Zoids: Legend of the Ultimate X's: DIRECTOR"S CUT

[Mew Master]

Author's notes: Well here we are once again. I'm rewriting my Zoids Fanf Fic from the ground up. I know you liked it before, and I really hope you'll love it now. Thanks for reading and giving me your support. Maybe I'll even finish it this time :DU


ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE XS


Prologue

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enourmous battlefields using mechanical combat units known as Zoids.
The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.


* * *

But such was not always the case....

4000 years ago, the Helic Republic and Guylos Empire finally ended the war between them after Prozen's dream Zoid, the Deathsaurer, was destroyed by Van Flyheight's Blade Liger. 4 years after which peace was once again threatened by Hiltz and a completely new Zoid, the Death Stinger. After the Death Stinger was defeated, humankinds greatest battle on Zi was against the ancestor of all Zoids, Zoid EVE.

But as this was happening, halfway around on the other side of Zi, something else was happening. A part of Zoid EVE had taken over a Zoid and mutated it into an unstopable monster of a Zoid. No one could dare challenge it without losing the lives of themselves or their Zoids. Only one man dared face this threat, but at his side was a kind of Zoid that could merge with his already new Raptor-Type, an Organoid.

He was all that remained of a force leading to battle the Zoid. Even with his Organoid his Zoid was still heavily damaged. Sacraficing it's own freedom, the Organoid completely merged with his Zoid, saving it from destruction and causing it to evolve. The evolved Zoid managed to defeat the terrible mutated Zoid in one last attack.

The battle had drained the evolved Zoid of all of its energy and it was also severly damaged. The scientists of the day concluded that a hibernation through the mellenia would be enough to let the new Zoid restore itself back into its peek battling condition. Also, because the Organoid was now fully merged with the Zoid, the scientists began a program to create a new Organoid, using the evolved Zoids form and shape as a mold. This process wouldn't take as long, but the new Organoid wouldn't be ready untill the Zoid was.

So, a warrior said goodbye to a long-time friend as the Zoid and Organoid where sealed, in a jungle temple, untill both were ready to come forth once again.

But as this was taking place, This Zoid was using the span of time to rebuild and come back, even stronger than before, and prepare to wipe humanity from the face of Zi, forever.


* * *

Battle mode approved

Area Scanned.

Battlefeild, Set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!!

[Mew Master]

Chapter 1: Talon: New Raptor-Type, Awakened

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

The jungle is not a place to be taken lightly. Subtle dangers lay in wait for any that lower their gaurd for even a second. And such actions may cause someone to lose their life. Because of these reasons, the jungle is a perfect place to hide something.

The calmness and sereinity of one such jungle was shattered as shouts and screams sounded through. Several people wearing leather jackets rode hover boards after someone on foot.

One hand was on his head, keeping his green hat from flying off. He wore a light jacket that was black, white and red, underneith it was a blue t-shirt. Square-like glasses rested on his nose as his breathing got faster and harder.

"Why," He stumbled, but his forward momentum allowed him to start back up. "Why did you have to open your big mouth, Denny?!" he said to himself.

Denny Roth had been running for a while, chased into the jungle that rested outside of his hometown of Hessa City. The people chasing him where members of the Hessa Street Gang, members who used Zoids like Rev Raptors to get what they wanted from others. Today Denny had had enough of their snob-like attitude and mouthed off to a few. That had proven to be a mistake he now realized as he was being chased.

The Hessa Gang members zoomed over the obsticles that were begining to throw Denny almost off his feet, shouting and poking fun at his reputation at the school there. He jumped over some gaint tree roots that lay at angles over the ground. He hit the ground runing again as the Gang members just flew over them.

The wind leaving his lungs and a steep cliff face forced Denny to stop. He leaned his back against the wall, his breathing labored and sweat going down the side of his face.

End of the road,, he thought, still breathless and out of energy to even make a break for it.

The hover boards whooshed in and landed. Four gang members got off of their boards and surrounded Denny, just twenty feet away against the rock face.

"The boss is gonna be real happy when he hears we nabbed you, kid."

"Yeah, maybe he'll even give us a raise, or beef up our Zoids a bit."

"So what's it gonna be? Slow and painful, or fast and painless?"

Denny tried to back up some more but the cliff wouldn't let him. He wasn't much of a fighter, but even in his breathless state, he would sure give them a fight.

But something else happened.

The rock wall Denny had been backing up against, finally gaveway under the pressure he was putting on it. It collapsed inward and Denny fell back with it. Rolling backwards, head-over-heels, objects hitting his body that he could not see. Rocks bumpbed and bruised his body, spider webs were torn by his moving hands, and then the rolling stopped and he fell into the blackness.


* * *

His body hurt almost as bad as the throbing pain inside his head. He sat up and slumped forward, trying to remember what had happened last.

"Name: Denny Roth, Age: 16, Occupation: Student and part-time worker at the reasturaunt my mom works for. Yup, I remember everything. Now how did I end up here?"

Denny looked up at the celeing aove him. It was pitch black and he couldn't see anything, no matter how hard he tried. Deciding that stumbling around in the dark was better than just sitting on his butt, wondering what was in the darkness, he stood up and took a stagering step forward.

His foot hit the ground, and the brick that he stepped on gained an eire glow. The space around the rectangular floorpiece started to glow a bright orange. He stared at it in confussion and shock, and watched as it spread along the rectangular pattern on the floor. The entire floor lit up and a large rectangular box was dimmly lit by the orange glow.

He started to walk towards the giant box.

"There he is!"

"Grab him!"

Denny was slammed to the ground, dog-pilled by the four gang members.


* * *

"You're lucky kid, maybe if you apologize, we may just let you go with a few broken bones instead of all of them."

"What's wrong kid? Gag on too tight?" All four members laughed as they sat on the shining ground. One was gone, messing around with the box, which seemed to be more of a container, and old Zoid transport container. Denny sat on his rump, his hands and arms bound to his sides and a gag around his mouth.

This was not his idea of a joke. What he was more afraid was what these guys were capable of doing to him.

"Aha! You guys owe me now! I broke the code!" shouted the member at the container. He had spent the last fifteen minutes trying to hack through the containers protection programs and finding the codes to open it.

The four gang memebers stood infront of the container. Denny fell to his side so he could see what was going on.

There was a hiss of decompression and mist came blasting out of the corners of the container. The sides began to open apart, the top of the container staying attatched to the one side slowly falling towards Denny and the others.

Inside the now open container was a Zoid, laying down on it's stomach. The arms rested on the ground, the legs were folded up against the body. Small horns stuck out at the back of the head, that ended in an elongated snout. A long segmented tail was at the other end of the slender body.

"What kind of Zoid is it?"

"Dunno, maybe we can get a decent wad of cash if we sell it."

"Screw selling it, I'm gonna keep it, and then I'll become boss."

Those idiots, Denny thought as he sighed under the gag. That's some kind of Raptor-Type Zoid. The size of the claw on that foot shows that. It kinda looks like a Rev Raptor too, only slightly bigger and more beefed up. He watched the Zoid, wondering if it was still operational after who-knows-how-many years. The gang members were preocupied wondering what to do with their new catch to see a slight movement at the end of the tail.

Denny just sat there watching it, either scared or curious, he didn't know. The eyes on the Zoid turned on, a bright red light showing more features around the eye sockets. A loud growl filled the chamber, echoing off the walls.

The gang members stopped arguing and glanced around.

"What was that?"

"How should I know?"

Then the Zoid rose, standing to its full height. It moved its arms, careened its neck, and streached its legs. The claws clicked on the metal surface on which it stood, unfortunatly for the gang members only one saw the Zoid move as the other three argued.

"Look, I've never even been here. How should I know what made that noise. Hey Sam, help me out here. Sam?"

The three members looked at Sam, who seemed to be staring through them.

"Hey Sam! Zi to Sam!" said another one, waving a hand infront of Sam's face.

The Zoid's mouth openned and a loud high-pitched shreik wailed through the chamber. The three other guys jumped in shock before turning around and seeing the two burning red eyes.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!" The scream was drowned out by the roar of the Zoid. Now the gang members started running towards the only entarnce in, or out, of the chamber and ruins. They scampered up the slope, leaving Denny sitting there on his butt.

Denny watched as the Zoid stared at the small enterance before turning on a claw and walking back to where it had been laying. It planted one foot on the ground and stopped. He watched it, wondering what it would do. Denny had heard some rumors about Zoids going wild, but as that thought was floating through his mind the Zoid turned towards him.

It almost seemed to stalk Denny as he sat there. The metalic claws clicking on the floor. The Zoid stopped and stared down at him, the red eyes burning into his own. Then the neck dropped and the mouth openned wide.

The teeth tore through the ropes that had bound him for the greater half of an hour and Denny ripped off the gag in his mouth. He looked up at the Raptor-Zoid that now stood above him. As he did the head came down right beside him and the top half of the head openned up.

Inside was a still operational Zoid cockpit. Every button looked brand-new! Not a speck of dust rested on the inside. Even the pilot restraints looked in working order. The lights turned on inside and Denny noticed something on the seat.

It was a necklace. A silver chainlink necklace with some sort of stone inside a piece of formed metal. He picked it up and looked at it more closely. As the light was reflected he saw what looked like flames dancing inside the stone.

"Cool," He took off his hat and glasses and dropped them on the seat. Then he slipped the necklace around his head and over his nose so it rested around his neck. "It even fits." he commented as he put his glasses and hat back on.

Suddenly an idea came to him. With the gang currently disposed of, why not pilot this new Zoid out and take it back home? Maybe with a Zoid he could stop the Hessa Street Gang from terrorizing everyone with their Rev Raptors.

This new idea in mind he hopped in and checked the controls.

He had never actually piloted a Zoid before, but he thought he had a basic idea. The Zoid Battle Simulators that were so popular at Zoid Warrior Taverns were also in many arcades, including the ones in Hessa. Denny had made himself a reputation for being the best Zoid Gammer in Hessa. Now he hoped that the actual Zoids were just as easy to pilot.

Pulling the restraining straps into place around his arms, torso and legs, Denny grabbed ahold of the controls and pulled back. The Zoid's cockpit closed and the head raised.

On a small green screen, words flashed as Denny heard the gears and motors become accustomed to movement:

MOTOR CONTROLS...................100%
SERVO-MOTOR POWER.......................................100%
CORE ENGAGING.......................................... ........100%
COMPUTER SYSTEMS........................................... 100%

TALON: SYSTEMS OPPERATIONAL ....

"Talon? I guess that's what this Zoid's name is. Hmm, I wonder how I'm gonna get out of here..."

Talon's eyes glowed a bright red before the Zoid lunged forward.

"Whoa!" Denny shouted as he was slammed back into his seat.

In only three bounds Talon reached the wall with the openning. The Zoid crouched down and the head swivled from side to side.

"This thing has a mind of its own, I barely touched the controls." Denny commented. "Huh? What's Talon doing?" Talon let out a honking roar and raised one of its forearms.

The claws began to glow and Talon's arm thrust into the rock wall, tearing it apart, then the other arm continued to dig into the wall.

"It's digging out of here!" Denny exclaimed as he held onto the controls to brace him against the rumbling of the Zoid and rock around them


* * *

Outside the sun shone brilliantly against the foliage covering part of the temple walls. The jungle had over 4000 years to claim the temple and protect its secret, but the temple had been breached.

Intense heat began to emminate from the wall itself, causing plants to wither and die. A section of the wall began to glow red from the intense heat. Then the wall was blasted apart and Talon stood in the sunlight.

Denny covered his eyes with the bill of his hat. "Never knew daylight would look so good." he commented to himself. As his eyes grew more used to the light he noticed several Rev Raptors surrounging him. "Huh?!"

"We knew that Zoid would get out, who knew you'd be piloting it kid."

It was the Hessa Street Gang and their Zoids, Rev Raptors.

"Give us the Zoid and you might be spared."

"Are you crazy?" Denny told them. "Give me one good reason why I should give Talon to you creeps!"

"Because you're out numbered, out gunned, and just plain out of luck."

Denny gritted his teeth. He's right, how can I take on seven Rev Raptors with a Zoid that I barely know about, let alone can pilot. I'm in for it now.... I'm really in it deep.

---------------------------------------------

Denny: Man this is tough. Seven Rev Raptos against Talon, now that's what I call an unfair fight! After I manage to get back home, I find out my mom's been threatened!!! What?! If I give you Talon, you'll back off?! Geez, I'm in for it now, next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE XS, The New Zoid On The Block. Ready, FIGHT!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Sam
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Description: Tall Blonde with big hands. Wears Leather apparel that shows the Hessa Gang's emblem
History: Unknown, even to his closes friends
Zoid: Rev Raptor
Team: None, Gang member


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Rev Raptor
Type: Velociraptor
Class: 2
Function:Light High-speed Assault
Alingment: Guylos Empire
Designation: EZ-027
Height: 7.56m
Length: 11.4m
Weight: 23.5T
Max Speed: 210km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Hardened allow claws and talons, Dual Scythe Cutters
Distinguishing Features: Fast and highly maneuverable.

[Mew Master]

Chapter 2: New Zoid On The Block

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

The Rev Raptos slowly moved in on Talon. Denny gritted his teeth as the Gang members taunted him.

"Give it up kid."

"Run away and go back to mommy."

"We'll take your Zoid and give it to the boss as a nice present."

These jokers! I'll never give Talon away. It's strange, but I can almost hear him growling at them. Denny thought.

Talon hissed at the opposing Zoids, who roared back.

"Forget it, let's just blast the thing until it gets a Command System Freeze. Then we'll take it home."

The Rev Raptors raised their arms, aiming the guns that rested on them.

Not good! I'm toast if I get shelled right here. Denny thought. "Common, think. There's gotta be a way. Okay, I'll just rush them and out run them back to Hessa."

Talon crouched lower to the ground, his legs ready to spring.

Wait for it. Denny said in his mind.

"Fire!"

"Raaagh!!!" Denny pushed the controls to their limits and Talon dashed forward. A could of dust was picked up as the Raptor-Zoid ran. However, instead of just running by the Rev Raptors, Talon charged headlong towards one.

Sam watched, paralized with shock at how fast the new Zoid was going. It went right passed his shots and headed towards him, mouth open.

A clash of metal on metal and everything stood still.

The Rev Raptor was limp, Talon had it's mouth clamped around the other Zoid's neck as one of his foot claws was buried in the main torso. Chunks of armor clanged as they fell, and the straining of the Rev Raptor's stomach as a giant claw was slowly tearing through it. One clean swipe and the Rev Raptor's internal systems were visable.

Talon let go of the Rev Raptor's neck and the Zoid crashed on the ground, ceasing to move. The Raptor-Zoid looked down at the other before roaring into the sky.

"Blast it! That Zoid got Sam!"

"Shoot it now!"

The six remaining Rev Raptors openned fire. The bullets straiffed the ground towards Talon.

Denny saw the bullets causing the dirt to gyeser up and he pushed the controls forward. Talon dashed away as the shots hit Sam's Rev Raptor, more armor was blasted away.

"Why are you shooting ME?!"

"Damn it, that Zoid's too fast!"

"Scatter and find it, if we can box it in, there's no way it can escape!"

But it was already too late. Talon was already more than halfway back to Hessa City.


* * *

Denny rode his bike back from the Gustav Lot. His stepdad worked there and he knew many of the workers on the Zoids there. Talon was left there, hid inside one of the hangers.

"My mom's gonna flip when I tell her what happened."

He rode through the streets, past the buisness district and towards the residential. Hessa City was more ecology effeciant and trees dotted the city. It was a step up from the old abndoned part of the city. Way back when Hessa was just getting started and the older apartments were now empty. That was where the main gang of Hessa had their HQ.

"I can't even believe how fast Talon was. It completely side-stepped that Rev Raptor and sliced the main body apart. I don't even think a Lightning Sykes moves that fast."

His bike moved along a sidewalk and he waved to a few people that he knew. Denny pulled into a driveway and put his kickstand down before he headed inside. His home looked slightly older than the rest of the houses. Wooden panneling covered the outside of the two-story home. He openned the screen door and then the main door before stepping inside.

"I'm home mom!" he announced over the squeking of he closing door.

The door he entered in was the only real way into the house. One door lead to the laundry room, and the other was right by his computer. He entered through the kitchen and then walked into the dinning room. The only bathroom in the house was directly to his left before the enternce to the living room. There was a flight of stairs that headed to his room upstairs.

"Where have you been? I was worried sick!" Denny's mom replied form the living room. "I got a call saying that Sharron spotted you getting in a fight with three members of the Hessa Gang." Denny's mother was just less than 12 inches shorter than him, with black hair that was greying and brown eyes with a slight green tint. Her hair was in a ponytail as usual and she was wearing a shirt that had an unusual saying that would make many people do double takes. "And what's this call I got saying that you left a new type of Zoid in one of the hangers at the Gustav Lot?"

"I just mouthed off to them once, and they chased me into the jungle." he replied. His mom was one of two people who would listen to him reaccount a series of events especially like this, his stepfather was the second person. "Listen, I managed to out run them until I got to a cliff. When I leaned against it a part of it broke and I fell in. I looked around and ....... then I hid Talon at the Gustav Lot and headed home."

"Well, the important thing is that you are safe, for the time being. You know better than to head into the jungle alone!"

"I was hoping to lose them. Can't blame me for trying."

"The second thing is you can't leave Talon sitting at the Gustav Lot, they do charge a parking fee and we can't afford it."

"I was hoping they wouldn't charge us because of Pat working there. Besides Gary said that it would be just as safe in one of the older hangers."

"Okay, we'll talk about it later. I want to talk to Pat about this when he calls tonight, you in the mean-time will stay here until we have officially discussed this."

"Okay mom." Denny went upstairs. Kicking off his shoes, jacket, and glasses, he fell on his bed and was asleep in no time.


* * *

The next day Denny sat and waited for his mom to come home. He had been asleep when Pat had called and hadn't had been able to catch his mom this morning. She had gone to the cafe to work and he really didn't want to leave right now.

He had been watching television when a News broadcast came on.

"Live, from the abandoned part of Hessa City, the Hessa Raptors, the city's main street gang, have kidnapped a woman from the Rip City Inn and have brought her here. Police have tried to rescue her but Rev Raptors have hindered any head way. I belive that their leader is about to say something."

Laurence Killata was a well-known member of Hessa City, most of the fame comming from leading the Hessa Gang through most of their activities.

"I demand that the warrior who has the newest Zoid from the jungle yesturday. If he does not come forward, I don't wanna say what could happen to his mother."

"Mom!" Denny was gone from the house in a flash.


* * *

Denny leaned into the turn as he rounded a corner on his bike. His lungs burned as he peadled. In five minutes he reached the Gustav Lot. Gary was in his office when Denny rushed by. "?! Denny?!"

He ran towards an old worn-down hanger, number 88. Jumping off of his bike, letting it crash into the wall, Denny ran and entered the code to open the hanger. A snarl from the dark let Denny know that Talon was still inside.

"Sorry Talon, but we've got a problem. I really need your help!" Denny replied. Talon's head lowered so Denny could get inside the cockpit.

"Denny! What are you doing?!" Gary shouted.

"Mom's been kidnapped by Laurence!"

"Laurence? You're not....?!"

"I'm going after him and get my mother back!" Denny replied as the hatch closed on the cockpit.

Talon roared before dashing out of the hanger and ran along the street. It wasn't far before two Rev Raptors jumped in from opposite sides.

"Hey, there he is!"

"Tell the boss we've got him!"

The two Zoids openned fire on Talon as the Raptor-Zoid dashed towards them.

"I don't have time for this." Denny said as shots hit Talon. With a snarl Talon sped at the Rev Raptors, mouth gapping.

One of the Rev Raptors locked their scythes in the attack position and ran towards the oncomming Zoid. Talon chomped down on the scythe and broke it off in one tug. Not skipping a beat, Talon side-swipped the second Rev Raptor on its way past. After both Zoids fell, Talon spit out the broken scythe down to the ground.


* * *

Along the edge of the old industrial park, Gojulas sentries were placed to stop the public from going in and the Gang from comming out. The Gojulas were he symbol of the police force and could easily blast away a Rev Raptor, if they could target them.

Denny and Talon came up to the police blockade. They never stopped running towards the giant Zoids.

"Halt! This is a secure area, no civilians in or out." one of them said.

Talon didn't skip a beat. The Zoid sped up, hopped, and then curled up into a ball and rolled under the Gojulas gaurds. Talon, now behind the Gojulas', uncurled and still ran into the abandoned area of the park.

The Zoid slowed down as it neared a bare area. Building debrigh lay scattered around a baren circular area, as buildings lay at an angle away from the clear area. Talon was now more cautious in its stepps, the elongated head piviing back and forth, scanning the area for any possible sign of an ambush. Its sensors gave away something dead ahead of Denny.

A Zoid with red and black armor stepped out from behind the shell of a building. Denny recognized the shape and make of the Zoid: a Strike-Zilla.

"That you Laurence?!" Denny demanded.

The Strike-Zilla stopped and the cockpit openned. There was Laurence, standing as smug as he had earlier. "So, you're Denny. The kid with my new Raptor Zoid."

"Your's?! I don't think so. I'm going to save my mom, and kick your sorry *** from here to the moons!"

"Tut-tut." Laurence replied, waving his finger. "I wouldn't do anything so rash. I have your mother captive." The Strike-Zilla openned one of its claws and there was Denny's mother, tied up. "I also have you surrounded."

From out of nowhere Rev Raptors popped up. On top of buildings, ruble and on the ground. Their snarls rang through the sky, as Talon and Denny looked everyway a new Zoid sprang up.

"From the way I see it, you have two choices. One: Give me your Zoid and I'll let you and your mother go, unharmed. Two: You fight the entire Hessa Gang, and I can't ensure that nothing will happen to her."

Now what? I'm outnumbered, and he has mom. What do I do? "What do I do?"

"I'm waiting...." Denny's mom slipped off the claw but was snagged again. Now she was hanging by a thin rope.

"Denny! Go! Save yourself and then come back and kick their arses!!!!!" his mom shouted.

"Mom!" Talon reared up and let out a screeching roar into the sky. The Zoid roared again, silencing the Rev Raptors. It let out a roar that sounded like a hoarse cough, echoing off the metal scyscrapers.

"Attack it! If he won't give it up, tear it to pieces!" Laurence ordered.

The Rev Raptors that were on the ground charged first, their guns blasting. Talon jumped forward, dashing at them head-first.

"Out of my way!" Denny shouted. Talon dashed through the line, three Raptors fell, sparks shooting from the sides of their flanks. The Raptor-Zoid spun around and jumped onto the back of another Rev Raptor, pinning it. With one slash of his hind leg, Talon stopped the Zoid from struggling. More Rev Raptors began to close in and Talon snarled in reply. "You're going down."

A fury of metal claws and teeth ensued. Talon, bit, slashed, and clawed his way through the hoard. One swipe brought a Rev Raptor to the ground. A jump kick knocked two more over. Talon crouched to the ground, the Ion Thrusters blasted on and the Zoid tripped three more out from under their feet.

The Raptor-Zoid stood again and faced the remaining Zoids. Over 20 still remained and Denny was starting to feel the exhaustion affecting him. How long can I last?

Two shots rang out and exploasions blasted the Rev Raptor hoard apart. A rumbling announced the approch of the Gojulas sentries that Denny had ran by earlier.

"Stay where you are. You are all under arrest!"

Some Rev Raptors ran while others gave up. Laurence sat back down and piloted his Strike-Zilla away from the oncomming police. Denny saw Laurence back off and chased after him.


* * *

In the maze of deserted buildings in the Hessa industrial area, Talon dashed forwards, not detouring from his mission. Laurence's Strike-Zilla was still only a few blocks ahead.

"When I catch him, I'm tearing his Zoid's head off." Denny mumbled as Talon rounded another corner.

At the latest intersection two of the escaped Rev Raptors blocked his forward motion and fired on sight. Talon jumped to a hault and was rocked by the shelling.

"Blast it! Other than claws and teeth, Talon doesn't have any other weapons. Get out of my way!" Talon steadied itself and the blue rectangles on the Raptor-Zoid's forearms openned up. Two target sights appeared on Talon's main screen and locked on to the Rev Raptors infront of it. Without thinking or blinking, Denny depressed the trigger button and blasted the Rev Raptors out of his way.

Talon continued forward until he found the Strike-Zilla waiting for them.

"Glad you could make it. It looks like I can't stay here much longer. I'm taking your mother too, unless you are still willing to make the trade."

Denny gritted his teeth. Like I'd make a trade with a sleeze like you.

Talon lunged forward, moving too fast for Laurence to react. The Raptor-Zoid bit onto the Strike-Zilla's arm which held Denny's mother in it and ripped it off. The Strike-Zilla screeched in pain as Laurence cursed.

The Raptor-Zoid laid the arm down and with a gentle slice, freed Denny's mother from the ropes.

"You.... Take this!" The Strike-Zilla fired its three remaining guns right at Talon.

The Raptor-Zoid protected Denny's mom and took the brunt of the assault. When the shelling let up, three shots blasted into the Strike-Zilla's underbelly from Talon's Laser Machine Guns. Now Talon dashed towards the other Zoid and jumped onto it. The Raptor-Zoid's claws locked in, Talon slashed with it's hind claw and ripped the Strike-Zilla's belly open.

The other Zoid fell to the ground and Talon placed a foot on the Strike-Zilla's neck. Talon reared up and roared into the sky.


* * *

"Did I get anything today?" Denny asked as he came back from the Gustav Lot.

"Yes, your package from the Zoid Battle Commision has finally come in." his mom replied. "Seriously, why do you wanna go and battle?"

It had been three weeks since Laurence had kidnapped Denny's mom. Laurence and most of his gang were in jail, charges pending. Laurence had been wanted for other things but this was the one case to get him for a lot of things besides kidnapping. After hearing about Denny's one-man war against the Hessa Gang, the Zoid Battle Commision sent Denny the registration papers to become a Zoid Warrior. He had sent them back and waited for his registration mini-computer.

He tore apart the box and held the small computer in his hands. "Because, it's an adrenaline rush, it's fun, and .... and Talon enjoys it." Denny entered his designated Warrior number into the computer. "7890D2. There, now the info's in the computer, all I have to do is insert it into the slot on Talon's HUD before a battle."

"Denny, I want you to be careful. You could get really hurt out there on the battlefield." his mom said.

"Mom, you once told me that you would back everything I do, as long as I was happy and it was legal. This is legal, and I'll have fun doing it. I'll be fine, I promise." he replied.

"Good luck honey. Send me a message on how you're doing, alright?"

"Okay, I promise."

---------------------------------------------

Denny: Well, I'm on my own finally. With Talon with me, no one will stand in my way. We wonder the desert and come across a Zoid pilot caught in an ambush planned by members to something called the Order of Kiaser. Let's go Talon! Nothing's standing in my way, next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE X'S, Ambush: Enter the Order of Kiaser. Ready? Fight!!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Laurence Killata
Age: 26
Sex: Male
Discription: 5' 3", about 150 lbs. Green hair and black eyes. Wears red and black clothes to show off his gang's colors.
History: Laurence started as a member of the Hessa Gang. Working up in the ranks he managed to grab control of it after the original guy in charge was charged and arrested. Laurence is smart and ruthless and will not give in until he gets what he wants
Zoid: Strike-Zilla
Team: Hessa Street Gang, also known as the Raptors.


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Strike-Zilla
Type: Allosaurus
Class: 3
Function: Light Assult
Alingment: Unknown
Designation: RHI-8
Height: 10.8m
Length: 13.7m
Weight: 62.0T
Max Speed: 170 km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Two Twin 30mm Cannons, Robotic Gripper Claws
Distinguishing Features: Lightly armed, but highly adaptable to a variety of specific mission requirements

[Mew Master]

Chapter Three: Ambush: Enter the Order of Kiaser

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

A Raptor-Zoid walked along the desert sands, its heading unkown, even to the warrior inside the cockpit! Denny sat watching the never changing landscape.

After leaving Hessa City, a place surrounded by plants and greenary, it wasn't long before Denny wandered into the deserts of Zi. The wasteland covered most of Zi, not even giving a little comfort from the scorching heat. During such times, Denny was lucky enough to find an overpass on occasion to hide from the sun on the hottest part of the day.

He checked his supplies. Three bottles of water, enough food to last another week, a compass, and several hundred Credits for shopping if he needed to. Mostly the trip was dull and already he was bored, and he could tell Talon was bored with the endless walking with no projected destination.

The Raptor-Zoid let out a hiss. "I know Talon," Denny replied. "But we haven't seen a pit stop for hours and there hasn't been any signs of civilization for two days."

Two more hours of walking and Denny saw flashes in the distance. "What's that?" A screen flashed on Talon's main screen, showing a dozen Zoids surrounding a singular one. "We can't be near a battle now. The judge hasn't said anything. Where is the judge?"

Static hissed over the radio as Talon remained in that one spot, watching the battle. Something came over the waves.

"We have *...* surroun*.....* ve up now or else we'll *.....*"

Another voice replied. "Li*.....* nd I don't give up. We *....* surrender!"

"Whatever's going on, someone's in trouble." Denny said. "Let's go Talon!" The Raptor-Zoid roared in reply and dashed forward.


* * *

Liger-Zero roared as the Lion-Zoid fired its twin cannon at a Spino Snapper that got too close. Bit Cloud watched as he and his Zoid still remained surrounded by Zoids belonging to some organization that he had never heard about.

"I don't know who these jokers are, but they're not gonna be around long. Right Liger?" Liger-Zero snarled a reply.

A red Saber Tiger stood behind Liger-Zero, it's guns aimed towards the Zoid. The pilot inside prepared to depress the trigger and bring the Lion-Zoid down. There was a roar and the pilot took his finger off the trigger and turned to see a fast moving Zoid slam into his Zoid. The force of the blow knocked it onto its side.

Bit heard the Saber Tiger fall and Liger turned. There a white, black, and orange Zoid stood. About 7.8 meters tall, it was much longer than it was tall. The elongated snout, rimmed with teeth, and the crown of horns behind its head. Bit noticed the larger claws on the feet. Bit Cloud had never seen a Zoid like it before.

"What's that?" Bit asked himself.

A vid widow openned and Bit saw the pilot of the new Zoid. "Hey, this isn't an official battle or anything is it. Sorry, but I think I just tipped the odds in your favor anyway." This kid wore a green hat and glasses rested on hsi nose. Bit could see the edges of a neckalce the hung around his neck, but not the actual stone.

"Hey don't feel bad about it. I could have handled them myself, but it's nice to have backup anyway." Bit replied. "What's your name?"

"Denny Roth, and this is Talon."

Several Zoids charged in on Liger-Zero and Talon.

"Strike Laser Claw!" Liger leaped up and slashed off the leg of a Saber Tiger.

"Hi ya!" Talon pounced on a Sinker, causing it to crash into the ground.

As the two Zoids incapacitated every Zoid that came at them, a black colored Saber Tiger stood and watched the melee. A much smaller Zoid stood beside the Saber Tiger, its red eyes glowing. The man in the Saber Tiger studied the battle as the Liger-Zero and this new Zoid fought tooth and nail against every Zoid that went up against them. He especialy was interested in the Zoid that took out the other Saber Tiger earlier. Soon both the Liger and the other Zoid were the only Zoids left standing.

Denny looked at the fallen Zoids around Talon and Liger-Zero. "That was intense, what did they want?"

"They wanted Liger, and were willing to attack in order to get him." Bit replied. "I think we got them all."

"Even their leader?" Denny looked around. "If those were the flunkies, the leader wouldn't still be here. Would he?"

"Over there!" Bit said.

Talon turned and Denny saw a Saber Tiger standing near where the other Zoids had been standing. "That's him?"

"Yeah. You're backup's gone buddy. You're through." Bit told the warrior.

"Heh, those losers deserved what they got. The Order of Kaiser doesn't care for those who are easily defeated." The Saber Tiger lept and landed near Liger and Talon. "But you, Bit Cloud, are exactly what the Order is looking for. You and that Liger-Zero Zoid of yours is what we're looking for."

"Sorry, but I'm not joining anyone but my old team." Bit replied.

"Hey, isn't this a little one-sided?" Denny asked.

"I can handle the two of you. And I'll take you out first." The Saber Tiger roared and charged Talon. Talon hopped backwards, a sharp hiss escaping the Zoid's mouth. The Saber Tiger aimed for the Raptor-Zoid and got off a couple shots, Talon dashed to one side before turning and charging the other Zoid.

The Warrior avoided Talon's advance and jumped away. It flipped and faced Talon again.

"I've spent the last few moments studying your fighting style kid. There isn't a move you can make to take me by surprise."

The Saber Tiger charged again, Talon went and slid under the main attack. However, Talon became pinned and the Saber Tiger stood, a paw on Talon's torso. The guns on the Tiger's back aimed right at Talon's neck.

"It's over."

"Strike Laser Claw!"

Liger-Zero jumped, it's claws glowing a brilliant yellow. The Saber Tiger's guns aimed again and shot the Liger in mid air. Liger-Zero fell and struggled back to its feet. When the Saber Tiger's head turned back to Talon, the Raptor-Zoid slashed the head and forced the Tiger off. Talon hopped back and snarled at the other Zoid.

"All right, no more nice Warrior." Denny mumbled.

Talon dashed forward and charged the Saber Tiger. The other Zoid side-stepped Talon's attack and turned to fire. The Raptor-Zoid's Ion Thrusters blasted on and skidded it to the right, missing the shots from the Saber Tiger's guns. The Sabertooth-Zoid rushed Talon, and the Raptor-Zoid slipped onto its back, hind claws bared. The other Zoid aimed it's gun as it pounced.

The two Zoids stood in a deadlock. Talon lay on its back, its right claw locked onto the underbelly of the Saber Tiger, the Raptor-Zoid's left arm was raised and the Laser Machine Gun pointed right inside the mouth of the Sabertooth-Zoid. The Saber Tiger had one paw on Talon's body and the guns pointed at the Zoid as well. Both warriors and Zoids just stayed there, waiting for the other to make a move. Unfortunatly, whoever moved first wouldn't make it out either.

