After Dark: The Great Clancer War
Chapter 5: Meet Marina
Ten years ago, the planet of Clance came under attack by the Empire. Total destruction fell upon the land. The fields, the mountains, the villages, all turned to flame. In those days, there was no ope to save the Clacers from annihilation. Emperor Leo made sure that no one would stand in his way. His three most loyal soldiers, the Beast sector, performed his evil acts by their own will. And there was no one that could stand for justice's sake. The King was forced to go into hiding, along with Princess Ondine and her brother Teran. The Clancers were on the verge of extinction.
Until one day, one person changed all that. Two distinct creatures, a human and a robot, were on a space expedition near the far reaches of the galaxy. The pair travelled in a red ship which represented their home. Their little piece of Earth. They stumbled upon the burning planet, and out of curiosity, they landed upon it's surface. What the two Earthlings saw scarred their minds forever. Civilians being beaten on the streets, soldiers burning homes to the ground, people killing each other just to survive. Of the two foreigners, the human who was a scientist, only saw fit to investigate the situation and try to do what he could to help these dying people.
The Empire was quick to catch on to their motives. Soon, the professor was captured by Leo's sentries. He planned on using the scientist's vast knowledge on robotics to help manufacture a super army. The professor's only companion, the robot, went out to save it's former creator. The robot met tons of different people, all belonging to the same race of Clance. The robot also met the Beast Sector, composing of Lunar the Wolf, Tarus the Ape, and Merco the Falcon. The robot defeated all three of these warriors and managed to confront Leo once and for all. With the help of Teran, the robot saved the scientist from Leo's clutches, and in time, destroyed the Empire, along with Leo and all the fires he summoned upon the land. Clance was finally at peace. The Beast Sector was converted to the side of good, as it was soon discovered thereafter that they had been brainwashed by Leo the entire time.
As a sign of his thanks, King Aster granted a gift upon Lunar, Tarus, Marco, and the robot. He gave them a Clancer blessing. The spiritual magic behind this ritual caused a huge transformation within the bowels of these four warriors. They were no longer robotic or animal-like. Aster had turned them all into humans. All the Clancers held a celebration all over the planet to celebrate their victory and the defeat of Leo. Soon enough, the robot and the scientist had to make their good-byes. They set off in their ship, away from Clance and back to Earth from whence they came. And forever shall they be honored as the saviors of Clance. Fover shall they be remembered as the saviorsof Clance.
Marina Liteyears sat up in her bed and yawned. It was a new morning, a new day. But there was no sunlight entering through the window across the small room. She glanced outside briefly to examine the far off stars and planets; all of which appeared as small white dots. She stretched her arms up, not even close to touching the ceiling. The human rubbed her eyes before hopping out of bed and slipping into some blue slippers. She was used to this fleshy body by now. She didn't stumble across the floor anymore like she did years ago. She could control her breathing much better. No longer did Marina need that metal cap to cover her hair. Her greenish hair was clean and free from it's metallic prison. Being a human felt so good. She smirked to herself, but the expression soon disappeared when she heard the thunderous voice from down the hall.
"Marina! Where's my breakfast!?"
Marina made a pouted face as she grabbed her robe and threw it over herself before exiting the room. The door slid shut behind her as she entered the living room/kitchen in the next room. Professor Theo sat slouched on the low seat, a frown on his face.
"What took you so long?" he asked arrogantly. Marina rolled her eyes before replying to the fat man.
"Um, I was sleeping. Is that such a crime?" The old man spat his coffee out of his mouth cartoon style before wiping his white beard.
"Sleeping?! You can't be sleeping! You have a job to do!"
"I know! But I need my rest! It's not like I can just recharge my batteries anymore!" said Marina waving her arms around. The professor stared at the young woman for a few seconds before taking another sip of his coffee.
"Aw, don't worry about it. You can repay me tonight," said the professor casually. Marina clenched a fist as she stared at the fat man, fire burning in her eyes.
"What did you say?" she said slowly.
"Tonight. You can repay me tonight."
"And by that you mean?"
"Oh...Um nothing."
"I know what you're thinking you pervert! It's not going to happen! Not even in your dreams!"
"Oh come on! I made you! The least you could do is do whatever I say!"
