Celestial Saga: Yoshiblue

[yoshiblue]

-Cargo-

Spoiler!

*Optional music*

“I’m lost. I don’t know what to do.”

Sitting against rigid exposed wall, expanding from the ceiling to the floor, Yoshi sat looking to the drifting red and orange planet floating outside the spacecraft. A leg dangling in cold empty space, it swayed in circles to the thoughts of the mind. Moving faster when something got going, slowing down when it didn’t work out. The sunlight glowing on his glasses, a Lillipan could be seen, reflected on the edge of the glass. Holding a sage green micro torch to the hull, it blasted unique flames on a rather small panel only it could work in. Swirling blue flames on rust color hull, the creature was the only one doing any work on the Terenanova. Due to an oversight in the T57’s refitting; many of the ship’s outer workings were set into place by smaller hands. The pondering man guessed it was what it was, a simple mistake or clever plans to force him back to Lillipa.

Sighing to himself, he extended his gaze beyond the ship and out into space. Within the sea of stars, something made him flinch. His torso launching forward, his face in awe, he squinted to confirm what he was seeing. In a panic, the teal haired human quickly scrambled onto his feet. Growing steadily, the object grew in size. A grey dot in the sea of black, a twinkle as it drew closer. Yoshi beckoning the Lillipan back inside. Helping the robed critter inside, he summoned his gunslash before roaming to check on Ijiraku. The door half opening at the prss of a button, two hands grip the metal door. Throwing it completely to the side, Yoshi covered his eyes out of reaction. Sitting in the co-pilot chair, a Caseal sat with a cable protruding from her back. Staring back at him in a sleepy gaze, one arm gripped to the chair while the other tried to push off.

“Don’t worry, i’m just…recharging.” She said while holding a palm out to the concerned man. Putting his hat on, the human producing a sigh, something within him told him not to approach.

“Don’t remember CASTs needing to recharge these days. Do you ne-”

“For your safety…don’t remove it.” She interrupted. Eyes faintly flickering between gold and silver, a comforting smile rotated away from the cowboy. Unsure how to respond, he quietly backed out of the room. Closing the door by hand, he turned to see the Lilliman hugging a portable heater to stay warm. Around the size of a toaster, white plating with black vents, a red glow warmed the brown fuzzball due to the lack of a line shield. Rubbing the furry creature’s head as the man passed by, he peeked outside the breach to see how close the object was. Eyes widening, the gray object was now a large ship. Approaching faster than before, Yoshi quickly hugged the inner wall. Hand on his gunslash, he waited. His head rested on the wall, just behind entering light. Seeing the leader prepare for something, the Lillipan withdrew into a storage compartment under the bare seats.

The sunlight suddenly blocked out, the ship grew dark as large plating glided over the opening. Engine hums growing faint, the ship outside stopped moving. Sounds of pressure releasing nearby, the human braced for the unknown. A leg suddenly appears; he made his move only to stop dead in his tracks. Under his chin, a silver blade, faint hues of pink on peeking sun beams, a woman continued to walk in without glancing at her hostage. Green hair, silver rimmed glasses; Yoshi was well aware who she was.

(*optional music*)

“A fine mess you got yourself in this time.” Marean said in an unsurprised tone. Her hostage chuckled in response. “Getting slow already, cowboy? Were you any other man, I would have slain you were you stood.”

“Glad we’re on speaking term then, huh?” Yoshi nervously replied.

“Being one of the few people I befriended, it would be a waste to kill you. You should learn to move like a proper cowboy. Otherwise you should look for a different image. Like becoming my servant.”

His grip tightening on the handle, he tried to remain calm under slow deep breathing. Caught off guard once again, metal was removed and replaced by a shoulder blade. His hand off the handle and into the air, it slowly dropped to pat her back as she hugged him intently. Partially in fear of breaking a rib but also because he didn’t know how to react to a blade pressed against his back, he decided to complete the hug.

“Heh heh, it’s good to see you too, Marean.” Yoshi warmly said. “How did you find us?”

“Just passing by.” She answered. Letting go, she pointed out into space. “A ship is stationed at a planet not too far away and I have a shipment to make over there. The Mandrake if you know about it. Don’t think it’s here for you though.” Crossing her arms, she looked to Yoshi with a frown. “Reinhardt said they aren’t really making an effort to find lost Arks these days. However, Kazamir did tell me you would be here though. Not sure how he knew but it seems he’s been keeping an eye on you.”

Yoshi leaning against the ship, arms mimicking the female Newmen, he too knotted his arms. “Not sure why he couldn’t get me himself if he knew all along. Then again, getting a warp capable ship this far isn’t an easy feat either.”
“You know how he is. One moment he’s there, the next he’s gone.” Moving one arm to readjust her glasses, she began to look around the ship once again. “Speaking of gone, what happened to everyone?”

“Ijiraku is in the cockpit and Lilliman…” Looking down towards the floor, he started uttering words she couldn’t understand. Popping out from under the seats, a Lillipan still clinging to the heater slowly crawled out. “He’s right there. Lilliman, Marean. Marean, Lilliman. He helps me around the ship and uses the turret.” He said while gesturing towards the roof. Swiftly standing into a salute, Lilliman gave a proud expression before hopping on top of the seat it hid under. Yoshi giving a thumbs up, decided to take a seat next to him.

“Well, I would just say hop on my ship and we’ll leave right away but I’m pretty sure you want to take the ship with you. Don’t want to owe the team any more debts?”

“You know it.”

Very carefully, the ship was pulled into the cargo bay of the larger vessel. Yoshi tasked with moving the objects within to make space, they carefully towed it all the way to the back. Crates of several colors being moved around, the T57 slowly moved into the ship as if moving in by itself. Holding it still with magnetic locks, Yoshi rocked on the ship to ensure it was secured into place. Waving back to the gold Caseal within, Lilliman and Yoshi made their way inside Marean’s ship. Medal plates unfolded behind them to block out the light.

Strolling down a well-lit corridor, they look the several objects that hung on the walls. From pictures to several cultural items, they colored the beige walls they covered. Through a red door, they stopped inside a room made to be similar to the living room of a home. The two boys taking in the place, Marean sat on a tan love seat sipping on coffee. Setting the mug onto a glass top coffee table, she gestured for them to sit down. Not wanting to argue, they both roamed to the closest chair. Lilliman taking the armchair to himself, Yoshi hesitantly took the remaining seat that was the loveseat she sat on. Continuing to stare at the coffee mug, she didn’t turn to look at Yoshi as she spoke.

(*optional music*)

“I still blame you for getting me hooked on coffee. It gives me a good reason to make long haul trips. Finding good brands are getting harder and harder with Falz destroying our ships though.”

“Well, at least something good came out of working with me.” Yoshi said, also glancing at the mug. Observing the odd room’s many pictures, he then continued, “Speaking of ships, where’s Reinhardt?”

“Busy. Off doing his job of being a hero and everything. With me being busy myself, I don’t get to see him as often.”

Removing his hat, teal hair was scratched as brown eyes met with sadder green ones. “Well, you did kinda leave Arks. I’m sure you’ll see him again.” Roughly shaking her arm, he then added, “Think on the bright side. You now have me to keep you company.”

Punching his shoulder in response, she then replied. “You mean I have you to get pissed off at again.” Warping her arm around Yoshi who rubbed his shoulder, she hugged him close enough for the two to butt heads. “You better make a good partner in crime or I’m going to start charging you rental fees.” Yoshi flinging himself away in disappointment, Lilliman took the time to make tea on the heater. Pulling out his own little cup to pour it in, he peacefully enjoyed his drink as the other two began to argue.

(*optional end title*)

:“I’m amazed she hasn’t once cursed at him yet.”:

Not sure how often I will do these but I felt like making filler parts for story that may add something but don't really move the story along. I also wrote this just because.

-Filler-

Spoiler!

Void of windows, strips of light lit glowed on beige walls. Sparsely spread out in the room, several ornaments and pictures of various people could be seen hanging on the wall. In two corners of the room were two different plants. On one side was a potted fern. A ceramic container round, white with blue waves coloring the lip. On the other side, a neatly trimmed tree hugging the same wall across it. Unlike the other pot, this one was ecru in color, rectangular and brightly lit thanks to a nearby light source. Across it played a stereo system, black in color it played tunes of calming jazz. Standing next to the tree, a matching brown bookshelf made of wood. Filled with various books, some useful, some simply for decoration, book covers faced the back of the furnishings in front of it. Also matching the walls are a love seat and an armchair. Tan in color, sitting near a doorway, a glass coffee table of wooden framing separated the two. A smaller plant sat on top of it. Underneath all these objects is mud brown carpeting, soft to the touch, to complete the room’s color scheme. A hint of lavender complemented the area.

Two people sat in this room. One of them wears a brown Arks coat and white pants, a tan ten gallon hat covering teal hair. Across him, a woman. Green hair braided in twin pig tails, she wore her usual black and pink Ursula Replica. Brown eyes locked with pink ones, she moved her arms constantly with a mug in hand. Also holding a mug, the man listened to her while sipping away at his beverage ever so calmly. Unenthused eyes gazing at her, he did not say a word. Trying to be a good friend, ears only listened to the story being received by them. Her expression constantly changing, her arms still moving, he began to wonder if she will ever put down her cup. Occasionally, he would take the time to check how much was left, before taking another sip.

“The fucken balls some drivers have these days. Think they can trade as much paint they can and technology will recover the damage. Stupid ass doesn’t know I have fragile equipment, worth more than the organs in his forsaken body, being transported in my ship.”

“Have you tried using the loading arm?” Yoshi finally said.

“Yes I used the loading arm. And guess what? The moron still got to close. It’s how I learned to never buy from that piece of shit company ever again. Dumbass decided it was a good idea to approach, the arm presses against his vehicle and guess what happens next? That’s right. It snaps in two. Do you know how much fucken meseta I spent on that thing? This isn’t some budget equipment you find in a bargain or straight out of the junkyard. This is supposed to be high quality stuff. I don’t have time to deal with shit products. Maintaining a ship is expensive as is. If I’m going to shell out the cash, I expect it to be top of the line. Not stupid shit like that. And don’t get me started on trying to get a return. Oh ho ho, how I wanted to rip the cashier’s throat out when he told me the warranty wasn’t valid.”

“Do you want me to look at it?” he said while waving a random hand gesture towards her.

“So you can break it even more? No. I can’t even afford to replace it now. Want to know why? Your friend thought it was best for the both of us to lock his account; all because I used your account once upon a time.”

Finally she slammed the mug onto the table. A silent sigh of relief releasing from him, he looked up to see her leaning forward, a pointed a finger at his face. “When you talk to him again, you tell him to unlock that account or he’s in for a beating so hard…”

Hands urging her to relax, Yoshi gave an awkward smile. “Alright, I’ll see what I can do. You haven’t asked him by now?”

