Here we are at Chapter 40, the final chapter for the story. Though not one of my more popular stories, I want to thank everyone who have been reading and following this story to the end. Thank you. Now then, let's see how this story ends for Sarah and Team Lockhart. I do not own zoids. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 40. Enjoy.
Chapter 40: A Bond Beyond Steel
So much has happened after the final battle against Kaiser and Nexus. Once things were finished up at the site of the last battle, the ZBC made an announcement to the continent.
"... Through the efforts of many brave zoid warriors and ZBC soldiers alike, the organization known as Nexus has been brought down and defeated. Many lives have been lost in these tragic events, and they will always be remembered for their sacrifice. But fret not, now that peace has returned, the zoid battles that we all love and cherish can finally return. Gone are the days where fights end in bloodshed and death. From now on, our battles will be waged as they always have. Competition where warriors can fight to their hearts' content without the fear of death. Now is the time to start anew the lives we so dearly love..."
Zoid battles have once again flourished across the continent, with teams battling each other for prize money, ranking, and the chance to go up against the best of the best. The zoid teams that helped ZBC take down Nexus were rewarded handsomely for their efforts. Most of all, Team Lockhart received the most out of that reward. A huge bounty for taking down Nexus' leader, plus a few other rewards. One of them being a promotion all the way to S rank. However, when they were offered that, the members of Team Lockhart all said the same thing.
"We appreciate the offer, but we want to move up through the rankings in our own way, the right way. Just like the Blitz Team once did. We wish to enter the next Royal Cup, win it, and then move on to S rank and face them head on. That is our goal," Sarah told the ZBC Chief.
However, they couldn't let them off just like that, so they made a compromise and Team Lockhart was promoted to A rank. Considering the time and battles they spent fighting Nexus, it seemed reasonable that they would've made it to A rank within that time period anyway if they were battling normal zoid battles. As for Kaiser and any remaining members of Nexus that were captured, they were place in prison, where they will sit for the rest of their lives. However, not all of the members of Nexus were placed in prison.
…
"How has he been doing?" Sarah asks.
Team Lockhart are in a hospital funded by ZBC for wounded zoid warriors. In one room, they stand around a bed where the unconscious form of Hunter Krato sleeps.
"It wasn't easy, and it took some time, but we were able to separate Hunter Krato from his zoid without killing him. However, what Nexus did to him left some residual damage. He'll recover eventually, but for now, he needs time to rest. Then there will be the therapy, for his body and his mind," a doctor explains.
"He's free now. Let's be thankful for that at least," Grace says.
"Yeah. And when he wakes up and is in tip-top shape, we'll be right there to greet him," Rickie says, a big smile on his face.
"Yeah... You're right," Sarah mutters, smiling. "Rest for now, Hunter. We'll see each other again. I promise," she says. The team leave the room, but then Sarah remembers something and faces Colt. "I almost forgot... Thank you, Colt, for helping us out in this whole mess. I know you were placed with us because it was part of your mission, but still, I appreciate you help. I hope we can see each other again someday," she says, offering him a hand.
Colt raises and eyebrow, "What are you talking about? I'm not going anywhere," he says.
"What? But, what about your work with ZBC?" Grace asks.
"Yeah, well, you see... I actually quit working for them," Colt confesses.
"What?!" Sarah, Grace, and Rickie yell.
"Yeah, I told them that I wanted to stick with you guys as a permanent member of the team, and the Chief accepted my resignation. Looks like you'll be seeing me a lot sooner than you think," Colt grins.
Grace groans, "Oh, great," she facepalms.
But Sarah just smiles, "Well, then I'm happy that you're staying. I don't think this team would be the same without you," she says.
"Of course it wouldn't. I'm awesome, remember," Colt replies.
"That's debatable," Grace mutters.
…
With the matter of Colt staying on the team settled, Team Lockhart leave the hospital, only to find the members of the Fluegel Team, the Lightning Team, and the former members of the Backdraft Group waiting for them.
"Yeah, I figured you'd be here. Couldn't let you leave without at least saying goodbye first," Leon notes.
