ZOIDS: Dangerous Blue Void: Ep.6 Fable Island
By drakora_master
Argus glanced at the aquamarine sky from the inside of his War Shark's cockpit. The storm seemed to have finally let up, and the sun shone merrily, as if asking for forgiveness for the past weather. A few clouds scudded by on the horizon, remnants of the storm. The air was cool and crisp, as it always was just after rain. Argus gave little regard to the weather, however. His mind was on other things. Their past victory; he and the other members of Kraken's Fortress's War Shark fleet had just successfully raided a small coastal town. It was called Morseport or something. But the name didn't matter. He and the others had burned that town completely to the ground, and it hardly deserved a name anymore. Argus chuckled to himself as he remembered the town's defense. They were so pathetic, those Protectors. A few Ptera Strikers, a Cannon Tortoise or two. The confrontation was over in seconds. And now, Argus was heading back, his War Shark piled with riches from the raid. The Imperial veteran stroked his brown beard thoughtfully and narrowed his cold eyes shrewdly. He would, without a doubt, get a raise for this.
Brian lay sprawled on a rocky outcrop. He stared up at the clear sky and chewed reflectively at a sandwich. Albine waded in the shallows, taking the time to stretch his legs a bit. The two had been traveling since midnight, and it was already afternoon. Just before leaving, Brian had packed extra food and ammunition for the journey. They had followed the trail that the War Sharks created, and were only a day's journey behind them. Brian finished his sandwich and reached into the supplies bag for more. But all he came across were crumbs. Inwardly Brain smacked himself for not bringing enough supplies; but then again, he had been in quite a rush that night. The boy exhaled a long sigh as his stomach grumbled. He would have to find an island to replenish the supplies, and soon. Albine, who had finished his romping, stared expectantly at Brain.
"Alright. It's about time we continued our search. Let's go."
Climbing into the cockpit, Brain lowered the viser (cockpit door) and mushed his friend onward. Albine needed no second bidding; heimmediately rushed into the water with a colossal splash and propelled himself forward with his tail. Brian, meanwhile, unfolded a map that was lying near the control panels. After scanning the yellowed parchment, he groaned. The next island was at least four days away. But what's this? Brian saw a much closer island depicted on the map. It looked only a few hours away. Yet it was unlabeled. But why? I didn't matter. As soon as he reached that island, Brian could resupply. No matter what awaited him there.
Argus piloted his War Shark underwater, straying away from the others in the group. He had picked up something unusual on the radar. It appeared to be no larger than his own zoid, and yet he could not perceive exactly what it was. The command system displayed no information on this species of zoid. Argus looked closer. Wasn't that a Barigator? Argus had fought Barigators before. He knew their tactics well. But there was something unusual about this zoid in particular. It looked larger, fiercer, and yet more primitive, even though it had the same green armor and weapons as an average Barigator. Argus could easily see how a zoid like this could improve his chances of getting a raise. Silently the mercenary maneuvered his War Shark towards the mysterious monster, while the others took no notice.
A sudden blipping sound shook Brian out of his reverie. Grumbling under his breath, Brian switched off the alarm and glanced at the radar. Another zoid was following him. Suddenly alerted, Brian sat erect in his chair as the object came closer. Brian recognized its dark form-this was undoubtbly a War Shark, probably from the same fleet that he happened to be searching for. Albine let out a nervous growl. He could sense the presence of the enemy as well as Brian could. Suddenly, a green light shown in the darkness for a mere instant, then faded. Brian did not take long to realize that it was the enemy's cockpit door reflecting in the dim light. He was just about to attack in the direction of the flash when he was suddenly jerked to the left. Brian had only time to watch as two missiles speeded out of nowhere and struck Albine's right side. Albine roared loudly, though luckily his armor had absorbed most of the damage. Instantly Brian regained control and searched frantically around in the black void (they are deep beneath the surface). A sudden glimmer of purple armor alerted him of the War Shark's position. Albine lauched a missile in its direction, but the elusive enemy evaded the shot with ease and charged straight at Albine. The Barigator whirled around to face his foe, and the War Shark came into contact with Albine's jaws. There was a loud crunching sound as Albine bit down with irate fury, crushing the enemy zoid's armor like tinfoil. The War Shark wriggled free and fired incessantly at the Barigator's mouth, but Brian knew what to do. Thrusting the boosters forward to maximum power, the green zoid launched itself into the War Shark's body. Damaged severely by the sudden impact, the purple shark was blown aside, and sank miserably to the depths.
