After Dark: The Great Clancer War
Chapter 6: Angel
"There it is Theo! There's Clance!"
"Where? I don't see anything!"
"Open your eyes! It's right there! Look!"
Marina waved her arms hysterically and pointed at the planet coming into view form the main viewer. Professor Theo squinted his eyes beneath his glasses before replying.
"That can't be it. It's way too small."
Marina rolled her eyes and sighed.
"No, it's the same planet. We're just too far away from it. Look, you'll se the trademark Clancer face on it soon."
The blue planet edged closer and closer into view. Theo had some opera music playing over the speakers of the interior of the ship. He found that it calmed him down. Marina, on the other hand, hated opera. She was a party girl, and proffered more upbeat, faster style music with crazy guitar solos. Yep, she was a head banger. But you would never guess that by looking at her now, in a formal appearance. She poked her finger on the window and tried to point at the planet as it became more focused.
"See it now?"
Theo squinted again and shook his head.
"No. Ar you trying to trick me?"
Marina slapped herself in the face before responding.
"Are you blind old man!? It's right there! Look, the sun's over there, there's the moon, and Clance is sitting right in the middle of them! How can you not see that!?"
Theo paused and studied the small planet as it got bigger. He inhaled and exhaled deeply.
"Now I see it," he said calmly.
"It's about time. Man, you really must be deaf."
"No, I just like making you mad. You're so cute when you're angry."
Marina gave him an evil stare and he backed off.
"Um, I was just joking of course, heh heh. It's all in good fun!" lied the professor.
"Sure, whatever. Let's just land this thing already. I don't know how much longer I can stand to be in this ship with you."
Marina killed the jets as the ship got pulled into the planet's gravity.
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The Empire's carrier landed smoothly onto the ground as the engine died down. The man with the bird mask continued to point his gun at Link's head. The Hylian gritted his teeth as a group of Clancers in black armor approached him.
"Is he the one?" asked one of the soldiers to the bird man.
"Yes," replied Angel, "He is the Green Warrior we've all been hearing about. Take him aboard. Leo wants to have a little talk with him. Personally."
Two masked Clancers bound Link into what looked like handcuffs. Another soldier completely stripped him of all his weapons and tossed them into the cargo hold of the ship. Angel holstered his weapon and stepped on board the ship, followed by Link and the soldiers. Link couldn't say anything. He felt that any kind of plead would be useless. He actually felt afraid. But, they were only Clacners were they not? 'Vulnerable,' as he remembered how they put it. If they really were weak, why was Link so afraid? Was it the armor? The masks? The organization? Or was it the bird man? None of the guard within the castle had firearms of any sort. Yet, this Angel person had what looked like an entire arsenal on him when compared to the King's army.
If this Empire was as strong as Link feared, the Resistance already lost the war. They could not fight this. Link took as sat between two soldiers who held his arms to keep him from doing anything. They were awfully strong for their size. Angel sat in the seat across from him, continuing to stare at the Hylian's face. The other soldiers took seats wherever they saw fit. The huge carrier lifted off the ground and took off into the Clancer clouds. Link was getting more annoyed by the minute.
"How come no one came to rescue me? I was standing right outside the castle gates! And not one guard noticed this giant ship land and take me?"
Link coughed to himself nervously. Angel wouldn't stop staring at him through those red, bird yes. The Hylian tried to ignore it, but it was getting to him. He couldn't believe the sudden turn of events. Just a few minutes ago, he was inside the castle, going down to meet the so-called "Beast Sector." Now, he was on an enemy ship, being transported to God knows where where they're more than likely going to imprison, interrogate, or execute him. The thoughts were all jumbled in his mind and he couldn't stay focused. He gave an evil glance at Angel before speaking.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked.
Angel shook his head slowly as he responded.
"I already told you. If you can't remember, it's not my problem," he replied in a muffled voice.
Link could automatically tell he was one hundred percent human. But how does a human end up on this planet in the first place? Link took this into consideration as well as what he had said earlier to him. The master of puzzle solving closed his eyes and thought.
