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 and/or shows, are not my property. The pilot of the Blade Liger, as well as the Z.A.I.P, as well as any other original characters are my property.
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"I still can't believe how cool it is! Not only do we have a very rare Liger Zero, but now we also have a rare Blade Liger, the likes of which has never been seen before," Dr. Toros said in excitement.
"Uh, yeah doc. We got the message the last five times you said it," Justin told him, quickly getting fed up with the good doctor's childish nature.
It had only been an hour since the battle with the Champ siblings had been won, and already Dr. Toros was going crazy about it. It was enough at times to drive a man to drink. Unfortunately, the closest tavern to the base was in Romeo City, and nobody felt like going out there just for just for a drink.
"I still wanna know how Liger was fixed after being blown to scrap from that charged particle cannon," Jamie told him, "an even better question, how did it evolve into a Blade Liger?"
"That's a good question, why didn't I think of that," Dr. Toros asked.
"Childish antics," Justin suggested, "anyway, I think we should let Liger explain, he knows it better than I do," Justin told them.
Justin walked over to the main screen in the living room area of the base, he pressed several buttons, and switched it from live video feed, to basic text.
"Yo Liger, would you mind giving us an explanation of how you recovered from the charged particle cannon attack, and how you evolved into a Blade Liger? Everybody would like to know," Justin explained.
Liger: Gladly. Everybody sit down, this might take a while.
Everybody sat down on the couches, ready to get the lowdown on what had happened just recently.
Liger: Allright, let's begin now. As you know, for the past month, I've become feral in extreme battles. This has been due to a buildup of power in my systems, thereby affecting my logic systems, like letting anger cloud your judgment. I could control this if a battle could be finished quickly, but if it wears on, I lose all control.
The vacation time helped me cool down somewhat, but not for very long, and being contained in the hover cargo was very unnerving to me. But enough about this, on to the main topic.
How I was able to repair myself after that charged particle cannon is a very interesting story. Originally, I would've never survived, but evidently someone was watching over me. I trust you have heard of Zoid Eve.
"What's Zoid Eve," Bit asked.
"The creator of Zoid Cores and organoids, the Zoid goddess basically," Justin explained.
Liger: Thank you Justin. As I was explaining, it was apparent that something was watching over me, I have reason to believe that it was Zoid Eve that was responsible. I was sure that I would not survive, but for some reason, Zoid Eve had decided that it wasn't my time to go, and so I was repaired, and completely restored.
"That's interesting, but how did you change into a Blade Liger," Jamie asked.
Liger: I was getting to that. After being healed and restored, I was stronger than ever, and that, coupled by the will of Zoid Eve, allowed me to evolve into a Blade Liger. This was necessary to control my new power; my old frame proved to be highly insufficient in controlling my strength, which made me go berserk. But now, those days are over, I can now fight extensive battles and still control myself.
"Wow, so this Zoid Eve, the Supreme Beings of all Zoids, sent you back because it wasn't your time, and it gave you a new body to control your newfound strength," Leena asked.
Liger: In a nutshell, and I owe it to both Justin, as well as Liger Zero, in a way, they're responsible for me still being here. Justin and I shared such a strong bond that went beyond just Zoid and pilot, and Zoid Eve allowed me to stay because of it. And Liger Zero, it was his organoid system's sorrow that in a way, convinced Zoid Eve that I shouldn't die then and there.
At that, everybody was left speechless. Nobody quite knew what to say, and the silence was quickly becoming deafening. Finally, unable to take it anymore, Leena finally spoke up.
"So it was Justin and the Liger Zero that saved you from certain doom," she asked.
Liger: Yes, without them, Zoid Eve may've not intervened and just allowed my Zoid Core to extinguish.
"Talk about a close call," Bit stated.
"Very close, I'm glad I joined the team, I don't want to think what might've happened if I didn't," Justin told him.
Liger: Are there anymore questions that you wish to ask?
"I have one," Dr. Toros stated, "if Zoid Eve didn't come along when it did, if you weren't hit by a charged particle cannon, would you still have evolved?"
Liger: I believe so, Zoid Eve just gave me the necessary power to evolve. It's very possible that after another few battles, I would've evolved on my own. Does anyone have anymore questions? Or should we conclude this lecture?
"...I think that's about it, it answered all my questions," Leena stated.
"Yeah, mine too. But then again I didn't have very many to begin with," Brad added.
Liger: Very well.
And with that the screen went blank.
"Well, what now," Jamie asked.
"What about dinner," Bit asked.
"It's not even 5:00 in the afternoon Bit," Jamie told him.
"No, but that does give me an idea for tonight. There's this little restaurant I know, and it serves the best, toasted submarine sandwiches you've ever tasted," Justin told them.
"That sounds good, tonight we'll go out to eat," Dr. Toros proclaimed.
"Isn't that going to be expensive," Jamie asked.
"No, the place serves good food for a low price. Besides, don't worry about money, our latest win is helping greatly with the expenses around here," Justin told him, "that is, unless the good doctor squandered it on a Gilvader," he added and gave Dr. Toros the evil eye.
"Don't look at me," Dr. Toros protested, "we don't make nearly enough to get a Gilvader."
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Several dozen miles away, a battle was currently taking place. Two fierce Class S teams. The Bison Team, made up of four pilots with Texan accents, and four Dibisons for their Zoids. And the opponents, the Midnight Team, made up of the regular leader, and three mercenaries. The mercenaries piloted: a customized Dark Horn, with two hibit vulcan guns, each painted gold, as well as gold horns and antennas, an Iron Kong with a shoulder mounted hibit vulcan gun and back mounted triple barrel cannon, and a Lightning Saix. And the leader of the team, piloted a Genosaurer, armed with a cannory unit instead of the basic double barreled cannon.
"The Bison Team vs the Midnight Team! Battle mode 0982! Ready, fight!"
"Alabaster, April, Sakuya, move out and take down whomever you want but leave me the leader," the Genosaurer pilot ordered.
"Roger that," the mercenaries stated as they charged into battle selecting their victims for today's massacre.
The Genosaurer's right arm shot forward, and latched onto the lead Dibison's front leg, and pulled it forward, brining it right up to the cannory unit's barrel.
"Say goodbye," the pilot calmly stated and fired a single shot.
The shot tore through the Dibison's back, and ripped through the other end, taking it out of the battle.
"You're pathetic," the Genosaurer pilot stated and delivered a kick to the downed Dibison.
The pilot of the Iron Kong stomped its way over to another Dibison, taking the incoming fire and simply shrugging it off. It brought its massive fist down, taking out the Dibison in a single move.
The Dark Horn opened fire with its back mounted vulcan guns, pummeling it with heavy artillery, not enough to take it out yet, but just enough to have it pinned down in a helpless position. As soon as the legs had been taken out, the Dark Horn halted fire, and charged, ramming the Dibison head on, taking it out.
"Alabaster, finish this battle quickly," the Genosaurer pilot ordered.
"Quickly? You got it!"
The boosters on the Lightning Saix activated, allowing it to run right past the Dibison, several times as it was fired upon. This continued for a short time, before the Dibison ran out of ammo, and was fired upon by the Lightning Saix, taking it out easily.
"The battle is over! The battle is over! The winner is, the Midnight Team!"
"Not bad team, still at the five minute mark, we're getting good, but we need to get better, start winning battles in a minute, not five. If we can, we'll rule the S class," the Genosaurer pilot stated.
"I think I know who we can get some practice on. The Blitz Team, they're new to Class S."
"Sounds good, send a battle request scheduled for three days from now."
"Sir!"
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Liger: Standing around is boring, I want some excitement!
"Calm down buddy, we just recently finished a tough battle, and besides, you're still new to being a Blade Liger," Justin explained.
Liger: All the better to get out and go for a nice run. Hop in, I'll drive.
"Liger---"
Liger: Okay you drive.
"---I'm not sure that going for a run would be a good idea, you might stress your new body," Justin explained after being interrupted.
Liger: What better way to find out what I'm capable of? The run will show me what my new body is capable of. Besides, a powerful Blade Liger like myself wasn't meant to be held captive in a hangar.
"You do have a point," Justin told him.
Liger: Besides, I'm going either with or without you. One way or another I'm going for a run.
"Well when you put it that way, I don't see much choice," Justin told him.
The Liger crouched down as the canopy opened and the cable lowered. Justin got onto the cable and rode up, and buckled himself into the seat.
"Okay Liger, let's go," Justin told him.
Liger: Right!
The Liger dashed out of the hangar, roaring loudly as it did, glad to be out and in the open again.
"Hey Liger---"
Liger: Which song?
"---"Wild Flowers" I guess. How'd you know what I was going to say?"
Liger: Simple, I know you. When you spend years with somebody, you're bound to know what they like.
"Oh," Justin replied.
Justin seemed to relax as soon as the music began to play. Even though the battle with Harry and Mary was over, Justin couldn't help but feel uptight, it had really shaken him, the way the Liger was almost destroyed. They'd come close to defeat before, but never to the extent that Liger would be destroyed. But even with everything he knew, one question kept pestering Justin.
'Why did the Death Stinger's charged particle cannon take out the shield, while Bloodlust and the Genobreaker couldn't? The Death Stinger of today isn't as powerful as the one so many decades ago, but it was still capable of totaling Liger. Maybe the Genobreaker couldn't because it might've been old. Or maybe Bloodlust wasn't experienced enough to bring out its full power, the Genobreaker didn't seem to be operating a full strength, I've seen it do better in other battles. Maybe Liger powered the shield past its maximum for a short time and that stopped it,' Justin thought.
Liger: Justin! Snap out of it!
"Huh, what's going on," Justin asked.
