Mary Champ returns/Liger's mystery solved! Ready, fight!
Disclaimer: "Zoids", "New Century Zero", "Chaotic Century", The Blitz Team, the Backdraft Group, and all other related characters/mechas, plus any other trademarked thing I mention in this story, such as songs, are not my property. The pilot of the Shield Liger, as well as the Z.A.I.P, as well as any other original characters are my property.
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Explosions rained down everywhere, sending many Zoids flying, and destroying others at the same time. The super cannons on the Shield Liger were being fired in a rapid fire motion, going in a pulsating manner.
The Blitz Team had just won an intense battle with a strong Class S team, the Fang Team. Four pilots, each with a Great Saber, made up the team. The battle was extremely tough, and the Blitz Team was practically in over their heads. The only thing that had saved them, was the Shield Liger, for some reason, going berserk and obliterating them with constant fire from the super cannons.
Not ten minutes after the battle had ended; the Blitz Team was forcibly involved in another battle, this time with the Backdraft Group.
None of the Zoids had enough ammo to take on the hordes of Zoids, except for the Shield Liger, which charged in headfirst, firing and blasting even before the dark Judge could announce the state of the battle.
"Get them Liger! Don't leave a single Zoid standing," Justin ordered as he kept the cannons firing at a very constant rate.
Liger: All shall feel my wrath!
Fearing the lives of their pilots, the Backdraft Group had sent out remotely operated units to do battle. And it was by sheer luck that they decided to do this today, because the Liger was absolutely totaling everything on the battlefield.
Scrap metal was flying everywhere, Spinosappers, Warsharks, Helcats, Guysacks, Revraptors, each and every one of them were being destroyed brutally and without mercy. Even when the Zoids had been destroyed, that didn't stop the Liger from bombarding the remains with heavy firepower.
"Liger hold it! The Zoids are destroyed, stop wasting your power on those wrecks, it's not worth it," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared, and then turned its attention to the Whale King. The super cannons raised twenty five degrees, and began to charge, firing two massive beams, and hitting the Whale King in the side hard, doing massive damage. More shots were fired, causing even more damage, which would surely cripple the Whale King beyond repair if it continued for much longer.
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"Look at that, I've never seen Justin's Liger fight like that before," Leena sated as she watched the ongoing battle.
"Yeah, even Liger Zero isn't that vicious in battle," Bit added.
"I remember in out battle with the Fang Team, the Liger seemed to go berserk then as well. It was a good thing too, if it didn't we might've lost that one," Dr. Toros told them.
"Do you think Justin is doing it? Or is it the Liger's Z.A.I.P unit that doing this," Jamie asked.
"I really don't know Jamie, I really don't know. But whatever it is, we'll have to find it out sooner or later," Dr. Toros told him.
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"Liger stop! Something's coming out of the Whale King. Uh oh, an Elephandor, hmmm, original model design, strike iron claw, fold out ear shield generating ears...looks like a lot of fun," Justin stated.
Liger: It will be destroyed just like the others!
The Liger roared and charged its cannons, firing full force. It might've worked too, except the Elephandor deployed its ears and activated its energy shield, stopping the blasts before they could do any damage.
"Tough guy. Liger, is this an automated Zoid as well," Justin asked.
Liger: Scanning...yes, no human is present.
"Then don't show it any mercy, charge in and destroy it," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared and deployed its energy shield, and warping it into a sharp cone, before charging ahead at full speed.
The Elephandor opened fire with its back mounted turret, trying to stop the Liger, but it proved futile as the shield held strong. It quickly deployed its energy shield to stop the Liger, but it also proved futile.
The Liger struck with such sheer force, the Elephandor's energy shield was completely obliterated, and it was slammed back hard. The Liger didn't stop there, it dropped its shield, ran to the side, and donkey kicked the Elephandor in the right side, digging its claws in and tearing the armor apart as it was thrown back.
Liger: Nothing can stand up to me!
The Liger's strike laser claw began to charge, and it brought it forward, tearing into the belly armor of the Elephandor, shredding it to pieces.
"Woe, hold it Liger you don't have to do that," Justin stated.
Liger: Everything shall be destroyed!
The Liger opened its large jaws, and tore through the armor, until it pulled its head out, holding the Elephandor's Zoid Core in its mouth, displaying it for several seconds, before biting down on it, utterly destroying it, rendering the Elephandor little more than a shell.
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"I don' believe it, Liger's vicious out there," Bit stated.
"I've never seen anything like that in a Zoid battle, unsanctioned or otherwise," Brad told them.
"Is it possible that the Liger's Z.A.I.P has gone feral," Jamie asked.
"It could be, but until we get back to base, we can't give th Liger a proper checkup," Dr. Toros told them.
"I just hope Justin can control his Liger, otherwise we might be next," Leena said to herself.
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Liger: Death to the Backdraft!
The Liger began to open fire with its super cannons in a barrage of constant fire, once again targeting the Whale King. The booster units on the wings had already been taken out, limiting its ability to escape. But that didn't stop the Liger at all, it just kept firing at a constant rate, determined to put an end to the Backdraft Group.
"Liger hold it! You've done enough damage for one day! Just let them go they've learned their lesson," Justin stated as he tried to stop the cannon fire.
Liger: NO! They must pay! They will pay!
"Liger! If you don't stop you're going to kill everyone! STOP IT NOW!"
Slowly, the cannon fire decreased, until it stopped entirely. By the time the firing had ceased, the barrels were glowing red from the heat from all the rounds.
"Liger what was that!? First you go crazy with the Fang Team, then you try and erase the Backdraft Group by yourself," Justin yelled.
Liger: I, I don't know what came over me. I couldn't control myself.
"Liger, I honestly don't know what I'm going to do with you, you're too powerful for your own good," Justin stated.
Liger: I'm sorry...let's go home.
"I agree with you pal, you need some rest and cooling down time. In the morning, maybe you'll feel a hell of a lot better," Justin told him.
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Everybody rode back to the base in silence, not really feeling like starting conversation, especially with Justin.
A month had passed since the encounter with Nightshade, and things hadn't been the same since.
Liger had been acting strangely ever since he had taken on Nightshade and his Great Saber. In battles, he had grown fiercer, using sometimes excess strength to win an event, or he would tear each and every one of the opponent's appendages off. If Justin hadn't been in control, he was sure that Liger would've reduced the opponents into scrap metal.
"Liger, I don't get it. You're a very powerful, and intelligent Zoid, but lately you've been acting like a rabid animal. Do you know how close you've come to be getting out of the last three sanctioned battles? What on Zi is going on with you," Justin asked.
Liger: I'm sorry Justin, I don't know what comes over me. When I get into a tough battle, I can't control myself. It's like something has taken over me.
"That sounds bad. I think you should take it easy for a while. Shut yourself down and defragment your computer systems, maybe you've just been stressed," Justin told him.
Liger: Remembering the fight with Nightshade hasn't helped much, I keep going back to that night, trying to understand what went wrong. But for the life of me, I can't understand how he defeated us.
"Just let it go Liger. We haven't seen hide nor hair of them for a month, so there's no need to obsess about it. Just focus on the battles, and try not to go ballistic anymore. Even Leena isn't as mean as you are," Justin told him.
"I heard that," Leena yelled over the comm.
"Sorry Leena, I didn't mean anything," Justin protested.
"Just watch what you say from now on Justin. You never know who's listening in or what might happen from a slip of the lip," Leena told him.
Liger: That seemed...out of character for her.
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"It's a good thing that the Shield Liger's offline, it gave me a chance to examine it."
"So what's the verdict? What exactly is wrong with him," Justin asked.
"Well, let's start from the beginning. Like you've said Justin, the Liger has had quite a few customs done to it. An all new shield generator, the strike laser claw ability, self repair, and strength increasing, just to name a few. Ever since you joined the team, we've been scanning the Liger during battles to see how it performs. Over the past month, the energy levels of the Liger have been steadily raising at a great rate," Dr. Toros explained.
"Well that was expected when he was first built doc. What exactly is wrong with the Liger? Why does he go berserk during intense battles," Justin asked.
"To be perfectly honest...I think he's under a lot of stress. With Nightshade proving that his Great Saber was easily a match for it, plus all of the Class S battles that we've been in lately, it's only natural that a Z.A.I.P enhanced Zoid would be under stress and take it out on the battlefield," Dr. Toros explained.
Everybody fell down anime style at the explaination, not being able to believe the possibility.
"You mean that Liger's going berserk becaused he's stressed out!? And you call yourself a doctor," Justin yelled.
"Calm down Justin, it's just a theory. But I'm not expert on the Z.A.I.P unit,you'd have to ask the experts on it," Dr. Toros told him.
"Good idea, if anybody knows what might be wrong with Liger, it would be mom and dad," Justin told him.
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Gustav: Is something wrong, Justin?
"Very observant Gus' I'm sure you've noticed that Liger's been acting very wild during intense battles, right," Justin asked.
Gustav: He has seemed, more dangerous than he usually does. What could be wrong?
"I dunno, Dr. Toros says that it's stress. I'm gonna make a call to home if you can put a call through," Justin told him.
Gustav: Already on it...done, ready and waiting for you to talk.
"Thanks pal," Justin replied as he began to patch through an audio communication.
"Thompson research facility, how may I direct your call," a voice on the other end asked.
"Let me speak to either Jonathan or Emily Thompson, this is their son, Justin, and I have some important business to discuss with them," Justin replied.
"One moment sir," the operator replied.
Justin sat and waited for several minutes as he was on hold, waiting to be directed to one of his parents, and unfortunately he had to deal with the annoying hold music.
"Why can't we get some decent music," Justin asked himself.
"Hello? Is this Justin," a kind woman's voice spoke.
"Hey mom, how've you been," Justin asked.
"Oh Justin it's good to hear from you again! It's been a long while since you last called, tell me how you've been doing since we last talked," Emily insisted.
"Well I've been pretty busy. Liger's proven to be greater at fighting than we originally expected. And as you've probably seen, we've been winning more than our fair share of Zoid battles. We've even become members of the Blitz Team," Justin told her.
"The Blitz Team? You mean the Class S team with the Ultimate X, Liger Zero," she asked excitedly.
"The one and only. Dr. Toros offered me a membership shortly after the battle when I clobbered them good. I hope you saw the broadcast, Brad, Bit, and Leena didn't know what hit them. Neither has the Backdraft Group," Justin told her.
"Oh Justin I'm so proud of you! You started out a Class C warrior, and only a year later you've become a member of a Class S team," Emily shouted.
"Yeah mom, but that isn't really why I called you. You see, there's a problem with Liger, he's been acting kinda strange. For the past month, he's become vicious in battle, and today, in a fight with the Backdraft Group, he went berserk and totally destroyed every Zoid they threw at us. He destroyed and Elephandor and ripped out its Zoid core, crushing it like a walnut, and then he all but totaled a Whale King. Now you know that even with all the modifications he shouldn't have that kind of power, even if he does get stronger after battles. Do you have any idea what might be wrong with him," Justin explained.
"I'm sorry Justin, I've never heard of anything like that before. I could ask your father, but he's currently in a meeting with the Guylos Empire, they ordered one hundred Z.A.I.P units for Saber Tigers, and they can't figure out how in hell's bells to install them," Emily told him.
"Speaking of Guylos, have you had any dealings with two certain characters? One is named Bloodlust, and her big brother is Nightshade," Justin told her.
"Let me check the order forms, I'll see if we have their names on file," Emily told him as she began to search the database for the names, "no, we haven't had anybody going by those names make an order. Is there any particular reason why you wanted to know?"
"No, not really, I was just curious. When dad gets through talking to the Empire until he's blue in the face, tell him about Liger and have him get back to me as soon as possible," Justin told her.
"Okay son I'll do that. Love you, please come back soon, we miss you," Emily told him.
"Love you too mom. Don't worry, I'll come home once I make it into Class S on my own," Justin told her.
"Well hopefully I'll see you again before four years from now. See you son," Emily told him.
"See you mom," Justin told her and closed the comm.
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The Shield Liger roared happily as it ran across the desert plains of Zi, glad to be up and about again. Defragmenting his systems had taken the entire day and part of the night. After that, he had run a virus scan too, just to make sure. And once he was positive that nothing was wrong, he had taken off for a nice relaxing run in the dead of night. Since everybody was asleep, he wouldn't be missed.
Liger: It's beautiful at night, the stars in the sky, the sound of wild Zoids howling at the twin moons, it's truly peaceful out here.
The Liger continued on his run across the desert plains, practically having not a care in the world. But suddenly, something came charging out of the shadows, and zoomed right past him.
The next thing Liger knew, he was staring down a blood red Zoid, with glowing green eyes, growling angrily.
Liger: Nightshade!
The Liger returned the growl, louder than the Great Saber. The two Zoids stared each other down, each of them beginning to circle each other, measuring the opponent's strength.
For a long time, neither of the Zoids made the first move. The Great Saber slowly, moved its front right foot forward. In a flash, Liger opened fire with everything he had! His shock cannons, back mounted cannons, twin super cannons, and missile boxes opened a barrage of fire, every shot hitting the Great Saber full force.
Liger roared loudly as he continued to bombard the Great Saber with everything he had, and not stopping until his barrels were practically glowing neon white from the immense heat that had ben generated.
Liger: That puts an end to the Great Saber, nothing could stand up to that.
But as Liger turned to leave, something began to emerge from the smoke. He couldn't believe what he was seeing; the Great Saber had emerged, without even a single scratch or paint imperfection on its entire body.
