Why I Hate You All! Birth & Rise of the Cluster!

Why I Hate You All! Birth and Rise of the Cluster Empire!

a lemon by Anthony "A-Log" LoGatto w/ help from BriteStarAngie

Chapter 7 - Time to Go! The Tournament Awaits You!

Written: 9-23-05
Finished: 1-19-06

(we open up the seventh chapter in the palace quarters the next day; the day the tournament begins. Vexus is there in the room with King Mercuros, who is giving Vexus a lecture about the history of the tournament.)

King Mercuros: Now Vexus, before you leave for the tournament, you must know about the history of the World Robot Competition.

Vexus: Correct, your majesty.

King Mercuros: Agreed. First off, the very first tournament took place eons ago on the planet Xenos. Robots from many galaxies fought each other to crown a winner. Many robots were dessembled like nothing, but one robot came out the winner!

Vexus: And that robot is?

King Mercuros: Genos of the Orion galaxy. Before his system shut down he walked over to a huge stone, and with his last ounce of strength, chiseled his name onto the rock.

Vexus: As a way of signifying his victory to all?

King Mercuros: Exactly. Many robots have chiseled their names onto that very same rock, and now, after many years, a Clusterean shall be on the rock.

Vexus: But we've got that invitation yesterday; the tournament is tomorrow. I don't have any training in order to compete.

King Mercuros: That's where you're wrong.

Vexus: (confused) Huh?

King Mercuros: This has proven to be lucky for us to test our newest invention for the kingdom. (gestures to a servant, who arrives with a box. The servant then leaves after placing it on the desk.) Inside this box is a component so new, none of us could find the right time to test it. And now that the tournament has arrived, (opens the box, to which Vexus is now in awe) the time is now.

(cut to the box, as it reveals the contents to be golden heart-shaped computer chips. These are the Golden Chips viewers once saw on "Escape from Cluster Prime". Cut back to Mercuros and Vexus.)

King Mercuros: Lady Vexus, would you like to use one of these chips to compete in the World Robot Competition and bring victory to Cluster Prime?

(Vexus looks at the king, then at the chips. A brave smile appears on her face as she reaches an answer.)

Vexus: King Mercuros, (pauses as she bows on bended knee) I would be honored to compete for Cluster Prime!

(the king smiles, and he places one of the new chips in Vexus' hand. She then opens up a slot on her chest, and places the chip in. She then feels a tingle as a slight glow surrounds her body. When it disappears, she smiles at the king, who smiles at her as well.)

(we then cut to the landing dock for arrivals and departures. We see Vexus, Chrom, and Trinako, who is holding baby Clarence, walk towards a ship that is ready to take off for the planet Xenos; with Vexus the only passenger other than the driver. Chrom looks at her with uncertainty, while Trinako watches her in pride.)

Chrom: Vexus, are you sure you want to go through with this?

Vexus: Chrom, trust me. There will be nothing to worry about.

Chrom: But will you make it back safe?

Vexus: Of course I will. Besides, it's only three weeks. I'm sure you and Trinako will take good care of our little Clarence.

Chrom: Hope so. And I hope you remember our promise once you win. (Trinako looks at Chom confused a bit.)

Vexus: Do not worry, my love. (to Trinako) I'm sorry the king didn't want you to escort me to the tournament.

Trinako: That's all right, Vexus. I'm sure you'll meet someone to guide you throughout the tournament.

(Vexus nods at Trinako, then turns her attention to her bundle of joy, Clarence.)

Vexus: Now Clarence, be a good boy while mommy is away. Daddy and Auntie Trinako will take care of you until my return.

Clarence: Mommy ... leave?

Vexus: Yes, Clarence. Mommy is leaving to participate in a fighting tournament. (holds the baby in her arms as Trinako gives him to her.) Who's my little boy? (tickles his belly softly as Clarence giggles in joy. She then kisses Clarence on the forehead and gives him back to Trinako.) Take care of him while I'm gone.

Trinako: (nods) Will do, Lady Vexus.

(Vexus then looks at Chrom, who is still worried about his love's safety. Vexus walks up to him, places a loving hand onto his cheek, and presses her lips against his own, thus forming a kiss. This lasts a few seconds until Vexus breaks the kiss.)

