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Backpack and Satchel: Road Trip for the Golden Gear

Summary:

A road trip featuring Backpack and Satchel, 2 siblings searching for the perfect gift for Cheesecake Factory, their partner.

Notes:

This was a challenge entry for Camp TOGE, an object camp I compete in. I'm sending this public for everyone to read for fun.

Work Text:

Backpack and Satchel are in Backpack's RV. They've survived the team phase, but Satchel is blaming herself for Team Hi's defeat in the final challenge of the phase.

"Big bro, it's my fault... they said I was being too selfish..." Satchel said, a pout in the young girl's eyes.

"It's OK, Satchel. They still said we did a good job, and that the others just did a good job too. Let's focus on this next phase." Backpack replied, reassuring his younger sister.

Satchel gave a little smile. "Really?" she asked excitedly.

"Yeah, really. Apparently, our next partner is Cheesecake Factory. I've got the perfect idea on what to give to them." Backpack confidently stated.

Satchel's eyes light up, the kid's face having one of excitement and curiosity. "What is it, big bro?" She asked Backpack.

"Well, I know. There's this treasure map I found, apparently it leads to some "Golden Gear" thing." Backpack said, a hint of maturity in his eyes.

"Golden Gear? What's that, big bro?" Satchel asked, wondering what Backpack is talking about.

"The Golden Gear can be inserted into any machine to boost its speed to a level it can't normally achieve. The map says we have to travel from these grassy hills to a mine near the base of a volcano. It's a long drive. Should be about 2 days in total from here to there and back. And this ol' RV doesn't get the best gas mileage." Backpack stated, with a worried expression on his face.

"Wow... that's really long. Where do we stop for gas?" Satchel asked, still wondering what they should do to get there as fast as possible.

"The best stop is the one Nail Polish set up. It's connected to a fast-food joint. And I could get you your favorite chicken nuggets with ketchup while we refuel the RV." Backpack answered, looking to help his sister as they got themselves ready.

"What if a bad man tries to hurt me?" Satchel asked, clinging to Backpack closely.

"Well... I'll make them regret the day they ever messed with my little sister." Backpack assured, hugging Satchel back.

"Thanks, big bro." Satchel said.

"No problem, Satchel. Let's start this road trip and go get that golden gear!" Backpack exclaimed, heading to the driver's seat to crank up the RV.

The RV's engine started. Backpack took the wheel, driving across the destination. The radio was broken, so he let Satchel sing in her seat to pass the time. Maybe it helped him cure the boredom of such a long drive, although he did remind her to take breaks sometimes. Eventually, the fuel gauge started running low. Backpack stopped at the gas station that Nail Polish set up. It was getting dark, so he went and ordered a burger for himself and chicken nuggets for Satchel.

"Big bro, are you annoyed at me?" Satchel asked, worried her singing had started to get on Backpack's nerves since he was busy driving.

"Not at all Satchel. In fact, you cheered me up because having you along made this a lot less boring. You're like my little lucky charm, always there to make things better." Backpack assured, patting Satchel on the shoulder.

"Aww! Thanks, big bro! You're really not mad at me after we lost the last challenge?" Satchel asked again.

"Of course I'm not mad. You're still 7, remember? And the hosts said you did a good job, just that everyone was so good it was hard to pick a loser." Backpack replied.

"But my park still lost..." Satchel said back, having her head down.

"Again. It's not your fault. You did good. You tried your best, and that's what matters." Backpack smiled at her, and looked her in the eyes. "I could never be disappointed in you. After what happened with our parents, you blamed yourself after they sacrificed themselves to save your life. You even have that red mark on the middle of your chest as a reminder. The most painful one possible... and I still choose to support you and love you. Because I'm your big brother. And family always sticks together."

Satchel started to cry, crying on Backpack's shoulder.

"Shh... It's OK... Big brother's here..." Backpack gently comforted Satchel. "Your chicken nuggets are getting cold. So eat up and cheer yourself up."

Backpack and Satchel eventually finished eating, smiling at each other afterward. They continued the road trip, eventually reaching the mine, but an exhausted Backpack decided to call in for the night before they entered. He wanted to be in top shape before they went searching for the Golden Gear. They woke up in the morning, and Backpack made breakfast before Satchel woke up. He made blueberry pancakes, with extra whipped cream for Satchel. Satchel woke up after smelling the pancakes.

"Good morning, big bro!" Satchel exclaimed, looking at the clock. "Whatcha making?" she asked Backpack.

"Oh, blueberry pancakes. They're almost done. I made them for you because I know it's one of your favorites. I even promised extra whipped cream!" Backpack said, smiling at his little sister.

"Oh! That sounds really good!" Satchel said, resisting the urge to hug Backpack while he was cooking.

The stove's sizzling stops as Backpack puts the blueberries and whipped cream on their plates.

"Here you go, kiddo! It's hot and ready, so I got you some milk to go with it." Backpack said, smiling at Satchel as they began eating.

Satchel's face lights up as she eats, and she compliments Backpack's cooking. "Everything tastes better when you make it, big bro!" She said, finishing her plate.

"Aww! Thanks, Satchel! My cooking's nothing special, really; I just learned from our parents when they were still alive. They were the best cooks." Backpack reminisces, missing his and Satchel's parents. He also finishes his plate.

"Should we go now, big bro?" Satchel asks.

"Sure thing. This is the mine that the treasure map pointed out. Let's go!" Backpack said, leading Satchel into the mine. They used the flashlight on Backpack's phone to guide them.

Under the flashlight, the vision inside the mine improved. The search for the Golden Gear took a long time, probably an hour or so. They kept going, and suddenly, they found a golden gleam inside a minecart. They searched it, and... they found it. The Golden Gear.

"Look, big bro! We found it!" Satchel exclaimed, jumping in the air.

"Perfect. Let's go back and give this to Cheesecake Factory. I'm sure they'll be happy with this; it'll help them make cheesecakes a lot quicker." Backpack stated, heading back to the RV.

After a long drive back, Backpack and Satchel handed the Golden Gear to Cheesecake Factory.

"You sure this'll help me cook better?" Cheesecake Factory said, curious about the Golden Gear's power.

"That's right. I got a treasure map, and it said it could make any machine work faster and more efficiently. So... Satchel and I got it for you! Since we're partners and all." Backpack said, equipping Cheesecake Factory with it.

The Golden Gear's effect was immediate. Cheesecake Factory tried making a cheesecake, and it took half the time it did before!

"Oh yeah! This is awesome." Cheesecake Factory said, their newfound speed and efficiency making their job a lot easier.

"It's really cool, isn't it?" Satchel asked innocently.

"It's the best gift ever! Thank you, Backpack and Satchel!" Cheesecake Factory said, excited about this.

And so, every contestant got cheesecakes for dessert! Except you, eliminated contestants. You get nothing, you lost! Good day.