After Dark: The Great Clancer War
Author's Note: Alright, I'm officially taking this story off my hold list and adding it to my list of to do's. FINALLY, I'm continuing with the freaking series. After waiting a few months since the completion of Into the Dark and After Dark: The Mansion Incident, I've come to the conclusion that Into the Dark was the more popular one of the two. As a result, I've decided to use the same writing style as I did in that story for this story. SO, don't expect to see many religious references, flashbacks, human growth, etc. The approach I took with Into the Dark was simple: each chapter I introduce a new monster or mission for the characters to go through, but the reader is never TRULY aware and assumes it to be part of the main plot. That is the way I plan for this story to be done. And also, as a side note, the reason why I'm taking this approach is because this story is supposed to set up for what I have planned for the final installment to the Dark Series. That being said, enjoy the continuation of After Dark: The Great Clancer War, and be sure to check out some of my other stories if you get the chance! ;)
And just to recap what happened so far: Link, Samus, Sonic, Ike and Snake were sent through time and space by means of Chaos Control. They supposedly land on planet Clance, home to the peace loving Clancers. The Clancers, however, are at civil war with each other, creating two main sides, the Resistance and the Empire. Link and Samus are recruited by the resistance where they meet many new people such as Sarie, Ron, Jistr, Tac, Teran, Princess Ondine and King Aster. Unfortunately, Teran, the Princess' bodyguard, is suspicious of Link and Samus for appearing out of no where and deciding to aid them in a time of need. Meanwhile, Marina and Professor Theo venture to the alien planet for a little visit. Also, Sonic searches around the entire planet for the missing Chaos Emeralds. Snake and Ike's whereabouts are unknown. Afterwards, Link receives a letter from a stranger named Angel, who frames him, saying that he has really sided with the evil Empire. When Teran finds the letter, all hell breaks loose and the Clancer attempts to arrest the poor Hylian with all his might. Link makes his escape and flees from the castle grounds, where he is then confronted by none other than Angel in person. Angel kidnaps Link and takes him back to Empire where he meets Emperor Leo, the man behind the cause of the war. After Leo gives Angel one of the Chaos Emeralds in his possession, he tells Link to take a hike and to not interfere with anymore of the Empire's plans. When the coast is clear, Angel pulls Link off to the side, revealing himself to really be a human named Chris Vennettilli, who was also transported to Clance by means of accidental Chaos Control. NOW, Link and Chris head back to the Resistance to tell King Aster about the Empire's plans, as well as hopefully find out some more information on the locations of Ike and Snake.
And remember, it's a Mischief Makers/Smash Bros/Resident Evil Crossover. Enjoy!
Chapter 7: A Friend Indeed
Link held on for dear life as he sped through the grassy plains. He really did underestimate the technology the Empire possessed. Chris hit a switch on the control panel, causing the Land Speeder to fly faster. The Clancer vehicle itself was small, hovering over the ground by a mere 2 feet. Link, sitting in the only passenger seat without any kind of seatbelt, had to make do with the side plating of the vehicle to hold on.
"Are you sure we're allowed to take one of these?" asked Link, trying to talk over the sound of the roaring engine.
Angel kept his hands on the steering and his eyes focused on the front.
"What?!" he shouted in reply, the wind blowing his cloak up into the air.
"Are you sure we're allowed to take one of these!?" replied Link loudly.
Chris nodded.
"Yeah! Don't worry, this girl belongs to me! I take her out all the time! Now which way to the castle?"
"Don't you know!?"
"Not really!"
"Look up ahead! See it over there!?"
Chris winced at the small grey object in the distance.
"Oh yeah! I see it!" The human pulled on a small lever, causing the Speeder to slow down slightly, muffling the annoying sound. "So you got here because of those emeralds too huh?" he asked.
Link watched the world go by for a moment before turning to the human.
"Huh? Oh yeah, the Chaos Emeralds. I'm not really sure how they work; a friend of mine had to get them started before we could go anywhere. Actually, the whole point in using the Chaos Emeralds was to get back home. It's kind of ironic in a way," replied the Hylian. "Recently, my friends and I came out of a huge crisis. We are still trying to recover from it. This whole incident with the time travel and the aliens is just so much on my plate right now..." Link looked at Chris who was giving him an awkward stare. "Oh sorry! I got kind of side tracked! Ahem. Basically, like I said earlier, I'm here by accident. All I want to do is help these people out as much as I can."