Liger: You were acting catatonic, you didn't reply to anything. I had to shock you to get you to reply!
"Well what's the problem, are we under attack," Justin asked.
Liger: Not yet. But a kilometer up ahead there's something I don't think we should go near with you acting zoned out.
"What is it," Justin asked.
Liger: Guysacks, fifty of them, all automated, still active.
"So in other words they're ancient sleepers. You'd think that the Republican Army would've recalled them when the war came to an end. Well, they're not doing any good out there now, should we," Justin asked.
Liger: Of course.
"By the way, how long was I zoned out," Justin asked.
Liger: Half an hour, what were you thinking about?
"Half an hour? Boy oh boy. Nothing really Liger, not important," Justin told him, "well what're you standing around for? Let's take out those rejects. Fire a couple of super beams to get their attention."
Liger: But, that will take out, at least half of them, being so old and all.
"What fun is it to fight old wrecks? Let's just get it over with and get back to base before we're missed," Justin told him.
Liger: If you insist.
The booster units flipped forward and began charging. Once reaching full charge, the fired. The resulting explosion was huge, sending Guysack parts flying everywhere. The remaining twenty sleepers emerged from the sand and charged, firing madly.
Liger: looks like today is going to be another boring day.
The Liger fired several more low charged shots, soon eradicating the sleepers like they were nothing.
"Well that wasn't worth our time, let's get back to base, I'm getting hungry," Justin stated.
Liger: Fine, but the next time we encounter an opponent, leave the fighting to ME.
"Fine, fine, let's just move it," Justin replied as the Liger took off, heading back to base.
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Dr. Toros was currently busy in his quarters, playing with his Death Stinger and recently acquired Blade Liger model, painted to match Justin's exactly. He had both Zoids pulled back, ready to smash them into each other. But before he could, the sound of the videophone beeping, stopped him before they collided.
"Who could it be now? Don't they know I have important research to do," he asked himself and stood up.
As soon as the screen was switched on, a Judge appeared.
"Attention Blitz Team, a battle request has been filed by the Midnight Team. If you accept, the battle has been scheduled for three days from now," the Judge announced.
"Well we accept," Dr. Toros replied.
"The battle will be held at the Empire/Republic border at 8:00 P.M. Thursday night," the Judge told him.
"Eight at night, that's awfully late for a Zoid battle. Oh well," Dr. Toros said as he switched off the videophone and set off to the living room area of the base.
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"Good news team, we've got another challenge lined up," Dr. Toros announced.
"Who with," Jamie asked.
"The Midnight Team," Dr. Toros replied.
Immediately, Justin's face appeared on the monitor, looking very surprised.
"Did you just say the Midnight Team," he practically yelled.
"Yes, why," Dr. Toros asked.
"Those guys are bad news, the black Zoid version of the Crimson Team," Justin told him.
"You mean the leader is a psycho as well," Leena practically screamed.
"No, it was just meant as a comparison. I'll explain it as soon as I get back to the base, gimme five minutes," Justin told her and the screen went blank.
"I didn't even know Justin left."
"He took the Liger out earlier for a run," Jamie explained.
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"Okay everybody, listen up," Justin said as he paced along the floor of the meeting room, "the Midnight Team is a very tough Class S team and use some very tough Zoids. Three of the members are mercenaries, Alabaster, April and Sakuya, they pilot a Lightning Saix, Iron Kong, and customized Dark Horn. The leader of the team is called Blackout, he pilots a Genosaurer with a cannory unit."
"And that makes them tough," Bit asked.
"No, what makes them tough is that they've never lost a single battle in their entire career. Plus, they've been able to win all of their battles in five minutes, no more," Justin told him.
"Obviously they make quick work of their opponents," Dr. Toros commented.
"Brilliant deduction Sherlock," Justin replied, "I suggest we go with this idea, it might work. Bit, you move out with the Jager to take down Lightning Saix. Leena you can match the Dark Horn ammo round for ammo round, just do what you did when you fought the Crimson Team. Brad you deal with the Iron Kong, it's too bulky to have any real speed, so you could run circles around it while blasting it from every angle. I'll take on the Genosaurer, if the charged particle cannon is fired, Liger can stand up to it. Plus, Liger's the only Zoid that can stand up to a Genosaurer's assault," Justin told them.
"Hey now! Whadda ya mean by that! Are you saying that Liger Zero can't beat your Blade Liger," Bit yelled as he got up to Justin's face, completely forgetting about Justin's supposed strategy.
"You might say that," Justin told him.
"Why you cocky arrogant punk," Bit yelled, but Justin silenced him by picking him up by his shirt.
"Look blondie, yours is the only Zoid capable of meeting the Saix's speed, while mine, is the only one capable of raising an energy shield. If your Liger took a hit from a charged particle cannon, it would never survive. Now do you want to argue like a child? Or do you want to save it for the battlefield," Justin asked.
"I think I'll wait," Bit told him.
"Good," Justin said and set him back on the ground, "Jamie, do you think my idea will work?"
"It should, although if Brad or Leena have trouble, we might need the Schneider. Other than that, it could work," Jamie told him.
"Good, anybody else got any squawks, or can we move on and get dinner ordered," Justin asked.
"I motion that we move on and get dinner," Leena announced.
"I second that," Bit added.
"Motion seconded and carried, see you next briefing," Dr. Toros joked.
'With the exception of Brad, I'm the only mature member here, and I'm the youngest! It's crazy,' Jamie thought.
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"Sir, our challenge has been accepted, we fight in three days at 8:00 P.M.," Sakuya stated.
"Excellent, Sakuya. Although that late at night might make it difficult, our five minute time might be put in jeopardy," Blackout replied.
"Then we'll just use one of our secret weapons that guarantee our advantage," Sakuya told him.
"Good, if anything arises, I'll be with Darkside," Blackout told her and stepped out of the room.
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Night had once again fallen, and Liger was out for a late run, listening to some of the music selections that he and Justin liked.
Liger: Nothing like a nice run before a big battle. Tomorrow, the Midnight Team is going to see the light, shortly before being knocked out.
As Liger continued to run, he couldn't help but recall his fight against Nightshade and his Great Saber a month ago. He was outmatched then, even with the super cannons. But if he ever ran into them again, it would be an entirely different story, now that he was a Blade Liger equipped with attack boosters.
Liger: No Great Saber will defeat me. Anybody who messes with me is going to wish that they didn't.
As Liger continued to run, he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks as a very familiar roar came from behind him. He quickly turned, and saw two glowing green eyes, slowly coming closer to him.
Liger: So, Nightshade's Great Saber, we meet again. This time it's going to be much different from the last time.
The beam cannons flipped forward and locked onto the Great Saber. Once the full charge was reached, they fired, hitting it dead on. The Liger didn't stop there, instead of allowing the smoke to clear, it continued to fire relentlessly, both rapid fire shots, and charged shots. But after several minutes, the Liger stopped.
Liger: That should be enough. How do you like me now? I'm not a push over like I was last time! Who the Zoid? I the Zoid!
But while Liger was boasting about himself, something stepped out of the smoke. It was the Great Saber, once again, completely unharmed.
Liger: Tough guy.
The Great Saber did its best to make its body go parallel, and spread its legs, the barrel extending from its throat, and beginning to draw in energy particles.
Liger: Not this time. Taste the power of my blades!
The blades extended and deployed. The beam cannons went back to the booster function as the blades began to glow. The Liger roared loudly and charged forward. Just as the charged particle cannon was about to fire, the Liger's blade cut through the Great Saber.
The top half of the Great Saber's head, along with its body, was sliced in half, separating it from the body, and causing it to explode in a massive flash of spent charged particles and a ruptured Zoid Core.
Liger: That does it, no more of the Great Saber, no more of Nightshade, nothing but peace.
But as the Liger turned to gaze upon the wreckage of the Great Saber, something began to emerge from the wreckage. The Liger looked up in horror as the massive creature stood in bipedal fashion, using its large tail to balance itself as its mechanical roared filled the air.
Liger: No! It can't be!
The Liger began to open fire with everything it had, aiming for where it assumed the Zoid Core would be. It put everything into the shots, refusing to give up until it had finally won.
But the Liger's attempts proved to be useless. No matter what he threw at the monster, not a single shot would do any good. With a loud roar, the huge monster simply brought its left extensor forearm foot forward, and stomped down.
The Liger's energy shield deployed, preventing the monster from crushing it, but it wouldn't hold out forever. The monster easily outweighed the Liger by at least a hundred tons, and the shield was being stressed to the max. It would only a matter of minutes before the shield was gone, and the Liger would be vulnerable
Liger: This may be my last battle. But the joke is on this monster. When I go, so will my reactor. I'll get crushed, and he'll be blown to kingdom come!
The shield held for another minute, before it shattered, and the Liger started getting crushed.
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All of the Liger's systems came back online as he "awoke" with a start. It almost sounded like the Liger was gasping for breath as he looked around, soon realizing that he was still in the base's hangar, safe and sound.
Liger: Another dream. Just like the last one, except this time I beat the Great Saber. But, that monster, it was unstoppable.
Liger shook his head as he walked across the metal floor, trying to clear his thoughts so he could get some more rest before morning arrived. But that soon proved to be impossible. When he checked his internal clock, it was already early morning, and everybody was bound to be up.
Liger: So much for that. Oh well, today's the big day. I hope Justin will be ready for tonight.
Several minutes later, laughter could be heard as Leena came charging through the hangar with Justin in hot pursuit.
"Get back here Leena! That was my bacon you stole," Justin yelled as he managed to stay hot on her heels.
"Come on Justin can't you take a joke," Leena laughed as she managed to stay five feet ahead of him at all time.
