Zoids: The Fight Continues

Chapter One: Bit Cloud on His Own

-Blitz Team Base, 1100 hours (the day after the Royal Cup Tournament)

"Woohoo! Yea! There ain't a team around Liger and me can't beat!" Bit Cloud exclaimed as he walked into the room, "Where's the chow?"

"I guess there's just no humbling you. You're too cocky, Bit Cloud. One day, someone will show you how to be modest." Leon Toros declared.

"Yea, no kidding. Wait and see." Jack Sisco threatened.

"Yea, right, but it ain't gonna be you, Jack!" Bit said with a smirk. "We've moved up to class S rank, so if you wanna fight me now, you'd have to move up a rank and-"

"Oh give it a rest," Lena interrupted, "No one wants to hear you brag about you and your stupid Zoid!" Across the room, Jaime and Brad shook their heads, and stifled laughter. The Blitz team was hosting a small party in one of their unused hangar bays. Among the guests were Jaime's dad, Naomi Flugel, Jack Sisco, Leon Toros, Harry Champ, and Mary Champ. The party was held in celebration of the Blitz Team's victory in the Royal Cup Tournament. Though Bit had a large part in the victory, none of his teammates were willing to give him bragging rights.

Dr. Toros was busy explaining the armor change ability of the Liger Zero to Mary Champ, when Harry caught a glimpse of Lena looking across the room at Bit. She wore an expression of anticipation and thought on her face that made Harry wonder what she was thinking. It also made him jealous, but before he could say or do anything, she turned back to her conversation with Leon. Casting an angry glare towards Bit, he noticed that Bit was alone in his seat eating ravenously, as was his usual manner.

Also seeing that Bit was not engaged in any conversations was Naomi Flugel. She made her way toward him, weaving between the small groups of partygoers.

"So what are your plans now, Bit Cloud?" Naomi asked with a hint of clairvoyance. Not expecting anyone to approach him while he was eating, Bit stood up startled and decided to respond.

"Well, its true Liger and me enjoy battling and all, but," Bit paused to think. He gazed upward and away from Naomi as if in serious thought, and continued. "You see, I've always wanted to go off on my own and explore whatever shows up on the horizon for me each day. I was never able to before because I was always trying to make ends meet as a parts dealer. And without a Zoid, I wasn't going too far from home, even in my salvage truck. Now that I have a place in this world, some money in my pocket, and a partner by my side, I may actually be able to fulfill that dream. Ever since Leon came and told me of his adventures on his own, I longed to do the same, but I don't know what the team would think of it."

"Perhaps a bit of solitude would do you some good. It always has for me." Naomi offered.

"Solitude? I never thought of it that way. I would always have Liger. We have a way of communicating, that no other pilot and their Zoid have ever accomplished." Bit declared.

"Communicating? Surely you mean controlling? You are a skilled pilot, with that I'll agree." Naomi responded puzzled.

"The Liger Zero is an Ultimate X Zoid," Dr. Toros interjected. Doc couldn't help but notice Naomi's confusion. "It has the ability to learn from its encounters. It remembers the moves and strategies of its opponents and can anticipate attacks."

"That's incredible. So that's why you call the Liger your partner, because it can think. Bit, you truly are lucky." Naomi replied in amazement.

"And he only let's me pilot him. We think as one, Liger and me. You see? That's why we're such a perfect team. Sure, there are things we can't do, but we'll never give up trying! And with a team like mine, there's no way we can lose. Which reminds me, Doc, I want to talk to the team, after the party." Bit explained.

"I think that can be arranged," Doc said with a knowing smile.

-Blitz Team Base 1800 hours (after the party)

"I guess you're all kind of wondering why I called you here, so I'll explain as best I can." Bit said to Jaime, Brad, Lena, and Dr. Toros after the party had ended and the guests had left.

"Can you make this quick? I want to take the Shadow Fox out for a run before I call it an early night." Brad remarked impatiently before yawning.