The Saber Tiger's warrior thought for a minute. "This battle is over, no one was victorious." he said silently to himslef. "We tie for now, there's no point in even continueing." The Sabertooth-Zoid released Talon from its grasp and backed off. "Consider it an honor, no one has ever survived a battle with me." The Saber Tiger turned and ran off, jumping over Liger-Zero as it went.

The Sabertooth-Zoid ran until it lost Liger-Zero and Talon over the hills.

"Zechs. Zechs Emerson! Report, what is the status of the capture of the Liger-Zero."

Zechs waited before he replied. "Mission was a failier. A new Zoid-type aided the Liger-Zero and they escaped."

"Zechs, this will not please the council. They counted on you to capture the Liger-Zero and bring it and the pilot back."

"I'll take my punishment without regrets." he reached to break communication.

"What?! Zechs explain your..*!" Zechs turned off the transmision.

No one has ever stopped me in a deadlock like that before. There was something about that Zoid warrior. Something I can't explain now, I'll just have to wait for my next chance.....


* * *

"So you just started being a Zoid Warrior?" Bit Cloud asked.

Liger-Zero and Talon walked side-by-side through the desert.

"Yeah, about two weeks. I left Hessa City after getting my registration computer."

"Where did you get moves like that? I've never seen anything move so fast."

"I have a very fast reaction time, moslty because I spend a lot of my time playing video games at our local arcade. I'm also addicted to those Zoid Battle Simmulators."

"There's a town up ahead. How about I buy ya some grub to thank you for helping me out."

"Sure!" Denny never was one to pass up a free meal.


* * *

As Bit stared in amazement, Denny finished off his third helping of the house special. The Café was in a fairly large town surrounded by a few trees on the outskirts.

"You sure do have an appitite." Bit commented.

"Comes from eating my step-dad's cooking. So good you won't stop till it's all gone."

"Sounds good." Bit looked at the clock hanging over the kitchen. "Oh, man! I've gotta go, here ya go. Nice to have met ya Denny."

"Later Bit, see ya on the battlefield someday." Denny called back. "Nice guy, wonder why anyone would want his Zoid?" He sipped some of his drink as his eyes glanced over the television hanging on the wall. A news announcement came on, the ZBC logo flashed before shrinking and residing to the lower right side of the screen. A woman was sitting holding several sheets of paper in her hands.

"In major Zoid Warrior news today. Tomarow marks the begining of the initiation into S-Class teams. The initiations take place in one day in certian areas near the recruiting team's base. The largest turn out is to join the Blitz Team, the newest S-Class Team after winning the Royal Cup last year. Although the Blitz Team currently has four members, three are the official warriors and the fourth is a stand-in. S-Class teams must have a minimum of four permament warriors in order to battle other S-Class teams. The Blitz Team currently has the following members. Brad Hunter and the Shadow Fox, Jamie Hermanos and a Raynos, Leena Toros in a Gun Sniper, and Bit Cloud with the Liger-Zero."

Denny stared, while the lady had been talking they showed clips of the Blitz Team's most intense battles. On one shot, there was the Liger-Zero, there was no argument.

"Bit Cloud..... Now that name rings a bell!"

"The initiation begins tomarow for all Zoid warriors to participate in a Battle Royal."

"That's it. I'll enter and join the Blitz Team." Denny stood and faced the windows. Look out Bit, here I come!

---------------------------------------------

Denny: The tournament's underway and Talon and I have a lot of opponents to defeat before we can be official members of the Blitz Team. Man that's a lot of Zoids! Next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE X'S, Battle of Initiation. Ready? Fight!!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Zechs Emerson
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Discription: Tall, white hair, green eyes, medium build.
History: Zechs is a decendant of Prozen, the deranged minister who managed to gain control of the Guylos Empire. Although similar to Prozen in looks his personality is different. Because of his ancestory Zechs was already raised in the Order of Kiaser, ready to someday take over. Even though this may make him seem spoiled, his personality says otherwise.
Zoid: Saber Tiger
Team: The Order of Kiaser


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Saber Tiger
Type: Tiger
Class: 4
Function: Assault/Command
Alingment: Guylos Empire
Designation: EZ-016
Height: 9.1 meters
Length: 15.6 meters
Weight: 78.0T
Max Speed: 240 km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Various 20 mm Cannons, Twin 30mm Cannons, hardened alloy Strike Claws and Saber Teeth, Triple Impact Cannon
Distinguishing Features: Favored Zoid of Raven. Power augmented by melding with Organoid "Shadow"

[Mew Trainer Rose]

:o This makes my day. Not only is there a new P:DS, but you've started posting the new version of Z:LUX! ^_^

It's a lot more origional than the first, less like the anime. I like the Prologue, it ties up a couple unexplained loose ends that people mentioned about teh firstversion, like why Talon has both an Organoid system and a seperate Organoid.

I assume Talon still looks the same, right? (although you never mentioned the blue rectangles on it's arms before. meh. :P )

[Mew Master]

Thanks MTR. I do have pictures of Talon on my Zoids site. (link in sig) but I may never have mentioned the rectangles because, well I just refered to them as the Laser Machine Guns. Check the pictures to get a better look at Talon.

[MetaKnight89]

Cool fic, seems Talon is a raptor form of lIGER zero. Ya noe, armor and all? But anyways keep it up! stupid caps lock.....

[Mew Master]

Wow! Cool I'm getting some of my old readers back! :D Well......

SSM: Uh, click the link on my sig for the original copy of ZOIDS: LotUX and you can see the differences.

MetaKnight89: Uh, kinda. Like the Berserk Fury is a Tyrannosaur Version of the Liger-Zero.

Well, I have a new chapter to post but I have to touch it up a bit. Check back in about five minutes.....

[Mew Master]

Chapter Four: Battle of Initiation

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

40 miles south-east of town dust rolled across the desert. Within minutes this certian area would be burning with more than just the sun beating down on it.

Zoids, dozens of them, walked straight to the area. Some were carried in by Gustavs, others walked straight there. Zoids of every shape and size stood and eyed each other. A small pack of Rev Raptors snarled at two Red Horns who roared back. A lone Command Wolf stood and waited, watching the others try and intimidate each other. There was a heavy armored Gordos getting into the roaring, snarling, argument. A giant Gojulas stomped into the area its roar slightly silencing the others for several seconds.

More Zoids gathered, their warriors having a battle between their prides. From rookies to the highest vetrens in Class A and S, many Zoid Warriors gathered to participate in the Initiation Tournament to join the Blitz Team.

Two more tense minutes went by before a point of light blinked in the sky. The Zoids watched as the Judge Capsule fell and crashed into the ground. Dust blasted in every direction imaginable, and as it cleared the Capsule rose from the ground.

The silver judge stood inside the capsule, his head scanned the surrounding area. "The area within a 15 mile radus is now a designated Zoid battlefield. Only authorized personel have access. Danger, all othes must leave the area. Battle Mode: 0765. Class S Initiation Battle for ability to join the Blitz Team. The top four warriors who survive today shall stand before the Blitz Team and one will be selected. The Zoid Battle Commision as well as the Blitz Team shall moniter the battle as soon as it starts. Please enter your Zoid and Warrior designation numbers."

All the warriors entered the small computer into their Zoid's Head's-Up-Display (HUD).

"Affermitive. All Zoids have been recognized. Area Scanned. Battlefield set up. Ready? Fight!"

And the battle started.


* * *

"WAAAAAHHH! I can't believe I slept in!" Denny said as Talon raced through the desert, a dust trail behind the Raptor-Zoid. It was true, Denny had slept in an extra ten minutes and was late for the Battle Royal. "I hope they haven't started!" An explosion on the horizon told him otherwise. "Blast it."

Talon slowed to a trot as the Zoid entered the battlefield. The Judge contacted Talon in an instant.

"Please enter your Zoid and Warrior designation number now." Denny slid in the computer into Talon's HUD. "Analyzing........Analyzing..........Confirmed. Denny Roth and Talon have been recognized as members of the Initiation Tournament for the Blitz Team."


* * *

The Blitz Team's Hover Cargo was parked at the outside of the battlefield, thier computer keeping tabs on the many different Zoids and Warriors.

"There sure is a big turnout just to join our team." Leena Toros commented as she watched the giant screen come alive with dots representing the Zoids.

"After our big win a year ago, the Blitz Team's become very popular with most of the rookies." Brad Hunter added. "Most of the Warriors out there are two-year rookies."

"Well, from the looks of it most of them won't make it through the next half hour. There's some pretty tough competition out there." Jamie Hermanos stated as he pulled up and updated all of the information that was fed straight to their computers.

"Does it really matter? As long as we get a good Warrior and Zoid the Blitz Team is in good shape." Bit Coud replied.

"We have to keep in mind that we have to choose one of the four top Zoids to join. We had better choose wisely Team." Steve "Doc" Toros said.

"Hey, there's a late entry into the Tournament." Jamie exclaimed. A new dot had bliped on. A small window of data pointed to it as it moved towards the melee. "I've never heard of this Zoid." Jamie commented.

"Pull up its information Jamie." Doc asked.

The small window of data enlarged and filled the entire screen. A strange looking Raptor-Zoid stood in a green representation in two pictures and then another showing it's coloring.

"What? That's Talon." Bit exclaimed.

"Huh? You know that Zoid Bit?" Leena asked.

"Talon and Denny jumped in to help me out of a jam before I got back, then I bought him lunch before getting back to base. He's pretty good in a fight." Bit said.

"Then should we hope for him to make the final four?" Brad asked. "Or hope he gets taken out quick, he's just a rookie Bit." Brad commented.

"We'll just have to wait and find out." Doc admited. "I'd like to see what that Zoid can do."


* * *

Talon trotted until Denny noticed two Rev Raptors heading towards him. "All right Talon, ready?" The Raptor-Zoid roared.

"Hey Gene, what's that new Zoid up there?" Jim asked the other warrior of the second Rev Raptor.

"No clue James. Let's go. Scythes in attack position. Let's cut that rookie in half."

The two Rev Raptors locked their scythes and charged Talon running side-by-side. The other Raptor-Zoid charged them as well.

"We've done this before, right Talon?"

From the appearence of Talon's charge, it looked like the Zoid would get sliced by the scythes of the Rev Raptors, but appearences are very deceiving. Talon lept and curled into a ball, and the Zoid rolled between the Rev Raptors and under the scythes. The Raptor-Zoid uncurled and spun on a claw, facing the Zoid's backs. In a leap Talon landed on the back of James' Rev Raptor, pinning it under Talon's weight.

Talon sliced the trapped Rev Raptor with its hind claw. The pinned Zoid continued to struggle to escape and Talon bit it at the back of the Rev Raptor's neck, and all movement ceased.

"James!"

Talon spat out a piece of metal before stareing at the remaining Rev Raptor.

"You. Take this!" Gene fired the Zoid's lasers at the Raptor-Zoid.

Talon jumped forward, hind claws first, past the laser fire. The Raptor-Zoid's claws locked onto the Rev Raptor's shoulders and threw the other Zoid off balance. The Rev Raptor was slammed into the ground. Talon hopped off and turned to face the fallen Zoids.

"Rev Raptors 34667 and 66937. Out of the Battle." the Judge announced.

Talon snarled at the defeated Zoids before dashing off towards another target.


* * *

The Blitz Team watched as dots started disappearing less frequently.

"So far the Gojulas has knocked out a Dark Horn and the two Saber Tigers. This Command Wolf took out a pair of Gun Snipers and Rev Raptors. And one of the Red Horns has destroyed more Rev Raptors and Heldigunner. But this one, Talon, has only taken out two Rev Raptors and is fighting a Dibison. Here we have....." Jamie was reading off the updates of the Zoids in the battle.

"Looks like this new guy isn't doing so hot." Brad commented.

"Denny's just getting warmed up. You weren't there so you didn't see his Zoid move." Bit replied. "It was unreal how fast his reaction time was."

"You were imagining things Bit." Leena replied.

Doc watched the battles from his own screen by his seat. Hmm. This Talon Zoid is fast, incredibly fast. But I've never seen any Zoid like it before. I wonder.....


* * *

"Megalomax!" The Dibison's cannons fired as one and a beam blasted from the Buffalo-Zoid towards the oncoming Talon.

"A single beam shouldn't be that hard to..... ACK!" Before Denny's eyes the single beam blasted apart into several seperate shots. Talon dashed off inbetween the shots as they blew into the ground. "Blast, I forgot about Dibisons. They can fire all weapons at once and create a beam that blasts apart seconds later." Talon spun on a claw and dashed towards the Buffalo-Zoid.

The Dibison fired all of its cannons seperatly this time, Talon ran through the shots heading towards the Dibison. Fifty meters from the Buffalo-Zoid, Talon jumped, hind legs out front. The Raptor-Zoid caught onto the horns of the Dibison, and the cockpit stared right at all of the cannon barrels.

"Uh-oh." Denny mumbled. Good thing you can't aim for the cockpit with guns, cause you'd be banned from Battles if you did. Talon was lurched down. "Huh?!"

The Dibison reared its head back incredibly fast and threw Talon straight into the air.

"Heh," Jake, the warrior of the Dibison said. "Easy pickings." He aimed his cannons at the sky.

Talon was acending more slowly until Denny could feel the sensation in his stomach that he and his Zoid were falling again. "If we fall from up here, I don't think we'll be able to make it through." Denny gunned the Ion Thrusters and they pointed towards the ground. He could see more of the battlefeild and looked for the black dot that was the Dibison he was after. Zoid parts and destroyed Zoids scattered the feild until he saw what he was looking for. The screen zoomed in on the Dibison and focused it in a small window, the guns had been aimed at the sky, towards Talon. The Buffalo-Zoid wasn't fireing though.

Denny wondered as Talon was now slowly decending towards the ground. He looked behind him and saw the sun to his Zoid's back. "He can't see me. I'm right in the middle of the sun's light." An evil thought slipped into his mind. "Why waste a perfect oppertunity?" The Laser Machine Guns on Talon's wrists activated.

Jake in his Dibison searched the sky for a target. "Blast! Why didn't I thow him behind me instead of straight into the sun?" His radar was still going searching the skies. Laser fire rained down on the ground and headed towards the Dibison. "What?!" Several shots blasted into the gun pack on the back of the Dibison. Jake was shaken in his seat.

The shelling ended and Jake checked his systems. "Gun barrels movement damaged 50%, six are out of commision!" He looked out and saw Talon land slowly and safely. "You, how dare you think you can take on me and my Dibison?! You rookie!" The Dibison bellowed.

Talon hissed back. "I don't care if I am a rookie, I can take anyone if I'm willing to try." Denny didn't notice but the Fire Stone around his neck gained a slight glow. Talon's HUD beeped and grabbed Denny's attention. A green moniter showed Talon from the front and the Zoid's fore arms were highlighted in yellow.

SLASHER ATTACK

"Slasher huh? Okay let's give it a shot!"

"Quit stalling! I may not have my guns but I'll run you through!" Jake shouted.

"Just try it!" Denny shouted back.

The Dibison ran towards Talon, the Buffalo-Zoid's head down and horns ready. Talon ran straight at the Dibison, arms primed and ready.

"Go Slasher!" Denny shouted as he pushed Talon's controls to their limits, dashing the Raptor-Zoid towards the Dibison.

The two Zoids charged. Talon's left arm was raised and then slashed down, straight on top of the Dibison's head. The claws on Talon's arm left three long grooves on the top of the Buffalo-Zoid's head, inbetween the horns. The Dibison's head was pushed down, almost loosing its balance then Talon's other arm came in an upercut-like slash. The claws caught on the Dibison's lower jaw before it hit the ground and slashed up, the force of the slash and Talon's forward momentum caused the Buffalo-Zoid to rear up on its hind legs.

Talon crouched down and the following seconds seemed to happen in slow motion. With a feeling that Denny couldn't explain, or barely have time to recognize, a rage almost controled his actions. The Fire Stone's glowed intensified and Talon's eyes glowed a bright red. The Raptor-Zoid's Ion Thrusters blasted on and the Zoid slammed, head-first, into the stomach of the Dibison that was still on it's hind legs. The force of Talon's acceleration and the Dibison being off balance caused the Buffalo-Zoid to be flipped onto its back as Talon blasted over. The Raptor-Zoid stopped and turned to face the fallen Zoid.

The glow from Denny's Fire Stone subsided and so did the glow from Talon's eyes. Denny stopped to catch his breath and watched the flipped Dibison for a second. "*huff* *huff* I beat him. *huff*" But something strange happened, just in that instant before Talon slammed into that Dibison's torso.

"Battle Over!" All Zoid Warriors report to the Hover Cargo immediatly." the Judge ordered.


* * *

The Hover Cargo sat by the Judge Capsule as the top four Zoids stood in a line. A Red Horn, Gojulas, a Stealth Viper, and a Command Wolf.

"Congratulations warriors, you are the top four who have made it this far. Out of you we will pick the best warrior and Zoid to join the Blitz team in order to participate in Class S..." Doc started his speech.

Bit, Leena, Brad, and Jamie stood behind Doc.

"Looks like your little protoque didn't make it to the finals." Brad commented.

"Yeah, but I didn't see his Zoid get a CSF out there." Bit replied.

"Neither did I, the last I saw of him he was battleing a Dibison." Jamie stated.

"Doesn't matter now does it?" Leena said. "We'll get a new member and won't have to worry about it."

"Now we choose, based on your skill on the battlefield, who shall become the latest member of the Blitz Team. And the data shows..."

"WAIT!!!!" The Blitz Team and the four Zoids turned and watched as Talon dashed towards them. The Raptor-Zoid stopped between the Blitz Team and the four Zoids, the elongated snout looking at Doc and the Judge. "You can't pick yet."

"Get out of here rookie. Only the top four are choosen to join." Carl, who was in the Gojulas, stated.

"I thought the rules said the last four standing are choosen." Denny argued.

"Correct." the Judge spoke. Everyone turned and faced the Judge. "The top four Zoids are picked based on the number of Zoids destoryed and the level of each Zoid destoryed. The Zoid Talon has tied with one of the other four Zoids. The Stealth Viper number 08752 has the same number of points as Talon does."

"What?!" John in his Stealth Viper shouted. "That's an outrage! That rookie couldn't have possibly tied with me!"

"Incorrect. Talon has defeated three Zoids. Two Rev Raptors and a Dibison. The Rev Raptors are Level 2 and the Dibison is Level 5 for a total of 9. You have destroyed a Red Horn, Level 4, and a Heldigunner, Level 3, as well as one Gun Sniper, Level 2, for a total of 9 as well. Therefore you have both tied and Talon must be accepted into the top pick."

"But that ain't fair!" John argued.

"The Judge's decesion is final! If you wish to complain, fill out a formal complaint."

John growled under his breath.

"Blitz Team, please select one of these Zoids to be your new member." the Judge instructed.

Talon stood by the Red Horn as the Blitz Team confirmed within a huddle. The huddle was broken and Toros stepped forward.

"Judge, as a unaimous deciesion, we pick," Doc's finger pointed and moved form Talon and along the line of Zoids and stopped at the Gojulas. Then Doc moved it back to, "Denny Roth and Talon."

There were arguments from the other Zoid finalists.

"Very well. Warrior Denny Roth, and the Zoid Talon shall be authorized members of the Blitz Team. Farewell and until the next battle." The Judge capsule closed and blasted back into the sky.

Denny watched the capsule go as the losers of the Tournament left to pick back up their pieces.

"Welcome aboard Denny." Toros said as Talon was directed and loaded onto the Hover Cargo.

The cockpit openned and Denny stood up and looked at a picture he had placed in his wallet. It was him, his mom and his stepdad. "Well, mom, this will make an interesting story for my message."

The Hover Cargo moved and headed towards the Blitz Team's base.

--------------------------------------------

Denny: Well I lucked-out once again and am a member of the Blitz Team. Bet Bit never expected me to show up so soon. Insteatd of fighting against each other we're fighting with each other. How ironic is that?! When we get in our first Class-S Battle I end up the object of some cute girl. Huh? She beats me?! What?! No! I'll change that! Next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE X'S, Denny's Rival: Tina Alexander. Ready? FIGHT!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: John Geral
Age: 23
Sex: Male
Discription: 5'6", medium build. Dark skinned. Really tempromental.
History: Worked as a mercinary for most of his Zoid battle carrear. Personal Rank is Class-A and will do anything to get into Class-S.
Zoid: Stealth Viper
Team: None, Mercinary


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Stealth Viper
Type: Snake
Class: 2
Function: Recon/First Strike/Special Teams
Alingment: Helic Republic
Designation: RZ-020
Height: 3.0m
Length: 20.8m
Weight: 23.6T
Max Speed: 180km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Two Surface-to-air Missiles, two 40mm Cannons, Twin Dual Pod Rockets, two Grenade Launchers
Distinguishing Features: Equipped with infrared and noise suppression gear, as well as ECM equipment; highly maneuverable

[MetaKnight89]

Tina again huh? O well cool chapter and its Battle Royale . THe Goujalas is a bit high standard dont ya think?

[Mew Master]

Yeah, well he really wants to win.

[DeMarko]

This is free advertising for a friend

I really like the fic although i've already read it, no idea qhy you started it from scratch. I better be in it later on or the seven out of ten drops

[Zenith Magus]

Uh, question...

If I renember correctly, there was a chapter in the first
version in which our hero battled a Death Saurer zoid.
Since there's seemingly only one of those Zoids, and
that one was destroyed, how are you going to redo
that chapter?

[Mew Master]

Does a Magician reveil his secrets? No. So neither will I.

:D

[Mew Master]

ACK! Somethings wrong with my disk and I can't post the new chapter now. I'll try and get it posted because it does have a very important announcement for all of my readers.

~ Mew Master

[Mew Master]

Chapter Five: Denny's Rival: Tina Alexander

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

"They went under the sand." Brad said.

"No wonder they wanted a battle here of all places." Bit replied.

"With them underground I can't hit them!" Leena shouted.

The Blitz Team, now a new member strong, stood around in their Zoids as their opposing team, the Hell Raisers, had dug under the sand pit in the center of the main battlefield. There were three Heldigunners and two Stealth Vipers on the Hell Raisers team, both types of Zoids adapt at digging and ambushing their enemies.

"With the Hell Raisers dug in like that there's almost no way we can hit them with shelling." Jamie said from the Hover Cargo, assesing the cituation.

A Heldigunner burst up from the sand and fired two shots from its 20mm cannon. The shots blasted the rocky portion of the battlefield, where the Blitz Team was staying.

"Meanwhile we just stay here like sitting ducks waiting for them to shot us!" Brad shouted.

"Hmm there's gotta be a way to lure them out." Denny said to himself as Talon's head turned and looked all over the battlefield.

Another attack, this time from a Stealth Viper, and the fire almost hit the Gun Sniper. "Hey! That almost hit me!" Leena yelled. "Weasle Unit Total Assault!"

Every gun and launcher on the Gun Sniper blasted to life as Leena straifed the sand pit with every bullet, laser, and missle on her Zoid. Sand shot up into the air with every exploasion. As the dust settled, there was no sign of any damaged Zoids.

"Save your fire!" Bit said. "There's no way we can hit them."

"But they almost hit my Gun Sniper!" Leena protested.

Denny followed the edge of the sand pit and an idea came into his mind. "Hey Jamie, can you tell where the Zoids are in that pit?"

"Why would you wanna know that?" Jamie asked.

"Just send me the screen."

"All right."

A new screen openned up showing the familiar green dots that showed the opposing Zoids. All of the dots followed along the edge of the pit, each Zoid spread out.

"Hey Jamie, you have any idea why they're in a position like this?" Denny asked.

"To put it simpily it's so they can box you in and not lay one finger on them." Jamie replied.

"Hmm." Denny thought. "Go Talon!" The Raptor-Zoid roared and dashed closer to the edge of the pit.

"What are you doing?!" Brad shouted.

Talon reached the edge and Denny puled back the controls, making the Zoid jump. The Raptor-Zoid landed in the sand and continued running. "If you want to lure something out, use some bait!" he told the others.

In front of Talon, the sand rose and a Heldigunner flew into the air, twisting it's body to fire its guns at the Raptor-Zoid. The Zoid's Ion Thrusters pivited and ignited, thrusting Talon to the left before the shots fired. Three shots blasted the sand where Talon used to be. As the Heldigunner landed the Raptor-Zoid pounced and pinned the Iguana-Zoid into the sand. Talon hopped up and down, breaking off the Heldigunner's gun and driving it deeper into the sand. When the sand covered the Raptor-Zoid's feet Talon stopped and roared.

Behind the Raptor-Zoid another Zoid slowly prepared for an attack. Talon turned and faced a brown and green painted Heldigunner flying in for an attack. One each side of the Iguana-Zoid's tail were two blades that could cut through most Zoid's armors.

"AAAAAHHHH!"

Whether it was Denny's reaction to avoid a very sharp falling object or Talon's concern for self-preservation, the Raptor-Zoid escaped, but not unscaved. Talon tried to leap towards the side, out of the way of the blades, but the fastest Zoid wasn't fast enough. The blades sliced along the Raptor-Zoid's left flank, ending before slicing the entire tail.

Talon fell to its right, a single slash mark ran from the Zoid's chest over its arm, torso, and leg. Sparks flew from the gash.

"Talon? You okay?" Denny asked as he tried the controls for Talon to stand upright. The Raptor-Zoid struggled to its feet, Talon's left appendages were taken out and baisically useless. "I can't dodge anything now."

The Heldigunner turned around and charged in for another attack run. As Denny watched the Iguana-Zoid close in he prepared for the Command System Freeze that would take over Talon after another attack.

Bullets and laser fire slammed into the Heldigunner and blasted it away from Talon. Denny looked to his right and saw Leena's Gun Sniper standing, and the Zoid's barrels smoking.

"Thank me later, Rookie." she said to agrovate him.

"Aw, man." Denny mumbled.


* * *

The rest of the battle went well for the Blitz Team. Denny and Talon may have been taken out but his somewhat rash thinking forced the other team's Zoids into attacking and leaving themselves vulnurable. Talon was damaged and wouldn't be repaired for two days, and half of Denny's prize money was used for the repairs. Everyone else on the team became money hoarders and kept it with them at all times. It wasn't the first time Denny had to have his butt saved by one of the other members.

The battle against the Hell Raisers was his third in the S-Class, and his Warrior rank was still at E. In the first battle, Bit and Liger-Zero saved his Zoid from being shot down by a Deadborder Dinosaur-Type at the risk of getting Liger-Zero damaged. Brad was next on the list to save his butt when Talon had rushed into an ambush by a trio of Gordos Zoids. And then today with Leena saving him from that blade-yeilding Heldigunner. It was getting embarasing. If he had to continue being rescued like that there would be no way he could live it down. Or worse: be kicked off the Blitz Team.

"I can't believe you Rookie, you still need us to save you. If this keeps up we may have to kick you off and find a new member." Leena joked.

"Watch it Leena." Denny warned.

"Hey back off Leena. Denny may still be a rookie but he's getting better." Bit said.

"But how long will it take before he can save himself?" Brad asked in his non-careing sort of way.

"All right Team, listen up." Toros said as he walked into the living room. "We have to head to town today and get some supplies, most of which are for the repairs to Talon. They've also added a new weapons shop in town and we should see what kind of merchandise they hive. It's run by the Silph Company so they should have some interesting stuff we've never seen."


* * *

In town, Bit, Leena, Brad, Jamie and Denny walked along a sidewalk. Toros had stayed at the Zoids Shop the team normally used and was busy talking to the manager, something about one of his team members "flashing" his daughter. The team found the Silph Co. Zoids Weapons Shop easy enough, there was a crowd all around the place.

"This place sure is busy." Bit commented.

"I hear most of their Zoid weapons are brand-new and really top-of-the-line equipment." Jamie commented.

"I've heard that one weapon can be fitted onto any number of Zoids." Brad added.

"Is it all true?" Leena asked, curious about what kind of assault weapons this place had.

It was twenty more minutes before the Blitz Team even entered the door. The building was huge on the inside, different maps lead people to the parts that they were interested in. Bit and Leena unknowingly headed towards the heavy artillary section. Brad left for the stealth equipment, and Jamie looked for the more powerful sensors for transports. Denny just wandered on the main room looking at some of the newer equipment.

He stopped by a catalog and browsed through it. Flipping pages he came to a section devoted to close-combat weapons.

"Talon's only long-range weapon would be his Laser Maching Guns, the rest of him is devoted to close-combat. Maybe there's something here that can help him out." He looked at the pages as closely as he could. Moslty there was equipment just to add and increase a Zoid's over all power and force, but that's not what he was looking for. He turned another page and saw something.

Scythes. Scythes that would attach onto the arms and increase the power on close-combat by 20% on any bipedal Zoid. There was even a choice of Laser Energy or Electro-Magnetic Charge Generators to go along and increase the scythes attack potential.

"Now these could work. Just place them over the lasers and they could work. Hmmm, what's the price on these things?" He kept a finger on the page and looked in the back for prices. "What?! 1000 Credits for the Scythes a piece?! And the Generators cost another 500?! That's out of my price range already." Denny closed the book. "I have 1700 Credits and I don't want to buy just one Scythe, and who knows what the shipping and handleing will be." He sighed and headed out. "I better find something to do for the next few hours."

As he walked out he noticed a lot of guys wearing outfits they came up with. Bit and Leena had something like them too. "Hmm, if Bit and Leena dress up for Zoid Battles then why shouldn't I. I need a change in wardrobe anyway." He looked at hsi clothes, he still wore blue-jeans, a t-shirt, his jacket and sneakers, and his hat. The bill of his hat was shredded and torn in a lot of places moslty because his mom had washed it once and that was how it ended up. "Maybe a change will do me some good."


* * *

Denny looked in the mirror inside a dressing room. He was wearing an entire new outfit. A new hat was on his head, with the letters "ZBC" on the front and on the back by the adjustment strap. Denny wore the hat backwards, some of his hair sticking out of the back, just above the strap. He was wearing a vest that ended by his knees. The shirt under his vest was tucked in and had no sleeves. On his left arm was a gauntlent with a fingerless glove at the end. The gauntlent would slide on, pulling the glove over the hand and then the gauntlet could be buckled to conform to the wearer's arm. His other hand had another fingerless glove on. On the back of each glove there was a rectangular piece of metal. Instead of blue-jeans he was wearing black slacks that were two inches too long for his legs and bundeled up over his new shoes. His shoes were now boots that added two inches to his height, and what seemed like two pounds to his feet.

"All right. Now this is a Warrior's outfit. Wonder what Leena and the others will say? Ah who cares, I like it and that's all that matters."

He undressed and got into his regular clothes and paid for his new ones. He walked along the sidewalk, looking for something else to do. Across the street was an arcade.

"An arcade? And I still have over1000 credits left. Okay, I'll go blow some money on some games. Hee hee hee." He headed over to the arcade with an evil smile and chuckle.


* * *

"I wonder where Denny ran off to." Leena said.

"We've been all over the store and haven't seen any sign of him." Bit added.

"Maybe he got bored and left. Besides he was next to broke and couldn't buy anything if he wanted to." Brad commented.

"You would think that he would find one of us and tell us where he was going." Jamie added.

Bit, Leena, Brad, and Jamie sat at a booth in their usual café. After browsing through the Silph Co.'s latest Zoid equipment they decided to head to the café for lunch. However, none of them could find Denny anywhere in or around the store. They finally decided to go and see if he had left. Neither hide nor hair was found.

"Great Leena, you pushed him over the edge and now he's left." Brad commented.

"What?!"

"It's true, you were giving him a hard time about being a rookie in the first place." Bit admitted.

"Now we may never see him again because of you." Jamie added.

"Now wait just a minute, how could I have made him leave the Team?" Leena protested.

Further argument was interupted as a kid ran into the café and jabbered to another bunch of kids.

"There's a Warrior at the arcade. He's beating every one on the Zoid Battle Simulators!" he said.

"Who is it?" another asked.

"I think it was some rookie who got picked for the Blitz Team."

"So? That guys stinks. All of his teammates save his skin."

"He's beating everyone who goes against him! Common!" The kids ran out.

Bit, Leena, Brad, and Jamie looked at eachother before running out after the kids.


* * *

A green wire-frame representation of a Command Wolf blasted two other Wolf-Zoids into the ground. So far this Command Wolf was at the peak of a 13 victory winning-streak. The Zoid stood and eyed it's fallen adversaries.

"Ha! That's 13 kills. Good thing I haven't lost my touch at this." He pushed his Command Wolf forward and fired at some computer-controlled Zoids. Denny blasted everyone away with two shots each. "Man I wish I had some real-life competition. These computer Zoids are too easy to figure out."

Outside more people gathered around the Simulator, watching the screens. The Blitz Team walked in and joined the crowd.

"That can't be Denny." Leena said. "He's not that good."

"Didn't he say that he used to be good at the Zoid Battle Simulators?" Brad asked.

"Hmm. So a Warrior is scareing off all the players." a girl said as she walked by the Blitz Team.

There was mubmling from the crowd as a girl with blue hair entered and strapped herself into a cockpit.

"Now what's she doing?" asked a cold voice.

"Having fun. You should take a lesson or two from her Lance." said another voice.

"Do you know who that girl was?" Bit asked the other person.

"Yeah, she's on our team."

"What?!" Bit, Brad, Leena, and Jamie said at the same time.

Inside the game a Judge appeared. "New Challenger. Players, enter your number of credits." Denny did, as well as his mysterious opponent.

"So who am I up against?" asked a female voice. "A cocky Warrior who enjoys picking on gamming enthusiests?"

"I'm a Warrior, but I'm also one of those gamming enthusiests." Denny replied. "Who are you?"

"I'll tell you. If you win." she replied.

"Fine."

"Battle Mode: 0698. Shooting Challenge. Ready? Fight!" the Judge announced.

The familiar green wire-frame virtual world was digitized and Denny saw the opposing Zoid standing in front of him. She's either cocky or confident, maybe both, but I'll show her.

Denny depressed the trigger and fired four rounds at the opposing Command Wolf. The other Zoid crouched and lept to avoid the fire, disappearing into the line of pine trees.

"Fine, that's the way you wanna play...." Denny mumbled to himself and pushed the controls forward.