Liger: That's impossible! There's no way it could've done that! No Zoid could stand up to that, even the Whale King would fall to that!
In a desperate move, the Liger charged his super cannons to prepare another blast. The charge reached maximum, and was fired. The blast resulted in the cannons exploding, and being ripped completely off of the Liger's back.
Liger: No, it can't be.
The Great Saber's mouth opened wide, and a barrel emerged. A ball of energy particles began to form, and the Liger knew exactly what this was. It was a charged particle cannon.
The Liger flipped out its shield panels, activating its energy shield, and preparing for the blast, but it didn't work. As soon as the blast was fired, it completely destroyed the energy shield like it was nothing! Liger could feel himself being torn apart and melted, reducing him to the atomic level.
Liger: No...no...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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Justin was out cold in the Gustav's cockpit, enjoying a great dream. But that all came to an abrupt halt when he suddenly heard the sound of the Liger roaring loud enough to wake even Harry Champ fifty miles away.
"No rest for the weary," Justin said to himself.
After slipping on his left gauntlet, Justin got out of the cockpit and dashed over to the Liger, wishing that the metal floor of the hangar was warmer.
"Liger, hey what's the matter," Justin asked.
The Liger only roared louder, not responding to Justin at all. And by now, the commotion had awoken everybody in the base, and not a single one of them was happy.
"What's going on in here," Leena demanded.
"You think I know," Justin asked.
Even the Liger Zero was aggravated by the Shield Liger's constant roaring. He walked over to the shield Liger, and delivered a left hook to the side of its face. The Liger Zero leapt back just in time, the super cannons mounted on the Liger fired, and would've caused heavy damage, if the main gate wasn't opened because of the hot night.
"That was too close for comfort," Bit stated.
The Liger roared in agreement.
"Okay Liger, what's going on here? What's all the commotion about," Justin asked.
Liger: What happened? Where's Nightshade and the Great Saber? Why are my super cannons still on my back, they exploded.
"What're you talking about Liger," Justin asked.
Liger: I was running across the desert plains, and the next thing I knew, the Great Saber ambushed me. I hit it with EVERY projectile and cannon I had until the barrels were white hot, and it came out without a scratch! I tried to blast it again, but my cannons exploded! That thing hit me with a charged particle cannon! I could feel myself being destroyed!
"Calm down Liger. It sounds like you were just having a nightmare," Justin explained.
"Liger had a nightmare? How's that possible," Jamie asked.
"Sometimes it happens when a Zoid has a Z.A.I.P. It's rare, but it can happen sometimes, nothing to worry about," Justin told them.
"Well in that case let's get to back to bed," Leena told them angrily.
"Okay, okay, you guys go to bed, I'll get Liger to calm down, just go to sleep," Justin told them.
After everybody had left, Justin walked over to the Liger, which was currently lying on the hangar floor.
"Okay Liger, what's wrong," Justin asked.
Liger: I don't know, I've never had a nightmare, or even a dream. Do you think that the Great Saber could have a charged particle cannon mounted in its body?
"I doubt it Liger, at least not a regular model, it would tear it to pieces. Maybe the particle cannon from a Diloforce. But what're you worried about? Your shield took a Genobreaker's cannon and still held strong," Justin told him.
Liger: I know, but it still scared me! I can't get back to sleep now, I want to destroy something, or at least occupy myself.
"Well then, listen to some of the music we like, just keep the speakers to yourself," Justin told him.
Liger: Thank you Justin. Sleep well.
"Same to you pal, you're gonna need your strength for your vacation time," Justin told him.
Liger: Vacation time?
"Yeah, Dr. Toros decided that you should take a few days off so you can relax," Justin told him.
Liger: It sounds...enjoyable.
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The next morning, things seemed to be back to normal. Well, as normal as things around the base would get.
"Justin! Get back here with my donut," bit yelled as he chased Justin through the hangar.
"Pay back is a pain in the butt ain't it bit," Justin yelled as he managed to stay ahead of Bit.
Justin dashed out of the hangar, laughing loudly as Bit who tried to catch up to him. He would've kept going for another ten yards before making a sharp U-turn, but he suddenly stopped, dead in his tracks, observing something that was quickly approaching.
Two kilometers away, and quickly approaching, were four Dibisons, towing behind them, some type of large, red carrier.
"What the hell did the good doctor order this time," Justin asked himself, shortly before Bit crashed into his back.
"Looks like Mary's back again," Bit stated and grabbed his donut, and eating it in one Bit.
"Who's Mary," Justin asked.
"Harry's sister. She wants to buy the Liger Zero and she just can't get it through her head that he's not for sale," Bit told him.
"Something tells me this isn't going to be good," Justin told him.
A small, round section of the red carrier folded down to form a ninety degree angle, and eight metal polls raised, while a ninth formed a rail. A young, blond haired woman, dresses like a southerner during the Civil War (A/N: That's the best way I can describe Mary Champ's clothes) stepped onto the platform.
The platform slowly lowered, until it touched the ground, and the woman stepped off.
"Oh yeah, definitely not good," Justin said to himself.
"Hello Bit, how're you doing? And how's that beautiful snowflake doing," Mary asked sweetly.
"I've told you before, it's the Liger Zero! Not a snowflake," Bit told her loudly, "and I've also told you, he's not for sale!"
"Nonsense, everything is for sale, everybody just has a different price at which they'll sell," Mary told him as she pushed him aside and entered the hangar.
"Pushy girl," Justin commented.
"As bad as Leena, in a sweet way unfortunately," Bit told him.
"OH THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!"
Justin and Bit looked at each other, and then dashed back into the hangar as quickly as they could. They could then see that Mary was currently admiring not just the Liger Zero, but the Shield Liger as well.
"Oh they're so magnificent! They'd look wonderful on the front yard of my Summer home," Mary squealed.
"Hold it southern bell," Justin yelled as he stormed over to her, "Bit already told you that Liger Zero ain't for sell, and I'm gonna tell you, my Liger ain't for sell either," he told her firmly, using the same tone he had to make Liger Zero obey him.
"Oh pish tosh! I'm sure we could come to an agreement that can be mutually beneficial. Tell me, how much do you want for it? Money is no option," Mary told him as she drew her checkbook from her purse.
"Don't you get it? Hey Liger? Tell southern bell here what you think about her buying you," Justin yelled.
The Liger roared loudly and stomped its foot, as if saying "ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE IN HELL". And that's exactly what came up on Justin's gauntlet.
"Well, you heard him. Now why don't you be moving along and go visit your brother or something," Justin said as he tried to scoot Mary out the door in a gentleman type manner.
"Well I was going to visit Harry to get him to come home. But I wanted to see if Bit had changed his mind about the Liger first," Mary told him.
"What part of no don't you understand! Liger isn't for sale," Bit yelled.
"Neither is mine. Liger's been my friend for a long time now, and I'm not selling him, even if you offered me fifty times what I normally win," Justin told her and folded his arms.
"Well if you won't accept money, would you accept a trade? Just tell me what you want and I'll get it," Mary told him.
"No way, not even an Ultrasaurus with a gravity cannon," Justin told her.
"Now don't be rash," Dr. Toros said as he seemed to appear from nowhere, "did you say that you'd trade us for the Ligers?"
"Of course, I can get my hands on any type of Zoid you want. Just name it and I can get it for you in only a week," Mary told him.
"Even the rare and highly sough after Gilvader," Dr. Toros asked.
"Of course," Mary chirped.
"Yo Mary? Do those Dibisons have pilots or are they auto piloted," Justin asked.
"Auto piloted, why," she asked.
"Because Liger's targeting them with his super cannons, and he's giving you one minute to beat it, before he blows them and your carrier to bits," Justin told him.
Sure enough, the Liger was outside, getting a target lock on the Dibisons, and preparing to fire.
Liger: fifty nine seconds and counting!
"It appeared you've got me at a disadvantage. I'll go, but I'll be back before I head home," Mary told them as she left the base.
"Okay Liger, call off the attack," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared in agreement. The super cannons raised to a seventy five degree angle and fired, releasing the charge to avoid an overload.
"And now doc. how dare you be willing to trade the Liger for a stupid Zoid," Bit demanded.
"Yeah, and since when did you get the right to add my Liger to the auction block," Justin demanded as well.
"Forget it Justin, don't waste your breath, save it for chasing him," Bit yelled.
"No arguments there," Justin said as he drew his pistol and switched off the safety.
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"Oh Leena, come back to me," Harry said to himself as he kept staring at a framed picture of the object of his affection, Leena Toros.
"Harry, when're you going to understand? Leena doesn't care about you, Bit, Justin, or any of them, she has feeling for somebody else, you found out a month ago yet you still pine away for her," Benjamin told him.
"I'll never give up, never! Love will find a way to reunite us, I sweat it," Harry bellowed.
"Whatever you say, although you'll have to fight Naomi to get her back," Sebastian told him.
"Then I'll do it! I'll take on Naomi to win Leena back, no matter what it takes," Harry bellowed again.
"Harry, haven't I told you to stay away from that girl?"
Harry jumped and turned around, seeing Mary standing right behind him.
"Um, hiya sis," Harry said, a huge anime sweatdrop appearing on his forehead.
"Now Harry, listen to reason. Mother and father both want you to come back home, it's just too dangerous fighting in Zoid battles. You wound up in the hospital because of what happened in the Royal Cup, who knows what might happen next," Mary told him.
"But I can't yet Mary, I haven't won Leena's heart yet, and I won't give up until I do," Harry told her.
"Harry, you know that girl is no good for you. Now come, you're coming home right now young man," Mary told him and seized him by his wrist.
"Mary, no," Harry replied and pulled his hand away, "look at it this way, if I do leave and go home, then there'll be no way that you'll ever get the Liger Zero."
"Oh my, I forgot all about that. I just have to take my precious snowflake with me before I go. And that beautiful Shield Liger too, they're both so adorable," Mary told him.
"You mean Justin's Shield Liger? The one painted like a Blade Liger? You'll never get it away from him," Benjamin told her.
"He did seem quite mean earlier, totally thick headed and unwilling to barter. He said he wouldn't even accept an Ultrasaurus, even if it was armed with some kind of cannon. Now what was it," she asked.
"The only cannon I can think of is a gravity cannon. If Justin wouldn't give up the Liger for THAT, then there's no way he'll ever let it go," Harry told her.
"Then maybe if we challenge them to a battle. We win, we take both Ligers with us," Mary told him.
'And I can make Leena mine,' Harry thought.
"But, what does the Blitz Team get when they win? They always do," Benjamin pointed out.
"We'll just have to see what they'll accept," Mary told him.
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Liger was enjoying his time off, even with the incident earlier today; nothing was spoiling his mood. And the music coming over the speakers, "Through the Night" was adding to his mood, it even got him bobbing his head.
Liger: When I have the time, I'm going to analyze all of the songs, and find out the words.
The Liger Zero growled/sighed, watching the Shield Liger. Sometimes, he was sure the Shield Liger was nothing more than a child who could only act serious in battle. The way he was acting reminded the Liger Zero of Leena once, she was listening to a CD player, playing some weird music, and was bobbing her head to the music, singing, more like shouting along with the singers. And he was sure that the Shield Liger would be doing the same thing, if he could understand the music that was playing.
But even with the music playing at such a high level, the Liger could still hear something familiar coming. And he knew exactly what it was. Mary's carrier.
Liger: This can't be good. Calling Justin, calling Justin, Mary's back.
"I hear you Liger, I'll be down as soon as I get that Anti-Zoid rifle I bough a while ago," Justin said over the comm.
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It had taken an argument between Dr. Toros, Jamie, and Brad to convince Justin that the Zoid rifle wasn't necessary, but he was too stubborn to agree. It finally took Dr. Toros threatening to bench him permanently convince him.
Once Justin had set aside the rifle, the Blitz and Champ teams could begin an intelligent discussion. And judging from the majority of the members on each team, Brad, Justin, and Jamie were likely to be the only ones who would have any sense of sanity to argue with.
"Okay, what is it gonna convince you guys that neither Shield Liger, nor Liger Zero, are for sale," Justin demanded to know.
"Oh we're not here to talk money. We're here to talk a challenge. We challenge you to a Zoid battle," Harry told them.
"I know there's more to it than that, what're the stakes," Bit demanded.
"Well, if you win, you'll get five times the prize money that you normally win. And if we win, we take the Ligers," Mary told them.
"Five times? You do know that is Class S winnings, right," Brad asked.
"No way, no how, no chance in hell! Hiltz is gonna rise from his grave before I agree to that battle," Justin told him.
"Not so fast Justin," Dr. Toros told him, "let's huddle and discuss this in private."
"Forget it," Justin told him, but unfortunately he was still dragged into the group huddle.
For several minutes, the entire Blitz Team was mumbling something that the Champ siblings couldn't make out. Eventually they emerged, and Justin had a sour look on his face.
"I don't believe what I'm about to say, but...your challenge is accepted," Justin told them regrettably.
"Great, we'll have the battle scheduled for a week from today," Mary told them.
"Leena, I'm looking forward to battling your personally," Harry told her.
Leena was about to give him a nasty comeback, but then she stopped, and remembered how Justin had dealt with Harry a month ago, and it really got him upset.
"Scram Harry, I've got a date tonight and I wanna be ready, I don't have time to deal with you," Leena told him.
"A date? With who," Harry asked.
