Disclaimer: NO FOR THE LAST TIME! I don't own Zoids: New Century Zero or
Zoids Chaotic Century. But I do own all the ideas/ Zoids in all my fics!
EP: 13
Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields using mechanical combat units called Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line and sharpen their skills against one another using new rules and forms of battle. Area scanned, battlefield set up, ready… FIGHT!
THE CONTEST-THE SUPREME ZOID TEST
"STRIKE LASER CLAW!" Ace exclaimed as the Liger 0 Jager slashed through a Lightning Siax's leg.
BLAAAAAIIIIIRRRREEE!! "The battle is over! The battle is over!" announced the Judge. "The winner is… the Max team!"
Soon the Judge capsule took off and left the battlefield. Back at the Taros base everyone scarfed down food as fast as they could. "Man… um! Awl … dat … fattle'n ure has … made mhe … hungry!" commented Ace as he stuffed numerous rolls into his mouth. Iris sat sipping a bowl of soup while Ace, accompanied by Jim, shoveled more and more food down their throats.
"We have been on a big winning streak, haven't we?!" Jesse stated as she tried to keep her distance from the 2 "beasts."
"Ur ight fis!" Jim remarked with 2 chicken legs stuffed in the corner of his mouth. Jesse scooted more to the side at the sight of her disgusting brother. Soon the 2 boys cocked their heads up at the sound of the door opening up. Jamie walked in and gave a disgusted look at the sight of the Max team's boys.
"I guess I caught you at a bad time, Ace," remarked Jamie.
"(GULP!) Nah! Sit down! What do ya need to tell me?" Ace questioned excitedly as he swallowed a large piece of meat.
"Ugh, well I've noticed something about Liger 0," Jamie began.
"What? What is it?" came a scared tone from Ace.
"Well, it's nothing bad," Jamie smiled to change the mood. Ace took a sigh of relief before Jamie continued. "Anyway, I've noticed activity in the Organoid System of Liger 0. It seems that the once dormant Organoid is now becoming active."
"So what does that mean?" Ace asked puzzled.
"That Liger 0 might be able to fully evolve, much like the Geno Dragon," responded Jamie grinning. "This is amazing! I can't wait to see what Liger 0 might turn out looking like!"
"What do u mean?" asked Ace more puzzled than ever.
"Well, from the data that I have collected, it seems that after the dormant Organoid becomes active, it has a 'super fusion' with its Zoid host. Thus causing it to evolve into a higher, stronger stage! My research has also told me that this evolution produces a side effect. The Zoid not only evolves in higher attributes alone, but also in a physical appearance that allows it to adapt to its environment around it. That is the change in color like what the Geno Dragon under went."
"But how can Liger 0 evolve? What will cause it?" Jim asked in wonder.
"All I know is that the Organoid must become fully active and fuse with the Zoid," Jamie finished. Just then Doc entered.
"Ace, how are you? You got a letter from the Zoid Battle Commission! So I guess you must be do'n pretty well!" Doc greeted as he handed an envelope to Ace.
"Really, let me see," Ace took the envelope. After opening it, Ace read aloud. "You have been specially selected by the Zoid Battle Commission to compete in the new tournament, the Mega Tournament. All the top pilots will attend and we hope that you will too."
"Wow Ace, they must really love ya," Jim said in a dull tone. "Too bad they didn't notice the other good pilots."
"Hey Jim, what's wrong with you? Don't you see that Ace has been given a chance of a lifetime?" Iris snapped. "We should be happy for him. We need to show team support. SO LET'S GO! Maybe James will be there!"
"I thought you and Leo were hit'n it off?" Ace questioned.
"WHEN DID THAT BECOME PUBLIC… never mind. Well he was good, but James, well he just has that… um… HEY we were talk'n about you!"
"Well, sorry, but this says at the bottom that these are just trials so you guys aren't allowed to come," replied Ace.
"WHAT?! Not even to watch?"
"Nope," answered Ace. Then everyone in the room dropped down to Jim's dullness. "Uh… guys? Well it says that I'll be leaving tomorrow."
Then everyone left the room.
The next day, everyone awoke to the Taros base shaking violently. "WHAT'S GOING ON!" yelled Iris. "I CAN'T GET MY BEAUTY SLEEP!"
Doc threw on his clothes and darted down to the hanger. He came up to a man in white with a large red Whale King a few feet behind him. "Are you Ace Striker?" the man asked.