His Command Wolf was running beside the tree line. On the other side he could see the motion of the other Zoid mimicing his movements. The guns rotated and fired to his left, at the other Command Wolf, he aimed and fired.

Blasts surrounded both Zoids as they shelled one another. Denny pulled the controls back and slowed down his Zoid considerably, letting the other Zoid ahead, then he dashed through the tree line and right behind the Command Wolf. Got ya. He fired at the ground around the opposing Zoid's feet, trying to take them out from under it. The shot missed and the other Warrior used the oppertunity to turn and run straight at him.

In a high-speed version of "chicken" both Command Wolves charged each other, both Warriors turned to opposite sides and passed. Denny wrenched the controls and turned his Zoid around. His guns fired as soon as he was at a full 180 degree turn. The exploasions showed up as bright yellow and orange domes, but the other Command Wolf was gone.

"Where'd she..?!" His sentence was cut off as he noticed a movement to his right. The other Zoid was right there, the guns pointed straight at his Command Wolf's neck. Blast it! She ambushed me! The guns fired and Denny's Zoid was knocked out, and he lost.

Denny sat as he absorbed what had happened. His breathing was slowing down and his mind was comming back to reality. He sighed. "That was intense." The door openned and he stepped out.

Instantly he noticed Bit, Brad, Leena, and Jamie standing at the front of the crowd looking at him. The other door openned and he turned to see who it was.

The girl was cute. She had long blue hair, and three thick bangs that hung in her face. She wore a blue vest and a white tank-top underneith the vest, blue jeans, and some red and white shoes. A set of earings hung off her ears.

"Been nice battleing you. Bye." she said as she strode by, not so much as even looking him in the eyes. "Let's go." She walked out with two members from the crowd.

Denny watched her go before walking up to his team mates. "She stuck-up or what?"

"You don't know who you just lost to do you?" Leena asked.

"Does it matter?" Denny replied.

"That's Tina Alexander, someone who's richer than Harry Champ, and better in battles too." Brad said.

"She didn't look that tough." Bit commented.

"She's the leader of the Bebop Team, who's currently two ranks above us, if that makes sense to you." Brad added.

"Hey Denny, what's in the bag?" Jamie asked.

"Huh?" Denny replied before noticing that he had the shopping bag wrapped around his left wrist. "Uh, you'll see later."

"There you are Team, I've been looking all over for you." Doc said as he walked into the arcade. "Bit. You've got some explaining to do." he said in a menacing voice.


* * *

"So you met Tina Alexander huh?" Doc commented.

"Met isn't the word, more like got thrashed by." Leena corrected.

"Why can't you learn to shut up like normal people?" Denny replied.

"You have to admit it Denny, she almost matched you move-for-move." Jamie stated.

"That's not the point."

The Blitz Team was heading back to the Toros Base in the Hover Cargo. Toros had managed to get the extra parts for Talon, as well as others the team really didn't need. He had heard about Denny's winning streak being cut short by Tina's entry into the fray.

"Well it's sad to say you were battleing better in the Simulaters than in real-life." Brad commented.

"But still," Denny tried to make his case.

"Don't worry, the Zoid Battle Simulaters that are in many arcades are great training for Warriors." Toros stated.

"Really?!" Denny asked, hoping Doc was going to say what he thought Toros was going to say.

"Yes, but Command Wolf pilots are really the only ones who benifit from the Simulaters."

Denny fell over in stupidity.


* * *

The next day Denny was in the hanger on a scafolding raised to the height of the damage to Talon's left flank. Most of the torn armor was healed now, but Talon wasn't at full fighting ability yet. So Denny was spending most of the day in the hanger with the components Doc had bought Denny was deep in thought about yesturday and what Doc had said.

But if it is true that the Simulaters are great training, then why do I keep getting defeated so early into a battle? I should be winning. He has working on a section of the gash on Talon when he dropped his wrench. After he had picked it back up he looked at where he was working. Part of the gash had healed, but he didn't notice. Maybe it's the fact that gammers are easier to beat than real Warriors, or the fact that all the Simulators are is jsut that, simulations not even remotly close to the real thing.

"Maybe I'm just losing it." he commented out loud.

"Hey Denny!" Bit shouted from the door into the hanger.

"What?!"

"Jamie's finished cooking. You better come and eat before it's all gone!" Bit shouted before disappearing behind the door.

Denny jumped off the scafolding and ran to the door faster than normal. "Don't you dare!" As the door closed, more parts of Talon's armor began to heal.


* * *

Denny was munching food left and right, gulping mouthfuls of Jamie's stir-fry into his mouth and only chewing twice before swallowing it down. One thing was for sure, his appitite was right up there with Bit's and Leena's, it was a three-way eating contest.

Toros, Jamie, and Brad took more time as they ate, going slowly and savoring each bite.

Over all of the noise of Bit, Leena, and Denny's munching, a vid message rang in. Jamie got up to answer it.

"What is it?" Bit asked.

"If it's bill collectors, tell them I'm not here." Denny commented as he finally began to slow down as he ate.

"It's from the Zoid Battle Commision with information on our next battle." Jamie replied.

"Who are we up against?" Leena asked.

"Hmm, according to this, it's the Bebop Team." Jamie stated.

Denny was drinking some water, but spat it straight out and into Brad's face. "Bebop?!"

"Hey!" Brad exclaimed.

Denny got up and looked at the information with Jamie. "Yup, it's the Bebops alright. There's Tina."

"Are you gonna need our help again?" Leena mocked.

"Don't look at me, I won't help." Brad commented as he dried himself off with a towel.

"Says here that the Bebops have ben known to play music during the battle with any opponent." Jamie read aloud. "A Dark Pegasus, Gun Sniper, Command Wolf, and an outfitted Dark Horn are on the team....."

Denny walked out as Jamie continued to read the team's data. He walked back into the hanger. I've got to find a way to stop from being blasted out of a battle minutes after it starts, if I don't, I don't know if I'll be able to live with myself. I'm on the most popular team in Class-S, and I can't have the others saving my butt all the time. Now I have to start acting like I know what I'm doing. "I need to start winning and getting some prize money or I'll never get those Scythes for Talon."

Talon let out a small roar as Denny walked up to it. "Okay, we'll go for a run, but I wanna try something while we do." He didn't notice that Talon no longer had the gash that had been on its left flank for a day.


* * *

The Hover Cargo drove along the desert towards the Blitz Team's battlefield for today.

"We're almost at the corrodinants. The other team should be arriving in a Whale King shortly. Where's Denny?" Doc said.

"He said he had something to do really quick before the battle." Leena commented, with her not interested attitude.

"Wonder what it could be, the battle's going to start in about five minutes." Bit stated.

The door openned with an electronic swoosh and everyone turned to see Denny in his new battle outfit. Everyone was silent as he adjusted his gauntlet and fingeless glove.

"What?"

There came a series of stiffled laughs from Leena and Jamie, Brad and Bit were chuckling, and Doc was laughing.

"What?!"

"That is the most rediculous outfit I've ever seen!" Leena shouted. "Where did you get it? Fashion-Disasters 'R' Us?"

"Common, Hahaha, Leena it's not that, Hahahaha, funny. Hahahaha!"

Denny's eyes narrowed, he was finally fed up with Leena. "Look it's no more ridculous than that lame excuse for a hair excessory you have on all the time! You look more like your own species, an alien! My Zoid has a better hood-ornament!"

"What?! I dare you to say that again!" Leena replied, fury in her voice.

"Calm down you two, we're at the battlefield. Get into your Zoids and you can argue all you want after the battle." Jamie said.

Denny and Leena shot cold looks at each other before turning away with a grunt.

The Hover Cargo openned it's armor and extended the catapult out. Liger-Zero, Shadow Fox, and Talon were launched from the catapult while Leena mobilized and launched from the smaller pod in the very front of the Hover Cargo.

The four Zoids stood and snarled as they waited for the Whale King in the sky to touch down. The massive Zoid transport landed and the mouth openned. Four other Zoids walked down the platform. An all black Dark Pegasus stridded down, followed by a Gun Sniper, Command Wolf, and a Dark Horn.

While they waited Denny openned a comm link between him and the Dark Pegasus. The face of Tina Alexander "greeted" him.

"You?!"

"Yeah, it's me, Tina Alexander." Denny replied, a determined look on his face.

"You think you can pilot that Zoid better than the Command Wolf in the Simmulater the other day." Tina mocked him.

"Better than you think." he replied. "You'd be surprised what deterimnation can make you do."

"You're going to need luck to be able to beat me like I did to you." Tina stated. "You're going to need more than luck, you need a miracle."

"We won't know until the battle's over." Denny said.

A point of light grew and flew into the ground. Dust and rocks blasted in every direction imaginable. The Judge Capsule rose from its crater and then openned.

""The area within an 10 mile radius is a designated Zoid Battlefield. This zone is now restricted. Only competitors and personnel have authorized entry. Danger! All others must leave the area at once. Area scanned. Battlefield set up. The Blitz Team versus the Bebop Team. Battle Mode 0982. Ready...FIGHT!"

The Blitz Team charged the other team as the Bebops charged them. Music played on their frequencies but no one paid any attention. Talon dashed forward, ahead of the other Zoids and charged the Dark Pegasus. The Pegasus-Zoid charged as well, and lowered its head, pointing the horn at the Raptor-Zoid. The Raptor-Zoid slowed and crouched, and waited for the Dark Pegasus.

"I'll run you through!" Tina exclaimed.

Just as the Dark Pegasus was ready to do just that, Talon jumped straight into the air, over the Dark Pegasus as it ran past.

"What?! He dodged me?!"

Talon was still in mid-air. The Zoid twisted in the air as it's Ion Thrusters blasted on and propelled it right onto the back of the Pegasus-Zoid. The Raptor-Zoid clamped on with its claws and held on.

"Get off!"

"Forget it!"

The other Blitz Team Zoids were into heated battles as well. The Shadow Fox was trying to gun down the Gun Sniper, but it kept jumping over Brad's shots. Liger-Zero was chasing the Command Wolf, who would spin around and fire every chance the Warrior got. Leena and her Gun Sniper continued to assault the Dark Horn as the Zoid's Warrior continued to boast about his Zoid's increased sheilding.

The Dark Pegasus bucked, trying to throw Talon off, but the Raptor-Zoid was relentless and refused to let go.

"Fine, if you won't get off, I'll force you off!" Tina shouted. The wings on both sides of the Dark Pegasus spread as the Zoid galloped and gained speed. At a fast enough speed the Zoid just took off and left the ground. Talon was hanging on while Denny tried to hang on despite the force pushing him into his seat. The Pegasus-Zoid flipped in the air and headed back to the ground, its back, and Talon, facing Zi.

The Zoid continued to lower in altitude, trying to force Talon to jump off. When the Zoid was a dozen meters from the ground, Talon let go and landed on its feet, clawing into the ground to stop. The Dark Pegasus pulled up, rolled back upright, and banked, heading back towards the ground-based Zoid.

Guns under the wings of the Dark Pegasus rotated and aimed for Talon. Shots riddled the ground as they headed towards Talon. The Raptor-Zoid snarled and jumped out of the way as the Dark Pegasus pulled up and began getting ready for another straifing run.

"Not good." Denny said as the flying Zoid was banking. "I've got to ground that thing." The rectangles on Talon's arms slid up and the Laser Machine Guns activated.

The Dark Pegasus fired its guns again at Talon. The Raptor-Zoid crouched and waited as the Pegasus-Zoid flew nearer. As the bullets got closer to hitting Talon jumped into the air, almost matching the same altitude as the Dark Pegasus. Two targeting circles locked onto the flying Zoid and Denny depressed the trigger.

Continuous short blasts of lasers slammed into the Pegasus Zoid, hitting the wings and making it lose altitude. The Zoid landed hard on the ground, Talon did as well. Now the two Zoids were grounded.

"Nice, I would have never expected you to take out my wings to force me to fight ground combat."

"See, I told you. Determination can make anything happen in a battle."

"It doesn't matter, I can still out manuver you in close combat. This Zoid is personalized, ritght down to the last bolt." The Pegasus-Zoid neighed and stomped its hooves.

"Mine isn't modified at all." Denny replied as Talon roared.

The Dark Pegasus charged as Talon dashed. They headed right for one another.

The Fire Stone around Denny's neck began to glow again just as the shine of Talon's eyes intensified. "Slasher!"

Talon's speed increased as the Zoid raised it's left arm. When it reached the Dark Pegasus, Talon slashed down, knocking the head down. Then the Raptor-Zoid's other arm slashed in an uppercut and caught the lower jaw of the other Zoid and whipped it up on it's hind legs.

Now the Dark Pegasus was reared up on its hind legs, and in a matter of seconds would stomp down and damage Talon. The Ion Thrusters burned on again and the Raptor-Zoid crouched and spun around. One leg was extended and caught onto the Pegasus-Zoid's left leg, pulling it out from under the body and causing the Dark Pegasus to lose its balance.

The Dark Pegasus fell onto its side as it crashed. Talon stood back up, the glow diminished from its eyes.

Denny slowed his breathing down. "I got her.... I got her!" he shouted as Talon roared into the sky.

The Warrior in the Command Wolf saw the Dark Pegasus fall and Talon roaring. He ran towards the Raptor-Zoid, guns already aimed to take out the cockpit. As the Warrior was ready to fire.....

"Strike Laser Claw!" Liger-Zero flew in and sliced off the Command Wolf's guns with one swipe. The Wolf-Zoid fell over as Liger rebounded and landed over two dozen meters away. "That'll show you not to run away from me." Bit commented, not realizing he may have saved Denny.


* * *

As Tina sat on her Zoid while she waited for the Whale King to come and pick her up, Talon trotted towards her. The head lowered and the cockpit openned, Denny jumped down and walked towards the Dark Pegasus.

"Are you allright?" Denny asked.

Tina jumped down from her perch. "Yeah I'm fine. I've taken worse beatings than that in other Zoid Battles." she replied.

"Oh, uh, sorry about damaging your Zoid like that. All those modifications you had done to it made it difficult to fight."

"No need for that. We all lose to our better sometimes." Tina admitted, a smile on her face. "Sorry I was so cold to you at the arcade. It's a bad habit of mine."

"Aw don't worry about it. It's allright." Denny replied. He raised his hand. "No hard feelings?"

Tina took the hand and shook. "No hard feelings. But....."

"But?"

"But," she said winking at him, "I won't lose to you again. Count on it."

Denny forced a smile through his blushing. How do I get myself into these things? he thought.

On the Whale King the Warrior of the Command Wolf scowled at the two on the ground still. In disgustment he turned around and headed into the interior of the ship.

--------------------------------------------

Leena: Bit Cloud has an older brother named Dagger that's in charge of the S-Class Titans Team. Although taller and more handsome than Bit, Dagger has the manners of a slug! Gee Bit, why so green around the gills? Was there something between these two brothers that now pits them against one another? Find out next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE XS, Sibling Rivarly: Bit vs. Dagger Cloud. Ready? Fight!!!!!

--------------------------------------------

Name: Tina Alexander
Age: 17
Sex: Female
Discription: Average height, with green eyes and blue hair. Wears a blue vest over a white tank-top as well as blue jeans and sneakers. Wears earings as well.
History: Tina was orphaned when she was 5 and raised by her Grandparents. Her Grandmother died when she was 8 and then she was raised by her Grandfather after that. Tina's Grandfather, Hector Alexander, is the owner of Silph Co. and is also a member of the Zoid Battle Commision.
Zoid: Dark Pegasus
Team: Bebop Team

Name: Dark Pegasus
Type: Pegasus
Class: 4
Function: Light air asault and ground combat
Alingment: Guylos Empire
Designation: GZ-076
Height: 12.4m
Length: 7.8m
Weight: 82.0T
Max Speed: 320 km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Sharpened horn on forehead, twin 35mm cannons on the underside of wings, hardened alloy hooves.
Distinguishing Features: Very versitile on both ground and in air combat cituations. Compatable for a varaity of missions.

Author's Notes: Hello readers. I'm sorry to say that this Chapter ends with a sad note. My Great Grandma is in the hospital in Sheridian, Wyoming, today and she is very, very, sick. I just recieved phone calls from my grandma that Grandma Ruth may not last very much longer. After we called Grandma Ruth and told her goodbye (maybe for the last time) I made up my mind to dedicate this Chapter of Zoids and Chapter 8 of Pokémon: Dimensions Shifters 2 to her.


RUTH DORTHY HOWELL
1916-2003
A sweeter woman has never lived on the face of the earth.

I'll always love you Grandma Ruth

[SuperSonicMewtwo]

ah, a great chapter!
is it me, or does Denny's new outfit sound alot like the ol' Ash Ketchum ensemble?
NEW CHAPTERS!!! Die, without, chaps!

[Mew Master]

SSM: Ash's costume?! Sorry but this don't look nothing like it.

And who said I wouldn't be adding new chapters? with attitudes like that I should stop now (j/k).

[Mew Trainer Rose]

I like how he's not instantly a perfect warrior in this version, that he's still learning the ropes. Makes it more realistic. :)
That fire stone's an interesting item, I wonder where it came from and what exactly it does? besides make Denny Fight better, of course. :)
I dunno If I like the new outfit. are ya gonna draw a pic of it? :)

And I give my heartfelt condolences to you about your Grandma. I know it's hard to lose someone you love.

[Mew Master]

Actually MTR, I do have a pic. I had to redesign him anyway, he didn't seem to fit into the anime the way I draw him, so I drew him so he'd look more like he was from Zoids. I also needed to draw him to add to a compilation I'm doing. it has Denny, Mew, and Mew Master from Pokémon: Dimension Shifters, Gojira and Godzilla from Godzilla VS. Godzilla, Denny and Talon from Zoids, Saké and his Dragon from a new anime I'm doing (haven't thought of a name), and Kei Kiaka from Star's End. So the compilation is basically chars from stories I've written, drawn about, or is just in the works.

Denny's Battle Outfit (http://groups.msn.com/ZoidsBuildCustomizeMobilize/talon.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=326)

And if you wanna know what Star's End is, Ask MTR, I chatted to her about it last night and sent her the basic ideas for chapters and such......

Later!

~ Mew Master

PS: I'm very surprised the line : "My Zoid has a better hood ornament." didn't get any comments........

[Mew Master]

Chapter Six: Sibling Rivarly: Bit vs. Dagger Cloud

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

The Toros base was quiet today. As the sun beat down on the sands and the structure, it was much cooler inside. Inside the hanger Denny was working on Talon again. So far he had gone two battles with out receiving much damage so his Prize Money wouldn't be used for repairs. He had ordered the Scythes and Laser Energy Generators three days ago and the parts wouldn't be here for another week, so he just passed the time by checking in on Talon every chance he got.

As he was checking the motor systems there came a honk from outside. "Cool, mail's here." He jumped down off the scaffolding and walked towards the mail box on the side of the base. A cloud of dust showed that the mail truck was leaving as he reached for the mail.

"Let's see. Bill. Bill. Letter for Leena from Harry Champ, again. 'Nother bill. Something from mom, and a letter for Bit."

He walked into the living room where everyone was. Jamie was folding his laundry, Leena was reading a magazine, Doc was playing with a few of his Zoid models, Brad was sipping coffee, and Bit was playing a hand-held video game.

"Hey guys, mail's here." he said as he walked in. "One for Leena, better burn this one, this guy's desperate." Leena just threw the letter into the pile that she already received from Harry for the past year. "Bills for Doc,"

"Ow, my stomach." Toros said, trying to get away. Leena grabbed him by the hem of his lab coat.

"Sorry dad, that's not going to work this time." she said as she pulled her father back into his seat.

"Here ya go Bit." Denny said as he tossed the letter to Bit.

Bit put down his game and openned his letter as Denny sat down and openned his.

"Heh, Looks like Pat's getting a new Gustav."

"Who's Pat?" Jamie asked, still folding his laundry.

"My step-dad. I don't have the nerve to call him dad." Denny replied. "He works for Palmer's Gustav Transport and is usually gone for weeks at a time. Every week he's out he gets a day back home before he has to go back. If he's off his Gustav for five days or more he.."

"AAAAHHH!" A screech came from Bit Cloud making everyone jump. "No! No! Not now!"

"What is it Bit?" Doc asked.

"This is terrible!"

"Don't keep up up high and dry, tell us something." Brad said.

"Okay I should warn you, this letter fortells the arrival of evil." Bit said a serious look to his face.

"From who? The boogie man?" Denny joked.

"Whorse. This is the ultimate in evil. The scourge of the underworld. The king of demons. And his name is...."

"Hiya bro!" Someone said, standing right behind Bit.

"DAGGER! AHHH!" Bit screamed, jumping back. "Wha--What are you doing here?!"

"Geez, for a Warrior you sure are slow. I sent you the letter weeks ago, and I thought you'd be happy to see your older brother." Dagger Cloud grabbed Bit in a headlock and started to give his younger brother a noogie. "Common, don't tell me you didn't miss me at all these past years."

"As a matter of fact..." Bit struggled under his brother's grip. "I'm not, and I didn't."

"Well that's a shame." Dagger commented right before he let go and dropped Bit on the floor. Then the elder Cloud noticed the rest of the Blitz Team watching him with cumbfounded looks. Dagger looked like an older version of Bit. His hair was longer in the back and he had the stubbles of a beard growing around his jaw line. He had a smaller packet of hair on his forehead than Bit and a larger build. Dagger was about a good three inches taller than his brother and had larger biceps. The elder Cloud brother wore complete gloves on his hands and a vest that looked similar to Bit's but longer and violet instead of red.

"So this is the evil person you were talking about?" Brad asked suspiciously.

"He doesn't seem that evil." Leena commented.

"You don't know the half of it!" Bit replied.

"Hey Lil' Bro, who's the babe?" Dagger asked stareing at Leena.

"Babe?!" Leena shouted. "How dare you?!"

"Fisty isn't she?" Dagger commented. "Cute too."

"Dagger!" Bit almost shouted into his ear. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Why, you already called dibs on her?" Dagger said, ignoring Bit's obvious anger. "Okay, I won't get in your way."

"Dibs?! On me?!" Leena shouted, enraged. "BIT!!!"

Bit was just speechless.

"So tell us Dagger," Doc said in the uneasy silence. "Why are you visiting Bit?"

Dagger plopped down where Bit was sitting and propped his feet up on the table. "I haven't heard one word from Bit after he decided to be a Zoid scavenger. A few years down the road I find him winning the Royal Cup and getting into S-Class with me."

"You're in the S-Class?" Jamie asked.

"Yup, I sent Bit some letters but he never replied to any of them." Dagger replied.

"So that's why that pile of letters were in Bit's room." Brad commented.

"Oh, yeah." Leena stated, remembering. "I put those there for Bit to read when he got back from vacation."

"Oh those." Jamie said. "They cluttered up his room so much I threw them all out."

Bit fell over in stupidity. "You could have warned me!"

"What Team are you on?" Denny asked.

"I'm the leader of the Titans Team. We're not that well known." Dagger replied.

"Well, it's clear that you came a long way, what time to you have to be back to your base?" Toros asked.

"It's about three days from here, but I told the rest of my team I'd call them with my location so they can come and pick me up in our Whale King." Dagger replied.

"So how about you stay for a few hours so you and Bit can catch up." Leena said as she stood up and left.

"Yeah, I've got to finish checking up on Talon." And Denny went out with Leena.

"The Shadow Fox needs an oil change in its left paw." Brad stated as he walked out the open door.

"I've got to get dinner ready if we're having an extra person." Jamie commented as he took his laundry out.

"The Hover Cargo is in need of a major upload." Doc said as he follwed the others, leaving Bit and Dagger alone together.

"So Bro, how've ya been?"

Bit sighed. This was going to be a long day.


* * *

"So this is the Liger-Zero.." Dagger said as he admired the white Liger that his brother piloted.

"Yup, and Bit's the only one who can pilot it." Leena commented. She was reluctantly giving Dagger the tour of the base.

As the two chatted Bit Cloud was spying on his brother from behind a steel beam for the scaffolding. He scowled at his older brother. "Lousy sneak......"

"Bit, what are you doing?" Bit jumped at sound of Brad's voice. Denny was standing beside Brad.

"Watching my brother when he doesn't know about it." Bit replied, now on his back.

"Isn't that the same as spying?" Denny asked.

"So what if it is?"

"Look Bit, Dagger can't be that bad of a brother." Brad commented.

"You didn't have to live with him for most of your life." Bit replied, sitting up.

"What's wrong with him. He seems like any normal big brother to me." Denny stated as he watched Dagger get slapped by Leena.

"You guys don't get it." Bit said as he stood up. "Dagger.......... Dagger's always been better than me."

"So, most big brothers are." Brad replied.

"No, he was so much better. He could never help rubbing it in my face. At games, sports, everything. He always beat me and wouldn't let me live it down."

"You're a better Warrior. No one could take the Royal Cup away from an engine of destruction like that one Zoid was." Denny replied, not quite placing his finger on the name of that one Zoid.

Bit was getting frustrated. "He still got into Class-S before me!!"

While Bit was telling Brad and Denny this, Dagger was still busy hitting on Leena. This time the elder Cloud went too far and the tempromental Zoid Warrior flipped Dagger with a roundhouse throw. Dagger hit the floor and slid for several feet before stopping.

"Dang, she's got a temper." he said rubbing his face. He noticed Bit, Brad, and Denny behind him. "Hey Bro, your girlfriend's got one hellova temper."

"Girlfriend?!" Bit almost screamed.

Dagger stood up and Denny walked past him towards Talon.

"GIRLFRIEND?!" Leena screamed. Something came flying through the air.

"Heads." Denny said and ducked. Dagger, who was now standing turned towards the flying object and took the wrench right in the face.

"Ouch!" Dagger said.

"You wanna survive Leena, Dag, you've got to have fast reflexes." Bit commented, finally glad he was better at avoiding Leena than his brother. "Like me."

"Round 2." Denny commented. Another wrench flew and whacked Bit on the head.

Both Cloud brothers lay on the hanger floor, large bumps on their heads. "Owie...." they said.

"Yup they're definatly related." Brad stated.

"Yup." Denny added.

"Hey Bit," Dagger started as he sat up, rubbing his head. "You've got one nice Liger."

Bit sat up as well, also rubbing the bump on his head. "Huh?"

"I guess it's in the Cloud family blood to be Liger pilots. Even our distant ancestors piloted Ligers." Dagger said.

"Whadda mean?"

"Geez, don't you remember the stories Grandpa told us?"

"I was too busy ploting my revenge." Bit replied.

"He siad that long ago one of our ancestors first piloted a Sheild Liger and was the first person ever to pilot a Blade Liger. You should have paid more attention to your elders." Dagger said.

"Then where's your Liger, if the Clouds are supposed to be Liger pilots?" Denny asked.

"It's outside." Dagger replied.


* * *

Dagger led the Blitz Team outside as the Hanger Door openned. Not far from the door a Sheild Liger stood, but it was different. Aside from it being white, the Sheild Liger had two Heavy Beam Cannons on it's back as well as Twin 30mm Cannons on its tail.

"Meet Blare, the Sheild Liger MK II. My Liger." Dagger said with pride. The Blitz Team stood and admired it, Doc gave out a low wistle. "Whadda think Bit?"

"It's nice, but does your Liger enjoy carreing around those cannons?" Bit asked.

"Blare doesn't mind, besides if he wants them gone all he has to do is eject them and his speed goes up. He's still pretty manuverable even with the cannons, right buddy?" Dagger directed the last part of his statement towards his Zoid, who gave out a low roar of agreement. "Heh, thought so."

The group stood quietly until something came to Dagger's mind.

"Hey Bit, how about a battle?"

"Huh?!" was his brother's reply.

"A battle, just between brothers. Cloud vs. Cloud. Liger vs. Liger. Whadda say?"

"Well, I uh..." Bit stammered.

"He'll be glad to accept." Doc said as he swung an arm around Bit's shoulders. "Bit's never backed down, right Bit? Of course I'm right. Once we get everything through the Zoid Battle Commision.." and Doc went on.


* * *

"Aw common Bit, this won't be so hard." Leena said as the Hover Cargo was heading to the battlefeild, trying to cheer-up Bit. "You beat a Blade Liger, and they're harder to defeat than a Sheild Liger."

"This ain't your ordinary run-of-the-mill Sheild Liger." Jamie added. "Those Beam Cannons give it almost more fire power than the Panzer Armor."

"Well won't the Liger-Zero's speed and manuverability count at all?" Denny asked.

"Maybe, but those cannons are the main problem." Brad replied. "If Bit can take them out then maybe.."

"Can we stop talking about my battle stratigy?!" Bit shouted. "I don't need help. I'll take Dagger with the Zero Armor."

"Are you crazy?!" Leena shouted. "He's got you out-gunned!"

"Think this through Bit." Brad warned.

Bit just stood up out of his chair. "I have thought it through. Dagger's always been better than me at something, and he knows it. But the one thing I may have the upper hand on is Zoid Battles with Liger-Zero. I've got to prove that to him, and me." Bit walked out and headed for his Zoid.

"It's no use trying to talk some sense into him." Doc comented. "It's impossible to change the boy's mind once he sets it on something."

"But still can't we do something to make him see?" Leena asked.

"Just let him do it." Denny cut in. "If Bit believes he can do it, then let him. He and Liger are possibly the best Zoid and Warrior Team ever, right?"

"Maybe..." Leena replied, unsure of where Denny was going.

"Then we need to give him all the support we can muster, and not stop him from doing his own thing."

"Ya know what?" Leena stated. "That made absolutly no sense." Denny fell over in stupidity.

"Denny's right. Bit needs our support more than our opinions." Jamie said

"Exactly." Doc said. "Ready Bit?"

"We're ready Doc." Bit replied over the comm.

"Go for it Bit." Denny said. 'They won't say it but we're right behind you." Leena whacked Denny over the head.

"Who said we won't say it?" she replied. "Tear 'em apart Bit!"

"Good luck." was all Brad would say.

As Liger was loaded onto the catapault the Titan's Whale King landed at the other end of the area. The jaw openned and the white Sheild Liger stepped out.

"Liger-Zero. Mobilize!" The white Liger was launched from the catapault and landed on the ground, facing its counterpart. Liger-Zero roared.

Blare roared in reply and clawed the ground. "If I thought your Liger was impressive just standing in the corner, It's even more impressive now." Dagger commented.

"I'll show you how impresive Liger and I can be." Bit promised.

From the sky a single point of light turned into a burning entry into the atmosphere. The Judge Capsule crashed into the ground, causing its usual crater. The main capsule openned and the Judge appeared. "The area within a 30 mile radius is now a designated Zoid battlefeild. WARNING! All others must leave the area at once. Only authorized personel have clearence to be in this area. Battle Mode 0632. The Blitz Team's Liger-Zero vs. the Titans Team's Sheild Liger MK II. Battle Mode approved. Area scanned. Battlefeild set up. Ready? Fight!"

"Let's go!" Bit shouted as Liger jumped into action and charged the Sheild Liger. Blare was just standing there, waiting for him to attack. "Now! Strike Laser Claw!" The joints of Liger's armor began to glow as the Zoid's claws were charged for the attack.

Liger-Zero jumped and was ready to slash, but Blare was ready as well. The other Zoid's armor openned and activated the energy sheild for the Lion-Zoid. Liger slammed right into it, claws first. Sparks flew in every direction as Liger-Zero tried to break Blare's sheild.

"Heh," Dagger said under his breath.

The Shield for Blare increased in energy output and the increased power blasted Liger-Zero backwards. The white Liger fell and barely landed on its feet.

"What was that?!" Bit exclaimed, as Liger shook its head.

"Sorry Bit, but Blare has the enhanced ability to change the ammount of energy that goes to his sheild at will, even while it's deployed." Dagger replied, as Blare roared.


* * *

"That's not good." Jamie commented. "If Dagger can increase the power for his Liger's shield, than the Liger-Zero's Strike Laser Claw attack is almost useless!"

"Common Bit." Leena said.


* * *

"My turn now Bit. Get ready." Dagger said as the Beam Cannons on Blare's back moved and took aim at Liger-Zero. The Sheild Liger braced itself for using it's cannons. Energy gathered in each barrel, the glow a bright yellow. "Here it comes! Beam Cannons, FIRE!"

The two beams of energy blasted from the cannons and streaked towards Liger-Zero.

"Oh no!" Bit shouted.

There was an exploasion and smoke went everywhere. As the smoke cleared Liger-Zero was standing just outside of the blast crater.

"Close move Liger." Bit said to his Zoid who roared in reply.

"Hmm, that Liger-Zero is impressive." Dagger said to himslef. "Let's see if it can dodge it twice." Blare steadied itself as the cannons charged up agian.

"Move it Bit!" Leena shouted over the comm.

Bit looked and saw the Beam Cannons on Dagger's Zoid recharge for another attack. "Move it Liger!" Liger-Zero roared and started running to the side.

"He's moving." Dagger said as he adjusted the sights. "The cannons aren't fully charged but I've got to pin him down." Dagger fired the Beam Cannons towards a moving Liger-Zero. Twin beams of energy headed straight for the Zoid. Just as they were going to hit, the Ion Boosters blasted on and jolted Liger-Zero away from the beams. The two energy beams blasted another crater into the ground.

Blare, as well as Dagger, were getting frustrated. "With Bit moving so fast, there's no way I can hit him with the Beam Cannons." Blare shook its head, and giving a roar of frustration. "I know Blare. But let's hit him with something else!" Dagger armed and fired the Triple Impact Cannon under his Zoid's torso at Liger-Zero.

Dirt blasted up all around Liger-Zero as Bit slowed down and fired the Liger's Dual Impact Cannon at the Sheild Liger. Blare stopped fireing and deployed its sheild again.

"Dang it!" Bit shouted. "There's no way I can get past that shield."

Bit stopped shooting and waited. The sheild turned off but Dagger had used the time to charge up Blare's Beam Cannons again.

"Bye bye Bit." Dagger told his brother just before the cannons fired.

This time the beams hit dead-on on Liger-Zero and the Zoid was engulfed by smoke and flames. The smoke pillowed into the air as Blare roared.

"Hey Bit, you okay bro?" Dagger asked. No reply. "Bit? Bit say something!"

