Konnichiwa, minna-san!! ^-^ I'm here to unveil to you a new story, which I hopefully pray will not be discontinued like my so many others. Basically it's about Leena leaving the team and what happens afterwards. If I explain anymore, I'll give away the whole story. So enjoy!! ^-^

Oh, yeah. It's starts about 8 months since the Royal Cup.

Disclaimer: I wish!! The only thing I own is this fic.

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Becoming A Better Me

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The night was cold and desolate. Even the twin moons brought no comfort to the loneliness.

"Dad?" Doc looked up from his zoid models to face the sad expression of his only daughter.

"Leena, what's wrong?" his voice laced with worry for the usually vibrant redhead. Leena hesitated and clenched her fists at her side with her bangs obscuring her violet eyes.

"I'm leaving the team."

*

Morning came drowsily with the sun peeking over the horizon, reflecting off the new day's dew. Jamie was already up and making breakfast for all the hungry members of the Blitz team. The young 15-year-old yawned as he poured the batter onto the sizzling frying pan. Brad slowly entered the kitchen, newspaper neatly tucked under his arm. He tossed the paper onto the counter and started brewing some coffee.

"So what's for breakfast, Jamie?" Jaime yawned as he prepared the meal.

"Pancakes. There's so much batter mix that's not going to use," the strategist explained as he flipped the subjective forms. Bit soon stumbled into the cooking area while trying to stifle a yawn, his hair more disheveled than usual. The blonde mumbled a good morning to his 2 teammates as he trudged over to the cabinets. Bringing out a bowl, a spoon, a box of Pops® cereal, and a carton of milk, Bit said he was going to have a quick breakfast and get started on working on Liger. A few moments later, Doc entered the room, a distraught expression etched on his sleep deprived face.

"What's wrong, Doc?" Jamie asked, the first to notice Doc's expression. The usually carefree elder sulked as he released a troubled sigh from his dry throat.

"Leena left the team." Jamie's pancake flew out of control, Bit spewed out the half-eaten cereal in his mouth, and Brad overflowed his cup with coffee. Bit was the first to regain his composure.

"Leena left the team? You sure about that?" Doc nodded solemnly. Jamie shut off the stove.

"Why? When?" Doc sighed and shook his head, running a shaky hand through his hair.

"Well, last night ..."

FLASHBACK

Doc looked at Leena with a very confused expression.

"Why would you want to leave the team?" Leena clenched her fists tighter, almost drawing blood.

"I'm nothing but a useless piece of junk to the team. I waste ammo, I always need someone to bail me out, I'm the first one down, and all I do is cost everyone trouble. Not only that, but outside the battlefield, I'm only a nuisance. Everyone would be better off without me." The Blitz team founder tried to comfort the youth.

"Leena, you know that's not true--"

"But it is, dad! It's all true! Jamie doesn't need someone picking on him. Brad sure doesn't need to split the prize money with a useless pilot. & Bit honestly doesn't need someone beating him up, stealing his cookies, and chasing him non-stop around the base day-in and day-out. Face it, dad. I'm not needed here and it's about time I figured that out." Doc lowered his head in defeat, knowing she was right. A long sigh was heaved from the 39-year-old.

"I'm guessing by the way you came up to me about this, you don't want me to tell the guys until you're gone. Am I right?" Leena slowly nodded.

"So when are you leaving?" Doc requested as he took his seat again.

"Tonight." The distraught father snapped his head to get a good look at his daughter's face.

"What do you mean by 'tonight'?" Leena sighed and let her tense shoulders drop.

"I already packed and called a cab to bring me into town."

END FLASHBACK

"She said I could sell the Gun Sniper since she wouldn't be taking it with her. I tried my best to persuade her to stay for just a few more days, but I couldn't change her mind. Leena did promise that when she becomes a better person and zoid pilot, she'll come back."