"Don't worry, I understand. I guess it is smarter to befriend the Clancers than to make enemies."
"Heh. Yeah."
In truth, Link was only helping these aliens because he feared that something like Raccoon City was going occur again. Of course, he didn't plan on telling anyone about this; not even Samus.
"As strange as this may sound, I'm here for the same reason as you, Link," said Chris all of a sudden.
"Really? How come?"
"I just want to get back home."
Link nodded at his response.
"I see. Well don't worry too much. I think that as long as we stick together, we'll make it back home to Earth. You're from Earth right?"
"Um. Yes, in a manner of speaking. I've been traveling all over the place actually. But Earth will forever be my one true home. I'd rather not go into details though. No offense, but you don't seem like the type of guy who can follow a story like mine."
"If it's about space travel or aliens, then I probably won't."
"Ha ha. Okay, thanks for the warning."
"But Chris?"
"Yeah?"
"How much do you know about zombies?"
Chris paused for a moment, but kept his eyes focused on the distant castle.
"Zombies? What are you pulling my leg or something?" he asked, a bit of humor on his tongue.
Link retained a serious expression.
"I'm not joking around here. Tell me the truth."
Chris glanced at him sharply.
"What do you mean zombies? Do you mean like, 'rise from the dead, eat your brains' kind of zombies?"
"Yes."
"Hm. Sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about. As far as I'm concerned, zombies aren't real. Never seen one."
Link looked down, slightly embarrassed. If he really thought about it, that was a stupid question. What were the odds of anyone knowing anything about the T-Virus or zombies in general?
"I've seen them..." muttered the Hylian.
Chris coughed out a laugh.
"Really? Do you mind telling me about them?" he asked.
"I don't know, it's complicated. Do you know what it's like to see people being torn apart before your own eyes? To constantly smell and feel the blood in the air? How much it hurts to have razor sharp claws dig into your own skin?"
Link started to trail off as he stared out at the far off mountains. Chris' attention was immediately drawn as Link's voice became softer and softer.
"Sorry, Link, I don't really know. But..."
"..."
"But don't think you're special because you've stared up at death's eye. I've seen enough bloodshed to last a lifetime. Whatever burns at your heart, believe me, I can relate. Blood thirsty zombies, rampant aliens of destruction, hell they're all the same to me."
Link looked up at him bearing a sad expression.
"Aliens of destruction. I guess that's one way you can put it."
"I know what will make you feel better. I think it's about time I told you my end of the story."
From then on until they reached the castle, Chris told Link about all his past adventures and travels. The Hylian learned that they had a lot more in common than it seemed. Apparently, Chris was also fighter of justice. He had seen many forms of life on his journey, from the gentle nature of the Mobians all the way to the tyrannical brutality of the Overmind. To Chris, the Mobians were like "humans' best friends" because the two races had formed an alliance and fought alongside each other during great battles. He told tales of ancient parasitic-like creatures that consumed all forms of sentient life, very much similar to Raccoon City's T-Virus. Chris also made the assumption that the Chaos Emeralds had sent both him and Link to the past due to the Clancers' primitive structures and weapons. Although, it still made him wonder how they possessed the technology for levitating vehicles and Time Rifts. It seemed that not even a master of puzzles like Link would be able to figure this one out.
"Wait, if you know the Mobians," interrupted Link, "then wouldn't that mean you know Sonic?"
Chris' face seemed to have lit up at the sound of the hedgehog's name.
"Sonic? You know Sonic?" he asked curiously.
"Yeah, actually, he's one of my friends who are trapped here on the planet."
"Sonic never told me about you before. I wonder if that could really be..."
"Huh?"
"Oh, nothing. But this is perfect! If Sonic's here, then he should be able to use Chaos Control and get us all back home!"
"I know. But he needs all the emeralds first, remember?"
"Well, that shouldn't be too hard for him. He's done it before. This time shouldn't be any different."
Link raised an eyebrow.
"What are you saying?" he asked.
Chris smirked at him.
"When we get to the castle, we're going to organize the King's army. Then, we'll assault the Empire's base. From there, we kill Leo and get back the stolen Chaos Emerald. We find your friends, we grab Sonic, and boom! We're home! Sounds simple eh?"
