gluphosaur called out, coming rolling over to the scene.
"Don't worry Stix, we're taking care of some thieves. It won't take long." The elder explained.
"That's not a thief, that's…Revvit!" The younger Gluphosaur exclaimed as he came to the front. It was then that the Reptool finally recognized the familiar Trux as his friend, which was a great sight to see, considering what was just about to happen.
"H-Hello Stix! Glad to see you again." Revvit greeted him, trying to cover up his shaking voice.
"Wait, that's Revvit?! Oh, I'm so sorry." The elder apologized before moving back and folding back his frills, with the rest following suit.
"You'll have to excuse me, my sight is not what it used to be, and honestly, all you Reptools look so similar!" He spoke with a good-natured tone, a stark contrast to before.
"Well, uhm, I can understand the confusion," Revvit said, though he personally could mention quite a few facts to help differentiate one Reptool from another. But he was still in the process of coming over the shock from nearly being attacked and therefore kept it to himself. He could always educate them later.
"Guys, that's why I told you need to be less aggressive with people. What would you do if you accidentally attacked one of our friends?!" Stix said, almost seeming to scold the older Gluphosaur.
"You keep saying that, but no matter what, we have to focus on protecting our nest and Ore. We can't just let anyone wander in however they please! Besides, even if we can trust Revvit, he's come with someone that's far from being a friend of ours." He explained, before nodding over to the Scraptool, who for once would rather not be the center of attention. Stix looked over at him and recognized him almost as easily as he did Revvit.
"You!" He seethed, his frills seeming to be at the edge of popping out.
"Wow, I'm sure popular around here, aren't I?" Skrap-it said, once again making a terrible attempt at diffusing the situation.
"What do you want us to do with him, Revvit? Do you want us to paste him?" Stix asked, his otherwise friendly demeanor quickly turning sour.
"No, that won't be necessary this time, he is currently with me," Revvit explained.
"Yeah, that's right! I'm with this guy! Wait, what do you mean *SKZZ* this time?" The Scraptool asked though Revvit wasn't inclined to answer.
"With…you?" Stix muttered with a puzzled look. "You do know who that is…right?"
"Yes, I am very aware." The Reptool said with a weary voice, though Skrap-it didn't seem to pick up on it.
"Well, okay, I guess," Stix answered, still confused, before he suddenly lit up. "Oh, what brings you this way? It's been a while since you came and visited us."
"That is true, and I am sorry, but some things keep coming in the way and disrupting me and my friends," Revvit explained, using all his willpower to not give Skrap-it a judgemental glare. "But while I would like to say that I have come to say hello, in truth, me and him are here on a little errand."
"Oh…yeah, that makes sense," Stix said, trying to mask his disappointment.
"What kind of errand?" The elder then jumped in to ask, with a speculative gaze.
"I am here to ask for some of your Green Ore," Revvit stated in a friendly tone, though it still caused a bit of discussion between the Gluphosaurs. The elder himself reacted with apprehension until Stix came over and muttered something to him, that made him sigh.
"Alright, I guess we can arrange something, you're a friend after all. Still, this is the first time you've come to ask for something like that from us. What's the occasion?"
"Well, in fact…it is not really for me," The Reptool said, not willing to deceive and lie to the Gluphosaurs, even if it would cause problems.
"It is for Skrap-it here." He continued, nodding to the Scraptool who waved happily at their horrified expressions.
"Him?!" Both Stix and the elder nearly yelled in horror.
"You're here to get our Ore for that…that lowlife, good-for-nothing, lousy SCOUNDREL!"
"I liked it better when you just called me a thief," Skrap-it commented, mostly for himself.
"Now now, do not react hastily! Yes, I'm helping him get some Green Ore, but I am not asking for charity. I am fully willing to present a trade that will be fair to both parties."
"Even then, him?" The elder stated.
"Yeah, what gives Revvit? Why, out of anyone, are you helping him?" Stix asked, hoping that Revvit would come up with a good explanation.