"Only when it's funny," Justin yelled as he lunged forward.
Leena was caught completely off guard by this, somehow Justin had managed to grab her around the waist, and pull her to the ground, pinning her down.
"I got ya! Now do you know what I'm gonna do to you, redhead," Justin asked as he got close, his face only inches away from Leena's.
"What," Leena asked as she moved slightly closer to him.
With a wide smile, Justin moved in closer, until the tip of his nose was touching hers.
"Now wouldn't ya like to know," he asked and let her go, "you'll find out in due time. Watch your back, or you might not know what hit you," he told her and stood back up.
Liger: Those two are a couple of riots. The last time I saw a couple of people act like that, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were getting frisky in the hangar.
The Liger Zero let out a sigh/growl in disbelief and hung his head. The whole team was a bunch of children, Dr. Toros, the pilots; even the other Zoids were childish. How they managed to survive in battle was beyond him.
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The day continued on as usual. Dr. Toros would play with his models, while Jamie did some adjustments to Justin's strategy for battle. It was an okay plan, but it was a stone in need of a good polishing.
The videophone rang constantly from Harry's nonstop calling, and every time it did ring, Justin would either tell him that Leena was busy, or tell him to make like the wind and blow or some other comeback like that.
Finally, the day was over, and night began, it was only an hour until the fight would begin, and everybody was getting ready.
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"Allright people let's get ready to mobilize," Dr. Toros announced.
"Okay, hey wait, where's Justin at," Leena asked as she looked around.
"Coming!"
The sound of metallic ringing footsteps could be heard as Justin came charging up to the group, trying to catch up.
"Where were you," Bit asked.
"Getting into some new clothes, I ran out of my regular ones," Justin told him.
Instead of what he normally wore, Justin was now wearing a pair of black boots with metal plates on the toes and three locking straps with metal tips (think the kind of straps on rollerblades). His pants, belt, and gloves were now black, along with his vest, while he wore a gray T-shirt. He still wore his red bandana to keep his spiky hair under control (at least partially) but now wore the second on his left thigh instead of arm.
"Looks kinda hot," Bit stated.
"So do your clothes. Now what're we standing around for? Don't we have a battle to get to," Justin asked.
"In less than an hour," Jamie told him.
"Then we'd better hurry," Justin said as he ran over to the Liger, "I'll run ahead so we won't lose by default if we're late. To the Empire/Republic border, let's move Liger," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared and charged out of the hangar, activating his boosters, and going even faster than before.
"Exactly how fast do you think the Liger's going," Leena asked.
"Can't tell, we'd have to run some tests later," Jamie replied.
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"I hope the Blitz Team gets here soon, I'm in the mood for another pounding," Alabaster stated as her Lightning Saix roared.
"Same here, I'm going to crush my opponent into the ground," April added as her Iron Kong grunted.
"Don't worry, the Blitz Team is never late for a battle, if anything they're early. And if they don't show up, we'll just hunt them down," Blackout told them.
"What about the Judge," April asked.
"Well, we'll just carry it with us and plant it wherever we find them," Blackout replied.
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The time passed slowly, and the members of the Midnight Team were getting impatient. The Genosaurer, which was pacing back and forth, stopped in mid step, and seemed to let out a yawn/growl of boredom.
"If the Blitz Team, as well as the Judge, don't show up soon, I'm leaving," Blackout complained.
"I'm joining you, the win isn't worth it," Alabaster replied as her Lightning Saix began to pace in a similar fashion.
"Hey, is anybody still there," a voice came over the comms.
In the distance, a trail of dust was coming closer to the battle site. And leading the dust trail, was the Blade Liger, all of its thrusters firing.
"It's about time you came," Blackout commented.
"Sorry, do you have any idea how huge the border is? Whatever dimwit Judge told Dr. Toros about the battle, forgot the specific location," Justin explained.
"Save it! Where's the rest of the team? This is battle mode 0982, not 0892," Sakuya yelled.
"Don't worry, I've got a tracker installed, they'll be here in a few minutes, I just came ahead so we couldn't get disqualified," Justin explained.
"So, you must be the infamous Justin Thompson that I've heard about. Strange though, I thought you had a Shield Liger," Blackout calmly stated.
"Yeah I'm Justin Thompson, and up until a few days ago I did have Shield Liger, but he evolved," Justin replied.
Liger: Justin, I'm detecting something from the Genosaurer, it's very powerful, but there's also something else coming from it.
"What is it," Justin asked.
Liger: An alteration to the Zoid Core, I believe it to be a Z.A.I.P.
"Really," Justin asked, "hey Blackeye."
"That's Blackout."
"Okay, hey Blackout, you got a Z.A.I.P installed in your Genosaurer," Justin asked.
"What business is it of yours," Blackout replied.
"My father created the Z.A.I.P, and I want to know, do you or don't you," Justin asked.
"Allright then, I do, his name is Darkside," Blackout replied followed by a loud roar from the Genosaurer.
Liger: I don't like it. This Z.A.I.P seems very evil, very destructive. It wants to cause massive destruction. And it won't stop until it's beaten.
"Well then, we'll just have to teach them some modesty. Prepare to mobilize," Justin ordered.
Liger: Aren't you forgetting the others? They haven't arrived yet.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," Justin said, a huge anime sweatdrop on his forehead.
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A Judge capsule plowed into the ground, causing a huge crater before raising back above ground level again.
"The area within a thirty mile radius is a designated Zoid battlefield. The Midnight Team vs the, the, huh? Where is the Blitz Team," the Judge asked as it scanned the area.
"Sorry judgy, the rest of the team ran into some trouble getting here but they'll be here soon enough," Justin announced.
Several long minutes later, the hover cargo had finally arrived. The Shadow Fox, Liger Zero Jager, and Gun Sniper had been launched, and both teams were ready to fight.
"Arrival of Blitz Team confirmed. The Midnight Team vs the Midnight Team, battle mode 0982, ready, fight!"
Just as the Judge finished speaking, black poles popped up form below the ground all over. The white squares at the top turned bright, illuminating the entire area.
"Just some insurance, so nobody can hide," Blackout announced before anybody could ask.
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"Come and get me if you can little girl," Sakuya stated as she began to open fire on the Gun Sniper.
"You're going to regret that," Leena yelled and opened fire on the Dark Horn.
"Leena, stick to the plan," Justin yelled over the comm.
"Oops, I forgot," Leena replied, shortly before getting clobbered by a barrage of bullets, "aw crap, I'm out," she yelled.
"Figures," Brad muttered.
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"Come back here little foxy, I won't hurt you, I'm just gonna rip your legs off," April yelled as she slammed down the fist of her Iron Kong, trying to crush the Shadow Fox.
"I don't think so," Brad said as he dashed off and opened fire.
"Don't think that just because I'm a mercenary I'm going easy on you," April yelled as she returned fire.
"Whatever you say, but there's just one thing you should know," Brad told her.
"What is it," April asked.
The Shadow Fox let out a howl and opened fire on a specific point on the Iron Kong. The next thing April knew, the right arm of the Iron Kong had come off, right at the shoulder.
"Your shoulder joint was exposed and vulnerable," Brad told her.
"Pretty impressive, that's the first time I ever got clobbered," April told him, "so whadda we do now? Play cards," she asked.
"Poker, or go fish," Brad replied.
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"Catch me if you can," alabaster taunted as her Lightning Saix accelerated and charged off.
"You're gonna regret saying that. Let's get her Liger," Bit yelled.
The Liger roared as the ion boosters extended and opened, accelerating it to match the Saix's speed.
"I'm gonna catch you," Bit yelled.
"Oh really," alabaster asked.
In a surprise move, the Saix stopped running and began to decelerate; digging its paws into the ground, letting the Liger pass it before it had a chance to stop.
"So long, Liger," alabaster stated as she opened fire with the back mounted guns, hitting the Liger from behind.
"You're gonna regret that," Bit yelled angrily.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Liger and the Genosaurer remained still, staring each other down, waiting for the other to make the first move, both Zoids growling and assuming a ready to pounce stance.
"We were barely able to defeat the Genobreaker, we needed Leena and explosive sniper rounds to do it. A Genosaurer is nowhere near as powerful as a Genobreaker, but it's still quite an opponent. Whadda ya suggest we do Liger," Justin asked.
Liger: We allow ourselves to get dragged in close, and perform the strike laser claw, right to the face, that should disable it.
"Sounds risky, but we'll try. Activate the boosters and full speed ahead," Justin ordered.
The panels on the boosters flipped up and the funnels extended, roaring as they came to life. The blades deployed and extended as the Liger charged forward, ready to cut through the Genosaurer.
As they expected, the Genosaurer had grabbed the right blade, and lifted the Liger off the ground.
"Not so smart, making a frontal attack and expecting it to succeed," Blackout stated as he slammed the Liger back on the ground, "and now, it's time to say goodbye."
The cannory unit rotated around, slowly, just to tease Justin, letting him know that at any second, this battle was going to be over.
Liger: Goodbye!
The boosters flipped forward, and several shots were launched from the cannons, taking out the cannory unit in an explosion, ripping it off the back.
Liger: And now for the finisher.
The Liger's right claw began to glow bright with a golden light, as well as the systems of its leg.
Liger: This claw of mine glows with an awesome power, it's telling me to defeat you!
"How corny can one get," Justin asked himself in disbelief.
Liger: Shining finger! Ehgah! I mean strike laser claw!
The Liger leapt to its hind legs and brought the claw down on the Genosaurer's face, sending the energy into the systems, supporting itself with its other leg on the Genosaurer's shoulder.
"That does it! No more "G Gundam" for you," Justin yelled.