Brian resurfaced. It was late out, though the moon was full and provided a convenient beacon for the duo to travel by. The last battle had alerted the young boy that there could be other Imperial zoids in the area, and Brian was not about to take chances. Albine swam stealthily without the boosters on as they headed for a darkened island. It appeared to be the same island that Brian had seen on his map.
"Look Albine! We're saved! A place where we can stop and rest. And good thing, too, I was getting hungry! I hope the inhabitants are friendly."
The Barigator beached cautiously on the shore as Brian leapt out of the cockpit. Something was not all right to Albine. He could somehow sense a presence of humans, but the island seemed suspiciously deserted. Brian marched forward toward a grove of palm trees, and beckoned Albine to come with him. But the zoid stayed rooted to his spot, as if he had been bound there. Brian encouraged his friend to accompany him through the island, but Albine remained unmoved. There was great danger here; he could feel it.
"C'mon Albine, what's wrong? Don't you want to explore the island?"
The Barigator shook his head resolutely. Brian shrugged impassively.
"Well, if you don't want to go, I'll understand. Wait here, okay? I'll be back with supplies."
No sooner than he had taken a step was Brian surrounded by the very inhabitants of the island. They had encircled him and pointed spears toward his neck, preventing the slightest chance of escape. Brian looked around fearfully at his assailants. Their faces were grim and unmoving, and covered with vibrant tattoos. Their skin was tanned, and they wore long cloaks of varying colors, as well as bones around their necks and wrists, like jewelry. They struck Brian immediately as savages and the teenage boy thought it was best to remain silent. A tall figure, who was probably the chieftain, approached Brian. His voice was deep and imperative. He interrogated Brian under his dark keen stare.
"What does a little boy such as yourself want with our island? And why do you come here with an armed zoid? Answer me!"
Brian quailed under the chieftain's stare. One of the others suggested to the leader.
"Zonorath, maybe he is a soldier for the Imperial army, who has come to raid our island?"
Zonorath nodded grimly, and seemed to be considering this when Brian spoke out indignantly to the chieftain.
"I, sir, am NOT from the Imperial army! They are the very scum I have been trying to fight since my hometown was destroyed by a fleet from the Kraken's Fortress! I only came here to restock on supplies! I never had the intentions of hurting any of you! So, could you please let me go?"
The leader was taken aback by Brian's bravery. He leaned in closer and stared at the boy for some time. After a few minutes, he stood up and spoke once again.
"Tell me, young boy, what is your name? And where do you come from?"
"My name is Brian Marinaus of Morlsevort!"
"Morlsevort. Yes. I have heard of that town's recent plight. A thousand apologies, but I am afraid that I cannot entirely trust you. I have my people to think about. Our island, Fable Island, is very vulnerable to outside invaders. Therefore, in order to prove that your story is truthful, you must defeat our most powerful Protector in a zoid match. It takes a pilot of brave heart to defeat such a Protector in combat, and if you come out of the battle a victor, you may leave our island unharmed. But, if one is at a loss, then thee shall surrender the Barigator. Understood?"
Brian nodded grimly. Zonorath whisked Albine and Brian off to the village, where Brian would meet his opponent. He began to wander what Fable Island's Protector would be like, when he found himself staring at the very person.
To be continued.