Link was surprised at how fast the soldier had conjured this plan.
"I guess that's one way to put it. In simple terms..."
"Trust me on this one. We'll be fine."
"Ah! It feels so good to stretch my legs again!" said Marina Liteyears as she exercised the muscles in her joints.
Professor Theo stepped out of the spaceship-house and took a deep breath.
"The air is unusually clean here. Just like old times!" he exclaimed.
Marina walked over to him and started glancing around at the grassy plain.
"So, you think they'll remember us?" she asked.
"What kind of question is that? Of course they'll remember us! They better, especially since we saved their home from being annihilated!"
"You mean 'I' saved their home from being annihilated."
"I was a witness. I have my rights."
"Whatever. Come on; let's get to the castle while it's still daytime. We shouldn't surprise them too much."
The two friends gave each other a smile and a nod before trekking through the field. Overhead, various clouds of white stared down at them with blank faces, but this was no surprise to the old man, nor the young woman. However, there was one very distinct feature about the blue sky in the distance.
"What's that black thing over there?" asked Marina as she pointed at a far off Time Rift.
Professor Theo adjusted his glasses and squinted at the portal.
"Hm... Wait, what are you pointing at?" he replied.
Marina grabbed his shirt and shoved him in the direction of the Rift.
"Over there! That black thing in the sky! Jeez, you're so blind!"
Theo squinted again before finally noticing the strange occurrence.
"Oh, over there? It looks like a portal of some sort. Like a gateway to another dimension."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact. It sounds pretty cool, actually!"
Theo broke free from Marina's grasp and started bumbling toward the Time Rift, unaware of the evil it possessed. With a sigh, the Intergalactic Cybot G followed her creator through the plain. After a few minutes, Theo and Marina were standing directly below the large purple mass. Black lightning bolts seemed to be flashing in the Rift.
"Amazing. I didn't know the Clancers had the technology to make something as sophisticated as this," he said, attempting to study the Time Rift from beneath it.
Marina looked around, realizing that she and the professor were the only ones in the grassy field.
"Yeah," she said. "It's almost too good..."
"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Theo as he turned to his assistant.
"Don't you find it suspicious that the Clancers would just leave this thing lying around? I mean, look at it. Lightning sparks? Demonic Aura? Even if they did make this, don't you think they would be here to supervise... whatever it is?" she asked.
The professor stared back up at the portal and stroked his thick beard.
"Hm. Yes, now that you mention it, it does seem pretty fishy. Maybe it's just a strange weather occurrence?" he said.
"In the middle of the day on a clear sky?"
"Okay, so it's not the weather."
"I have a bad feeling about this. Let's get to the castle and find the King. Maybe he could tell us something about this thing."
"Good idea. Glad I thought of it."
"You know, one of these days I'm gonna roundhouse kick that smug smirk off your face."
Just as the two companions were about to make their leave, they were suddenly interrupted by what sounded like a loud horn. The bugle noise rung out throughout the land, causing Marina and the professor to cover their ears.
"What's that noise!?" she shouted over the sounded of the horn.
"Ugh! I don't know!" replied Theo.
The sound lasted several seconds before dying down. The field became deathly silent for a few moments.
"I have a really bad feeling about this," whispered Marina as she started to back away from the Time Rift.
"Why are we whispering?" replied Theo quietly as he crouched slightly.
The silence was soon shattered by a screech which sounded like a large bird of some sort. The sounded echoed through the overhead portal and bounced off the two friends' eardrums, causing them to cover their ears again.
"Aw what now?!" cried Marina.
The sound was so loud, Theo couldn't even reply. The ground below his feet felt as if it were breaking apart. Quickly, he fell over onto his side, keeping his ears covered. Marina looked up to see that the echoing screeches had come from the Time Rift.
Large black birds started flying out of the portal, scattering off into different directions. Hundreds emerged, bearing red eyes and black talons, along with menacingly sharp beaks. They cawed and cried, spreading out into the distance, painting the once blue sky an eerie shade of black. Some of the birds entering from the portal noticed Marina and Theo.