It looked as if the attack would work, but it didn't. The Genosaurer shot both claws forward, grabbing the Liger and throwing it forward and crashing on the ground.
"A cunning attack, but not good enough to defeat us. Darkside has been through worse than that and he's managed to walk away intact," Blackout stated.
"We're just getting warmed up, you haven't seen what we're capable of yet," Justin yelled and forced the Liger to get back onto his feet.
Darkside: Bring it on, little Blade Liger.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Strike laser claw," Bit yelled, followed by the Liger's roar as the Lightning Saix's back mounted gun was severed from its back, taking it out of the battle.
"Good chase, but you need to work on your combat techniques more," Bit stated.
"Shut up," Alabaster yelled, "because of you and the stupid Blitz Team, we can kiss our winning streak, and our five minute victory time goodbye!"
"Hey don't get mad at me, we were just doing our job," Bit protested, shortly before getting shot at by the Dark Horn.
"Don't tell me that you forgot all about me," Sakuya stated and began to fire again.
"That does it," Bit shouted as he charged forward.
Sakuya opened fire on the Jager, but wasn't able to match its speed, and was quickly brought down.
"Well, it looks like it's just your Blade Liger pilot and Blackout now," Sakuya stated.
"Yeah, and something tells me this might be a long battle," Bit replied as he watched the two battle it out.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Liger roared as it was slammed down hard once again by the Genosaurer, only to be kicked and sent flying.
Both Justin and Blackout were breathing deeply and sweating. Their battle had been going on for an hour now, and neither of them had been able to gain the upper hand, they were just too evenly matched to make much of a difference.
"This is crazy, the Genobreaker was tough, but it didn't take this long to defeat it," Justin stated as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
Liger: The Z.A.I.P is extremely powerful, I'm detecting systems similar to mine. Plus, this is a newer Genosaurer; the Genobreaker seemed very old, so its strength wasn't at full.
"That's just wonderful, and I thought we were getting stronger. Okay Liger, try a smokescreen attack," Justin replied.
The Liger opened fire with its shock cannon and beam cannons on the thrusters, missing the Genosaurer, but hitting the area around it, stirring up dust and sand, making it hard to see. Once he was sure that the cloud was thick enough, the Liger stopped and charged as it let out a mighty roar, almost like a battle cry.
"Kiss your Genosaurer goodbye," Justin yelled as the blades deployed and thrusters fired.
With the large smokescreen, it was highly unlikely that the Genosaurer, even with a Z.A.I.P, would be able to detect the oncoming assault. At least, that's what one would think.
A loud metallic clang sounded. As the cloud began to clear, the Genosaurer could be seen, holding the Blade Liger off the ground by its blade.
Darkside: The same trick, no matter how you modify it, will not work against us.
"I must admit, this has been a very interesting match. But, all good things, must come to an end," Blackout commented.
The Genosaurer dropped the Liger, and delivered a major kick, sending it flying and crashing to the ground, much farther and harder than before.
As the Liger hit the ground, it bounced from the force and crashed on its side, everybody could hear a sickening crunch, followed by a pain filled yell coming from Justin.
"Justin, what's the matter," Leena asked as he face appeared on the main screen.
"My, my left arm. I can't move it, it hurts so much," Justin stated as he grasped his shoulder, his face contorted in pain.
"Is it broken? Are you bleeding, what's wrong," Leena asked almost hysterically.
"I think it was dislocated when we hit the ground," Justin told her.
"That's not good, he needs to get out of there and to a hospital right away. Bit, take over for him," Dr. Toros stated.
"No way doc. I'm not going anywhere until this battle is over, and I'm the winner," Justin replied and closed the communication.
Liger: Justin, you're hurt, you need to get to a hospital.
"Can't do it Liger, I'm not gonna quit just because I'm hurt, and I know that you wouldn't want to lose to Darkside," Justin replied.
Liger: True, but a battle is just a battle, your life is much more important.
"My life? It's just my arm; I don't know anybody who's ever died of a dislocated shoulder. I'm not going to leave until we win. Then I'll go to the hospital," Justin stated.
Liger: It's no use arguing with you, you stubborn jackass.
"Takes one to know one," Justin replied as he pulled the harness straps back and tucked his arm in as the straps suddenly became tighter.
Liger: What're we going to do now? How are we going to finish this off?
"Something that I don't think even Darkside and Blackout would plan on," Justin replied.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Genosaurer growled angrily, something didn't seem right. He didn't care about what happened when he heard Justin scream, all he wanted to do was destroy the Blade Liger.
"What's up Darkside, what's going on out there," Blackout asked.
Darkside: Something is up, something that doesn't seem right, I think they're planning an ambush.
"Be ready for anything, we're not going to lose this fight," Blackout ordered.
Darkside: Understood.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Got it?"
Liger: Yes, let's do it.
The Liger dug its claws into the ground, securing it down. With his good arm, Justin pushed the speed control all the way forward, opening all thrusters. A loud hum filled the air as the thrusters came to life, firing full blast. The Liger would've been propelled through the air, but with its claws dug in, it was secured to the ground, allowing it to build up greater speed.
Liger: Thruster output at 315 km/h and climbing, blades being deployed and charged now.
"Good, how much longer can we keep building up speed," Justin asked.
Liger: Not much longer, the stress on the thrusters and legs is quickly becoming too much for the body to handle, we'll be ripped apart eventually.
"Just keep it up for as long as you can, I can't pilot with one bad arm, so you've only got one shot at pulling this off," Justin warned him.
Liger: I know. Output at 335 km/h, now 350 km/h! Systems red lining, we have to go now!
"Punch it!"
The shield panels deployed, forming the energy shield, quickly warping it into a cone. The Liger pulled his claws from the ground, and was propelled through the air like a guided missile, going right at the Genosaurer.
The Genosaurer couldn't react in time. The shield of the Blade Liger smashed into the side of it, while the blade cut through its arm, before shooting past it. The Liger hit the ground, and made a hard turn as its shield was dropped. As it came back around, the Liger cut through the Genosaurer's leg, crippling it.
The Liger roared as it pass by, skidding to a hard halt as it dug its claws into the ground, causing a great deal of strain on the body.
"The battle is over, the battle is over! The winner is, the Blitz Team," the Judge announced.
Liger: Now we can get you to the hospital.
"Not yet Liger, let me out, let me down," Justin ordered.
Liger: Justin.
"Liger, now," Justin barked.
Reluctantly, the Liger opened his canopy and let Justin ride the cable down.
"Hey, Blackout, come out," Justin yelled.
For a minute, nothing happened, but then, the hatch in the Genosaurer's chest opened and Blackout jumped out.
He stood slightly higher than six feet tall; he had dark hair, which was cut short, emerald green eyes, and large muscles. He wore a black jumpsuit with silver leg and shin guards, shoulder pads, a gauntlet similar to Justin's on his right arm, a black belt, and a Helic Republic symbol on the chest.
"What happened to you," Blackout asked.
"Dislocated shoulder, but I wasn't about to leave before I spoke my peace. Good battle, sorry that I had to hurt Darkside so badly," Justin told him as he cradled his left arm.
"You were quite a fighter, I see that the rumors of the Blade Liger are true," Blackout commented.
"Your Genosaurer is definitely impressive, how's the Z.A.I.P been," Justin asked.
"Quite well, my compliments to your father. And don't worry about Darkside. He'll heal himself after some rest time. He's got built in armor recovery circuitry," Blackout explained.
Liger: Enough talk! Justin, get in now! You're going to the hospital right this minute!
Darkside: Blade Liger, congratulations on your victory over the Midnight Team.
Liger: Uh, sure, whatever Darkness.
Darkside: That's Darkside.
Liger: I don't have time to chitchat, I've gotta get Justin to the closest hospital and have him taken care of.
"Liger, keep your parts on," Justin complained.
Liger: Now little mister!
"Fine," Justin said as the Liger crouched down.
"Justin," Blackout called, "you've earned my respect. Being the only one who's ever taken me down, you've accomplished quite a feat. And your Blade Liger has earned Darkside's respect as well."
"Thanks, respect is a valuable item, and earning it is hard to do," Justin told him.
Liger: Would you please shut up and sit down already!
"Relax Liger, I'm ready to go," Justin replied.
Liger: Good!
As the Liger roared and charged off, firing all of the thrusters, Blackout watched them leave.
"They're quite the pair, wouldn't you say so Darkside," he asked.
Darkside: Quite, they share a strong bond, like you and I.
"We've met our strongest opponent yet. We'll have to challenge them some other time," Blackout replied.
Darkside: The Liger and I will meet each other again, someday. And then, we will win.
"You've got that right," Blackout replied.
Darkside: Incoming, Gun Sniper with heavy upgrades.
"Hey you! The pilot of the Genosaurer! You're gonna pay for what you did to Justin," Leena yelled from inside the Gun Sniper's cockpit.
"Uh oh," Blackout stated.
Darkside: This is bad.
Just as Leena was about to open fire, she was stopped by a beeping coming from the comm.
"Who is it," Leena yelled.
"Leena, leave him alone. We won the battle and that's enough," Justin told her.
"I don't care, I'm going to dislocate more than his shoulder," Leena told him.
"Forget it Leena. He'll pay...for the hospital Bill that is," Justin laughed.
"...Not as good as what I planned, but it'll have to do," Leena replied.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Brad: You know, it's kinda funny. Just when you think you've got life figured out, you get a curve ball thrown at you. Justin was hurt worse than we thought in our battle with the Midnight Team, the doctors don't even know if he'll ever be able to pilot the Liger again. And when he finds this out about this, there's gonna be hell to pay. Huh? Now why is the Midnight Team at the hospital? Next time on Zoids: New Century Zero, "Injuries and allies/Justin's retirement? 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 and/or shows, are not my property. The pilot of the Blade Liger, as well as the Z.A.I.P, as well as any other original characters are my property.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I still can't believe how cool it is! Not only do we have a very rare Liger Zero, but now we also have a rare Blade Liger, the likes of which has never been seen before," Dr. Toros said in excitement.