"He said he wanted me to help him find the Chaos Emeralds. I have to assume he already knows what those are capable of. The King said that the Beat Sector was entirely human, plus a fourth one who left a long time ago. This guy can't be the fourth human they were talking about. If he was, why would he be sided with the Empire? He could have been brainwashed, but what's the possibility of these people possessing that kind of technology? Now, he wasn't born here, that's a fact. So he must have arrived here by some sort of transport. But that can't be because he would have to be with more people. Unless there are other humans who have sided with the Empire I don't know about. That answer is highly unlikely. Wait, he said that his and the Empire's intentions were completely different. He seeks the Chaos Emeralds, but for what purpose? I know that Sonic can use the power of the emeralds to turn into his super form. He can also use Chaos Control to warp across dimensions, which is how we ended up here in the first place. And since Angel isn't from Clance..."
Link looked up at the bird man before looking at the metal flooring.
"...He must want the Chaos Emeralds to return to his home planet. Which means, he's in the same boat as us. He must be using his position in the Empire as an excuse to get what he needs. It's a perfect plan, but I saw right through it."
"What makes you think I know anything about the Chaos Emeralds?" asked the Hylian as innocently as he could. Angel paused before looking at him.
"You really want to discuss this with these gentlemen in the room?" he replied.
Link looked at the short soldier sitting next to him before turning back to Angel.
"I see. Well, could you at least tell me where are you taking me?"
"It's not important right now. You just sit tight. We'll be arriving shortly."
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"Teran! What is the meaning of this!"
King Aster rose from his throne, an angry look upon his face. Teran burst into the room, violently pulling on Samus' wrist. She fought back aggressively, but the BLOCKMAN was too strong.
"Your majesty! Pardon my intrusion, but it appears that these 'humans' are not who they claim to be!" said Teran.
He walked before the King and threw Samus on the carpeted floor in front of him.
"What the hell is wrong with you!?" shouted Samus as she got to her feet and dusted herself off. "You didn't even give me a reason to why you started dragging me down the hallway!"
"Indeed, BLOCKMAN, speak now. What is this treachery you are committing?" said the King in a deep voice.
"Ah, treachery, your highness! A very shrewd word to say on this matter. My mind is a bit foggy. What is the definition of the word 'treachery?' I believe it stands for 'betrayal' or 'deceptive actions of nature'. A crime that must be repaid harshly. I present to you, Samus Aran! The most treacherous woman standing in this room! She has turned against the crown!"
"What's this? Samus, surely this can't be true," said the King.
Samus crossed her arms and looked back at Teran.
"This isn't true. Your little 'BLOCKMAN warrior' here must have few screws loose, because I have no idea what he's talking about."
Teran pulled out the letter from behind him and waved it above his head.
"I have proof that these humans are for the Empire. Look here! A letter directed to one Mr. Link, informing him on updated duties presented to him by Emperor Leo!"
Samus snatched the evidence immediately and looked over it. She skimmed through it twice, but took more time to analyze the signature.
"Angel? Who the hell is that?"
She tore the letter on the spot and let the pieces flutter to the floor. Teran made no reaction.
"This is a load of bullshit! You actually believe this thing is real!? Link does not work for the Empire! Neither do I! We've only been here for a few hours! How does that make sense?!"
The King pondered this, stroking his thick beard. Teran, although he made no facial expression, seemed to have a full out smirk on his face. He really did believe he was triumphant over these outcasts. Samus couldn't believe the King was buying this. She needed backup from Link. Where was he anyway?
"It seems as though you are working for Leo," said Aster.
Samus' mouth just dropped to the floor. Was this King pulling her leg, or was he really that stupid? Where is the logic? Anyone can point fingers at anyone. And whether anyone believe the accusations or not was entirely up to them. But the King, a person who should be governing his country with the upmost protection and confidence, falls for a simple letter such as this.
"Right, sire. What shall I do with this scum?" asked Teran happily as he grabbed Samus' ponytail.
"Hey, watch it you little prick!" she hissed at him.