Dagger's reply came as several shots erupted from the smoke and hit his Shield Liger. One of the Beam Cannons was damaged and the aiming mechanisim was off." "What?!"

"Heh, heh, heh. Got ya Dag." said the voice of Bit Cloud. The smoke finally cleared and Liger-Zero still stood, damage to his armor had been taken.

"Bit!" Dagger replied. "How did you avoid my attack?!"

"Heh. That's Liger's little secret." Bit replied.

Blare roared and shook its body, almost toppleing itself. "Blare?" The Sheild Liger roared and shook its head. "You want the cannons off? Okay." Dagger depressed a button and the cannons were ejected from the Sheild Liger's back. Blare shook its body and stretched.

"Ha, your Zoid finally get tired of those cannons?" Bit asked as Liger roared.

"It's not the first time Blare's wanted to eject those cannons." Dagger replied as Blare roared back. "Time to go mono e mono!" Blare charged forward.

"Right back atcha Dag!" Liger-Zero ran at the other Liger.

The two Zoids ran at each other and leapt. They grappled in mid-air for a second. Their momentums propelled them forward and they spun around in the air. When they landed Blare's 20mm cannons rose up and fired at Liger-Zero. The other Liger jumped out of the way and when it landed, fired back with his cannon.

"Go for it partner!" Bit shouted. Liger-Zero roared and dashed towards the Sheild Liger, Ion Boosters blazing. The joints on Liger's legs and the side of its head began glowing. "Strike Laser Claw!" he shouted as Liger lept into the air.

"I've seen this movie." Dagger commented as he activated Blare's sheild at full power.

Liger-Zero's glowing claw hit the energy sheild in the exact same place as when the Zoid first attacked the Sheild Liger. Sparks of raw energy erupted from the contact point between Liger's claws and Blare's sheild. A small crack began to develop in the sheild.

"Now Blare!" Dagger shouted. The Sheild Liger lept forward, forcing the Liger-Zero to be pushed back in the air. Liger-Zero was blasted away from the sheild and landed not to far away.

"Blast it!" Bit commented as Liger roared. "He's going to use the Sheild Liger's most powerful attack. He's going to charge me with his sheild."

"This is it Bit. You're going to lose." Dagger commented.

Bit gritt his teeth together. "There's no way I can get through that sheild." BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Liger-Zero's HUD beeped at Bit. "Huh?" New scematics openned up, they looked the same for Liger's Strike Laser Claw but the name was different.

SUPER STRIKE CLAW

"Super Strike Claw? Are you sure? Wait. His Liger's sheild got a crack when we attacked it last." Bit smiled as Liger growled. "I see your plan Liger. Okay! Let's got for it!"

The pannels on the side of Liger-Zero's head openned. Instead of the usual golden glow that came with Liger's Strike Laser Claw, a rainbow of colors flowed from Liger-Zero.

"Ready or not here I come Bit!" Dagger shouted as Blare charged.

"Come and get it!" Bit replied as Liger-Zero lept.

Both Cloud brothers yelled as their Zoids attacked.

"Super Strike Claw!" Bit shouted. Liger-Zero slashed down with his fore paw.

The clashing energies shot sparks in every direction. Liger-Zero's claws grinded against the sheild. The crack grew and spread, but the energy sheild still held. Liger's Ion Boosters blasted on and forced more pressure onto the sheild.

"Almost!" Bit said.

CRACK!

Blare's energy sheild broke and Liger-Zero's claws still cntinued to glow. In one pass Liger-Zero slashed the Sheild Liger right behind the head, chunks of armor flew off as Liger passed.

Blare stood there for several seconds, before it began to topple over. A Command System Freeze had crippled the Liger with just one attack. Liger-Zero stood, but a great deal of energy had been spent in that last attack so it was out of energy to even move.

"The Sheild Liger is out of the battle. The winner is the Liger-Zero!" the Judge announced. The Capsule closed and blasted back into the sky.

Bit openned the hatch and jumped down from Liger. Dagger was sitting on one of Blare's paws.

"Nice battle Bit. Looks like you finally beat me at something." Dagger told his brother when they walked up to each other.

"It's about time too." Bit added.

"Are you still sore over all those times I beat you as a kid?" Dagger asked.

"Who wouldn't be." Bit replied.

"Hmm. I just think you should know, the reason I bragged so much was mainly to make you try harder. Hopefully you would finally beat me and stomething, and it happened today."

"Really?"

"Nope!" Dagger replied as he got his younger brother in a headlock. "You should know me better than that. I brag because I love getting on your nerves!" the elder Cloud Brother said as he gave Bit a really hard noogie.

"Ow! Ow! Hey, nock it off Dag!" Bit protested. "Let me go!"

"Not until you say Uncle!"

"Dagger!"

-------------------------------------

Bit: The Quicksilver Team. A Zoid team that consists of high-speed Zoids as well as another Zoid that we've never seen before. That is one scary looking dragon! Let's show 'em Liger! Next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTAMITE XS, Quicksilvers: The Lightning Fast Zoids. Ready? FIGHT!!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Dagger Cloud
Age: 26
Sex: Male
Discription: Appears like his younger brother, Bit, but his attitude is different. Like hitting on pretty girls and usually gets slapped for it.
History: Dagger and Bit have been rivals for most of their lives. Dagger left to become a Zoid Warrior with his Liger, Blare, a Sheild Liger MKII. Slowly but surely he moved up the ranks into Class-S
Zoid: Sheild Liger MKII "Blare"
Team: Leader of the Titans Team


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Sheild Liger MKII
Type: Lion
Class: 4
Function: Assault/Command
Alingment: Helic Republic
Designation: RZ-007
Height: 9.0m
Length: 21.6m
Weight: 92.0T
Max Speed: 250km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Twin 20mm Cannons, Twin 30mm Cannons, Twin 8-shot rocket boxes, hardened alloy Strike Claws and teeth, two Heavy Beam Cannons, Force Feild defense system mechanisim
Distinguishing Features: Standard version is the favored Zoid of Van. Power augumented by melding with Organoid "Zeke."

[DeMarko]

These last too were a whole lot more like I remembered it, Director's Cut my butt. Keep up the good work, and yall out there better be reading this, or I will haunt you Mwahahahahaha

[Mew Trainer Rose]

I've heard the thoery that Bit's related to Van before, and also that Vega is related to Raven. I think it's very likely.
That was a nice battle, i liked the new attack. Sounds like it'd look pretty neat. :)
And the sibling rivalry was really funny at times, especially when Leena threw wrenches at both of them. ^_^

[Mew Master]

Hey guys. I know I usually post chapters on Sunday, but i've been really busy with the Play last week. Had to be back at teh school at 5:30 everyday, except Wensday, and even then I got wrapped up playing Chrono Cross. Mmmmm Kid is cute..... So is Leena...

*drools on keyboard*

Oops! NEway.... The play we did was You Can't Take it With You and was a big hit Friday and Saturday, especially my Char. I was Mr. DePinna, if you haven't read the play or seen it here's me in a nutshell: Crazy old bald, pyromaniac who makes fireworks in the celler with the man of the house. I also got to wear a toga. :D Imagine a 250 lb 18 year old, in a bald cap, walking out on stage in nothing but a toga and sandels.... okay it was more like a gladiator outfit.

Okay the point is that I haven't had much time this past week to get any work done on the fic. I'll work as much as I can, since that is the last play for the year and my fourth overall. Well, until I get to Fort Hays State and then we have Four Productions a year! o_O!!!!! AHHHHH!

NEway, sorry about the next chapter being late. If you guys want I can add on Chapter 8 and have two chapters to add next Sunday. Up to you, but I'll just be chugging along.....

Later!

~ Mew Master

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Imagine a 250 lb 18 year old, in a bald cap, walking out on stage in nothing but a toga and sandels....

*falls over laughing*

As for the chaps, I'm happy either way. I frankly had never noticed that you posted chaps on Sundays. I suppose I don't bother looking for such things.

[Mew Master]

Chapter Seven: Quicksilvers: The Lightning Fast Zoids

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

"Package for Denny Roth. Special Delevery."

"Yes! My scythes got here!" Denny ran out to greet the delivery man and sign for the packages, two of them. Very large and very big.

"How much did this cost us?" Bit asked.

"You'll need to keep winning to pay them off." Toros replied.

"Dad!!" Leena shouted. "Quit spending our money before we win it!"

"Cool your jets." Denny commented as he handed the clip board back to the delivery man. "I paid for these myself, I didn't need anyone else's money."

"Doc!" Bit said.

"Dad!" Leena added.

"Uh, I've gotta go." And Toros ran back into the base.

"I can't belive Doc sometimes," Bit commented. "He's a money grubber, and will do anything to get our hard earned credits."

"Well then he and Leena are deffinantly related then." Brad stated.

"And what does that mean?" Leena glared at him.

"Brad's gotta point." Bit added.

"Geez, could you guys stop argueing and help me get these things inside?" Denny asked as he and Jamie started pulling the platforms towards the open hanger.

"What did you order?" Jamie asked as Bit and Brad came over to help.

"Some better weapons for Talon."

"What kind of weapons?" Bit asked.

"Help me out and you'll see." Denny replied.


* * *

Alex DeMarko rested in the cockpit of his Zoid, Draco. He had silver and crimson hair, black pants, and a red shirt with a custome drawing of his Zoid on it. Alex's glasses rested on the HUD of Draco, and he also had a tatoo of a dragon on his right hand.

The black, silver, and red Zoid stood on its legs, or landing gear, in the desert. Draco looked like a mechanical version of the infamous Oriental dragon. Long, serpintine, and deadly. This Zoid was outfitted with several different armor systems and only a few could only be used during one battle.

A small black and red lizard rested in a sunbeam on the HUD of Draco's main controls. Liz, the lizard, had been found in Draco's thrusters one day and Alex decided to keep her as a pet. As a strange coincidence she had almost the same coloring as his Zoid. A sound reached Liz's ears and she rose and scanned the red window of Draco, her tounge flicking in and out, taking in the smells.

The sound of thrusters woke Alex who was sleeping. He rubbed his eyes. "Aw, five more minutes...."

Beside Draco another dragon-like Zoid landed, this one stood on four legs and had a longer neck and thicker torso. Its blue and silver armor reflected the sun right into Alex's eyes.

"Blast it, Hiro. Can't you land somewhere else?" Alex said, annoyed.

"Sorry Alex, but Celire wanted to know where you were at." The other 17 year-old replied. Hiro was the same age as Alex, 17, and wore a blue shirt with black pants. He piloted the Blue Blade Dragon, a Dragon-Zoid that boasted unbeliavable close-combat abilities.

"Celire always wants to know where I am. Can't he give it a break and let me sleep?" Alex replied. Celire Shvat was the eldest member of the Quicksilver Team, 18, and the designated leader based on his age. He was the Warrior of the Omega Raptor, one of the fastest Zoids on Zi.

"He wants us back at base ASAP." Hiro told him.

"For crying out loud." Alex said as he put his glasses back on, and put Liz into a pocket in his shirt. The Blue Blade Dragon started back towards their base. "Hang on! Hang on! I'm comming!" he shouted at Hiro as Draco lifted off and flew after the other Dragon.


* * *

"So we lug those things in here just to find out they're scythes?!" Leena shouted over the sound of riviting, covering her ears.

"Lug nothing, you didn't even help!" Brad replied.

"They're very special scythes!" Denny shouted over the sound of the rivit gun. He stopped and was hoisted over to the next area by Bit. "These things increase Talon's fighting abilities in close-range combat by 20%. And the generators give the scythes energy to slice through anything, like the Schneider's blades do." He started riviting again, the sound echoing thorugh the hanger.

When he was done, Denny was lowered down so he could get out of his harness and admire his work. The scythes reached out past the edge of Talon's claws and curved downward slightly.

"You're ready for the next battle Talon." Denny said as he thrust his fist into his other hand. Talon roared in reply.

"What about your laser guns?" Jamie asked. "Won't the scythes get in the way?"

"Nope, I bolted the scythes to the pods that raise up and allow the Laser Machine Gun barrles to be used, not straight to Talon's arm. So they're still usable in battle." Denny replied.

"So you got them on?" Toros said as he walked into the hanger.

"Yup. The scythes are in place." he stated. "Talon's ready for anything now."

"We'll just have to see about that." Doc said as he pulled out a piece of paper. "Our next battle's already been scheduled and we need to get a few more power components for the Gun Sniper."

"Hee hee hee." Leena snickered.

"Since most were broken during the last battle." Doc continued and Leena fell over in stupidity.

"That's Leena, getting her hopes up before they're dashed into bits." Jamie said, sighing.

"When's the battle?" Bit asked.

"In two days, so we need to go into town today to get the parts." Doc replied.


* * *

In town the Hover Cargo was sitting next to the P SHOP, parts supply, for Doc to finish the loading. The Warriors headed to their usual haunt, the Café for some lunch and to see what was happening with the latest battles and teams.

As the team ate they watched the moniters. A woman reporter was giving the latest news. "The Red Comets have scored their 21st victory this season against the Wolves Team. Naomi Flugel and Leon Toros are currently the top ranked Warriors in Class-A and the only team that could possibly prove a challenge is currently the popular Class-S Team, the Blitz Team. The Zoid Battle Commision is discussing terms to see if the two teams could possibly meet in a battle. The B-Class Tiger's Team is still winning more battles but are still short of reaching...."

"Looks like Leon's doing really well." Jamie commented.

"Doc never did say what team we're going against did he?" Bit stated.

"I doubt we're going against the Red Comets." Brad chipped in. "Class-A teams can't even request a battle against Class-S teams. It's in the rules."

"Leon Toros..." Denny thought. "He related to you Leena?"

"Of course, Sherlock, he's my brother." she replied.

"Hmm, I did not know that." Denny said with a bit of dry humor. He finished his food and stood up. "I'm gonna hit the arcade for a bit. Come and get me when we're ready to leave okay?"

"Na, we'll just leave you there." Leena replied.

"Funny...." Denny shot back. "Later." He left some credits on the the tabel to pay for his food.


* * *

The arcade was packed, more than usual, and most of the excitement was around the Zoid Simulators. A huge mob surrounded it, and they gapped at the screens. Someone walked in and stood by Denny. The guy had red and silver hair and was just slightly shorter than he was.

"Hey, what's going on?" Denny asked him.

"The Simmulators just got a system upgrade, now players can be any number of Zoids instead of just the Command Wolves." the other guy replied.

"Cool, I know what I'm getting." Denny already started scheming.

"But there's a catch." Denny fell over in stupidity. "You have to start out with a Command Wolf and gain points to be able to use other Zoids."

Denny pulled out his card for the Simmulators. The same card could be used for any of the Simulators on Zi and the data was always saved. He had already racked up a lot of points in Hessa and more just shortly after he had joined the Blitz Team. "Hmm, I wonder what the Point Limitations are."

"Well, looks like we'll never find out." the other guy replied. "At this rate we'll be here for hours. I'm Alexis DeMarko." he said extending a hand.

"Denny Roth." he replied grabbing Alex's hand and shaking. As they stopped shaking hands an announcement came over the intercom.

"Attention! The Zoid Simulators will only seat four at a time, and anyone who loses will stand at the end of the line and wait. We hope this clears up confusion. Have a nice day."

"Well that's a no-brainer." Alex commented.

"Yeah, like it will help any." Denny added.

The two continued to stand in line and eventually, after about 15 minutes, finally got to go into the seats.

Denny jumped in and slid his card into the slot. The image of a Judge popped up. "Identfication Number: 7760078, confirmed. Total points earned: 800282."

"Eight hundred thousand?! Dang, I've played more than I thought." he commented.

"Please Select Zoid for battle." Now the screen changed. There were eight rows each divided into sections of 300 thousand points each. Only two were openned and the rest were darkened but Denny could see what kind of Zoids there were. Quickly he scanned through the lists for the only two rows he could use. The first row were Level 1 and 2 Zoids, the second row belonged to level 3 Zoids. There was also the chance to use the Default Command Wolf to battle. Denny found one Zoid that would be perfect and selected it.

"Rev Raptor selected. Now choose armor and weapons upgrades."

"Weapons upgrades?! I've got to see this!"

A new screen openned up, this time only four rows exsisted and they were split to 400 thousand points a piece. All kinds of different upgrades and customize parts dominated the screens. Nothing looked promising so Denny exited the menu.

"No Weapons upgrades selected. Default Rev Raptor loading............."

LOADING..........LOADING..........LOAD COMPLETE

The Judge appeared again. "Battle mode: 0676. Fighting Challenge. Area scanned. Battlefeild set up. Ready? Fight!

The familiar green wire-frame world that Denny had seen numerous times formed the area for the battle. He saw a version of a Lightning Saix.

"Hey Denny!" Alex shouted.

"Alex?! How did you get a Lightning Saix?! That's at least a Level 4 Zoid!"

"And you've got a Level 2 Rev Raptor." Alex replied. "Do the math."

The Saix began walking towards Denny's Rev Raptor.

He's got me out gunned with that thing. Good thing I've seen what a Rev Raptor can and can't do. he thought. Explosions hit the ground around the two Zoids.

"Did we get them?" said someone in a Stealth Viper

"No, keep trying, no one's gonna break our 16 battle winning streak." replied another one in a Gun Sniper.

"Here's an idea," Denny said a smirk on his face. "Let's show those rookies how to really fight."

"Hmmm," Alex replied. "Not a bad idea." The Lightning Saix jumped and ran towards the other Zoids, Denny's Rev Raptor hot on its trail.

"Get them. Get them!" shouted the gammer in the Gun Sniper.

"They're not stopping!" replied the other.

Alex's Saix jumped over the Stealth Viper. Flipping in mid-air, the Cheetah-Zoid landed, it's guns aimed at the viper. Two shots rang off and the Viper was out of commision.

"No, you're not gonna get me! I'll shoot you down where you stand!"

Denny's Zoid dodged each of the shots fired by the other Zoid, exploasions blasting the ground around the Rev Raptor. Fed up, Denny pushed the controls and the Raptor-Zoid jumped straight into the air. The Rev Raptor came zooming down, claws and scythes ready.

The Gun Sniper stood still as the Rev Raptor's scythes hit home in the middle of the Zoid's back. The Raptor-Zoid was out of the battle.

"Nice move." Alex commented.

"Thanks, that's what happens when you see what Rev Raptors are capable of doing." Denny replied.

"Now where were we?" Alex stated as the Lightning Saix began to stalk Denny's Zoid. Just then two more challengers had been entered into the battle.

"Looks like we'll have to clean out the peanut gallery first." Denny commented as his Rev Raptor charged one of the new Zoids.

"Have it your way, but you're mine." Alex replied as the Lightning Saix dashed into battle.


* * *

An hour later, and almost out of credits, Denny had to give up his game and head out of the arcade. He had racked up another 18 kills to his personal record, and Alex had almost done the same. Some of the gamers he had beaten too easily gave him dirty looks as he just gave up and left.

Well they're just enthusiastic video game junkies, who had no idea I was a real Zoid Warrior. he admitted to himself as he headed to the parts shop. The Hover Cargo was still there and Bit, Brad, and Jamie were loading things into the transport.

"There you are!" Leena shouted, because she was the one watching everyone else load things. "Where have you been?!"

"I told you, I was at the arcade. They had some system upgrades for the simmulaters so I...."

"I don't care, you should be helping us load these components." Leena shouted again.

"You're the only one not helping Leena." Bit commented.

"Of course I am. Supervising you young boys is so stressful I should be getting paid for it." Leena replied with some of her girlish flare.

"Are you naturaly stupid, or do you practice?" Denny asked with a sarcastic edge. "We all know these are parts for you Gun Sniper. Give us a break."

"Why you!" Leena threw a wrench that whacked him in the head. "Now who's the stupid one."

Denny rubbed his head. "My reflexes are a little slow from playing the Simmulaters for over an hour. Take a Flintstones and chill." He reluctantly got up and started helping load the new components into the Hover Cargo, as Leena danced around.


* * *

The next day, after a good nights sleep, Denny felt ready to take on anything. From Alex in the Simmulaters to Leena in the base, he was ready. As he and the others were eating lunch Doc came and called a confrence in the War Room. Everyone seated themselves and got ready to hear the briefing.

"Okay Team, Jamie's been working for the past 12 hours on a stratigy to take on the team we're going against." Doc started.

"Doc," Denny commented. "You've never even told us what team we're going up against."

"I didn't?! Sorry, I've just been so busy." Toros replied.

"Busy playing with your toys." Brad commented.

Doc jumped. "Eh, anyway the team we will be battleing will be the Quicksilver Team."

Jamie took over for Toros. "The Quicksilvers use extremly fast Zoids in both long-range and close-range combat. Even thought they have only three Zoids."

"Three Zoids?!" Leena almost shouted.

"But the S-Class rules say the minimum is four Zoids to a team." Bit added.

"I know, but the Quicksilvers are so fast that they can easily take on six Zoids at a time. So the Battle Commision has alowed them to have no less than three Zoids for certian periods of time. They continue recruiting and then losing a fourth member throughout every season. Here," Jamie manipulated the keyboard and the moniter came to life. Real video feed flowed through the moniter showing two Dragon-Zoids and one Raptor-Zoid defeating a mass of Rev Raptors and Gun Snipers. "This is the battle against the Raptors Team, an entire team made of Gun Snipers and Rev Raptors. This wasn't the one of the Raptor's finest moments." And it was true, Zoid ofter Zoid fell at the hands of three single Zoids.

"That had to hurt." Denny commented.

"This Zoid here," Jamie continued. "Is the Omega Raptor, it's top speed has been measured close to 700 km/hr. It has a variaty of close to mid-range combat abilities and has an energy sheild and blade installed in the tail. "The Blue Blade Dragon, here," Jamie froze the image on he moniter to show the Zoid. "Is mostly close-combat oriented and has two main blades on the wings that can slice like through a Zoid's armor." Finally the moniter froze on the picture of an oriental Dragon-Zoid. "This is Draco. It's not ground-based like the other two so it can attack from the air. This thing is very dangerous. It has three kinds of flamethrowing equipment as well as being able to attack very fast and hard."

"So what's the plan?" Brad asked.

"Very simple. Divide and Conquer. In the beginning of the match we send out three Zoids to counter their three. Liger-Zero, the Shadow Fox and Gun Sniper."

"What about me?!" Denny said.

"Talon's still in the plan, but as a back-up. The Liger-Zero Schneider will destract the Blade Dragon, the Shadow Fox can get the Omega Raptor's attention and Leena can atack Draco all she wants." Jamie replied.

"Hee hee hee, and with my new weapons I'll blow them all out of the battle!" Leena exclaimed.

"So in other words, count on me and Talon to take over after she gets herself blasted into bits." Denny commented.

"What?! Why you little...." Leena started.

"Calm down Leena," Toros told them. "You need to make sure all the components are added onto your Gun Sniper before the match tomarow."

"Fine." Leena said, giving up her argument against Denny until later.

"Bit and Denny, you two are helping her."

"What?! They're her own parts, she can install them." Denny protested.

"True, but not in one day. So get to work you three." Doc said as he adjurned the meeting.


* * *

The day of the battle everyone was waiting anxsiously for the Quicksilvers to show. Bit, Brad, and Leena waited in their Zoids, ready to be launched at the start of the match. Denny was watching the moniters beside Jamie, he wouldn't be needed unless one of the other three had been taken out, and, from Leena's viewpoint anyway, that wasn't going to happen.

The radar started beeping. "Three Zoids have just been spotted. Moving at high speeds towards us." Jamie reported as he watched the data flowing through his screen.

Denny watched the windows and could see a cloud of dust and three figures infront of it, one of them was flying.

"Get ready guys, this looks like a tough one." Denny comented.

"Don't worry about us. This will be over before you know it." Leena stated.

"I'll remember that when you get knocked out in the next minute." Denny replied.

"Nows, not the time to get into an argument you two." Brad said, stopping anymore discussion.

"Get ready to mobilize team." Toros said.

The Hover Cargo's top hatch openned and the catapult extended. First Liger-Zero Schneider was loaded.

"Go Schneider!"

"Shadow Fox, mobilize!"

"Gun Sniper, prepare to mobilize."

The three Zoids landed with small clouds of dust, they roared and snarled as the Quicksilver's Zoids reached them.

"So, they don't think we're much of a threat and only have three of their Zoids out." Celire Shvat commented as his Zoid slowed to a stop.

Hiro's Blue Blade Dragon slowed as well. "We'll show them wrong, right Alex?"

Draco continued to hover in the air. "Yeah, these jokers don't know who they're dealing with."


* * *

Denny bit his fingers as he waited for the Judge to land.

"Is that really good for your fingers?" Jamie commented.

"I only do it when I'm nervous or waiting." Denny replied as he watched the sky. "The judge has entered the building!"


* * *

With a flash the Judge crashed into the ground, dust blasted everywhere. The capsule rose and then openned.

"The area within a 35 mile radius is now a designated Zoid battlefeild. WARNING! All others must leave the area at once. Only authorized personel have clearence to be in this area. Battle Mode 0982. The Blitz Team vs the Quicksilver Team. Battle Mode approved. Area scanned. Battlefeild set up. Ready? Fight!"

As one Liger, Fox, and the Sniper lept into action, each heading for their opponents according to Jamie's plan. Liger charged the Blade Dragon, Brad went after the Raptor, and Leena had Draco all to herself.

Liger-Zero Schneider ran at the Blue Blade Dragon at full speed. "Let's go, Buster Slash!" The blades around Liger's head locked into attack position and extra thrusters on the Zoid's armor blasted on, propelling it faster.

Hiro armed his Dragon-Zoid's blades on the wings and extended them both. The Blue Blade Dragon looked like a distorted version of a Blade Liger face-on. The Dragon-Zoid met Liger's charge, blades primed and ready.

Liger-Zero's blades and the right-winged blade of the Blade Dragon met and ricocheted off of each other. The Lion-Zoid landed on its feet, as did the Dragon-Zoid.

"He blocked our attack?" Bit asked as Liger got into position for it's next attack run.

The Shadow Fox charged the Omega Raptor. "Strike Laser Claw!" As the Fox's legs began to glow the Zoid jumped into the air and started to come down, claws ready. The Raptor jumped backwards as the Shadow Fox slammed into the ground, it's claws lodged into the rock.

Celire extended the blades on the Raptor's sides and dashed towards the trapped Shadow Fox. The Fox may have been stuck, but it wasn't out. The Laser Vulcan Gun pivited up and shot at the oncomming Zoid. The Omega Raptor stopped its attack run and jumped over the shots, landing several meters back from where it had jumped.

Vents on the Fox-Zoid openned and the Shadow Fox was enshrouded with a cloud of thick black smoke. The smoke extended far past where the Fox was and engulfed the Omega Raptor.

"GO! Weasle Unit Total Assault!" Leena shouted. Every single weapon on her Gun Sniper fired at the Zoid in the air. Draco flew past the barrage, pulling in close to the ground as Leena's weapons blasted chunks of dirt and rock into the air.

"Stay still!" Leena ordered.

"Not on your life babe!" Alex replied.

Draco flew straight at Leena, even as she continued to fire every weapon on her Zoid at the Dragon-Zoid. The Dragon-Zoid blasted into the air, over the Gun Sniper and turned in mid-air and bathed the Raptor-Zoid in a dual flamethrower blast. After a second's worth of a blast Draco stopped and hovered down to the ground.

"Why you!" Leena threatened as she started to turn her Zoid around. Her Gun Sniper stopped in mid turn, its legs stuck to the ground. "What?!" Leena's Gun Sniper's legs were stuck in a small pool of glass! Draco's flamethrowers had not melted the Zoid but melted the ground and made the Gun Sniper stuck inside an instant glass pool. "My Legs are stuck!"

Two missle pods openned on each side of Draco's body and launched several missles at the Gun Sniper. Chuncks of armor and weapons were blasted off of the Raptor-Zoid as a Command System Frezee took control.


* * *

"No! Leena!" Toros shouted. "Bit, Brad! Leena's been taken out of the fight."

"What?!" Bit almost shouted as Liger grappled with the Blade Dragon.

"No way!" Brad chipped in as his Zoid and the Omega Raptor were still surrounded in smoke.

I've seen that move before.... Denny thought. "Doc! I'm heading out!" He ran out of the room towards the loading bay.


* * *

"Need some help Hiro?" Alex asked

The Blade Dragon slammed the Liger to the ground. "Na, I've got it covered. ACK!" Then Liger slammed the Dragon-Zoid to the ground.

"How about you Celire?"

The Omega Raptor and the Shadow Fox were still inside the smoke cloud. "This guy is nothing. Just relax, and the battle will be over before you know it."

"Man, this is boring. If this team would have just sent out more Zoids I--What?!"

"Becareful what you wish for," replied someone in an orange, white, and black Raptor-Zoid. The Zoid charged at Draco, and slammed into the Dragon-Zoid with incredible speed. "You just might get it!"

Draco slid on the ground before pulling up into the air. "Where did that thing come from?!"

"Your worst nightmare, would work!" the other Warrior replied as the Raptor-Zoid landed on its feet and skidded back as well. The Zoid snarled at Draco, and the two scythes on the Zoid's arms lifed up, exposing Laser Guns under them. The Raptor-Zoid fired at Draco.

Draco flew right at the Raptor-Zoid, full speed ahead as parts of the ground were blasted into the air. "Hang on Liz!" Alex said as he pulled the controls and Draco blasted into the air, ready to fly over the other Zoid.


* * *

Denny watched as the Dragon-Zoid, Draco, was almost over Talon's head. "Now." The Ion Thrusters on Talon's back blasted on and the Raptor-Zoid jumped into the air. Scythes raised, Talon slammed into Draco's mid-section, and both Zoids started falling to the ground, a combined mass of metal and claws.

The Zoids dislodged on impact and the Warriors tried to get their bearings back.

"Blasted! What happened? How did he ambush me like that?" Alex wondered as he rubbed his head.

"Common, DM. You should know better than to pull the same manuver twice in one battle." said the Raptor-Zoid's Warrior and a vid-window openned between them.

Alex would have stepped back in shock, if he wasn't already sitting down. "Denny?! I had no idea you were a Warrior!"

"Well the surprise is here too DM. But when I saw the manuver you pulled on our Gun Sniper I thought you were behind that piloting. You pulled the same trick at least five times in the Simulaters." Denny replied.

"Actually seven, you had your back turned."

"Well I was busy then." Denny stated.

"How abou we finish what we started in the Simulaters a few days ago?" Alex commented.

"If you mean me slicing your Zoid to pieces," Talon's scythes reflected the light. "Then you're on!"

"Your Zoid is gonna be the one in pieces." Alex replied as Draco curled in the air.

"Let's go!" Denny shouted as Talon roared.

"Bring it!" Alex replied as Draco swopped down.

The Omega Raptor charged out of the smoke cloud again. Every blade on the Zoid's body was extended and ready to slash. The Laser Cannons were armed and aiming through he cloud.

"I've run through the smoke and attacked in every direction imaginable, but still I can't find him." Celire stated as his Zoid watched every direction.

"Because I'm not in there." The Shadow Fox came running up from behind the Omega Raptor and pounced.

The Raptor-Zoid was pinned by the Shadow Fox. Celire moved the Laser Cannons to lock onto the Fox's leg but the Fox-Zoid fired its Laser Vulcan gun at the Omega Raptor's torso. The Omega Raptor was out with a Command System Frezee.

The Liger-Zero Schneider had both of its back blades extended and continued to attack the Blue Blade Dragon. Blades clanged together as both Zoids continued to fight. As Liger was pushed back, Bit was getting annoyed.

"Common Liger! We can do it!" Liger-Zero roared in reply, and one of the Zoid's blades pointed towards the Dragon-Zoid.

The Blade Dragon roared back and crouched.

Both Zoids charged.

"Buster Slash!" Bit shouted.

Liger-Zero lept over the oncoming attack from the Blue Blade Dragon, and it's blade caught and started slicing the Dragon-Zoid's right wing off. The Dragon Zoid dropped to one side as it's wing crashed behind it. Liger landed and it's blade was retracted out to the side, and the Zoid turned to face the wounded Dragon-Zoid.

Talon and Draco grappled for the fourth time, and like every time before, all they managed to do was push eachother away so they could attack again.

Denny steadied the controls. "Man, it's no good. Every time we attack we only get pushed back. There's gotta be a way to catch him off gaurd."

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

He looked down at Talon's HUD and watched the scimatics.

JUGULAR BITE

There was a close-up of Talon's head, the Zoid's teeth were highlighted. The perfect surprise attack. he tought. Now to only get in close and use it. Denny pulled on the controlls and Talon crouched.

Draco's long body curled and the mouth of the Dragon-Zoid openned at Talon.

"Go! Slasher!" Talon's Ion Thrusters blasted on and the Zoid dashed at Draco.

"Got ya!" The twin Flamethrowers in Draco's mouth burst on, and flames engulfed Talon as the Zoid ran.

Fire surrounded the Raptor-Zoid as it continued to run. Strangely, Denny didn't feel the heat from the flames, he wasn't really paying attention. His Fire Stone started to glow again. Talon's eyes began to glow brighter as the fire seemed to focus around the fore claws, hind claws and the crest of horns on the Zoid's head.

Alex stopped the flamethrowers to see if Talon was melted to the ground, but was socked to see the Zoid racing towards Draco, flames swirling around it's claws. "AAHH!"

One swipe and Talon upper-cutted the Dragon-Zoid, sending it flying backwards. Where Talon's claws had conected, the metal was slightly warped and melted. The Raptor-Zoid lept in for the kill.

"JUGULAR BITE!"

Talon's mouth clamped around Draco's neck, and began to squeeze. The Raptor-Zoid ripped it's head back, tearing chunks of armor away from the area of Draco's neck. The Dragon-Zoid fell, damage to it's upper body. Talon had a chunk of Draco's armor still in its mouth. The Zoid shook its head and spat the armor onto the ground.

The Battle was over.


* * *

Alex waited for the Gustav transports to arrive so that the Quicksilvers could get their Zoids back to base for repairs and an assesment of the battle. Liz was sunning on a rock as he rested in the shade of his Zoid.

He heard footsteps and saw Denny standing over him.