"Uh, yeah doc. We got the message the last five times you said it," Justin told him, quickly getting fed up with the good doctor's childish nature.
It had only been an hour since the battle with the Champ siblings had been won, and already Dr. Toros was going crazy about it. It was enough at times to drive a man to drink. Unfortunately, the closest tavern to the base was in Romeo City, and nobody felt like going out there just for just for a drink.
"I still wanna know how Liger was fixed after being blown to scrap from that charged particle cannon," Jamie told him, "an even better question, how did it evolve into a Blade Liger?"
"That's a good question, why didn't I think of that," Dr. Toros asked.
"Childish antics," Justin suggested, "anyway, I think we should let Liger explain, he knows it better than I do," Justin told them.
Justin walked over to the main screen in the living room area of the base, he pressed several buttons, and switched it from live video feed, to basic text.
"Yo Liger, would you mind giving us an explanation of how you recovered from the charged particle cannon attack, and how you evolved into a Blade Liger? Everybody would like to know," Justin explained.
Liger: Gladly. Everybody sit down, this might take a while.
Everybody sat down on the couches, ready to get the lowdown on what had happened just recently.
Liger: Allright, let's begin now. As you know, for the past month, I've become feral in extreme battles. This has been due to a buildup of power in my systems, thereby affecting my logic systems, like letting anger cloud your judgment. I could control this if a battle could be finished quickly, but if it wears on, I lose all control.
The vacation time helped me cool down somewhat, but not for very long, and being contained in the hover cargo was very unnerving to me. But enough about this, on to the main topic.
How I was able to repair myself after that charged particle cannon is a very interesting story. Originally, I would've never survived, but evidently someone was watching over me. I trust you have heard of Zoid Eve.
"What's Zoid Eve," Bit asked.
"The creator of Zoid Cores and organoids, the Zoid goddess basically," Justin explained.
Liger: Thank you Justin. As I was explaining, it was apparent that something was watching over me, I have reason to believe that it was Zoid Eve that was responsible. I was sure that I would not survive, but for some reason, Zoid Eve had decided that it wasn't my time to go, and so I was repaired, and completely restored.
"That's interesting, but how did you change into a Blade Liger," Jamie asked.
Liger: I was getting to that. After being healed and restored, I was stronger than ever, and that, coupled by the will of Zoid Eve, allowed me to evolve into a Blade Liger. This was necessary to control my new power; my old frame proved to be highly insufficient in controlling my strength, which made me go berserk. But now, those days are over, I can now fight extensive battles and still control myself.
"Wow, so this Zoid Eve, the Supreme Beings of all Zoids, sent you back because it wasn't your time, and it gave you a new body to control your newfound strength," Leena asked.
Liger: In a nutshell, and I owe it to both Justin, as well as Liger Zero, in a way, they're responsible for me still being here. Justin and I shared such a strong bond that went beyond just Zoid and pilot, and Zoid Eve allowed me to stay because of it. And Liger Zero, it was his organoid system's sorrow that in a way, convinced Zoid Eve that I shouldn't die then and there.
At that, everybody was left speechless. Nobody quite knew what to say, and the silence was quickly becoming deafening. Finally, unable to take it anymore, Leena finally spoke up.
"So it was Justin and the Liger Zero that saved you from certain doom," she asked.
Liger: Yes, without them, Zoid Eve may've not intervened and just allowed my Zoid Core to extinguish.
"Talk about a close call," Bit stated.
"Very close, I'm glad I joined the team, I don't want to think what might've happened if I didn't," Justin told him.
Liger: Are there anymore questions that you wish to ask?
"I have one," Dr. Toros stated, "if Zoid Eve didn't come along when it did, if you weren't hit by a charged particle cannon, would you still have evolved?"
Liger: I believe so, Zoid Eve just gave me the necessary power to evolve. It's very possible that after another few battles, I would've evolved on my own. Does anyone have anymore questions? Or should we conclude this lecture?
"...I think that's about it, it answered all my questions," Leena stated.
"Yeah, mine too. But then again I didn't have very many to begin with," Brad added.
Liger: Very well.
And with that the screen went blank.
"Well, what now," Jamie asked.
"What about dinner," Bit asked.
"It's not even 5:00 in the afternoon Bit," Jamie told him.
"No, but that does give me an idea for tonight. There's this little restaurant I know, and it serves the best, toasted submarine sandwiches you've ever tasted," Justin told them.
"That sounds good, tonight we'll go out to eat," Dr. Toros proclaimed.
"Isn't that going to be expensive," Jamie asked.
"No, the place serves good food for a low price. Besides, don't worry about money, our latest win is helping greatly with the expenses around here," Justin told him, "that is, unless the good doctor squandered it on a Gilvader," he added and gave Dr. Toros the evil eye.
"Don't look at me," Dr. Toros protested, "we don't make nearly enough to get a Gilvader."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Several dozen miles away, a battle was currently taking place. Two fierce Class S teams. The Bison Team, made up of four pilots with Texan accents, and four Dibisons for their Zoids. And the opponents, the Midnight Team, made up of the regular leader, and three mercenaries. The mercenaries piloted: a customized Dark Horn, with two hibit vulcan guns, each painted gold, as well as gold horns and antennas, an Iron Kong with a shoulder mounted hibit vulcan gun and back mounted triple barrel cannon, and a Lightning Saix. And the leader of the team, piloted a Genosaurer, armed with a cannory unit instead of the basic double barreled cannon.
"The Bison Team vs the Midnight Team! Battle mode 0982! Ready, fight!"
"Alabaster, April, Sakuya, move out and take down whomever you want but leave me the leader," the Genosaurer pilot ordered.
"Roger that," the mercenaries stated as they charged into battle selecting their victims for today's massacre.
The Genosaurer's right arm shot forward, and latched onto the lead Dibison's front leg, and pulled it forward, brining it right up to the cannory unit's barrel.
"Say goodbye," the pilot calmly stated and fired a single shot.
The shot tore through the Dibison's back, and ripped through the other end, taking it out of the battle.
"You're pathetic," the Genosaurer pilot stated and delivered a kick to the downed Dibison.
The pilot of the Iron Kong stomped its way over to another Dibison, taking the incoming fire and simply shrugging it off. It brought its massive fist down, taking out the Dibison in a single move.
The Dark Horn opened fire with its back mounted vulcan guns, pummeling it with heavy artillery, not enough to take it out yet, but just enough to have it pinned down in a helpless position. As soon as the legs had been taken out, the Dark Horn halted fire, and charged, ramming the Dibison head on, taking it out.
"Alabaster, finish this battle quickly," the Genosaurer pilot ordered.
"Quickly? You got it!"
The boosters on the Lightning Saix activated, allowing it to run right past the Dibison, several times as it was fired upon. This continued for a short time, before the Dibison ran out of ammo, and was fired upon by the Lightning Saix, taking it out easily.
"The battle is over! The battle is over! The winner is, the Midnight Team!"
"Not bad team, still at the five minute mark, we're getting good, but we need to get better, start winning battles in a minute, not five. If we can, we'll rule the S class," the Genosaurer pilot stated.
"I think I know who we can get some practice on. The Blitz Team, they're new to Class S."
"Sounds good, send a battle request scheduled for three days from now."
"Sir!"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Liger: Standing around is boring, I want some excitement!
"Calm down buddy, we just recently finished a tough battle, and besides, you're still new to being a Blade Liger," Justin explained.
Liger: All the better to get out and go for a nice run. Hop in, I'll drive.
"Liger---"
Liger: Okay you drive.
"---I'm not sure that going for a run would be a good idea, you might stress your new body," Justin explained after being interrupted.
Liger: What better way to find out what I'm capable of? The run will show me what my new body is capable of. Besides, a powerful Blade Liger like myself wasn't meant to be held captive in a hangar.
"You do have a point," Justin told him.
Liger: Besides, I'm going either with or without you. One way or another I'm going for a run.
"Well when you put it that way, I don't see much choice," Justin told him.
The Liger crouched down as the canopy opened and the cable lowered. Justin got onto the cable and rode up, and buckled himself into the seat.
"Okay Liger, let's go," Justin told him.
Liger: Right!
The Liger dashed out of the hangar, roaring loudly as it did, glad to be out and in the open again.
"Hey Liger---"
Liger: Which song?
"---"Wild Flowers" I guess. How'd you know what I was going to say?"
Liger: Simple, I know you. When you spend years with somebody, you're bound to know what they like.
"Oh," Justin replied.
Justin seemed to relax as soon as the music began to play. Even though the battle with Harry and Mary was over, Justin couldn't help but feel uptight, it had really shaken him, the way the Liger was almost destroyed. They'd come close to defeat before, but never to the extent that Liger would be destroyed. But even with everything he knew, one question kept pestering Justin.
'Why did the Death Stinger's charged particle cannon take out the shield, while Bloodlust and the Genobreaker couldn't? The Death Stinger of today isn't as powerful as the one so many decades ago, but it was still capable of totaling Liger. Maybe the Genobreaker couldn't because it might've been old. Or maybe Bloodlust wasn't experienced enough to bring out its full power, the Genobreaker didn't seem to be operating a full strength, I've seen it do better in other battles. Maybe Liger powered the shield past its maximum for a short time and that stopped it,' Justin thought.
Liger: Justin! Snap out of it!
"Huh, what's going on," Justin asked.