"This isn't about another one of your battle plans is it? This isn't the time for any serious talk, we're all tired from the party and need to clean up." Moaned Jaime.

"No, this will be quick," Bit sighed, "I'm going out on my own for a while. I need some time to myself to explore my true potential. I'll be taking Liger with me, of course. Haven't I paid off my debt for the Liger Zero by winning the tournament, Doc?"

"Yes, its true. Your share of the prize money more than makes up for all your debts to me, with even a bit left over, which I assume you'll be taking with you?" said Doc.

"Wait Bit! Doc, you're not going to try to stop him? What's the matter with you?" Jaime screamed, panicking.

"Yea, Doc, don't you think we need him here with us?" Brad asked.

"Bit is his own person, and since his debts are paid, we have no hold on him anymore. I think it will be good for him. After all, it seemed to help Leon mature quite a bit." Doc explained happily.

"Aw, come off it, Doc!" Jaime yelled in a tantrum-like whine.

"There goes our team confidence. I wonder if Leon is hiring?" Brad mentioned nonchalantly. It was more than Jaime could take. His face was twisted with distress and disappointment. Lena, surprisingly, just listened quietly.

"Bit, can I talk to you a minute?" she asked shyly. Uneasily, Bit agreed, wondering what she would yell about his time. "II just wanted to tell you, now that you're leaving and all, that welluh-" Before she could finish, an explosion shook the hangar.

"What was that?" Doc demanded.

"It sounded like a rocket impact!" Jaime replied, having finally snapped out of his state of shock. Another impact shook the loose tools off the shelf in the hangar.

"Get to your Zoids, crew, and find out what's going on out there!" Doc ordered. Bit, Jaime, Brad, and Lena scrambled to their respective Zoids, and launched out the hangar bay doors left ajar since the party. Bit was the first one to his Zoid, and consequently, the first to get outside. When he came bounding out of the large motorized door, he was immediately confronted by three Dark Horns. They were painted in all black and were loaded with extra weaponry for precision attacks. The Liger Zero skidded to a stop and crouched to dodge the first volley of fire. Instead of firing on him, the captain of the Dark Horn squad hailed him on the screen communicator.

"The legendary Bit Cloud. I was hoping that we'd run into each other. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Julius. These are my colleagues, the troops of Squad C." The stranger announced,

"Hah! Only three Dark Horns? You call that a squad?" Bit taunted, stalling for time. If he could keep the enemy distracted, it would allow time for Brad, Lena, and Jaime to launch their Zoids and position themselves for attack. "Easy, boy," Bit whispered to the Liger. It roared in a display of indifference.

"Hardly! We've just been appointed to introduce our little strike force. We are not alone. Allow me to show you. Bolva! Tidus! All units step forward and be recognized!" In a matter of seconds, Bit's entire line of sight was crowded with Dark Horns, Desert Scorpions, and modified Black Vipers. "Presenting the full force of the Back Draft Group's most deadly assault force, Squad C. How do feel now, Bit? What's the matter? Liger got your tongue? Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

"Sure, you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" Brad seemingly materialized out of nowhere; Shadow Fox poised for battle. Behind the huge display of force, he opened fire with his back mounted 30mm gattling cannon. His shells hit hard on the unsuspecting backs of the Black Viper unit. Though his hits were destructive and plentiful, he didn't even dent the large number of foes. By Bit's estimate, there were at least 15 Dark Horns, about 20 Desert Scorpions, and approximately 18 Black Vipers still left to fight. Seizing the obvious advantage of a surprise attack, Bit leapt forward, utilizing his Strike Laser Claw attack on the Dark Horn to the right of Julius'. The unsuspecting Zoid was torn apart from its neck to its rear left leg. It fell over in three pieces, command system frozen, weapons useless, and pilot unconscious. Julius turned his short-range cannons and rockets on the Liger Zero and fired. Bit dodged to his left and the ammunition hammered right through the armor of an unsuspecting Desert Scorpion, destroying it and one just like it to its side.