"No, but I can get him," Doc yawned. "ACE! ACE GET DOWN HERE!"
"COMING!" came a loud yell. Soon Ace came dashing into the hanger with his hair still wet from his 5-second shower and putting on his gloves. "I'm ready!"
"Okay then load up your Zoid and we'll be on our way," replied the man. Ace jumped into Liger 0's cockpit and headed for the exit.
"Hey, can I make a CAS transformation?" Ace asked.
"Sorry, that's outside weapons. The tournament is set up for pilots only using their Zoid to show their full potential," answered the man. Ace shrugged and piloted the Liger 0 on to the Whale King.
On the Whale King, Ace found other Zoids in that hanger. After hopping out of the Liger 0, Ace examined his opponents as he walked toward the door. First was a Zabit, next a Red Horn, 'Ah, nothing too challenging,' Ace thought. 'I've beat'n punks like this no prob!' But after passing a Shield Liger and Saber Tiger, Ace jumped back in surprise. The next Zoid was a familiar Shadow Fox. 'I wonder if he's here?' Ace pondered. And the last Zoid, that got Ace only a bit worried, was a red Lightning Siax. The pilot then noticed a man standing in front of the door. Ace soon followed him down a hallway and into a room with other pilots.
In the background music was played low as pilots from all over were shaking hands, laughing and just talking. 'If this is all the top pilots, I wonder if Chang is here?' Ace wondered. Just then he felt a slap on the back.
"HEY, ACE STRIKER!" came a familiar voice from behind Ace. The pilot turned around to find James holding a punch glass.
"JAMES! So, you are here," Ace smiled. "I thought I recognized that Shadow Fox."
"Yep, but I wasn't originally invited," James replied. Ace gave a puzzled look. "I'll tell ya later," James motioned toward the door. A gray haired man had entered the room. He was rather stalky and wore a long coat. His gray hair flared out to the sides of his head while the top of his head was almost bald.
"Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen!" the man put up his hands as he greeted all the pilots. "You have all been selected to take part in a great tournament. You all have been recognized as top Warriors and will now get that recognition you deserve!"
"Ha, top Warriors huh?" James finally said after the man had left the room.
"What do ya mean?" Ace asked.
"Well you see, originally I wasn't selected for this tournament. Originally it was Leo," answered James after taking a sip of his punch.
"Why didn't Leo come?" Ace questioned. "I thought he would be excited to fight in such environment."
"Nah, he's changed since he left you guys at the Taros base," explained James. "He said that he still wasn't a top Warrior in his book and still needed training. Plus that this was a waste of time. So, he saw that I was hyped about this so, he told me to go in his place." James gave a large grin. "So, how's Iris?"
Ace just smiled and shook his head. But right before he could answer, the Whale King had landed and everyone was beginning to walk out, so they followed. "Welcome, one and all!" the gray haired man said on a platform outside of the Whale King. All the pilots opened up their cockpits and stopped unloading to see what this announcement was about. "Please park your Zoids in the hanger to your left. The tournament will start tomorrow so please relax and enjoy your stay. You all will be escorted to your rooms soon."
All the pilots unloaded and were taken to rooms. "Sir," said the escort to Ace after reaching his room. "There is a spa and pool down the hall to your left and a kitchen to your right."
"Okay, thanks," Ace responded. After Ace closed the door, he heard a knock at it. After opening it up, he found James there.
"Hello neighbor!" smiled James. "It seems we room together. What a coincidence!"
"Yeah," Ace scratched his head. "Hey want to go and grab some grub?" James nodded. The 2 walked down to the kitchen and ate. Soon enough everyone went to bed to rest up for the tournament tomorrow.
"Welcome one and all," the gray haired man said. "I am Altile, and you have all been selected to take part in this great tournament!" Just then a girl in the back raised his hand. "Yes?"
"What are the rules of this 'new' tournament?" the girl asked. "And prize money and stuff like that?"
Altile smiled. "Allow the Judge to explained." Altile backed up and followed by a Judge rising out of the platform. But not a white Judge.
"AhHAHAHAHAH!" laughed the Dark Judge.
"A DARK JUDGE?!" Ace cried in surprise. "But I thought this was an Official Zoid Battle Commission tournament!?"
"HA! It seems the Back Draft Group has fooled you all! The rules are as usual, 0-9-9-9! And the prize money is 20 times the normal amount!" the Dark Judge explained.