Liger: You were acting catatonic, you didn't reply to anything. I had to shock you to get you to reply!
"Well what's the problem, are we under attack," Justin asked.
Liger: Not yet. But a kilometer up ahead there's something I don't think we should go near with you acting zoned out.
"What is it," Justin asked.
Liger: Guysacks, fifty of them, all automated, still active.
"So in other words they're ancient sleepers. You'd think that the Republican Army would've recalled them when the war came to an end. Well, they're not doing any good out there now, should we," Justin asked.
Liger: Of course.
"By the way, how long was I zoned out," Justin asked.
Liger: Half an hour, what were you thinking about?
"Half an hour? Boy oh boy. Nothing really Liger, not important," Justin told him, "well what're you standing around for? Let's take out those rejects. Fire a couple of super beams to get their attention."
Liger: But, that will take out, at least half of them, being so old and all.
"What fun is it to fight old wrecks? Let's just get it over with and get back to base before we're missed," Justin told him.
Liger: If you insist.
The booster units flipped forward and began charging. Once reaching full charge, the fired. The resulting explosion was huge, sending Guysack parts flying everywhere. The remaining twenty sleepers emerged from the sand and charged, firing madly.
Liger: looks like today is going to be another boring day.
The Liger fired several more low charged shots, soon eradicating the sleepers like they were nothing.
"Well that wasn't worth our time, let's get back to base, I'm getting hungry," Justin stated.
Liger: Fine, but the next time we encounter an opponent, leave the fighting to ME.
"Fine, fine, let's just move it," Justin replied as the Liger took off, heading back to base.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dr. Toros was currently busy in his quarters, playing with his Death Stinger and recently acquired Blade Liger model, painted to match Justin's exactly. He had both Zoids pulled back, ready to smash them into each other. But before he could, the sound of the videophone beeping, stopped him before they collided.
"Who could it be now? Don't they know I have important research to do," he asked himself and stood up.
As soon as the screen was switched on, a Judge appeared.
"Attention Blitz Team, a battle request has been filed by the Midnight Team. If you accept, the battle has been scheduled for three days from now," the Judge announced.
"Well we accept," Dr. Toros replied.
"The battle will be held at the Empire/Republic border at 8:00 P.M. Thursday night," the Judge told him.
"Eight at night, that's awfully late for a Zoid battle. Oh well," Dr. Toros said as he switched off the videophone and set off to the living room area of the base.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Good news team, we've got another challenge lined up," Dr. Toros announced.
"Who with," Jamie asked.
"The Midnight Team," Dr. Toros replied.
Immediately, Justin's face appeared on the monitor, looking very surprised.
"Did you just say the Midnight Team," he practically yelled.
"Yes, why," Dr. Toros asked.
"Those guys are bad news, the black Zoid version of the Crimson Team," Justin told him.
"You mean the leader is a psycho as well," Leena practically screamed.
"No, it was just meant as a comparison. I'll explain it as soon as I get back to the base, gimme five minutes," Justin told her and the screen went blank.
"I didn't even know Justin left."
"He took the Liger out earlier for a run," Jamie explained.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Okay everybody, listen up," Justin said as he paced along the floor of the meeting room, "the Midnight Team is a very tough Class S team and use some very tough Zoids. Three of the members are mercenaries, Alabaster, April and Sakuya, they pilot a Lightning Saix, Iron Kong, and customized Dark Horn. The leader of the team is called Blackout, he pilots a Genosaurer with a cannory unit."
"And that makes them tough," Bit asked.
"No, what makes them tough is that they've never lost a single battle in their entire career. Plus, they've been able to win all of their battles in five minutes, no more," Justin told him.
"Obviously they make quick work of their opponents," Dr. Toros commented.
"Brilliant deduction Sherlock," Justin replied, "I suggest we go with this idea, it might work. Bit, you move out with the Jager to take down Lightning Saix. Leena you can match the Dark Horn ammo round for ammo round, just do what you did when you fought the Crimson Team. Brad you deal with the Iron Kong, it's too bulky to have any real speed, so you could run circles around it while blasting it from every angle. I'll take on the Genosaurer, if the charged particle cannon is fired, Liger can stand up to it. Plus, Liger's the only Zoid that can stand up to a Genosaurer's assault," Justin told them.
"Hey now! Whadda ya mean by that! Are you saying that Liger Zero can't beat your Blade Liger," Bit yelled as he got up to Justin's face, completely forgetting about Justin's supposed strategy.
"You might say that," Justin told him.
"Why you cocky arrogant punk," Bit yelled, but Justin silenced him by picking him up by his shirt.
"Look blondie, yours is the only Zoid capable of meeting the Saix's speed, while mine, is the only one capable of raising an energy shield. If your Liger took a hit from a charged particle cannon, it would never survive. Now do you want to argue like a child? Or do you want to save it for the battlefield," Justin asked.
"I think I'll wait," Bit told him.
"Good," Justin said and set him back on the ground, "Jamie, do you think my idea will work?"
"It should, although if Brad or Leena have trouble, we might need the Schneider. Other than that, it could work," Jamie told him.
"Good, anybody else got any squawks, or can we move on and get dinner ordered," Justin asked.
"I motion that we move on and get dinner," Leena announced.
"I second that," Bit added.
"Motion seconded and carried, see you next briefing," Dr. Toros joked.
'With the exception of Brad, I'm the only mature member here, and I'm the youngest! It's crazy,' Jamie thought.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Sir, our challenge has been accepted, we fight in three days at 8:00 P.M.," Sakuya stated.
"Excellent, Sakuya. Although that late at night might make it difficult, our five minute time might be put in jeopardy," Blackout replied.
"Then we'll just use one of our secret weapons that guarantee our advantage," Sakuya told him.
"Good, if anything arises, I'll be with Darkside," Blackout told her and stepped out of the room.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Night had once again fallen, and Liger was out for a late run, listening to some of the music selections that he and Justin liked.
Liger: Nothing like a nice run before a big battle. Tomorrow, the Midnight Team is going to see the light, shortly before being knocked out.
As Liger continued to run, he couldn't help but recall his fight against Nightshade and his Great Saber a month ago. He was outmatched then, even with the super cannons. But if he ever ran into them again, it would be an entirely different story, now that he was a Blade Liger equipped with attack boosters.
Liger: No Great Saber will defeat me. Anybody who messes with me is going to wish that they didn't.
As Liger continued to run, he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks as a very familiar roar came from behind him. He quickly turned, and saw two glowing green eyes, slowly coming closer to him.
Liger: So, Nightshade's Great Saber, we meet again. This time it's going to be much different from the last time.
The beam cannons flipped forward and locked onto the Great Saber. Once the full charge was reached, they fired, hitting it dead on. The Liger didn't stop there, instead of allowing the smoke to clear, it continued to fire relentlessly, both rapid fire shots, and charged shots. But after several minutes, the Liger stopped.
Liger: That should be enough. How do you like me now? I'm not a push over like I was last time! Who the Zoid? I the Zoid!
But while Liger was boasting about himself, something stepped out of the smoke. It was the Great Saber, once again, completely unharmed.
Liger: Tough guy.
The Great Saber did its best to make its body go parallel, and spread its legs, the barrel extending from its throat, and beginning to draw in energy particles.
Liger: Not this time. Taste the power of my blades!
The blades extended and deployed. The beam cannons went back to the booster function as the blades began to glow. The Liger roared loudly and charged forward. Just as the charged particle cannon was about to fire, the Liger's blade cut through the Great Saber.
The top half of the Great Saber's head, along with its body, was sliced in half, separating it from the body, and causing it to explode in a massive flash of spent charged particles and a ruptured Zoid Core.
Liger: That does it, no more of the Great Saber, no more of Nightshade, nothing but peace.
But as the Liger turned to gaze upon the wreckage of the Great Saber, something began to emerge from the wreckage. The Liger looked up in horror as the massive creature stood in bipedal fashion, using its large tail to balance itself as its mechanical roared filled the air.
Liger: No! It can't be!
The Liger began to open fire with everything it had, aiming for where it assumed the Zoid Core would be. It put everything into the shots, refusing to give up until it had finally won.
But the Liger's attempts proved to be useless. No matter what he threw at the monster, not a single shot would do any good. With a loud roar, the huge monster simply brought its left extensor forearm foot forward, and stomped down.
The Liger's energy shield deployed, preventing the monster from crushing it, but it wouldn't hold out forever. The monster easily outweighed the Liger by at least a hundred tons, and the shield was being stressed to the max. It would only a matter of minutes before the shield was gone, and the Liger would be vulnerable
Liger: This may be my last battle. But the joke is on this monster. When I go, so will my reactor. I'll get crushed, and he'll be blown to kingdom come!
The shield held for another minute, before it shattered, and the Liger started getting crushed.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
All of the Liger's systems came back online as he "awoke" with a start. It almost sounded like the Liger was gasping for breath as he looked around, soon realizing that he was still in the base's hangar, safe and sound.
Liger: Another dream. Just like the last one, except this time I beat the Great Saber. But, that monster, it was unstoppable.
Liger shook his head as he walked across the metal floor, trying to clear his thoughts so he could get some more rest before morning arrived. But that soon proved to be impossible. When he checked his internal clock, it was already early morning, and everybody was bound to be up.
Liger: So much for that. Oh well, today's the big day. I hope Justin will be ready for tonight.
Several minutes later, laughter could be heard as Leena came charging through the hangar with Justin in hot pursuit.
"Get back here Leena! That was my bacon you stole," Justin yelled as he managed to stay hot on her heels.
"Come on Justin can't you take a joke," Leena laughed as she managed to stay five feet ahead of him at all time.
"Only when it's funny," Justin yelled as he lunged forward.