Vexus: (softly) Consider this a going-away present before I leave. Remember that kiss for me. (walks towards the ship; Chrom places a hand onto his lips where Vexus kissed him)

Chrom: I'll never forget this, my beloved. Good luck, Vexus!

(Vexus smiles at him as she enters the ship. The door soon closes, and it is now ready to leave for Xenos. Vexus watches out to see Clarence, with help from Trinako, waving to her. She then spots Chrom, who blows a kiss to her as the ship starts to leave. Vexus smiles at him from inside the ship. Soon enough, the ship flies out the landing dock, and into the sky, where it disappears from Cluster Prime.)

(we then switch to the Genos Memorium Stadium on the planet Xenos. The Cluster ship lands near the stadium. The ship's doors soon open, and Vexus walks out, invitation in hand. She then sees the stadium and walks over to it. When she gets to the entrenceway, she sees two guards there. When she gets to them, she shows them her invitation. One of the guards does a quick scan of it, gives it back to her, and proceeds to let her through.)

(as Vexus goes through the entrance, she is amazed to see how many robots from far and wide come out for this event. As she looks around in awe, she doesn't see another robot in her path, and she bumps into her. The robot is a female whose looks remind otaku of the character Shinka of "Labyrinth of Flames"; beautiful. Vexus starts to apologize.)

Vexus: Oh, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you like that!

Female Robot: Thousand pardons, fellow automaton. It appears that you're also new to the competition.

Vexus: I see. My name is Vexus.

Female Robot: My code number is Suzuki-101, but you may call me Ikuko Suzuki. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintince, Vexus-sama.

Vexus: Likewise. (then becomes confused when Ikuko eyes her suspiciously) Anything wrong?

Ikuko (Female Robot): Hm? Oh, I remember hearing about your escape from Dr. Tomoku's lab months ago.

Vexus: (shocked) You did?

Ikuko: Yes. But do not worry, new friend. I understood why you've escaped in the first place. My creators would never treat me that way.

Vexus: (touched) Wow... thanks.

(before either robot says anything else, a male robot passes by. Vexus is in awe to see this robot when he passes her and Ikuko. The robot is built ala the ultra-popular British rock group, the Beatles. However, his mop-top hair covers his eyes ala Ringo Starr, sports a blue jacket and matching pants and has the atractiveness of John Lennon and Paul McCarthy.)

Vexus: (awe) Who is he?

Ikuko: Him? That's RR-1, Ringo John Roboshire. Some girl was in love with a music group in her country of England and created that robot as a tribute to them.

Vexus: (blushes dreamily) I can see why...

Ikuko: (snaps Vexus to) No need for that, new friend. He may be facing either of us in the tournament, so keep your focus.

Vexus: Right. I see.

Ikuko: Now come, Vexus. We must adjourn to the auditorium; that's where they will announce the sixteen robots that will compete from here on end. Come on.

(and so, Vexus and Ikuko follow Ringo John, and a whole lot of other robots, into the auditorium. Moments later, the doors slam shut. We then cut inside where Vexus and Ikuko take their seats. Cut to the stage where we see a small old robot come onto the stage along with three other robots-- one female, two male. The first robot then calls for silence.)

Old Robot: Welcome and salutations to you all, fellow robots. I am the grand judge, Atropos. Myself and my fellow judges are here to determine who amongst all of you from your data will compete in this year's tournament. Rocollo, Lyniz, Hackman; may you bring out our Lottery-bot, please?

(the other judges lead a huge dispenser-like robot, racked up with lottery balls, each with a name inside.)

Atropos (Old Robot): This shall determine the sixteen competitors of the tournament. Fellow judge Lyniz shall receive the balls and read out the names of the chosen. Lyniz, if you please.

(Lyniz, the lone female judge, presses a button, where the robot chooses a robot in random. He then spits out the ball and Lyniz reads the name of the first chosen robot.)

Lyniz: The first chosen robot is RR-1, Ringo John Roboshire of London, England, Earth.

(the crowd of robots applaude as Ringo John rises up, and goes towards the stage passing Vexus and Ikuko in the process.)