“I’m going to slap you upside the head.” She replied, her hand now slightly chopping in the air. “No. He hasn’t bothered to answer my calls. He’d rather be off saving the world and doing his job than to talk to me, his wife. I don’t give a fuck if he’s doing his job. If I call him, he should be making me priority number one. I could be bleeding to death and he would never know. Arms too stupid to pick up a phone.”

“What’s a phone?”

“Something people used back in the day, don’t worry about it.”

Interrupting the conversation, a Caseal of gold frame and emerald green highlights peeked through the door way. Yoshi taking the chance to look away, he sleepily waved to Ijiraku who didn’t look as happy.

“Yoshi” she said. “We should patch up the hull now that we have a better foothold.”

Glaring back at the metallic woman, Marean slightly lifted off her seat with both hands on the table. “You and what materials? You want your ship fixed? You can wait when we get to Lillipa.”

Entering into the room, the CAST placed a hand on Yoshi while maintaining eye contact with the Newmen. “Why waste time when we can repair what we can now?” She replied. “At best, it would be more productive than listening to things nobody cares about.”

Fully standing up, the two began to argue over the teal haired human. Doing his best to enter his own little world, he hung his head just above his cup. A shudder from not knowing the best solution to this situation, he drew deep breaths and slowly closed his eyes. Nothing came to mind but thoughts of escaping. Swirling the remaining liquid, thoughts of getting food seemed to be the best option. Standing up between the two, he began to move towards the door.

“Where are you going?” Marean harshly asked.

“Grabbing a bite to eat” Yoshi answered.

“No. You’re staying here. I’m not going to let you smuggle food out of my kitchen.”

“He’s a man. It is logical to find as much energy as possible for peak performance.” Ijiraku butted in.

Pushing Yoshi back into his seat, she grabbed his cup, and made her way to the kitchen doorway. Turning around as the door slid open, she pointed to Ijiraku this time. “It’s not your damn food. It’s mine. So shut you fucken trap before I seal it for you. You stay there, Yoshi.”

The door closing, Ijiraku hunched over the chair Yoshi slumped on. Eyebrows flapping with a deep sigh, his head loped backwards to meet a face just above his.

“Come on, Yoshi. I found some spare parts to use for the ship. We have enough to fix the engine and attempt a flight to Lillipa on our own.”

Turning his face away from her’s, Yoshi replied “Sorry, Ijiraku but I don’t want to make the wild fire worse than it is. I think it’s better if I just remain here.”

A gold smile shifting into a frown, Ijiraku replied in a shaky tone “So I try to help you out and this is the thanks I get? You choose her over me.” Sounds of pouting growing distant, she ran off to the other door. Looking back to see a door open and close, Yoshi heard her yell “It’s because I’m a CAST isn’t it?” Slightly regretting what he just said, anger grew from confusion. Trying to keep his cool, he gripped onto the cushion of the seat. It wasn’t enough. Thoughts continued to race in his mind. Needing to find a release, he ripped the frames off of his face and hurled them across the room. Not caring about what became of them, he threw his back against the backing of the chair. Shoulders relaxed when the other door opened once again. Holding a black marble looking tray, she brought a few bowls and two piping hot cups to the table. Offering sugar and cream to him, an arm waved them away to drink the dark liquid as it was.

“Where’re your glasses?”

“I felt like taking them off for once.”

[yoshiblue]

-Mandragora -

Spoiler!

*Optional music*

Standing close to each other within curved glass walls, Yoshi and Marean shuffled in standard civilian clothes while they patiently waited for wood finished doors to open. Yoshi, rubbing his lonely teal head, gazed upon the several numbers lining a silver panel; glowing yellow marks spelling out “slow mode” dimmed against the sunlight that flooded the small room. Scanning the slowly raising city rooftops, eyes looked to Marean who applied makeup from a pocket mirror. Plastic, black in color to match the purse housing it, a reflecting sun beam bounce from its silver surface and onto the man’s face. Not taking kindly to being blinded, a hand was brought up to shield the eyes. Teeth visibly clenched underneath.

“Couldn’t you have done that before we landed?” Yoshi asked.

“This is temporary makeup. Completely vanishes after a period of time. So I want to make sure I have as much time as I can.” Marean slowly replied.

“What’s the point of putting it on if it’s temporary then?”

“Because I don’t want it on my face all day, duh.”

Leaning against silver metal railing, which lined the room, he looked to the other direction. The room growing darker, slate gray buildings now began to engulf the elevator. Staring at the several windows lifting into the sky, his eyes widen in shock. A glimpse of an old naked man coming out of the shower, Yoshi flung his face back towards Marean. In an attempt to act natural, more questions were asked. A hint of nausea was fought back while doing so.

“So what are we doing here again?”

“None of your business.” She replied, a tilt for an eye to look at the Human.

Slouching back a little to the response, a chuckle was uttered. “Alright” He amusingly said. “What do you know about the Mandrake?”

Closing the mirror, the black plastic case was stored in the small purse. Now giving Yoshi her full attention, dull green eyes met with his. “It’s a ship that specializes in Biology. Not sure why they are here but rumors say they can create a child from the DNA of two dead people. Maybe this planet has something to do with it?”

Feeling his heart dropped, sadden eyes shifted towards the red fifty-four now changing to fifty-three. Releasing an audible breath of air, he returned his gaze back onto the green haired Newmen. “While that sounds like quite a feat, I don’t see why anyone should make a child that will never see their parents.”
“Ah but that’s the best part. No one needs to know. There would be nothing to hold them back from making child soldiers. Hard to think that the next generation of Arks could be replaced by clones.” Showing signs of interest, she lifted a hand to her chin. “Do you think the Ace is a clone of someone? I’ve been hearing a lot of interesting things being done by that person. Maybe that person even has brothers and sisters no one knows about.”

“Yeah well, let’s hope that doesn’t get too out of hand.”

Crossing his arms, the two grew silent. A few moments later, a ping filled the room, wooden doors begun to follow after. Light now restoring light into the dark room, several people roamed to and fro outside the plated brown doors. Walking into a classy marble room, they walked over red carpets, past red and gold banners, and out through a heavily decorated sliding door. Now in the streets of the science vessel, everyone seemed to have an odd look about them. Being a ship of science, several civilians showed faint signs of genetic enhancements. Some walked faster than usual, no one wore eyewear, and their clothes were slightly modified. It looked as if they could be battle ready when the situation demanded it. The banners were different too. Unlike the ads that would boast about the newest car and soft drink or the best food anyone could buy, this city’s was filled of ads claiming that everyone should enhance themselves. Similar to any ad he has seen, they came in several colors and designs. However, all of them had the same theme. Enhance. Improve his movement, reaction time, pregnancy was no longer a worry and even boost his nightlife. Very few cars fill the land and skies. Impressed with how clear the streets were on a normal day, all that could be seen were elongated vehicles forming various kinds of buses. Aside from the difference, everything looked the same. Buildings, signs, streets, flora all uniformed like the rest of the fleet. Distracting him from staring at others, a shiny black object was slammed against his chest. Reactively lifting both hands to grasp the object, he looked to Marean in confusion.

“Hold it.” She quickly said.

Without asking, he carried the object a book. Tucking the purse between a hip and an arm, the two sped around a corner and continued to move past several stores and doorways. Finally stopping at an alleyway, one looked at the steps leading to a grey door on the side of the structure while the other looked to the numbers on the side of it. Pushing him against the wall; she whispered to Yoshi, a finger close to his nose.

“You stay here, keep the purse viable. Make sure that door stays open, alright?”

A little bit worried, furrowed eyebrows stared back. “Alright, anything else I should know?”

(*optional music*)

Patting him on the head, she walked into the building. Her voice faintly heard when finally answering his question. “Try not to run off after the women.”
Feeling awkward and alone, he tried his best to look normal. Scooting a little into the shade, the need to avoid any sunburn became a priority. Rubbing a warm sleeve to relieve the heat felt on his skin, regrets of never listening to the woman’s sunblock advice were felt. Warmer than usual, feeling a little vulnerable, a hand felt around for a scar received in the past. Being so use to living with a line shield, memories of the mercenary days were fought back. Aiding this was the various smells of perfumes passing back. Entranced at first, he quickly snapped backwards as if figuring out a puzzle. Now knowing what Marean meant, it was discovered that few women wore alluring scents to attract several men. Struggling to fight back urges of moving away, constant pinching was done to stay sane. Breath now being held, the purse was used to filter what little air was dared taken in. A mixture of citrus and fabric in his nose, people started to look at him strangely. Sprouting thoughts began to make him a little impatient and self-conscious. Tapping a foot while leaning against warm metal wall, stretching and yawning was performed. Doing anything to keep from thinking about the scent, curious eyes decided to peek into the open doorway. Wonder what could be inside, all it offered was darkness and silence. Minutes passed, several people passed by. Some made mocking comments, others asked if he was lost. The sun now held directly above in the blue sky, a Newmen finally appeared from the doorway.

“Ah, good to see you are still here.” Marean said with a brisk smile. Holding out her hand, she then asked “May I have that back, please?”
Handing it back to her without saying a word, she peeked into it for a moment. Upon closing it, she looked back with a sly expression. The object was raised high in the air.

“You…” “Stupid…” “Piece…” “Of shit!”

“Ow.” “Hey.” “Cut it out!”

Both arms shielding teal hair from pain, a few more blows to the head were received before they finally stopped. Sharply standing up straight again, a furious expression stared back.

“The heck was that for?” he yelled, arms dropping heavily.

“That was to make sure the perfume no longer affects you. Also, couldn’t pass up the chance to be an abusive wife.”

“Oh, now you’re just making shit up.”

The two up close to each other, an officer approached them with an electric nightstick in hand.

“Is this man giving you any problems, ma’am?” He asked while staring at Yoshi. The two staring at each other, his expression gave him a feeling that the officer was ready to pummel him for any reason.

“No, my husband is just being stupid once again.” Marean answered.

Now feeling insulted and a little bit shocked, a slight urge to strangle the woman could be felt from within. Not wanting to meet an early demise, he tried his best to remain calm. Making an effort to not make eye contact with the officer, Yoshi looked to his female companion instead.

“May I suggest you leave him if he’s causing you too many problems?” the officer asked with a smug face.

Alleviating some of his anger, the teal hair man was surprised to see that it was his green hair companion who was mad now. Gripping a limp arm, she swung the hatless cowboy close to her while giving the officer the meanest glare Yoshi has ever seen.