"Why, Naomi of course," Leena told him, shooting down any of Harry's possible hopes, as well as getting a surprised look from everybody.
"I'm outta here, I've gotta explain this whole mess to Liger," Justin told them.
"And you Leena, I think you have some explaining to do," Dr. Toros ordered.
"Well you see dad, it's like this."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Liger: WHAT! You accepted that woman's challenge!? But, how could you! You're putting me in the pot of a massive poker game! And you suck at poker!
"It wasn't my fault Liger, it's not like I wanted to. I got roped into it by the others," Justin told him.
Liger: They roped you in? The guy who took out five Helcat gang members by himself? How did they pull that off?
"Dr. Toros threatened to permanently bench us if I didn't take part in it. I'm telling you boy, he's gonna regret that. Hope you enjoy the week off Liger, you're gonna need some rest for the next battle," Justin told him.
Liger: A week off sounds good. I'm not the type of Zoid who likes to sit around and collect dust in a hangar.
"Well don't worry, come next week, scrap metal is gonna fly everywhere," Justin told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The days seemed to pass quickly to everybody, except for Liger that is. The first day and a half was enjoyable, but now, it was downright, unnervingly, boring! Even all the songs in his database couldn't distract his attention from the endless sitting around; he couldn't wait to get into a good fight, even if it was just the Champ Team.
Liger: Thank Zoid Eve this vacation is coming to and end tomorrow! I can't stand it anymore!
"Calm down Liger, there's gonna be plenty of destroying going on tomorrow," Justin reassured him.
Liger: That's too long! I can't wait that long for excitement!
"Just relax boy, you're gonna have to learn how to be patient. You're like a kid on the night before his birthday. Just relax, and tomorrow you can blast and rip the hell out of anything in your way," Justin told him.
Liger: Good, and the next time I'm put on vacation, I'm turning down all but two days of it!
"I hear you Liger, I've missed fighting with you. Get some rest; the battle starts at 3:30 PM. We're moving out in the hover cargo," Justin told him.
Liger: Hover cargo? The snail carrier?
"The very same. It was Dr. Toros' idea," Justin told him.
"I can't ride in that. Close together walls, confined spaces, magnetic grips, restraining my movement, rendering me vulnerable to attack.
"Calm down Liger, I know, I know. I tried to tell him but he didn't change his mind, he doesn't understand that your claustrophobic," Justin told him.
Liger: Embarrassing isn't it? I can stare down a Genobreaker, yet I panic in a confined space.
"Hey, it happens sometimes. Don't worry about it, I'll see to it that you get the front compartment. If it can hold a Dibison with room to spare, you oughta have a couple of extra meters worth of room to spare."
Liger: That isn't very comforting, but at least it's better than the confined lifting platforms. Goodnight Justin, rest well.
"You too buddy."
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The next day arrived quickly, and the Blitz Team got ready for battle an hour and a half after lunch. After the Shield Liger, Liger Zero, Gun Sniper, and Shadow Fox were loaded up, the hover cargo was off to the designated battle site.
Unlike everybody else who rode in the command center, Justin had decided to ride with the Shield Liger to keep him company, and calm.
"Hey Justin, how're you holding up," Leena asked over the comm.
"I'm okay, but Liger's not. Spending a week out of commission, and now having to ride in a closed space isn't setting well with him, he's nervous, claustrophobic, and ready to do some heavy damage, right now," Justin replied.
"Well don't worry, in another half hour we should be at the battle location," Leena told him.
The sound of the Liger roaring loudly came over the comms, almost as if it was asking "WHAT!"
"Half an hour, are you sure," Justin asked.
"Unfortunately," Leena told him.
"Well that's just dandy. Liger, better get comfortable, disengage your external sensors, shut off visuals until further notice, and try to remain calm," Justin ordered.
Liger complied eagerly; he didn't want to see the closed walls around him, he was too use to the Gustav's trailer.
"Now, for some soothing music, select whatever you feel is good in this situation," Justin told him.
Two seconds later, "Hiro no Tsuki" was coming over the speakers, and it looked like it was going to be in an endless loop until the half hour was up.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Allright team, we're here, prepare to mobilize," Dr. Toros instructed.
Liger: THANK YOU ZOID EVE!
Everybody got to their Zoids and prepared to mobilize. The front compartment opened first, and the magnetic clamps. The Liger charged out at full speed, roaring as loud as it could, grateful to be out in the open once again.
Liger: I'm never going back in there again! From now on if I'm not riding on the Gustav, I'm running!
"I hear ya Liger, but now it's over and you're out in the open again," Justin told him.
Liger: And I'm going to enjoy it! I can't wait to go up against the Champ Team! Just point me in the right direction and I'll give you a smoldering crater!
"Look out!"
The Liger leapt back just in time to avoid getting squashed by the recently launched Liger Zero Jager, which landed exactly where he was standing.
"Too close, sorry about that Bit. Liger, reactivate those external sensors of yours, it's too dangerous to go without," Justin told him.
Liger: One step ahead of you.
"Any sign of them," Brad asked.
"Yeah, up ahead. But I'm only reading two, we're getting a visual now," Leena told him.
"HOLY! Those guys must be serious! Look at what they've got! A Gojulas the ogre, and, oh my God! That's a Death Stinger," Justin yelled.
"What exactly is a Death Stinger," Bit asked.
"Are you totally stupid Bit! A Death Stinger is one of the most powerful Zoids ever made, right up there with the Deathsaurer! Hiltz used it one hundred and fifty years ago to cause chaos throughout the land and nearly destroyed Zi as the people knew it. The Guardian Force needed a gravity cannon to stop it, and that couldn't even keep it down! The thing merged with the Deathsaurer, and became all but unstoppable! If this Zoid is anything like the original, we may be doomed," Justin told him.
"I use to hear stories about that, but I always thought they were made up by parents," Bit told him.
"They're not, they're very real, just as real as this battle is," Justin told them.
"Well we can't back out now, if we do, we can kiss the Ligers goodbye," Bit told him.
"Right, I guess we have no choice. Liger, you ready," Justin asked.
Liger: More then ready! Have faith in me Justin, I promise I won't let you down. We'll come out of this battle and be richer than before, and I'll be even stronger, I can feel it!
"Glad to hear it buddy," Justin told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Judge capsule smashed down into the middle or the desert area, causing a huge crater, followed by a large shockwave and dust cloud.
"The area within a thirty mile radius is a designated Zoid battlefield, only competitors and personnel have authorized entry! Danger! All others must leave the area immediately," the Judge announced as it scanned the area with its sensors.
"Justin, Bit, I hope you're ready to lose this battle, because we're going to win for sure! Mary will get the Ligers, and I'll get Leena," Harry told them.
"Buzz off Harry, get the point, and then sit on it," Leena yelled.
"The Ligers are staying with us Harry, you and your Death Stinger are going down," Justin told him.
"You have it all wrong Justin, Mary is piloting the Death Stinger, I'm piloting the Gojulas," Harry told him.
"Then I'm going to hit the Death Stinger with everything and then some," Justin said and closed the comm to the Champ Team, "Bit, listen up! When the battle begins, get back to the hover cargo and transform into the Schneider, the Jager is useless against Gojulas the ogre," Justin told him.
"I hear ya Justin," Bit told him.
"Area scanned, battlefield set up! The Blitz Team, versus the Champ Team! Battle mode 0982. Ready, fight," the Judge announced.
Just as Justin had instructed, Bit was on the way back to the hover cargo to transform into his Schneider armor, while Justin and the Liger prepared to engage the Death Stinger.
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"You're mine Mary, that Death Stinger isn't gonna help you. Liger, give it to her," Justin yelled.
The Liger roared and charged its super cannons for a massive blast. Once they reached maximum charge, the cannons fired. They would've impacted too, if the energy shield hadn't been activated at the last second.
"You won't beat me that easily. Oh I can't wait to get the two Ligers, they're going to look adorable on the front yard to the Summer home! And I can hold such wonderful dress up parties," Mary squealed with excitement.
A thought quickly entered the Liger's mental circuits. A chibi Shield Liger and Liger Zero, in front of a chibi mansion, both of them dressed up to look like babies, and a chibi Mary standing next to them. The whole thought made him physically shudder, before opening rapid fire with its super cannons, causing the Death Stinger to keep its shield up.
Liger: We may not be able to crack the shield, but then again, she won't be able to attack us if she has to keep it up.
"You've got that right pal, just try to keep it together," Justin told him.
The Death Stinger maneuvered its claw around in front of the cockpit and dropped the shield, taking the cannon fire full force, and returning fire with several cannons mounted under the mouth area.
"Thirty millimeter cannons, those aren't standard, they must've upgraded the Death Stinger," Justin theorized.
Liger: You should change your name to Sherlock.
"Very funny, prepare for a counter attack! If we can't blast it to pieces, we'll claw and shred it to pieces," Justin told him.
Liger: You've got it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Seven blade attack!"
The Liger Zero roared as it zoomed through the air, going right for Gojulas the Ogre. The attack would've finished off the Gojulas, but an energy shield deployed just before it could strike.
The energy shield was so strong; all seven of the blades were shattered and thrown back onto the ground, extremely hard.
"Afraid not Bit, it won't work this time. This Gojulas has an Ultrasaurus energy shield generator, so you won't be able to harm me. However, I wouldn't say the same for you," Harry said as he began to open fire with his super cannons.
"Aw crap this is just great. Jamie, get the Panzer ready, I'm coming back in," Bit yelled as the Liger turned and ran.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ramming speed," Justin ordered.
The Liger's energy shield activated, and it charged at the Death Stinger, ready to pound it into a pile of scrap.
"Oh no you don't," Mary told him and raised her shield again.
The Liger's shield impacted hard, causing sparks to fly as the two Zoids wrestled for domination over the other,
"Come on Liger, push harder," Justin told him.
Liger: I'm trying, but there's too much sand to dig into, making it hard to hold ground.
"Well keep trying, we can't let southern bell and her pet arachnid win," Justin told him.
Slowly, the Liger began to push itself forward, digging its claws as deep into the ground as it could. Sparks continued to fly form both shields as the polarities clashed and the strain began to increase.
Liger: I won't be able to keep this up forever, eventually my shield generator is going to overheat, and then we're in trouble.
"Then let's try and end this quick," Justin told him.
The shield Liger dropped its shield and charged back, putting two kilometers distance between itself and the Death Stinger. Once far enough away the energy shield reactivated, and warped into its cone form again.
Liger: Crash shield activated. Preparing for ramming speed.
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"Hybrid cannons, fire!"
The Panzer fired its two back mounted cannons, getting knocked back from the recoil. The shots impacted the Gojulas' energy shield, but had no effect on it.
"That won't work Bit! It would take a charged particle cannon to destroy this shield," Harry told him.
"Well I don't have one of those. But I do have one of these," Bit told him.
The Panzer's missile boxes opened, revealing all of the missile units.
"Allright Liger, burning big bang!"
Every missile was fired in a massive display, smoke trails weaving in and out as they soared at the Gojulas, impacting the energy shield hard. For a minute, it looked like the shield was going to shatter, but it held as strong as ever.
"Like I said, only a charged particle cannon can destroy this shield. And now Bit, you're done for," Harry told him.
The energy shield dropped, and surprisingly, the Gojulas flew right at the Panzer, and kicked it in the side, sending it flying right into the side of the hover cargo.
"You lose Bit," Harry told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Liger: Taste the crash shield attack!
The Liger leapt and slammed its shield into the Death Stinger's shield, causing sparks to fly everywhere as it impacted.
"That won't work, this Zoid is too strong," Mary told him.
The Liger continued to push with all its might. But suddenly, the Death Stinger's energy shield doubled in size, and threw the Liger back.
"That thing is tough, looks like we have to think of another strategy Liger," Justin told him.
Liger: Justin, I'm having trouble focusing, it's going to happen again, I can feel it.
"Don't fight it Liger, you just gave me an idea. Don't resist going berserk, let it happen, your strength and power are at a much greater point then. We'll use it to take out the Death Stinger," Justin told him.
The Liger roared loudly, signaling that its logic systems had ben overridden by anger and rage. The super cannons began to fire at a high rate, launching both rapid and charged shots at the Death Stinger.
The Death Stinger's shield raised again to deflect the shots, and not a moment too soon. The shield was impacted hard by the oncoming assault.
"You've already tried once before, and it didn't work. What makes you think the Liger can break through this time," Mary asked.
"This is how Liger caused massive destruction to the Backdraft Group last week, don't knock it or you'll be destroyed," Justin told her as the barrage continued.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Allright Liger, engaging ion boosters," Bit ordered.
The Jager roared as its ion boosters activated, giving it greater speed as it ran past the Gojulas, trying to distract it so it couldn't double up on Justin.
"You can't win this time Bit, you and Justin won't beat us, we'll win, and we'll both get what we want. You'll be defeated, Mary will get to take the Ligers, and Leena will finally see how great of a warrior I am," Harry told him.
"Fat chance Harry, Liger and I handled the Berserk Fury, we'll handle you too," Bit told him as he ran past the Gojulas again, leaving its claw marks on its legs as it passed by.
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"Don't ease up Liger, that shield won't come down without a tough fight, keep firing," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared in agreement as it continued firing at an intense rate. Without the ability to fire any of its weapons, the Death Stinger was rendered a sitting duck, with a draining shield, ever blast took away more of the energy that was needed to maintain integrity. And eventually, the shield would give way, and it couldn't be reactivated until the energy had recharged.