Sarah walks up to them, "Thank you for all the help you gave us. And the training lessons too. I'll never forget what you taught me," Sarah says.
"You and your team have so much potential still left within you. I can see that. The next time we meet, let's have another battle," Leon says.
"But don't think we're gonna go easy on you just because we trained you. We don't plan on losing anytime soon," Naomi says with a wink.
"You got it. We'll be sure to return the favor you gave us back at the battle royal. I won't fall for your tricks like last time," Grace happily accepts the challenge as she and Naomi shake their hands.
"Until next time then, Leon," Sarah offers a hand.
"You got it, Sarah," Leon says as he shakes her hand.
"Hey, don't forget about the pro here. We never had a chance to finish our battle from last time. You kids still owe us a match, remember," Jack says.
"Oh, don't worry. We didn't forget. After we beat Leon and Naomi, we'll happily beat you and take you off down a peg or two," Colt replies with his own challenge.
Jack smirks, "Heh, you'll have to catch me and my Lightning Saix first, kid," Jack says, and the two bump fists as a sign of respect.
Stoller walks up to Sarah, "It's like I said before: you remind me so much of Bit Cloud. I knew there was something special about you. Bit Cloud has his own personal skills, but you've got your own as well, kid. They're completely different from his. One of these days, let's have a 1-on-1 battle, just you and me," Stoller offers.
"You got it Stoller. And thanks for all of your help. All of you," Sarah says as she looks at the former Backdraft Group members.
"It was certainly exciting for starters. Follow kids like you, and we'll never get bored," Pierce notes.
"Yeah, well, we'd better get going. We still got some stuff to take care of first. Then it's back onto our real mission," Colt says.
"Yeah, now with Nexus finally out of the way, we can get back into gear with good old-fashioned zoid battles. It feels like forever since we've been able to have a battle where our lives weren't on the line. It may be a little weird since we've been on this mission for so long," Rickie says.
"It's better this way," Sky says.
"Yeah. And I've got my own mission too. I still haven't given up on facing Bit Cloud and the Blitz Team. If anything, the time we've spent fighting Nexus has only fueled that fire," Sarah says.
Leon smiles, "Well, then I guess we'll just have to see how things play out. Until next time, Sarah Lockhart," Leon says, offering her a hand.
"Yeah, until next time, Leon Toros," Sarah shakes his hand.
…
After saying their goodbyes to their friends, Team Lockhart head out back onto the open desert road. For the first time in a long while, they feel like they can clearly see the world around them. For so long, they've fought battles where they had to risk their lives. Now, they can focus on what truly drives them. While the others are up in the command center, Sarah is down in the hanger, talking with Geno.
"You know, Geno, it feels like a lifetime ago since you and I first met. I never thought I would be fighting in a war to protect the continent, Hell, even the whole world. I never thought I would make so many amazing friends and rivals along the way. I never thought I would be the leader of the greatest zoid team anyone could dream of. But most of all, I never thought I would ever meet an incredible zoid like you, and an even better friend," Sarah says. Geno leans down so Sarah can hug his nose, eliciting a low purr from him. "I think it's actually all because of you really. You set me on this path. You helped me when I needed your support. Your dreams became my dreams and helped me learn more about you, but also about what was really going on out in the world. You gave me the strength to keep moving forward when I was doubting myself. You risked your own life to save mine... When you... When you died, I thought I would never see you again. I felt like a huge part of myself had been ripped out of me. When I learned there was a way to bring you back, I didn't care how little the probability of success was then. If it meant bringing you back, seeing you again, I was willing to take that chance. Then, I thought you were lost again when Nexus attacked, but my heart skipped ten beats when I saw you rise again, stronger than ever. You have no idea how happy I was to see you alive and well. We fought plenty of more battles after that. From that point on, I never doubted myself, because I knew that as long as you where there, I could accomplish anything. You're more than just a zoid to me. More than just my partner. You're my best friend, and you're a part of me just as I am a part of you. It's just like the Z-link system. We're connected. Always have been and always will be," Sarah says while Geno purrs again in agreement.