“The nerve of some people. I married to this man for a reason and some buffoon in a suit thinks he can go around freely talking about divorce?” Now dragging an impressed man away, the two moved away from the confused officer. “Come, we’re leaving”

(*optional music*)

Roaming into a park, the two sat on a cement bench under a matching gazebo. Giving off a sigh, the purse was reopened to place a chip within it. Yoshi looking at it with curiosity, held back questions of what it contained. Taking a moment to enjoy the lush grass, fields of flower and greens trees the area had to offer; joy filled his heart with the fact that nature could still be seen even in the cement jungles all the ships seemed to contain. Artificial breezes continued to blow in the air complete with the aroma of the surrounding flowers. Out in the distance, several children played in the fields while parents sat nearby. Though he didn't care to check, he thought he even heard birds somewhere in the park. It made him wish his daughter was there with him. Just when tired eyes were about to rest, a voice prevented him from relaxing.

“I don’t hear you saying thank you yet.” Marean contentiously said.

“For what?” Yoshi sharply shot back. “You beat me over the head, call me an idiot and want a thank you?”

“As an apology, you’re going to take me out to dinner.”

“I’m not going to buy you dinner. What do I look like, your husband?”

“Fine, next time you ask for my help, I’ll remember this moment. How I spared my valuable space for your crappy ship. How I let you eat my food and sleep in my ship with no payment at all. No, no. No need to say anything. I’ll just-”

Words working their magic on him, he started to grow irritable. Showing signs of regret, he interrupted her. “Alright, alright.” A palm was raised at shoulder level. “I’ll buy you dinner.”

Going immediately from sad to cheerful, green hair flew in the wind as the defeated man was squeezed with amazing strength. “Yay, you’re the best.”
A roll in the eyes, he wasn’t very enthused. “But no drinks”

Letting lungs breathe again, she held him by the arms. Staring back with puppy eyes, a cry was uttered asking “What?”

“I don’t want to deal with carrying a drunken woman home while also dealing with the aftermath.”

Now violently shaken, she cried “You’re killing me, Yoshi. Come on, I haven’t had a good drink in ages.”

“You could buy drinks some other time.” He said, his voice slightly raised with forearms lifted in the air.
“I don’t have the money to buy drinks all the time.”

“What do you mean you don’t have the money?”

Letting go, Marean’s body slumped onto the bench. Looking out into the park, a sigh was let off. “Finding good jobs is pretty tough these days, alright? With the return of Falz, all these shit newcomers have started to crawl out of the woodwork and sweep up all the good jobs. So in case your slow mind hasn’t picked it up yet, I don’t have a lot of money. Otherwise I wouldn’t be asking you for dinner.”

A palm to his face, a moment was taken to think. Fingers slowly tracing his forehead and down his nose, eyes opened once more. Trying not to regret his decision, he finally said “Fine, but only a few.”

-Filler-

Spoiler!

A pale yellow object hanging high in the sky, moonlight illuminated the crowd of people sitting on skyscraper rooftops. Surround by decorated arching lights, Marean and Yoshi sat in a formal regal environment. White chairs, tables, clothes, fences, pillars and ceiling lights all complete with gold trimming with a glossy finish; they both sat patiently as they enjoyed a large bowl of salad sitting in front of them. Both dressed in formal clothes, Yoshi wore a white tuxedo. A red handkerchief hanging out of his front pocket, he refused to use it over the one provided by the waiter. More careful than usual, he did his best to avoid getting ranch on his pure white suit. Marean also dressed in white, wore an elegant ball gown. Several designs faintly seen reflected on the dress, faint symbols glowed in the looming moonlight. None of them spoke a word while they slowly took turns taking bites. Preferring to look out into the city, Yoshi took in the view of the city shimming below them. Lost in thought, a head was held up with a chin in hand and an elbow on the table. A few people looking at the two, he never cared if this was an acceptable act or not. Marean, on the other hand, looked down at her plate. A hint of sorrow in her eyes, she solemnly took a sip from her wine glass.

Looking to see how far she got with her appetizer, the teal hair man felt a small rush of sadness upon seeing the expression on her face. Lifting a hand, it froze midway through. A mouth opened but no sound came out. Holding a pose for a moment, he pondered to ensure the situation wouldn’t get any worse. Fingers crossed under the eyes, gears turned to think of various things that could be said. Coming to the conclusion that it may happen anyways, the decision to go through with what was going to say in the first place was made.

“What’s wrong?” He asked with concern in his voice. “Missing Reinhardt already?”

She didn’t answer. Instead another bite was taken. Without moving his head, eyes quickly looked around the area to see if anyone was watching. Moving the plate to the side, a white elbow inched forward on the table to lean inwards.

“Come on, don’t look so sad. The place is pretty nice and we have a great view. Think of all the food you can eat and don’t forget the drinks.” He cheerfully said.

Only shoulders shrugged. Becoming nervous of all the on looking people, the nervous man began to hug the table questioning what should be done. Heartbeat increasing in speed, sweat began to glisten on a wrinkled forehead. Tossing around the fork in one hand, he began rely on his gut instead. Making the effort to place his chair next to hers, an arm was wrapped around tense shoulders. Now slightly lifting to reject it, a deep breath was taken before pulling the sad woman closer.

“Alright, how about you can buy all the drinks you want? Does that make you feel better?” He nervously asked.

Weight lifting from his shoulders, Yoshi was relieved to see a smirk come and go. Upon seeing a waitress strolling to their table, he calmly removed his arm to regain his posture. A bit unpleased with how long they had to wait, they were glad that food was finally being ordered. Asking for another glass, the two did their best to appear happy while the waitress left. However, hairs continued to stand as the aura of uneasiness still consumed the room. Scanning the area, a handful of shady figures now filled certain areas of the room. Covering the exits, cautious eyes looked for the best plan of action in case of upcoming conflict. Not wanting to say something, questions began to pop up such as how advanced they were, were they special agents here to remove Arks that weren’t allowed in the city, did they have something against Marean, or was it a deal gone bad? Spending no time to really think things through, a knife was casually moved towards Marean in hopes that she would get a hint. With no reaction being given, the lack of patience caused the knife to be gently tapped against the table. While pink lips took another sip, the figures moved closer. Temptation to summon a gunslash began to drive Yoshi crazy. Having no access to it, he felt helpless. Stuck in a civilian lifestyle for a day, there was no way for him to carry a proper weapon without it being out in the open at all times. Not wanting to hurt the innocent either, it was best not to use techniques either.

Without thinking, an elbow knocked the glass out the air. Shocked, the Newmen watched as the table cloth absorbed her fallen drink. Hands balling into a fist, they slammed unto the table. Silver wear dropping, conversations stopping, she lifted out of her chair. Hold a hand above him, signs of became apparent. Yoshi using the angle to his advantage, manage to stick the knife into the white dress. Anger rising from confusion, she shouted

“You know what? Fuck you.”

Now storming out, figures followed. Voices resumed to fill the area as Yoshi sunk his face into his hands. Feelings of failure filling the mind, arms dropped to the table. Waving away the thoughts of shame, he slipped the other knife into his sleeve. Ensuring that it wouldn’t fall out, the sleeve waved into the air to call for the check which strangely came as soon as a sound was uttered. Quickly paying off what fee were charged, white legs dashed out the door to follow after his green haired friend. Walking out into the marble hallways of the building’s interior, he dashed without caring if the red rugs underneath were harmed. Following the grunts and cries of several men, a worried face entered into an open balcony to see several bodies lying in pools of blood and a stained gown standing over them.

“Well, looks like you didn’t need my help.” The teal haired human said while tossing a knife onto a corpse.

“It could have gone better.” Looking around to see if there any survivors; both looked at each other with relieved faces. “I was afraid this was going to happen.” She said with a weak smile. Walking up to him, a knife was carelessly tossed behind her. Hugging him close to her, a bloody finger began to poke at his cheek.

“There was a woman checking you out, did you know that?”

Caught off guard, an attempted to lean away was made. “Wha…why would I care about that?”

“Really? Here I thought you were a single father looking for a good woman?”

Facepalming, he looked down in disbelief. “First you act sad, knew about all of this and now you tell me about women eyeballing me? Ugh, I don’t understand women at all.”

Now sitting alone in the living room, the green haired she Newmen undid her hair so that it may hang down as usual. Making sure there weren’t any tangles, her attention was diverted to the doorway as several boxes suddenly entered the room. Gently dropping onto the carpet floor, teal hair poked out from behind them. A smiling face now looking back at her, the man held his arms over them as if asking for a hug.

“What’s all this for?” She asked with concern.

“I have a promise to keep. This should be enough to last a month or two. I have more in the cargo bay if you’re wondering where the rest is.” Opening a crate up, a can was lifted out of the box and handed over. With a tap on the lid, a small hole appeared as the metal began to vanish. Before she had a chance to grasp it, he added “Go nuts.”

A warm smile looking back to him, it slowly shifted into a frown. Her gaze following him out the room, she looked to the can with sorrow. Looking at a reflection staring back on the edge of the can, a tear drop distorted it as the first sip was taken.

[Zorafim]

I'm still having trouble figuring out who you're referring to when you speak. Don't be afraid to use names more often.

So... you like Bossa Novas, huh?

[yoshiblue]

Heh, The ironic part was it was more clear but I felt I used too many names, he/she/him/hers and ended up cutting it down by a lot; while also shortening some, maybe more than I should have, lines.

Bossa Nova is pretty nice. Couldn't really think of good waiting songs though. So that's why I went with it.

Many thanks for the feedback. Sad to see I still haven't truly fixed the issue.

[Zorafim]

It's hard. I know it seems awkward if you use names too much, but clarity is more important than fluidity.

And yeah, Bossa Novas are pretty baller.

[yoshiblue]

Wrote this because yay free time.

-Extra-

Spoiler!

Sun shining through open blue curtains, sun beams brought out the color in every object contained in the room. Blue and white in color scheme, pure white reflective surfaces were complemented by matte blue ones. Held by flat blue surfaces where various handheld systems. Opposite to the window, a blue and white bookshelf filled with various books of various topics. Resting to the left of the bookshelf, sat a saxophone, polished and waiting for its next song. Accompanying it was a cello, just as clean, its bow resting on black strings. Both reflected the scene on reflective metal surfaces. A blue and gold rug lying on a hard navy blue floor, it sat peacefully without a wrinkle to be seen. On it sat a couch. Its frame made to like white plastic, blue cushioned goodness was attached to the front of it. Minimalistic in appearance, only the arm rests and cushions connected two pieces together to form this couch. In front of it was a thin yet large TV screen showing two sports announcers commentating on two team that were about to play. A matching minimalistic table sat in between with an assortment of various snacks on top of it. Eating these snacks was Marean, eager and pumped up for the upcoming game, wearing a t-shirt with the words Ur Titans in blue and yellow text along with matching blue and yellow shorts. Leaning on the cushioned armrest was Yoshi, failing to share in her hype, wore a plain gray shirt and black gym shorts.