"I can go for that," James smiled. "The money's worth!"
Altile soon stepped back in. "You all must face our new and improved Elephander!" Just then a door that lead to the coliseum opened up to reveal a large elephant Zoid. Ace studied the Elephander.
'Not as bulky as last time,' he thought. It looked well armored and its legs looked as if they had large shock absorbers on the backs of them. It had 2 beam guns mounted atop its back, the side boosters like before, and rather large ears. Bars covered the cockpit. Its trunk had been modified as well. It still retained its square look but had 1 sharp spike on each side of the tip.
"Who ever can win against Back Draft's finest Zoid will walk away with the prize money and the others will get to leave. If you lose, we claim your Zoid!" Altile finally said. "NOW! Let's begin! The first to fight is Kain!"
The Command Wolf pulled out and prepared for combat. The Dark Judge said all it need to and began the tournament. The C. Wolf lunged toward the Elephander but the large Zoid moved quickly and dodged it with its side boosters. Next it shot its trunk and slammed the spikes into its opponent. The spikes dug into the C. Wolf's armor. The Elephander pilot smiled then pushed a button. A powerful electrical serge bolted through the trunk and into the Command Wolf. Next the Elephander retracted its trunk and threw the beat up Zoid high into the air. And in seconds the Command Wolf fell hard on the ground frozen. Ace and James, along with the other pilots could not believe the power of the Zoid as they stared in horror at the fallen Zoid.
"I say was call up the ZBC and demand to see!" Jim snapped.
"But they said it's private," Jesse retaliated.
"That must mean that there's something going on. Something that they want to keep a secret. Probly something bad," Iris said.
"What do you think Doc?" Jamie asked Doc. Taros who was sitting down.
"I don't know if it's our place to do something like that," Doc answered.
"Yeah but what if they had done something to Ace, AND LIGER 0!" Jim began to yell. "WE COULD LOSE A GREAT PILOT, not to mention a good Zoid."
Soon the hang out room became silent. "I'll go see," Doc finally broke the silence as he got up.
One by one a Zoid fell defeated. A red Lightning Saix soon stood against the mighty Zoid. At its super speed it darted around the Elephander. But suddenly, the large Zoid disappeared. The Lightning Saix pilot jumped back surprised and looked all around. Just then the red Zoid fell as the Elephander reappeared right behind the Lightning Saix.
"Next is James Hunter!" Altile announced. Ace looked at James with wide eyes. James opened up his eyes and looked up. He turned to Ace and gave a smile.
"Good luck," Ace said. James nodded.
"You too," he replied before mounting his Zoid. Soon the Shadow Fox ran out on to the battle ring. "Come on, you don't scare me!" James gave a cocky grin. The Judge announced for the battle to begin. The Shadow Fox darted back and forth with its great mobility. The Elephander quickly went invisible. "Nice try pal!" James adjusted his screen. "But not good enough!" The S. Fox slid to a stop and began to fire off its gattling rifle. The Elephander quickly jumped to the side. "WHAT?! NO WAY?!" James gasped in surprise. Just then he was hit from behind. The S. Fox did a sliding turn and let out its smoke screen. James began to run circles around his target and fired off his gattling rifle. The Elephander lifted its tail and opened up its ears and quickly an energy shield came up around it. "DANG!" James yelled as the Shadow Fox's claws began to glow. "Okay buddy, STRIKE LASER CLAW!" The Shadow Fox lunged at its target and brought down its right claw. But right as it came down, the shield came back up in front of the Elephander and began to jolt the Shadow Fox with powerful electricity. Finally the Shadow Fox was shot back 15 feet, fell, and slid to a stop.
"James," Ace gasped. The Shadow Fox didn't move.
"THE WINNER IS THE ELEPHANDER!" laughed the Dark Judge. Ace looked down.
"WHAT?!" cried Doc Taros.
"That's right, the ZBC never issued a new tournament. I don't know what your talking about," a man in white said.
"Okay, thank you," Doc replied before turning off the screen.
"You see, I was right," Jim said.
"Then we better go after Ace," Iris responded.
"But how do we find him?" Jesse questioned.
"The was another time that Liger 0 was once stolen," Doc said. "And so after getting him back, we implanted a tracking device so that we could find him if it ever happened again." Everyone then nodded and ran toward the Hover Cargo.