"What's going on here?!" Marina cried as she took her hands off her head. One of the birds dive bombed her, claws out stretched. She immediately reacted and flipped backwards, narrowly dodging the attack. Other birds swooped down as well, forcing Marina to dodge left and right. "Argh! I need my guns!" she yelled as she ducked under another swiping attack.
The birds had stopped emerging from the Time Rift at this point, but three of them hovered nearby, preparing to strike the humans. The rest of the mob had flown off into the distance. Marina stared up at the red eyes of death, contemplating what to do.
"This can't be!" she said. "We cleansed this planet years ago! I've never even seen these monsters before!"
"Tell me when it's over!" cried Theo as he crouched down on the ground and covered his head.
Marina glanced at him.
"You expect me to fight these things without a weapon!?"
"It's your job to protect me!"
"I won't be able to protect you if I'm dead!" she replied as she looked back at the trio of monsters.
The bird in the middle of the pack cawed, followed by another dive bomb attack. Marina had no choice but to dodge again. Just as she was about to recover, the second bird swooped down and clawed at her. She dove to the ground, barely missing the sharp claws of the monster. She was wide open to the third bird, but the last monster took a different approach. The final bird screeched and swooped down towards the professor, picking him up in both of its talons.
Professor Theo kicked and struggled to get free, but failed due to the bird's superior strength.
"Professor!" cried Marina.
She made an attempt to jump at the bird, but another one had rammed her in mid-air, knocking her to the ground. The third bird lifted Theo high up into the air, the other two following it.
"Help me!" cried the captured Theo.
Marina could only watch helplessly as the monsters made off with her creator. The birds flew away in the same direction as the rest of the mob.
"MARINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaa!"
His voice soon became silent, as did the rest of the world. Marina laid on the grass, staring up at the blank clouds.
"Professor..." she said, tears almost coming to her eyes.
She soon bore an expression of anger and stood tall.
"Don't worry, Professor. I'll save you. Mark my words, I'll get you back. Somehow..."
With one last look at the Time Rift, Marina Liteyears sped off in the direction of the castle. She prayed that the Clancers would know something about what was going on with the planet.
"Did you hear something?" asked Link to his travel companion.
Chris glanced at him before looking back at the approaching castle.
"No. Why?" he replied.
Link shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know, I thought I heard something. It sounded like a horn."
"A horn? You serious?"
"Maybe the heat is getting to me."
Link pushed his blonde hair out of his eyes, allowing it to blow in the passing wind. His attention went back to the grassy scenery zooming by.
"Ah don't sweat it. Look, we're almost at the castle. That ought to cheer you up."
"A little bit," Link said with a nod.
The Speeder flew a bit farther before stopping in front of the castle gates. A lone Clancer guard with blue armor was standing atop the entrance.
"The Green Warrior has returned!" he hollered to the others behind the wall.
"Well don't just stand there! Let him in! The King wants to speak with him!" replied an unknown voice on the other side.
The lone guard glanced down at the Hylian and the human before turning back.
"There's a mysterious man in white accompanying him!" he said.
"Just open the damn gate!"
"Alright alright, calm down."
The guard pulled a nearby lever, allowing the gates to open and the Speeder to cruise right in.
A large group of Clancers immediately ambushed the vehicle, pointing large metal spears at the foreigners. Chris slowed the Speeder down to a stop before the gates closed behind him. Link stared around at the spear-bearing aliens.
"Hey guys, what's going on? Um, what's with the spears?" he asked.
Some Clancers stepped forward, causing Link and Chris to flinch and put their hands up. They both gave each other nervous glances.
"So, these are your friends I assume?" said Chris, gritting his teeth.
"I thought they were. Did something happen while I was gone, guys?" replied Link.
None of the aliens made any reply, but kept their spears raised.
"Stand down. Let me speak with him."
Link and Chris turned to the sound of the voice; it was Teran. Soldiers moved out of the way as the BLOCKMAN made his way up to the vehicle. The Hylian frowned at the Clancer.
"Teran. What happened to your face?" he asked. Teran felt the large bruise near his mouth before responding.
"You can thank Samus for that. Link, the King and I would like to speak with you, personally. Follow me. Now."
The Clancer turned around and walked off. Link and Chris exchanged another glance before exiting the vehicle and following the BLOCKMAN.
Teran shoved through the large doors of the throne room and bowed before the King.