She was really starting to hate this guy. REALLY starting to hate him. The King waved his hand as a sign for Teran to let go. He complied and waited patiently for execution orders.
"I cannot allow a traitor to stay behind my walls. Yet, I cannot fully trust the words embedded in that letter. Teran, where is Link?" asked his highness.
Teran was pleased to answer.
"He ran off the moment I realized his intentions. All the more proof you need, sire. He fled when I found out the truth. I'm surprised Miss. Aran hasn't tried the same tactic."
Samus gritted her teeth before looking back up at the King.
"Your majesty, if it's not so much to ask, do you mind if I go search for Link? I don't want him to be out there all alone."
"He's not alone. He has a whole horde of monsters guarding him," said Teran from behind.
That was it.
She couldn't take it anymore.
Samus spun on her heel and nailed Teran square in the face, causing him to fly back and into the double doors at the back of the room. He hit the ground hard with a thud. Teran didn't expect the attack, but wiped the blood off his face as he got to his feet. "Attacking me on royal grounds only proves your guilt even more Samus. If you are trying to look innocent, you are doing a terrible job at it," he said. Samus' eyes flared red. She bolted it to his position and performed a drop kick onto his chest. Both of them landed on the carpet at the same time, and they both recovered at the same time.
"You want to knock it off with the insults before I knock that frickin' cap off your head?" she said angrily.
He did not seem at all fazed by her words.
"If you want to fight, we can take this outside. I have no need to stain the King's floors with human blood," replied the Clancer.
Samus threw a straight punch at him, causing him to dodge instinctively. He ducked under her attacked and uppercutted her 10 feet into the air. He followed through with a spin kick that sent her flying back to her original spot on the carpet. She cursed as she got to her feet again. There was blood dripping out of her mouth. That uppercut had caused her to bite her own tongue. She spat on the royal tiles as Teran clapped his knuckles together.
"We can do this all day," he said nobly.
"Both of you halt!" roared Aster.
The two fighters stopped and turned to his highness.
"There is no fighting in this room. You are both on the same side, so stop your senseless bickering. I've read over this issue several times. I have come to a decision. Samus, you will remain in this building until the remainder of the war."
"What?!" she shouted. "I have to go find Link!"
"He cannot be trusted now. If that letter was forged, then there's no doubt the Empire already have their hands on him. Given his reputation, they will most likely try to convert him to their cause. There s nothing we can do except move on. The plan remains as before. Sarie will be you companion as you train in the battle grounds. When you are ready to fight, you will join my troops on the front. Teran, you are to return to your former duties. This issue is now closed."
Aster sat down in his throne and waited for the two to react. The room was silent for a moment before Teran spoke up.
"Thank you, your majesty."
He turned to the door and left, some blood spots dripping onto the floor below him. Samus felt like crying, but she didn't. She was stronger than that. She wasn't about to let this jerk's words get the best of her. She didn't reply, but left from the side doors of the room. She wanted to go back to her room and clean up. She could feel the blood trying to escape her mouth. It hurt like a bitch, but she didn't show the pain.
"I swear, I'm gonna beat that guy so hard one day. He won't even see it coming. It'll be a surprise. My gift to him. It's what I owe him for trying to get me and Link kicked out of the castle."
She walked down the hallway, holding her hand up to her face. She passed by Sarie on the way.
"Hey, Samus. What happened?" she asked.
Samus didn't reply but sped past her. She couldn't even speak. She turned into her room and headed straight for the bathroom.
Unsurprisingly, the interior design of this room was strikingly similar to that of Link and Teran's room. She went to the sink and turned on the hot water.
She looked up at herself in the mirror and jumped. Had she been a little paler, she would have looked like a zombie from Raccoon City. That memory sent a shiver down her spine. The water in the sink soon started turning red as Samus washed her mouth out. She was afraid for Link. What if the King was right? What if the Empire did have him already and they were already interrogating him of what little information he knew? She pulled the ribbon out of her hair and allowed it to flow loosely over her shoulders.