Disclaimer: I don't own zoids, just the characters featured in my story.
By drakora_master
Argus glanced at the aquamarine sky from the inside of his War Shark's cockpit. The storm seemed to have finally let up, and the sun shone merrily, as if asking for forgiveness for the past weather. A few clouds scudded by on the horizon, remnants of the storm. The air was cool and crisp, as it always was just after rain. Argus gave little regard to the weather, however. His mind was on other things. Their past victory; he and the other members of Kraken's Fortress's War Shark fleet had just successfully raided a small coastal town. It was called Morseport or something. But the name didn't matter. He and the others had burned that town completely to the ground, and it hardly deserved a name anymore. Argus chuckled to himself as he remembered the town's defense. They were so pathetic, those Protectors. A few Ptera Strikers, a Cannon Tortoise or two. The confrontation was over in seconds. And now, Argus was heading back, his War Shark piled with riches from the raid. The Imperial veteran stroked his brown beard thoughtfully and narrowed his cold eyes shrewdly. He would, without a doubt, get a raise for this.
Brian lay sprawled on a rocky outcrop. He stared up at the clear sky and chewed reflectively at a sandwich. Albine waded in the shallows, taking the time to stretch his legs a bit. The two had been traveling since midnight, and it was already afternoon. Just before leaving, Brian had packed extra food and ammunition for the journey. They had followed the trail that the War Sharks created, and were only a day's journey behind them. Brian finished his sandwich and reached into the supplies bag for more. But all he came across were crumbs. Inwardly Brain smacked himself for not bringing enough supplies; but then again, he had been in quite a rush that night. The boy exhaled a long sigh as his stomach grumbled. He would have to find an island to replenish the supplies, and soon. Albine, who had finished his romping, stared expectantly at Brain.
"Alright. It's about time we continued our search. Let's go."
Climbing into the cockpit, Brain lowered the viser (cockpit door) and mushed his friend onward. Albine needed no second bidding; heimmediately rushed into the water with a colossal splash and propelled himself forward with his tail. Brian, meanwhile, unfolded a map that was lying near the control panels. After scanning the yellowed parchment, he groaned. The next island was at least four days away. But what's this? Brian saw a much closer island depicted on the map. It looked only a few hours away. Yet it was unlabeled. But why? I didn't matter. As soon as he reached that island, Brian could resupply. No matter what awaited him there.
Argus piloted his War Shark underwater, straying away from the others in the group. He had picked up something unusual on the radar. It appeared to be no larger than his own zoid, and yet he could not perceive exactly what it was. The command system displayed no information on this species of zoid. Argus looked closer. Wasn't that a Barigator? Argus had fought Barigators before. He knew their tactics well. But there was something unusual about this zoid in particular. It looked larger, fiercer, and yet more primitive, even though it had the same green armor and weapons as an average Barigator. Argus could easily see how a zoid like this could improve his chances of getting a raise. Silently the mercenary maneuvered his War Shark towards the mysterious monster, while the others took no notice.
A sudden blipping sound shook Brian out of his reverie. Grumbling under his breath, Brian switched off the alarm and glanced at the radar. Another zoid was following him. Suddenly alerted, Brian sat erect in his chair as the object came closer. Brian recognized its dark form-this was undoubtbly a War Shark, probably from the same fleet that he happened to be searching for. Albine let out a nervous growl. He could sense the presence of the enemy as well as Brian could. Suddenly, a green light shown in the darkness for a mere instant, then faded. Brian did not take long to realize that it was the enemy's cockpit door reflecting in the dim light. He was just about to attack in the direction of the flash when he was suddenly jerked to the left. Brian had only time to watch as two missiles speeded out of nowhere and struck Albine's right side. Albine roared loudly, though luckily his armor had absorbed most of the damage. Instantly Brian regained control and searched frantically around in the black void (they are deep beneath the surface). A sudden glimmer of purple armor alerted him of the War Shark's position. Albine lauched a missile in its direction, but the elusive enemy evaded the shot with ease and charged straight at Albine. The Barigator whirled around to face his foe, and the War Shark came into contact with Albine's jaws. There was a loud crunching sound as Albine bit down with irate fury, crushing the enemy zoid's armor like tinfoil. The War Shark wriggled free and fired incessantly at the Barigator's mouth, but Brian knew what to do. Thrusting the boosters forward to maximum power, the green zoid launched itself into the War Shark's body. Damaged severely by the sudden impact, the purple shark was blown aside, and sank miserably to the depths.