"It looks like I've got no choice, it really is a shame though," Mary stated.
The energy shield dropped as the Death Stinger protected itself with its claws to the best of its ability. The tail was brought around, and the barrel began to glow as it drew in energy particles.
"Uh oh, charged particle cannon a high noon, you can't stand up to that. Liger when that thing fires, jump to the side, don't try and stand up to it," Justin ordered.
The cannon charged for another minute, and then fired. Just as it did, the Liger did as it was told and leapt out of the way. And instead of being hit, the Gojulas had been struck in the left leg and thigh, completely obliterating it.
"Mary, watch where you aim," Harry screamed.
"Oh, I'm sorry Harry," Mary told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Bit, he's all yours, you should be able to defeat him now," Justin told him.
"I got ya Justin, allright Liger, let's teach Harry a lesson he'll never forget. Strike laser claw!"
The Jager roared as its claws began to glow brightly and leapt right for the damaged Gojulas. The claws tore through the armor, but what surprised Bit was the fact that the tears were very shallow.
"Justin, the armor's too thick, Liger's strike laser claw can't penetrate, and that Schneider's blades are broken," Bit yelled.
"Just keep him occupied, I've got my hands full as it is," Justin yelled back.
"How? The worst I can do to this thing is carve my initial into it!"
"Then do it! I don't care how you do it just keep him occupied," Justin ordered.
"This isn't gonna be as easy as I thought it would be," Bit said to himself.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Liger roared loudly as he blasted away at the Death Stinger's newly deployed shield, trying to destroy it, but it seemed to prove useless, it still held strong no matter how hard it was hit.
Suddenly, the Death Stinger tunneled underground, disappearing from sight.
"Where'd she go," Justin said as he began to check the sensors.
Liger: She's beneath us!
A large claw emerged from the ground and grasped the midsection od the Liger and lifted it into the air as the Death Stinger crawled out from below ground.
"I've got you," Mary told him.
"Oh no you don't," Justin yelled.
With all its might, the Liger brought its right claw down, cutting through the armor on the claw, exposing the circuitry inside, and ripping out several wires needed to control it, forcing it to let go.
"Bad move, getting in close," Justin stated.
As the super cannons charged for a close blast, the Death Stinger simply knocked it away, sending it crashing to the ground.
"It's a real shame, I was hoping I wouldn't have to use this, but it's the only alternative that I see," Mary stated as she flipped up a black and yelled striped plate, revealing a large red button.
The shield Liger climbed back to its feet, and activated its energy shield, warping it into a cone.
Liger: Crash shield attack!
As the Liger charged at full speed, ready to impale the Death Stinger, something terrible happened. The charged particle cannon mounted on the Death Stinger's tail, opened fire on the Liger. The shield held for as long as it could, but it gave way, leaving the Liger vulnerable to the beam's energy, melting its armor and ripping it to pieces.
When the blast faded, the Liger was a wreck. The super cannons were melted; the armor of the Liger had been ripped off, showing bare circuitry in some places, while other parts were melting into disfigured heaps of metal. The canopy glass had been cracked and shattered, leaving Justin completely vulnerable.
"Liger, are you okay," Justin asked.
Liger: Hurts...too much, can't move. Too weak...need, rest.
"Hold in there Liger, you're gonna be okay. You've gotta get up and move Liger, we're sitting ducks here," Justin told him.
Liger: No strength left...I'm defeated, so...sorry.
"No Liger, come on you've gotta get up and fight," Justin ordered as he struggled with the controls.
He used all of his might to wrk the controls, but it was useless, the controls wouldn't respond, and the Liger wouldn't get up.
"No Liger, you can't be, you just can't be, this isn't happening," Justin said to himself.
Liger: Nothing left, going, fast. I won't make it.
"No Liger, hold on, just hold on, we're not going to lose this fight," Justin told him.
Justin did everything he could to get the Liger to move again, but it was hopeless, nothing worked. And then, a message that made Justin's heart sink, appeared on the screen. Total systems failure. It was over.
"No, no, NOOOOOOOOOOOO! LIGER!"
Justin slammed his fists down on the console as hard as he could; he couldn't believe what was happening. Tears began to fall onto the console as Justin began to cry, the Liger, his best friend, was gone, and nothing could bring him back.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In the middle of their battle, Harry and Bit stopped fighting as they watched what had just happened.
"I don't believe it," Harry simply stated.
"The Shield Liger's kaput," Bit said to himself.
Liger Zero seemed to be hit hard as well, he threw his head back and roared as loud as he could, feeling the pain of a fellow Liger being destroyed. In a way, it was like a brother passing on. And if he could, the Liger would've cried.
"What've I done," Mary asked in disbelief.
Mary couldn't believe what she had done. She had destroyed what she was fighting to win. It was gut wrenching. The Liger had lost its appeal, now it was reduced to a smoldering heap of twisted and broken metal.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I don't believe it, Mary actually fired a charged particle cannon at the Liger. how could she do that," Leena demanded to know.
"I don't know, but it isn't good. I'm reading a complete shutdown of the entire Zoid core...the Shield Liger's...dead," Jamie told them.
"That can't be, Jamie, contact the Judge and let him know about this immediately," Dr. Toros ordered.
"Wait a minute, look out there. What's happening," Leena asked.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Just when things looked bad, something strange happened. A ring of bright light formed around the shield Liger, and shot into the sky like a pillar of pure energy. The light was blinding, but everybody was still able to see what was happening inside.
A silhouette of the Liger slowly stood up. Suddenly, it was no silhouette, the Liger could be seen easier, at least enough for most of the details to be made out. And then, something even more extraordinary happened. The damage that had occurred to the Liger, began to repair itself, returning th Liger to its magnificent self once again. And in a flash, the light was gone, leaving only the Liger behind, shining as it had just come form a complete cleaning job.
Inside the Liger's cockpit, Justin couldn't believe what was going on. Only a few minutes ago, the Liger was a wreck fit to be abandoned. But now, it was like brand new, if not better.
"Liger, are you okay, what's going on," Justin asked in amazement.
Liger: I couldn't be better Justin, I feel better than ever. My systems have been regenerated, my strength has been restored to its fullest.
"But, how? How is it possible," Justin asked.
Liger: The goddess, Zoid Eve, the creator of organoids and Zoid Cores. You and I share such a strong bond, Zoid Eve decided that it was not yet my time to depart.
"But I thought Zoid Eve was just a legend," Justin told him.
Liger: Zoid Eve is as real as whatever Supreme Being humans believe in.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I saw it but I'm not believing it. Did the Liger just heal itself," Jamie asked in surprise.
"That or we're all hallucinating, I saw it too," Leena told him.
"I don't believe this, the energy levels of the Shield Liger are way off the chart, I've never seen them this high before," Jamie stated.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It's amazing, I can't believe that happened," Harry stated.
"Neither can I, and I've seen a lot during my travels," Bit told him.
"Oh my, it's even more beautiful than ever," Mary said as she was awestruck.
"You're gonna regret that Mary," Justin told her angrily, the Liger roared in agreement, "just because this battle mode is 0982, doesn't mean you can come in here with a charged particle cannon, and blast the opponent and reduce them to the atomic level! And now, we're going to make you pay," Justin told her.
As the Liger roared and took a step forward, ready to go back into battle, it began to glow brightly.
"Liger, what's going on? What's happening," Justin asked.
Liger: I can feel myself changing, growing, becoming stronger. Don't be afraid.
The Liger's entire frame began to change shape, growing and expanding, until it stopped, and the light faded. When the light vanished, in the Shield Liger's place, was a Blade Liger. The only things that made it different from a regular Blade Liger, was that its body had black parts instead of gray, the teeth, as well as the claws were gold in color, and the blades were longer, wider, thicker, and it now had attack booster units instead of the super cannons that were in their place.
"I don't believe it," Harry, Mary and Bit said at the same time.
"Wow, Liger, you're amazing," Justin stated.
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"Incredible! I don't believe it, the Shield Liger just transformed into a Blade Liger, it's magnificent," Dr. Toros stated.
"Energy levels are way off the chart, it's even stronger than Leon's Blade Liger. I just hope that it doesn't get torn asunder as a result," Jamie told them.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Oh my it's so beautiful, now I really have to have it," Mary screamed with joy.
"Not today southern bell. You ready, Blade," Justin asked.
Liger: I'm still Liger, no matter what my form, not Blade, and not shield. And yes, I'm ready!
The Liger roared as its blades flipped out and deployed, glowing with energy, ready to strike.
Liger: Shall we?
"You know it Liger! Full speed ahead," Justin yelled as he pushed the speed controls all the way forward.
The booster unit upgrades, as well as the standard boosters, roared to life, propelling the Liger forward. Mary raised the Death Stinger's energy shield again. The Liger roared as it soared past the Death Stinger, its blade, cancelling out the energy shield, and cutting the tail right off, severing it from the rest of the body in a single slice.
"Amazing," Mary stated.
As the Liger came back down onto the ground, it made a sharp turn. The beam cannon barrels of the boosters, flipped forward, and fired two massive beams at the Death Stinger, hitting it harder than the twin super cannons did, which caused the command system to freeze.
"Looks like you and I are gonna be together for a while long, Blade," Justin stated.
Liger: Don't call me that, I don't like it.
"Okay, okay. Hey Harry, you wanna surrender now? Or should Bit and I tear your Gojulas apart," Justin asked.
"I'm not giving up yet, my Gojulas may be down, but it's not out," Harry told him.
"Then prepare to suffer. Bit, please step aside so we don't hurt you," Justin told him.
"You don't have to tell me twice," Bit told him as the Jager dashed off.
The Liger roared and activated its crash shield attack once more and deployed its blades. The thrusters fired and it was propelled through the air like a missile.
The Gojulas tried to get back up, but without its other leg, is was impossible, it couldn't even activate its energy shield, it being damaged from the blast. The Liger barreled right through the Ogre's chest, tearing through it, and coming out of the back. It turned, and began to fire heavily with the beam cannons, just to make sure the Gojulas stayed down.
"The battle is over! The battle is over! The winner is, the Blitz Team," the Judge announced.
"Allright! Liger that was awesome, you're unbelievable," Justin yelled.
Liger: Watch what you say, you'll swell my head.
"Okay, okay," Justin told him, "hey Harry, Mary, sorry about totalling your Zoids, they must've cost a good Chunk of change, being pretty rare and all."
"They were, very expensive," Harry told him.
"I don't suppose you'll accept a compromise. You get half of the money, and I get one of the Ligers," Mary asked.
"No chance Mary, we won fair and square, no compromise," Bit told him.
"Hold it, you know Mary, we might be able to work out something, for, a little extra," Justin told her.
"I'm listening," Mary told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Just Communication" played, Liger roared happily as he rode atop the hover cargo as they were on their way back to the base, viewing the scenery, and not having to be confined to the hover cargo's interior.
"Liger, you don't know how excited I am. Not only did you fight against all odds and return from what may've been a possible grave, but you evolved from a Shield Liger, to a much more impressive Blade Liger, it's incredible," Justin cheered.
Liger: We owe Zoid Eve, if it weren't for the goddess, I wouldn't be here now, she allowed me to stay with you. She healed me, and allowed me to evolve.
"And with your new power, you're gonna have to be more careful to avoid going berserk," Justin told him.
Liger: That, won't be happening anymore.
"What do you mean Liger," Justin asked.
Liger: The reason I was going berserk in battle, was because I was growing too powerful for my own good, my body couldn't handle it, so I had to advance to the next level. And thanks to Zoid Eve, I will no longer lose control.
"Wow, that is great," Justin told him.
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"It's a shame really, the Liger's would've looked adorable on the front lawn, standing on either side of the sidewalk, with a high polish and freshly washed," Mary sighed.
'At least I won't have to go home with Mary until she finally does win a battle against the Blitz Team,' Harry thought.
"Oh well, at least it isn't a total lost. I still have one Liger," Mary said in a happier tone.
"Huh, whadda you mean," Harry asked.
"After the battle was over, Justin gave me the number of a Zoid collector who's willing to negotiate for a white Shield Liger. So all in all, it wasn't a complete waste," Mary told him.
"A white Shield Liger? Wow, those are hard to find, I haven't seen one of those for years," Harry told her.
"I know, it's going to look so beautiful on my front yard. All I have to do is find a black Redler, and the Liger is as good as mine," Mary told him.
'A black Redler? Justin really saw her coming; those things are even rarer these days than a white Shield Liger,' Harry thought.
"Yeah, that sounds like, quite a deal sis'," Harry told her, not wanting her to know that Justin had given her a deal that was more than downright sneaky.
"Well brother, the visit has been nice, but I do have to be going now," Mary told him, "and remember, once you become a great Zoid warrior, you come back home, understand?"
"Right Mary, I understand," Harry told her.
'And with warriors like Bit and Justin around, that's could take a long, long while,' Harry thought, both glad and upset at the same time.
"We really miss you at home Harry, try and come home soon," Mary said as she hugged her brother goodbye.
"I'll try Mary, I'll try," Harry told her.
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Liger: Well this is a first, a Zoid narrating instead of a person. Ever since I evolved to a Blade Liger I've become so much stronger; I'll take down any opponent that comes at me! Well, it appears that I'll be putting my strength to the test, we've got another battle. This time, it's the Midnight Team, a very tough Class S team who have never lost a match. Next time on Zoids: New Century Zero, "The Midnight Team vs the Blitz Team/Enemies in the darkness! Ready, fight!"