“So what are we watching again?” Yoshi asked with eyes half closed and a tone of obvious boredom.

“Skimball, Yoshi!” Marean exclaimed. “You know, an arena made of water, two goals on each side with two teams striking and intercepting each other with nothing but a ball and their tight swim jammers.” Grabbing Yoshi by the shoulder, she started to shake him in enthusiasm. “There’s something for everyone. I’m surprised you don’t enjoy it. I know I do. Today the Thorn Rapiers play against the Ur Titans!” Now pointing to the screen, she continued “Look, even women play. Are you not amazed by such a nice rack?”

Yoshi looked to Marean with a palm upright. “Why would I care about breasts when there’s a perfect pair right in front of me?”

Out of reaction, a fist flew across the space between them. “Aw ha. Ow!” Yoshi cried, his hand against red cheek, his torso pressing against the armrest. Her fist still hovering in the air, she asked without looking “Anything else you would like to add?”

Yoshi sitting upright once again then replied “That’s a nice arm you got there. Did you change up your workout routine?”

Now rubbing her arm, she smiled as she said “As a matter of fact, I did. I learned how to increase the gravity in my ship without damaging the things inside of it. Got a new pull up bar to do more forms of exercises and increased the number of dive bombs and diamond bar pushups I’ve been doing.”

“I don’t think increasing the gravity is a healthy thing to do.” The man said with a hint of worry.

“Won’t know until you try it.” Now smacking a finger against his lips, she shushed him as the game was about to start. Teal hair trotted behind the white and blue seating. Slowly lifting up between the two, a tan face could be seen, brown eyes shifting from one person to the other. Rising up higher, the face then asked “Hey dad, what’s Marean doing here?”

“Hey sweetie.” Yoshi said while looking back at his daughter. “I invited Reinhardt here to hang out but he hasn’t shown up yet.”

“So I decided to tag along to see how you two exactly hang out.” Marean interrupted while munching on a baby carrot. “So far it’s just been us two.”

“Oooooh, I see.” Yoshi’s daughter said. “So whatcha watching?”

“Skimball” Yoshi replied. All three of them watching the screen for a bit, brown eyes grew wide as an arm point over the couch. “Woah! Look at the size of that guy’s package!” She shouted.

“I know right?” Marean said while giving Yoshi’s daughter a high five.

“WOAH!” Yoshi yelled, arms failing in the air. Covering his daughter’s eyes, he said “Nothing to see here.”

“Relax, Yoshi.” Marean said with a giggle. “She’ll be looking at this kind of stuff in the future anyways.”

“You’re not helping.” Yoshi said with a glare.

Tan arms trying to knock her father’s arms away, she looked to her father upon hanging on it instead. “Anyways, I wanted to ask you something.”

“What’s on your mind?”

“What would you do if you were friends with this guy who keeps being beaten around by this girl tags along with?”

A hand on his chin, Yoshi began to ponder. “Hmm…” He said. “I guess I would keep him away from her if your concerned for his safety. Then again, he may get the idea that you’re trying to win his affection…”

“I’d beat the girl up.” Marean interrupted with a fist against her hand. “If she’s beating the guy around, she’s not his friend. I’d also tell him he needs to grow some balls and fight back.”

“Interesting stuff to know.” The tan girl said. “Hey dad, can you show me how to use that pistol you no longer use?”

“You mean the one in the cupboard? Alright.” Yoshi said with a shrug and a push off the couch.

Following his daughter out the room, Marean shouted to him “Wait! The game just started!” In a second she began to think to herself before saying under her breathe “Wait a minute…” Jumping off the couch to run after the others, she sprinted up to Yoshi. Violently spinning him around, she began to hug him. “Yoshi you forgive me for all the things I did right?”

“Yes.” Yoshi said while making sure his neck was intact.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“You’re not saying that so I’ll feel better right?”

“Marean, if I didn’t want to be your friend, I would have walked away a loooong time ago.”

Brimming with joy, she began to subconsciously crush Yoshi. The teal haired man trying to call her name, only uttered weak whispers from his mouth. Not wanting to suffocate to death, he tried to gesture his retrained arms for his daughter to help him. Taking a moment to figure out what he wanted her to say with a hand rubbing her chin, she raised a finger with her other hand.

“Marean. Marean! I think dad want you to put his face in-between your breasts.”
Gazing at the tan girl with a shocked expression, the green haired Newmen stared back at Yoshi with a furious gaze.

“No wait, I think he just wanted to make out with you.” Yoshi’s daughter said with a shrug.

Yoshi now pushed to the ground, Marean walked back to the couch while his daughter knelt beside him.

“Don’t worry, old man.” She said. “I’m here for ya. You go relax on the sofa and tell her you’re sorry while I get you two something to drink, kay?”

“Ugh” was all Yoshi could say as he got off the warm sunlit floor. Knowing that he had to be responsible for what his daughter said, he thought of things to say while roaming to the comforts of his blue cushions. Sitting next to Marean, who now tried to stay far away from him on the other side of the couch, he tried to apologize to her while she focus on the screen ahead.

Meanwhile in the western themed kitchen/living room combo, Yoshiblue’s daughter wore his ten gallon hat as she pretended to play cops and robbers with Lilliman who spent the whole time dancing near the jukebox. Both of them heading towards the kitchen counter, various tossing of objects occurred, while managing to pour, set and pass the drinks to each other without spilling a drop. Each doing victory poses to their success; they suddenly looked towards the door and scuttled behind counters. A sound was heard. The grey front door suddenly opening, the two peeked behind a brown marble top island counter to see a red head Newmen enter the room. Lifting sunshades into his hair, he looked around the room for a moment.

“Hey, Yoshi!” the man yelled. “You home?” Frightening the hiding creatures, he immediately looked down to the two. The tan girl, focused her sight, hunched down to spring for action, a smile in the corner of her mouth. Both the support partner and the Lillipan sinking a little bit lower, the red headed Newmen walked up to them with a smirk. “How’s it going, Marean? You can put down the gun.”
“Awwww.” Marean sighed. Slumping on the counter while twirling the pistol, she looked back at the man with much disappointment. “How did you know I had a gun?”

“Because your bonehead father makes the same face every time he does that too. Anyways, have you seen my wife?”

“Oh her? She’s making out with Yoshi in the other room.” She said with a snicker.
Hearing the man yell from the other room, Both Yoshi and Marean looked back behind the white frame to see Reinhardt storming in.

“Yoshi, you son of a bitch. I’m going to rip you limb from limb.”

“What the heck. What’s wrong with you?” Yoshi asked in confusion.

“I told you to keep off my wife. Now I’m going to show you happened to people that fail to do so.”

Marean, chucking a celery stick at her husband’s attention, grabbed him by the collar and flipped him into the empty space between them. “Shut up, I’m trying to watch the game!” She screamed

Knowing his wife, something wouldn’t happen if she was intensely focused on something, his anger quickly vanished. Trying to get comfortable, he glanced at the TV screen before quickly looking back at his friend. “Skimball? What are you, a homosexual?” Reinhardt whispered to Yoshi with a mean face. Before Yoshi could respond, the Newmen shoved a hand into his face as green eyes stared at the screen with new found joy. “Hold the phone, I want in on this.” Now leaning near Yoshi, he whispered “Dude, look at the jugs on that woman.”

Now wearing a disturbed face, Marean harshly shouldered Reinhardt. “Excuse me. I’m right here you know.” Placing a hand on her shoulder, her husband replied “It’s okay. I’m here too.” Disgusted, Marean got up and walked away. Yoshi’s daughter popping out shortly after from behind the armrest, tugged on her father’s sleeve. With mischievous intent, she lured Yoshi out of the chair and after his female Newmen companion.

[yoshiblue]

-FillerIII-

Spoiler!

A single spot light glowing in a white room, several boys and girls walk out in haste. Walking away from a tiled room without windows or luxuries, some wore faces of eagerness while others concerned. Leaving through an open portal, left behind stood a girl in the center of a spotlight. Unlike the others, her suit didn’t look as flawless as the others. While the green fabric was clean and the gold buttons shined in the light above, it showed signs of wear and tear. Covering up well hidden stitches slightly under the left shoulder is a patch. Black lettering graced by gold trimming, the words Series 1 was displayed on that shoulder for the world to see. Teal hair dangling as brown eyes gaze upon clasped tan hands, she was not as happy and shook nervously. Ask to stay behind while numerous numbers twos left the room, she did not look to the only other person sharing the room. In front of her paced a man. Brown hair in a military cut, a blue variant to her green navigator suit moved left to right nearby. Black boots turning on its heel every time feet turned. The man looking to a holo-pad, yellow in coloring with
various records scrolling through it, finally stopped directly in front of the small girl.

“Seems Yoshiblue has failed to succeed in some of his capture missions.” The man gently said. Leaning in slightly forward, an aura of seriousness invaded the girl’s personal space. His tone changing suddenly, the man ask in a hushed voice

“Do you know what this means?”

“Yes” The girl replied, still looking to the white creases on the floor.

“It means you have to pick up the mess and capture those monsters yourself.” The man sternly said, now pacing once more. Tossing aside the holo-pad, it dematerializes in the air behind him. Waiting for a response, a single pass was made before speaking again. Arms folded behind him, his vision now locked onto the teal haired girl. “Need I remind you what happens to partner machines who fail to succeed in their official missions?”

“N-no, sir.” The girl quietly said.

Stopping, the man leaned forward. Placing a hand to his ear, he said in a sarcastic tone “What was that? I don’t think I was being clear enough.”

With a wag of his finger, the girl began to hold her head in pain. Face painted with agony, whimpers turned into screams. Pain filled all parts of her body. Her knees dropped like weights to the floor. She slowly lost the ability to hear. No longer could the sound of her own voice be heard. Her screams intensifying, she slumped to the floor, her limbs going limp. Arms knotted behind, the man staring down upon her without remorse, only watching with face made of stone. Desperate for help, wanting the pain to stop, the girl called for her father to save her. Screaming as loud as she could in a panic, loud enough so that he may hear her cries wherever he was, the pain stopped in an instant. Tears now forming a pool on white tile floor, every part of her body felt numb. Curled up, shivering on the floor, sounds became audible to her, slowly fading in. Brown eyes opened to a blurry scene. They tossed around searching for black boots. Regaining the ability to control her limbs, she attempted to pick herself up off the floor. Feeling slowly beginning to be restored, a voice caused her to shudder and stumble.

“Did I just hear you calling out to your father?” The man mockingly asked. “I think I’ve seen enough. You are dismissed.”

Limping slowly across the floor, she began to make her way to the open portal. Patience growing thin, the man began to yell at her.