"Ace Striker! Ha, ha, and Liger 0, you're next!" Altile smiled. 'The amazing Liger 0, finally, we can claim that Zoid!' he thought.
The Liger 0 pulled out into the ring. "Now's time for my pay back Ace Striker," the pilot of the Elephander smiled. Ace sneered at him.
"FIGHT!" called the Dark Judge.
"COME ON LIGER 0!" Ace called out.
"ROOOARRR!" roared the Liger. The Elephander let out a loud call as well. The Liger 0 lowered and prepared for combat.
"Well if you're not going to make the first move, the I WILL!" the Elephander pilot called as the large Zoid attacked. 2 large boosters extended out of the Elephander's back and shot it forward. The Liger 0 quickly dodged then shot off its shot cannon. The Elephander darted to the side and turned. Then fired off its laser cannons. With its great mobility the Liger darted back and forth. After the 10th laser, the Liger 0 lunged forward.
"STRIKE LASER CLAW!" Ace cried. But the elephant Zoid put up its shield and electrocuted the Liger. The white Zoid was sent flying and crashed hard. The Elephander approached its fallen enemy then extended claws from behind its trunk.
"Strike Iron Claw!" smiled the pilot as it extended its claw and hooked on to the Liger. The Elephander slammed the Liger 0 on the ground numerous times. It flung the white Zoid high in the air and made it come crashing down hard. The Liger 0 laid only 10 feet away from its opponent.
"L… Liger," Ace rubbed his head. "Come on buddy, you can do it." The Liger 0 slowly got up. "Come on, I know you're inside Liger. Come on Organoid, Liger and I need help. Please…"
The Elephander pilot looked at Altile who held a thumbs down. The pilot smiled. The large Zoid began to advance toward its enemy but suddenly stopped. "Oh, I forgot, a special present I saved just for you!" the pilot grinned big as he pushed another button. Just then the tip of the trunk began to suck in small particles and began to light up. "This is a mini- Charged Particle cannon!" the pilot sneered as the trunk charged up. Foot locks opened up on the heels of the Elephander as the charging finished.
"Come on Liger. Please Organoid," Ace said as the Liger slowly rose.
"Good bye, Ace STRIKER!" the pilot called as he mashed hard on the same button. Suddenly a bright beam was released from the trunk of the Elephander.
It seemed as if time had slowed down. Ace could see the charged particle beam coming closer and closer slowly. "L… Liger," Ace gasped. Suddenly he heard a voice and knew what to do. The beam was only 1 foot from the Liger 0. "ZEEEEEEEG!" Ace cried as loud as he could. And then the beam hit.
"Hurry Jesse!" Jim demanded as the Hover Cargo moved quickly.
"I'm trying to," Jesse snapped as she drove the Hover Cargo.
"What's wrong Iris," Jim turned to the girl.
"I … just feel as though something awful has happened to Ace… as well as James," Iris replied. Jim gave her a puzzled look then turned back to Jesse with a demanding look. Jesse pushed on the gas.
"HAHAHAHA! IT'S ALL OVER!" the Elephander pilot laughed as the beam hit the Liger 0. But the beam didn't go straight threw the Liger. The pilot noticed that the beam looked as if it were dispersing on its target. Just then he saw a bright yellow light through the beam.
SLAM! The Elephander let out a loud cry as a silver Zoid threw its golden claw into its head. "WHAT THE?!" the pilot cried in pure anger as his Zoid rose. He was breathless to find what looked like the Liger 0, but it was silver with its claws glowing a bright gold. "WHAT ZOID IS THAT?!"
"What is that Zoid?!" Altile gasped.
"YEAH! WOO HOO! GREAT JOB LIGER!" Ace cheered in amazement and surprise. "You've fully evolved! Now, LET'S SHOW 'EM!" The Liger 0 roared an ear- piercing roar, unleashed its ion boosters at full blast and slammed its golden claws into its opponent's side. The Elephander went flying 10 feet back as shards of Zoid magnite flew off from its side. "LIGER 0 X IS READY TO GO! GOOOOOOOO LIGER!" Ace cried while the other pilots to the side cheered on. As the Liger 0X charged its opponent, the Elephander turned and swung its sharp trunk into its opponent. But with lightning quick reflexes the Liger jumped over the trunk and jabbed its glowing claws into its enemies back. As the Liger pushed off the Elephander's back, its golden claws dug deep into its enemy's back. The silver Zoid did a sliding stop and shot off 2 powerful rounds from its upgraded evolved Shot Cannon that sent the Elephander flying 5 feet back.