Disclaimer: "Zoids", "New Century Zero", "Chaotic Century", The Blitz Team, the Backdraft Group, and all other related characters/mechas, plus any other trademarked thing I mention in this story, such as songs, are not my property. The pilot of the Shield Liger, as well as the Z.A.I.P, as well as any other original characters are my property.
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Explosions rained down everywhere, sending many Zoids flying, and destroying others at the same time. The super cannons on the Shield Liger were being fired in a rapid fire motion, going in a pulsating manner.
The Blitz Team had just won an intense battle with a strong Class S team, the Fang Team. Four pilots, each with a Great Saber, made up the team. The battle was extremely tough, and the Blitz Team was practically in over their heads. The only thing that had saved them, was the Shield Liger, for some reason, going berserk and obliterating them with constant fire from the super cannons.
Not ten minutes after the battle had ended; the Blitz Team was forcibly involved in another battle, this time with the Backdraft Group.
None of the Zoids had enough ammo to take on the hordes of Zoids, except for the Shield Liger, which charged in headfirst, firing and blasting even before the dark Judge could announce the state of the battle.
"Get them Liger! Don't leave a single Zoid standing," Justin ordered as he kept the cannons firing at a very constant rate.
Liger: All shall feel my wrath!
Fearing the lives of their pilots, the Backdraft Group had sent out remotely operated units to do battle. And it was by sheer luck that they decided to do this today, because the Liger was absolutely totaling everything on the battlefield.
Scrap metal was flying everywhere, Spinosappers, Warsharks, Helcats, Guysacks, Revraptors, each and every one of them were being destroyed brutally and without mercy. Even when the Zoids had been destroyed, that didn't stop the Liger from bombarding the remains with heavy firepower.
"Liger hold it! The Zoids are destroyed, stop wasting your power on those wrecks, it's not worth it," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared, and then turned its attention to the Whale King. The super cannons raised twenty five degrees, and began to charge, firing two massive beams, and hitting the Whale King in the side hard, doing massive damage. More shots were fired, causing even more damage, which would surely cripple the Whale King beyond repair if it continued for much longer.
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"Look at that, I've never seen Justin's Liger fight like that before," Leena sated as she watched the ongoing battle.
"Yeah, even Liger Zero isn't that vicious in battle," Bit added.
"I remember in out battle with the Fang Team, the Liger seemed to go berserk then as well. It was a good thing too, if it didn't we might've lost that one," Dr. Toros told them.
"Do you think Justin is doing it? Or is it the Liger's Z.A.I.P unit that doing this," Jamie asked.
"I really don't know Jamie, I really don't know. But whatever it is, we'll have to find it out sooner or later," Dr. Toros told him.
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"Liger stop! Something's coming out of the Whale King. Uh oh, an Elephandor, hmmm, original model design, strike iron claw, fold out ear shield generating ears...looks like a lot of fun," Justin stated.
Liger: It will be destroyed just like the others!
The Liger roared and charged its cannons, firing full force. It might've worked too, except the Elephandor deployed its ears and activated its energy shield, stopping the blasts before they could do any damage.
"Tough guy. Liger, is this an automated Zoid as well," Justin asked.
Liger: Scanning...yes, no human is present.
"Then don't show it any mercy, charge in and destroy it," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared and deployed its energy shield, and warping it into a sharp cone, before charging ahead at full speed.
The Elephandor opened fire with its back mounted turret, trying to stop the Liger, but it proved futile as the shield held strong. It quickly deployed its energy shield to stop the Liger, but it also proved futile.
The Liger struck with such sheer force, the Elephandor's energy shield was completely obliterated, and it was slammed back hard. The Liger didn't stop there, it dropped its shield, ran to the side, and donkey kicked the Elephandor in the right side, digging its claws in and tearing the armor apart as it was thrown back.
Liger: Nothing can stand up to me!
The Liger's strike laser claw began to charge, and it brought it forward, tearing into the belly armor of the Elephandor, shredding it to pieces.
"Woe, hold it Liger you don't have to do that," Justin stated.
Liger: Everything shall be destroyed!
The Liger opened its large jaws, and tore through the armor, until it pulled its head out, holding the Elephandor's Zoid Core in its mouth, displaying it for several seconds, before biting down on it, utterly destroying it, rendering the Elephandor little more than a shell.
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"I don' believe it, Liger's vicious out there," Bit stated.
"I've never seen anything like that in a Zoid battle, unsanctioned or otherwise," Brad told them.
"Is it possible that the Liger's Z.A.I.P has gone feral," Jamie asked.
"It could be, but until we get back to base, we can't give th Liger a proper checkup," Dr. Toros told them.
"I just hope Justin can control his Liger, otherwise we might be next," Leena said to herself.
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Liger: Death to the Backdraft!
The Liger began to open fire with its super cannons in a barrage of constant fire, once again targeting the Whale King. The booster units on the wings had already been taken out, limiting its ability to escape. But that didn't stop the Liger at all, it just kept firing at a constant rate, determined to put an end to the Backdraft Group.
"Liger hold it! You've done enough damage for one day! Just let them go they've learned their lesson," Justin stated as he tried to stop the cannon fire.
Liger: NO! They must pay! They will pay!
"Liger! If you don't stop you're going to kill everyone! STOP IT NOW!"
Slowly, the cannon fire decreased, until it stopped entirely. By the time the firing had ceased, the barrels were glowing red from the heat from all the rounds.
"Liger what was that!? First you go crazy with the Fang Team, then you try and erase the Backdraft Group by yourself," Justin yelled.
Liger: I, I don't know what came over me. I couldn't control myself.
"Liger, I honestly don't know what I'm going to do with you, you're too powerful for your own good," Justin stated.
Liger: I'm sorry...let's go home.
"I agree with you pal, you need some rest and cooling down time. In the morning, maybe you'll feel a hell of a lot better," Justin told him.
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Everybody rode back to the base in silence, not really feeling like starting conversation, especially with Justin.
A month had passed since the encounter with Nightshade, and things hadn't been the same since.
Liger had been acting strangely ever since he had taken on Nightshade and his Great Saber. In battles, he had grown fiercer, using sometimes excess strength to win an event, or he would tear each and every one of the opponent's appendages off. If Justin hadn't been in control, he was sure that Liger would've reduced the opponents into scrap metal.
"Liger, I don't get it. You're a very powerful, and intelligent Zoid, but lately you've been acting like a rabid animal. Do you know how close you've come to be getting out of the last three sanctioned battles? What on Zi is going on with you," Justin asked.
Liger: I'm sorry Justin, I don't know what comes over me. When I get into a tough battle, I can't control myself. It's like something has taken over me.
"That sounds bad. I think you should take it easy for a while. Shut yourself down and defragment your computer systems, maybe you've just been stressed," Justin told him.
Liger: Remembering the fight with Nightshade hasn't helped much, I keep going back to that night, trying to understand what went wrong. But for the life of me, I can't understand how he defeated us.
"Just let it go Liger. We haven't seen hide nor hair of them for a month, so there's no need to obsess about it. Just focus on the battles, and try not to go ballistic anymore. Even Leena isn't as mean as you are," Justin told him.
"I heard that," Leena yelled over the comm.
"Sorry Leena, I didn't mean anything," Justin protested.
"Just watch what you say from now on Justin. You never know who's listening in or what might happen from a slip of the lip," Leena told him.
Liger: That seemed...out of character for her.
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"It's a good thing that the Shield Liger's offline, it gave me a chance to examine it."
"So what's the verdict? What exactly is wrong with him," Justin asked.
"Well, let's start from the beginning. Like you've said Justin, the Liger has had quite a few customs done to it. An all new shield generator, the strike laser claw ability, self repair, and strength increasing, just to name a few. Ever since you joined the team, we've been scanning the Liger during battles to see how it performs. Over the past month, the energy levels of the Liger have been steadily raising at a great rate," Dr. Toros explained.
"Well that was expected when he was first built doc. What exactly is wrong with the Liger? Why does he go berserk during intense battles," Justin asked.
"To be perfectly honest...I think he's under a lot of stress. With Nightshade proving that his Great Saber was easily a match for it, plus all of the Class S battles that we've been in lately, it's only natural that a Z.A.I.P enhanced Zoid would be under stress and take it out on the battlefield," Dr. Toros explained.
Everybody fell down anime style at the explaination, not being able to believe the possibility.
"You mean that Liger's going berserk becaused he's stressed out!? And you call yourself a doctor," Justin yelled.
"Calm down Justin, it's just a theory. But I'm not expert on the Z.A.I.P unit,you'd have to ask the experts on it," Dr. Toros told him.
"Good idea, if anybody knows what might be wrong with Liger, it would be mom and dad," Justin told him.
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Gustav: Is something wrong, Justin?
"Very observant Gus' I'm sure you've noticed that Liger's been acting very wild during intense battles, right," Justin asked.
Gustav: He has seemed, more dangerous than he usually does. What could be wrong?
"I dunno, Dr. Toros says that it's stress. I'm gonna make a call to home if you can put a call through," Justin told him.
Gustav: Already on it...done, ready and waiting for you to talk.
"Thanks pal," Justin replied as he began to patch through an audio communication.
"Thompson research facility, how may I direct your call," a voice on the other end asked.
"Let me speak to either Jonathan or Emily Thompson, this is their son, Justin, and I have some important business to discuss with them," Justin replied.
"One moment sir," the operator replied.
Justin sat and waited for several minutes as he was on hold, waiting to be directed to one of his parents, and unfortunately he had to deal with the annoying hold music.
"Why can't we get some decent music," Justin asked himself.
"Hello? Is this Justin," a kind woman's voice spoke.
"Hey mom, how've you been," Justin asked.
"Oh Justin it's good to hear from you again! It's been a long while since you last called, tell me how you've been doing since we last talked," Emily insisted.
"Well I've been pretty busy. Liger's proven to be greater at fighting than we originally expected. And as you've probably seen, we've been winning more than our fair share of Zoid battles. We've even become members of the Blitz Team," Justin told her.
"The Blitz Team? You mean the Class S team with the Ultimate X, Liger Zero," she asked excitedly.
"The one and only. Dr. Toros offered me a membership shortly after the battle when I clobbered them good. I hope you saw the broadcast, Brad, Bit, and Leena didn't know what hit them. Neither has the Backdraft Group," Justin told her.
"Oh Justin I'm so proud of you! You started out a Class C warrior, and only a year later you've become a member of a Class S team," Emily shouted.
"Yeah mom, but that isn't really why I called you. You see, there's a problem with Liger, he's been acting kinda strange. For the past month, he's become vicious in battle, and today, in a fight with the Backdraft Group, he went berserk and totally destroyed every Zoid they threw at us. He destroyed and Elephandor and ripped out its Zoid core, crushing it like a walnut, and then he all but totaled a Whale King. Now you know that even with all the modifications he shouldn't have that kind of power, even if he does get stronger after battles. Do you have any idea what might be wrong with him," Justin explained.
"I'm sorry Justin, I've never heard of anything like that before. I could ask your father, but he's currently in a meeting with the Guylos Empire, they ordered one hundred Z.A.I.P units for Saber Tigers, and they can't figure out how in hell's bells to install them," Emily told him.
"Speaking of Guylos, have you had any dealings with two certain characters? One is named Bloodlust, and her big brother is Nightshade," Justin told her.
"Let me check the order forms, I'll see if we have their names on file," Emily told him as she began to search the database for the names, "no, we haven't had anybody going by those names make an order. Is there any particular reason why you wanted to know?"
"No, not really, I was just curious. When dad gets through talking to the Empire until he's blue in the face, tell him about Liger and have him get back to me as soon as possible," Justin told her.
"Okay son I'll do that. Love you, please come back soon, we miss you," Emily told him.
"Love you too mom. Don't worry, I'll come home once I make it into Class S on my own," Justin told her.
"Well hopefully I'll see you again before four years from now. See you son," Emily told him.
"See you mom," Justin told her and closed the comm.
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The Shield Liger roared happily as it ran across the desert plains of Zi, glad to be up and about again. Defragmenting his systems had taken the entire day and part of the night. After that, he had run a virus scan too, just to make sure. And once he was positive that nothing was wrong, he had taken off for a nice relaxing run in the dead of night. Since everybody was asleep, he wouldn't be missed.
Liger: It's beautiful at night, the stars in the sky, the sound of wild Zoids howling at the twin moons, it's truly peaceful out here.
The Liger continued on his run across the desert plains, practically having not a care in the world. But suddenly, something came charging out of the shadows, and zoomed right past him.
The next thing Liger knew, he was staring down a blood red Zoid, with glowing green eyes, growling angrily.
Liger: Nightshade!
The Liger returned the growl, louder than the Great Saber. The two Zoids stared each other down, each of them beginning to circle each other, measuring the opponent's strength.
For a long time, neither of the Zoids made the first move. The Great Saber slowly, moved its front right foot forward. In a flash, Liger opened fire with everything he had! His shock cannons, back mounted cannons, twin super cannons, and missile boxes opened a barrage of fire, every shot hitting the Great Saber full force.
Liger roared loudly as he continued to bombard the Great Saber with everything he had, and not stopping until his barrels were practically glowing neon white from the immense heat that had ben generated.
Liger: That puts an end to the Great Saber, nothing could stand up to that.
But as Liger turned to leave, something began to emerge from the smoke. He couldn't believe what he was seeing; the Great Saber had emerged, without even a single scratch or paint imperfection on its entire body.