Vexus: (aside) Which one of us saw that coming? (Ikuko nods)

Lyniz: (off-screen) Our second chosen robot is Suzuki-101, Ikuko Suzki of Tokyo, Japan, Earth.

Ikuko: Well Vexus, I guess good fortune is on me. I hope you get chosen as well, my friend. (rises up from her seat and walks towards the stage.)

(time lapse to several minutes later as the 15 robots that were chosen are up on stage. Along with Ringo John and Ikuko are a french maid robot; a robot doctor; a stout pocket watch robot with arms, legs and a head; a sun colored robot with a mane like the sun's rays; a robot with buzzsaws for hands; a matador robot; a jukebox robot with a pompador; a mummy robot; a bull-like robot with horns and cowboy attire; a caveman-like robot, complete with the intelligence of one; a space pirate robot; an ice robot; and a woodcarving robot. Only one spot remains as Vexus waits patiently.)

Lyniz: And our 16th and final robot to compete is... (the lottery robot spits out a ball, and Lyniz reads it.) Vex-20, Vexus of Cluster Prime.

(Vexus smiles as her name is called, and walks down to the stage to join Ikuko and her fellow competitors.)

Atropos: Now that the 16 combatants are chosen, now it is time to set up the tournament standings. Our lottery robot will use the chosen names and set them up to their opponent. (to the lottery robot) If you please?

(the lottery robot mixes up each of the sixteen balls until two balls pop out. The first male judge, Rocollo, reads out the first two names.)

Rocollo: Competiting in the opening match will be Vexus of Cluster Prime against the good robo-doctor from America, Earth; DARE-62, Dr. Drilldare!

(Vexus looks upon the robot doctor, who wears a white doctor's outfit with surgical mask and glasses and medical gloves; surprised that he's her first opponent.)

Vexus: (in thought) ^Hmm... he doesn't look like much of a challenge...^

(the lottery robot then pops more names out to create the following matches: Heatstreak [the sun robot] vs. Glacious Kelvin [the ice robot]; Fifi [the french maid robot] vs. Crossbones Cutlass [the space pirate robot]; Matadore Flamenco {the matador robot] vs. Bull O'Roney [the bull robot]; C. Buzz Saw [the robot with the buzzsaw hands] vs. Ramahntut [the robot mummy]; Ikuko Suzuki vs. Tick-Tock [the robot pocket watch]; Ringo John Roboshire vs. Jukebot Hitz [the jukebox robot]; and Un-Garr [the caveman robot] vs. Timber Tech [the wood cutter robot]. With all that in place, the first round standings are complete.)

Atropos: And now, fellow robots, completes our selection of the first round matches for this year's robot competition. The fight between Vexus and Dr. Drilldare takes place in 20 minutes. Thank you. (leaves along with the three judges. As the other robots leave, Vexus walks over to Ikuko.)

Vexus: So, you're facing off against a clock?

Ikuko: Yes. And I see that you have your hands full with Dr. Drilldare from America.

Vexus: I know. He sounds like he's no challenge.

Ikuko: I understand. But that doesn't mean he can be taken lightly. He might have a few tricks up his sleeve, so I advise you to watch out, my friend.

(Vexus looks at her new friend, and puts her advice to thought. We then cut to her as she walks out into the battlefield. When she enters, she is amazed to see all the other robots that are there to see her fight. She is then interrupted by an unknown voice.)

???: (off-screen) The doctor is in!

(she then turns her attention towards her opponent, Dr. Drilldare, who is walking towards the battlefield himself. He's not alone-- he's accompanied by two cute and beautiful robot nurses. When they reach Vexus, Dr. Drilldare asks one of his nurses for something.)

Dr. Drilldare: Scanner!

Nurse #1: Scanner. (she hands him a device which lets him scan Vexus' structure.)

Dr. Drilldare: (as he scans Vexus) Dear God, woman. You're filthy! Who did this to your infastructure?

Vexus: (annoyed) Long story.

Dr. Drilldare: (to his second nurse) Sponge! (the second nurse wipes his brow with a sponge. He is then finishes his scan.) There now. Take two atom-smashers and call me in the morning.