"DOC!" Jamie called. "The tracer on Liger 0 is emitting abnormal energy!"
"What?" Doc gasped as he looked at the screen Jamie sat in front of. "What do you think?"
"I really can't say… unless…" Jamie pondered.
"I… I'M GONNA BLOW YOU OFF THE FACE OF ZI!" the Elephander pilot yelled in rage. The Charged Particle cannon began to glow.
"You ready, Liger," Ace smiled. The Liger 0 got low as it gave a soft growl. Just then the cannon fired. "Then let's GO!" The silver Liger lunged straight into the beam.
"AHAHAHAHAHA! YOU'RE DEAD!" the pilot laughed. But when the beam hit, it dispersed off of the Liger 0X and the silver Zoid continued flying at its opponent with its ion boosters at max.
"STRIKE LASER CLAW!" Ace screamed as the Liger 0X threw its right golden claw into the Elephander. In seconds the Liger landed behind the Elephander. Ace breathed heavily as the Liger 0X and the Elephander stood back to back. Just then the Liger 0X changed back to white and fell. But right after the Liger 0, the Elephander followed.
All the pilots cheered loud as they saw the Elephander hit the ground. Ace smiled at his partner. "Good job, Partner. Thank you Zeeg," Ace smiled. He soon heard a high pitched roar come from inside Liger 0 and then Liger 0 rose and roared loud. "YOU TELL 'EM PARTNER!" Ace cheered on.
Soon the Hover Cargo broke through the coliseum wall. "JAMES!" Iris called as she ran out to James who was being carried by another one of the pilots.
"ACE! HEY!" Jim called as he approached the Liger and Ace. Ace hopped out of the Liger's cockpit to meet Jim and Doc who walked over to him.
"Great job Ace, you saved all these pilots!" Doc congratulated.
"Not to mention putting the Back Draft out of their misery," Jim smiled as he watched 3 Gogulous enter the hole in the wall and ZBC officials arresting the Back Draft. "Hey, are you okay Ace?"
"Yeah I'm fine," he replied. "But I think that Liger deserves the 'good job' the most," Ace smiled as he looked up at Liger 0.
The Liger's eyes lit up as it roared a loud roar again and again into the sky.
NEXT TIME:
Yeah! Liger's evolved! But hey, wait! That's not the end of our story. No, no, no. It seems we have another battle soon. The Wolf Pack team? Hey isn't that… Brad Hunter! IT IS! And he's with … no … JAX BLADE! So came back for a rematch eh? Next time on Zoids X:
THE WOLF PACK-REMATCH WITH JAX BLADE!
Ready…FIGHT!
EP: 13
Zoid battles are fighting competitions held on enormous battlefields using mechanical combat units called Zoids. The enthusiastic young warriors put their pride on the line and sharpen their skills against one another using new rules and forms of battle. Area scanned, battlefield set up, ready… FIGHT!
THE CONTEST-THE SUPREME ZOID TEST
"STRIKE LASER CLAW!" Ace exclaimed as the Liger 0 Jager slashed through a Lightning Siax's leg.
BLAAAAAIIIIIRRRREEE!! "The battle is over! The battle is over!" announced the Judge. "The winner is… the Max team!"
Soon the Judge capsule took off and left the battlefield. Back at the Taros base everyone scarfed down food as fast as they could. "Man… um! Awl … dat … fattle'n ure has … made mhe … hungry!" commented Ace as he stuffed numerous rolls into his mouth. Iris sat sipping a bowl of soup while Ace, accompanied by Jim, shoveled more and more food down their throats.
"We have been on a big winning streak, haven't we?!" Jesse stated as she tried to keep her distance from the 2 "beasts."
"Ur ight fis!" Jim remarked with 2 chicken legs stuffed in the corner of his mouth. Jesse scooted more to the side at the sight of her disgusting brother. Soon the 2 boys cocked their heads up at the sound of the door opening up. Jamie walked in and gave a disgusted look at the sight of the Max team's boys.
"I guess I caught you at a bad time, Ace," remarked Jamie.
"(GULP!) Nah! Sit down! What do ya need to tell me?" Ace questioned excitedly as he swallowed a large piece of meat.
"Ugh, well I've noticed something about Liger 0," Jamie began.
"What? What is it?" came a scared tone from Ace.