"Even after I saved your ass all those times you still think you can just take advantage of me like that?!"
"Well, you were cute back then. I mean, you were a robot. But now, you have skin. You are an actual woman now. And...And..." The professor started drooling as he studied Marina's breast area. She realized what he was doing and instantly turned red as she tried to cover herself.
"Okay! That's it!" she screamed as she ran over and grabbed Theo by his collar. He cried out when she lifted him up and tossed him through one of the walls into another room. She started breathing heavily as the professor's body rose up. The looked at each other through the giant hole in the wall. Marina was the first to speak. "Why does every morning have to start like this? I'm not your play-thing!" she barked. Professor Theo dusted the dry wall off his shoulders before stepping back into the living room/kitchen.
"You better fix that," he said before he sat down and reached for his mug. Marina just stared at him from across the table.
"That's all you have to say?" she asked. The professor nodded and took another sip.
"Fix the wall, make my breakfast, and do the other chores you normally do," he replied.
Marina stood still for a little bit before she walked over to the mess and started picking up the pieces. She pulled out some duct tape from a nearby drawer and started plastering the wall back up. Every day has been the exact same thing since they left that planet. There were no more planets to discover anymore. All of them had been occupied by some alien life forms one way of another. And every time they tried to do and expedition, they would end up getting chased off like they were criminals. But they weren't. Marina may have been violent, but that didn't mean she was dangerous. The professor threw her around like she was a doll. Sometimes Marina wondered why she even travelled with this guy. The most logical answer would have to be because he created her; all from scratch.
She was the project he had spent his whole life working on. Fifty years were put into the development of the Ultra Intergalactic Cybot-G. Fifty years of preparation and creation. She was everything he had ever dreamed of. A personal maid to attend to whatever he wished. A maid whom Professor Theo named, Marina Liteyears. He had won the nobel prize in his time for this marvelous creation. Unfortunately, things were not as good as they seemed. Sure, Theo had his pulicity, and Marina had her share of fame, but it wasn't long before the government decided to take things into their own hands.
Marina was abducted by the US military and taken to Area 51 in Nevada. They feared for her to be used as a weapon for terrorism, with which Theo was also suspected of. He fell into a state of depression for a few years, mourning over the loss of his most prized possession. It wasn't until one rainy day in August 1998, that his dreams became a reality. Marina had appeared on his front doorstep one evening. Theo couldn't believe his eyes. She had escaped the confinement of the military. She really was a super weapon. Unfortunately, she had killed a few men in order to make her escape. Theo was stricken by this, Never in his life would he even dream of building machines that killed people. His talent was meant for the greater good of mankind, yet this robot, Marina Liteyears, had killed innocent people, all for his own sake.
It was then that Theo made a decision. He would build a ship, and he would leave this planet forever. He could no longer stay with the humans. They would never forgive him for what Marina had done. So, he set off with his only companion to the outer reaches of the galaxy. Together, they made a vow to explore as many uncharted planets and stars as they could before they die. They would meet as many different life forms as they could, and record as many findings as they could; for it was all they had to live for now.
And Theo kept getting more and more attached to Marina with each passing day. The thought that she returned to him on that fateful day still lingers through the back of his mind. He couldn't keep his mind of her. For the first time in his life, Professor Theo was in love. But that all changed soon when he tried to take advantage of her. Marina knew he loved her, but a relationship at this point was pointless. How could a human love a robot? More importantly, how could a father love a so-called daughter? Never mind the fact that he was about 50 years older than her. But Marina couldn't leave him. Not after all the pain he had gone through for her. She made a pact with him. Marina would remain by Theo's side no matter what, whether he be abducted by aliens or thrown into the pits of a volcano, Marina would be there, to save him or to die with him. So, there was a kind of love between them, but not the one Theo would prefer to have. Just as long as she didn't leave him, he would be happy.
Marina slapped the last of the duct tape on before standing back to view the fruits of her efforts. Strangely, the wall looked batter than how it had first looked. But now her clothes were all dusty from working. She sighed as the professor adjusted his glasses and took another sip from his coffee. A small book was lying on the table, open halfway. He looked at the new wall before turning back to his book.
"It looks terrible," he said. Marina glanced back at the wall and at the professor again.