She didn't want to stay in the castle. She wanted to help him. But any move that went against the King's orders would only heighten the suspicion cursed upon her. Her only option was to wait it out, and pray for Link's safety. She almost lost him to the dark in Raccoon City. She wasn't about to lose him again. But these idiots, these Clancers, kept getting in her way. And she wasn't even considering where Ike or Snake could be. What if they were captured by the Empire too? They could be torturing them. And she wouldn't be able to do anything. It was almost as if the entire planet was out to get her.
The only person she could relate to was Sarie. At least she was easy going. At least she would listen to her problems. She was the only hope Samus had of surviving on this planet. Unfortunately, all good things come with a price. It was just recently that Sarie had confessed to Samus that she was secretly in love with Teran. Samus of course couldn't believe or stomach this fact for a while. The irony in the whole situation was that Samus hated Teran. After going through that thing in the throne room, she was ready to fire his ass to the next moon. But now she had to be extra careful with how she treated Teran because of Sarie. Samus never understood why Sarie never told her this in the first place.
"If you love a guy, just go out and tell him how you feel. Heck, that's how it started with me and Link."
But Sarie was a different case. She was shy with Teran when telling him about how she really felt. That doubt if he really loved her back always lingered in the back of her head. It explains why she acts so outwardly towards the guy in an almost childlike manner. Teran didn't seem like the type of guy who would fall in love. He's too serious, too shallow for Samus' liking. And that was besides the fact that he was just a full out jerk. Samus also considered the possibility if he was racist against humans. The possibility was always there. Teran was too dedicated to his work. He always claimed that he served only the King and Princess. He had no time for fun things. Maybe that was the reason why he's so uptight with Samus and Link.
"Sarie should really talk some sense into him. He might just listen to her."
Samus grabbed a nearby towel and wiped her face. Her eyes got wide as she lowered the towel and looked back in the mirror. Sarie was standing behind her.
"Oh, Sarie, you startled me," said Samus as she placed the towel on the counter.
"Oh sorry," replied the Clancer. "I didn't mean to. Its just that you were...uh..."
"Bleeding. Yeah, no thanks to your boyfriend."
"Boyfriend? Oh, you mean Teran? He's not my-"
"I know, I just didn't know what to say. But yeah, he I got into a little fight. Nothing that some warm water won't fix," she said attempting to sound cheery.
Sarie looked surprised.
"What made him do such a thing?"
"Well, he thinks Link is working for the Empire now, and he suspects me of the same thing. We got into an argument and now, well, here I am."
"I'm sorry for what he did. I should have been there."
"You weren't part of the issue. Don't take the blame. You're not his mother. He should be able to take responsibility for his own actions."
"Yeah I guess you're right. What about Link? Is he really with the Empire?"
"Not working for them. But we believe he's been kidnapped by them. The stupid thing is, Aster's not allowing me to leave the castle grounds, otherwise he'll suspect me of siding with the Empire. I can't even go out there to save him."
"Oh my. That's bad."
"Tell me about it. I don't know what to do now. I feel so lost in this world. I wish I was back home, with all my friends."
"You know, you could always ask the Beast Sector if they could help?"
"Do you think they could?"
"Sure. If you take one of their ships, you could go rescue Link and be back before anyone even notices."
"Really? Would they let me borrow one of their ships?"
"There's only one way to find out. They should be in the training area. I'll introduce you. They shouldn't have a problem with you because, well, you are human like them."
"Okay. I'll need all the help I can get. Let's go."
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The carrier landed smoothly on the clear grass. Link made no reaction as the troops stood and filed out of the room. Link and Angel were the only ones sitting on the transport. They sat there for a few minutes, staring each other down. Link was really feeling uncomfortable, at the same time fearing for his and Samus' safety. Hopefully, the King would let her off easy.