"Well, it's nothing bad," Jamie smiled to change the mood. Ace took a sigh of relief before Jamie continued. "Anyway, I've noticed activity in the Organoid System of Liger 0. It seems that the once dormant Organoid is now becoming active."
"So what does that mean?" Ace asked puzzled.
"That Liger 0 might be able to fully evolve, much like the Geno Dragon," responded Jamie grinning. "This is amazing! I can't wait to see what Liger 0 might turn out looking like!"
"What do u mean?" asked Ace more puzzled than ever.
"Well, from the data that I have collected, it seems that after the dormant Organoid becomes active, it has a 'super fusion' with its Zoid host. Thus causing it to evolve into a higher, stronger stage! My research has also told me that this evolution produces a side effect. The Zoid not only evolves in higher attributes alone, but also in a physical appearance that allows it to adapt to its environment around it. That is the change in color like what the Geno Dragon under went."
"But how can Liger 0 evolve? What will cause it?" Jim asked in wonder.
"All I know is that the Organoid must become fully active and fuse with the Zoid," Jamie finished. Just then Doc entered.
"Ace, how are you? You got a letter from the Zoid Battle Commission! So I guess you must be do'n pretty well!" Doc greeted as he handed an envelope to Ace.
"Really, let me see," Ace took the envelope. After opening it, Ace read aloud. "You have been specially selected by the Zoid Battle Commission to compete in the new tournament, the Mega Tournament. All the top pilots will attend and we hope that you will too."
"Wow Ace, they must really love ya," Jim said in a dull tone. "Too bad they didn't notice the other good pilots."
"Hey Jim, what's wrong with you? Don't you see that Ace has been given a chance of a lifetime?" Iris snapped. "We should be happy for him. We need to show team support. SO LET'S GO! Maybe James will be there!"
"I thought you and Leo were hit'n it off?" Ace questioned.
"WHEN DID THAT BECOME PUBLIC… never mind. Well he was good, but James, well he just has that… um… HEY we were talk'n about you!"
"Well, sorry, but this says at the bottom that these are just trials so you guys aren't allowed to come," replied Ace.
"WHAT?! Not even to watch?"
"Nope," answered Ace. Then everyone in the room dropped down to Jim's dullness. "Uh… guys? Well it says that I'll be leaving tomorrow."
Then everyone left the room.
The next day, everyone awoke to the Taros base shaking violently. "WHAT'S GOING ON!" yelled Iris. "I CAN'T GET MY BEAUTY SLEEP!"
Doc threw on his clothes and darted down to the hanger. He came up to a man in white with a large red Whale King a few feet behind him. "Are you Ace Striker?" the man asked.
"No, but I can get him," Doc yawned. "ACE! ACE GET DOWN HERE!"
"COMING!" came a loud yell. Soon Ace came dashing into the hanger with his hair still wet from his 5-second shower and putting on his gloves. "I'm ready!"
"Okay then load up your Zoid and we'll be on our way," replied the man. Ace jumped into Liger 0's cockpit and headed for the exit.
"Hey, can I make a CAS transformation?" Ace asked.
"Sorry, that's outside weapons. The tournament is set up for pilots only using their Zoid to show their full potential," answered the man. Ace shrugged and piloted the Liger 0 on to the Whale King.
On the Whale King, Ace found other Zoids in that hanger. After hopping out of the Liger 0, Ace examined his opponents as he walked toward the door. First was a Zabit, next a Red Horn, 'Ah, nothing too challenging,' Ace thought. 'I've beat'n punks like this no prob!' But after passing a Shield Liger and Saber Tiger, Ace jumped back in surprise. The next Zoid was a familiar Shadow Fox. 'I wonder if he's here?' Ace pondered. And the last Zoid, that got Ace only a bit worried, was a red Lightning Siax. The pilot then noticed a man standing in front of the door. Ace soon followed him down a hallway and into a room with other pilots.
In the background music was played low as pilots from all over were shaking hands, laughing and just talking. 'If this is all the top pilots, I wonder if Chang is here?' Ace wondered. Just then he felt a slap on the back.
"HEY, ACE STRIKER!" came a familiar voice from behind Ace. The pilot turned around to find James holding a punch glass.
"JAMES! So, you are here," Ace smiled. "I thought I recognized that Shadow Fox."