Vexus: (confused) Pardon?

Dr. Drilldare: It's a doctor thing.

Vexus: Oh. (she and Dr. Drilldare, along with his nurses, go to their respective sides.)

Announcer: 3... 2... 1... Go!!!

(on cue, both Vexus and Dr. Drilldare jump to the air to start the match. Vexus starts to blast some laser beams from her hands, but Dr. Drilldare dodges each blast. Drilldare then takes out a surgical knife and tries to stab Vexus, who dodges each blow. Each of the robots dealt each other some pretty good attacks on each other. Dr. Drilldare tries to sucker punch Vexus, but dodges quickly, and delivers some hard kicks to the stomach, face and back; the last blow was powerful enough to send Drilldare straight to the ground, ending the match.)

Announcer: DARE-62 is eliminated, Vex-20 advances to the next round!

(Vexus just stares in shock and awe as she realizes what just happened. Dr. Drilldare, on the other hand, isn't happy with the results.)

Dr. Drilldare: Damn! (his two nurses then appears beside him) When's my next appointment?

Nurse #2: (checks her watch) Next Tuesday for the Clydesdales, Doctor.

(cut to Vexus as she descends to the ground. When she lands, we then see Dr. Drilldare being carried out on a stretcher by his nurses.)

Dr. Drilldare: (as he's carried away) Can I at least get a... second opinon?

(Vexus just watches on in confusion. We then cut to a quick montage of the next matches: Heatstreak fights against Glacious Kelvin very well, until Heatstreak puts Glacious in a bearhug, weakening him enough to be thrown down for elmination; Fifi, the robot maid from France faces against Crossbones Cutlass, who puts up a good fight, but falls for Fifi's charms, and gets eliminated after a spin kick to the ground; Matadore Flamenco tries his best to beat Bull O'Roney, but his cape technique fails after getting gored by Bull; C. Buzz Saw faces Ramahntut, but wins easily by slicing through Ramahntut with his buzzsaws; Ikuko is facing Tick-Tock, but she is caught by Tick-Tock's sleeperhold countdown of death. She gets out of it in time by thrusting her samurai sword into Tick-Tock's body, and slices him in the process, winning the match; Ringo John Roboshire faces Jukebot Hitz, but wins with one well aim of his guitar to Jukebot's head; and finally the match between Un-Garr and Timber Tech, which goes pretty fast since Un-Garr bases Timber Tech with his club, obliterating him. We then cut to Vexus and Ikuko backstage after the last match.)

Ikuko: I must congratulate you, new friend. I've never seen someone fight as well as you.

Vexus: You weren't so bad yourself, Ikuko. Nice counter you did on Tick-Tock, by the way.

Ikuko: (smiles and nods) Arigato, Vexus-sama. But we must go now. We have been assigned rooms to stay for the duration of the tournament.

Vexus: We're not allowed to leave and come back later on?

Ikuko: Well, the tournament lasts only four days. There should be some changes about that. Let's go.

(as Vexus and Ikuko go to leave the arena, they pass by Ringo John Roboshire, who calls Vexus over.)

Ringo John: Excuse me, love. Got a minute?

Vexus: Huh? (sees Ringo John) Oh, you must be Ringo John! I'm-

Ringo John: I know, Vexus. I saw your match with Dr. Drilldare.

Vexus: (blushes) You did?

Ringo John: Yep. Nice job you did for a beginner. Heard you're from the Cluster, eh?

Vexus: (shyly) Well, yes. I've been there for six months now.

Ringo John: I see. Anyway, I just want to tell you again that you were marvelous, and I hope you'll have the best of luck in the tournament.

Vexus: (touched) You.. you really mean it?

Ringo John: (chuckles) Of course, love. (takes Vexus' hand and kisses it, causing Vexus to blush) I'll see you later. (walks away, as Vexus watches him go with loving eyes. This ends when she hears Ikuko's voice.)

Ikuko: (off-screen) Vexus-sama! We must adjourn to our room immediately!

Vexus: (comes to her senses) Oh! Coming! (rushes off to her friend. Fade out.)

End Chapter 7