Leena was caught completely off guard by this, somehow Justin had managed to grab her around the waist, and pull her to the ground, pinning her down.
"I got ya! Now do you know what I'm gonna do to you, redhead," Justin asked as he got close, his face only inches away from Leena's.
"What," Leena asked as she moved slightly closer to him.
With a wide smile, Justin moved in closer, until the tip of his nose was touching hers.
"Now wouldn't ya like to know," he asked and let her go, "you'll find out in due time. Watch your back, or you might not know what hit you," he told her and stood back up.
Liger: Those two are a couple of riots. The last time I saw a couple of people act like that, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were getting frisky in the hangar.
The Liger Zero let out a sigh/growl in disbelief and hung his head. The whole team was a bunch of children, Dr. Toros, the pilots; even the other Zoids were childish. How they managed to survive in battle was beyond him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The day continued on as usual. Dr. Toros would play with his models, while Jamie did some adjustments to Justin's strategy for battle. It was an okay plan, but it was a stone in need of a good polishing.
The videophone rang constantly from Harry's nonstop calling, and every time it did ring, Justin would either tell him that Leena was busy, or tell him to make like the wind and blow or some other comeback like that.
Finally, the day was over, and night began, it was only an hour until the fight would begin, and everybody was getting ready.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Allright people let's get ready to mobilize," Dr. Toros announced.
"Okay, hey wait, where's Justin at," Leena asked as she looked around.
"Coming!"
The sound of metallic ringing footsteps could be heard as Justin came charging up to the group, trying to catch up.
"Where were you," Bit asked.
"Getting into some new clothes, I ran out of my regular ones," Justin told him.
Instead of what he normally wore, Justin was now wearing a pair of black boots with metal plates on the toes and three locking straps with metal tips (think the kind of straps on rollerblades). His pants, belt, and gloves were now black, along with his vest, while he wore a gray T-shirt. He still wore his red bandana to keep his spiky hair under control (at least partially) but now wore the second on his left thigh instead of arm.
"Looks kinda hot," Bit stated.
"So do your clothes. Now what're we standing around for? Don't we have a battle to get to," Justin asked.
"In less than an hour," Jamie told him.
"Then we'd better hurry," Justin said as he ran over to the Liger, "I'll run ahead so we won't lose by default if we're late. To the Empire/Republic border, let's move Liger," Justin ordered.
The Liger roared and charged out of the hangar, activating his boosters, and going even faster than before.
"Exactly how fast do you think the Liger's going," Leena asked.
"Can't tell, we'd have to run some tests later," Jamie replied.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I hope the Blitz Team gets here soon, I'm in the mood for another pounding," Alabaster stated as her Lightning Saix roared.
"Same here, I'm going to crush my opponent into the ground," April added as her Iron Kong grunted.
"Don't worry, the Blitz Team is never late for a battle, if anything they're early. And if they don't show up, we'll just hunt them down," Blackout told them.
"What about the Judge," April asked.
"Well, we'll just carry it with us and plant it wherever we find them," Blackout replied.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The time passed slowly, and the members of the Midnight Team were getting impatient. The Genosaurer, which was pacing back and forth, stopped in mid step, and seemed to let out a yawn/growl of boredom.
"If the Blitz Team, as well as the Judge, don't show up soon, I'm leaving," Blackout complained.
"I'm joining you, the win isn't worth it," Alabaster replied as her Lightning Saix began to pace in a similar fashion.
"Hey, is anybody still there," a voice came over the comms.
In the distance, a trail of dust was coming closer to the battle site. And leading the dust trail, was the Blade Liger, all of its thrusters firing.
"It's about time you came," Blackout commented.
"Sorry, do you have any idea how huge the border is? Whatever dimwit Judge told Dr. Toros about the battle, forgot the specific location," Justin explained.
"Save it! Where's the rest of the team? This is battle mode 0982, not 0892," Sakuya yelled.
"Don't worry, I've got a tracker installed, they'll be here in a few minutes, I just came ahead so we couldn't get disqualified," Justin explained.
"So, you must be the infamous Justin Thompson that I've heard about. Strange though, I thought you had a Shield Liger," Blackout calmly stated.
"Yeah I'm Justin Thompson, and up until a few days ago I did have Shield Liger, but he evolved," Justin replied.
Liger: Justin, I'm detecting something from the Genosaurer, it's very powerful, but there's also something else coming from it.
"What is it," Justin asked.
Liger: An alteration to the Zoid Core, I believe it to be a Z.A.I.P.
"Really," Justin asked, "hey Blackeye."
"That's Blackout."
"Okay, hey Blackout, you got a Z.A.I.P installed in your Genosaurer," Justin asked.
"What business is it of yours," Blackout replied.
"My father created the Z.A.I.P, and I want to know, do you or don't you," Justin asked.
"Allright then, I do, his name is Darkside," Blackout replied followed by a loud roar from the Genosaurer.
Liger: I don't like it. This Z.A.I.P seems very evil, very destructive. It wants to cause massive destruction. And it won't stop until it's beaten.
"Well then, we'll just have to teach them some modesty. Prepare to mobilize," Justin ordered.
Liger: Aren't you forgetting the others? They haven't arrived yet.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," Justin said, a huge anime sweatdrop on his forehead.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Judge capsule plowed into the ground, causing a huge crater before raising back above ground level again.
"The area within a thirty mile radius is a designated Zoid battlefield. The Midnight Team vs the, the, huh? Where is the Blitz Team," the Judge asked as it scanned the area.
"Sorry judgy, the rest of the team ran into some trouble getting here but they'll be here soon enough," Justin announced.
Several long minutes later, the hover cargo had finally arrived. The Shadow Fox, Liger Zero Jager, and Gun Sniper had been launched, and both teams were ready to fight.
"Arrival of Blitz Team confirmed. The Midnight Team vs the Midnight Team, battle mode 0982, ready, fight!"
Just as the Judge finished speaking, black poles popped up form below the ground all over. The white squares at the top turned bright, illuminating the entire area.
"Just some insurance, so nobody can hide," Blackout announced before anybody could ask.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Come and get me if you can little girl," Sakuya stated as she began to open fire on the Gun Sniper.
"You're going to regret that," Leena yelled and opened fire on the Dark Horn.
"Leena, stick to the plan," Justin yelled over the comm.
"Oops, I forgot," Leena replied, shortly before getting clobbered by a barrage of bullets, "aw crap, I'm out," she yelled.
"Figures," Brad muttered.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Come back here little foxy, I won't hurt you, I'm just gonna rip your legs off," April yelled as she slammed down the fist of her Iron Kong, trying to crush the Shadow Fox.
"I don't think so," Brad said as he dashed off and opened fire.
"Don't think that just because I'm a mercenary I'm going easy on you," April yelled as she returned fire.
"Whatever you say, but there's just one thing you should know," Brad told her.
"What is it," April asked.
The Shadow Fox let out a howl and opened fire on a specific point on the Iron Kong. The next thing April knew, the right arm of the Iron Kong had come off, right at the shoulder.
"Your shoulder joint was exposed and vulnerable," Brad told her.
"Pretty impressive, that's the first time I ever got clobbered," April told him, "so whadda we do now? Play cards," she asked.
"Poker, or go fish," Brad replied.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Catch me if you can," alabaster taunted as her Lightning Saix accelerated and charged off.
"You're gonna regret saying that. Let's get her Liger," Bit yelled.
The Liger roared as the ion boosters extended and opened, accelerating it to match the Saix's speed.
"I'm gonna catch you," Bit yelled.
"Oh really," alabaster asked.
In a surprise move, the Saix stopped running and began to decelerate; digging its paws into the ground, letting the Liger pass it before it had a chance to stop.
"So long, Liger," alabaster stated as she opened fire with the back mounted guns, hitting the Liger from behind.
"You're gonna regret that," Bit yelled angrily.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Liger and the Genosaurer remained still, staring each other down, waiting for the other to make the first move, both Zoids growling and assuming a ready to pounce stance.
"We were barely able to defeat the Genobreaker, we needed Leena and explosive sniper rounds to do it. A Genosaurer is nowhere near as powerful as a Genobreaker, but it's still quite an opponent. Whadda ya suggest we do Liger," Justin asked.
Liger: We allow ourselves to get dragged in close, and perform the strike laser claw, right to the face, that should disable it.
"Sounds risky, but we'll try. Activate the boosters and full speed ahead," Justin ordered.
The panels on the boosters flipped up and the funnels extended, roaring as they came to life. The blades deployed and extended as the Liger charged forward, ready to cut through the Genosaurer.
As they expected, the Genosaurer had grabbed the right blade, and lifted the Liger off the ground.
"Not so smart, making a frontal attack and expecting it to succeed," Blackout stated as he slammed the Liger back on the ground, "and now, it's time to say goodbye."
The cannory unit rotated around, slowly, just to tease Justin, letting him know that at any second, this battle was going to be over.
Liger: Goodbye!
The boosters flipped forward, and several shots were launched from the cannons, taking out the cannory unit in an explosion, ripping it off the back.
Liger: And now for the finisher.
The Liger's right claw began to glow bright with a golden light, as well as the systems of its leg.
Liger: This claw of mine glows with an awesome power, it's telling me to defeat you!
"How corny can one get," Justin asked himself in disbelief.
Liger: Shining finger! Ehgah! I mean strike laser claw!
The Liger leapt to its hind legs and brought the claw down on the Genosaurer's face, sending the energy into the systems, supporting itself with its other leg on the Genosaurer's shoulder.
"That does it! No more "G Gundam" for you," Justin yelled.
It looked as if the attack would work, but it didn't. The Genosaurer shot both claws forward, grabbing the Liger and throwing it forward and crashing on the ground.