“Leave now before I change my mind!”

Now moving as fast as she could, thought only of safety, the outside world and a man waiting to embrace her filled her mind.

Sun beams poking through tree leaves high in the air, green moss covered several rocks and tree stumps conquered the land they were embedded upon. Birds darting into the tree canopy, various shrill cries filled the air along with the faint panting of a person. Chased by several pitch black insects, large carapaces glowing in the light, a small girl in green ran for her dear life. Pausing every so often to look back and catch some breathe, black and gray checkered legs began to move again shortly after. Small limbs moving as fast as they could in the lush forest, drops of blood bounced off of giant green leaves. Twisting and turning to avoid red lightning strikes, something large followed behind in the sea of black. A bloodied glove holding an injured arm, the other held a rod hovering over moving floor. Every so often, she would heal herself with Resta, a spell of light which restored the user’s health and stamina. However the chance to recover was far and few between for a giant creature, which could be confused as a queen, attack relentlessly by throwing a barrage of red disks at the girl.

Dunking and avoiding every attack, she crashed into a gray console while looking back. The giant bug now trapped in two orange circles of light, tears fell through hovering blue squares while the girl frantically mashed at cyan console buttons. Much to her surprise, the creature stood still. As if accepting its fate, the two stared at each other before everything within the perimeter of the rings vanished in an instant. Several of the smaller insects surrounding the area, they stood still forming a black rimmed arena. Nervously chuckling, the girl stumbled around as the console no longer existed to support her. Looking down, brown eyes widen to a giant shadow looming over hers. Legs now trembling, she turned to see red eyes gazing down on her. A black and purple humanoid hunching over the small partner machine, fire balls flew out at it only to be repelled without effort. The figure casually taking what she threw at him, an arm swept the air to create a powerful gust of wind. So strong was the wind that it knocked the rod out of the partner machine’s hands.

Falling to the floor, the girl glared back at the humanoid that now knelt in front of her.

“Ah, the fire in your eyes.” The figure said, it’s black and purple plum blocking the sun from the girl’s eyes. “If only your father was more like you. Or should I say remained like you.”

The partner machine attempting to cast Barta with her hands, the figure grabbed her white glove, applied a bit of pressure and said “Let’s be civil here, confused one. Your father wouldn’t want anything to happen to his dear sweet little child, don’t you agree?”

With a strong tug, a tan hand freed itself from the white glove. Rubbing it with the other, the girl shouted “He’s not my father!” She looked down. Tears forming in her eyes, she held the patch on her injured arm and looked to the side. “I’m just a worthless machine.”

Placing the glove on her lap, the figure stretched out his arm to summon the rod knocked out of her hands. “Let me ask you something.” He said. “Do you know why they gave you this rod, child?” The girl looking up and shook her head. “It’s because you, like your father, hold something special within you. Something I seek as well as them.” Engulfing the rod with his hands, he crossed his arms. “As much as I would like to convert you, you are far too young. You still need to grow up and develop your gift. Where you fail to reach my expectations, your father doesn’t.”

The partner machine gripping the dirt in anger for every time he mentioned the word father, the urge to yell at him burned strongly yet was at a loss of words. Watching the figure stand up, its intimidating appearance now affected her. While she began to crawl backwards, the figured spoke once more.

“Come now, don’t be afraid. I merely came to make a deal.” Unfolding a palm in the air, a red hologram of an oracle ship and a cowboy like figure flicked above it. “You seek revenge and I seek power. In return for taking the lives of those who have made you suffer, you aid me in your father’s corruption.”

The insect like creature now tightening up the circle, sweat rolled down the girl’s tan forehead. The feeling of blood draining from her body, the girl bit her lip and continued to glare without fear. Nervously laughing, she responded “Looks like I don’t have much of a choice.” Knowing that she will not be harmed, determination was found once more. Fire within her burning once more, she hopped back to her feet and pointed at the figure.

“Even though what I’m doing makes me sick inside, Marean will find him and she will save him.”

A short pause was had before the humanoid bellowed a laugh. Taken back by the response, the partner machine could feel courage erode away. Recovering from his laughter, the creature responded,

“Aw yes, the murderous Newmen. How you put so much faith into her, it almost makes me feel something deep inside. Let me ask you another thing. Do you know why you cling to her as you do?”

“Because I know she won’t lose to a creep like you.”

“Do try a little harder next time. No, it’s because you and she share similar fates.” Arms knotting once more, the figure tilted its head. “I wonder. How much will it take before you too are driven to preform mass genocide as she once did?” Eyes now returning onto the girl, his arms unfolded to stab a purple pitch fork into the ground. Lifting of his knee, the figure began to walk backwards into a red vortex. Slowly was his body consumed, his voice echoed in the air before it entirely disappeared.

“I’ll keep in touch.”

The girl looking around her looked to see the area become filled with red gas. Red and black clouds cleared in sync with the fading portal. Sounds of nature now echoing once more, the girl took the purple rod out of the ground and began to weep in regret.

[yoshiblue]

-Hitch in the Plan-

Spoiler!

*Optional Music*

Waddling towards a large cargo bay door, two gray legs were seen under several green metal crates. Looming high over the figure, the ship was larger than the campships used by Arks. The exterior, sage green in color, bended yet in small angles and retained a rectangle like appearance. More rugged thanks to the modifications done to the entirety of the vessel; several upgrades were hidden within the hull of the ship. Originally a mobile home, much money was spent converting it into a cargo ship due to a smuggler’s need to stay one step ahead of the game. It also allowed the pilot to take on various roles for the ship which came in handy when presenting what kind of ship it was. Its gray hold making up half the size of the vessel, up to twelve transports could be store within this ship; six sitting in rows of two on the floor while the other six clung to the ceiling.

Leaning against the ship was Marean who watched with arms folded and a smirk on her face. Entertained by the struggles and balancing act performed by the incoming person, she lifted her arm to look to a nonexistent watch. Shaky legs in arms reach of large and layered metal door; the crates were slowly lowered to the ground. With a gentle pat made on cement floor, an exhausted chuckle was heard from the other side. Popping out from behind the boxes was a hand wiping the sweat under teal hair.

Marean pushing off the ship with her back, walked towards the man now cleaning a pair of glasses with a cloth. “Took you long enough, Yoshi.” She shouted.

Shifting the green crates around, each one of them was examined before looking back up to the man. “This is all of them right?”

“Yeah.” Yoshi confirmed. “All that’s left is to get these into storage and we’re set to go.” Roaming to open the giant doors, he turned to listen to Marean’s next question.

“Where’s the food?” she asked, her eyebrows narrow with concern.
“Oh, right.” Yoshi exclaimed. Waving his hand to summon a panel into the air, he tapped at a few hovering buttons. Appearing out of thin air on top of the crates, several cheeseburgers and three large sodas glistened in the sunlight. Once a white cup with small wave like designs on it, the color of purple outlined Marean’s hand as she grabbed it. Yoshi digging into his box of fries, he pointed his pinky at the green hair Newmen and said with muffled voice “With all the alcohol I bought you, I’m surprised you still wanted soda.”

Frowning at him, Marean pulled the straw from her mouth to ask “You saying I can’t enjoy variety?”

“No. I just wanted all the soft drinks to myself.” Yoshi responded followed with a laugh. Taking out another handful of fries, he then continued “So when are we leaving?”

Responding a low groan, she looked into Yoshi’s eyes. “Well here’s the thing. Before I answer, I need to ask you something first. Did you intend to go to Lillipa right away or stay with me for a while?”

Taking on a serious face, Yoshi took a sip of his now orange cup before answering. “I’ve been away for far too long. Goes without saying that I should return soon or Meji and friends will kill me.” Resting a leg on one of the lower crates, he watched as the Newmen looked away.

“That’s going to be an issue then. My schedule just filled up and the next shipment is far away from Lillipa and Ur.”

“So I’ll ju-”

“And your only other ride just up and left a while ago.”

“What?”

(*optional music*)

Yoshi slamming his cup on the crate, immediately dashed to the cargo bay. Gray doors folding up into the sky, Marean watched as she drank from both their cups. Sunlight flooding into the hold, few large crates and empty space were all it revealed. Yoshi speeding inside placed both hands around his mouth and called for Lilliman. After two attempts, a furry creature bursting from under a few cardboard boxes and gave off a roar. Both paws facing the human, Yoshi sighed with relief and began to rub the brown fur of the Lillpan. The critter reaching down for one of the boxes, began to munch its contents as it listened to Yoshi.
“While I’m glad you’re safe, you mind telling me what happened to the ship?”
The Lillpan placing the box neatly onto the floor, waved his paws in the air as he told Yoshi of a masked man in black and purple. Telling how he hid outside the ship to watch the mask man walk in, Lillman repeated his word to Yoshi. “Let’s go on a little trip.”

Yoshi looking puzzled asked in response “Did she put up a fight?”

[“No”] Lilliman replied. [“He snapped his fingers and she stood there like a pillar in the wasteland.”] Waving his hands rapidly in the air, it then quickly spouted [“Now I know what you’re going to say and I don’t think anything odd happened to her either. But, I think it has to be their knowledge of Lillipa and not the random cable sticking out of her back.”]

“Why don’t you think it’s the cable?”

[“The cable is an old out of date model according to your database. It was mainly use to repair the programming of robots, appliances and occasionally CASTs. However, it can send data and block data both ways to prevent a total invasion and protect CASTs using it.”] The lillipan said, sweeping both hands over and under each other. [“So what she did, she did because she’s weird. Or old fashion.”]

“So what was wrong with the cable and what do you think the masked did to her?” Yoshi asked with a hand to his chin.

[“Nothing is wrong with the cable. It’s just that you humans have faster versions to use instead. No clue about mask man’s evil magic”]

“Well it’s not like we upgrade the ship either.” Yoshi sighed, the lillipan nodding in agreement. “Great, now how will we save her?”

[“If it makes you feel any better, they still have you listed as missing. I have a faint trace of her signal as well but its going to take some time to find her.”] Lilliman said before eating the burger now suddenly held in his hands. Marean handing Yoshi his empty cup and burger, slid a pallet holding the crates with her foot. Pushing them to the back of the hold, she returned to the other two. Looking to Yoshi with a sly smile, chuckles were held back while he shook the container in sorrow.

“That’s what you get for taking too long, bonehead. So what did furball here have to say?”

“Some dude broke into your ship and stole my ship oddly enough. Nothing was stolen from you however.” Yoshi said, crushing the cup with both hands. His heart dropping, he gazed out into the city. “Guess we better leave the Mandragora now before we’re caught in something crazy.”

“Where we go?” asked Lilliman.