Liger: That's impossible! There's no way it could've done that! No Zoid could stand up to that, even the Whale King would fall to that!
In a desperate move, the Liger charged his super cannons to prepare another blast. The charge reached maximum, and was fired. The blast resulted in the cannons exploding, and being ripped completely off of the Liger's back.
Liger: No, it can't be.
The Great Saber's mouth opened wide, and a barrel emerged. A ball of energy particles began to form, and the Liger knew exactly what this was. It was a charged particle cannon.
The Liger flipped out its shield panels, activating its energy shield, and preparing for the blast, but it didn't work. As soon as the blast was fired, it completely destroyed the energy shield like it was nothing! Liger could feel himself being torn apart and melted, reducing him to the atomic level.
Liger: No...no...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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Justin was out cold in the Gustav's cockpit, enjoying a great dream. But that all came to an abrupt halt when he suddenly heard the sound of the Liger roaring loud enough to wake even Harry Champ fifty miles away.
"No rest for the weary," Justin said to himself.
After slipping on his left gauntlet, Justin got out of the cockpit and dashed over to the Liger, wishing that the metal floor of the hangar was warmer.
"Liger, hey what's the matter," Justin asked.
The Liger only roared louder, not responding to Justin at all. And by now, the commotion had awoken everybody in the base, and not a single one of them was happy.
"What's going on in here," Leena demanded.
"You think I know," Justin asked.
Even the Liger Zero was aggravated by the Shield Liger's constant roaring. He walked over to the shield Liger, and delivered a left hook to the side of its face. The Liger Zero leapt back just in time, the super cannons mounted on the Liger fired, and would've caused heavy damage, if the main gate wasn't opened because of the hot night.
"That was too close for comfort," Bit stated.
The Liger roared in agreement.
"Okay Liger, what's going on here? What's all the commotion about," Justin asked.
Liger: What happened? Where's Nightshade and the Great Saber? Why are my super cannons still on my back, they exploded.
"What're you talking about Liger," Justin asked.
Liger: I was running across the desert plains, and the next thing I knew, the Great Saber ambushed me. I hit it with EVERY projectile and cannon I had until the barrels were white hot, and it came out without a scratch! I tried to blast it again, but my cannons exploded! That thing hit me with a charged particle cannon! I could feel myself being destroyed!
"Calm down Liger. It sounds like you were just having a nightmare," Justin explained.
"Liger had a nightmare? How's that possible," Jamie asked.
"Sometimes it happens when a Zoid has a Z.A.I.P. It's rare, but it can happen sometimes, nothing to worry about," Justin told them.
"Well in that case let's get to back to bed," Leena told them angrily.
"Okay, okay, you guys go to bed, I'll get Liger to calm down, just go to sleep," Justin told them.
After everybody had left, Justin walked over to the Liger, which was currently lying on the hangar floor.
"Okay Liger, what's wrong," Justin asked.
Liger: I don't know, I've never had a nightmare, or even a dream. Do you think that the Great Saber could have a charged particle cannon mounted in its body?
"I doubt it Liger, at least not a regular model, it would tear it to pieces. Maybe the particle cannon from a Diloforce. But what're you worried about? Your shield took a Genobreaker's cannon and still held strong," Justin told him.
Liger: I know, but it still scared me! I can't get back to sleep now, I want to destroy something, or at least occupy myself.
"Well then, listen to some of the music we like, just keep the speakers to yourself," Justin told him.
Liger: Thank you Justin. Sleep well.
"Same to you pal, you're gonna need your strength for your vacation time," Justin told him.
Liger: Vacation time?
"Yeah, Dr. Toros decided that you should take a few days off so you can relax," Justin told him.
Liger: It sounds...enjoyable.
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The next morning, things seemed to be back to normal. Well, as normal as things around the base would get.
"Justin! Get back here with my donut," bit yelled as he chased Justin through the hangar.
"Pay back is a pain in the butt ain't it bit," Justin yelled as he managed to stay ahead of Bit.
Justin dashed out of the hangar, laughing loudly as Bit who tried to catch up to him. He would've kept going for another ten yards before making a sharp U-turn, but he suddenly stopped, dead in his tracks, observing something that was quickly approaching.
Two kilometers away, and quickly approaching, were four Dibisons, towing behind them, some type of large, red carrier.
"What the hell did the good doctor order this time," Justin asked himself, shortly before Bit crashed into his back.
"Looks like Mary's back again," Bit stated and grabbed his donut, and eating it in one Bit.
"Who's Mary," Justin asked.
"Harry's sister. She wants to buy the Liger Zero and she just can't get it through her head that he's not for sale," Bit told him.
"Something tells me this isn't going to be good," Justin told him.
A small, round section of the red carrier folded down to form a ninety degree angle, and eight metal polls raised, while a ninth formed a rail. A young, blond haired woman, dresses like a southerner during the Civil War (A/N: That's the best way I can describe Mary Champ's clothes) stepped onto the platform.
The platform slowly lowered, until it touched the ground, and the woman stepped off.
"Oh yeah, definitely not good," Justin said to himself.
"Hello Bit, how're you doing? And how's that beautiful snowflake doing," Mary asked sweetly.
"I've told you before, it's the Liger Zero! Not a snowflake," Bit told her loudly, "and I've also told you, he's not for sale!"
"Nonsense, everything is for sale, everybody just has a different price at which they'll sell," Mary told him as she pushed him aside and entered the hangar.
"Pushy girl," Justin commented.
"As bad as Leena, in a sweet way unfortunately," Bit told him.
"OH THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!"
Justin and Bit looked at each other, and then dashed back into the hangar as quickly as they could. They could then see that Mary was currently admiring not just the Liger Zero, but the Shield Liger as well.
"Oh they're so magnificent! They'd look wonderful on the front yard of my Summer home," Mary squealed.
"Hold it southern bell," Justin yelled as he stormed over to her, "Bit already told you that Liger Zero ain't for sell, and I'm gonna tell you, my Liger ain't for sell either," he told her firmly, using the same tone he had to make Liger Zero obey him.
"Oh pish tosh! I'm sure we could come to an agreement that can be mutually beneficial. Tell me, how much do you want for it? Money is no option," Mary told him as she drew her checkbook from her purse.
"Don't you get it? Hey Liger? Tell southern bell here what you think about her buying you," Justin yelled.
The Liger roared loudly and stomped its foot, as if saying "ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE IN HELL". And that's exactly what came up on Justin's gauntlet.
"Well, you heard him. Now why don't you be moving along and go visit your brother or something," Justin said as he tried to scoot Mary out the door in a gentleman type manner.
"Well I was going to visit Harry to get him to come home. But I wanted to see if Bit had changed his mind about the Liger first," Mary told him.
"What part of no don't you understand! Liger isn't for sale," Bit yelled.
"Neither is mine. Liger's been my friend for a long time now, and I'm not selling him, even if you offered me fifty times what I normally win," Justin told her and folded his arms.
"Well if you won't accept money, would you accept a trade? Just tell me what you want and I'll get it," Mary told him.
"No way, not even an Ultrasaurus with a gravity cannon," Justin told her.
"Now don't be rash," Dr. Toros said as he seemed to appear from nowhere, "did you say that you'd trade us for the Ligers?"
"Of course, I can get my hands on any type of Zoid you want. Just name it and I can get it for you in only a week," Mary told him.
"Even the rare and highly sough after Gilvader," Dr. Toros asked.
"Of course," Mary chirped.
"Yo Mary? Do those Dibisons have pilots or are they auto piloted," Justin asked.
"Auto piloted, why," she asked.
"Because Liger's targeting them with his super cannons, and he's giving you one minute to beat it, before he blows them and your carrier to bits," Justin told him.
Sure enough, the Liger was outside, getting a target lock on the Dibisons, and preparing to fire.
Liger: fifty nine seconds and counting!
"It appeared you've got me at a disadvantage. I'll go, but I'll be back before I head home," Mary told them as she left the base.
"Okay Liger, call off the attack," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared in agreement. The super cannons raised to a seventy five degree angle and fired, releasing the charge to avoid an overload.
"And now doc. how dare you be willing to trade the Liger for a stupid Zoid," Bit demanded.
"Yeah, and since when did you get the right to add my Liger to the auction block," Justin demanded as well.
"Forget it Justin, don't waste your breath, save it for chasing him," Bit yelled.
"No arguments there," Justin said as he drew his pistol and switched off the safety.
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"Oh Leena, come back to me," Harry said to himself as he kept staring at a framed picture of the object of his affection, Leena Toros.
"Harry, when're you going to understand? Leena doesn't care about you, Bit, Justin, or any of them, she has feeling for somebody else, you found out a month ago yet you still pine away for her," Benjamin told him.
"I'll never give up, never! Love will find a way to reunite us, I sweat it," Harry bellowed.
"Whatever you say, although you'll have to fight Naomi to get her back," Sebastian told him.
"Then I'll do it! I'll take on Naomi to win Leena back, no matter what it takes," Harry bellowed again.
"Harry, haven't I told you to stay away from that girl?"
Harry jumped and turned around, seeing Mary standing right behind him.
"Um, hiya sis," Harry said, a huge anime sweatdrop appearing on his forehead.
"Now Harry, listen to reason. Mother and father both want you to come back home, it's just too dangerous fighting in Zoid battles. You wound up in the hospital because of what happened in the Royal Cup, who knows what might happen next," Mary told him.
"But I can't yet Mary, I haven't won Leena's heart yet, and I won't give up until I do," Harry told her.
"Harry, you know that girl is no good for you. Now come, you're coming home right now young man," Mary told him and seized him by his wrist.
"Mary, no," Harry replied and pulled his hand away, "look at it this way, if I do leave and go home, then there'll be no way that you'll ever get the Liger Zero."
"Oh my, I forgot all about that. I just have to take my precious snowflake with me before I go. And that beautiful Shield Liger too, they're both so adorable," Mary told him.
"You mean Justin's Shield Liger? The one painted like a Blade Liger? You'll never get it away from him," Benjamin told her.
"He did seem quite mean earlier, totally thick headed and unwilling to barter. He said he wouldn't even accept an Ultrasaurus, even if it was armed with some kind of cannon. Now what was it," she asked.
"The only cannon I can think of is a gravity cannon. If Justin wouldn't give up the Liger for THAT, then there's no way he'll ever let it go," Harry told her.
"Then maybe if we challenge them to a battle. We win, we take both Ligers with us," Mary told him.
'And I can make Leena mine,' Harry thought.
"But, what does the Blitz Team get when they win? They always do," Benjamin pointed out.
"We'll just have to see what they'll accept," Mary told him.
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Liger was enjoying his time off, even with the incident earlier today; nothing was spoiling his mood. And the music coming over the speakers, "Through the Night" was adding to his mood, it even got him bobbing his head.
Liger: When I have the time, I'm going to analyze all of the songs, and find out the words.
The Liger Zero growled/sighed, watching the Shield Liger. Sometimes, he was sure the Shield Liger was nothing more than a child who could only act serious in battle. The way he was acting reminded the Liger Zero of Leena once, she was listening to a CD player, playing some weird music, and was bobbing her head to the music, singing, more like shouting along with the singers. And he was sure that the Shield Liger would be doing the same thing, if he could understand the music that was playing.
But even with the music playing at such a high level, the Liger could still hear something familiar coming. And he knew exactly what it was. Mary's carrier.
Liger: This can't be good. Calling Justin, calling Justin, Mary's back.
"I hear you Liger, I'll be down as soon as I get that Anti-Zoid rifle I bough a while ago," Justin said over the comm.
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It had taken an argument between Dr. Toros, Jamie, and Brad to convince Justin that the Zoid rifle wasn't necessary, but he was too stubborn to agree. It finally took Dr. Toros threatening to bench him permanently convince him.
Once Justin had set aside the rifle, the Blitz and Champ teams could begin an intelligent discussion. And judging from the majority of the members on each team, Brad, Justin, and Jamie were likely to be the only ones who would have any sense of sanity to argue with.
"Okay, what is it gonna convince you guys that neither Shield Liger, nor Liger Zero, are for sale," Justin demanded to know.
"Oh we're not here to talk money. We're here to talk a challenge. We challenge you to a Zoid battle," Harry told them.
"I know there's more to it than that, what're the stakes," Bit demanded.
"Well, if you win, you'll get five times the prize money that you normally win. And if we win, we take the Ligers," Mary told them.
"Five times? You do know that is Class S winnings, right," Brad asked.
"No way, no how, no chance in hell! Hiltz is gonna rise from his grave before I agree to that battle," Justin told him.
"Not so fast Justin," Dr. Toros told him, "let's huddle and discuss this in private."
"Forget it," Justin told him, but unfortunately he was still dragged into the group huddle.
For several minutes, the entire Blitz Team was mumbling something that the Champ siblings couldn't make out. Eventually they emerged, and Justin had a sour look on his face.
"I don't believe what I'm about to say, but...your challenge is accepted," Justin told them regrettably.
"Great, we'll have the battle scheduled for a week from today," Mary told them.
"Leena, I'm looking forward to battling your personally," Harry told her.
Leena was about to give him a nasty comeback, but then she stopped, and remembered how Justin had dealt with Harry a month ago, and it really got him upset.
"Scram Harry, I've got a date tonight and I wanna be ready, I don't have time to deal with you," Leena told him.
"A date? With who," Harry asked.