"A cunning attack, but not good enough to defeat us. Darkside has been through worse than that and he's managed to walk away intact," Blackout stated.
"We're just getting warmed up, you haven't seen what we're capable of yet," Justin yelled and forced the Liger to get back onto his feet.
Darkside: Bring it on, little Blade Liger.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Strike laser claw," Bit yelled, followed by the Liger's roar as the Lightning Saix's back mounted gun was severed from its back, taking it out of the battle.
"Good chase, but you need to work on your combat techniques more," Bit stated.
"Shut up," Alabaster yelled, "because of you and the stupid Blitz Team, we can kiss our winning streak, and our five minute victory time goodbye!"
"Hey don't get mad at me, we were just doing our job," Bit protested, shortly before getting shot at by the Dark Horn.
"Don't tell me that you forgot all about me," Sakuya stated and began to fire again.
"That does it," Bit shouted as he charged forward.
Sakuya opened fire on the Jager, but wasn't able to match its speed, and was quickly brought down.
"Well, it looks like it's just your Blade Liger pilot and Blackout now," Sakuya stated.
"Yeah, and something tells me this might be a long battle," Bit replied as he watched the two battle it out.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Liger roared as it was slammed down hard once again by the Genosaurer, only to be kicked and sent flying.
Both Justin and Blackout were breathing deeply and sweating. Their battle had been going on for an hour now, and neither of them had been able to gain the upper hand, they were just too evenly matched to make much of a difference.
"This is crazy, the Genobreaker was tough, but it didn't take this long to defeat it," Justin stated as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
Liger: The Z.A.I.P is extremely powerful, I'm detecting systems similar to mine. Plus, this is a newer Genosaurer; the Genobreaker seemed very old, so its strength wasn't at full.
"That's just wonderful, and I thought we were getting stronger. Okay Liger, try a smokescreen attack," Justin replied.
The Liger opened fire with its shock cannon and beam cannons on the thrusters, missing the Genosaurer, but hitting the area around it, stirring up dust and sand, making it hard to see. Once he was sure that the cloud was thick enough, the Liger stopped and charged as it let out a mighty roar, almost like a battle cry.
"Kiss your Genosaurer goodbye," Justin yelled as the blades deployed and thrusters fired.
With the large smokescreen, it was highly unlikely that the Genosaurer, even with a Z.A.I.P, would be able to detect the oncoming assault. At least, that's what one would think.
A loud metallic clang sounded. As the cloud began to clear, the Genosaurer could be seen, holding the Blade Liger off the ground by its blade.
Darkside: The same trick, no matter how you modify it, will not work against us.
"I must admit, this has been a very interesting match. But, all good things, must come to an end," Blackout commented.
The Genosaurer dropped the Liger, and delivered a major kick, sending it flying and crashing to the ground, much farther and harder than before.
As the Liger hit the ground, it bounced from the force and crashed on its side, everybody could hear a sickening crunch, followed by a pain filled yell coming from Justin.
"Justin, what's the matter," Leena asked as he face appeared on the main screen.
"My, my left arm. I can't move it, it hurts so much," Justin stated as he grasped his shoulder, his face contorted in pain.
"Is it broken? Are you bleeding, what's wrong," Leena asked almost hysterically.
"I think it was dislocated when we hit the ground," Justin told her.
"That's not good, he needs to get out of there and to a hospital right away. Bit, take over for him," Dr. Toros stated.
"No way doc. I'm not going anywhere until this battle is over, and I'm the winner," Justin replied and closed the communication.
Liger: Justin, you're hurt, you need to get to a hospital.
"Can't do it Liger, I'm not gonna quit just because I'm hurt, and I know that you wouldn't want to lose to Darkside," Justin replied.
Liger: True, but a battle is just a battle, your life is much more important.
"My life? It's just my arm; I don't know anybody who's ever died of a dislocated shoulder. I'm not going to leave until we win. Then I'll go to the hospital," Justin stated.
Liger: It's no use arguing with you, you stubborn jackass.
"Takes one to know one," Justin replied as he pulled the harness straps back and tucked his arm in as the straps suddenly became tighter.
Liger: What're we going to do now? How are we going to finish this off?
"Something that I don't think even Darkside and Blackout would plan on," Justin replied.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Genosaurer growled angrily, something didn't seem right. He didn't care about what happened when he heard Justin scream, all he wanted to do was destroy the Blade Liger.
"What's up Darkside, what's going on out there," Blackout asked.
Darkside: Something is up, something that doesn't seem right, I think they're planning an ambush.
"Be ready for anything, we're not going to lose this fight," Blackout ordered.
Darkside: Understood.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Got it?"
Liger: Yes, let's do it.
The Liger dug its claws into the ground, securing it down. With his good arm, Justin pushed the speed control all the way forward, opening all thrusters. A loud hum filled the air as the thrusters came to life, firing full blast. The Liger would've been propelled through the air, but with its claws dug in, it was secured to the ground, allowing it to build up greater speed.
Liger: Thruster output at 315 km/h and climbing, blades being deployed and charged now.
"Good, how much longer can we keep building up speed," Justin asked.
Liger: Not much longer, the stress on the thrusters and legs is quickly becoming too much for the body to handle, we'll be ripped apart eventually.
"Just keep it up for as long as you can, I can't pilot with one bad arm, so you've only got one shot at pulling this off," Justin warned him.
Liger: I know. Output at 335 km/h, now 350 km/h! Systems red lining, we have to go now!
"Punch it!"
The shield panels deployed, forming the energy shield, quickly warping it into a cone. The Liger pulled his claws from the ground, and was propelled through the air like a guided missile, going right at the Genosaurer.
The Genosaurer couldn't react in time. The shield of the Blade Liger smashed into the side of it, while the blade cut through its arm, before shooting past it. The Liger hit the ground, and made a hard turn as its shield was dropped. As it came back around, the Liger cut through the Genosaurer's leg, crippling it.
The Liger roared as it pass by, skidding to a hard halt as it dug its claws into the ground, causing a great deal of strain on the body.
"The battle is over, the battle is over! The winner is, the Blitz Team," the Judge announced.
Liger: Now we can get you to the hospital.
"Not yet Liger, let me out, let me down," Justin ordered.
Liger: Justin.
"Liger, now," Justin barked.
Reluctantly, the Liger opened his canopy and let Justin ride the cable down.
"Hey, Blackout, come out," Justin yelled.
For a minute, nothing happened, but then, the hatch in the Genosaurer's chest opened and Blackout jumped out.
He stood slightly higher than six feet tall; he had dark hair, which was cut short, emerald green eyes, and large muscles. He wore a black jumpsuit with silver leg and shin guards, shoulder pads, a gauntlet similar to Justin's on his right arm, a black belt, and a Helic Republic symbol on the chest.
"What happened to you," Blackout asked.
"Dislocated shoulder, but I wasn't about to leave before I spoke my peace. Good battle, sorry that I had to hurt Darkside so badly," Justin told him as he cradled his left arm.
"You were quite a fighter, I see that the rumors of the Blade Liger are true," Blackout commented.
"Your Genosaurer is definitely impressive, how's the Z.A.I.P been," Justin asked.
"Quite well, my compliments to your father. And don't worry about Darkside. He'll heal himself after some rest time. He's got built in armor recovery circuitry," Blackout explained.
Liger: Enough talk! Justin, get in now! You're going to the hospital right this minute!
Darkside: Blade Liger, congratulations on your victory over the Midnight Team.
Liger: Uh, sure, whatever Darkness.
Darkside: That's Darkside.
Liger: I don't have time to chitchat, I've gotta get Justin to the closest hospital and have him taken care of.
"Liger, keep your parts on," Justin complained.
Liger: Now little mister!
"Fine," Justin said as the Liger crouched down.
"Justin," Blackout called, "you've earned my respect. Being the only one who's ever taken me down, you've accomplished quite a feat. And your Blade Liger has earned Darkside's respect as well."
"Thanks, respect is a valuable item, and earning it is hard to do," Justin told him.
Liger: Would you please shut up and sit down already!
"Relax Liger, I'm ready to go," Justin replied.
Liger: Good!
As the Liger roared and charged off, firing all of the thrusters, Blackout watched them leave.
"They're quite the pair, wouldn't you say so Darkside," he asked.
Darkside: Quite, they share a strong bond, like you and I.
"We've met our strongest opponent yet. We'll have to challenge them some other time," Blackout replied.
Darkside: The Liger and I will meet each other again, someday. And then, we will win.
"You've got that right," Blackout replied.
Darkside: Incoming, Gun Sniper with heavy upgrades.
"Hey you! The pilot of the Genosaurer! You're gonna pay for what you did to Justin," Leena yelled from inside the Gun Sniper's cockpit.
"Uh oh," Blackout stated.
Darkside: This is bad.
Just as Leena was about to open fire, she was stopped by a beeping coming from the comm.
"Who is it," Leena yelled.
"Leena, leave him alone. We won the battle and that's enough," Justin told her.
"I don't care, I'm going to dislocate more than his shoulder," Leena told him.
"Forget it Leena. He'll pay...for the hospital Bill that is," Justin laughed.
"...Not as good as what I planned, but it'll have to do," Leena replied.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Brad: You know, it's kinda funny. Just when you think you've got life figured out, you get a curve ball thrown at you. Justin was hurt worse than we thought in our battle with the Midnight Team, the doctors don't even know if he'll ever be able to pilot the Liger again. And when he finds this out about this, there's gonna be hell to pay. Huh? Now why is the Midnight Team at the hospital? Next time on Zoids: New Century Zero, "Injuries and allies/Justin's retirement? Ready, fight!"