Throwing Marean off guard, she took a step backwards before answering “The Antheia.” Looking towards Yoshi she then explained “It’s sort of a sister ship to the Mandrake. Only it specializes in medical and revival products instead of enhancements and cloning. You would think with a big ship they could do both but I guess they want to keep things separate incase they lose a ship. Anyways, trade lines are getting dangerous and they are in need of more supplies to further their research. I hear twenty smugglers have already died making these runs.”
Nervously laughing, Yoshi responded “Let’s hope the ship of love sees us come in safely.”

Throwing an arm around Yoshi, Marean pulled him close. Rubbing her knuckles on his head, she said with confidence “You kidding me? That why I want you to stay with me. You’re like a good luck charm to me.”

(*optional music*)

Pulling him along, she pointed to the doorway, the Lillipan following behind. The giant cargo door unfolding to a close behind them, the three traveled into well-lit beige corridors. First walking into the rear entrance corridor where elongated windows showed the inside of the cargo bay, they walked into a second room which split into stairs. Upstairs held remodeled bed, bath and wash rooms as well as an observation lounge. Sticking to the first floor, they headed into the living room. Lilliman straying to the side and into the kitchen, Marean and Yoshi continued towards the north door, which lead into the cockpit. Mostly untouched, the cockpit was made with child safety in mind. Button kept out of arms reach, were instead found on the roof. Just like the corridors the color scheme was bridge and maroon. Where the buttons would normally be are instead cabinets and vaults. Covered by soft plastic like walls, they were sloped so that children couldn’t climb on top of them. Installed on tan carpet were six maroon seats. Each large and comfy, every seat was spaced far apart, save for the pilot and co-pilot chairs, and held their own movable table and cup holder.

“Not going to lie. I feel very uncomfortable sitting this close to you.” Yoshi announced while trying to get comfortable. “You sure you need me as a co-pilot?”

“Don’t complain to me. The love seat was your idea in the first place. Besides, it’s not like he’s going suddenly come in and bash you over the head.” said Marean. Tapping at a few buttons on the dashboard, the cargo ship roared to life. Now lifting off, Yoshi took the time to read the manual conveniently found close by.
“And if he does?” Yoshi asked.

“Would beat the shit out of him first for never stopping by. To think that his best friend spends more time with me.”

Applying minor adjustments to their ascent, the two paused in conversation to focus on avoiding any accident with the smaller passing vehicles. Breaking past the traffic, Yoshi spoke once more in a reassuring tone. “I’m sure he would too if he was in the same situation. After all, Arks operatives are forbidden to be in the Mandragora.”

“Maybe not. Not to say that you don’t know your friend but I’m pretty confident he would spend a day with me and then head off on another ship once we landed on another vessel. After all, he is a beloved heroic pilot.”

Not wanting to see her cry, he looked away. Growing more uncomfortable by the second, he placed a hand on her shoulder and preached with his other hand in the air “You got to have faith. Got to believeeee in him.”

“Faith…Sometimes I feel I have more faith in you than I do him.”

A few beeps sounding close by caused Yoshi to press at a large screen. Taking the time to read the information, he shouted in enthusiasm “Oh hey, you got a call from Rein-”

Interrupted, Marean pushed Yoshi’s head under the dashboard. His face in confusion, she whispered “Get down. I don’t need him yelling at me for having you here.” Choosing not to fight it, he let his face rest on her lap.

(Optional End Title)

Author note shindigs

Spoiler!

"When I asked for revenge, I didn't ask for an entire ship to blow up." - Marean SP

"So a few casualties happened. The weak merely died off to make room for the strong." - HUnar

I wanted to talk more about Marean's cargo/home ship thing but every time I go back to the layout, it keeps changing. Only thing that remains the same is the color scheme and the living room leading into the cockpit.

[yoshiblue]

- Seeking Answers -

Spoiler!

*Optional music*

Lying on a warm lap for what seemed like an eternity, Yoshiblue sat motionlessly as he listened to the conversation of Marean and Reinhardt. First starting out causally, they exchanged friendly words to one another. Sadly, this happiness didn’t last long. Escalating into shouts and yells, the two exchanged choice remarks to one another as Marean gave to him her concerns. To the amazement of Yoshi, Reinhardt didn’t hang up. Knowing his friend to be a person who dislikes arguments immensely, he instead countered her questions with questions of his own instead. Why did she leave Arks if she wanted to be near him so badly? Why waste several thousands worth of his hard earned cash to renovate the ship, leaving him a poor man? Why take on a life of crime when she could have lived peacefully in the best of living conditions Oracle had to offer?

In the middle of the argument, Yoshi felt a shockwave flow underneath him. Almost falling off, he clung to the newmen as quietly as he possibly could. Lights flickering, screams of metal scraping outside, he used his upper back to prevent Marean from flying forward. Red lights now painting the face above him, sirens were emitted from the ship’s speakers, the sounds of his friend voice shouting from the other side. At a loss of words, a helmet being grabbed queue to Yoshi that something bad has happened and that the call was ended.

Tears falling on the back of Yoshi’s head, he lifted from Marean’s lap, took a quick glance, and began to hug her. Looking over her shoulder, he used his free arm to plot a course to the Antheia. A small trail dotting along the touchscreen, it reached the ship icon and morphed into a large button with the word WARP on it. Now cradling in a rocking motion, his hand constantly missed the giant warp button, mostly due to bad timing. Growing impatient, he flailed his wrist around until the edge of his pinky pressed on the pad. Celebrating his small victory, he gave a thumbs up to the dashboard, only to remember that he should thinking of a way to cheer up his friend. Cheeks inflating while a mind raked for answers, only thoughts of food came to mind. Not wanting to make it his only option, he continued to think of something else.

(*optional music*)

Lost in thought, he blurted out, “Maybe we can stab some Rappy shaped patties?” Tears already dying down, a small laugh was stifled upon hearing it.

“What?” Yoshi asked. Giving one last squeeze, he let go.

“Nothing.” Marean replied. Whipping a tear from her face, she looked out into space.

Shrugging nervously, Yoshi then said, “Alright. What do you want me to make for dinner.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Do you want to talk about the argument then?”

“No.”

Throwing his head to the back of the chair, Yoshi let off a sigh of defeat. Eyes lowering as far as they could, he looked to the touchpad which now displayed the distance of their destination. “Well, I set course of the Antheia,” said Yoshi, “So if you want me to leave, I’ll get off there.”

A short pause was had after he said that. Neither of them moving an inch, eyelids almost closed before immediately opening to the sound of Marean’s voice.
“I never asked you this before. Why did you join Arks?”

Sitting up, Yoshi leaned inward. Mouth twisting, his chest grew tight to the thoughts of his past. “It was a stupid reason. I joined for revenge.” Yoshi said. “To pay them back for what they took away from me. In the end, it just threw me into a deeper hole, figuratively and literarily.”

Marean’s head cocking to the side, she looked to him with confusion. “Someone out to kill you?”

“For a time, yes. Left me for dead in an open grave. As much as I hate to say it, I regret killing him afterwards.”

“Why’s that?”

Taking a deep breathe, Yoshi replied “Now that is a story I don’t want to talk about.” Rubbing his hand on his chin, he entered into thoughts he never visited before. “I do wonder who saved me though. Could have been the Ace, a lillipan, maybe you?” Yoshi said, a warm glace made at Marean.

With a half laugh and a grimace, Marean slowly looked away. Sadness in her eyes, she responded, “If it were me back then, you would have been dead.”
“Heh, to think that we would be good friends today. A thing of wonders.” Yoshi responded. Picking up a manual off the floor, he pried it open and continued where he left off.

“You don’t hate me for the scar I gave you?”

“I got over it a long time ago.”

“All your allies I killed?”

“I tend not to think about it anymore.”

“It was that scientist girl, wasn’t it?”

Eyes narrowing, stomach dropping. Yoshi hesitated to answer. Eyes mindlessly flying over the pages, a few seconds passed before he said, “She’s dead, Marean. Nothing I can do about it now.” Taking deep breathes, he whispered to himself, “Yet it still haunts me.”

(Optional End Note)

-Filler-

Spoiler!

Looking out into the sunlit city, brown eyes took in the lush landscape that lay before her. Not wanting to leave its beauty, movements slowed to a crawl while plaid legs moved backwards. Ignoring the shouts and commands of the armed men guarding the ship, she slowly made her way into the campship’s loading ramp. Loading docks unusual to the normal layout of an Ark’s vessel, operatives we not allowed on the Madragora thus the standard layout wasn’t needed. For only the special and permitted were allowed to enter. Standing apart from the series two partner machines, she slumped against the wall, watching circular doors close to become a warp gate.

Eavesdropping on the others, they whispered about her. Some speaking in fear of her, others mocked her. Trying to ignore them, Marean gazed out into space. Looking past the irritated face reflecting on the glass surface, she eyed a rectangular vessel, sage green in color, flying off into space. Unable to explain it, she felt a slight lift in her heart upon seeing it. A faint smile followed its journey into the abyss. Soon after, other partner machines did the same. All eyes looking at the dots in the sky, attentions shifted to the blue dome of the Madragora calmly changing to a red hue. Black waves spiraling within the dome like dirt in water. Unsure what was going on, no warnings were given. No one spoke on any open channel. In an instant, the dome shattered. Splitting the ship in half, Dark Falz Elder emerged from the flames of the ruined ship. Shuddering to the thought of all the lives that were just lost in an instant, a familiar laughter echoed in space.

“Sound isn’t supposed to travel in space.” A female voice cried.

Whimpers filling the campship, everyone watched the six armed creature drift across space and into the unknown. Checking to see if the call to arms was made, the planet, Falz and the several ships fleeing from the wreckage disappeared the next second. Traveling through a watery portal, eyes returned to see the lush world of Naberius instead. Team leaders trying to keep everyone from panicking, Marean watched their ineffective attempts with dull eyes.

Nothing but minutes worth of crying being had, one of the hunter partners grew tired of the tears and became aggressive. Shoving a leader aside, she shouted “Any person still crying is going to receive a pummeling from me. So sit tight and wait for orders, before I make you wait.”

“There won’t be any other orders,” Marean cut in. “The ship is gone. We’re on our own now. Its better we stick together and work to get out of this mess alive.”

The female hunter striding up to the much more tanner Marean, bumped chests with her , both giving each other an intimidating glare. “What would you know about survival, huh?” She said. “Your kind is all dead. You’re just a prototype, a defective model.”

“So you got a two strapped to your arm, big deal. Nothing but a bunch of rookies who, in the end, are just as expendable as I am.” Marean responded.

“Know your place.” The hunter yelled. Attempting to land a blow on Marean’s face, the teal haired partner machine parried the strike with a downward push on the wrist. Using her other arm to shove the hunter away, spacing was made so that she could quickly followed up with kick straight into the throat. The force of the counter attack knocking the hunter off her feet, Marean stepped on the body of the fallen hunter.