"Nice lizard. He yours?" Denny asked.

"It's a she. What's up?"

"What? Can't I come over and congragulate you after a battle?"

"I dunno..." Alex started.

"Hey, common. It was a good match right?" Denny stated. "Friends?"

"Friends."

The two of them gave eachother the Warrior salute.

---------------------------------------

Leena: A Zoid roams the battlefields, tearing opponents apart in seconds. The Warrior is already a legend, only having lost to one person. The combination of the two promises for an unbeatable team. What?! Are you sure?! It can't be!! Next time on Zoids: Legend of the Ultimate Xs, Return of the King: Enter the Fury Ready? FIGHT!!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Alexis DeMarko
Age: 17
Sex: Male
Discription: Tall with silver and red hair, Black cargo pants, red custom T-Shirt with his Zoid on it. Has glasses and has a tatoo of a Dragon on his hand.
History: Alex started battleing when he was young, getting together parts for his very own Zoid. An excelent technitian, Alex had Draco running in notime at all. He found his pet lizard, Liz, nested in the coils of his Zoid's thrusters.
Zoid: Draco
Team: Quicksilver


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Draco
Type: Oriental Dragon
Class: 3
Function: Heavy air support, Communications Nexus
Alingment: Guylos Empire
Designation: DLX-2500
Height: 3.46 m
Length: 15.7 m
Weight: 67 T
Max Speed: 345 km/hr (airborn)
Crew: 1
Armaments: Dual Flamethrowers, EMP shockwave emitter, 2 LRM Bolt Missle Packs (16 each), 2 SRM Streak Missle packs (8 each),Vibroblade Claws
Distinguishing Features: High Speed and still very manuverable. Able to attack quickly and evade before taking on enemy fire.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Dragon zoids :) me likes dragons (and not just becuase of your RPG!). one thing is bothering me a little, tho. the Blue Blade Dragon (whose name immediate reminded me of Blade Liger) has wings, but can't fly. yet Draco doesn't seem to have any wings and can fly. :confused:
the lizard was cute, even tho it didn't to anything :D

as for the next chapter: "Enter the Fury", huh? and only lost once? I know which Zoid it is! (someone on another message board is obsessed with the Fury, so I've heard the word constantly ^_^)

[DeMarko]

Woah major changes! I lost all my weapons NO GOD WHY? WHY ME?
:(
:(
:(

Other than that i liked this chapter the best and I know what the next chap is about! YOUR FAVORITE ZOID!

Ok as to changes, I expect nothing but the editing of one minor mistake, No one's the boss in Quicksilver,

*crosses fingers and hopes he gets to battle along in the next chapters, maybe a cameo to save the day or something?*

[Mew Master]

Originally posted by DeMarko
Woah major changes! I lost all my weapons NO GOD WHY? WHY ME?
:(
:(
:(

Other than that i liked this chapter the best and I know what the next chap is about! YOUR FAVORITE ZOID!

Ok as to changes, I expect nothing but the editing of one minor mistake, No one's the boss in Quicksilver,

*crosses fingers and hopes he gets to battle along in the next chapters, maybe a cameo to save the day or something?*

There's a simple reason you lost most of your weapons DM. Draco, well, I had to tone it down a touch, you'll get more stuff later.

Uh, the Zoid in the next chapter isn't my favorite...... TALON IS!!!!! But, neyeah, good bet those who have seen Zoids: New Cenntury Zero know what the star Zoid is in the next chapter. Problem though..... I'm starting to get writer's block!!! NO! EVIL!!!!

As for Draco saving the day..... uh, don't think so. Cameo sure, day saving, nada.

[Mew Master]

I'm sorry about not posting for the past three months, but I've been working hard on a new Story, completely original with no ideas taken from anyone! It's based on an RPG I created and is impressive thus far.

IT's called Chains of Dragons if you want to read and comment on it. Yes I know it's shameless plugging, but I'm kinda off of my Zoids Kick now. I'll try and see if I cna have this thing Archived for furute reference.

Later!

~Mew Master

[Mew Master]

ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE XS


Prologue

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enourmous battlefields using mechanical combat units known as Zoids.
The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.


* * *

But such was not always the case....

4000 years ago, the Helic Republic and Guylos Empire finally ended the war between them after Prozen's dream Zoid, the Deathsaurer, was destroyed by Van Flyheight's Blade Liger. 4 years after which peace was once again threatened by Hiltz and a completely new Zoid, the Death Stinger. After the Death Stinger was defeated, humankinds greatest battle on Zi was against the ancestor of all Zoids, Zoid EVE.

But as this was happening, halfway around on the other side of Zi, something else was happening. A part of Zoid EVE had taken over a Zoid and mutated it into an unstopable monster of a Zoid. No one could dare challenge it without losing the lives of themselves or their Zoids. Only one man dared face this threat, but at his side was a kind of Zoid that could merge with his already new Raptor-Type, an Organoid.

He was all that remained of a force leading to battle the Zoid. Even with his Organoid his Zoid was still heavily damaged. Sacraficing it's own freedom, the Organoid completely merged with his Zoid, saving it from destruction and causing it to evolve. The evolved Zoid managed to defeat the terrible mutated Zoid in one last attack.

The battle had drained the evolved Zoid of all of its energy and it was also severly damaged. The scientists of the day concluded that a hibernation through the mellenia would be enough to let the new Zoid restore itself back into its peek battling condition. Also, because the Organoid was now fully merged with the Zoid, the scientists began a program to create a new Organoid, using the evolved Zoids form and shape as a mold. This process wouldn't take as long, but the new Organoid wouldn't be ready untill the Zoid was.

So, a warrior said goodbye to a long-time friend as the Zoid and Organoid where sealed, in a jungle temple, untill both were ready to come forth once again.

But as this was taking place, This Zoid was using the span of time to rebuild and come back, even stronger than before, and prepare to wipe humanity from the face of Zi, forever.


* * *

Battle mode approved

Area Scanned.

Battlefeild, Set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!!

[Mew Master]

Chapter 1: Talon: New Raptor-Type, Awakened

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

The jungle is not a place to be taken lightly. Subtle dangers lay in wait for any that lower their gaurd for even a second. And such actions may cause someone to lose their life. Because of these reasons, the jungle is a perfect place to hide something.

The calmness and sereinity of one such jungle was shattered as shouts and screams sounded through. Several people wearing leather jackets rode hover boards after someone on foot.

One hand was on his head, keeping his green hat from flying off. He wore a light jacket that was black, white and red, underneith it was a blue t-shirt. Square-like glasses rested on his nose as his breathing got faster and harder.

"Why," He stumbled, but his forward momentum allowed him to start back up. "Why did you have to open your big mouth, Denny?!" he said to himself.

Denny Roth had been running for a while, chased into the jungle that rested outside of his hometown of Hessa City. The people chasing him where members of the Hessa Street Gang, members who used Zoids like Rev Raptors to get what they wanted from others. Today Denny had had enough of their snob-like attitude and mouthed off to a few. That had proven to be a mistake he now realized as he was being chased.

The Hessa Gang members zoomed over the obsticles that were begining to throw Denny almost off his feet, shouting and poking fun at his reputation at the school there. He jumped over some gaint tree roots that lay at angles over the ground. He hit the ground runing again as the Gang members just flew over them.

The wind leaving his lungs and a steep cliff face forced Denny to stop. He leaned his back against the wall, his breathing labored and sweat going down the side of his face.

End of the road,, he thought, still breathless and out of energy to even make a break for it.

The hover boards whooshed in and landed. Four gang members got off of their boards and surrounded Denny, just twenty feet away against the rock face.

"The boss is gonna be real happy when he hears we nabbed you, kid."

"Yeah, maybe he'll even give us a raise, or beef up our Zoids a bit."

"So what's it gonna be? Slow and painful, or fast and painless?"

Denny tried to back up some more but the cliff wouldn't let him. He wasn't much of a fighter, but even in his breathless state, he would sure give them a fight.

But something else happened.

The rock wall Denny had been backing up against, finally gaveway under the pressure he was putting on it. It collapsed inward and Denny fell back with it. Rolling backwards, head-over-heels, objects hitting his body that he could not see. Rocks bumpbed and bruised his body, spider webs were torn by his moving hands, and then the rolling stopped and he fell into the blackness.


* * *

His body hurt almost as bad as the throbing pain inside his head. He sat up and slumped forward, trying to remember what had happened last.

"Name: Denny Roth, Age: 16, Occupation: Student and part-time worker at the reasturaunt my mom works for. Yup, I remember everything. Now how did I end up here?"

Denny looked up at the celeing aove him. It was pitch black and he couldn't see anything, no matter how hard he tried. Deciding that stumbling around in the dark was better than just sitting on his butt, wondering what was in the darkness, he stood up and took a stagering step forward.

His foot hit the ground, and the brick that he stepped on gained an eire glow. The space around the rectangular floorpiece started to glow a bright orange. He stared at it in confussion and shock, and watched as it spread along the rectangular pattern on the floor. The entire floor lit up and a large rectangular box was dimmly lit by the orange glow.

He started to walk towards the giant box.

"There he is!"

"Grab him!"

Denny was slammed to the ground, dog-pilled by the four gang members.


* * *

"You're lucky kid, maybe if you apologize, we may just let you go with a few broken bones instead of all of them."

"What's wrong kid? Gag on too tight?" All four members laughed as they sat on the shining ground. One was gone, messing around with the box, which seemed to be more of a container, and old Zoid transport container. Denny sat on his rump, his hands and arms bound to his sides and a gag around his mouth.

This was not his idea of a joke. What he was more afraid was what these guys were capable of doing to him.

"Aha! You guys owe me now! I broke the code!" shouted the member at the container. He had spent the last fifteen minutes trying to hack through the containers protection programs and finding the codes to open it.

The four gang memebers stood infront of the container. Denny fell to his side so he could see what was going on.

There was a hiss of decompression and mist came blasting out of the corners of the container. The sides began to open apart, the top of the container staying attatched to the one side slowly falling towards Denny and the others.

Inside the now open container was a Zoid, laying down on it's stomach. The arms rested on the ground, the legs were folded up against the body. Small horns stuck out at the back of the head, that ended in an elongated snout. A long segmented tail was at the other end of the slender body.

"What kind of Zoid is it?"

"Dunno, maybe we can get a decent wad of cash if we sell it."

"Screw selling it, I'm gonna keep it, and then I'll become boss."

Those idiots, Denny thought as he sighed under the gag. That's some kind of Raptor-Type Zoid. The size of the claw on that foot shows that. It kinda looks like a Rev Raptor too, only slightly bigger and more beefed up. He watched the Zoid, wondering if it was still operational after who-knows-how-many years. The gang members were preocupied wondering what to do with their new catch to see a slight movement at the end of the tail.

Denny just sat there watching it, either scared or curious, he didn't know. The eyes on the Zoid turned on, a bright red light showing more features around the eye sockets. A loud growl filled the chamber, echoing off the walls.

The gang members stopped arguing and glanced around.

"What was that?"

"How should I know?"

Then the Zoid rose, standing to its full height. It moved its arms, careened its neck, and streached its legs. The claws clicked on the metal surface on which it stood, unfortunatly for the gang members only one saw the Zoid move as the other three argued.

"Look, I've never even been here. How should I know what made that noise. Hey Sam, help me out here. Sam?"

The three members looked at Sam, who seemed to be staring through them.

"Hey Sam! Zi to Sam!" said another one, waving a hand infront of Sam's face.

The Zoid's mouth openned and a loud high-pitched shreik wailed through the chamber. The three other guys jumped in shock before turning around and seeing the two burning red eyes.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!" The scream was drowned out by the roar of the Zoid. Now the gang members started running towards the only entarnce in, or out, of the chamber and ruins. They scampered up the slope, leaving Denny sitting there on his butt.

Denny watched as the Zoid stared at the small enterance before turning on a claw and walking back to where it had been laying. It planted one foot on the ground and stopped. He watched it, wondering what it would do. Denny had heard some rumors about Zoids going wild, but as that thought was floating through his mind the Zoid turned towards him.

It almost seemed to stalk Denny as he sat there. The metalic claws clicking on the floor. The Zoid stopped and stared down at him, the red eyes burning into his own. Then the neck dropped and the mouth openned wide.

The teeth tore through the ropes that had bound him for the greater half of an hour and Denny ripped off the gag in his mouth. He looked up at the Raptor-Zoid that now stood above him. As he did the head came down right beside him and the top half of the head openned up.

Inside was a still operational Zoid cockpit. Every button looked brand-new! Not a speck of dust rested on the inside. Even the pilot restraints looked in working order. The lights turned on inside and Denny noticed something on the seat.

It was a necklace. A silver chainlink necklace with some sort of stone inside a piece of formed metal. He picked it up and looked at it more closely. As the light was reflected he saw what looked like flames dancing inside the stone.

"Cool," He took off his hat and glasses and dropped them on the seat. Then he slipped the necklace around his head and over his nose so it rested around his neck. "It even fits." he commented as he put his glasses and hat back on.

Suddenly an idea came to him. With the gang currently disposed of, why not pilot this new Zoid out and take it back home? Maybe with a Zoid he could stop the Hessa Street Gang from terrorizing everyone with their Rev Raptors.

This new idea in mind he hopped in and checked the controls.

He had never actually piloted a Zoid before, but he thought he had a basic idea. The Zoid Battle Simulators that were so popular at Zoid Warrior Taverns were also in many arcades, including the ones in Hessa. Denny had made himself a reputation for being the best Zoid Gammer in Hessa. Now he hoped that the actual Zoids were just as easy to pilot.

Pulling the restraining straps into place around his arms, torso and legs, Denny grabbed ahold of the controls and pulled back. The Zoid's cockpit closed and the head raised.

On a small green screen, words flashed as Denny heard the gears and motors become accustomed to movement:

MOTOR CONTROLS...................100%
SERVO-MOTOR POWER.......................................100%
CORE ENGAGING.......................................... ........100%
COMPUTER SYSTEMS........................................... 100%

TALON: SYSTEMS OPPERATIONAL ....

"Talon? I guess that's what this Zoid's name is. Hmm, I wonder how I'm gonna get out of here..."

Talon's eyes glowed a bright red before the Zoid lunged forward.

"Whoa!" Denny shouted as he was slammed back into his seat.

In only three bounds Talon reached the wall with the openning. The Zoid crouched down and the head swivled from side to side.

"This thing has a mind of its own, I barely touched the controls." Denny commented. "Huh? What's Talon doing?" Talon let out a honking roar and raised one of its forearms.

The claws began to glow and Talon's arm thrust into the rock wall, tearing it apart, then the other arm continued to dig into the wall.

"It's digging out of here!" Denny exclaimed as he held onto the controls to brace him against the rumbling of the Zoid and rock around them


* * *

Outside the sun shone brilliantly against the foliage covering part of the temple walls. The jungle had over 4000 years to claim the temple and protect its secret, but the temple had been breached.

Intense heat began to emminate from the wall itself, causing plants to wither and die. A section of the wall began to glow red from the intense heat. Then the wall was blasted apart and Talon stood in the sunlight.

Denny covered his eyes with the bill of his hat. "Never knew daylight would look so good." he commented to himself. As his eyes grew more used to the light he noticed several Rev Raptors surrounging him. "Huh?!"

"We knew that Zoid would get out, who knew you'd be piloting it kid."

It was the Hessa Street Gang and their Zoids, Rev Raptors.

"Give us the Zoid and you might be spared."

"Are you crazy?" Denny told them. "Give me one good reason why I should give Talon to you creeps!"

"Because you're out numbered, out gunned, and just plain out of luck."

Denny gritted his teeth. He's right, how can I take on seven Rev Raptors with a Zoid that I barely know about, let alone can pilot. I'm in for it now.... I'm really in it deep.

---------------------------------------------

Denny: Man this is tough. Seven Rev Raptos against Talon, now that's what I call an unfair fight! After I manage to get back home, I find out my mom's been threatened!!! What?! If I give you Talon, you'll back off?! Geez, I'm in for it now, next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE XS, The New Zoid On The Block. Ready, FIGHT!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Sam
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Description: Tall Blonde with big hands. Wears Leather apparel that shows the Hessa Gang's emblem
History: Unknown, even to his closes friends
Zoid: Rev Raptor
Team: None, Gang member


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Rev Raptor
Type: Velociraptor
Class: 2
Function:Light High-speed Assault
Alingment: Guylos Empire
Designation: EZ-027
Height: 7.56m
Length: 11.4m
Weight: 23.5T
Max Speed: 210km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Hardened allow claws and talons, Dual Scythe Cutters
Distinguishing Features: Fast and highly maneuverable.

[Mew Master]

Chapter 2: New Zoid On The Block

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

The Rev Raptos slowly moved in on Talon. Denny gritted his teeth as the Gang members taunted him.

"Give it up kid."

"Run away and go back to mommy."

"We'll take your Zoid and give it to the boss as a nice present."

These jokers! I'll never give Talon away. It's strange, but I can almost hear him growling at them. Denny thought.

Talon hissed at the opposing Zoids, who roared back.

"Forget it, let's just blast the thing until it gets a Command System Freeze. Then we'll take it home."

The Rev Raptors raised their arms, aiming the guns that rested on them.

Not good! I'm toast if I get shelled right here. Denny thought. "Common, think. There's gotta be a way. Okay, I'll just rush them and out run them back to Hessa."

Talon crouched lower to the ground, his legs ready to spring.

Wait for it. Denny said in his mind.

"Fire!"

"Raaagh!!!" Denny pushed the controls to their limits and Talon dashed forward. A could of dust was picked up as the Raptor-Zoid ran. However, instead of just running by the Rev Raptors, Talon charged headlong towards one.

Sam watched, paralized with shock at how fast the new Zoid was going. It went right passed his shots and headed towards him, mouth open.

A clash of metal on metal and everything stood still.

The Rev Raptor was limp, Talon had it's mouth clamped around the other Zoid's neck as one of his foot claws was buried in the main torso. Chunks of armor clanged as they fell, and the straining of the Rev Raptor's stomach as a giant claw was slowly tearing through it. One clean swipe and the Rev Raptor's internal systems were visable.

Talon let go of the Rev Raptor's neck and the Zoid crashed on the ground, ceasing to move. The Raptor-Zoid looked down at the other before roaring into the sky.

"Blast it! That Zoid got Sam!"

"Shoot it now!"

The six remaining Rev Raptors openned fire. The bullets straiffed the ground towards Talon.

Denny saw the bullets causing the dirt to gyeser up and he pushed the controls forward. Talon dashed away as the shots hit Sam's Rev Raptor, more armor was blasted away.

"Why are you shooting ME?!"

"Damn it, that Zoid's too fast!"

"Scatter and find it, if we can box it in, there's no way it can escape!"

But it was already too late. Talon was already more than halfway back to Hessa City.


* * *

Denny rode his bike back from the Gustav Lot. His stepdad worked there and he knew many of the workers on the Zoids there. Talon was left there, hid inside one of the hangers.

"My mom's gonna flip when I tell her what happened."

He rode through the streets, past the buisness district and towards the residential. Hessa City was more ecology effeciant and trees dotted the city. It was a step up from the old abndoned part of the city. Way back when Hessa was just getting started and the older apartments were now empty. That was where the main gang of Hessa had their HQ.

"I can't even believe how fast Talon was. It completely side-stepped that Rev Raptor and sliced the main body apart. I don't even think a Lightning Sykes moves that fast."

His bike moved along a sidewalk and he waved to a few people that he knew. Denny pulled into a driveway and put his kickstand down before he headed inside. His home looked slightly older than the rest of the houses. Wooden panneling covered the outside of the two-story home. He openned the screen door and then the main door before stepping inside.

"I'm home mom!" he announced over the squeking of he closing door.

The door he entered in was the only real way into the house. One door lead to the laundry room, and the other was right by his computer. He entered through the kitchen and then walked into the dinning room. The only bathroom in the house was directly to his left before the enternce to the living room. There was a flight of stairs that headed to his room upstairs.

"Where have you been? I was worried sick!" Denny's mom replied form the living room. "I got a call saying that Sharron spotted you getting in a fight with three members of the Hessa Gang." Denny's mother was just less than 12 inches shorter than him, with black hair that was greying and brown eyes with a slight green tint. Her hair was in a ponytail as usual and she was wearing a shirt that had an unusual saying that would make many people do double takes. "And what's this call I got saying that you left a new type of Zoid in one of the hangers at the Gustav Lot?"

"I just mouthed off to them once, and they chased me into the jungle." he replied. His mom was one of two people who would listen to him reaccount a series of events especially like this, his stepfather was the second person. "Listen, I managed to out run them until I got to a cliff. When I leaned against it a part of it broke and I fell in. I looked around and ....... then I hid Talon at the Gustav Lot and headed home."

"Well, the important thing is that you are safe, for the time being. You know better than to head into the jungle alone!"

"I was hoping to lose them. Can't blame me for trying."

"The second thing is you can't leave Talon sitting at the Gustav Lot, they do charge a parking fee and we can't afford it."

"I was hoping they wouldn't charge us because of Pat working there. Besides Gary said that it would be just as safe in one of the older hangers."

"Okay, we'll talk about it later. I want to talk to Pat about this when he calls tonight, you in the mean-time will stay here until we have officially discussed this."

"Okay mom." Denny went upstairs. Kicking off his shoes, jacket, and glasses, he fell on his bed and was asleep in no time.


* * *

The next day Denny sat and waited for his mom to come home. He had been asleep when Pat had called and hadn't had been able to catch his mom this morning. She had gone to the cafe to work and he really didn't want to leave right now.

He had been watching television when a News broadcast came on.

"Live, from the abandoned part of Hessa City, the Hessa Raptors, the city's main street gang, have kidnapped a woman from the Rip City Inn and have brought her here. Police have tried to rescue her but Rev Raptors have hindered any head way. I belive that their leader is about to say something."

Laurence Killata was a well-known member of Hessa City, most of the fame comming from leading the Hessa Gang through most of their activities.

"I demand that the warrior who has the newest Zoid from the jungle yesturday. If he does not come forward, I don't wanna say what could happen to his mother."

"Mom!" Denny was gone from the house in a flash.


* * *

Denny leaned into the turn as he rounded a corner on his bike. His lungs burned as he peadled. In five minutes he reached the Gustav Lot. Gary was in his office when Denny rushed by. "?! Denny?!"

He ran towards an old worn-down hanger, number 88. Jumping off of his bike, letting it crash into the wall, Denny ran and entered the code to open the hanger. A snarl from the dark let Denny know that Talon was still inside.

"Sorry Talon, but we've got a problem. I really need your help!" Denny replied. Talon's head lowered so Denny could get inside the cockpit.

"Denny! What are you doing?!" Gary shouted.

"Mom's been kidnapped by Laurence!"

"Laurence? You're not....?!"

"I'm going after him and get my mother back!" Denny replied as the hatch closed on the cockpit.

Talon roared before dashing out of the hanger and ran along the street. It wasn't far before two Rev Raptors jumped in from opposite sides.

"Hey, there he is!"

"Tell the boss we've got him!"

The two Zoids openned fire on Talon as the Raptor-Zoid dashed towards them.

"I don't have time for this." Denny said as shots hit Talon. With a snarl Talon sped at the Rev Raptors, mouth gapping.

One of the Rev Raptors locked their scythes in the attack position and ran towards the oncomming Zoid. Talon chomped down on the scythe and broke it off in one tug. Not skipping a beat, Talon side-swipped the second Rev Raptor on its way past. After both Zoids fell, Talon spit out the broken scythe down to the ground.


* * *

Along the edge of the old industrial park, Gojulas sentries were placed to stop the public from going in and the Gang from comming out. The Gojulas were he symbol of the police force and could easily blast away a Rev Raptor, if they could target them.

Denny and Talon came up to the police blockade. They never stopped running towards the giant Zoids.

"Halt! This is a secure area, no civilians in or out." one of them said.

Talon didn't skip a beat. The Zoid sped up, hopped, and then curled up into a ball and rolled under the Gojulas gaurds. Talon, now behind the Gojulas', uncurled and still ran into the abandoned area of the park.

The Zoid slowed down as it neared a bare area. Building debrigh lay scattered around a baren circular area, as buildings lay at an angle away from the clear area. Talon was now more cautious in its stepps, the elongated head piviing back and forth, scanning the area for any possible sign of an ambush. Its sensors gave away something dead ahead of Denny.

A Zoid with red and black armor stepped out from behind the shell of a building. Denny recognized the shape and make of the Zoid: a Strike-Zilla.

"That you Laurence?!" Denny demanded.

The Strike-Zilla stopped and the cockpit openned. There was Laurence, standing as smug as he had earlier. "So, you're Denny. The kid with my new Raptor Zoid."

"Your's?! I don't think so. I'm going to save my mom, and kick your sorry *** from here to the moons!"

"Tut-tut." Laurence replied, waving his finger. "I wouldn't do anything so rash. I have your mother captive." The Strike-Zilla openned one of its claws and there was Denny's mother, tied up. "I also have you surrounded."

From out of nowhere Rev Raptors popped up. On top of buildings, ruble and on the ground. Their snarls rang through the sky, as Talon and Denny looked everyway a new Zoid sprang up.

"From the way I see it, you have two choices. One: Give me your Zoid and I'll let you and your mother go, unharmed. Two: You fight the entire Hessa Gang, and I can't ensure that nothing will happen to her."

Now what? I'm outnumbered, and he has mom. What do I do? "What do I do?"

"I'm waiting...." Denny's mom slipped off the claw but was snagged again. Now she was hanging by a thin rope.

"Denny! Go! Save yourself and then come back and kick their arses!!!!!" his mom shouted.

"Mom!" Talon reared up and let out a screeching roar into the sky. The Zoid roared again, silencing the Rev Raptors. It let out a roar that sounded like a hoarse cough, echoing off the metal scyscrapers.

"Attack it! If he won't give it up, tear it to pieces!" Laurence ordered.

The Rev Raptors that were on the ground charged first, their guns blasting. Talon jumped forward, dashing at them head-first.

"Out of my way!" Denny shouted. Talon dashed through the line, three Raptors fell, sparks shooting from the sides of their flanks. The Raptor-Zoid spun around and jumped onto the back of another Rev Raptor, pinning it. With one slash of his hind leg, Talon stopped the Zoid from struggling. More Rev Raptors began to close in and Talon snarled in reply. "You're going down."

A fury of metal claws and teeth ensued. Talon, bit, slashed, and clawed his way through the hoard. One swipe brought a Rev Raptor to the ground. A jump kick knocked two more over. Talon crouched to the ground, the Ion Thrusters blasted on and the Zoid tripped three more out from under their feet.

The Raptor-Zoid stood again and faced the remaining Zoids. Over 20 still remained and Denny was starting to feel the exhaustion affecting him. How long can I last?

Two shots rang out and exploasions blasted the Rev Raptor hoard apart. A rumbling announced the approch of the Gojulas sentries that Denny had ran by earlier.

"Stay where you are. You are all under arrest!"

Some Rev Raptors ran while others gave up. Laurence sat back down and piloted his Strike-Zilla away from the oncomming police. Denny saw Laurence back off and chased after him.


* * *

In the maze of deserted buildings in the Hessa industrial area, Talon dashed forwards, not detouring from his mission. Laurence's Strike-Zilla was still only a few blocks ahead.

"When I catch him, I'm tearing his Zoid's head off." Denny mumbled as Talon rounded another corner.

At the latest intersection two of the escaped Rev Raptors blocked his forward motion and fired on sight. Talon jumped to a hault and was rocked by the shelling.

"Blast it! Other than claws and teeth, Talon doesn't have any other weapons. Get out of my way!" Talon steadied itself and the blue rectangles on the Raptor-Zoid's forearms openned up. Two target sights appeared on Talon's main screen and locked on to the Rev Raptors infront of it. Without thinking or blinking, Denny depressed the trigger button and blasted the Rev Raptors out of his way.

Talon continued forward until he found the Strike-Zilla waiting for them.

"Glad you could make it. It looks like I can't stay here much longer. I'm taking your mother too, unless you are still willing to make the trade."

Denny gritted his teeth. Like I'd make a trade with a sleeze like you.

Talon lunged forward, moving too fast for Laurence to react. The Raptor-Zoid bit onto the Strike-Zilla's arm which held Denny's mother in it and ripped it off. The Strike-Zilla screeched in pain as Laurence cursed.

The Raptor-Zoid laid the arm down and with a gentle slice, freed Denny's mother from the ropes.

"You.... Take this!" The Strike-Zilla fired its three remaining guns right at Talon.

The Raptor-Zoid protected Denny's mom and took the brunt of the assault. When the shelling let up, three shots blasted into the Strike-Zilla's underbelly from Talon's Laser Machine Guns. Now Talon dashed towards the other Zoid and jumped onto it. The Raptor-Zoid's claws locked in, Talon slashed with it's hind claw and ripped the Strike-Zilla's belly open.

The other Zoid fell to the ground and Talon placed a foot on the Strike-Zilla's neck. Talon reared up and roared into the sky.


* * *

"Did I get anything today?" Denny asked as he came back from the Gustav Lot.

"Yes, your package from the Zoid Battle Commision has finally come in." his mom replied. "Seriously, why do you wanna go and battle?"

It had been three weeks since Laurence had kidnapped Denny's mom. Laurence and most of his gang were in jail, charges pending. Laurence had been wanted for other things but this was the one case to get him for a lot of things besides kidnapping. After hearing about Denny's one-man war against the Hessa Gang, the Zoid Battle Commision sent Denny the registration papers to become a Zoid Warrior. He had sent them back and waited for his registration mini-computer.

He tore apart the box and held the small computer in his hands. "Because, it's an adrenaline rush, it's fun, and .... and Talon enjoys it." Denny entered his designated Warrior number into the computer. "7890D2. There, now the info's in the computer, all I have to do is insert it into the slot on Talon's HUD before a battle."

"Denny, I want you to be careful. You could get really hurt out there on the battlefield." his mom said.

"Mom, you once told me that you would back everything I do, as long as I was happy and it was legal. This is legal, and I'll have fun doing it. I'll be fine, I promise." he replied.

"Good luck honey. Send me a message on how you're doing, alright?"

"Okay, I promise."

---------------------------------------------

Denny: Well, I'm on my own finally. With Talon with me, no one will stand in my way. We wonder the desert and come across a Zoid pilot caught in an ambush planned by members to something called the Order of Kiaser. Let's go Talon! Nothing's standing in my way, next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE X'S, Ambush: Enter the Order of Kiaser. Ready? Fight!!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Laurence Killata
Age: 26
Sex: Male
Discription: 5' 3", about 150 lbs. Green hair and black eyes. Wears red and black clothes to show off his gang's colors.
History: Laurence started as a member of the Hessa Gang. Working up in the ranks he managed to grab control of it after the original guy in charge was charged and arrested. Laurence is smart and ruthless and will not give in until he gets what he wants
Zoid: Strike-Zilla
Team: Hessa Street Gang, also known as the Raptors.


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Strike-Zilla
Type: Allosaurus
Class: 3
Function: Light Assult
Alingment: Unknown
Designation: RHI-8
Height: 10.8m
Length: 13.7m
Weight: 62.0T
Max Speed: 170 km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Two Twin 30mm Cannons, Robotic Gripper Claws
Distinguishing Features: Lightly armed, but highly adaptable to a variety of specific mission requirements

[Mew Master]

Chapter Three: Ambush: Enter the Order of Kiaser

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

A Raptor-Zoid walked along the desert sands, its heading unkown, even to the warrior inside the cockpit! Denny sat watching the never changing landscape.

After leaving Hessa City, a place surrounded by plants and greenary, it wasn't long before Denny wandered into the deserts of Zi. The wasteland covered most of Zi, not even giving a little comfort from the scorching heat. During such times, Denny was lucky enough to find an overpass on occasion to hide from the sun on the hottest part of the day.

He checked his supplies. Three bottles of water, enough food to last another week, a compass, and several hundred Credits for shopping if he needed to. Mostly the trip was dull and already he was bored, and he could tell Talon was bored with the endless walking with no projected destination.

The Raptor-Zoid let out a hiss. "I know Talon," Denny replied. "But we haven't seen a pit stop for hours and there hasn't been any signs of civilization for two days."

Two more hours of walking and Denny saw flashes in the distance. "What's that?" A screen flashed on Talon's main screen, showing a dozen Zoids surrounding a singular one. "We can't be near a battle now. The judge hasn't said anything. Where is the judge?"

Static hissed over the radio as Talon remained in that one spot, watching the battle. Something came over the waves.

"We have *...* surroun*.....* ve up now or else we'll *.....*"

Another voice replied. "Li*.....* nd I don't give up. We *....* surrender!"

"Whatever's going on, someone's in trouble." Denny said. "Let's go Talon!" The Raptor-Zoid roared in reply and dashed forward.


* * *

Liger-Zero roared as the Lion-Zoid fired its twin cannon at a Spino Snapper that got too close. Bit Cloud watched as he and his Zoid still remained surrounded by Zoids belonging to some organization that he had never heard about.

"I don't know who these jokers are, but they're not gonna be around long. Right Liger?" Liger-Zero snarled a reply.

A red Saber Tiger stood behind Liger-Zero, it's guns aimed towards the Zoid. The pilot inside prepared to depress the trigger and bring the Lion-Zoid down. There was a roar and the pilot took his finger off the trigger and turned to see a fast moving Zoid slam into his Zoid. The force of the blow knocked it onto its side.

Bit heard the Saber Tiger fall and Liger turned. There a white, black, and orange Zoid stood. About 7.8 meters tall, it was much longer than it was tall. The elongated snout, rimmed with teeth, and the crown of horns behind its head. Bit noticed the larger claws on the feet. Bit Cloud had never seen a Zoid like it before.

"What's that?" Bit asked himself.

A vid widow openned and Bit saw the pilot of the new Zoid. "Hey, this isn't an official battle or anything is it. Sorry, but I think I just tipped the odds in your favor anyway." This kid wore a green hat and glasses rested on hsi nose. Bit could see the edges of a neckalce the hung around his neck, but not the actual stone.

"Hey don't feel bad about it. I could have handled them myself, but it's nice to have backup anyway." Bit replied. "What's your name?"