"It looks fine! Better than that pukey color that was there in the first place. Honestly, I wonder how your life would be if you didn't have me to do your work for you all the time. You would be less lazy, I'm sure. And probably more fit..."
"Yes...Maybe...Anyways, I'm still waiting for my breakfast. You know how I can't work on an empty stomach. Look, I even took the pan out and everything." He gestured to the nearby clean stove. Marina rolled her eyes before walking out of the room. "Hey! Where are you going?" asked the professor. Marina turned around at the door.
"I'm going to go wash up. But if you would rather have dry wall in your eggs, that's fine by me," she said. Theo noticed the dust falling out of her green hair.
"Okay okay, just hurry up." Marina put her hands on her hips and did not move. "Hurry up, PLEASE."
"That's better." She proceeded out of the room. Theo took another sip of his coffee before hunching over more to read his book.
Marina threw her robe onto her small dresser as she entered the bathroom. She could feel herself wanting to fall back onto her bed, but she knew she couldn't now. When you make a commitment, you have to stick with it. She walked into the enclosed room and stared at herself in the mirror.
Man, was she a mess. Several specks of dry wall debris could be seen all over her face and hair. Her eyes had that sleep gunk in it, complimented by the small bags. Her hair was all over the place. She should have known better than to leave her room without cleaning herself up.
Of course, if she was a robot, she wouldn't need to worry about any of these problems. Being a human was fun and all, but there were some things about being made out of metal that just had it's kicks. Like how you never have to do up your hair in the morning, it just does itself up. Having super strength, the ability to lift heavy bricks with your pinky. But if there was one thing she missed about being a robot the most, it would have to be her jet pack. That was the real fun part. Flying around and hovering all over the place. Now, she barely had the stamina to run and jump. But being a human wasn't all bad either. You could experience feelings, not just the want to fulfill a certain task. Now, Marina could feel anger, sadness, joy, every feeling there is. She could enjoy life like a normal person. However, everything has it's drawbacks. She now has to breathe in order to stay alive, something that she never even thought of when she was a robot. She has the need to clean herself every few hours, on the outside and inside. She will eventually die of age if she lives too long, another thing she never had to worry about as a robot. If being a human was so bad, why did she want to be one? Did she want to experience new things in life? Did she think it would make Theo more comfortable around her? No. She just wanted to make him happy.
Theo could never have children of his own, which was why he cared so much about Marina. She was his robot daughter now turned to a human. She giggled to herself when she compared her situation to that of Pinnochio. Except she won't be growing any long noses any time soon.
Marina reached into the shower and turned on the hot water. Theo's head lifted up when he heard the shower turning on. He paused for a few moments before turning back to his book. Guess he would have to wait a little bit longer for his breakfast. He didn't need to bug her now. He remembered what happened last time he walked in when she was in the shower. Marina nearly threw him out of the ship.
"She should control that temper of hers..." he thought to himself as he leaned back. He stroked his thick beard a few times before standing up and walking over to the window. Various stars and planets passed by the viewer. Space was dead silent. The only sound was that of the engines and hot water whispering through the walls. But that didn't disturb this infinite peace, for as everyone knows, there is no sound in space. Theo continued to stare out the window. They were still on course. Planet Clance was just a few more parsecs away from their position. It would only be a matter of time before Theo saw all his old friends again. The shower was still on. Theo was losing his patience. He was so hungry, he felt as if he hadn't eaten since last week. But his mind knew that it was only a mere few hours difference since his last meal. He looked at the empty pan on the stove before giving a small sigh.
"Fine, Marina. You win this time."
Marina stepped out of the bedroom, a red towel wrapped around her hair. Her blue eyes sparkled under what lights there were on the ceiling. She rubbed the towel into her hair as she entered the kitchen. She dropped her towel on the floor when a peculiar smell caught her nose.
"Is that...eggs?" she said out loud. She looked to the side to see Theo by the stove stirring the yellow substance with a spatula. He noticed her and smiled under his beard.
"Breakfast is on me toady, Marina," he said. Marina's eyes went wide, not even realizing the towel was still on the floor. Had Professor Theo actually made himself breakfast? He hasn't done that in well over a year! She was both surprised and shocked by this.