"Thought you could start the party without me, did ya?" Lena shouted over the intercom. "Take this! Weasel Unit Total Assault!" The Gun Sniper unleashed an immense hail of missiles and shells from its many assorted weapons. The attack destroyed a Dark Horn, two Desert Scorpions, four Black Vipers, and damaged Julius' Zoid as well.

"The Wild Eagle is in the air! Watch out below!" Jaime streaked down upon the bulk of Squad C in his Raynos, delivering a shower of energy blasts from the Raynos' cannons. Bit slashed away at the nearest enemies, Brad continued his mobile and deadly assault from behind the enemy, Lena expressed her extreme trigger happy glee, and Jaime kept making passes with deadly accuracy. In a matter of seconds, the Blitz team had reduced Squad C to four Dark Horns, five Desert Scorpions, and three Black Vipers. Stunned at the speed with which his units were taken down, Julius called off the attack and ordered a full retreat.

"Tidus! Bolva! Full retreat! Make for base camp, we don't stand a chance if we stay here! Move out! Go! Go! Go!" The Dark Horn shed its unnecessary and heavy equipment and bounded away from the Blitz Team hangar, followed tightly by the remainder of his forces. "The Back Draft never gives up! We'll be back! You can count on it, Blitz Team!"

"What was his problem?" Jaime inquired, watching the pilots of the downed Zoids chase after their leader over the horizon, not once looking back. "Do you suppose that was some kind of attempt at retribution for beating the Back Draft at the Royal Cup Tournament?"

"Most likely, Jaime," Bit remarked. "Those guys are the sorest losers I've ever seen. I mean, you would think they'd learn not to mess with us, especially since we've never lost to them. I guess some people just don't know when to quit!"

"Status report! Are you guys alright?" Doc called over the intercom screen. "No one took any damage did they?"

"Nope, we're all fine here," Brad answered with a tone of triumph. "How about the damage done to the base? What's it gonna cost? It better not come out of my pay check!"

"Well, from here in the command center, the damage seems superficial and easily repaired. Good job warding off those attackers, team! Look at all the spare parts and ammo we can use and pawn. And Bit, nice diversion maneuver! You set them right up for our attack! Wonderful!"

"Thanks Doc. I think I'll fuel up in the hangar and let Liger rest overnight before I leave in the morning." Bit said.

"I still can't believe you're leaving us, Bit." Jaime remarked sadly.

"Oh cheer up Jaime, I'll be back. I just need a break from it all for a while. Oh, and Lena, what was it you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh, nothing, just wanted to say goodbye. You know" Lena blurted out. What's with her? Bit thought to himself. Doc smiled in the control room. He thought he understood why she was acting so strange lately. He thought she had a crush on Bit. But no one knew just how much more serious the situation was. None of them had the slightest idea what grave danger lay ahead.

Blitz Team Base, 2300 hours

Bit Cloud had a dream that night. He was walking his Liger through a desert wasteland. He felt the pangs of hunger, the weight of fatigue, and the bitter dryness of dehydration. The rhythm of Liger's steps sounded irregular to Bit's ears.

"Are you OK Liger?" Bit dreamily mumbled. The Liger let out a defeated growl and stumbled. Regaining its balance, the Liger continued on its way. Bit checked his gauges to discover that Liger's armor was severely damaged and that repairs and replacement parts were drastically needed. The Zoid could barely walk straight. Bit coughed hoarsely, and noticed blood on his hand after he pulled it from his mouth. With one last fleeting glance at the front monitor, showing only desolate terrain, he passed out.

Blitz Team Base, 0900 (Day two)

Waking to the shine of sunlight on his closed eyes, Bit Cloud stirred to consciousness. The open window blew cool air across his face as he lay in his bed. This is it. He thought to himself, Today is the day. I wonder, what will become of me? And what of that strange dream? Bit chased the memory of his nightmare away from his thoughts as he rose to get dressed. He put on his favorite set of clothes; his charcoal and black pants, his silver and brown boots, his green shirt, his red and white sport jacket, and his black and yellow combat gloves.