The Hylian twiddled his thumbs for a bit, noticing that his weapons were no longer in the room. The only thing he had was his ocarina, which he cleverly hid in his tunic. Angel adjusted the bird mask on his face and stood up, his white cape dangling. "Let's go," he said. Link hesitated, but felt himself being pulled to his feet by some unknown force. He wanted ask Angel some questions about the emeralds. But he felt intimidated by this man. He had a gun on him. That was the most advanced weapon Link had seen since he's been on this planet. He didn't need to put his life on the line again. But would he stand a chance fighting him one on one? Not likely. Link brushed his blonde hair out of his eyes and crossed his arms.
"So, you mind telling me what you plan to do with me?" he asked calmly.
Angel paused and looked at the Hylian through his red glass eyes.
"You're coming with me," he replied plainly.
Angel turned to the door to jump out of the carrier. Link took the opportunity to attack while his back was turned. He threw a quick punch at the back of Angel's head, but somehow he anticipated it. Angel spun around quickly and caught the punch in mid air. Link didn't see it come so fast. Angel pulled him into him and flipped him over his head, sending him flying out the door and onto the hard ground 6 feet below. Link landed flat on his back, his head spinning.
"Ugh...How did you?..."
"Don't do that again."
Angel reached down, pulled him up to his feet and led him into the large castle-like building ahead. The soldiers stood guard in a straight line, allowing Link and Angel to pass right through. Link rubbed the back of his head as he walked next to Angel, not even bothering to look at him. He was surprised Angel was able to see his attack come. He didn't even make a sound. There was something about him that made Link uneasy. What made him uneasy the most was the fact that Angel was human. He was incredibly strong for his race, and his senses were finely tuned to everything that was going on around him. It made Link feel inferior to him, both as a fighter and as a person. But he fought back the fear inside him as best as he could.
Angel led him into the fortress, which was heavily guarded with soldiers and sentries. Clancers were armed with swords, some of them even carrying firearms similar to machine guns. They all wore black armor. Link was already impressed with the Empire's army. They seemed more organized, more prepared than the King's army. But the one quality Link noticed the most was the fact that these troops showed no sign of weakness or fear. They were built like machines. Each and every one he passed by gave him a stare down, causing him to revert his eyes to another who just did the same thing. He was now behind enemy lines.
A lone Clancer woman approached the pair in the corridor. She was rather tall for her race, and was wearing battle gear, similar to the ones worn by the other soldiers. Her most distinctive feature was her abnormally large eyes and lips. She gave a small giggle as she walked up to them.
"Well well, Angel, nice catch. Leo's going to very happy about this!" she squeaked.
Angel paused for a moment before looking at Link then turning back to the Clancer woman.
"Don't flatter me, Calina. I have a job to do. And I would really appreciate it if you just stand aside," replied Angel.
Link noticed how he emphasized on the words 'stand aside'.
Calina giggled again.
"Whatever you say, handsome."
She walked past the two, Link watching her as she left. Angel nodded his head in the opposite direction. Link got the message and continued to follow him through the corridors. The walls down the halls were dark, glaring in contrast to that of King Aster's castle. Even the floors were dark. Angel could be easily seen because if his white attire. A large set of red doors were up ahead. Link was almost certain he knew what was behind it.
"No doubt, the leader of this clan."
Angel tugged the barrier open with little difficulty and the two stepped in. Surprisingly, the room was empty of any soldiers. A large set of computers and control systems sat at the back of the room. A lone figure was sitting in the large seat in the middle of the room. Smoke could be seen rising from the figure's mouth. Another figure was standing nearby in the shadows.
"Ah, Angel, you've returned," said the man in the chair.
Link could tell he was an old guy judging from his voice. He was also smoking a cigar. Angel gestured for Link to step forward into the centre of the room. Link hesitated but complied when he realized he had no other options.
"Yes, sir. I have brought you the Green Warrior as promised. Now give me what I want," said Angel hurriedly.
Link's head rose at this. It seems that Angel and this man were not on very good speaking terms. The old man coughed in his seat before speaking.
"Are you sure this is the boy they were talking about?"
"One hundred percent, sir."
"Hm, I'm sure. Devil, what do you think?"