The Night Before

A certain trigger-happy 17-year old wandered the streets of Romeo City, a duffle back and a backpack tightly in her grip. Passing by one of the many parks, the former Blitz team member headed towards a picnic area. Leena took a seat on one of the benches and banged her head on the wooden table.

"Stupid. Why didn't I think about exactly what I was going to do once I reached town? Now I don't know where to go. Stupid." Her head banging continued. That is, until a voice interrupted her 'thoughts'.

"You do realize that you're killing brain cells, right?" Leena froze at the somewhat familiar voice. She turned to find a 13-year-old boy with shaggy jet-black hair and ice blue eyes.

"You're Vega Obscura. Bit beat you and the Berserk Fury in the Royal Cup." Vega could only smile warmly.

"And you're Leena Toros. The only female member of the Blitz team--"

"Former member of the Blitz team. I just left them." Vega looked at her curiously.

"What for? Your team is one of the best. Why leave?" Leena gave a depressed sigh.

"Let's say I finally found my place." A sympathizing look crossed Vega's features, but passed quickly.

"Do you have anywhere to stay?" Leena shook her head.

"I was going to sleep on this bench and see where I go from there." Vega grinned.

"Why don't you stay the night at my house? Sara won't mind, she likes helping warriors in need, so long as she doesn't need to pay any big expenses for them." Leena giggled.

"Sure, why not? I never turn down a free offer. It is free, right?" Vega chuckled and pulled at her hand.

"Of course it is. Now c'mon. Sara is probably wondering what's taking me so long."

Present time

Bit had suddenly lost his appetite and left his unfinished cereal on the counter. He silently left the kitchen as Doc continued talking, no one noticing his leave. The young blonde walked down the endless corridors, his mind in a jumble. 'Sure she can waste lots of ammo, but she's still a good warrior when she wants to be. Leena is a major part of this team. She's always stirring up trouble and her temper is why there isn't a dull moment in the base. Why would she leave?' Bit stopped walking, finding himself in front of Leena's room. 'Then again. Doc could be pulling our legs and Leena's just sleeping in.' The Liger0 pilot smirked at the idea and opened the door, expecting to find a sleeping 17-year-old girl on her bed. However, that's not what he found. The bed was fixed and untouched. He looked around the room to find an empty closet, a dresser with its drawers open & bare, a spotless desk area, and a room without any signs that a person inhabited it. Bit just stood there, his eyes wide.

"She can't be gone. Leena was laughing and smiling with us. How could she leave after that?"

"Maybe she wanted to leave us with happy memories." The usually cheerful youth looked behind him. Brad was looking at the room from behind Bit, a serious expression adorning his features. Bit turned to faced the Shadow Fox pilot.

"You think it was an act?" Brad shook his head.

"Leena wanted her last moments with us to be genuine. It was all completely real." Bit thought about it.

"I still can't believe she would just leave. It doesn't seem right." Brad sighed and nodded.

"Yeah. I know, but everyone has to find themselves once in a while. And this is what Leena needs right now. Give her time. After all, she did promise to come back when she's a better person and pilot." Bit lowered his head.

"But that day might not come." Brad laid a hand on Bit's shoulder.

"Have some faith in her, Bit. Leena knows what she's doing." Bit looked up at the more experienced warrior and nodded with a smile on his face.

"You're right. I'll wait for her." Brad allowed himself a small smile, then a mischievous grin.

"'I'll' wait for her'?" The blonde's smile faded as he realized his mistake. He immediately escaped from the older warrior's grip with a light blush on his cheeks.

"I meant 'we'll'. Honest! I don't have any feelings for Leena other than a 'friend-friend' thing. Really! Com'on! You know me!" Brad could only laugh.