"You see, that is…a long story. But, do not worry, what I am helping him with is of no danger to anyone! Well, maybe just himself." The Reptool said, muttering the last part under his breath.
The Gluphosaurs all looked at each other, unsure of what to do. In the end, they all seemed to look at Stix for guidance. After all, he knew Revvit best out of all of them. The young Gluphosaur was definitely conflicted, but as Revvit looked at him pleadingly, he decided to put his trust in the Reptool.
"Alright, I guess we can go along with it. Just as long we get something in return, right guys?" Stix asked the others, who begrudgingly agreed.
"Great! Then, let us see, we are gonna need-"
"A HUGE PILE OF *SKZZ*-"
"I think it would be best if we started at something more modest," Revvit interjected, after having been interrupted. "We would like to request a certain amount of Green Ore, just enough to feed a Trux on the rather, um, large side."
"And what are you gonna give us for it?" The elder grumpily asked, not very happy with how everything had turned out.
"I can supply you with an amount of Ore of your choosing. We have quite the selection of-"
"Don't need it." The Gluphosaur answered coldly, earning an irritated look from Stix.
"Then how about some services?" Revvit asked, not so easily deterred.
"Services? What kind?"
"I could come by tomorrow with parts and give you all a check-up and fix you up. Of course, I would have done so at any point if you asked, but I will not lie, it would be a rather large task, which would be taken into consideration." The Reptool explained, looking around at the many Gluphosaurs, barely able to calculate how long it would take to go through them all.
This time, the elder seemed more keen on the prospect of Revvit's proposition. Something that Stix easily noticed.
"I think it would be great if we took the offer. We could use the new parts, not to talk of the repairs! You know Xali has had problems with her rollers for a few weeks now. She would be ecstatic!"
He grumbled something for himself, before giving in.
"Fine, fine, we will take the offer. I hope you can assure us you can make some good repairs."
"That, I can do," Revvit replied with only the slightest hint of pride in his voice.
With that, the Gluphosaurs gathered some of their Green Ore in a pile. While some glared angrily at Skrap-it, they nevertheless honored the deal. When the pile was at the size Revvit thought was suitable, he thanked them and told them it was enough. Even after Skrap-it suggested they could ask for a little more to keep to themselves. Which earned the Scraptool some harsh words from the Reptool.
"Yes, I get it, 'We're gonna do this the goody-good way!', you don't have to yell at me. Now, you guys! We're gonna need you to *SKZZ* follow us and push the Ore for us. We're gonna need two-no-THREE, at least, so figure that out amongst yourselves." Skrap-it commanded, which almost earned him a face full of paste if Revvit hadn't quickly intervened.
"Actually, we would just like it if you could push it out in front of the entrance! Please?" The Reptool asked, earning a more friendly answer.
"The entrance?! How are we gonna get all this Ore from there to me and D-structs' lair?"
"Do not worry, I have a plan for that." Revvit cryptically replied, which at least reassured Skrap-it a small bit.
As asked, a few Gluphosaurs pushed the pile out to the front of their nest, where a few trees surrounded the entrance, with long vines hanging from their branches. There, the Trux left the two Tools alone to discuss what they were going to do.
"Nice going there! Now what are we gonna do *SKZZ*?!"
"As I said, I got a plan for that," Revvit said, before walking over to the nearest tree and studying its vines.
"Um, I know it's an interesting tree and all, but I was hoping you were about to tell me about some awesome build you were gonna make so that we wouldn't need to carry each piece of Ore over to the cave."
"You are about half-right. I have an idea for a build, but we will still be required to drag the Ore ourselves."
"Oh…that's disappointing. Wait, did you say *SKZZ* drag?" Skrap-it, and as if he waited for the question, Revvit jumped up and managed to grab a slim, but long and sturdy vine.
"We are going to make a net, we can then put the Ore into, so it will be easier to move," Revvit explained, which, while still a little less impressive than what Skrap-it had hoped, it was still better than nothing.