"Why, Naomi of course," Leena told him, shooting down any of Harry's possible hopes, as well as getting a surprised look from everybody.
"I'm outta here, I've gotta explain this whole mess to Liger," Justin told them.
"And you Leena, I think you have some explaining to do," Dr. Toros ordered.
"Well you see dad, it's like this."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Liger: WHAT! You accepted that woman's challenge!? But, how could you! You're putting me in the pot of a massive poker game! And you suck at poker!
"It wasn't my fault Liger, it's not like I wanted to. I got roped into it by the others," Justin told him.
Liger: They roped you in? The guy who took out five Helcat gang members by himself? How did they pull that off?
"Dr. Toros threatened to permanently bench us if I didn't take part in it. I'm telling you boy, he's gonna regret that. Hope you enjoy the week off Liger, you're gonna need some rest for the next battle," Justin told him.
Liger: A week off sounds good. I'm not the type of Zoid who likes to sit around and collect dust in a hangar.
"Well don't worry, come next week, scrap metal is gonna fly everywhere," Justin told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The days seemed to pass quickly to everybody, except for Liger that is. The first day and a half was enjoyable, but now, it was downright, unnervingly, boring! Even all the songs in his database couldn't distract his attention from the endless sitting around; he couldn't wait to get into a good fight, even if it was just the Champ Team.
Liger: Thank Zoid Eve this vacation is coming to and end tomorrow! I can't stand it anymore!
"Calm down Liger, there's gonna be plenty of destroying going on tomorrow," Justin reassured him.
Liger: That's too long! I can't wait that long for excitement!
"Just relax boy, you're gonna have to learn how to be patient. You're like a kid on the night before his birthday. Just relax, and tomorrow you can blast and rip the hell out of anything in your way," Justin told him.
Liger: Good, and the next time I'm put on vacation, I'm turning down all but two days of it!
"I hear you Liger, I've missed fighting with you. Get some rest; the battle starts at 3:30 PM. We're moving out in the hover cargo," Justin told him.
Liger: Hover cargo? The snail carrier?
"The very same. It was Dr. Toros' idea," Justin told him.
"I can't ride in that. Close together walls, confined spaces, magnetic grips, restraining my movement, rendering me vulnerable to attack.
"Calm down Liger, I know, I know. I tried to tell him but he didn't change his mind, he doesn't understand that your claustrophobic," Justin told him.
Liger: Embarrassing isn't it? I can stare down a Genobreaker, yet I panic in a confined space.
"Hey, it happens sometimes. Don't worry about it, I'll see to it that you get the front compartment. If it can hold a Dibison with room to spare, you oughta have a couple of extra meters worth of room to spare."
Liger: That isn't very comforting, but at least it's better than the confined lifting platforms. Goodnight Justin, rest well.
"You too buddy."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The next day arrived quickly, and the Blitz Team got ready for battle an hour and a half after lunch. After the Shield Liger, Liger Zero, Gun Sniper, and Shadow Fox were loaded up, the hover cargo was off to the designated battle site.
Unlike everybody else who rode in the command center, Justin had decided to ride with the Shield Liger to keep him company, and calm.
"Hey Justin, how're you holding up," Leena asked over the comm.
"I'm okay, but Liger's not. Spending a week out of commission, and now having to ride in a closed space isn't setting well with him, he's nervous, claustrophobic, and ready to do some heavy damage, right now," Justin replied.
"Well don't worry, in another half hour we should be at the battle location," Leena told him.
The sound of the Liger roaring loudly came over the comms, almost as if it was asking "WHAT!"
"Half an hour, are you sure," Justin asked.
"Unfortunately," Leena told him.
"Well that's just dandy. Liger, better get comfortable, disengage your external sensors, shut off visuals until further notice, and try to remain calm," Justin ordered.
Liger complied eagerly; he didn't want to see the closed walls around him, he was too use to the Gustav's trailer.
"Now, for some soothing music, select whatever you feel is good in this situation," Justin told him.
Two seconds later, "Hiro no Tsuki" was coming over the speakers, and it looked like it was going to be in an endless loop until the half hour was up.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Allright team, we're here, prepare to mobilize," Dr. Toros instructed.
Liger: THANK YOU ZOID EVE!
Everybody got to their Zoids and prepared to mobilize. The front compartment opened first, and the magnetic clamps. The Liger charged out at full speed, roaring as loud as it could, grateful to be out in the open once again.
Liger: I'm never going back in there again! From now on if I'm not riding on the Gustav, I'm running!
"I hear ya Liger, but now it's over and you're out in the open again," Justin told him.
Liger: And I'm going to enjoy it! I can't wait to go up against the Champ Team! Just point me in the right direction and I'll give you a smoldering crater!
"Look out!"
The Liger leapt back just in time to avoid getting squashed by the recently launched Liger Zero Jager, which landed exactly where he was standing.
"Too close, sorry about that Bit. Liger, reactivate those external sensors of yours, it's too dangerous to go without," Justin told him.
Liger: One step ahead of you.
"Any sign of them," Brad asked.
"Yeah, up ahead. But I'm only reading two, we're getting a visual now," Leena told him.
"HOLY! Those guys must be serious! Look at what they've got! A Gojulas the ogre, and, oh my God! That's a Death Stinger," Justin yelled.
"What exactly is a Death Stinger," Bit asked.
"Are you totally stupid Bit! A Death Stinger is one of the most powerful Zoids ever made, right up there with the Deathsaurer! Hiltz used it one hundred and fifty years ago to cause chaos throughout the land and nearly destroyed Zi as the people knew it. The Guardian Force needed a gravity cannon to stop it, and that couldn't even keep it down! The thing merged with the Deathsaurer, and became all but unstoppable! If this Zoid is anything like the original, we may be doomed," Justin told him.
"I use to hear stories about that, but I always thought they were made up by parents," Bit told him.
"They're not, they're very real, just as real as this battle is," Justin told them.
"Well we can't back out now, if we do, we can kiss the Ligers goodbye," Bit told him.
"Right, I guess we have no choice. Liger, you ready," Justin asked.
Liger: More then ready! Have faith in me Justin, I promise I won't let you down. We'll come out of this battle and be richer than before, and I'll be even stronger, I can feel it!
"Glad to hear it buddy," Justin told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Judge capsule smashed down into the middle or the desert area, causing a huge crater, followed by a large shockwave and dust cloud.
"The area within a thirty mile radius is a designated Zoid battlefield, only competitors and personnel have authorized entry! Danger! All others must leave the area immediately," the Judge announced as it scanned the area with its sensors.
"Justin, Bit, I hope you're ready to lose this battle, because we're going to win for sure! Mary will get the Ligers, and I'll get Leena," Harry told them.
"Buzz off Harry, get the point, and then sit on it," Leena yelled.
"The Ligers are staying with us Harry, you and your Death Stinger are going down," Justin told him.
"You have it all wrong Justin, Mary is piloting the Death Stinger, I'm piloting the Gojulas," Harry told him.
"Then I'm going to hit the Death Stinger with everything and then some," Justin said and closed the comm to the Champ Team, "Bit, listen up! When the battle begins, get back to the hover cargo and transform into the Schneider, the Jager is useless against Gojulas the ogre," Justin told him.
"I hear ya Justin," Bit told him.
"Area scanned, battlefield set up! The Blitz Team, versus the Champ Team! Battle mode 0982. Ready, fight," the Judge announced.
Just as Justin had instructed, Bit was on the way back to the hover cargo to transform into his Schneider armor, while Justin and the Liger prepared to engage the Death Stinger.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You're mine Mary, that Death Stinger isn't gonna help you. Liger, give it to her," Justin yelled.
The Liger roared and charged its super cannons for a massive blast. Once they reached maximum charge, the cannons fired. They would've impacted too, if the energy shield hadn't been activated at the last second.
"You won't beat me that easily. Oh I can't wait to get the two Ligers, they're going to look adorable on the front yard to the Summer home! And I can hold such wonderful dress up parties," Mary squealed with excitement.
A thought quickly entered the Liger's mental circuits. A chibi Shield Liger and Liger Zero, in front of a chibi mansion, both of them dressed up to look like babies, and a chibi Mary standing next to them. The whole thought made him physically shudder, before opening rapid fire with its super cannons, causing the Death Stinger to keep its shield up.
Liger: We may not be able to crack the shield, but then again, she won't be able to attack us if she has to keep it up.
"You've got that right pal, just try to keep it together," Justin told him.
The Death Stinger maneuvered its claw around in front of the cockpit and dropped the shield, taking the cannon fire full force, and returning fire with several cannons mounted under the mouth area.
"Thirty millimeter cannons, those aren't standard, they must've upgraded the Death Stinger," Justin theorized.
Liger: You should change your name to Sherlock.
"Very funny, prepare for a counter attack! If we can't blast it to pieces, we'll claw and shred it to pieces," Justin told him.
Liger: You've got it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Seven blade attack!"
The Liger Zero roared as it zoomed through the air, going right for Gojulas the Ogre. The attack would've finished off the Gojulas, but an energy shield deployed just before it could strike.
The energy shield was so strong; all seven of the blades were shattered and thrown back onto the ground, extremely hard.
"Afraid not Bit, it won't work this time. This Gojulas has an Ultrasaurus energy shield generator, so you won't be able to harm me. However, I wouldn't say the same for you," Harry said as he began to open fire with his super cannons.
"Aw crap this is just great. Jamie, get the Panzer ready, I'm coming back in," Bit yelled as the Liger turned and ran.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ramming speed," Justin ordered.
The Liger's energy shield activated, and it charged at the Death Stinger, ready to pound it into a pile of scrap.
"Oh no you don't," Mary told him and raised her shield again.
The Liger's shield impacted hard, causing sparks to fly as the two Zoids wrestled for domination over the other,
"Come on Liger, push harder," Justin told him.
Liger: I'm trying, but there's too much sand to dig into, making it hard to hold ground.
"Well keep trying, we can't let southern bell and her pet arachnid win," Justin told him.
Slowly, the Liger began to push itself forward, digging its claws as deep into the ground as it could. Sparks continued to fly form both shields as the polarities clashed and the strain began to increase.
Liger: I won't be able to keep this up forever, eventually my shield generator is going to overheat, and then we're in trouble.
"Then let's try and end this quick," Justin told him.
The shield Liger dropped its shield and charged back, putting two kilometers distance between itself and the Death Stinger. Once far enough away the energy shield reactivated, and warped into its cone form again.
Liger: Crash shield activated. Preparing for ramming speed.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Hybrid cannons, fire!"
The Panzer fired its two back mounted cannons, getting knocked back from the recoil. The shots impacted the Gojulas' energy shield, but had no effect on it.
"That won't work Bit! It would take a charged particle cannon to destroy this shield," Harry told him.
"Well I don't have one of those. But I do have one of these," Bit told him.
The Panzer's missile boxes opened, revealing all of the missile units.
"Allright Liger, burning big bang!"
Every missile was fired in a massive display, smoke trails weaving in and out as they soared at the Gojulas, impacting the energy shield hard. For a minute, it looked like the shield was going to shatter, but it held as strong as ever.
"Like I said, only a charged particle cannon can destroy this shield. And now Bit, you're done for," Harry told him.
The energy shield dropped, and surprisingly, the Gojulas flew right at the Panzer, and kicked it in the side, sending it flying right into the side of the hover cargo.
"You lose Bit," Harry told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Liger: Taste the crash shield attack!
The Liger leapt and slammed its shield into the Death Stinger's shield, causing sparks to fly everywhere as it impacted.
"That won't work, this Zoid is too strong," Mary told him.
The Liger continued to push with all its might. But suddenly, the Death Stinger's energy shield doubled in size, and threw the Liger back.
"That thing is tough, looks like we have to think of another strategy Liger," Justin told him.
Liger: Justin, I'm having trouble focusing, it's going to happen again, I can feel it.
"Don't fight it Liger, you just gave me an idea. Don't resist going berserk, let it happen, your strength and power are at a much greater point then. We'll use it to take out the Death Stinger," Justin told him.
The Liger roared loudly, signaling that its logic systems had ben overridden by anger and rage. The super cannons began to fire at a high rate, launching both rapid and charged shots at the Death Stinger.
The Death Stinger's shield raised again to deflect the shots, and not a moment too soon. The shield was impacted hard by the oncoming assault.
"You've already tried once before, and it didn't work. What makes you think the Liger can break through this time," Mary asked.
"This is how Liger caused massive destruction to the Backdraft Group last week, don't knock it or you'll be destroyed," Justin told her as the barrage continued.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Allright Liger, engaging ion boosters," Bit ordered.
The Jager roared as its ion boosters activated, giving it greater speed as it ran past the Gojulas, trying to distract it so it couldn't double up on Justin.
"You can't win this time Bit, you and Justin won't beat us, we'll win, and we'll both get what we want. You'll be defeated, Mary will get to take the Ligers, and Leena will finally see how great of a warrior I am," Harry told him.
"Fat chance Harry, Liger and I handled the Berserk Fury, we'll handle you too," Bit told him as he ran past the Gojulas again, leaving its claw marks on its legs as it passed by.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Don't ease up Liger, that shield won't come down without a tough fight, keep firing," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared in agreement as it continued firing at an intense rate. Without the ability to fire any of its weapons, the Death Stinger was rendered a sitting duck, with a draining shield, ever blast took away more of the energy that was needed to maintain integrity. And eventually, the shield would give way, and it couldn't be reactivated until the energy had recharged.