Obscura Base

Leena yawned as she stretched in her warm, comfy bed. The sheets were a cream white like the comforter, the pillows adorned with hues of sunset colors. Laying a delicate hand over to the sky-blue crackle styled nightstand at her bedside, Leena placed took hold of the antique pale pink alarm clock. Drawing the ancient mechanical piece up to her sleepy eyes, the 17-year-old read the 2 hands of the clock with slight interest. It was 8 am and the sun was brightly shinning. She placed the old timepiece down as well as her head and decided to wait just 30 more minutes. The soft ticking of the old fashioned mechanism soothed Leena as she continued to lie upon her new bed.

She looked around the room to see what Sara had picked out for her. Leena was extremely tired when they reached the base, so Sara had lead the drowsy magenta haired girl into one of the many rooms of the base.

Looking around, Leena noticed that the room contemplated the sunrise and sunset. The walls told the story of day turning into night and vice-versa, complete with silver sponged on stars and puffy white clouds to match. The carpet was a lavender color with a soft rugged look to it. There were 6 couches and chairs that ranged from pale pink to midnight blue with either silver star or white cloud pillows all set in a semi-circle. There was also a big screen TV, a sound system, a computer/desk area, a private bathroom, a huge closet, a large navy blue dresser, and a balcony that looked over a breathtaking view.

All Leena could do was let her jaw drop and have her eyes boggle at the humungous room she had been given. A soft chuckle arrived from the entrance of the room, causing Leena to snap out of her position. Standing in the doorway, Sara smiled warmly at Leena.

"So ... How did you sleep?" Leena sat up and smiled as brightly as the sun was.

"I slept very well, thank you. The bed is so comfy and I love the room." The elder woman could only smile more broadly at the radiating youth.

"It's nice to hear that. I wasn't sure you would like it. But seeing that you do, how would you like to keep it?" Leena regained the same expression she had only moments ago.

"Are you saying I can stay here?" The ex-Backdraft Group member nodded happily.

"Of course. So long as you earn your keep. I wonder what you should do, though." A soft knock came behind Sara as a young voice echoed through the room.

"She could join the team we're gonna make." Sara messed the hair of her child.

"What a wonderful idea. But didn't you say that she quit her team because she said she wasn't a good pilot?" Leena nodded.

"That's right. I won't be much use to you." Vega shook his head furiously.

"Not really. All you need is some training. We have simulation pods and equipment to help you." Sara smiled at the young boy at her side and looked up to look at Leena.

"So what do you say? We'll help you all the way through." Leena thought for a moment and then nodded.

"Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Toros Base

It was 2 pm and no one had eaten lunch, deciding it wasn't right to do so. Jamie was in the computer room busily typing away.

"Man. I never thought I'd have to update the team's member data like this again. First it was Leon, now Leena. I'm the only original pilot left. It's not right for Leon to leave and have me try to keep this team together. Or is it fair for Leena to just up and leave without saying good-bye to everyone. And Doc isn't taking it very lightly. Both his kids are gone and he has no family here with him."

"You know this team better than anyone else, Jamie. I admire that." Jamie stopped typing and looked behind him at the room's entrance. Doc stood there, a lonely look on his face. He took a seat next to the youngest Blitz team member, looking at his current work.

"Updating the member data?" Jamie nodded, not wanting to talk to the troubled man at his side.

"I miss Leon and Leena very much ... But even though they're gone, that doesn't mean I don't have family here. The team is my family and it's my job as founder and provider of this team to watch over and treat all you as if you were my own children." Jamie looked at the man beside him with new understanding. All this time that he had been on this team, he had come to know Stephan Toros like a second father and he knew that the rest of the guys felt like the same way, too.

"Now stop sitting there like an idiot and get your work done, son." A goofy grin spread upon Doc's features as his voice filled with authentic joy. That caused the youth to smile with admiration as Doc left the room.

*

Bit was lazily working on Liger, wondering what Leena was doing at the very moment. The talk with Brad had made him feel somewhat better about her leave, but he couldn't stop thinking about the trigger-happy pilot. He began to think to when they first met; him in a net, her accusing him of stealing her Dibison's parts. Vaguely, he remembered something spark inside of him when he first gazed into her fierce violet eyes. Trying to place the feeling, Bit took on the ever-memorable thinking pose of Winnie the Pooh Bear. Getting a headache, the blonde stopped and began to talk to his partner.