"Well, you go do that, and meanwhile, I'll think I will wait over and maybe just take a little snack, and-"
"WE are going to build this net, together!" Revvit said, leaving not much room for refusal.
"Really?! Wouldn't it be better if you just did all the complicated *SKZZ* work, and then I-"
Skrap-it was cut short by Revvit's piercing gaze that burned into the Scraptool, allowing no chance of escape. Skrap-it felt bad admitting that it somewhat rivaled even the angry looks D-structs would give him.
"Alright, but I'm warning you, I have NO IDEA how to make a net! Or at least I think so, I don't remember."
"I can work with that." The Reptool replied, with a little more friendly look, before motioning for Skrap-it to come closer. He had laid the long vine on the ground and made ready for it to be weaved. Once Skrap-it was by his side, with a rather unenthusiastic expression, Revvit started explaining the process to him.
"Alright, you will wanna start with moving this end here, and then this one here…"
It was far from being an easy job to guide the Scraptool into making something that wouldn't break by anything heavier than an extra large rock. But through Revvit's supervision and sometimes frustrated guidance, the two managed to make a surprisingly sturdy net. The Reptool at first regretted not just doing the work himself, as he had wasted a rather long time guiding Skrap-it. But when their work was finished, he was surprised at how happy and excited the Scraptool seemed at their good work, though he decided to take most of the credit. Still, it did make the Reptool feel a bit of pride and satisfaction. Ever since Revvit had first met Ty, he had started to believe that building and making something was an excellent tool to make connections with others. But even in this instance, he was surprised to see that belief still held up.
Once that was done, they filled the net with the Green Ore and started on their journey to D-structs and Skrap-it's cave. Though Revvit couldn't promise he would go all the way there. He wasn't in the mood to be captured and held hostage if D-structs found him.
They walked for a while and as they found themselves in the forest, Revvit's worries became true, as the starry night came rolling in and covered the sky. It was far later than he had hoped it would be, and he knew he needed to come up with some form of explanation for his absence. Skrap-it on the other hand didn't seem to be in a hurry, though that didn't stop him from asking how far there was to their destination.
"How much longer do you think *SKZZ* we're gonna need to walk? Shouldn't we be there soon?"
"Skrap-it, it is your home we are walking to! Should you not know how close we are now?"
"Oh, right! We should be there soon." Skrap-it replied, earning a dumbfounded look from Revvit.
The net was a bit heavy, but luckily the two of them were enough to drag it at a comfortable speed. If Skrap-it said they should be there soon, then it wouldn't be long before their business was concluded, and Revvit could go home and never speak of it ever again. But as they walked, it seemed they weren't alone. They had passed by the sleeping Trux here and there, but by the sound of moving treads and an engine, a large and moving Trux was nearby. Revvit didn't think much of it, but still kept an eye out for anything. It was then he noticed an all too familiar red color moving past the trees to their side. He almost froze when he realized who it was, but managed to regain control just in time.
"Hide!" The Reptool almost yelled, and with surprising strength dragged the net behind a trunk, with Skrap-it being forcefully pulled with it.
"Argh!" The Scraptool screeched, and before he knew it he was behind the treetrunk, with Revvit having climbed up to the top.
"What was that for *SKZZ*?!" Skrap-it asked, after having climbed up to his side. But Revvit didn't answer, and instead scanned the surrounding area, obviously looking for something.
"And what are you even looking for?!"
"Duck, now!" Revvit commanded and ducked behind the trunk, just enough to see over the top. When Skrap-it didn't immediately comply, he pulled the Scraptool down himself.
"Hey!" The offended Tool hissed.
"SHH!"
As if on cue, the otherwise silent forest was interrupted, as a large Trux came rolling into view, only a few meters away from the trunk the two Tools were hiding behind.
"Rev! Revvit!" Ty called out, his throat hoarse and tired as though he had been yelling that all day.
"Revvit!" He continued, but as all the times before, he heard no answer.
"Hey, isn't that-" Skrap-it muttered before Revvit put his hand over the Scraptool's mouth.
