Zoids: Century of Revolution

By Darkened-Storm

Summary: The Empire is in turmoil. Deceit, lies and treachery have spun a tangled web around the Imperial Military. When a Republican researcher goes missing while in Imperial territory, his daughter becomes the only person capable of uncovering the deadly power of the Shadow Key. Young Rudolf calls upon his most trusted allies to find the mercenaries responsible. But unknown to Rudolf, unseen hand plays them like puppets on a string. The end of civilisation is upon Zi – can the Guardian Force save them?

Characters: Van Flyheight, Fiona, Irvine, Moonbay, Thomas Schubaltz, Raven, Reese, Rudolf, Karl Schubaltz, Rob Herman, O.C


Chapter Three: End the Celebrations Early

21.30 Republican Standard Time

The village square was alive with the excitement of the wedding party. Music filled the air, coupled with cheerful laughter and the clinking of champagne glasses.

"Phew," Moonbay exclaimed, falling into a chair. "I don't think I've had this much fun in a long time," she said. "How about you Fiona?"

The ancient zoidian smiled easily as she slipped into a chair beside Van. Her cheeks were flushed red from dancing and her blonde hair fell in loose curls around her face. She looked completely happy, happier, Moonbay realised, than she had in a long time.

"You two look like you're having a good time," Irvine voiced her thoughts. The ex-mercenary sat with his chair swung back against the wall and his arms crossed over his chest.

"You can't blame us," Moonbay told him. "With all the work I've had lately transporting goods between the Empire and the Republic, I needed an excuse to unwind for a day or two."

With a playful pout on her face, she leaned across the table and flicked Van on the nose. The young soldier blinked in surprise.

"Huh – what was that for?" he demanded, rubbing his nose.

Moonbay glowered at him. "What's with the sour face? It's your sister's wedding. You should be happy."

Van glowered at Moonbay. "Yeah, what's your point?" he demanded briskly.

"Van's not so good with fancy occasions," Fiona pointed out and Zeke grumbled in agreement. The silver organoid wore a very large black tie around his neck for the occasion, which Fiona thought looked quite smart. Van thought it looked ridiculous.

"I never said I have a problem with fancy occasions," the Blade Liger pilot said. "And I we are having a good time just sitting here, right Irvine?" Van looked to his friend.

"I don't remember Colonel Halford making the guest list," Irvine muttered, casually changing the subject.

"Who?" Moonbay asked, peering over his shoulder. "I don't believe it," she exclaimed, rather loudly. Moonbay had the misfortune of working with Colonel Halford once before and she, like Irvine, wasn't all that fond of the Republican commander, or his methods.

"Shh!" Irvine hissed, clamping his hand over her mouth. "We don't want him spotting us and coming over here."

It was too late, however, for the Colonel had indeed spotted them. Van rose to his feet as Halford approached, flanked by three more republican officers.

"Good evening, Lieutenant Flyheight, Miss Fiona," the colonel said. He didn't wait for Van to answer before he went on.

"I'm sorry to drag you away from what should be a happy occasion, but I have orders from the Madam President herself." He handed Van a white envelope with the Republican crest on the front.

Wordlessly, Van opened the envelope and unfolded the paper inside. It was a letter of assignment, he noted with some interest, and it was addressed from the President herself.

"You are to report to Guardian Force Headquarters at Red River immediately," Halford informed him.

"Both of us?" Fiona asked.

Halford nodded. "Miss Moonbay is also required," he said, acknowledging Moonbay for the first time.

"I'm required?" Moonbay asked. "What for?"

Halford's expression remained blank. "I'm afraid I am not at liberty to divulge that information at this time," he told her. "You will all be briefed on your assignment when you arrive at Red River."

With a quick salute, which Van returned, the Colonel and the three officers left the village square. Van and Irvine both stared after them.

"I wonder why he wouldn't tell us what the mission is about," Fiona wondered.

"Sounds like the Colonel's got a big secret," Irvine muttered. He turned to Van. "I'm coming along with you in case you need my help."

Van nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, Irvine," he said.

Moonbay rose from her chair. "I'll go and get the zoids loaded up on the Gustav and ready to leave," she said. "Irvine, will you give me a hand?"

Irvine nodded and they left, leaving Fiona, Van and Zeke alone at the table. Van sighed heavily and rose to his feet. He would have some explaining to do to his sister.

"Van?"

Van turned around to see Maria standing behind him. She looked sad. "You have to leave again, don't you?" She already knew his answer.

Van nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry," he told her. "But something's come up."

"It's all right," she said understandingly. Maria knew as much as she wished Van would stay home a little longer, her little brother's sense of adventure was too big for their little village. Van wouldn't be happy unless he was out piloting zoids again.

With a sad smile, Maria hugged Fiona first, then Van. "Take care of each other," she told them as she pulled away. Then, looking at Van with a stern eye, she added, "And be safe."

Van winced at her tone, but knew her words weren't unwarranted. He had a habit of getting into troublesome situations.

"Don't worry Maria," Fiona said reassuringly. "I'll look after him, and Moonbay and Irvine too."

"Thank you, Fiona," Maria said. Fiona beamed, her garnet eyes twinkling.

Van shifted uncomfortably. He wasn't good at goodbyes, and as a general rule, did his best to avoid them. He looked to Fiona. "We better get going," he told her. She nodded in agreement and they left together to find Irvine and Moonbay.

Looking back over his shoulder, Van took one last look at his home. Mixed emotions stirred inside him. On the one hand, he lamented leaving his home again so soon, but another part of him was itching for adventure and excitement. Beside him, Zeke growled a question.

Van smiled a little. "You're right Zeke," he said. "It's time to move on." With those words, Van turned his back on the celebrations, and on his home, not knowing when he would see it again.


Didn't like this chapter =[ It's more of a filler till i get to the good stuff