…
A week later, Hunter Krato is fully conscious and his health has been getting better. When ZBC came to speak with him, Hunter was fully cooperative and told them everything he knew about Nexus. Because of the information he gave them, the ZBC was able to locate a few more sites where Nexus would hide out and manufacture more of their zoids. These facilities were shut down and anything they found inside them were collected for evidence. There were some in the ZBC that believed Hunter Krato should face punishment for his past actions while he served Kaiser. However, with the information Team Lockhart collected for them, Hunter's testimony, and the data on the encoded message he gave them about the spy in their ranks, Hunter's punishment ended up being a far lighter sentence. Hunter Krato felt his own personal punishment in the memories of what he did. Even if it was against his will, he still felt the turmoil from his past actions. However, Sarah Lockhart refused to let him quit, and she refused to quit on him either. To add to that, she had one interesting offer for him.
...A few months later...
The Hover Cargo of Team Lockhart cruises through the desert sands, onward on their journey on another peaceful day. Rickie and Sky have the controls as the only two people in the command center.
"Man, who'd ever thought we'd make it this far. That Royal Cup was actually tougher than I thought it was gonna be," Rickie notes.
"All class A teams," Sky reminds him.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Still, at least we got a chance to settle the score with the Lightning Team and the Fluegel Team. Even though we personally weren't involved in the original matches that Sarah, Colt, and Grace were in with them back at that battle royal," Rickie says.
"We've grown stronger," Sky notes.
"Yeah... You know, Brother, I'm glad we met these guys. I don't think we would've ever made it as high as we did if we were with anyone else. I'm happy that we're part of Team Lockhart," Rickie says.
Sky actually shows a small smirk for once, "A good team indeed," he says.
"And it's gotten a little bit bigger, too," Rickie notes.
Down in the hanger, Colt and Grace work on tuning up their zoids. Grace is fixing up one of the inner joints for one of her Spinosapper's legs and Colt is tweaking the twin beam cannons on his Bravejaguar.
"You know, maybe once we've won a few more battles, we should get a base with some proper equipment. That would make this a whole lot easier," Grace notes as she works a drill on her zoid.
"Yeah, well, we were so busy fighting against Nexus that we didn't have much time to fight normal zoid battles and win some prize money. Not much we could do about that," Colt replies as he typing away on a console hooked up to the cannons.
"You think they would've given us a bigger reward after the final battle with Nexus, and with the Royal Cup too," Grace complains.
"Well, they needed the money for damages and repairs and all that. We still got a lot of money... but then you and Sarah decided to go for a girls' night out and spent a good chunk of it on yourselves," Colt retorts.
"Hey, a girl needs to pamper herself every once and a while. I wouldn't expect a peeping tom like you to understand!" Grace argues.
"Oh, are you still going on about that?! Damn it woman, give it a rest and come up with some new material!" Colt retorts.
"I would if you could think of something original for me to use against you, but you're just like the sand outside. It's dirty and everywhere and nobody likes it," Grace says.
"Well, then maybe I'll just bury you in that sand during our next battle!" Colt yells.
"I'd like to see you try!" Grace yells back. However, they pair suddenly start laughing like they weren't about to kill each other a second ago. "Oh, I've missed this. It's good to have things back to the way they used to be," she says.
"Heh-heh-heh, now that, I can agree with you on," Colt notes.
"Also, don't forget that we had to spend some money on that new project of ours. It wasn't exactly cheap to get all of the parts," Grace says.
"I know, but did he really have to be that specific? I mean, it took us a while to find some of those parts. It's not like they're sold at every city or town on the continent," Colt complains.
"Well, just remember that our team is stronger now because of it. Besides, it made Sarah really happy, and that's more than enough for me," Grace says.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's just hope he hasn't gotten rusty in the months he's been off the battlefield. We need him to work off that debt he owes us after all," Colt adds.
Speaking of which, Sarah is in another part of the hangar, checking on Geno. She's in her combat attire, but now she has her hair up in a ponytail with a blue ribbon.