"Revvit! Rev…Oh, what am I even doing." The T-trux exclaimed with a defeated sigh, before stopping up.
Both Skrap-it and Revvit held their breath, as they observed the worried Trux from their hiding spot, just close enough to hear him muttering to himself.
"Great work Ty, great work, you let your best friend out of your sight for a moment, and then he's gone! I knew I shouldn't have let him go alone, not when he'd been acting all strange these last few days. Maybe I shouldn't have let him leave at all! Maybe I should just have sat him down and asked him to explain what was wrong! No, no, I can't just force him to open up, it doesn't work like that."
After having vented for a bit, he leaned up against a sturdy tree and sighed once again, whether it be from worry or exhaustion.
"It's all right Ty, Revvit is fine. He can handle himself, you know that…I just wish he wouldn't be so against telling me what's wrong…if there even is anything wrong! Maybe I'm being paranoid. I don't know, I just hope he's okay…"
"Oh, Ty," Revvit whispered with a pained voice, having a hard time bearing see how much his sudden disappearance was hurting the T-trux. All the while Skrap-it stared wordlessly at the scene, with wistful thoughts, only translating to an estranged expression on his face.
"Y-you know what?! Revvit said he had somewhere to be. He might want to be alone, and I should respect that. I can handle giving him some space, what friend couldn't?! I'll just wait till tomorrow and if he's not back, then I'll ask the others to help look for him. That should be fine, I can not worry about Revvit for one night! It's not like I'm talking to myself because I miss talking…to…him…"
Having finally realized it might look a bit strange that he's talking to himself in the middle of a forest during the night, he decided to close his mouth. However much he didn't want to, he also gave up his search for the time being and started going away, in the direction of the Garage. Once they were sure he was too far gone to see or hear them, the two Tools crawled to the top and looked toward the way Ty had disappeared.
"Seems he was looking for you…huh…" Skrap-it mumbled almost to himself, before looking down as to hide the longing look on his face.
"So it does," Revvit replied quietly, staring ahead with a regretful expression.
Skrap-it was the first to climb down from the trunk, with the Reptool seeming reluctant to leave.
"You know, I don't think I could stand *SKZZ* having anyone worrySO MUCH about me!" The Scraptool explained out of the blue, with a clear exaggeration in his voice.
"Seriously, I don't know how you can DEAL with that! Imagine not being able to go anywhere without someone coming looking for you. HAH! No, not me and D-structs, he RESPECTS me *SKZZ* enough to let me go where I wish *SKZZ*! He knows I'm an independent Tool *SKZZ*! Yes *SKZZ*, heh…heh…" Skrap-it continued, trying to put up a proud facade, though at the end it crumbled so easily with a few forced chuckles that reeked of uncertainty.
In the end, he looked even more glum than when he started, which seemed to take a toll on him, though Revvit only partly noticed, as he was too caught up in his own whirlwind of thoughts. But he was broken out of that trance when Skrap-it said something the Reptool couldn't in any way have prepared for.
"Though, Guess I can…*Cough*...I can see why you like him so much."
Revvit, first taken aback for a moment, then turned his head to Skrap-it, though the Scraptool looked away as if to deny it was him that said it. But it would take more to fool Revvit. With a strange mix of confusion and something warm in his core, he smiled.
"I really do," Revvit whispered, before feeling a new sense of urgency and determination.
"All right, it seems I have till tomorrow to help you sort out this gift. That should give us plenty of time, so we do not need to worry. Still, let us get going, shall we?" He asked the Scraptool, who was surprised by the Reptool's newfound resolve after his rather lackluster demeanor all throughout the day, though he quickly nodded in agreement.
Revvit then finally came down from the trunk and walked over to the net. They both grabbed onto the gift and continued on their way, with a short way to go before they would reach their destination.
And here is the latest chapter. I won't lie, there's not long to go now before we reach the end. It was always meant to be a kinda short story, so I hope you won't be too disappointed. As always, thanks for the support and kind words, they mean a lot! See you next time, and hope you have a good day!