“You better learn to treat your teammates well. Otherwise you’re going to suffer a miserable fate. And when you do, I’ll be there to watch you bleed.”

The campship coming to a halt, the vessel began to tilt. A mysterious force sucking all of its occupants into the warp pad below, all of them struggled to cling onto the railings and consoles. A yellow line sweeping the room, the surface became slippery causing everyone’s grip to vanish. Partner machines picking themselves up in a dirt clearing, they stared into the sky as their transportation flew away into the unknown. Several boys and girls breaking into tears, Marean and the leaders attempted to raise morale and head for shelter. Wondering into the nearby forest, rain storms came and went. Seeking shelter from the environment, they hid in a cave to warm themselves in the cold night air. A few making desperate cries for help, some helping to start a campfire, others trying to sleep, Marean sat on a rock as the current volunteer of watch duty. Bored, cold, hungry, there she sat starring at the moon looming above. Trying not to sigh, faint sounds of static broke her train of thought. Looking around to find its source, nothing looked like a cause for interference. Growing more irritated by the second, a fuzzy voice began to break through the white noise. Becoming more familiar by the second, she stood up and tapped at her ear.

“M…an, do yo…py?”

Eyes shifting towards her ear, she responded, “This Marean.”

“Marean, I’m coming by with a drop ship. Do you copy?”

“Loud and clear. Where should start heading to?”

“Head to a dirt clearing not too far away from your current location. I’ll mark it for you on your map. Meet me there so I can pick you up. Kazamir out.”

Turning to the on looking partner machines, Marean place both hands on her hips and shouted, “Alright everyone. Back to where we just came from. Someone is here to pick us up.”

“How do we know you’re not lying?” one of them replied.

“Fine, don’t believe me. I’ll head over there myself. Bye.”

Everyone too scared to be left alone, woke the others and flocked after Marean. Avoiding all sorts of forest creatures lurking in the night, everyone cheered to the sight of the drop ship sitting on the horizon. Several small people rushing toward the shadowy vessel, Marean counted heads to learn that a few were missing. Grabbing one of the passing leaders, Marean asked, “Did some of them stay behind?”

“Yeah.” A boy replied. “Said they didn’t believe you. If they want to stay, that’s their fault. I’m out of here.”

“Oh come on.” Marean shouted. Tapping her ear again, she contacted the pilot.

“Kazamir, I’m going to have to go gather the others. Think you can stay for a while longer?”

“Sorry, Marean. I can not. I can come by tomorrow at best but they are going to find out about all of this if I stay any longer.”

“Well, I preached about team work to them, so I’m going to stick with them then.”

“If that is what you wish. Ironic to say, that sounds like something your father would have done.”

“So I’m told.”

Rushing back towards the cave, the metal clangs of gun fire echoed in the distance. Concerned for what was going on, legs moving faster than a cheetah, Marean vaulted over stumps, rocks and animals alike. Upon reaching the cave she abandoned, all that was to be seen was blood and corpses. Limbs of darkers and humanoids on the floor, Marean stumbled across the defiant hunter from earlier chocking on her own blood. A dismembered arm plunged into her torso, Marean clenched her teeth knowing that there was nothing she could do for her. Resta wouldn’t do the trick and a moon can only heal so much. Memories resurfacing, anger rose within her as she continued to stare at the fallen hunter. Taking out a trimate, she popped it open to drank all its contents. Upon finishing, an arm hovered over the hunter, a hand dropping the container over her body.
Not expecting what would happen next, a giant purple sword flew out of nowhere and cleaved the head of the hunter in two. Shaken by how fast it just happened, Marean stumbled onto her rear in fear.

“My, my, to think you would take joy in watching your own kind suffer. I like it.” A voice reverbed in the air. Appearing from a hazy red and black portal was the figure from earlier. A humanoid of black and purple, Marean casually called to it, “Hunar.”

“The deal is struck, your foes are dead.”

“So what happens to the rest of us now? Are we to be hunted down as lost property?”

“Do not worry yourself with such trivial matters. Someone will watch over you.”

“Who, you?”

“No. Someone much more familiar”

A thick finger pointing into the darkness, in the shadows were two red objects. A white pant leg stepping out into the moonlight, emerging from the shadows was a woman in a white bloody lab coat. Red eyes turning brown in campfire’s light, tan skin matching Marean’s own could now be seen.

“Recognize her?” Hunar asked.

Shocked, Marean couldn’t believe her eyes. “She’s…the woman in the pictures.”
Head snapping towards Hunar, she added, “Father said she was dead.”

Hunar crossing his arms, shifted his weight as he responded, “True, she was reported dead. Dismembered beyond recognition, her blood painting the walls, your father held her in his arms with such glorious grief. However, as you can see, she is not dead and watches over you just as dearly as she does your father.”

“She had blood all over her.” Marean remarked, shaking in disbelief.

“Ah yes, a side effect to keeping her alive with our power. While attempting to repair what was damaged, she has become rather…unstable. Almost murderous if not…how would you say it…kept on a leash. Your little companions sadly suffered an unfortunate accident. Tis a shame indeed.”

Picking Marean up off the floor, Hunar gave her a gentle shove towards the familiar woman.

“Now now, don’t be shy. She won’t bite. I’m sure you two would want to catch up on lost time. I know your father would. Ha ha ha ha.”

Hunar watching the little girl timidly walk up to a ghost of the past, a woman of blond hair and a black suit walked through her own hazy portal.

“Oh my, is Elder growing soft?” the woman remarked with a handover her mouth. “Acting so civil for once, I almost forget that you only speak about brutalizing your enemies.”

Turning to face the woman, Hunar replied, “Apprentice.”

Apprentice turning her attention to the other two, Hunar mimicking her, the woman then said, “Did you conceive a daughter while nobody was looking? If so, such a useless clone of a mother. So weak and frail. Can I kill her now?”

“It’s all part of an investment being made and something more. A fall back plan if you will. Hopefully the value in this doesn’t elude you as it did Persona.”

Hands lifting in the air, the woman shrugged and moved away. “You two can bicker as much as you like. If one plan works over the other, that’s fine by me.” Walking past Hunar, she looked back to the figure and said “My curiosity has been satisfied. I hope you know what you’re doing.” Turning away, she walked into the haze, disappearing the next moment into fading mist.

End Title

[yoshiblue]

- Civilian Shift -

Spoiler!

*Optional music*

Sitting in an enclosed room, metal walls reflected several rectangle lights looming above. A hint of green hue glowing on the walls, one could vaguely make out the reflection of Marean’s cargo ship, which sat comfortably inside. Light flooding every corner of the room, even the underside of the vessel could be visibly seen underneath. With plenty of breathing room on all sides, various swarming vehicles took turns filling their metal storage containers. Just outside of Marean’s cargo bay stood three figures. Chatting to each other, two of the figures, wearing white robes, stood by each other on one side. Facing them on the other side, Marean herself conversed with them while at the same time, gave directions to the passing men unloading the supplies from her ship. Wearing her usual Ursula replica, a white shirt covered by a black jacket and pants colored with pink accents and belt; the female doctor constantly shouldered her male companion to prevent him from staring at the newmen’s cleavage.

“We can’t thank you enough for bringing us these much needed medical supplies.” The female doctor gleefully said. “It’s a real shame that Arks is more focused on killing their enemies than repairing damaged supply lines.”

“It’s not my job to know what goes on in a president’s head. This is also the same group of people who try to avoid getting involved with civilian matters. It what we have mercenary groups for, they say. Like the Hunters Guild.” Marean replied, a hand on her hip.

“That’s true I guess. The trip was pleasant, I hope?” The female doctor asked.

“It was okay. Wasted a bit more fuel than I wanted to, but we made it here in one piece.”

“We?” The male doctor asked before having his toes stomped on.

“Yeah, he’s somewhere around here. Bonehead tends to help me do maintenance on the ship.”

“Well please tell him, he has our thanks as well.” The female doctor responded. Tugging on her male counterpart, she dragged the struggling man away. “If you’ll excuse us, we’ll be leading the supplies back to the hospitals. You don’t know how much this will help all the incoming wounded. Talk to you later.”

“Stay safe.” Marean yelled. Waving her arm to the two while they stepped into tinted hovercrafts, she turned to look to the ceiling, then to the cargo bay. Two men confirming that all the supplies have been unloaded, jogged into their own truck like vehicles, and drove off. Watching all of the visitors form a convoy, her face shifted from a smile to a frown.

“Men these days, I swear.” Marean said while shaking her head.

Looking up towards the ship, she noticed a glow of orange periodically appear on the roof. On top of the green ship sat Yoshi. With a torch in hand, he used sheets of metal to mend the ship’s open wounds. At first glance, a blue metallic tube, three silver nozzles protruded on the top. Attached by a rotating cap, each nozzle wore a different tip. Changing with the tip, words of the current mode rolled out from underneath the cap upon a digital screen. First applying a sheet of metal over the gap, a wireframe overlapped on top. Two lasers shooting from a nozzle, Yoshi applied gentle pressure on the heated metal, carefully pushing it into place. Pressing a red button, the nozzle rotated. A much flatter nose now facing forward, a flat beam shot out to remove any unwanted deformities and give it a smooth solid surface. Pressing the button once again, a holo-screen popped out, showing various patterns and designs. Finding one that closely matched the ship, another flat line rolled over the metal, giving it a similar green finish. A smile flashing behind the sparks of the torch, Yoshi felt proud of finishing a portion of his work. Reaching out to grab another sheet, he paused. Hearing the cargo doors close, his head jolted to the noise. Placing the torch down, he crawled over the roof to get a better look of what’s going on outside. Getting a good look of the floor, eyes peeked over the corner to see Marean stare back at him from the ground.

(*optional music*)

“Yoshi,” she shouted. “Get down here. I got a job for you.”

“Can’t it wait, woman? I’m repairing the ship right now.” Yoshi shouted back.
“Just get down here.”

“Fine, fine.”

Standing on top of the ship, he looked down and prepared to jump. “Yoshi,” Marean cried. “Don’t do it.” Not wishing to hit the protruding sides of the ship, he shifted a little to his left. “I mean it, Yoshi. Don’t. Yoshi?” The man jumping off without hesitation this time, Marean screamed with her hands over her eyes. Upon hearing a thud echo off garage floor, a tear rolled down her face as she slowly opened her eyes.

“It’s okay.” Yoshi said, hands wiping fluids on his shirt. “I have my line shield on.”

Running up to him, Marean slapped at the man’s shoulders as she said, “You idiot. Don’t you ever scare me like that again.”

“Okay, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you cared so much, sheesh.” Yoshi replied. “So what did you want me to do, anyways?”