"Well, everything seems ready from this end. How are you feeling, Geno?" She asks while in the cockpit. Geno growls in reply. "That's good. I figured you'd be okay. That proper check-up at the zoid institute must've really helped out," she notes.
"Hey Sarah," she hears a voice and opens the cockpit to find none other than Hunter Krato outside from the Geno Storm-Blade.
Hunter's appearance has changed much since his time as Kaiser's prisoner. His hair has grown out a bit more, so he keeps the longer strands in a low ponytail now. As for his attire, he is wearing a white and black leather jacket with just the right sleeve on, a shoulder pad on the left shoulder and black gloves. He has on black leather pants with white boots, and a black belt with a red buckle.
"Coming," Sarah says and gets out, jumping down and landing near him. "So, you all set on your end, Hunter?" she asks.
"Yeah, I really appreciate what you guys did for me," Hunter says as he looks back at the newest addition to the team's arsenal. A white Brastle Tiger. The zoid itself doesn't have any additional modifications like Sarah and Grace's zoids, but it has been tuned to Hunter's specifications and repainted with a white body with red edging. When Hunter asked them if they could help him build such a rare and powerful zoid, they were just as surprised as he was when Sarah asked him to join their team. Of course, it did take a while to find all of the parts, and it wasn't cheap either. "You guys really didn't have to do this for me," Hunter says.
"You helped us out during the final battle against Nexus, and you went through so much. It was the least we can do. But don't worry, Grace and Colt will make sure that you pay off whatever debt you think you owe us with hard work and battle wins. They won't let you off that easy. Trust me, I tried to convince them otherwise," Sarah says.
"Yes, but I DO owe you. All of you. And I promise that I will spend the rest of my life atoning for what I've done to you," Hunter says, a hand on his chest.
"Hunter, that's in the past. We're friends now, besides teammates. Let's just focus on moving forward alright. Plus, now that you're free from Nexus, you can do things that normal people do now. Like eat food that you like, have good old-fashioned zoid battles, travel around to different places, date girls or something..." Sarah goes on.
But Hunter stops hearing what she says after she mentioned the dating thing as he focuses on Sarah and finally notices something.
"She's... actually pretty cute," Hunter thinks, but then shakes his head to perish the thought.
"...Well, perish the thought for now. We've got a zoid battle up ahead. Let's get ready for it," Sarah says and walks back to Geno.
Hunter looks up and notices Geno glaring at him, like it knew what he was thinking. Hunter just stares back, not showing any fear. Challenge accepted.
…
Later, the team are all out in force in the desert as they prepare for their next zoid battle. Just then, Sarah spots something up ahead.
"...They're here," Sarah mutters.
Up ahead, it's none other than the Blitz Team coming in as their next opponent. All of their zoids, plus Vega Obscura and his Berserk Fury stand across the desert floor against them.
"You know, I was always itching for a fight against you, Sarah," Bit pops out on the comms.
"I feel the same way, Bit. This is what I've been waiting for," Sarah replies.
All five members of each time prepare to face off. Just then, the Judge satellite hits the surface and pops out.
"Scanning... Scanning... This area is now a battlefield. All unauthorized personnel must vacate the area immediately. The Lockhart Team versus the Blitz Team. Battle mode 0-9-8-2. Area scanned. Battlefield set up..." the Judge says.
"Let's go, Liger Zero!" Bit says and his Liger Zero roars in agreement.
"Let's go, Geno Storm-Blade!" Sarah responds, as Geno roars with her.
"Ready... Fight!" the Judge calls out.
Both teams charge at each other, with their team leaders heading up the charge as they clash against one another. Who will come out on top? Who knows? That is a story for another time. One thing is certain though. Sarah's journey with her teammates, her friends, and her partner Geno Storm-Blade has only just begun...
The End.
And that is the final chapter of Zoids: A Bond Beyond Steel. Once again, I want to thank everyone that has been following this story since I first started writing it. When I was a kid, aside from Gundam and long before RWBY began, Zoids were one of my favorite series to watch. I've watched it from time to time since I started writing this story though. Sarah and Geno's story ends here, but their memory and their friendship will always live on. Until next time, please Read, Review, and until next time.