"W-What made you change your mind all of a sudden?" she asked. He slid the eggs on to a plate that had bacon, toast and diced potatoes on it. He put down the pan and lifted up two plates of food.
"Hunger," he replied.
"Maybe I should give you a break. Please, sit down." Marina adjusted her white t-shirt and sat down at the table. Two glasses of orange juice were already filled to the top on the two spots. Two forks and knives were also set already. Not only did Theo cook breakfast, but he set the table as well. What's got into him all of a sudden. He set down the plate in front of Marina and she stared at the food. It sure looked good. Theo took a seat with his food. "I haven't cooked in a while. But, that doesn't mean I don't know how to," he said.
"Well, I'm not complaining."
"Dig in. We'll be arriving on Clance shortly."
"Finally. It's been years since we've seen them."
"They haven't changed, I'm sure of it. They'll remember you."
"Yep. We'll actually be able to enjoy ourselves this time. No more Emperor Leo to cause trouble."
"Cheers to that."
They both lifted their glasses and clanked them together before starting their excellent meal.
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"This is my room!?"
Link was standing in what seemed to be a mini ball room. Only in this room, there was assorted furniture such as dressers, drawers and two beds. The beds alone nearly made up half the bright room. Link's mouth dropped to the floor when he heard Jistr say it was his.
"Please, young master. Enjoy," said the servant as he walked down the hall to show Samus her room. Teran stood arms crossed next to the Hylian. Link was still awe-struck from the sight of this place. It was bigger than his room at Smash Mansion. Teran did not move a muscle.
"You know, this doesn't all belong to you. We're sharing this room, remember?" he said. Link turned to the shorter creature.
"I know. It's because you still don't trust me right?"
"Yes. You may have defeated that monster in the garden. But it doesn't mean you're not secretly working for the Empire. That battle could have just been a diversion to earn our trust. Well, I'm not falling for it."
"Fine, suit yourself. No matter what you say, I'll just keep saying I don't work for them. That is the truth."
"You could be lying to me."
"Man, no wonder you don't have many friends."
"What was that?"
"Uh, nothing. Hey they've got a balcony too?" Link ran over to the other side of the room towards a giant window. A tile balcony could be seen on the other side. The Hylian slid the window open and stepped out into the fresh air. The sound of singing Clancers in the distance soon filled the air. The sound felt so refreshing. He felt like he was floating. Link couldn't stop smiling. For a planet that was undergoing war, it seemed pretty healthy. Link pulled out his blue ocarina and started playing with the Clancers. He couldn't help himself. The music was just too beautiful. He hit every note on time, even harmonizing at some parts. It wasn't long before Teran realized what he was doing that he came out to join him.
"You play music?" asked the Clancer. Link took his mouth off the instrument and turned to his friend.
"Sure do. Been playing for almost twelve years now."
"Cool. Well don't mind me, please continue." Link shrugged his shoulders and soon picked up where he left off. For some reason, he could sense that the Clancers on the other side could hear his instrument playing. He was feeling awkward as Teran continued to stare at him. The Hylian stopped.
"What?" he asked. Teran seemed to be lost in some kind of trance. He snapped out of it after a few seconds. "Hey you okay?" asked Link.
"Oh, yeah. I'm fine. It's just that, I don't know. You play so...Uh. You play good," said the Clancer a bit embarrassed.
"Hey thanks. That means a lot coming from you."
"If it's okay...I'd like to hear more."
"Okay." Link put his ocarina up to his mouth and continued. It didn't last long though as soon, the song had ended. Link put down his ocarina.
"That was short," he said.
"The song's over. Why don't you get them started on one?" suggested Teran.
"Okay. Let's see..." Link put his mouth to the piece and started playing a new song. It was fast and upbeat. The song had a bit of a ring to it, too. It was one of those songs where, if you hear it once, you can't forget it. After going through the short riff once, the Clancers memorized the tune. They sang along with Link's ocarina, some of them harmonizing as he did for their song. Teran felt the need to dance, but he couldn't risk embarrassing himself in front of this guy again. He didn't need to develop a soft spot for these strangers. For some reason, the song was reminding him of the great forests scattered about Clance. Something about the song made him think about trees and woodlands. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, though. Link stopped playing as the Clancers continued without him.
"What song is that?" asked Teran. Link put away his ocarina.