"Denny Roth, and this is Talon."

Several Zoids charged in on Liger-Zero and Talon.

"Strike Laser Claw!" Liger leaped up and slashed off the leg of a Saber Tiger.

"Hi ya!" Talon pounced on a Sinker, causing it to crash into the ground.

As the two Zoids incapacitated every Zoid that came at them, a black colored Saber Tiger stood and watched the melee. A much smaller Zoid stood beside the Saber Tiger, its red eyes glowing. The man in the Saber Tiger studied the battle as the Liger-Zero and this new Zoid fought tooth and nail against every Zoid that went up against them. He especialy was interested in the Zoid that took out the other Saber Tiger earlier. Soon both the Liger and the other Zoid were the only Zoids left standing.

Denny looked at the fallen Zoids around Talon and Liger-Zero. "That was intense, what did they want?"

"They wanted Liger, and were willing to attack in order to get him." Bit replied. "I think we got them all."

"Even their leader?" Denny looked around. "If those were the flunkies, the leader wouldn't still be here. Would he?"

"Over there!" Bit said.

Talon turned and Denny saw a Saber Tiger standing near where the other Zoids had been standing. "That's him?"

"Yeah. You're backup's gone buddy. You're through." Bit told the warrior.

"Heh, those losers deserved what they got. The Order of Kaiser doesn't care for those who are easily defeated." The Saber Tiger lept and landed near Liger and Talon. "But you, Bit Cloud, are exactly what the Order is looking for. You and that Liger-Zero Zoid of yours is what we're looking for."

"Sorry, but I'm not joining anyone but my old team." Bit replied.

"Hey, isn't this a little one-sided?" Denny asked.

"I can handle the two of you. And I'll take you out first." The Saber Tiger roared and charged Talon. Talon hopped backwards, a sharp hiss escaping the Zoid's mouth. The Saber Tiger aimed for the Raptor-Zoid and got off a couple shots, Talon dashed to one side before turning and charging the other Zoid.

The Warrior avoided Talon's advance and jumped away. It flipped and faced Talon again.

"I've spent the last few moments studying your fighting style kid. There isn't a move you can make to take me by surprise."

The Saber Tiger charged again, Talon went and slid under the main attack. However, Talon became pinned and the Saber Tiger stood, a paw on Talon's torso. The guns on the Tiger's back aimed right at Talon's neck.

"It's over."

"Strike Laser Claw!"

Liger-Zero jumped, it's claws glowing a brilliant yellow. The Saber Tiger's guns aimed again and shot the Liger in mid air. Liger-Zero fell and struggled back to its feet. When the Saber Tiger's head turned back to Talon, the Raptor-Zoid slashed the head and forced the Tiger off. Talon hopped back and snarled at the other Zoid.

"All right, no more nice Warrior." Denny mumbled.

Talon dashed forward and charged the Saber Tiger. The other Zoid side-stepped Talon's attack and turned to fire. The Raptor-Zoid's Ion Thrusters blasted on and skidded it to the right, missing the shots from the Saber Tiger's guns. The Sabertooth-Zoid rushed Talon, and the Raptor-Zoid slipped onto its back, hind claws bared. The other Zoid aimed it's gun as it pounced.

The two Zoids stood in a deadlock. Talon lay on its back, its right claw locked onto the underbelly of the Saber Tiger, the Raptor-Zoid's left arm was raised and the Laser Machine Gun pointed right inside the mouth of the Sabertooth-Zoid. The Saber Tiger had one paw on Talon's body and the guns pointed at the Zoid as well. Both warriors and Zoids just stayed there, waiting for the other to make a move. Unfortunatly, whoever moved first wouldn't make it out either.

The Saber Tiger's warrior thought for a minute. "This battle is over, no one was victorious." he said silently to himslef. "We tie for now, there's no point in even continueing." The Sabertooth-Zoid released Talon from its grasp and backed off. "Consider it an honor, no one has ever survived a battle with me." The Saber Tiger turned and ran off, jumping over Liger-Zero as it went.

The Sabertooth-Zoid ran until it lost Liger-Zero and Talon over the hills.

"Zechs. Zechs Emerson! Report, what is the status of the capture of the Liger-Zero."

Zechs waited before he replied. "Mission was a failier. A new Zoid-type aided the Liger-Zero and they escaped."

"Zechs, this will not please the council. They counted on you to capture the Liger-Zero and bring it and the pilot back."

"I'll take my punishment without regrets." he reached to break communication.

"What?! Zechs explain your..*!" Zechs turned off the transmision.

No one has ever stopped me in a deadlock like that before. There was something about that Zoid warrior. Something I can't explain now, I'll just have to wait for my next chance.....


* * *

"So you just started being a Zoid Warrior?" Bit Cloud asked.

Liger-Zero and Talon walked side-by-side through the desert.

"Yeah, about two weeks. I left Hessa City after getting my registration computer."

"Where did you get moves like that? I've never seen anything move so fast."

"I have a very fast reaction time, moslty because I spend a lot of my time playing video games at our local arcade. I'm also addicted to those Zoid Battle Simmulators."

"There's a town up ahead. How about I buy ya some grub to thank you for helping me out."

"Sure!" Denny never was one to pass up a free meal.


* * *

As Bit stared in amazement, Denny finished off his third helping of the house special. The Café was in a fairly large town surrounded by a few trees on the outskirts.

"You sure do have an appitite." Bit commented.

"Comes from eating my step-dad's cooking. So good you won't stop till it's all gone."

"Sounds good." Bit looked at the clock hanging over the kitchen. "Oh, man! I've gotta go, here ya go. Nice to have met ya Denny."

"Later Bit, see ya on the battlefield someday." Denny called back. "Nice guy, wonder why anyone would want his Zoid?" He sipped some of his drink as his eyes glanced over the television hanging on the wall. A news announcement came on, the ZBC logo flashed before shrinking and residing to the lower right side of the screen. A woman was sitting holding several sheets of paper in her hands.

"In major Zoid Warrior news today. Tomarow marks the begining of the initiation into S-Class teams. The initiations take place in one day in certian areas near the recruiting team's base. The largest turn out is to join the Blitz Team, the newest S-Class Team after winning the Royal Cup last year. Although the Blitz Team currently has four members, three are the official warriors and the fourth is a stand-in. S-Class teams must have a minimum of four permament warriors in order to battle other S-Class teams. The Blitz Team currently has the following members. Brad Hunter and the Shadow Fox, Jamie Hermanos and a Raynos, Leena Toros in a Gun Sniper, and Bit Cloud with the Liger-Zero."

Denny stared, while the lady had been talking they showed clips of the Blitz Team's most intense battles. On one shot, there was the Liger-Zero, there was no argument.

"Bit Cloud..... Now that name rings a bell!"

"The initiation begins tomarow for all Zoid warriors to participate in a Battle Royal."

"That's it. I'll enter and join the Blitz Team." Denny stood and faced the windows. Look out Bit, here I come!

---------------------------------------------

Denny: The tournament's underway and Talon and I have a lot of opponents to defeat before we can be official members of the Blitz Team. Man that's a lot of Zoids! Next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE X'S, Battle of Initiation. Ready? Fight!!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Zechs Emerson
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Discription: Tall, white hair, green eyes, medium build.
History: Zechs is a decendant of Prozen, the deranged minister who managed to gain control of the Guylos Empire. Although similar to Prozen in looks his personality is different. Because of his ancestory Zechs was already raised in the Order of Kiaser, ready to someday take over. Even though this may make him seem spoiled, his personality says otherwise.
Zoid: Saber Tiger
Team: The Order of Kiaser


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Saber Tiger
Type: Tiger
Class: 4
Function: Assault/Command
Alingment: Guylos Empire
Designation: EZ-016
Height: 9.1 meters
Length: 15.6 meters
Weight: 78.0T
Max Speed: 240 km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Various 20 mm Cannons, Twin 30mm Cannons, hardened alloy Strike Claws and Saber Teeth, Triple Impact Cannon
Distinguishing Features: Favored Zoid of Raven. Power augmented by melding with Organoid "Shadow"

[Mew Master]

Chapter Four: Battle of Initiation

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

40 miles south-east of town dust rolled across the desert. Within minutes this certian area would be burning with more than just the sun beating down on it.

Zoids, dozens of them, walked straight to the area. Some were carried in by Gustavs, others walked straight there. Zoids of every shape and size stood and eyed each other. A small pack of Rev Raptors snarled at two Red Horns who roared back. A lone Command Wolf stood and waited, watching the others try and intimidate each other. There was a heavy armored Gordos getting into the roaring, snarling, argument. A giant Gojulas stomped into the area its roar slightly silencing the others for several seconds.

More Zoids gathered, their warriors having a battle between their prides. From rookies to the highest vetrens in Class A and S, many Zoid Warriors gathered to participate in the Initiation Tournament to join the Blitz Team.

Two more tense minutes went by before a point of light blinked in the sky. The Zoids watched as the Judge Capsule fell and crashed into the ground. Dust blasted in every direction imaginable, and as it cleared the Capsule rose from the ground.

The silver judge stood inside the capsule, his head scanned the surrounding area. "The area within a 15 mile radus is now a designated Zoid battlefield. Only authorized personel have access. Danger, all othes must leave the area. Battle Mode: 0765. Class S Initiation Battle for ability to join the Blitz Team. The top four warriors who survive today shall stand before the Blitz Team and one will be selected. The Zoid Battle Commision as well as the Blitz Team shall moniter the battle as soon as it starts. Please enter your Zoid and Warrior designation numbers."

All the warriors entered the small computer into their Zoid's Head's-Up-Display (HUD).

"Affermitive. All Zoids have been recognized. Area Scanned. Battlefield set up. Ready? Fight!"

And the battle started.


* * *

"WAAAAAHHH! I can't believe I slept in!" Denny said as Talon raced through the desert, a dust trail behind the Raptor-Zoid. It was true, Denny had slept in an extra ten minutes and was late for the Battle Royal. "I hope they haven't started!" An explosion on the horizon told him otherwise. "Blast it."

Talon slowed to a trot as the Zoid entered the battlefield. The Judge contacted Talon in an instant.

"Please enter your Zoid and Warrior designation number now." Denny slid in the computer into Talon's HUD. "Analyzing........Analyzing..........Confirmed. Denny Roth and Talon have been recognized as members of the Initiation Tournament for the Blitz Team."


* * *

The Blitz Team's Hover Cargo was parked at the outside of the battlefield, thier computer keeping tabs on the many different Zoids and Warriors.

"There sure is a big turnout just to join our team." Leena Toros commented as she watched the giant screen come alive with dots representing the Zoids.

"After our big win a year ago, the Blitz Team's become very popular with most of the rookies." Brad Hunter added. "Most of the Warriors out there are two-year rookies."

"Well, from the looks of it most of them won't make it through the next half hour. There's some pretty tough competition out there." Jamie Hermanos stated as he pulled up and updated all of the information that was fed straight to their computers.

"Does it really matter? As long as we get a good Warrior and Zoid the Blitz Team is in good shape." Bit Coud replied.

"We have to keep in mind that we have to choose one of the four top Zoids to join. We had better choose wisely Team." Steve "Doc" Toros said.

"Hey, there's a late entry into the Tournament." Jamie exclaimed. A new dot had bliped on. A small window of data pointed to it as it moved towards the melee. "I've never heard of this Zoid." Jamie commented.

"Pull up its information Jamie." Doc asked.

The small window of data enlarged and filled the entire screen. A strange looking Raptor-Zoid stood in a green representation in two pictures and then another showing it's coloring.

"What? That's Talon." Bit exclaimed.

"Huh? You know that Zoid Bit?" Leena asked.

"Talon and Denny jumped in to help me out of a jam before I got back, then I bought him lunch before getting back to base. He's pretty good in a fight." Bit said.

"Then should we hope for him to make the final four?" Brad asked. "Or hope he gets taken out quick, he's just a rookie Bit." Brad commented.

"We'll just have to wait and find out." Doc admited. "I'd like to see what that Zoid can do."


* * *

Talon trotted until Denny noticed two Rev Raptors heading towards him. "All right Talon, ready?" The Raptor-Zoid roared.

"Hey Gene, what's that new Zoid up there?" Jim asked the other warrior of the second Rev Raptor.

"No clue James. Let's go. Scythes in attack position. Let's cut that rookie in half."

The two Rev Raptors locked their scythes and charged Talon running side-by-side. The other Raptor-Zoid charged them as well.

"We've done this before, right Talon?"

From the appearence of Talon's charge, it looked like the Zoid would get sliced by the scythes of the Rev Raptors, but appearences are very deceiving. Talon lept and curled into a ball, and the Zoid rolled between the Rev Raptors and under the scythes. The Raptor-Zoid uncurled and spun on a claw, facing the Zoid's backs. In a leap Talon landed on the back of James' Rev Raptor, pinning it under Talon's weight.

Talon sliced the trapped Rev Raptor with its hind claw. The pinned Zoid continued to struggle to escape and Talon bit it at the back of the Rev Raptor's neck, and all movement ceased.

"James!"

Talon spat out a piece of metal before stareing at the remaining Rev Raptor.

"You. Take this!" Gene fired the Zoid's lasers at the Raptor-Zoid.

Talon jumped forward, hind claws first, past the laser fire. The Raptor-Zoid's claws locked onto the Rev Raptor's shoulders and threw the other Zoid off balance. The Rev Raptor was slammed into the ground. Talon hopped off and turned to face the fallen Zoids.

"Rev Raptors 34667 and 66937. Out of the Battle." the Judge announced.

Talon snarled at the defeated Zoids before dashing off towards another target.


* * *

The Blitz Team watched as dots started disappearing less frequently.

"So far the Gojulas has knocked out a Dark Horn and the two Saber Tigers. This Command Wolf took out a pair of Gun Snipers and Rev Raptors. And one of the Red Horns has destroyed more Rev Raptors and Heldigunner. But this one, Talon, has only taken out two Rev Raptors and is fighting a Dibison. Here we have....." Jamie was reading off the updates of the Zoids in the battle.

"Looks like this new guy isn't doing so hot." Brad commented.

"Denny's just getting warmed up. You weren't there so you didn't see his Zoid move." Bit replied. "It was unreal how fast his reaction time was."

"You were imagining things Bit." Leena replied.

Doc watched the battles from his own screen by his seat. Hmm. This Talon Zoid is fast, incredibly fast. But I've never seen any Zoid like it before. I wonder.....


* * *

"Megalomax!" The Dibison's cannons fired as one and a beam blasted from the Buffalo-Zoid towards the oncoming Talon.

"A single beam shouldn't be that hard to..... ACK!" Before Denny's eyes the single beam blasted apart into several seperate shots. Talon dashed off inbetween the shots as they blew into the ground. "Blast, I forgot about Dibisons. They can fire all weapons at once and create a beam that blasts apart seconds later." Talon spun on a claw and dashed towards the Buffalo-Zoid.

The Dibison fired all of its cannons seperatly this time, Talon ran through the shots heading towards the Dibison. Fifty meters from the Buffalo-Zoid, Talon jumped, hind legs out front. The Raptor-Zoid caught onto the horns of the Dibison, and the cockpit stared right at all of the cannon barrels.

"Uh-oh." Denny mumbled. Good thing you can't aim for the cockpit with guns, cause you'd be banned from Battles if you did. Talon was lurched down. "Huh?!"

The Dibison reared its head back incredibly fast and threw Talon straight into the air.

"Heh," Jake, the warrior of the Dibison said. "Easy pickings." He aimed his cannons at the sky.

Talon was acending more slowly until Denny could feel the sensation in his stomach that he and his Zoid were falling again. "If we fall from up here, I don't think we'll be able to make it through." Denny gunned the Ion Thrusters and they pointed towards the ground. He could see more of the battlefeild and looked for the black dot that was the Dibison he was after. Zoid parts and destroyed Zoids scattered the feild until he saw what he was looking for. The screen zoomed in on the Dibison and focused it in a small window, the guns had been aimed at the sky, towards Talon. The Buffalo-Zoid wasn't fireing though.

Denny wondered as Talon was now slowly decending towards the ground. He looked behind him and saw the sun to his Zoid's back. "He can't see me. I'm right in the middle of the sun's light." An evil thought slipped into his mind. "Why waste a perfect oppertunity?" The Laser Machine Guns on Talon's wrists activated.

Jake in his Dibison searched the sky for a target. "Blast! Why didn't I thow him behind me instead of straight into the sun?" His radar was still going searching the skies. Laser fire rained down on the ground and headed towards the Dibison. "What?!" Several shots blasted into the gun pack on the back of the Dibison. Jake was shaken in his seat.

The shelling ended and Jake checked his systems. "Gun barrels movement damaged 50%, six are out of commision!" He looked out and saw Talon land slowly and safely. "You, how dare you think you can take on me and my Dibison?! You rookie!" The Dibison bellowed.

Talon hissed back. "I don't care if I am a rookie, I can take anyone if I'm willing to try." Denny didn't notice but the Fire Stone around his neck gained a slight glow. Talon's HUD beeped and grabbed Denny's attention. A green moniter showed Talon from the front and the Zoid's fore arms were highlighted in yellow.

SLASHER ATTACK

"Slasher huh? Okay let's give it a shot!"

"Quit stalling! I may not have my guns but I'll run you through!" Jake shouted.

"Just try it!" Denny shouted back.

The Dibison ran towards Talon, the Buffalo-Zoid's head down and horns ready. Talon ran straight at the Dibison, arms primed and ready.

"Go Slasher!" Denny shouted as he pushed Talon's controls to their limits, dashing the Raptor-Zoid towards the Dibison.

The two Zoids charged. Talon's left arm was raised and then slashed down, straight on top of the Dibison's head. The claws on Talon's arm left three long grooves on the top of the Buffalo-Zoid's head, inbetween the horns. The Dibison's head was pushed down, almost loosing its balance then Talon's other arm came in an upercut-like slash. The claws caught on the Dibison's lower jaw before it hit the ground and slashed up, the force of the slash and Talon's forward momentum caused the Buffalo-Zoid to rear up on its hind legs.

Talon crouched down and the following seconds seemed to happen in slow motion. With a feeling that Denny couldn't explain, or barely have time to recognize, a rage almost controled his actions. The Fire Stone's glowed intensified and Talon's eyes glowed a bright red. The Raptor-Zoid's Ion Thrusters blasted on and the Zoid slammed, head-first, into the stomach of the Dibison that was still on it's hind legs. The force of Talon's acceleration and the Dibison being off balance caused the Buffalo-Zoid to be flipped onto its back as Talon blasted over. The Raptor-Zoid stopped and turned to face the fallen Zoid.

The glow from Denny's Fire Stone subsided and so did the glow from Talon's eyes. Denny stopped to catch his breath and watched the flipped Dibison for a second. "*huff* *huff* I beat him. *huff*" But something strange happened, just in that instant before Talon slammed into that Dibison's torso.

"Battle Over!" All Zoid Warriors report to the Hover Cargo immediatly." the Judge ordered.


* * *

The Hover Cargo sat by the Judge Capsule as the top four Zoids stood in a line. A Red Horn, Gojulas, a Stealth Viper, and a Command Wolf.

"Congratulations warriors, you are the top four who have made it this far. Out of you we will pick the best warrior and Zoid to join the Blitz team in order to participate in Class S..." Doc started his speech.

Bit, Leena, Brad, and Jamie stood behind Doc.

"Looks like your little protoque didn't make it to the finals." Brad commented.

"Yeah, but I didn't see his Zoid get a CSF out there." Bit replied.

"Neither did I, the last I saw of him he was battleing a Dibison." Jamie stated.

"Doesn't matter now does it?" Leena said. "We'll get a new member and won't have to worry about it."

"Now we choose, based on your skill on the battlefield, who shall become the latest member of the Blitz Team. And the data shows..."

"WAIT!!!!" The Blitz Team and the four Zoids turned and watched as Talon dashed towards them. The Raptor-Zoid stopped between the Blitz Team and the four Zoids, the elongated snout looking at Doc and the Judge. "You can't pick yet."

"Get out of here rookie. Only the top four are choosen to join." Carl, who was in the Gojulas, stated.

"I thought the rules said the last four standing are choosen." Denny argued.

"Correct." the Judge spoke. Everyone turned and faced the Judge. "The top four Zoids are picked based on the number of Zoids destoryed and the level of each Zoid destoryed. The Zoid Talon has tied with one of the other four Zoids. The Stealth Viper number 08752 has the same number of points as Talon does."

"What?!" John in his Stealth Viper shouted. "That's an outrage! That rookie couldn't have possibly tied with me!"

"Incorrect. Talon has defeated three Zoids. Two Rev Raptors and a Dibison. The Rev Raptors are Level 2 and the Dibison is Level 5 for a total of 9. You have destroyed a Red Horn, Level 4, and a Heldigunner, Level 3, as well as one Gun Sniper, Level 2, for a total of 9 as well. Therefore you have both tied and Talon must be accepted into the top pick."

"But that ain't fair!" John argued.

"The Judge's decesion is final! If you wish to complain, fill out a formal complaint."

John growled under his breath.

"Blitz Team, please select one of these Zoids to be your new member." the Judge instructed.

Talon stood by the Red Horn as the Blitz Team confirmed within a huddle. The huddle was broken and Toros stepped forward.

"Judge, as a unaimous deciesion, we pick," Doc's finger pointed and moved form Talon and along the line of Zoids and stopped at the Gojulas. Then Doc moved it back to, "Denny Roth and Talon."

There were arguments from the other Zoid finalists.

"Very well. Warrior Denny Roth, and the Zoid Talon shall be authorized members of the Blitz Team. Farewell and until the next battle." The Judge capsule closed and blasted back into the sky.

Denny watched the capsule go as the losers of the Tournament left to pick back up their pieces.

"Welcome aboard Denny." Toros said as Talon was directed and loaded onto the Hover Cargo.

The cockpit openned and Denny stood up and looked at a picture he had placed in his wallet. It was him, his mom and his stepdad. "Well, mom, this will make an interesting story for my message."

The Hover Cargo moved and headed towards the Blitz Team's base.

--------------------------------------------

Denny: Well I lucked-out once again and am a member of the Blitz Team. Bet Bit never expected me to show up so soon. Insteatd of fighting against each other we're fighting with each other. How ironic is that?! When we get in our first Class-S Battle I end up the object of some cute girl. Huh? She beats me?! What?! No! I'll change that! Next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE X'S, Denny's Rival: Tina Alexander. Ready? FIGHT!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: John Geral
Age: 23
Sex: Male
Discription: 5'6", medium build. Dark skinned. Really tempromental.
History: Worked as a mercinary for most of his Zoid battle carrear. Personal Rank is Class-A and will do anything to get into Class-S.
Zoid: Stealth Viper
Team: None, Mercinary


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Stealth Viper
Type: Snake
Class: 2
Function: Recon/First Strike/Special Teams
Alingment: Helic Republic
Designation: RZ-020
Height: 3.0m
Length: 20.8m
Weight: 23.6T
Max Speed: 180km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Two Surface-to-air Missiles, two 40mm Cannons, Twin Dual Pod Rockets, two Grenade Launchers
Distinguishing Features: Equipped with infrared and noise suppression gear, as well as ECM equipment; highly maneuverable

[Mew Master]

Chapter Five: Denny's Rival: Tina Alexander

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

"They went under the sand." Brad said.

"No wonder they wanted a battle here of all places." Bit replied.

"With them underground I can't hit them!" Leena shouted.

The Blitz Team, now a new member strong, stood around in their Zoids as their opposing team, the Hell Raisers, had dug under the sand pit in the center of the main battlefield. There were three Heldigunners and two Stealth Vipers on the Hell Raisers team, both types of Zoids adapt at digging and ambushing their enemies.

"With the Hell Raisers dug in like that there's almost no way we can hit them with shelling." Jamie said from the Hover Cargo, assesing the cituation.

A Heldigunner burst up from the sand and fired two shots from its 20mm cannon. The shots blasted the rocky portion of the battlefield, where the Blitz Team was staying.

"Meanwhile we just stay here like sitting ducks waiting for them to shot us!" Brad shouted.

"Hmm there's gotta be a way to lure them out." Denny said to himself as Talon's head turned and looked all over the battlefield.

Another attack, this time from a Stealth Viper, and the fire almost hit the Gun Sniper. "Hey! That almost hit me!" Leena yelled. "Weasle Unit Total Assault!"

Every gun and launcher on the Gun Sniper blasted to life as Leena straifed the sand pit with every bullet, laser, and missle on her Zoid. Sand shot up into the air with every exploasion. As the dust settled, there was no sign of any damaged Zoids.

"Save your fire!" Bit said. "There's no way we can hit them."

"But they almost hit my Gun Sniper!" Leena protested.

Denny followed the edge of the sand pit and an idea came into his mind. "Hey Jamie, can you tell where the Zoids are in that pit?"

"Why would you wanna know that?" Jamie asked.

"Just send me the screen."

"All right."

A new screen openned up showing the familiar green dots that showed the opposing Zoids. All of the dots followed along the edge of the pit, each Zoid spread out.

"Hey Jamie, you have any idea why they're in a position like this?" Denny asked.

"To put it simpily it's so they can box you in and not lay one finger on them." Jamie replied.

"Hmm." Denny thought. "Go Talon!" The Raptor-Zoid roared and dashed closer to the edge of the pit.

"What are you doing?!" Brad shouted.

Talon reached the edge and Denny puled back the controls, making the Zoid jump. The Raptor-Zoid landed in the sand and continued running. "If you want to lure something out, use some bait!" he told the others.

In front of Talon, the sand rose and a Heldigunner flew into the air, twisting it's body to fire its guns at the Raptor-Zoid. The Zoid's Ion Thrusters pivited and ignited, thrusting Talon to the left before the shots fired. Three shots blasted the sand where Talon used to be. As the Heldigunner landed the Raptor-Zoid pounced and pinned the Iguana-Zoid into the sand. Talon hopped up and down, breaking off the Heldigunner's gun and driving it deeper into the sand. When the sand covered the Raptor-Zoid's feet Talon stopped and roared.

Behind the Raptor-Zoid another Zoid slowly prepared for an attack. Talon turned and faced a brown and green painted Heldigunner flying in for an attack. One each side of the Iguana-Zoid's tail were two blades that could cut through most Zoid's armors.

"AAAAAHHHH!"

Whether it was Denny's reaction to avoid a very sharp falling object or Talon's concern for self-preservation, the Raptor-Zoid escaped, but not unscaved. Talon tried to leap towards the side, out of the way of the blades, but the fastest Zoid wasn't fast enough. The blades sliced along the Raptor-Zoid's left flank, ending before slicing the entire tail.

Talon fell to its right, a single slash mark ran from the Zoid's chest over its arm, torso, and leg. Sparks flew from the gash.

"Talon? You okay?" Denny asked as he tried the controls for Talon to stand upright. The Raptor-Zoid struggled to its feet, Talon's left appendages were taken out and baisically useless. "I can't dodge anything now."

The Heldigunner turned around and charged in for another attack run. As Denny watched the Iguana-Zoid close in he prepared for the Command System Freeze that would take over Talon after another attack.

Bullets and laser fire slammed into the Heldigunner and blasted it away from Talon. Denny looked to his right and saw Leena's Gun Sniper standing, and the Zoid's barrels smoking.

"Thank me later, Rookie." she said to agrovate him.

"Aw, man." Denny mumbled.


* * *

The rest of the battle went well for the Blitz Team. Denny and Talon may have been taken out but his somewhat rash thinking forced the other team's Zoids into attacking and leaving themselves vulnurable. Talon was damaged and wouldn't be repaired for two days, and half of Denny's prize money was used for the repairs. Everyone else on the team became money hoarders and kept it with them at all times. It wasn't the first time Denny had to have his butt saved by one of the other members.

The battle against the Hell Raisers was his third in the S-Class, and his Warrior rank was still at E. In the first battle, Bit and Liger-Zero saved his Zoid from being shot down by a Deadborder Dinosaur-Type at the risk of getting Liger-Zero damaged. Brad was next on the list to save his butt when Talon had rushed into an ambush by a trio of Gordos Zoids. And then today with Leena saving him from that blade-yeilding Heldigunner. It was getting embarasing. If he had to continue being rescued like that there would be no way he could live it down. Or worse: be kicked off the Blitz Team.

"I can't believe you Rookie, you still need us to save you. If this keeps up we may have to kick you off and find a new member." Leena joked.

"Watch it Leena." Denny warned.

"Hey back off Leena. Denny may still be a rookie but he's getting better." Bit said.

"But how long will it take before he can save himself?" Brad asked in his non-careing sort of way.

"All right Team, listen up." Toros said as he walked into the living room. "We have to head to town today and get some supplies, most of which are for the repairs to Talon. They've also added a new weapons shop in town and we should see what kind of merchandise they hive. It's run by the Silph Company so they should have some interesting stuff we've never seen."


* * *

In town, Bit, Leena, Brad, Jamie and Denny walked along a sidewalk. Toros had stayed at the Zoids Shop the team normally used and was busy talking to the manager, something about one of his team members "flashing" his daughter. The team found the Silph Co. Zoids Weapons Shop easy enough, there was a crowd all around the place.

"This place sure is busy." Bit commented.

"I hear most of their Zoid weapons are brand-new and really top-of-the-line equipment." Jamie commented.

"I've heard that one weapon can be fitted onto any number of Zoids." Brad added.

"Is it all true?" Leena asked, curious about what kind of assault weapons this place had.

It was twenty more minutes before the Blitz Team even entered the door. The building was huge on the inside, different maps lead people to the parts that they were interested in. Bit and Leena unknowingly headed towards the heavy artillary section. Brad left for the stealth equipment, and Jamie looked for the more powerful sensors for transports. Denny just wandered on the main room looking at some of the newer equipment.

He stopped by a catalog and browsed through it. Flipping pages he came to a section devoted to close-combat weapons.

"Talon's only long-range weapon would be his Laser Maching Guns, the rest of him is devoted to close-combat. Maybe there's something here that can help him out." He looked at the pages as closely as he could. Moslty there was equipment just to add and increase a Zoid's over all power and force, but that's not what he was looking for. He turned another page and saw something.

Scythes. Scythes that would attach onto the arms and increase the power on close-combat by 20% on any bipedal Zoid. There was even a choice of Laser Energy or Electro-Magnetic Charge Generators to go along and increase the scythes attack potential.

"Now these could work. Just place them over the lasers and they could work. Hmmm, what's the price on these things?" He kept a finger on the page and looked in the back for prices. "What?! 1000 Credits for the Scythes a piece?! And the Generators cost another 500?! That's out of my price range already." Denny closed the book. "I have 1700 Credits and I don't want to buy just one Scythe, and who knows what the shipping and handleing will be." He sighed and headed out. "I better find something to do for the next few hours."

As he walked out he noticed a lot of guys wearing outfits they came up with. Bit and Leena had something like them too. "Hmm, if Bit and Leena dress up for Zoid Battles then why shouldn't I. I need a change in wardrobe anyway." He looked at hsi clothes, he still wore blue-jeans, a t-shirt, his jacket and sneakers, and his hat. The bill of his hat was shredded and torn in a lot of places moslty because his mom had washed it once and that was how it ended up. "Maybe a change will do me some good."


* * *

Denny looked in the mirror inside a dressing room. He was wearing an entire new outfit. A new hat was on his head, with the letters "ZBC" on the front and on the back by the adjustment strap. Denny wore the hat backwards, some of his hair sticking out of the back, just above the strap. He was wearing a vest that ended by his knees. The shirt under his vest was tucked in and had no sleeves. On his left arm was a gauntlent with a fingerless glove at the end. The gauntlent would slide on, pulling the glove over the hand and then the gauntlet could be buckled to conform to the wearer's arm. His other hand had another fingerless glove on. On the back of each glove there was a rectangular piece of metal. Instead of blue-jeans he was wearing black slacks that were two inches too long for his legs and bundeled up over his new shoes. His shoes were now boots that added two inches to his height, and what seemed like two pounds to his feet.

"All right. Now this is a Warrior's outfit. Wonder what Leena and the others will say? Ah who cares, I like it and that's all that matters."

He undressed and got into his regular clothes and paid for his new ones. He walked along the sidewalk, looking for something else to do. Across the street was an arcade.

"An arcade? And I still have over1000 credits left. Okay, I'll go blow some money on some games. Hee hee hee." He headed over to the arcade with an evil smile and chuckle.


* * *

"I wonder where Denny ran off to." Leena said.

"We've been all over the store and haven't seen any sign of him." Bit added.

"Maybe he got bored and left. Besides he was next to broke and couldn't buy anything if he wanted to." Brad commented.

"You would think that he would find one of us and tell us where he was going." Jamie added.

Bit, Leena, Brad, and Jamie sat at a booth in their usual café. After browsing through the Silph Co.'s latest Zoid equipment they decided to head to the café for lunch. However, none of them could find Denny anywhere in or around the store. They finally decided to go and see if he had left. Neither hide nor hair was found.

"Great Leena, you pushed him over the edge and now he's left." Brad commented.

"What?!"

"It's true, you were giving him a hard time about being a rookie in the first place." Bit admitted.

"Now we may never see him again because of you." Jamie added.

"Now wait just a minute, how could I have made him leave the Team?" Leena protested.

Further argument was interupted as a kid ran into the café and jabbered to another bunch of kids.

"There's a Warrior at the arcade. He's beating every one on the Zoid Battle Simulators!" he said.

"Who is it?" another asked.

"I think it was some rookie who got picked for the Blitz Team."

"So? That guys stinks. All of his teammates save his skin."

"He's beating everyone who goes against him! Common!" The kids ran out.

Bit, Leena, Brad, and Jamie looked at eachother before running out after the kids.


* * *

A green wire-frame representation of a Command Wolf blasted two other Wolf-Zoids into the ground. So far this Command Wolf was at the peak of a 13 victory winning-streak. The Zoid stood and eyed it's fallen adversaries.

"Ha! That's 13 kills. Good thing I haven't lost my touch at this." He pushed his Command Wolf forward and fired at some computer-controlled Zoids. Denny blasted everyone away with two shots each. "Man I wish I had some real-life competition. These computer Zoids are too easy to figure out."