The tall figure in the shadows stepped into the light. He had a bird mask on his face, similar to that of Angel's. In fact, he looked almost exactly like Angel, except his cloak was black instead of white. Devil stood before Link and stared at him through the blue glass eyes of the mask. Link couldn't help but stare back helplessly. How would this guy know if he was the one they were looking for? Devil turned back to the old man and gave a slight nod. The old man coughed.
"Very good. What's your name, boy?" he said, nearly choking on his words.
Link was a bit nervous to answer, but he manage to get a hold of himself.
"My name is Link. I'm here to put an end to this war," he said bravely.
Angel interrupted the conversation.
"Leo! I brought you what you asked! Now give me what you promised!" he shouted.
Link glanced at Angel before turning back to the old man.
"So this is the Leo that I've been hearing all about? It would do me better if I could just see his face."
Leo leaned back in his seat before responding to Angel's remark.
"Oh yes. I nearly forgot about you, Angel. I have what you seek right here."
Leo reached into his pocket and pulled out a glowing green gem. Link recognized it immediately.
"A Chaos Emerald! But...How?"
Leo tossed it over Link's head and Angel caught it behind him, inspecting it before pocketing it.
"Thank you," he said as he turned and left the room.
"He really needs to learn how to be more patient," said Leo casually.
Link did not react to this. It appeared that Angel really was using the emeralds to return to his own planet. Why else would he want the emeralds? This whole situation just reminded Link about Sonic. Sonic was already searching the planet for the emeralds. How was he supposed to find them all if one of them were in the hands of the Empire? It was impossible.
"You have earned quite a reputation since you've been here, Green Warrior," said Leo. Link stood tall, not intimidated at all by this decrepit old man.
"I've destroyed two of your monsters so far. And nothing is going to stop me from killing off the rest," replied Link.
"I'm sure. Your fighting skills are impressive though. You've proved to be a real thorn in my side the past few hours you've been here."
"That was my intention."
"I know you've sided with the King's pathetic army. This war is already over. You've seen my troops. You've seen Aster's. Tell me, which side are you most impressed with?"
Link couldn't answer that honestly.
"I...I haven't seen the King's army yet. I know nothing about the Beast Sector."
Pause.
"Really now? Nothing about the Beast Sector? Well allow me to enlighten you. The Beast Sector is the King's entire army right there. His troops can't hold a candle to mine. It would take ten of his troops to take down one of mine. Throw the monsters into the mix, and, well, you can figure it out from there, heh heh."
"What do you plan on doing with me?"
"I was going to kill you, just to save myself the trouble of worrying about you. Then I decided to convert you to our side, but Angel wants to use you for his own deeds. I concur. He may take you under his wing until further notice. As long as you're not causing trouble with my monsters, you are no longer a threat to me. So, run along now."
"Wait...That's it?"
"What were you expecting? Janitorial duties?"
"No, but...Never mind. Thank you for your time."
"Don't thank me yet, kid."
Leo turned back to the computers behind him, signaling for Link to leave the room. Devil remained in the shadows, continuing to stare at the Hylian from afar. Link shrugged his shoulders before leaving the room.
"Oh, one more thing," said Leo without even turning to him.
Link stopped at the door.
"Try to escape, and my men will kill you."
He gave a small nod and exited the room. Angel was standing by the door on the outside, waiting for him. He was staring at the Hylian as he came out.
"What did he say?" asked Angel.
Link was now feeling more surprised then ever. A few minutes ago, Angel had threatened to kill him, now he wants to make conversation? Something was definitely going on here.
"Um, he says I have to go with you," replied Link.
Angel paused for a moment before responding.
"Really? Wow, I didn't think he would let you off that easily. Oh well, makes my job a lot easier."
"Now hold one a second, how come you're all happy now? Just earlier you were all serious. You pointed a gun at my head! Yet now, you're talking like we've known each other our entire lives!"
Some of the Clancers nearby stopped what they were doing when they heard Link's loud voice.
"Could you not be so loud? I'm trying to keep a low profile here," said Angel whispering.
"Low profile? What do you-"
"Look, I'm not who you think I am. Follow me, I'll explain everything."