"Sire! Link has returned! And he has brought a friend along with him!" he said before standing up tall.
Link and Chris stood behind the Clancer pensively. King Aster rose from his seat to get a better look at the Hylian.
"Ah, indeed he has. But for what reason? I thought that you had sided with the Empire, or so Teran had told me," he said.
"I figured as much, you majesty," replied Link with a glance at Teran. "But believe me, the last thing I want to do is become your enemy. True, I had been captured and taken behind enemy lines, but I managed to escape, thanks to my friend, Chris here."
Chris nodded his head with a smirk, causing Aster to raise an eyebrow.
"More humans are there? I assume you were held prisoner too, Chris?" asked the King.
"Yes, your majesty," replied the space traveller. "I am in debt to Link for saving me from my cell and bringing me back here to the side of justice. If there is anything I can do to aid you in battle, please let me know."
Obviously, he was lying but it was just the thing he needed to get the King to feel sorry for him.
Teran took a step forward out of irritation.
"Now wait just a second here! Sire, this man tried to kill me!" he said as he pointed at Link. "He joined the Empire's side and now you are accepting him again like nothing happened! Or do you forget that he could be a spy?"
Link glared at Teran.
"Who are you to point fingers? You don't even know me!" he said.
"Oh, I know all about you alright. I know that you're a lying little rat who won't stop poking his nose in places where it doesn't belong!"
Link was about to draw his sword, but was stopped when he felt a warm hand grasp his shoulder.
"Let me handle this," said Chris. "Your majesty, if I may intrude, I have an idea about what the Empire is planning."
The King's eyes seemed to light up at Chris' proposition, causing him to sit back down and lean forward a bit.
"Go on, son," replied the King.
Chris stepped in between Link and Teran to cut off all eye sight from each other.
"Like Link, I myself have wound up here due to some supernatural power of some sort. How and why it happened, I'm not really sure. Emperor Leo's troops found me wandering the surface of this planet before taking me in and bringing me back to full health. Leo told me of an evil that plagued Clance, led by a notorious King named Aster. He said that it is because of King Aster that nature and machine are at war, and the only way for the world to live and prosper is to destroy the source of this evil. Leo used me for reconnaissance missions to find out any information on the King of his daughter. Coincidentally, more humans started to appear on Clance thereafter. As a result, my new duty was to recruit as many fighters to the Emperor's side as I could. Turns out, Link and his friends were fighting on the true side of justice, while my mind had been clouded by misconceptions. Thanks to Link, I managed to talk myself out of helping the Empire and come over to the Resistance." Chris got down on one knee and bowed his head solemnly. "Now, if you will only accept me as a soldier, I'm sure I could prove to you how much potential I have."
King Aster nodded his head as he took in all this newly-found information.
"I see...so Leo had been on top of us the whole time..."
Teran's mouth just dropped as he listened to the human's introduction.
"What!? You can't be serious, sire! Even if this boy's story was true, how can you trust someone who had been previously working on the side of evil?!" he said.
Chris did not move, but kept his eyes focused on the red carpet beneath his feet.
"And if my services don't prove enough to meet your standards, please feel free to kill me," he said calmly.
Link made no outward reaction but cursed to himself after hearing Chris' last statement.
"Sir, I think what Chris is trying to say is-"
Link was cut off as the King raised his hand.
"Don't worry, Link. I know exactly what he's trying to say. He wants our trust, and in return, he is willing to give his own life for the kingdom."
Link backed down in relief; it was good to know how Aster was so understanding.
"Sire," started Teran, "if I may-"
"Do not burden yourself, Blockman. We need all the allies we can get right now."
"Um. Yes. I...I see."
"Chris, thank you very much for the information. And yes, I would be more than happy if you joined our side to rid this planet of the dreaded Empire."
Chris rose to his feet and dusted off his white cloak.
"Thank you, your majesty."
"So, is that it then?" asked Link.
"Indeed it is. Teran, take these two down to the training grounds. Introduce them to the Beast Sector. Prepare them for the fight that lies ahead."
"Sire, surely there is another-"
"That's an order."
Teran's head sank as he turned to face the two earthlings. Link and Chris both gave a smug smirk to the Clancer. It seemed that they had won this round.
"Yes. Yes, your majesty."
Author's Note: Review please. ;)