"I don't know. I never really gave it a name. A very good friend of mine taught me that song a long time ago. I guess the only name I gave it was the name of the original artist."
"Who's that?"
"Her name was Saria. I haven't seen her for years though."
"So, the name of the song is 'Saria'?"
"No, I refer to it as 'Saria's Song'."
"Yeah, that sounds better. Come on, let's head back in."
"Right." The two re-entered the bedroom without saying anything to each other. Link felt somewhat more attached to Teran. There was a very good friendship bond on that balcony. Maybe Teran trusted him more after hearing the sound of his innocent ocarina. Then the question occurred to him.
"Hey Teran, how come you didn't sing with us? I mean, you like the song right?" Teran was feeling embarrassed again. He pulled his cap down to avoid Link's gaze as they walked through the room. After some blank silence, Teran spoke up.
"I...Um...I can't sing," he said. Link raised an eyebrow at this.
"Can't sing? That's weird. Sarie told me that all Clancers could sing."
"Well I can't okay!"
"Easy there. I didn't mean to make you upset. It's no big deal is it?"
"It is, Link. ALL Clancers can sing. But me, I can't. It's just the way I am."
"Have you ever tried?"
"Yes. But I can't. I'm not allowed to. I have BLOCKMAN blood in me. In exchange for that gift of power, my singing voice was taken from me. I am fierce on the fields of combat, but at the gatherings, no. I can't sing at all. That's how everyone knows me. I'm that guy who can't sing." Link didn't reply. He felt pretty bad for this guy. Poor Teran couldn't sing. It was almost like a disability. Suddenly, an idea came to Link's mind.
"You know," he started, "you don't have to necessarily sing in order to make music. I mean, look at me. I can't sing either, but once I get my hands on an ocarina, well, you know."
"There is more than one way to play a song. That is true. But how could I ever find the time to learn to play an instrument. My duty is to the King and Princess. My duty is to the kingdom. It is my job to protect it. I'm too busy to be bothered with small things such as music."
"I see your point. Well, how about after this is all over. Would you consider then?"
"Maybe. That is, if we don't all get killed by the time is over."
"We won't."
"What do you mean? How do you know?"
"I just know. The Empire seems strong, but not as strong as I would have expected. With Samus and I leading your army, we should do just fine."
"I would never allow you to train my army. Remember, I still have my doubts about you. Leave the training to the generals. They're suited for the job just as anyone."
"If you say so." The pair exited the room and closed the door behind them. Samus and Sarie walked out to the hallway from their room across the hall. "How's your room look?" asked Link.
"Big. That's all I'll say," replied Samus.
"Heh. Same here."
"Man, these guys sure know how to live in style. Hey, I heard you playing Saria's Song out there. It sounded great. I haven't heard you play that song in a while." Link could still hear the Clancers singing that song outside. He smirked.
"Well, I was in the mood. I'll show you it some time," he said.
"OK! Could we please move it along people?" said Teran all of a sudden. "I want you to meet the Beast Sector before the sun goes down."
"The Beast Sector?" asked Samus.
"The generals leading our army into battle," replied Sarie.
"Oh good. I want to meet these guys. Lead the way, Teran," said Link.
"Indeed," replied the Clancer. The four of them made their way down the halls. Link stopped at the sound of a sharp whisper. Someone was calling his name. He quickly turned around and looked back down the hall. The voice continued to call him. He walked back to his room. "Hey Link! where do you think you're going?" said Teran. Link turned around again to see the Clancer heading right for him. Samus and Sarie kept going.
"Oh, I thought I heard something," said the Hylian.
"Like what?" asked Teran.
"I don't know. It sounded like it was coming from our room."
"Really now?"
"I'm almost certain there was. Let me just take a look."
"Alright, if you really MUST go then I'm going to have to come with you. Im sure you understand."
"Yeah yeah, you don't trust me, yadda-yadda-yadda."
"Right."
Link opened the door and stepped into the large room again. Everything was just the way they left it. The windows were open, the balcony door was closed, all the furniture seemed in order. But there was a mysterious presence lurking about the room. What was it? Link drew his sword and shield and looked about the room. There was someone here.
"What is it?" asked Teran as he walked in.