"Hey, Liger. Do you really think that Leena will come back?" The white zoid roared proudly (Liger will be speaking in this kind of font).

I have no doubt that she will, but it is certain that she'll be able to come back immediately. After all, no one can find himself or herself in one day. This kind of event usually takes days to years. Bit looked down with an unreadable expression.

"How are you so sure of that?" The white zoid titled his head and relaxed himself so that it could almost be seen that he was smiling casually.

Have I ever been wrong? All Bit could do was give his partner a genuine smile and shook his head.

"I guess not. The thing is Liger, that I can't help but think about her and it's driving me nuts. I mean ... There's too much silence now and --"

Just admit it. You miss her and you wish she was here with you right now. The blonde looked shocked at his companion, then smirked while bowing his head low.

"You know me too well, Liger. So, do have any idea why I'm feeling like this? Sure I miss her, but I can't really understand why I miss her this much." The zoid could only give off a chuckling roar aimed at the youth at his side.

So you haven't figured it out, huh? I'm sorry my friend, but you'll have to discover what it is on your own. In the due time, I suggest that you and I hone our skills. We mustn't disappoint Leena when she decides it is time to come back. Bit leaned against the massive zoid and nodded in agreement.

Obscura base

"Okay. We're going to practice aiming right now since that seems like the most obvious weakness. First we'll work on still targets then to moving subjects. Remember to keep your eyes on the target, Leena." Leena nodded to Sara as they walked into a large firing range (since this is in the future, it has hologram targets). Sara appointed Leena to a booth on the far right and handed her a training gun (guns that shoots infer red beams to the holographic target with the same feel of a real gun). Putting the earmuffs on, Leena took position and waited for the training program to begin. The practical standstill dummy fazed into existence and the teen took aim. After much scolding from Sara, the ex-Blitz Team pilot finally started to get the hang of it. Striking every vital weakness of the human being with few bullets used, Sara was impressed.

"I've got to admit that you excelled much quickly than I originally thought. See how much you can accomplish when you focus and take limit to your resources?" Leena shrugged and took off the heavy headgear.

"You think we can move on to moving targets next?" The older woman shook her head and waved her finger.

"Not so fast. We still have to teach you the weaknesses of other zoids." Vega came in and began to lecture Leena while setting up standstill dummies of the zoids he was explaining. All the while, Leena took careful aim onto each zoid shown before her and followed Vega's instructions, bringing the holographic targets to their doom. After finishing the lecture, the 2 teachers test their pupil as random zoid dummies popped into the firing range. When the training was finished, Vega beamed.

"Wow! That was awesome, Leena. I'm impressed that you remembered all of the weaknesses we taught you. We can go onto moving targets if you want to. That is, after lunch." Leena said she wanted to continue her training right away, but her growling stomach though other wise. Vega and Sara laughed, leading the youth back to the kitchen of the vast Obscura base.

*

Leena awoke with the shrill ring of her ancient alarm clock. Shutting the mechanism off, the 17-year-old tossed the covers from her snug form, sending a rush of cold air encircling her. Grabbing a set of new clothes she had laid out the night before, Leena headed for her private bathroom. The cool white title floor sent a chill up her spine as she walked over to the shower part of the restroom. The bathroom was much larger than the one her father had in the base. It had a large showering area, a huge bathtub, a toilet (no, duh), an oversized sink, and a mirror that filled up one entire wall. All of the decorations and colors of the bathroom accompanied the interior of Leena's room (since I don't feel like describing furniture right now, just imagine how it looks). Turning on the shower, Leena stood under the flow of the lukewarm water. Cleansing herself from sleep and grim, Leena grinned as the aroma of strawberry-kiwi from her shampoo and body wash filled the air. Finishing putting on the blue halter top and gray sweat shorts over her undergarments, Leena brushed her now frizzed locks to their natural bounciness. Walking out of the bathroom, a quick rap was heard at her door, Sara requested to come in. Leena allowed her to enter.