Bit walked quietly out into the dormitory hallway, not sure if anyone else was up yet. He tiptoed his way to the kitchen where he prepared a traveling bag with a breakfast, a lunch, and a dinner for the first leg of his journey. Assured that no one was awake yet, he scribbled a note on the team post-board:

"Dear Blitz Team,

It has been a privilege to fight on your team, and I am proud to call you my friends. I will return some day when my travels are finished, and we will once again be the perfect team. Who knows? Maybe we'll take that Royal Cup again. Can't say for sure until we get there. But be assured I will come back a far wiser person than I left you. Until then, be sure to win some for me!

Signed,

Bit Cloud

After posting his farewell note, he proceeded to the hangar and jumped in surprise to find Doc Toros waiting for him. He seemed worn out and his clothes were dabbed in grease indicating he had been working on something in the hangar bay.

"I made a few modifications on your Liger Zero, Bit." Doc explained drearily.

"What kind of modifications?" Bit asked suspiciously.

"Well I thought you would need more than just your Liger's basic armor when out roaming on your trip. Since you cannot bring the CAS system with you, I added a few components to the Liger Zero's white armor that are identical to some of those found on the other armors. To be specific, I added retractable claws similar to the Schneider's blades onto each foot of the Liger, increasing its Strike Laser Claw attack damage. I added a few plates of the same high tensile steel that can be found on the Panzer unit underneath the already in place armor of the Liger. There are two micro missile launchers placed on either side of the shock cannon as well. I also upgraded the boosters to match two-thirds the speed of the Jager Armor unit. All in all, it's pretty rounded to utilize a portion of the capabilities of the Liger's other armors. It took me all night, too." Doc scratched his head and rubbed at tired eyes before yawning. "And don't worry, it's on the house."

"Th-thanks, Doc. I don't know what to say. I wasn't expecting this." Bit stammered in disbelief.

"Don't mention it," Doc answered, "You'd better get going if you want to get the most distance out of today." Doc yawned once more and started for the door. He patted Bit on the back as he passed and said, "Now for some well deserved rest. Goodbye Bit Cloud, and good luck!"

Bit bade him farewell and went to look at his Zoid. Aside from the small bulk of the micro-missile launchers, and the larger boosters, the Liger looked pretty much the same as it always did.

"How do you feel, partner?" Bit asked the Liger. The Liger growled happily and a flash of his eyes told Bit that Liger was feeling fine and ready to go. Bit took one last look around the hangar and at the Zoids of the Blitz Team, and jumped in the Liger Zero's cockpit.

As he started out into the morning sun of the desert around the Toros Base, he felt a strange moment of déjà vu from his dream. Bit shook his head to rid himself of the horrible dream, and focused on the journey ahead of him. He and Liger had just started to run when Lena came up on Bit's visual communicator.

"Bit! Wait!" Lena shouted over the com line.

"Huh? What's wrong Lena?" Bit inquired, concerned.

"Nothing, nothing's wrong, I just wanted to say good bye." Lena replied.

"Ok then, see ya later Lena!" Bit turned to leave.

"I've been having these dreams at night." Lena blurted.

"Dreams?" Bit questioned, recalling the dream of his own. "What kind of dreams?"

"Just be sure to take care of yourself, Bit. We may not always show it, but we care. Even if you are an arrogant jerk." Lena sneered.

"Hey!" Bit flared in anger. He caught himself and calmed his temper. He sensed the disguised concern in her voice and replied, "I'll miss you guys too, but this is something I have to do for myself. I'll come back, be here for me when I do."

"You bet!" she said giving him a thumbs-up. "See ya!" And with that, the COM link severed and the Liger bounded off toward the sole rising sun of Zi.