"Shh," replied the Hylian. The two stood in silence for a bit. The only sound was that of the window blowing into the room. Link was about to sheath his weapons until a floating object caught his eye. A piece of paper, folded into a paper airplane, glided into the room. It twisted and turned through the air as it landed in front of the two. Link withdrew his weapons and picked up the paper.
"A paper airplane?" asked Teran.
"No, a message," replied Link as he unfolded the paper. Teran read it from the side.
Dear Link,
If you got this message, you must be alone. I want to thank you for informing us on the whereabouts of Princess Ondine. She is a key factor we need in winning this war. You have proven to be a most valuable asset to the Empire. Leo could not thank you personally, so I will give you my thanks instead. You may continue to skulk about the castle. Learn as much information about the King's army as possible. Report back in 24 hours. Oh, and one other thing, destroy this message once you have finished reading it. We don't need anyone getting suspicious of you.
-Angel
Link's hands shook as he read the lines over in this letter. Who sent this thing? Who is Angel? Teran's eyes flared red when he finished reading. He snatched the letter from Link's hands.
"You liar! You have been working for the Empire the entire time!" he shouted. Link backed off.
"What!? No! You actually belive that!? I've been framed!" Teran waved the letter in front of Link's face.
"The evidence is right here! I knew there was something fishy about you! You are under arrest!" Teran grabbed Link's wrist. Link tried to get away, but couldn't. Teran was unusually strong for his height.
"I'm telling you the truth! I would never go against the King!" cried Link.
"I've had enough to hear! By order of his majesty, anyone caught guilty of high treason is to be executed immediately!" Link's eyes got wide when he heard this.
"No!" he shouted as he kicked Teran in the leg. Teran bent down in pain. Link punched his straight in the face. The Clancer was sent flying into the door. The letter was still clenched in his fist. There was no way Link would be able to convince the others that he's innocent. He looked about the room. If he was going to escape, now would be his only chance.
Link ran for the balcony. He burst through the glass door and looked over the railing. The castle courtyard sat below, along with a 200 foot drop to an instant death. If he could get far enough, he would be able to jump onto the castle wall. Link stepped back and ran to the edge. He leaped over the railing and landed on the wall a few feet below. He turned back to see Teran getting to his feet. Link looked away and jumped off the wall onto the ground outside. He landed with a summersault before jumping to his feet. He now outside the castle gates.
"Was that really the right thing to do? Would they have given me a chance if I just went with him? No, I couldn't talk myself out of it. Teran would just go against anything I said. I guess, I'm on my own now. Wait, what about Samus. If they know she's my friend, would they go after her too? She doesn't know about the letter. I have to go back! I could just fight my way to them. No, that would only give them the proof they need if they find me attacking guards. It's weird how Teran turned on me all of a sudden..."
"Having trouble?"
Link turned around to see the owner of the voice. A figure was standing in front of him, it's face covered by a bird mask. The stranger had a white cape blowing in the wind, along with a white cloak to match. Who was this guy? Link did not draw his sword but just stared at the bird man.
"Trouble? Yes. Who are you?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm sure you've heard of me," said the stranger. "I go by the name of Angel." At this, Link drew his sword in an instant and pointed it at the figure.
"You set me up!" he said loudly. Angel didn't seem afraid at all.
"I did, Link," he said.
"How do you know my name?"
"Someone told me. We've been watching you for a long time now, Link. We are all aware how you single handedly defeated those monsters. Very impressive."
"Who told you about me?"
"Oh, a friend I guess you could say. But that's not important. What is important is that you've been kicked out of the castle. That makes you an easy target for the Empire." Link was about to step forward with his sword when he heard the clicking of a gun's safety lock. The figure was pointing a Desert Eagle Magnum at Link's forehead. The stranger gave a small smirk under his mask. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," he said. Link holstered his weapon and clenched his fists.
"What do you want from me?" he asked seriously.
"What I want and what the Empire wants from you are two totally different things. I'll answer for both of us anyway. The Empire, Emperor Leo, wants you to fight for us. He wants your strength and fighting skills. With you on our side, the Resistance wouldn't stand a chance. What do I want? Well, it's nothing much. You seem to know a lot about it, though. I'm looking for the Chaos Emeralds. And you, Link, are going to help me find them."