Angel grabbed Link's wrist and pulled him into one of the side passages. His grip was unusually strong. He pulled him into a small storage room and slammed the door shut, locking it in the process. A small window outside allowed for some light to enter the room. A pile of heavy crates were stacked in the corner of the room. Link leaned against the side wall as Angel turned to him after inspecting the door.
"What exactly are we doing in here?" asked Link.
"Okay, this is how it's going to go down. You are going to help me find the Chaos Emeralds-"
"That's another thing. How do you know about the Chaos Emeralds?"
"Because if it wasn't for those damn things, I would still be at home right now."
"I knew it."
"You've figured it out already. I'm surprised Leo hasn't found out yet."
"How long have you been trapped here?"
"A few days, serving the Empire. I don't really care how this war turns out. I just want to get the hell out of here."
"So, you're just like me. I've been here for less than a day, and already that guy has something against me."
"I assume it was the Chaos Emeralds that got you trapped here too?"
"Yes. It was confusing, but somehow we ended up here. That is, me and some friends. There's five of us in total."
"I see. Well I got here all on my own. I don't know how it happened. One moment I'm lying on my couch taking a nap, the next, I'm lying in the middle of a grassy field. I've been all over the galaxy and I have no idea a planet like this existed."
"I hate space travel in general."
The both laughed at the joke. Link was starting to feel more comfortable around Angel now. It was good to know that there were some sane people on this planet.
"I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Christopher Vennettilli of the UNSCDF."
They shook hands.
"I'm Link. Nice to meet you, Chris."
"Same here. Anyway, I've managed to obtain one of the Chaos Emeralds so far, as you already saw. Chris pulled the emerald out from his cloak to show the Hylian. It glowed emerald green in the palm of his hand.
"Great. I have a friend exploring the planet for the other emeralds right now. If we could find a way to meet up with him, we should have all the emeralds together in no time."
"Um, I'm afraid that won't work. Leo still has another emerald."
"What? Why?"
"I'm not sure. He doesn't know about the power they possess, though. He merely sees them as valuable jewels. That makes it easier for us to take it from him."
"Will he give it to you?"
"Only if I perform a certain task for him. He won't hand it over without getting something in return though. He promised me this one if I brought you to him."
"I see."
"Actually, I've been thinking about making a deal that he couldn't refuse."
"Like?"
"I was going to kidnap the princess in exchange for the emerald. He would definitely give it to us if we brought him a member of the royal family."
"We can't do that! The King is fighting for the future of this planet! We can't give Leo the princess. There's no way."
"That's the only plan I have so far unless you have a better one."
"I'll have to think about it. But what do we do now?"
"We locate the other emeralds. That's all we can do. But you have to promise me not to reveal our plans to anyone. Got it?"
"What about my friends? They have to know what's going on."
"Hm. In that case, we'll have to tell them. The sooner we get off this planet, the better."
"I can't leave until the Empire is destroyed."
"You can't? Why not?"
"I made a promise to myself. If we don't do something, the King will die. This whole planet will die."
There was a long pause.
"If you want to save this planet, that's entirely up to you. I'm just getting out of here as soon as I can. I'm low enough on bullets as it is. And I'm not sure how long it will be before Leo sees through my disguise."
"Alright. You just have to promise me you won't leave without me and my friends."
"Deal. Now come on. We have some emeralds to find."
Chris adjusted the mask and stepped out into the hall. Troops and soldiers were running about, arming themselves with weapons. Link nearly got run over by a stray Clancer.
"What's going on here?" asked Link.
"I'm not sure," replied Chris. "Hey, hold on a minute there!"
He put an arm out to stop a soldier who was running by.
"Soldier, what's happening?" asked Chris.
"Oh, Angel! Didn't you hear? Emperor Leo has ordered an attack on Esperance. We're going to end this battle once and for all," said he soldier.
With that, the soldier ran off to join his comrades. Link and Chris just stood there and stared into the distance. The Hylian was the first one to speak. His voice was muffled by the shouting, but it was audible by the masked man next to him.
"They'll kill them. We have to warn them."