Brian resurfaced. It was late out, though the moon was full and provided a convenient beacon for the duo to travel by. The last battle had alerted the young boy that there could be other Imperial zoids in the area, and Brian was not about to take chances. Albine swam stealthily without the boosters on as they headed for a darkened island. It appeared to be the same island that Brian had seen on his map.
"Look Albine! We're saved! A place where we can stop and rest. And good thing, too, I was getting hungry! I hope the inhabitants are friendly."
The Barigator beached cautiously on the shore as Brian leapt out of the cockpit. Something was not all right to Albine. He could somehow sense a presence of humans, but the island seemed suspiciously deserted. Brian marched forward toward a grove of palm trees, and beckoned Albine to come with him. But the zoid stayed rooted to his spot, as if he had been bound there. Brian encouraged his friend to accompany him through the island, but Albine remained unmoved. There was great danger here; he could feel it.
"C'mon Albine, what's wrong? Don't you want to explore the island?"
The Barigator shook his head resolutely. Brian shrugged impassively.
"Well, if you don't want to go, I'll understand. Wait here, okay? I'll be back with supplies."
No sooner than he had taken a step was Brian surrounded by the very inhabitants of the island. They had encircled him and pointed spears toward his neck, preventing the slightest chance of escape. Brian looked around fearfully at his assailants. Their faces were grim and unmoving, and covered with vibrant tattoos. Their skin was tanned, and they wore long cloaks of varying colors, as well as bones around their necks and wrists, like jewelry. They struck Brian immediately as savages and the teenage boy thought it was best to remain silent. A tall figure, who was probably the chieftain, approached Brian. His voice was deep and imperative. He interrogated Brian under his dark keen stare.
"What does a little boy such as yourself want with our island? And why do you come here with an armed zoid? Answer me!"
Brian quailed under the chieftain's stare. One of the others suggested to the leader.
"Zonorath, maybe he is a soldier for the Imperial army, who has come to raid our island?"
Zonorath nodded grimly, and seemed to be considering this when Brian spoke out indignantly to the chieftain.
"I, sir, am NOT from the Imperial army! They are the very scum I have been trying to fight since my hometown was destroyed by a fleet from the Kraken's Fortress! I only came here to restock on supplies! I never had the intentions of hurting any of you! So, could you please let me go?"
The leader was taken aback by Brian's bravery. He leaned in closer and stared at the boy for some time. After a few minutes, he stood up and spoke once again.
"Tell me, young boy, what is your name? And where do you come from?"
"My name is Brian Marinaus of Morlsevort!"
"Morlsevort. Yes. I have heard of that town's recent plight. A thousand apologies, but I am afraid that I cannot entirely trust you. I have my people to think about. Our island, Fable Island, is very vulnerable to outside invaders. Therefore, in order to prove that your story is truthful, you must defeat our most powerful Protector in a zoid match. It takes a pilot of brave heart to defeat such a Protector in combat, and if you come out of the battle a victor, you may leave our island unharmed. But, if one is at a loss, then thee shall surrender the Barigator. Understood?"
Brian nodded grimly. Zonorath whisked Albine and Brian off to the village, where Brian would meet his opponent. He began to wander what Fable Island's Protector would be like, when he found himself staring at the very person.
To be continued.
Disclaimer: I don't own zoids, just the characters featured in my story.