"It looks like I've got no choice, it really is a shame though," Mary stated.
The energy shield dropped as the Death Stinger protected itself with its claws to the best of its ability. The tail was brought around, and the barrel began to glow as it drew in energy particles.
"Uh oh, charged particle cannon a high noon, you can't stand up to that. Liger when that thing fires, jump to the side, don't try and stand up to it," Justin ordered.
The cannon charged for another minute, and then fired. Just as it did, the Liger did as it was told and leapt out of the way. And instead of being hit, the Gojulas had been struck in the left leg and thigh, completely obliterating it.
"Mary, watch where you aim," Harry screamed.
"Oh, I'm sorry Harry," Mary told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Bit, he's all yours, you should be able to defeat him now," Justin told him.
"I got ya Justin, allright Liger, let's teach Harry a lesson he'll never forget. Strike laser claw!"
The Jager roared as its claws began to glow brightly and leapt right for the damaged Gojulas. The claws tore through the armor, but what surprised Bit was the fact that the tears were very shallow.
"Justin, the armor's too thick, Liger's strike laser claw can't penetrate, and that Schneider's blades are broken," Bit yelled.
"Just keep him occupied, I've got my hands full as it is," Justin yelled back.
"How? The worst I can do to this thing is carve my initial into it!"
"Then do it! I don't care how you do it just keep him occupied," Justin ordered.
"This isn't gonna be as easy as I thought it would be," Bit said to himself.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Liger roared loudly as he blasted away at the Death Stinger's newly deployed shield, trying to destroy it, but it seemed to prove useless, it still held strong no matter how hard it was hit.
Suddenly, the Death Stinger tunneled underground, disappearing from sight.
"Where'd she go," Justin said as he began to check the sensors.
Liger: She's beneath us!
A large claw emerged from the ground and grasped the midsection od the Liger and lifted it into the air as the Death Stinger crawled out from below ground.
"I've got you," Mary told him.
"Oh no you don't," Justin yelled.
With all its might, the Liger brought its right claw down, cutting through the armor on the claw, exposing the circuitry inside, and ripping out several wires needed to control it, forcing it to let go.
"Bad move, getting in close," Justin stated.
As the super cannons charged for a close blast, the Death Stinger simply knocked it away, sending it crashing to the ground.
"It's a real shame, I was hoping I wouldn't have to use this, but it's the only alternative that I see," Mary stated as she flipped up a black and yelled striped plate, revealing a large red button.
The shield Liger climbed back to its feet, and activated its energy shield, warping it into a cone.
Liger: Crash shield attack!
As the Liger charged at full speed, ready to impale the Death Stinger, something terrible happened. The charged particle cannon mounted on the Death Stinger's tail, opened fire on the Liger. The shield held for as long as it could, but it gave way, leaving the Liger vulnerable to the beam's energy, melting its armor and ripping it to pieces.
When the blast faded, the Liger was a wreck. The super cannons were melted; the armor of the Liger had been ripped off, showing bare circuitry in some places, while other parts were melting into disfigured heaps of metal. The canopy glass had been cracked and shattered, leaving Justin completely vulnerable.
"Liger, are you okay," Justin asked.
Liger: Hurts...too much, can't move. Too weak...need, rest.
"Hold in there Liger, you're gonna be okay. You've gotta get up and move Liger, we're sitting ducks here," Justin told him.
Liger: No strength left...I'm defeated, so...sorry.
"No Liger, come on you've gotta get up and fight," Justin ordered as he struggled with the controls.
He used all of his might to wrk the controls, but it was useless, the controls wouldn't respond, and the Liger wouldn't get up.
"No Liger, you can't be, you just can't be, this isn't happening," Justin said to himself.
Liger: Nothing left, going, fast. I won't make it.
"No Liger, hold on, just hold on, we're not going to lose this fight," Justin told him.
Justin did everything he could to get the Liger to move again, but it was hopeless, nothing worked. And then, a message that made Justin's heart sink, appeared on the screen. Total systems failure. It was over.
"No, no, NOOOOOOOOOOOO! LIGER!"
Justin slammed his fists down on the console as hard as he could; he couldn't believe what was happening. Tears began to fall onto the console as Justin began to cry, the Liger, his best friend, was gone, and nothing could bring him back.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In the middle of their battle, Harry and Bit stopped fighting as they watched what had just happened.
"I don't believe it," Harry simply stated.
"The Shield Liger's kaput," Bit said to himself.
Liger Zero seemed to be hit hard as well, he threw his head back and roared as loud as he could, feeling the pain of a fellow Liger being destroyed. In a way, it was like a brother passing on. And if he could, the Liger would've cried.
"What've I done," Mary asked in disbelief.
Mary couldn't believe what she had done. She had destroyed what she was fighting to win. It was gut wrenching. The Liger had lost its appeal, now it was reduced to a smoldering heap of twisted and broken metal.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I don't believe it, Mary actually fired a charged particle cannon at the Liger. how could she do that," Leena demanded to know.
"I don't know, but it isn't good. I'm reading a complete shutdown of the entire Zoid core...the Shield Liger's...dead," Jamie told them.
"That can't be, Jamie, contact the Judge and let him know about this immediately," Dr. Toros ordered.
"Wait a minute, look out there. What's happening," Leena asked.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Just when things looked bad, something strange happened. A ring of bright light formed around the shield Liger, and shot into the sky like a pillar of pure energy. The light was blinding, but everybody was still able to see what was happening inside.
A silhouette of the Liger slowly stood up. Suddenly, it was no silhouette, the Liger could be seen easier, at least enough for most of the details to be made out. And then, something even more extraordinary happened. The damage that had occurred to the Liger, began to repair itself, returning th Liger to its magnificent self once again. And in a flash, the light was gone, leaving only the Liger behind, shining as it had just come form a complete cleaning job.
Inside the Liger's cockpit, Justin couldn't believe what was going on. Only a few minutes ago, the Liger was a wreck fit to be abandoned. But now, it was like brand new, if not better.
"Liger, are you okay, what's going on," Justin asked in amazement.
Liger: I couldn't be better Justin, I feel better than ever. My systems have been regenerated, my strength has been restored to its fullest.
"But, how? How is it possible," Justin asked.
Liger: The goddess, Zoid Eve, the creator of organoids and Zoid Cores. You and I share such a strong bond, Zoid Eve decided that it was not yet my time to depart.
"But I thought Zoid Eve was just a legend," Justin told him.
Liger: Zoid Eve is as real as whatever Supreme Being humans believe in.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I saw it but I'm not believing it. Did the Liger just heal itself," Jamie asked in surprise.
"That or we're all hallucinating, I saw it too," Leena told him.
"I don't believe this, the energy levels of the Shield Liger are way off the chart, I've never seen them this high before," Jamie stated.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It's amazing, I can't believe that happened," Harry stated.
"Neither can I, and I've seen a lot during my travels," Bit told him.
"Oh my, it's even more beautiful than ever," Mary said as she was awestruck.
"You're gonna regret that Mary," Justin told her angrily, the Liger roared in agreement, "just because this battle mode is 0982, doesn't mean you can come in here with a charged particle cannon, and blast the opponent and reduce them to the atomic level! And now, we're going to make you pay," Justin told her.
As the Liger roared and took a step forward, ready to go back into battle, it began to glow brightly.
"Liger, what's going on? What's happening," Justin asked.
Liger: I can feel myself changing, growing, becoming stronger. Don't be afraid.
The Liger's entire frame began to change shape, growing and expanding, until it stopped, and the light faded. When the light vanished, in the Shield Liger's place, was a Blade Liger. The only things that made it different from a regular Blade Liger, was that its body had black parts instead of gray, the teeth, as well as the claws were gold in color, and the blades were longer, wider, thicker, and it now had attack booster units instead of the super cannons that were in their place.
"I don't believe it," Harry, Mary and Bit said at the same time.
"Wow, Liger, you're amazing," Justin stated.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Incredible! I don't believe it, the Shield Liger just transformed into a Blade Liger, it's magnificent," Dr. Toros stated.
"Energy levels are way off the chart, it's even stronger than Leon's Blade Liger. I just hope that it doesn't get torn asunder as a result," Jamie told them.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Oh my it's so beautiful, now I really have to have it," Mary screamed with joy.
"Not today southern bell. You ready, Blade," Justin asked.
Liger: I'm still Liger, no matter what my form, not Blade, and not shield. And yes, I'm ready!
The Liger roared as its blades flipped out and deployed, glowing with energy, ready to strike.
Liger: Shall we?
"You know it Liger! Full speed ahead," Justin yelled as he pushed the speed controls all the way forward.
The booster unit upgrades, as well as the standard boosters, roared to life, propelling the Liger forward. Mary raised the Death Stinger's energy shield again. The Liger roared as it soared past the Death Stinger, its blade, cancelling out the energy shield, and cutting the tail right off, severing it from the rest of the body in a single slice.
"Amazing," Mary stated.
As the Liger came back down onto the ground, it made a sharp turn. The beam cannon barrels of the boosters, flipped forward, and fired two massive beams at the Death Stinger, hitting it harder than the twin super cannons did, which caused the command system to freeze.
"Looks like you and I are gonna be together for a while long, Blade," Justin stated.
Liger: Don't call me that, I don't like it.
"Okay, okay. Hey Harry, you wanna surrender now? Or should Bit and I tear your Gojulas apart," Justin asked.
"I'm not giving up yet, my Gojulas may be down, but it's not out," Harry told him.
"Then prepare to suffer. Bit, please step aside so we don't hurt you," Justin told him.
"You don't have to tell me twice," Bit told him as the Jager dashed off.
The Liger roared and activated its crash shield attack once more and deployed its blades. The thrusters fired and it was propelled through the air like a missile.
The Gojulas tried to get back up, but without its other leg, is was impossible, it couldn't even activate its energy shield, it being damaged from the blast. The Liger barreled right through the Ogre's chest, tearing through it, and coming out of the back. It turned, and began to fire heavily with the beam cannons, just to make sure the Gojulas stayed down.
"The battle is over! The battle is over! The winner is, the Blitz Team," the Judge announced.
"Allright! Liger that was awesome, you're unbelievable," Justin yelled.
Liger: Watch what you say, you'll swell my head.
"Okay, okay," Justin told him, "hey Harry, Mary, sorry about totalling your Zoids, they must've cost a good Chunk of change, being pretty rare and all."
"They were, very expensive," Harry told him.
"I don't suppose you'll accept a compromise. You get half of the money, and I get one of the Ligers," Mary asked.
"No chance Mary, we won fair and square, no compromise," Bit told him.
"Hold it, you know Mary, we might be able to work out something, for, a little extra," Justin told her.
"I'm listening," Mary told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Just Communication" played, Liger roared happily as he rode atop the hover cargo as they were on their way back to the base, viewing the scenery, and not having to be confined to the hover cargo's interior.
"Liger, you don't know how excited I am. Not only did you fight against all odds and return from what may've been a possible grave, but you evolved from a Shield Liger, to a much more impressive Blade Liger, it's incredible," Justin cheered.
Liger: We owe Zoid Eve, if it weren't for the goddess, I wouldn't be here now, she allowed me to stay with you. She healed me, and allowed me to evolve.
"And with your new power, you're gonna have to be more careful to avoid going berserk," Justin told him.
Liger: That, won't be happening anymore.
"What do you mean Liger," Justin asked.
Liger: The reason I was going berserk in battle, was because I was growing too powerful for my own good, my body couldn't handle it, so I had to advance to the next level. And thanks to Zoid Eve, I will no longer lose control.
"Wow, that is great," Justin told him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It's a shame really, the Liger's would've looked adorable on the front lawn, standing on either side of the sidewalk, with a high polish and freshly washed," Mary sighed.
'At least I won't have to go home with Mary until she finally does win a battle against the Blitz Team,' Harry thought.
"Oh well, at least it isn't a total lost. I still have one Liger," Mary said in a happier tone.
"Huh, whadda you mean," Harry asked.
"After the battle was over, Justin gave me the number of a Zoid collector who's willing to negotiate for a white Shield Liger. So all in all, it wasn't a complete waste," Mary told him.
"A white Shield Liger? Wow, those are hard to find, I haven't seen one of those for years," Harry told her.
"I know, it's going to look so beautiful on my front yard. All I have to do is find a black Redler, and the Liger is as good as mine," Mary told him.
'A black Redler? Justin really saw her coming; those things are even rarer these days than a white Shield Liger,' Harry thought.
"Yeah, that sounds like, quite a deal sis'," Harry told her, not wanting her to know that Justin had given her a deal that was more than downright sneaky.
"Well brother, the visit has been nice, but I do have to be going now," Mary told him, "and remember, once you become a great Zoid warrior, you come back home, understand?"
"Right Mary, I understand," Harry told her.
'And with warriors like Bit and Justin around, that's could take a long, long while,' Harry thought, both glad and upset at the same time.
"We really miss you at home Harry, try and come home soon," Mary said as she hugged her brother goodbye.
"I'll try Mary, I'll try," Harry told her.
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Liger: Well this is a first, a Zoid narrating instead of a person. Ever since I evolved to a Blade Liger I've become so much stronger; I'll take down any opponent that comes at me! Well, it appears that I'll be putting my strength to the test, we've got another battle. This time, it's the Midnight Team, a very tough Class S team who have never lost a match. Next time on Zoids: New Century Zero, "The Midnight Team vs the Blitz Team/Enemies in the darkness! Ready, fight!"