Taking out a list from her right pocket, Marean handed Yoshi a piece of paper containing a list. Surprised, Yoshi looked to the list in a mixture of confusion and wonder.

“Welcome back to the civilian way of life, Yoshi. I need you to go grocery shopping.” Marean enthusiastically said with a wink. Unamused, Yoshi stared back at her with a cocked eyebrow.

“First of all, you’re scaring me. Secondly, I could be repairing the ship instead.”

“Nope, I don’t want you wrecking my ship while I’m away. Remember when I said I was on a tight schedule? Well I’m checking to see if those jobs are still available. We’ll get the ship repaired on our spare time.”

“Right,” Yoshi responded with uncertainty. Rescanning the list briefly, his eyes returned to Marean’s. “I’m going to guess that I’m the one who’s paying for all this?”

Petting Yoshi’s teal hair, Marean said, “You’re learning already. Now don’t look so mad. I’ll treat you to something later, okay?”

Lifting an arm, he paused before saying another word. Folding his arms instead, he tapped his foot a few times in anger. Thinking to himself for a bit, concern began to dawn on him as thoughts of combat without a line shield drifted through him. “You sure you don’t need me to come with you?” Yoshi asked.

“Yoshi, you’re forgetting who you’re talking to.” Marean cried. “I know how to take care of myself. Also, take off your line shield and go change your clothes. People aren’t supposed to know you’re with Arks.”

“Alright, if you say so,” said Yoshi who walked towards the ship’s rear entrance. With a chuckle, he continued, “Just remember who use to save you from explosives half the time.”

Glaring at the human, a memory flicked as he walked away. In her mind, a recollection of a purple hair woman stabbing the teal hair man, just after saving her life, replayed. Nails digging into her palms as the memory progressed, regret tugged at Marean’s heart.

Minutes passed as Yoshi struggled to get the auto adjusting “one size fits all” feature to work. Sleeves tugging, shirt pulling, the suit finally obeyed him. All set and ready to go, Yoshi walked out of the garage in a white and gray civilian suit. Wearing a long white and gray coat, grey pants and rather oversized white boots; he let out a sigh and looked to the sun. Guessing the time of day, he made his way to nearest store. Still getting used to living life without the convenience of Arks technology, he couldn’t access his usual holo-screens, couldn’t bring up a floating display of the time, nor could he summon a mini map. Having to suck it up and ask for direction, it turns out that the layout of the city was exactly the same as Ur’s. Walking down the sidewalk, Yoshi was surprised to see how calm people despite the recent Falz attack. No one rushed anywhere. All vehicles followed traffic laws. Everyone treated today as any other day. Passing by several stores in the shopping district, he turned into an oversized produce store.

(*optional music*)

White shoes stepping through sliding glass doors, Yoshi took a breath in preparation for the task. Sea green and ecru seemed to be the color scheme of the building. Brown eyes watching several people walk through the many isles the store had to offer, he picked up the scent of vanilla while walking in. Almost slipping on the recently waxed brown and yellow checkered flooring, he skated to a nearby cart dispenser. Standing in front of what looked like a fenced ATM machine, a small console protruded from the surrounding half walls with a single red button on it. With a press of a button, a screen popped out. Heavy, Light, Special appeared within faint orange glow. Rubbing his chin with a thumb, he pondered for a moment. Knowing that the list is quite large, a small cart wouldn’t do the job and special carts were only used for specials and holidays. Pressing the large H, a shopping cart materialized over a gray mat, sitting snugly between the two white half walls, gray handle bars just over green counter trimmings. Letting off a gust of air from his nose, he tugged at the cart while reading the list. Several minutes of careful produce pickings having passed, the shopping cart now carried several items within its crisscrossing plastic walls. Coming from around the corner, a girl with teal hair skipped toward the cart with a box in hand and slammed it into the cart.

“Can I have that, dad?” the girl asked.

Half paying attention, Yoshi replied, “What’s the magic word?”

“Chicken nuggets.”

“No, the other magic word”

“Please?”

“You should ask before you throw things into the cart but okay.”

“Yay.” The girl cried.

Looking back, no one was to be seen. Pondering if he was just hearing things, he shrugged and returned back to the list. Turning into the dairy isle, he stopped to gaze upon the massive selection of cheese, questioning what type of cheese he should buy. Deep in thought, a hand tugged at his sleeve.

“Dad, you should buy this too.” The voice said.

Tilting his head to see who was bugging him, a box of mints caught his eyes. Taking the box out of small tan hands, he lifted it to his face and said in a nostalgic tone, “Mocha mints. I haven’t bought these in a long time.” Looking back down, he saw his partner machine Marean stare back at him. Surprised, he smiled a large smile and immediately knelt down to hug her.

“Dad, stop. You’re embarrassing me.” Marean cried. Struggling to escape his grasp, she squirmed out from underneath and hopped backwards.

“I thought you didn’t like calling me dad.” Yoshi said with sarcasm.

“Yeah, well I learned to accept fate and deal with it.”

“How did you find me anyways? Does Arks know I’m here?”

“Silly dad, our bond was just that strong. Really though, Arks has no clue where you are. They don’t seem to really care either. Kazamir may know though; because he’s weird like that.”

“Haha, not really sure how to respond but let’s hope that bond stays strong.” Yoshi said, his hand rubbing his daughter’s hair.

Grabbing her father’s hand, Marean smile and said, “Anyways, you should stay away from Arks. Mom says they’re bad people and are only using you for personal gains. So promise her you will, alright?”

“Mom?”

“Well, I got to go. See you later, dad.”

“Marean, wait!”

Reaching out towards her, he watched as his little girl ran up to a woman standing at the end of the isle. Frozen in place, a familiar face smiled back at him with an arm wrapping around Marean. Sounds no longer in the air, the atmosphere growing colder, everything seemed to slow to a standstill. His heart froze as brown eyes synced, a chill running down his spine. For upon blinking, the two vanished as if they were never there at all.

(*optional end title*)

-Filler-

Spoiler!

Walking out of a metal door way, a male dewmen, wearing a purple suit, walked onto a shaded catwalk. The catwalk surrounded by two towering walls, there wasn’t much elbow room to be had for the person standing on it. An elbow hugging the dewmen’s chest, a pale hand hovered over his right ear.

“Are you sure about this? Letting a Darker roam free on the ship?” The dewmen whispered.

“Let the monster run its course. It will benefit the both of them in the end.” A female voice answered.

“Anything I should know ahead of time?”

“You already know what to do. Ensure the two stay together; keep the boy away from both factions, rid of the problem.”

“Right, I’ll call if anything comes up.”

“You be good now, Kaz.”

Folding a thin piece of plastic, streaks of light glided upon its polished black finish. Flying over the other sleeve, the compact phone connecting to purple fabric, its color melting away to match the tone of the host. Hands now gliding away from the sleeve and onto gray metal wall, Kazamir shuffled out of the narrow pathway and into the light. The looming sun providing light from above, a pale face peeked out from a shaded corner. Faint purple following the several passing civilians below him, serious eyes stopped on a green hair female sitting at a restaurant patio. Watching from above, the dewmen failed to notice red mist flying through the air. The mist swiftly swirling to the floor, it layered and settled, creating a woman in brown clothes from thin air. Seemingly aware of her location, the woman immediately walked towards the female newmen. To Kazamir, she came out of nowhere. Readjusting a tiny device in his ear, Kazamir leaned closer to the floor, intently eavesdropping on their conversation.

“Sia, it’s been a while.” The woman said in a friendly manner. Brown civilian clothes approaching the black table, Marean looked up to see a tan woman take a seat across from her. Uninterested, she replied, “Who?”

“Oh, i’m sorry. I forgot you go about under a different name these days. Still a homicidal maniac, Marean?”

Eyes narrowing, Marean sat up in irritation. Pointing a finger at the woman, she replied, “Look, unless you’re here for business; I suggest you keep on walking.”

Un-phased, the woman smile slyly at the newmen. “Not to worry. I do have business with you, concerning your precious friend…Yoshi.”

Trying to gather as much as he could, Kazamir took several mental notes as the conversation went on. Hairs standing in the cold atmosphere, the dewmen attempted to put down any surfacing emotions. As they continued to speak, the pale man felt goose bumps on his arms upon the revelation that Sia was indeed Marean and a created hunch of whom the woman was. Watching Marean’s temper flare, Kazamir was surprised how much the woman knew about Marean. The two ladies interrupted by a waiter, both displaying fake smiles, Kazamir took the time to recollect what he saw.

“She was right after all. People are starting to reappear. Are they truly darker clones? They’re sentient. Or maybe they always were?” Kazamir thought to himself. “This doesn’t excuse the fact that she shouldn’t be here.”

A chill running down his spine, he listened to the woman who unleashed harsh words onto the newmen. Several minutes of the two exchanging words to each other, Marean finally had enough. Slamming her hand onto the table, she said, “Unlike him, I’m not dumb enough to simply accept the tab,” and walked away.

Without looking back, the woman picked up a glass of water from the table and smiled. “Taking what you want and running away, Sia? It’s no wonder your husband no longer loves you. Keep it up and Yoshi won’t stick around much longer, either.” Giggling to herself, she took a sip.

Marean, resisting the urge to rip the woman’s throat out, continue to move away. Having seen enough, Kazamir slowly scooted back into the darkness until something caught the corner of his eye. Now skipping towards the woman was Yoshi’s partner machine. Kazamir now prone on the floor, he crawled back into position.

“Hiya, mom.” The girl said. “What were you and Marean talking about?”

“Hello, sweetie. Oh, it was nothing important,” the woman replied. “Just discussing how one gives pests their poison.”

Confused, the girl rolled her head in thought and asked, “We have a pest problem?”

Laughing gently, the woman rose from her chair with a hand reaching out to the partner machine. “Space is strange and filled with mystery. Within it holds many phenomenon and wonders.” The girl now taking her hand, walked alongside the woman who continued, “Let’s get you something to eat and then we’ll head home.”

“Aw, aren’t you going to talk to dad?”

“Time is running short, sadly. We can talk to him next time. Okay?”

“Alright.”

Author Junk

Spoiler!

For anyone wonder where Lilliman is, he's in the ship doing inside repairs. Marean forgetting he's around due to the fact that she hardly knows him.

Chapter has been ready for a week. Pretty unhappy with it but i'm not sure why. Writers curse maybe. May need more humor or action. Need to improve my transitions. Might be noticing how sloppy I am. Could use less commas and more full sentences. Had a whole conversation made for the filler but removed almost all of it. Had a whole section on the city portion but removed it. While it may have opened up the world a bit, it had nothing to do with the story. So around five pages (1 spaced) worth of content removed. Still had fun writing it though.