Outside more people gathered around the Simulator, watching the screens. The Blitz Team walked in and joined the crowd.

"That can't be Denny." Leena said. "He's not that good."

"Didn't he say that he used to be good at the Zoid Battle Simulators?" Brad asked.

"Hmm. So a Warrior is scareing off all the players." a girl said as she walked by the Blitz Team.

There was mubmling from the crowd as a girl with blue hair entered and strapped herself into a cockpit.

"Now what's she doing?" asked a cold voice.

"Having fun. You should take a lesson or two from her Lance." said another voice.

"Do you know who that girl was?" Bit asked the other person.

"Yeah, she's on our team."

"What?!" Bit, Brad, Leena, and Jamie said at the same time.

Inside the game a Judge appeared. "New Challenger. Players, enter your number of credits." Denny did, as well as his mysterious opponent.

"So who am I up against?" asked a female voice. "A cocky Warrior who enjoys picking on gamming enthusiests?"

"I'm a Warrior, but I'm also one of those gamming enthusiests." Denny replied. "Who are you?"

"I'll tell you. If you win." she replied.

"Fine."

"Battle Mode: 0698. Shooting Challenge. Ready? Fight!" the Judge announced.

The familiar green wire-frame virtual world was digitized and Denny saw the opposing Zoid standing in front of him. She's either cocky or confident, maybe both, but I'll show her.

Denny depressed the trigger and fired four rounds at the opposing Command Wolf. The other Zoid crouched and lept to avoid the fire, disappearing into the line of pine trees.

"Fine, that's the way you wanna play...." Denny mumbled to himself and pushed the controls forward.

His Command Wolf was running beside the tree line. On the other side he could see the motion of the other Zoid mimicing his movements. The guns rotated and fired to his left, at the other Command Wolf, he aimed and fired.

Blasts surrounded both Zoids as they shelled one another. Denny pulled the controls back and slowed down his Zoid considerably, letting the other Zoid ahead, then he dashed through the tree line and right behind the Command Wolf. Got ya. He fired at the ground around the opposing Zoid's feet, trying to take them out from under it. The shot missed and the other Warrior used the oppertunity to turn and run straight at him.

In a high-speed version of "chicken" both Command Wolves charged each other, both Warriors turned to opposite sides and passed. Denny wrenched the controls and turned his Zoid around. His guns fired as soon as he was at a full 180 degree turn. The exploasions showed up as bright yellow and orange domes, but the other Command Wolf was gone.

"Where'd she..?!" His sentence was cut off as he noticed a movement to his right. The other Zoid was right there, the guns pointed straight at his Command Wolf's neck. Blast it! She ambushed me! The guns fired and Denny's Zoid was knocked out, and he lost.

Denny sat as he absorbed what had happened. His breathing was slowing down and his mind was comming back to reality. He sighed. "That was intense." The door openned and he stepped out.

Instantly he noticed Bit, Brad, Leena, and Jamie standing at the front of the crowd looking at him. The other door openned and he turned to see who it was.

The girl was cute. She had long blue hair, and three thick bangs that hung in her face. She wore a blue vest and a white tank-top underneith the vest, blue jeans, and some red and white shoes. A set of earings hung off her ears.

"Been nice battleing you. Bye." she said as she strode by, not so much as even looking him in the eyes. "Let's go." She walked out with two members from the crowd.

Denny watched her go before walking up to his team mates. "She stuck-up or what?"

"You don't know who you just lost to do you?" Leena asked.

"Does it matter?" Denny replied.

"That's Tina Alexander, someone who's richer than Harry Champ, and better in battles too." Brad said.

"She didn't look that tough." Bit commented.

"She's the leader of the Bebop Team, who's currently two ranks above us, if that makes sense to you." Brad added.

"Hey Denny, what's in the bag?" Jamie asked.

"Huh?" Denny replied before noticing that he had the shopping bag wrapped around his left wrist. "Uh, you'll see later."

"There you are Team, I've been looking all over for you." Doc said as he walked into the arcade. "Bit. You've got some explaining to do." he said in a menacing voice.


* * *

"So you met Tina Alexander huh?" Doc commented.

"Met isn't the word, more like got thrashed by." Leena corrected.

"Why can't you learn to shut up like normal people?" Denny replied.

"You have to admit it Denny, she almost matched you move-for-move." Jamie stated.

"That's not the point."

The Blitz Team was heading back to the Toros Base in the Hover Cargo. Toros had managed to get the extra parts for Talon, as well as others the team really didn't need. He had heard about Denny's winning streak being cut short by Tina's entry into the fray.

"Well it's sad to say you were battleing better in the Simulaters than in real-life." Brad commented.

"But still," Denny tried to make his case.

"Don't worry, the Zoid Battle Simulaters that are in many arcades are great training for Warriors." Toros stated.

"Really?!" Denny asked, hoping Doc was going to say what he thought Toros was going to say.

"Yes, but Command Wolf pilots are really the only ones who benifit from the Simulaters."

Denny fell over in stupidity.


* * *

The next day Denny was in the hanger on a scafolding raised to the height of the damage to Talon's left flank. Most of the torn armor was healed now, but Talon wasn't at full fighting ability yet. So Denny was spending most of the day in the hanger with the components Doc had bought Denny was deep in thought about yesturday and what Doc had said.

But if it is true that the Simulaters are great training, then why do I keep getting defeated so early into a battle? I should be winning. He has working on a section of the gash on Talon when he dropped his wrench. After he had picked it back up he looked at where he was working. Part of the gash had healed, but he didn't notice. Maybe it's the fact that gammers are easier to beat than real Warriors, or the fact that all the Simulators are is jsut that, simulations not even remotly close to the real thing.

"Maybe I'm just losing it." he commented out loud.

"Hey Denny!" Bit shouted from the door into the hanger.

"What?!"

"Jamie's finished cooking. You better come and eat before it's all gone!" Bit shouted before disappearing behind the door.

Denny jumped off the scafolding and ran to the door faster than normal. "Don't you dare!" As the door closed, more parts of Talon's armor began to heal.


* * *

Denny was munching food left and right, gulping mouthfuls of Jamie's stir-fry into his mouth and only chewing twice before swallowing it down. One thing was for sure, his appitite was right up there with Bit's and Leena's, it was a three-way eating contest.

Toros, Jamie, and Brad took more time as they ate, going slowly and savoring each bite.

Over all of the noise of Bit, Leena, and Denny's munching, a vid message rang in. Jamie got up to answer it.

"What is it?" Bit asked.

"If it's bill collectors, tell them I'm not here." Denny commented as he finally began to slow down as he ate.

"It's from the Zoid Battle Commision with information on our next battle." Jamie replied.

"Who are we up against?" Leena asked.

"Hmm, according to this, it's the Bebop Team." Jamie stated.

Denny was drinking some water, but spat it straight out and into Brad's face. "Bebop?!"

"Hey!" Brad exclaimed.

Denny got up and looked at the information with Jamie. "Yup, it's the Bebops alright. There's Tina."

"Are you gonna need our help again?" Leena mocked.

"Don't look at me, I won't help." Brad commented as he dried himself off with a towel.

"Says here that the Bebops have ben known to play music during the battle with any opponent." Jamie read aloud. "A Dark Pegasus, Gun Sniper, Command Wolf, and an outfitted Dark Horn are on the team....."

Denny walked out as Jamie continued to read the team's data. He walked back into the hanger. I've got to find a way to stop from being blasted out of a battle minutes after it starts, if I don't, I don't know if I'll be able to live with myself. I'm on the most popular team in Class-S, and I can't have the others saving my butt all the time. Now I have to start acting like I know what I'm doing. "I need to start winning and getting some prize money or I'll never get those Scythes for Talon."

Talon let out a small roar as Denny walked up to it. "Okay, we'll go for a run, but I wanna try something while we do." He didn't notice that Talon no longer had the gash that had been on its left flank for a day.


* * *

The Hover Cargo drove along the desert towards the Blitz Team's battlefield for today.

"We're almost at the corrodinants. The other team should be arriving in a Whale King shortly. Where's Denny?" Doc said.

"He said he had something to do really quick before the battle." Leena commented, with her not interested attitude.

"Wonder what it could be, the battle's going to start in about five minutes." Bit stated.

The door openned with an electronic swoosh and everyone turned to see Denny in his new battle outfit. Everyone was silent as he adjusted his gauntlet and fingeless glove.

"What?"

There came a series of stiffled laughs from Leena and Jamie, Brad and Bit were chuckling, and Doc was laughing.

"What?!"

"That is the most rediculous outfit I've ever seen!" Leena shouted. "Where did you get it? Fashion-Disasters 'R' Us?"

"Common, Hahaha, Leena it's not that, Hahahaha, funny. Hahahaha!"

Denny's eyes narrowed, he was finally fed up with Leena. "Look it's no more ridculous than that lame excuse for a hair excessory you have on all the time! You look more like your own species, an alien! My Zoid has a better hood-ornament!"

"What?! I dare you to say that again!" Leena replied, fury in her voice.

"Calm down you two, we're at the battlefield. Get into your Zoids and you can argue all you want after the battle." Jamie said.

Denny and Leena shot cold looks at each other before turning away with a grunt.

The Hover Cargo openned it's armor and extended the catapult out. Liger-Zero, Shadow Fox, and Talon were launched from the catapult while Leena mobilized and launched from the smaller pod in the very front of the Hover Cargo.

The four Zoids stood and snarled as they waited for the Whale King in the sky to touch down. The massive Zoid transport landed and the mouth openned. Four other Zoids walked down the platform. An all black Dark Pegasus stridded down, followed by a Gun Sniper, Command Wolf, and a Dark Horn.

While they waited Denny openned a comm link between him and the Dark Pegasus. The face of Tina Alexander "greeted" him.

"You?!"

"Yeah, it's me, Tina Alexander." Denny replied, a determined look on his face.

"You think you can pilot that Zoid better than the Command Wolf in the Simmulater the other day." Tina mocked him.

"Better than you think." he replied. "You'd be surprised what deterimnation can make you do."

"You're going to need luck to be able to beat me like I did to you." Tina stated. "You're going to need more than luck, you need a miracle."

"We won't know until the battle's over." Denny said.

A point of light grew and flew into the ground. Dust and rocks blasted in every direction imaginable. The Judge Capsule rose from its crater and then openned.

""The area within an 10 mile radius is a designated Zoid Battlefield. This zone is now restricted. Only competitors and personnel have authorized entry. Danger! All others must leave the area at once. Area scanned. Battlefield set up. The Blitz Team versus the Bebop Team. Battle Mode 0982. Ready...FIGHT!"

The Blitz Team charged the other team as the Bebops charged them. Music played on their frequencies but no one paid any attention. Talon dashed forward, ahead of the other Zoids and charged the Dark Pegasus. The Pegasus-Zoid charged as well, and lowered its head, pointing the horn at the Raptor-Zoid. The Raptor-Zoid slowed and crouched, and waited for the Dark Pegasus.

"I'll run you through!" Tina exclaimed.

Just as the Dark Pegasus was ready to do just that, Talon jumped straight into the air, over the Dark Pegasus as it ran past.

"What?! He dodged me?!"

Talon was still in mid-air. The Zoid twisted in the air as it's Ion Thrusters blasted on and propelled it right onto the back of the Pegasus-Zoid. The Raptor-Zoid clamped on with its claws and held on.

"Get off!"

"Forget it!"

The other Blitz Team Zoids were into heated battles as well. The Shadow Fox was trying to gun down the Gun Sniper, but it kept jumping over Brad's shots. Liger-Zero was chasing the Command Wolf, who would spin around and fire every chance the Warrior got. Leena and her Gun Sniper continued to assault the Dark Horn as the Zoid's Warrior continued to boast about his Zoid's increased sheilding.

The Dark Pegasus bucked, trying to throw Talon off, but the Raptor-Zoid was relentless and refused to let go.

"Fine, if you won't get off, I'll force you off!" Tina shouted. The wings on both sides of the Dark Pegasus spread as the Zoid galloped and gained speed. At a fast enough speed the Zoid just took off and left the ground. Talon was hanging on while Denny tried to hang on despite the force pushing him into his seat. The Pegasus-Zoid flipped in the air and headed back to the ground, its back, and Talon, facing Zi.

The Zoid continued to lower in altitude, trying to force Talon to jump off. When the Zoid was a dozen meters from the ground, Talon let go and landed on its feet, clawing into the ground to stop. The Dark Pegasus pulled up, rolled back upright, and banked, heading back towards the ground-based Zoid.

Guns under the wings of the Dark Pegasus rotated and aimed for Talon. Shots riddled the ground as they headed towards Talon. The Raptor-Zoid snarled and jumped out of the way as the Dark Pegasus pulled up and began getting ready for another straifing run.

"Not good." Denny said as the flying Zoid was banking. "I've got to ground that thing." The rectangles on Talon's arms slid up and the Laser Machine Guns activated.

The Dark Pegasus fired its guns again at Talon. The Raptor-Zoid crouched and waited as the Pegasus-Zoid flew nearer. As the bullets got closer to hitting Talon jumped into the air, almost matching the same altitude as the Dark Pegasus. Two targeting circles locked onto the flying Zoid and Denny depressed the trigger.

Continuous short blasts of lasers slammed into the Pegasus Zoid, hitting the wings and making it lose altitude. The Zoid landed hard on the ground, Talon did as well. Now the two Zoids were grounded.

"Nice, I would have never expected you to take out my wings to force me to fight ground combat."

"See, I told you. Determination can make anything happen in a battle."

"It doesn't matter, I can still out manuver you in close combat. This Zoid is personalized, ritght down to the last bolt." The Pegasus-Zoid neighed and stomped its hooves.

"Mine isn't modified at all." Denny replied as Talon roared.

The Dark Pegasus charged as Talon dashed. They headed right for one another.

The Fire Stone around Denny's neck began to glow again just as the shine of Talon's eyes intensified. "Slasher!"

Talon's speed increased as the Zoid raised it's left arm. When it reached the Dark Pegasus, Talon slashed down, knocking the head down. Then the Raptor-Zoid's other arm slashed in an uppercut and caught the lower jaw of the other Zoid and whipped it up on it's hind legs.

Now the Dark Pegasus was reared up on its hind legs, and in a matter of seconds would stomp down and damage Talon. The Ion Thrusters burned on again and the Raptor-Zoid crouched and spun around. One leg was extended and caught onto the Pegasus-Zoid's left leg, pulling it out from under the body and causing the Dark Pegasus to lose its balance.

The Dark Pegasus fell onto its side as it crashed. Talon stood back up, the glow diminished from its eyes.

Denny slowed his breathing down. "I got her.... I got her!" he shouted as Talon roared into the sky.

The Warrior in the Command Wolf saw the Dark Pegasus fall and Talon roaring. He ran towards the Raptor-Zoid, guns already aimed to take out the cockpit. As the Warrior was ready to fire.....

"Strike Laser Claw!" Liger-Zero flew in and sliced off the Command Wolf's guns with one swipe. The Wolf-Zoid fell over as Liger rebounded and landed over two dozen meters away. "That'll show you not to run away from me." Bit commented, not realizing he may have saved Denny.


* * *

As Tina sat on her Zoid while she waited for the Whale King to come and pick her up, Talon trotted towards her. The head lowered and the cockpit openned, Denny jumped down and walked towards the Dark Pegasus.

"Are you allright?" Denny asked.

Tina jumped down from her perch. "Yeah I'm fine. I've taken worse beatings than that in other Zoid Battles." she replied.

"Oh, uh, sorry about damaging your Zoid like that. All those modifications you had done to it made it difficult to fight."

"No need for that. We all lose to our better sometimes." Tina admitted, a smile on her face. "Sorry I was so cold to you at the arcade. It's a bad habit of mine."

"Aw don't worry about it. It's allright." Denny replied. He raised his hand. "No hard feelings?"

Tina took the hand and shook. "No hard feelings. But....."

"But?"

"But," she said winking at him, "I won't lose to you again. Count on it."

Denny forced a smile through his blushing. How do I get myself into these things? he thought.

On the Whale King the Warrior of the Command Wolf scowled at the two on the ground still. In disgustment he turned around and headed into the interior of the ship.

--------------------------------------------

Leena: Bit Cloud has an older brother named Dagger that's in charge of the S-Class Titans Team. Although taller and more handsome than Bit, Dagger has the manners of a slug! Gee Bit, why so green around the gills? Was there something between these two brothers that now pits them against one another? Find out next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTIMATE XS, Sibling Rivarly: Bit vs. Dagger Cloud. Ready? Fight!!!!!

--------------------------------------------

Name: Tina Alexander
Age: 17
Sex: Female
Discription: Average height, with green eyes and blue hair. Wears a blue vest over a white tank-top as well as blue jeans and sneakers. Wears earings as well.
History: Tina was orphaned when she was 5 and raised by her Grandparents. Her Grandmother died when she was 8 and then she was raised by her Grandfather after that. Tina's Grandfather, Hector Alexander, is the owner of Silph Co. and is also a member of the Zoid Battle Commision.
Zoid: Dark Pegasus
Team: Bebop Team

Name: Dark Pegasus
Type: Pegasus
Class: 4
Function: Light air asault and ground combat
Alingment: Guylos Empire
Designation: GZ-076
Height: 12.4m
Length: 7.8m
Weight: 82.0T
Max Speed: 320 km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Sharpened horn on forehead, twin 35mm cannons on the underside of wings, hardened alloy hooves.
Distinguishing Features: Very versitile on both ground and in air combat cituations. Compatable for a varaity of missions.

Author's Notes: Hello readers. I'm sorry to say that this Chapter ends with a sad note. My Great Grandma is in the hospital in Sheridian, Wyoming, today and she is very, very, sick. I just recieved phone calls from my grandma that Grandma Ruth may not last very much longer. After we called Grandma Ruth and told her goodbye (maybe for the last time) I made up my mind to dedicate this Chapter of Zoids and Chapter 8 of Pokémon: Dimensions Shifters 2 to her.


RUTH DORTHY HOWELL
1916-2003
A sweeter woman has never lived on the face of the earth.

I'll always love you Grandma Ruth

[Mew Master]

Chapter Six: Sibling Rivarly: Bit vs. Dagger Cloud

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

The Toros base was quiet today. As the sun beat down on the sands and the structure, it was much cooler inside. Inside the hanger Denny was working on Talon again. So far he had gone two battles with out receiving much damage so his Prize Money wouldn't be used for repairs. He had ordered the Scythes and Laser Energy Generators three days ago and the parts wouldn't be here for another week, so he just passed the time by checking in on Talon every chance he got.

As he was checking the motor systems there came a honk from outside. "Cool, mail's here." He jumped down off the scaffolding and walked towards the mail box on the side of the base. A cloud of dust showed that the mail truck was leaving as he reached for the mail.

"Let's see. Bill. Bill. Letter for Leena from Harry Champ, again. 'Nother bill. Something from mom, and a letter for Bit."

He walked into the living room where everyone was. Jamie was folding his laundry, Leena was reading a magazine, Doc was playing with a few of his Zoid models, Brad was sipping coffee, and Bit was playing a hand-held video game.

"Hey guys, mail's here." he said as he walked in. "One for Leena, better burn this one, this guy's desperate." Leena just threw the letter into the pile that she already received from Harry for the past year. "Bills for Doc,"

"Ow, my stomach." Toros said, trying to get away. Leena grabbed him by the hem of his lab coat.

"Sorry dad, that's not going to work this time." she said as she pulled her father back into his seat.

"Here ya go Bit." Denny said as he tossed the letter to Bit.

Bit put down his game and openned his letter as Denny sat down and openned his.

"Heh, Looks like Pat's getting a new Gustav."

"Who's Pat?" Jamie asked, still folding his laundry.

"My step-dad. I don't have the nerve to call him dad." Denny replied. "He works for Palmer's Gustav Transport and is usually gone for weeks at a time. Every week he's out he gets a day back home before he has to go back. If he's off his Gustav for five days or more he.."

"AAAAHHH!" A screech came from Bit Cloud making everyone jump. "No! No! Not now!"

"What is it Bit?" Doc asked.

"This is terrible!"

"Don't keep up up high and dry, tell us something." Brad said.

"Okay I should warn you, this letter fortells the arrival of evil." Bit said a serious look to his face.

"From who? The boogie man?" Denny joked.

"Whorse. This is the ultimate in evil. The scourge of the underworld. The king of demons. And his name is...."

"Hiya bro!" Someone said, standing right behind Bit.

"DAGGER! AHHH!" Bit screamed, jumping back. "Wha--What are you doing here?!"

"Geez, for a Warrior you sure are slow. I sent you the letter weeks ago, and I thought you'd be happy to see your older brother." Dagger Cloud grabbed Bit in a headlock and started to give his younger brother a noogie. "Common, don't tell me you didn't miss me at all these past years."

"As a matter of fact..." Bit struggled under his brother's grip. "I'm not, and I didn't."

"Well that's a shame." Dagger commented right before he let go and dropped Bit on the floor. Then the elder Cloud noticed the rest of the Blitz Team watching him with cumbfounded looks. Dagger looked like an older version of Bit. His hair was longer in the back and he had the stubbles of a beard growing around his jaw line. He had a smaller packet of hair on his forehead than Bit and a larger build. Dagger was about a good three inches taller than his brother and had larger biceps. The elder Cloud brother wore complete gloves on his hands and a vest that looked similar to Bit's but longer and violet instead of red.

"So this is the evil person you were talking about?" Brad asked suspiciously.

"He doesn't seem that evil." Leena commented.

"You don't know the half of it!" Bit replied.

"Hey Lil' Bro, who's the babe?" Dagger asked stareing at Leena.

"Babe?!" Leena shouted. "How dare you?!"

"Fisty isn't she?" Dagger commented. "Cute too."

"Dagger!" Bit almost shouted into his ear. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Why, you already called dibs on her?" Dagger said, ignoring Bit's obvious anger. "Okay, I won't get in your way."

"Dibs?! On me?!" Leena shouted, enraged. "BIT!!!"

Bit was just speechless.

"So tell us Dagger," Doc said in the uneasy silence. "Why are you visiting Bit?"

Dagger plopped down where Bit was sitting and propped his feet up on the table. "I haven't heard one word from Bit after he decided to be a Zoid scavenger. A few years down the road I find him winning the Royal Cup and getting into S-Class with me."

"You're in the S-Class?" Jamie asked.

"Yup, I sent Bit some letters but he never replied to any of them." Dagger replied.

"So that's why that pile of letters were in Bit's room." Brad commented.

"Oh, yeah." Leena stated, remembering. "I put those there for Bit to read when he got back from vacation."

"Oh those." Jamie said. "They cluttered up his room so much I threw them all out."

Bit fell over in stupidity. "You could have warned me!"

"What Team are you on?" Denny asked.

"I'm the leader of the Titans Team. We're not that well known." Dagger replied.

"Well, it's clear that you came a long way, what time to you have to be back to your base?" Toros asked.

"It's about three days from here, but I told the rest of my team I'd call them with my location so they can come and pick me up in our Whale King." Dagger replied.

"So how about you stay for a few hours so you and Bit can catch up." Leena said as she stood up and left.

"Yeah, I've got to finish checking up on Talon." And Denny went out with Leena.

"The Shadow Fox needs an oil change in its left paw." Brad stated as he walked out the open door.

"I've got to get dinner ready if we're having an extra person." Jamie commented as he took his laundry out.

"The Hover Cargo is in need of a major upload." Doc said as he follwed the others, leaving Bit and Dagger alone together.

"So Bro, how've ya been?"

Bit sighed. This was going to be a long day.


* * *

"So this is the Liger-Zero.." Dagger said as he admired the white Liger that his brother piloted.

"Yup, and Bit's the only one who can pilot it." Leena commented. She was reluctantly giving Dagger the tour of the base.

As the two chatted Bit Cloud was spying on his brother from behind a steel beam for the scaffolding. He scowled at his older brother. "Lousy sneak......"

"Bit, what are you doing?" Bit jumped at sound of Brad's voice. Denny was standing beside Brad.

"Watching my brother when he doesn't know about it." Bit replied, now on his back.

"Isn't that the same as spying?" Denny asked.

"So what if it is?"

"Look Bit, Dagger can't be that bad of a brother." Brad commented.

"You didn't have to live with him for most of your life." Bit replied, sitting up.

"What's wrong with him. He seems like any normal big brother to me." Denny stated as he watched Dagger get slapped by Leena.

"You guys don't get it." Bit said as he stood up. "Dagger.......... Dagger's always been better than me."

"So, most big brothers are." Brad replied.

"No, he was so much better. He could never help rubbing it in my face. At games, sports, everything. He always beat me and wouldn't let me live it down."

"You're a better Warrior. No one could take the Royal Cup away from an engine of destruction like that one Zoid was." Denny replied, not quite placing his finger on the name of that one Zoid.

Bit was getting frustrated. "He still got into Class-S before me!!"

While Bit was telling Brad and Denny this, Dagger was still busy hitting on Leena. This time the elder Cloud went too far and the tempromental Zoid Warrior flipped Dagger with a roundhouse throw. Dagger hit the floor and slid for several feet before stopping.

"Dang, she's got a temper." he said rubbing his face. He noticed Bit, Brad, and Denny behind him. "Hey Bro, your girlfriend's got one hellova temper."

"Girlfriend?!" Bit almost screamed.

Dagger stood up and Denny walked past him towards Talon.

"GIRLFRIEND?!" Leena screamed. Something came flying through the air.

"Heads." Denny said and ducked. Dagger, who was now standing turned towards the flying object and took the wrench right in the face.

"Ouch!" Dagger said.

"You wanna survive Leena, Dag, you've got to have fast reflexes." Bit commented, finally glad he was better at avoiding Leena than his brother. "Like me."

"Round 2." Denny commented. Another wrench flew and whacked Bit on the head.

Both Cloud brothers lay on the hanger floor, large bumps on their heads. "Owie...." they said.

"Yup they're definatly related." Brad stated.

"Yup." Denny added.

"Hey Bit," Dagger started as he sat up, rubbing his head. "You've got one nice Liger."

Bit sat up as well, also rubbing the bump on his head. "Huh?"

"I guess it's in the Cloud family blood to be Liger pilots. Even our distant ancestors piloted Ligers." Dagger said.

"Whadda mean?"

"Geez, don't you remember the stories Grandpa told us?"

"I was too busy ploting my revenge." Bit replied.

"He siad that long ago one of our ancestors first piloted a Sheild Liger and was the first person ever to pilot a Blade Liger. You should have paid more attention to your elders." Dagger said.

"Then where's your Liger, if the Clouds are supposed to be Liger pilots?" Denny asked.

"It's outside." Dagger replied.


* * *

Dagger led the Blitz Team outside as the Hanger Door openned. Not far from the door a Sheild Liger stood, but it was different. Aside from it being white, the Sheild Liger had two Heavy Beam Cannons on it's back as well as Twin 30mm Cannons on its tail.

"Meet Blare, the Sheild Liger MK II. My Liger." Dagger said with pride. The Blitz Team stood and admired it, Doc gave out a low wistle. "Whadda think Bit?"

"It's nice, but does your Liger enjoy carreing around those cannons?" Bit asked.

"Blare doesn't mind, besides if he wants them gone all he has to do is eject them and his speed goes up. He's still pretty manuverable even with the cannons, right buddy?" Dagger directed the last part of his statement towards his Zoid, who gave out a low roar of agreement. "Heh, thought so."

The group stood quietly until something came to Dagger's mind.

"Hey Bit, how about a battle?"

"Huh?!" was his brother's reply.

"A battle, just between brothers. Cloud vs. Cloud. Liger vs. Liger. Whadda say?"

"Well, I uh..." Bit stammered.

"He'll be glad to accept." Doc said as he swung an arm around Bit's shoulders. "Bit's never backed down, right Bit? Of course I'm right. Once we get everything through the Zoid Battle Commision.." and Doc went on.


* * *

"Aw common Bit, this won't be so hard." Leena said as the Hover Cargo was heading to the battlefeild, trying to cheer-up Bit. "You beat a Blade Liger, and they're harder to defeat than a Sheild Liger."

"This ain't your ordinary run-of-the-mill Sheild Liger." Jamie added. "Those Beam Cannons give it almost more fire power than the Panzer Armor."

"Well won't the Liger-Zero's speed and manuverability count at all?" Denny asked.

"Maybe, but those cannons are the main problem." Brad replied. "If Bit can take them out then maybe.."

"Can we stop talking about my battle stratigy?!" Bit shouted. "I don't need help. I'll take Dagger with the Zero Armor."

"Are you crazy?!" Leena shouted. "He's got you out-gunned!"

"Think this through Bit." Brad warned.

Bit just stood up out of his chair. "I have thought it through. Dagger's always been better than me at something, and he knows it. But the one thing I may have the upper hand on is Zoid Battles with Liger-Zero. I've got to prove that to him, and me." Bit walked out and headed for his Zoid.

"It's no use trying to talk some sense into him." Doc comented. "It's impossible to change the boy's mind once he sets it on something."

"But still can't we do something to make him see?" Leena asked.

"Just let him do it." Denny cut in. "If Bit believes he can do it, then let him. He and Liger are possibly the best Zoid and Warrior Team ever, right?"

"Maybe..." Leena replied, unsure of where Denny was going.

"Then we need to give him all the support we can muster, and not stop him from doing his own thing."

"Ya know what?" Leena stated. "That made absolutly no sense." Denny fell over in stupidity.

"Denny's right. Bit needs our support more than our opinions." Jamie said

"Exactly." Doc said. "Ready Bit?"

"We're ready Doc." Bit replied over the comm.

"Go for it Bit." Denny said. 'They won't say it but we're right behind you." Leena whacked Denny over the head.

"Who said we won't say it?" she replied. "Tear 'em apart Bit!"

"Good luck." was all Brad would say.

As Liger was loaded onto the catapault the Titan's Whale King landed at the other end of the area. The jaw openned and the white Sheild Liger stepped out.

"Liger-Zero. Mobilize!" The white Liger was launched from the catapault and landed on the ground, facing its counterpart. Liger-Zero roared.

Blare roared in reply and clawed the ground. "If I thought your Liger was impressive just standing in the corner, It's even more impressive now." Dagger commented.

"I'll show you how impresive Liger and I can be." Bit promised.

From the sky a single point of light turned into a burning entry into the atmosphere. The Judge Capsule crashed into the ground, causing its usual crater. The main capsule openned and the Judge appeared. "The area within a 30 mile radius is now a designated Zoid battlefeild. WARNING! All others must leave the area at once. Only authorized personel have clearence to be in this area. Battle Mode 0632. The Blitz Team's Liger-Zero vs. the Titans Team's Sheild Liger MK II. Battle Mode approved. Area scanned. Battlefeild set up. Ready? Fight!"

"Let's go!" Bit shouted as Liger jumped into action and charged the Sheild Liger. Blare was just standing there, waiting for him to attack. "Now! Strike Laser Claw!" The joints of Liger's armor began to glow as the Zoid's claws were charged for the attack.

Liger-Zero jumped and was ready to slash, but Blare was ready as well. The other Zoid's armor openned and activated the energy sheild for the Lion-Zoid. Liger slammed right into it, claws first. Sparks flew in every direction as Liger-Zero tried to break Blare's sheild.

"Heh," Dagger said under his breath.

The Shield for Blare increased in energy output and the increased power blasted Liger-Zero backwards. The white Liger fell and barely landed on its feet.

"What was that?!" Bit exclaimed, as Liger shook its head.

"Sorry Bit, but Blare has the enhanced ability to change the ammount of energy that goes to his sheild at will, even while it's deployed." Dagger replied, as Blare roared.


* * *

"That's not good." Jamie commented. "If Dagger can increase the power for his Liger's shield, than the Liger-Zero's Strike Laser Claw attack is almost useless!"

"Common Bit." Leena said.


* * *

"My turn now Bit. Get ready." Dagger said as the Beam Cannons on Blare's back moved and took aim at Liger-Zero. The Sheild Liger braced itself for using it's cannons. Energy gathered in each barrel, the glow a bright yellow. "Here it comes! Beam Cannons, FIRE!"

The two beams of energy blasted from the cannons and streaked towards Liger-Zero.

"Oh no!" Bit shouted.

There was an exploasion and smoke went everywhere. As the smoke cleared Liger-Zero was standing just outside of the blast crater.

"Close move Liger." Bit said to his Zoid who roared in reply.

"Hmm, that Liger-Zero is impressive." Dagger said to himslef. "Let's see if it can dodge it twice." Blare steadied itself as the cannons charged up agian.

"Move it Bit!" Leena shouted over the comm.

Bit looked and saw the Beam Cannons on Dagger's Zoid recharge for another attack. "Move it Liger!" Liger-Zero roared and started running to the side.

"He's moving." Dagger said as he adjusted the sights. "The cannons aren't fully charged but I've got to pin him down." Dagger fired the Beam Cannons towards a moving Liger-Zero. Twin beams of energy headed straight for the Zoid. Just as they were going to hit, the Ion Boosters blasted on and jolted Liger-Zero away from the beams. The two energy beams blasted another crater into the ground.

Blare, as well as Dagger, were getting frustrated. "With Bit moving so fast, there's no way I can hit him with the Beam Cannons." Blare shook its head, and giving a roar of frustration. "I know Blare. But let's hit him with something else!" Dagger armed and fired the Triple Impact Cannon under his Zoid's torso at Liger-Zero.

Dirt blasted up all around Liger-Zero as Bit slowed down and fired the Liger's Dual Impact Cannon at the Sheild Liger. Blare stopped fireing and deployed its sheild again.

"Dang it!" Bit shouted. "There's no way I can get past that shield."

Bit stopped shooting and waited. The sheild turned off but Dagger had used the time to charge up Blare's Beam Cannons again.

"Bye bye Bit." Dagger told his brother just before the cannons fired.

This time the beams hit dead-on on Liger-Zero and the Zoid was engulfed by smoke and flames. The smoke pillowed into the air as Blare roared.

"Hey Bit, you okay bro?" Dagger asked. No reply. "Bit? Bit say something!"

Dagger's reply came as several shots erupted from the smoke and hit his Shield Liger. One of the Beam Cannons was damaged and the aiming mechanisim was off." "What?!"