"Sorry I didn't mention about setting your alarm. Do have any objections waking up at 6 am?" For about the next 3 minutes, all Leena could do was blink and look from Sara to her clock. Sure enough, the 2 hands of the face of the timekeeper said that is it was now 30 minutes after 6 am. In pure disbelief, the magenta haired youth gaped.

"You've gotta be kidding me. I didn't know I could ever wake up so early." Sara shrugged.

"Well, now you know you can. Since you're dressed already, come down for breakfast and we'll continue your training." Nodding numbly, Leena followed the older woman out of the room and into the vast corridors.

Toros base

Bit stared up at the white ceiling as he lay on his back with his arms behind his head on his bed. '"She will come back ... It may take as long as a couple of days to years ..."' Liger0's words looped through the young warrior's mind. They had been continuously playing over and over all night long, disabling him from a good night's sleep. When he was able to grasp the relaxing feel of sleep at his fingertips, the blonde would be met by the image of Leena walking away from him, ignoring his calls for her to stay. The tired pilot shifted his gaze from his ceiling to the clock besides him on his nightstand. 6:00 AM blared in neon green on the rectangular screen. A deep-frustrated sigh came forth from the young man's throat as he gave up on trying to find the blissful calmness he longed for (metaphor for sleep). Trudging over to the bathroom, Bit spoke to Liger through their telepathic link.

'Liger, are you awake?'

I am now, was the annoyed reply of Liger0. Bit stepped into the running warm water of the shower as he apologized to his partner. Liger shrugged it off and told Bit to go on with whatever was important to wake him up so early in the morning.

'Well, I don't really know how to deal with Leena's absence. So far, I've been having trouble sleeping 'cause I've been thinking about her never coming back.' The blonde dried himself as Liger responded.

I've told you numerous of times, she is coming back.

'I know, it's just that I can't help think that she might not. I mean, how would you feel if someone you cared for a lot just decided to go away and you don't know when or even if they'll ever be by your side again?' Liger gave a questioning roar.

Are you implying that Leena is the one that you love? Bit slapped himself on the forehead as he walked down to the kitchen, dressed in his normal attire.

'Of course! I mean, of course NOT. Leena is like family to me. I'm just concerned for her.'

Yeah. Like concern for a spouse. The Ultimate-X pilot stuttered for a moment in the kitchen doorway.

'YOU KNOW THAT 'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!!'

You know you cannot deny the truth, Bit. Bit was at a complete lost of words. Giving up on the conversation, the young warrior snorted and tossed a breakfast burrito into the microwave. Finishing the burrito about 3 minutes later (time for burrito to cook: 2 1/2 minutes, time for burrito to cool: 20 seconds, time for Bit to eat burrito: 10 seconds), Bit headed towards the hanger to work on Liger and hopefully keep the previous topic out of mind.

~*~

That's it! I can't stand writing this thing. I was planning on making this a one-shot, but I'm very fickle. I'm gonna end this right here and make it a chapter. I hope that's all right with you people. I promise I will NOT leave this story unfinished. Unfortunately, since high school is getting in my way and I won't be getting a laptop 'till I'm a Sophomore, I won't be adding chapters very often. Then again, what else is new?

So anyways, you can see that Leena's turning a new leaf and doing it quickly. Bit is taking an unexpected/expected (depends on what you think of Bit/Leena coupling) turn for his feelings towards Leena. The main question is will Leena still be "Leena" after all her changing? And will Bit figure out how he feels for her? Most importantly, will Bit have the same feelings after Leena comes back?

JA NE, MINNA-SAN!! ^-^

~*SAKURA SCOUT*~