"Heh, heh, heh. Got ya Dag." said the voice of Bit Cloud. The smoke finally cleared and Liger-Zero still stood, damage to his armor had been taken.

"Bit!" Dagger replied. "How did you avoid my attack?!"

"Heh. That's Liger's little secret." Bit replied.

Blare roared and shook its body, almost toppleing itself. "Blare?" The Sheild Liger roared and shook its head. "You want the cannons off? Okay." Dagger depressed a button and the cannons were ejected from the Sheild Liger's back. Blare shook its body and stretched.

"Ha, your Zoid finally get tired of those cannons?" Bit asked as Liger roared.

"It's not the first time Blare's wanted to eject those cannons." Dagger replied as Blare roared back. "Time to go mono e mono!" Blare charged forward.

"Right back atcha Dag!" Liger-Zero ran at the other Liger.

The two Zoids ran at each other and leapt. They grappled in mid-air for a second. Their momentums propelled them forward and they spun around in the air. When they landed Blare's 20mm cannons rose up and fired at Liger-Zero. The other Liger jumped out of the way and when it landed, fired back with his cannon.

"Go for it partner!" Bit shouted. Liger-Zero roared and dashed towards the Sheild Liger, Ion Boosters blazing. The joints on Liger's legs and the side of its head began glowing. "Strike Laser Claw!" he shouted as Liger lept into the air.

"I've seen this movie." Dagger commented as he activated Blare's sheild at full power.

Liger-Zero's glowing claw hit the energy sheild in the exact same place as when the Zoid first attacked the Sheild Liger. Sparks of raw energy erupted from the contact point between Liger's claws and Blare's sheild. A small crack began to develop in the sheild.

"Now Blare!" Dagger shouted. The Sheild Liger lept forward, forcing the Liger-Zero to be pushed back in the air. Liger-Zero was blasted away from the sheild and landed not to far away.

"Blast it!" Bit commented as Liger roared. "He's going to use the Sheild Liger's most powerful attack. He's going to charge me with his sheild."

"This is it Bit. You're going to lose." Dagger commented.

Bit gritt his teeth together. "There's no way I can get through that sheild." BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Liger-Zero's HUD beeped at Bit. "Huh?" New scematics openned up, they looked the same for Liger's Strike Laser Claw but the name was different.

SUPER STRIKE CLAW

"Super Strike Claw? Are you sure? Wait. His Liger's sheild got a crack when we attacked it last." Bit smiled as Liger growled. "I see your plan Liger. Okay! Let's got for it!"

The pannels on the side of Liger-Zero's head openned. Instead of the usual golden glow that came with Liger's Strike Laser Claw, a rainbow of colors flowed from Liger-Zero.

"Ready or not here I come Bit!" Dagger shouted as Blare charged.

"Come and get it!" Bit replied as Liger-Zero lept.

Both Cloud brothers yelled as their Zoids attacked.

"Super Strike Claw!" Bit shouted. Liger-Zero slashed down with his fore paw.

The clashing energies shot sparks in every direction. Liger-Zero's claws grinded against the sheild. The crack grew and spread, but the energy sheild still held. Liger's Ion Boosters blasted on and forced more pressure onto the sheild.

"Almost!" Bit said.

CRACK!

Blare's energy sheild broke and Liger-Zero's claws still cntinued to glow. In one pass Liger-Zero slashed the Sheild Liger right behind the head, chunks of armor flew off as Liger passed.

Blare stood there for several seconds, before it began to topple over. A Command System Freeze had crippled the Liger with just one attack. Liger-Zero stood, but a great deal of energy had been spent in that last attack so it was out of energy to even move.

"The Sheild Liger is out of the battle. The winner is the Liger-Zero!" the Judge announced. The Capsule closed and blasted back into the sky.

Bit openned the hatch and jumped down from Liger. Dagger was sitting on one of Blare's paws.

"Nice battle Bit. Looks like you finally beat me at something." Dagger told his brother when they walked up to each other.

"It's about time too." Bit added.

"Are you still sore over all those times I beat you as a kid?" Dagger asked.

"Who wouldn't be." Bit replied.

"Hmm. I just think you should know, the reason I bragged so much was mainly to make you try harder. Hopefully you would finally beat me and stomething, and it happened today."

"Really?"

"Nope!" Dagger replied as he got his younger brother in a headlock. "You should know me better than that. I brag because I love getting on your nerves!" the elder Cloud Brother said as he gave Bit a really hard noogie.

"Ow! Ow! Hey, nock it off Dag!" Bit protested. "Let me go!"

"Not until you say Uncle!"

"Dagger!"

-------------------------------------

Bit: The Quicksilver Team. A Zoid team that consists of high-speed Zoids as well as another Zoid that we've never seen before. That is one scary looking dragon! Let's show 'em Liger! Next time on ZOIDS: LEGEND OF THE ULTAMITE XS, Quicksilvers: The Lightning Fast Zoids. Ready? FIGHT!!

--------------------------------------------


ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Dagger Cloud
Age: 26
Sex: Male
Discription: Appears like his younger brother, Bit, but his attitude is different. Like hitting on pretty girls and usually gets slapped for it.
History: Dagger and Bit have been rivals for most of their lives. Dagger left to become a Zoid Warrior with his Liger, Blare, a Sheild Liger MKII. Slowly but surely he moved up the ranks into Class-S
Zoid: Sheild Liger MKII "Blare"
Team: Leader of the Titans Team


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Sheild Liger MKII
Type: Lion
Class: 4
Function: Assault/Command
Alingment: Helic Republic
Designation: RZ-007
Height: 9.0m
Length: 21.6m
Weight: 92.0T
Max Speed: 250km/h
Crew: 1
Armaments: Twin 20mm Cannons, Twin 30mm Cannons, Twin 8-shot rocket boxes, hardened alloy Strike Claws and teeth, two Heavy Beam Cannons, Force Feild defense system mechanisim
Distinguishing Features: Standard version is the favored Zoid of Van. Power augumented by melding with Organoid "Zeke."

[Mew Master]

Chapter Seven: Quicksilvers: The Lightning Fast Zoids

Organized under strict rules and regulations, Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields, using mechanical combat units known as Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line, and sharpen their skills against one another.

Battle mode approved.

Area scanned.

Battlefield, set up.

Ready?

FIGHT!


* * *

"Package for Denny Roth. Special Delevery."

"Yes! My scythes got here!" Denny ran out to greet the delivery man and sign for the packages, two of them. Very large and very big.

"How much did this cost us?" Bit asked.

"You'll need to keep winning to pay them off." Toros replied.

"Dad!!" Leena shouted. "Quit spending our money before we win it!"

"Cool your jets." Denny commented as he handed the clip board back to the delivery man. "I paid for these myself, I didn't need anyone else's money."

"Doc!" Bit said.

"Dad!" Leena added.

"Uh, I've gotta go." And Toros ran back into the base.

"I can't belive Doc sometimes," Bit commented. "He's a money grubber, and will do anything to get our hard earned credits."

"Well then he and Leena are deffinantly related then." Brad stated.

"And what does that mean?" Leena glared at him.

"Brad's gotta point." Bit added.

"Geez, could you guys stop argueing and help me get these things inside?" Denny asked as he and Jamie started pulling the platforms towards the open hanger.

"What did you order?" Jamie asked as Bit and Brad came over to help.

"Some better weapons for Talon."

"What kind of weapons?" Bit asked.

"Help me out and you'll see." Denny replied.


* * *

Alex DeMarko rested in the cockpit of his Zoid, Draco. He had silver and crimson hair, black pants, and a red shirt with a custome drawing of his Zoid on it. Alex's glasses rested on the HUD of Draco, and he also had a tatoo of a dragon on his right hand.

The black, silver, and red Zoid stood on its legs, or landing gear, in the desert. Draco looked like a mechanical version of the infamous Oriental dragon. Long, serpintine, and deadly. This Zoid was outfitted with several different armor systems and only a few could only be used during one battle.

A small black and red lizard rested in a sunbeam on the HUD of Draco's main controls. Liz, the lizard, had been found in Draco's thrusters one day and Alex decided to keep her as a pet. As a strange coincidence she had almost the same coloring as his Zoid. A sound reached Liz's ears and she rose and scanned the red window of Draco, her tounge flicking in and out, taking in the smells.

The sound of thrusters woke Alex who was sleeping. He rubbed his eyes. "Aw, five more minutes...."

Beside Draco another dragon-like Zoid landed, this one stood on four legs and had a longer neck and thicker torso. Its blue and silver armor reflected the sun right into Alex's eyes.

"Blast it, Hiro. Can't you land somewhere else?" Alex said, annoyed.

"Sorry Alex, but Celire wanted to know where you were at." The other 17 year-old replied. Hiro was the same age as Alex, 17, and wore a blue shirt with black pants. He piloted the Blue Blade Dragon, a Dragon-Zoid that boasted unbeliavable close-combat abilities.

"Celire always wants to know where I am. Can't he give it a break and let me sleep?" Alex replied. Celire Shvat was the eldest member of the Quicksilver Team, 18, and the designated leader based on his age. He was the Warrior of the Omega Raptor, one of the fastest Zoids on Zi.

"He wants us back at base ASAP." Hiro told him.

"For crying out loud." Alex said as he put his glasses back on, and put Liz into a pocket in his shirt. The Blue Blade Dragon started back towards their base. "Hang on! Hang on! I'm comming!" he shouted at Hiro as Draco lifted off and flew after the other Dragon.


* * *

"So we lug those things in here just to find out they're scythes?!" Leena shouted over the sound of riviting, covering her ears.

"Lug nothing, you didn't even help!" Brad replied.

"They're very special scythes!" Denny shouted over the sound of the rivit gun. He stopped and was hoisted over to the next area by Bit. "These things increase Talon's fighting abilities in close-range combat by 20%. And the generators give the scythes energy to slice through anything, like the Schneider's blades do." He started riviting again, the sound echoing thorugh the hanger.

When he was done, Denny was lowered down so he could get out of his harness and admire his work. The scythes reached out past the edge of Talon's claws and curved downward slightly.

"You're ready for the next battle Talon." Denny said as he thrust his fist into his other hand. Talon roared in reply.

"What about your laser guns?" Jamie asked. "Won't the scythes get in the way?"

"Nope, I bolted the scythes to the pods that raise up and allow the Laser Machine Gun barrles to be used, not straight to Talon's arm. So they're still usable in battle." Denny replied.

"So you got them on?" Toros said as he walked into the hanger.

"Yup. The scythes are in place." he stated. "Talon's ready for anything now."

"We'll just have to see about that." Doc said as he pulled out a piece of paper. "Our next battle's already been scheduled and we need to get a few more power components for the Gun Sniper."

"Hee hee hee." Leena snickered.

"Since most were broken during the last battle." Doc continued and Leena fell over in stupidity.

"That's Leena, getting her hopes up before they're dashed into bits." Jamie said, sighing.

"When's the battle?" Bit asked.

"In two days, so we need to go into town today to get the parts." Doc replied.


* * *

In town the Hover Cargo was sitting next to the P SHOP, parts supply, for Doc to finish the loading. The Warriors headed to their usual haunt, the Café for some lunch and to see what was happening with the latest battles and teams.

As the team ate they watched the moniters. A woman reporter was giving the latest news. "The Red Comets have scored their 21st victory this season against the Wolves Team. Naomi Flugel and Leon Toros are currently the top ranked Warriors in Class-A and the only team that could possibly prove a challenge is currently the popular Class-S Team, the Blitz Team. The Zoid Battle Commision is discussing terms to see if the two teams could possibly meet in a battle. The B-Class Tiger's Team is still winning more battles but are still short of reaching...."

"Looks like Leon's doing really well." Jamie commented.

"Doc never did say what team we're going against did he?" Bit stated.

"I doubt we're going against the Red Comets." Brad chipped in. "Class-A teams can't even request a battle against Class-S teams. It's in the rules."

"Leon Toros..." Denny thought. "He related to you Leena?"

"Of course, Sherlock, he's my brother." she replied.

"Hmm, I did not know that." Denny said with a bit of dry humor. He finished his food and stood up. "I'm gonna hit the arcade for a bit. Come and get me when we're ready to leave okay?"

"Na, we'll just leave you there." Leena replied.

"Funny...." Denny shot back. "Later." He left some credits on the the tabel to pay for his food.


* * *

The arcade was packed, more than usual, and most of the excitement was around the Zoid Simulators. A huge mob surrounded it, and they gapped at the screens. Someone walked in and stood by Denny. The guy had red and silver hair and was just slightly shorter than he was.

"Hey, what's going on?" Denny asked him.

"The Simmulators just got a system upgrade, now players can be any number of Zoids instead of just the Command Wolves." the other guy replied.

"Cool, I know what I'm getting." Denny already started scheming.

"But there's a catch." Denny fell over in stupidity. "You have to start out with a Command Wolf and gain points to be able to use other Zoids."

Denny pulled out his card for the Simmulators. The same card could be used for any of the Simulators on Zi and the data was always saved. He had already racked up a lot of points in Hessa and more just shortly after he had joined the Blitz Team. "Hmm, I wonder what the Point Limitations are."

"Well, looks like we'll never find out." the other guy replied. "At this rate we'll be here for hours. I'm Alexis DeMarko." he said extending a hand.

"Denny Roth." he replied grabbing Alex's hand and shaking. As they stopped shaking hands an announcement came over the intercom.

"Attention! The Zoid Simulators will only seat four at a time, and anyone who loses will stand at the end of the line and wait. We hope this clears up confusion. Have a nice day."

"Well that's a no-brainer." Alex commented.

"Yeah, like it will help any." Denny added.

The two continued to stand in line and eventually, after about 15 minutes, finally got to go into the seats.

Denny jumped in and slid his card into the slot. The image of a Judge popped up. "Identfication Number: 7760078, confirmed. Total points earned: 800282."

"Eight hundred thousand?! Dang, I've played more than I thought." he commented.

"Please Select Zoid for battle." Now the screen changed. There were eight rows each divided into sections of 300 thousand points each. Only two were openned and the rest were darkened but Denny could see what kind of Zoids there were. Quickly he scanned through the lists for the only two rows he could use. The first row were Level 1 and 2 Zoids, the second row belonged to level 3 Zoids. There was also the chance to use the Default Command Wolf to battle. Denny found one Zoid that would be perfect and selected it.

"Rev Raptor selected. Now choose armor and weapons upgrades."

"Weapons upgrades?! I've got to see this!"

A new screen openned up, this time only four rows exsisted and they were split to 400 thousand points a piece. All kinds of different upgrades and customize parts dominated the screens. Nothing looked promising so Denny exited the menu.

"No Weapons upgrades selected. Default Rev Raptor loading............."

LOADING..........LOADING..........LOAD COMPLETE

The Judge appeared again. "Battle mode: 0676. Fighting Challenge. Area scanned. Battlefeild set up. Ready? Fight!

The familiar green wire-frame world that Denny had seen numerous times formed the area for the battle. He saw a version of a Lightning Saix.

"Hey Denny!" Alex shouted.

"Alex?! How did you get a Lightning Saix?! That's at least a Level 4 Zoid!"

"And you've got a Level 2 Rev Raptor." Alex replied. "Do the math."

The Saix began walking towards Denny's Rev Raptor.

He's got me out gunned with that thing. Good thing I've seen what a Rev Raptor can and can't do. he thought. Explosions hit the ground around the two Zoids.

"Did we get them?" said someone in a Stealth Viper

"No, keep trying, no one's gonna break our 16 battle winning streak." replied another one in a Gun Sniper.

"Here's an idea," Denny said a smirk on his face. "Let's show those rookies how to really fight."

"Hmmm," Alex replied. "Not a bad idea." The Lightning Saix jumped and ran towards the other Zoids, Denny's Rev Raptor hot on its trail.

"Get them. Get them!" shouted the gammer in the Gun Sniper.

"They're not stopping!" replied the other.

Alex's Saix jumped over the Stealth Viper. Flipping in mid-air, the Cheetah-Zoid landed, it's guns aimed at the viper. Two shots rang off and the Viper was out of commision.

"No, you're not gonna get me! I'll shoot you down where you stand!"

Denny's Zoid dodged each of the shots fired by the other Zoid, exploasions blasting the ground around the Rev Raptor. Fed up, Denny pushed the controls and the Raptor-Zoid jumped straight into the air. The Rev Raptor came zooming down, claws and scythes ready.

The Gun Sniper stood still as the Rev Raptor's scythes hit home in the middle of the Zoid's back. The Raptor-Zoid was out of the battle.

"Nice move." Alex commented.

"Thanks, that's what happens when you see what Rev Raptors are capable of doing." Denny replied.

"Now where were we?" Alex stated as the Lightning Saix began to stalk Denny's Zoid. Just then two more challengers had been entered into the battle.

"Looks like we'll have to clean out the peanut gallery first." Denny commented as his Rev Raptor charged one of the new Zoids.

"Have it your way, but you're mine." Alex replied as the Lightning Saix dashed into battle.


* * *

An hour later, and almost out of credits, Denny had to give up his game and head out of the arcade. He had racked up another 18 kills to his personal record, and Alex had almost done the same. Some of the gamers he had beaten too easily gave him dirty looks as he just gave up and left.

Well they're just enthusiastic video game junkies, who had no idea I was a real Zoid Warrior. he admitted to himself as he headed to the parts shop. The Hover Cargo was still there and Bit, Brad, and Jamie were loading things into the transport.

"There you are!" Leena shouted, because she was the one watching everyone else load things. "Where have you been?!"

"I told you, I was at the arcade. They had some system upgrades for the simmulaters so I...."

"I don't care, you should be helping us load these components." Leena shouted again.

"You're the only one not helping Leena." Bit commented.

"Of course I am. Supervising you young boys is so stressful I should be getting paid for it." Leena replied with some of her girlish flare.

"Are you naturaly stupid, or do you practice?" Denny asked with a sarcastic edge. "We all know these are parts for you Gun Sniper. Give us a break."

"Why you!" Leena threw a wrench that whacked him in the head. "Now who's the stupid one."

Denny rubbed his head. "My reflexes are a little slow from playing the Simmulaters for over an hour. Take a Flintstones and chill." He reluctantly got up and started helping load the new components into the Hover Cargo, as Leena danced around.


* * *

The next day, after a good nights sleep, Denny felt ready to take on anything. From Alex in the Simmulaters to Leena in the base, he was ready. As he and the others were eating lunch Doc came and called a confrence in the War Room. Everyone seated themselves and got ready to hear the briefing.

"Okay Team, Jamie's been working for the past 12 hours on a stratigy to take on the team we're going against." Doc started.

"Doc," Denny commented. "You've never even told us what team we're going up against."

"I didn't?! Sorry, I've just been so busy." Toros replied.

"Busy playing with your toys." Brad commented.

Doc jumped. "Eh, anyway the team we will be battleing will be the Quicksilver Team."

Jamie took over for Toros. "The Quicksilvers use extremly fast Zoids in both long-range and close-range combat. Even thought they have only three Zoids."

"Three Zoids?!" Leena almost shouted.

"But the S-Class rules say the minimum is four Zoids to a team." Bit added.

"I know, but the Quicksilvers are so fast that they can easily take on six Zoids at a time. So the Battle Commision has alowed them to have no less than three Zoids for certian periods of time. They continue recruiting and then losing a fourth member throughout every season. Here," Jamie manipulated the keyboard and the moniter came to life. Real video feed flowed through the moniter showing two Dragon-Zoids and one Raptor-Zoid defeating a mass of Rev Raptors and Gun Snipers. "This is the battle against the Raptors Team, an entire team made of Gun Snipers and Rev Raptors. This wasn't the one of the Raptor's finest moments." And it was true, Zoid ofter Zoid fell at the hands of three single Zoids.

"That had to hurt." Denny commented.

"This Zoid here," Jamie continued. "Is the Omega Raptor, it's top speed has been measured close to 700 km/hr. It has a variaty of close to mid-range combat abilities and has an energy sheild and blade installed in the tail. "The Blue Blade Dragon, here," Jamie froze the image on he moniter to show the Zoid. "Is mostly close-combat oriented and has two main blades on the wings that can slice like through a Zoid's armor." Finally the moniter froze on the picture of an oriental Dragon-Zoid. "This is Draco. It's not ground-based like the other two so it can attack from the air. This thing is very dangerous. It has three kinds of flamethrowing equipment as well as being able to attack very fast and hard."

"So what's the plan?" Brad asked.

"Very simple. Divide and Conquer. In the beginning of the match we send out three Zoids to counter their three. Liger-Zero, the Shadow Fox and Gun Sniper."

"What about me?!" Denny said.

"Talon's still in the plan, but as a back-up. The Liger-Zero Schneider will destract the Blade Dragon, the Shadow Fox can get the Omega Raptor's attention and Leena can atack Draco all she wants." Jamie replied.

"Hee hee hee, and with my new weapons I'll blow them all out of the battle!" Leena exclaimed.

"So in other words, count on me and Talon to take over after she gets herself blasted into bits." Denny commented.

"What?! Why you little...." Leena started.

"Calm down Leena," Toros told them. "You need to make sure all the components are added onto your Gun Sniper before the match tomarow."

"Fine." Leena said, giving up her argument against Denny until later.

"Bit and Denny, you two are helping her."

"What?! They're her own parts, she can install them." Denny protested.

"True, but not in one day. So get to work you three." Doc said as he adjurned the meeting.


* * *

The day of the battle everyone was waiting anxsiously for the Quicksilvers to show. Bit, Brad, and Leena waited in their Zoids, ready to be launched at the start of the match. Denny was watching the moniters beside Jamie, he wouldn't be needed unless one of the other three had been taken out, and, from Leena's viewpoint anyway, that wasn't going to happen.

The radar started beeping. "Three Zoids have just been spotted. Moving at high speeds towards us." Jamie reported as he watched the data flowing through his screen.

Denny watched the windows and could see a cloud of dust and three figures infront of it, one of them was flying.

"Get ready guys, this looks like a tough one." Denny comented.

"Don't worry about us. This will be over before you know it." Leena stated.

"I'll remember that when you get knocked out in the next minute." Denny replied.

"Nows, not the time to get into an argument you two." Brad said, stopping anymore discussion.

"Get ready to mobilize team." Toros said.

The Hover Cargo's top hatch openned and the catapult extended. First Liger-Zero Schneider was loaded.

"Go Schneider!"

"Shadow Fox, mobilize!"

"Gun Sniper, prepare to mobilize."

The three Zoids landed with small clouds of dust, they roared and snarled as the Quicksilver's Zoids reached them.

"So, they don't think we're much of a threat and only have three of their Zoids out." Celire Shvat commented as his Zoid slowed to a stop.

Hiro's Blue Blade Dragon slowed as well. "We'll show them wrong, right Alex?"

Draco continued to hover in the air. "Yeah, these jokers don't know who they're dealing with."


* * *

Denny bit his fingers as he waited for the Judge to land.

"Is that really good for your fingers?" Jamie commented.

"I only do it when I'm nervous or waiting." Denny replied as he watched the sky. "The judge has entered the building!"


* * *

With a flash the Judge crashed into the ground, dust blasted everywhere. The capsule rose and then openned.

"The area within a 35 mile radius is now a designated Zoid battlefeild. WARNING! All others must leave the area at once. Only authorized personel have clearence to be in this area. Battle Mode 0982. The Blitz Team vs the Quicksilver Team. Battle Mode approved. Area scanned. Battlefeild set up. Ready? Fight!"

As one Liger, Fox, and the Sniper lept into action, each heading for their opponents according to Jamie's plan. Liger charged the Blade Dragon, Brad went after the Raptor, and Leena had Draco all to herself.

Liger-Zero Schneider ran at the Blue Blade Dragon at full speed. "Let's go, Buster Slash!" The blades around Liger's head locked into attack position and extra thrusters on the Zoid's armor blasted on, propelling it faster.

Hiro armed his Dragon-Zoid's blades on the wings and extended them both. The Blue Blade Dragon looked like a distorted version of a Blade Liger face-on. The Dragon-Zoid met Liger's charge, blades primed and ready.

Liger-Zero's blades and the right-winged blade of the Blade Dragon met and ricocheted off of each other. The Lion-Zoid landed on its feet, as did the Dragon-Zoid.

"He blocked our attack?" Bit asked as Liger got into position for it's next attack run.

The Shadow Fox charged the Omega Raptor. "Strike Laser Claw!" As the Fox's legs began to glow the Zoid jumped into the air and started to come down, claws ready. The Raptor jumped backwards as the Shadow Fox slammed into the ground, it's claws lodged into the rock.

Celire extended the blades on the Raptor's sides and dashed towards the trapped Shadow Fox. The Fox may have been stuck, but it wasn't out. The Laser Vulcan Gun pivited up and shot at the oncomming Zoid. The Omega Raptor stopped its attack run and jumped over the shots, landing several meters back from where it had jumped.

Vents on the Fox-Zoid openned and the Shadow Fox was enshrouded with a cloud of thick black smoke. The smoke extended far past where the Fox was and engulfed the Omega Raptor.

"GO! Weasle Unit Total Assault!" Leena shouted. Every single weapon on her Gun Sniper fired at the Zoid in the air. Draco flew past the barrage, pulling in close to the ground as Leena's weapons blasted chunks of dirt and rock into the air.

"Stay still!" Leena ordered.

"Not on your life babe!" Alex replied.

Draco flew straight at Leena, even as she continued to fire every weapon on her Zoid at the Dragon-Zoid. The Dragon-Zoid blasted into the air, over the Gun Sniper and turned in mid-air and bathed the Raptor-Zoid in a dual flamethrower blast. After a second's worth of a blast Draco stopped and hovered down to the ground.

"Why you!" Leena threatened as she started to turn her Zoid around. Her Gun Sniper stopped in mid turn, its legs stuck to the ground. "What?!" Leena's Gun Sniper's legs were stuck in a small pool of glass! Draco's flamethrowers had not melted the Zoid but melted the ground and made the Gun Sniper stuck inside an instant glass pool. "My Legs are stuck!"

Two missle pods openned on each side of Draco's body and launched several missles at the Gun Sniper. Chuncks of armor and weapons were blasted off of the Raptor-Zoid as a Command System Frezee took control.


* * *

"No! Leena!" Toros shouted. "Bit, Brad! Leena's been taken out of the fight."

"What?!" Bit almost shouted as Liger grappled with the Blade Dragon.

"No way!" Brad chipped in as his Zoid and the Omega Raptor were still surrounded in smoke.

I've seen that move before.... Denny thought. "Doc! I'm heading out!" He ran out of the room towards the loading bay.


* * *

"Need some help Hiro?" Alex asked

The Blade Dragon slammed the Liger to the ground. "Na, I've got it covered. ACK!" Then Liger slammed the Dragon-Zoid to the ground.

"How about you Celire?"

The Omega Raptor and the Shadow Fox were still inside the smoke cloud. "This guy is nothing. Just relax, and the battle will be over before you know it."

"Man, this is boring. If this team would have just sent out more Zoids I--What?!"

"Becareful what you wish for," replied someone in an orange, white, and black Raptor-Zoid. The Zoid charged at Draco, and slammed into the Dragon-Zoid with incredible speed. "You just might get it!"

Draco slid on the ground before pulling up into the air. "Where did that thing come from?!"

"Your worst nightmare, would work!" the other Warrior replied as the Raptor-Zoid landed on its feet and skidded back as well. The Zoid snarled at Draco, and the two scythes on the Zoid's arms lifed up, exposing Laser Guns under them. The Raptor-Zoid fired at Draco.

Draco flew right at the Raptor-Zoid, full speed ahead as parts of the ground were blasted into the air. "Hang on Liz!" Alex said as he pulled the controls and Draco blasted into the air, ready to fly over the other Zoid.


* * *

Denny watched as the Dragon-Zoid, Draco, was almost over Talon's head. "Now." The Ion Thrusters on Talon's back blasted on and the Raptor-Zoid jumped into the air. Scythes raised, Talon slammed into Draco's mid-section, and both Zoids started falling to the ground, a combined mass of metal and claws.

The Zoids dislodged on impact and the Warriors tried to get their bearings back.

"Blasted! What happened? How did he ambush me like that?" Alex wondered as he rubbed his head.

"Common, DM. You should know better than to pull the same manuver twice in one battle." said the Raptor-Zoid's Warrior and a vid-window openned between them.

Alex would have stepped back in shock, if he wasn't already sitting down. "Denny?! I had no idea you were a Warrior!"

"Well the surprise is here too DM. But when I saw the manuver you pulled on our Gun Sniper I thought you were behind that piloting. You pulled the same trick at least five times in the Simulaters." Denny replied.

"Actually seven, you had your back turned."

"Well I was busy then." Denny stated.

"How abou we finish what we started in the Simulaters a few days ago?" Alex commented.

"If you mean me slicing your Zoid to pieces," Talon's scythes reflected the light. "Then you're on!"

"Your Zoid is gonna be the one in pieces." Alex replied as Draco curled in the air.

"Let's go!" Denny shouted as Talon roared.

"Bring it!" Alex replied as Draco swopped down.

The Omega Raptor charged out of the smoke cloud again. Every blade on the Zoid's body was extended and ready to slash. The Laser Cannons were armed and aiming through he cloud.

"I've run through the smoke and attacked in every direction imaginable, but still I can't find him." Celire stated as his Zoid watched every direction.

"Because I'm not in there." The Shadow Fox came running up from behind the Omega Raptor and pounced.

The Raptor-Zoid was pinned by the Shadow Fox. Celire moved the Laser Cannons to lock onto the Fox's leg but the Fox-Zoid fired its Laser Vulcan gun at the Omega Raptor's torso. The Omega Raptor was out with a Command System Frezee.

The Liger-Zero Schneider had both of its back blades extended and continued to attack the Blue Blade Dragon. Blades clanged together as both Zoids continued to fight. As Liger was pushed back, Bit was getting annoyed.

"Common Liger! We can do it!" Liger-Zero roared in reply, and one of the Zoid's blades pointed towards the Dragon-Zoid.

The Blade Dragon roared back and crouched.

Both Zoids charged.

"Buster Slash!" Bit shouted.

Liger-Zero lept over the oncoming attack from the Blue Blade Dragon, and it's blade caught and started slicing the Dragon-Zoid's right wing off. The Dragon Zoid dropped to one side as it's wing crashed behind it. Liger landed and it's blade was retracted out to the side, and the Zoid turned to face the wounded Dragon-Zoid.

Talon and Draco grappled for the fourth time, and like every time before, all they managed to do was push eachother away so they could attack again.

Denny steadied the controls. "Man, it's no good. Every time we attack we only get pushed back. There's gotta be a way to catch him off gaurd."

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

He looked down at Talon's HUD and watched the scimatics.

JUGULAR BITE

There was a close-up of Talon's head, the Zoid's teeth were highlighted. The perfect surprise attack. he tought. Now to only get in close and use it. Denny pulled on the controlls and Talon crouched.

Draco's long body curled and the mouth of the Dragon-Zoid openned at Talon.

"Go! Slasher!" Talon's Ion Thrusters blasted on and the Zoid dashed at Draco.

"Got ya!" The twin Flamethrowers in Draco's mouth burst on, and flames engulfed Talon as the Zoid ran.

Fire surrounded the Raptor-Zoid as it continued to run. Strangely, Denny didn't feel the heat from the flames, he wasn't really paying attention. His Fire Stone started to glow again. Talon's eyes began to glow brighter as the fire seemed to focus around the fore claws, hind claws and the crest of horns on the Zoid's head.

Alex stopped the flamethrowers to see if Talon was melted to the ground, but was socked to see the Zoid racing towards Draco, flames swirling around it's claws. "AAHH!"

One swipe and Talon upper-cutted the Dragon-Zoid, sending it flying backwards. Where Talon's claws had conected, the metal was slightly warped and melted. The Raptor-Zoid lept in for the kill.

"JUGULAR BITE!"

Talon's mouth clamped around Draco's neck, and began to squeeze. The Raptor-Zoid ripped it's head back, tearing chunks of armor away from the area of Draco's neck. The Dragon-Zoid fell, damage to it's upper body. Talon had a chunk of Draco's armor still in its mouth. The Zoid shook its head and spat the armor onto the ground.

The Battle was over.


* * *

Alex waited for the Gustav transports to arrive so that the Quicksilvers could get their Zoids back to base for repairs and an assesment of the battle. Liz was sunning on a rock as he rested in the shade of his Zoid.

He heard footsteps and saw Denny standing over him.

"Nice lizard. He yours?" Denny asked.

"It's a she. What's up?"

"What? Can't I come over and congragulate you after a battle?"

"I dunno..." Alex started.

"Hey, common. It was a good match right?" Denny stated. "Friends?"

"Friends."

The two of them gave eachother the Warrior salute.

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Leena: A Zoid roams the battlefields, tearing opponents apart in seconds. The Warrior is already a legend, only having lost to one person. The combination of the two promises for an unbeatable team. What?! Are you sure?! It can't be!! Next time on Zoids: Legend of the Ultimate Xs, Return of the King: Enter the Fury Ready? FIGHT!!

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ZOID DATABASE: WARRIOR FILES

Name: Alexis DeMarko
Age: 17
Sex: Male
Discription: Tall with silver and red hair, Black cargo pants, red custom T-Shirt with his Zoid on it. Has glasses and has a tatoo of a Dragon on his hand.
History: Alex started battleing when he was young, getting together parts for his very own Zoid. An excelent technitian, Alex had Draco running in notime at all. He found his pet lizard, Liz, nested in the coils of his Zoid's thrusters.
Zoid: Draco
Team: Quicksilver


ZOID DATABASE: ZOID FILES

Name: Draco
Type: Oriental Dragon
Class: 3
Function: Heavy air support, Communications Nexus
Alingment: Guylos Empire
Designation: DLX-2500
Height: 3.46 m
Length: 15.7 m
Weight: 67 T
Max Speed: 345 km/hr (airborn)
Crew: 1
Armaments: Dual Flamethrowers, EMP shockwave emitter, 2 LRM Bolt Missle Packs (16 each), 2 SRM Streak Missle packs (8 each),Vibroblade Claws
Distinguishing Features: High Speed and still very manuverable. Able to attack quickly and evade before taking on enemy fire.