"Yep, but I wasn't originally invited," James replied. Ace gave a puzzled look. "I'll tell ya later," James motioned toward the door. A gray haired man had entered the room. He was rather stalky and wore a long coat. His gray hair flared out to the sides of his head while the top of his head was almost bald.
"Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen!" the man put up his hands as he greeted all the pilots. "You have all been selected to take part in a great tournament. You all have been recognized as top Warriors and will now get that recognition you deserve!"
"Ha, top Warriors huh?" James finally said after the man had left the room.
"What do ya mean?" Ace asked.
"Well you see, originally I wasn't selected for this tournament. Originally it was Leo," answered James after taking a sip of his punch.
"Why didn't Leo come?" Ace questioned. "I thought he would be excited to fight in such environment."
"Nah, he's changed since he left you guys at the Taros base," explained James. "He said that he still wasn't a top Warrior in his book and still needed training. Plus that this was a waste of time. So, he saw that I was hyped about this so, he told me to go in his place." James gave a large grin. "So, how's Iris?"
Ace just smiled and shook his head. But right before he could answer, the Whale King had landed and everyone was beginning to walk out, so they followed. "Welcome, one and all!" the gray haired man said on a platform outside of the Whale King. All the pilots opened up their cockpits and stopped unloading to see what this announcement was about. "Please park your Zoids in the hanger to your left. The tournament will start tomorrow so please relax and enjoy your stay. You all will be escorted to your rooms soon."
All the pilots unloaded and were taken to rooms. "Sir," said the escort to Ace after reaching his room. "There is a spa and pool down the hall to your left and a kitchen to your right."
"Okay, thanks," Ace responded. After Ace closed the door, he heard a knock at it. After opening it up, he found James there.
"Hello neighbor!" smiled James. "It seems we room together. What a coincidence!"
"Yeah," Ace scratched his head. "Hey want to go and grab some grub?" James nodded. The 2 walked down to the kitchen and ate. Soon enough everyone went to bed to rest up for the tournament tomorrow.
"Welcome one and all," the gray haired man said. "I am Altile, and you have all been selected to take part in this great tournament!" Just then a girl in the back raised his hand. "Yes?"
"What are the rules of this 'new' tournament?" the girl asked. "And prize money and stuff like that?"
Altile smiled. "Allow the Judge to explained." Altile backed up and followed by a Judge rising out of the platform. But not a white Judge.
"AhHAHAHAHAH!" laughed the Dark Judge.
"A DARK JUDGE?!" Ace cried in surprise. "But I thought this was an Official Zoid Battle Commission tournament!?"
"HA! It seems the Back Draft Group has fooled you all! The rules are as usual, 0-9-9-9! And the prize money is 20 times the normal amount!" the Dark Judge explained.
"I can go for that," James smiled. "The money's worth!"
Altile soon stepped back in. "You all must face our new and improved Elephander!" Just then a door that lead to the coliseum opened up to reveal a large elephant Zoid. Ace studied the Elephander.
'Not as bulky as last time,' he thought. It looked well armored and its legs looked as if they had large shock absorbers on the backs of them. It had 2 beam guns mounted atop its back, the side boosters like before, and rather large ears. Bars covered the cockpit. Its trunk had been modified as well. It still retained its square look but had 1 sharp spike on each side of the tip.
"Who ever can win against Back Draft's finest Zoid will walk away with the prize money and the others will get to leave. If you lose, we claim your Zoid!" Altile finally said. "NOW! Let's begin! The first to fight is Kain!"
The Command Wolf pulled out and prepared for combat. The Dark Judge said all it need to and began the tournament. The C. Wolf lunged toward the Elephander but the large Zoid moved quickly and dodged it with its side boosters. Next it shot its trunk and slammed the spikes into its opponent. The spikes dug into the C. Wolf's armor. The Elephander pilot smiled then pushed a button. A powerful electrical serge bolted through the trunk and into the Command Wolf. Next the Elephander retracted its trunk and threw the beat up Zoid high into the air. And in seconds the Command Wolf fell hard on the ground frozen. Ace and James, along with the other pilots could not believe the power of the Zoid as they stared in horror at the fallen Zoid.
"I say was call up the ZBC and demand to see!" Jim snapped.
"But they said it's private," Jesse retaliated.
"That must mean that there's something going on. Something that they want to keep a secret. Probly something bad," Iris said.
"What do you think Doc?" Jamie asked Doc. Taros who was sitting down.
"I don't know if it's our place to do something like that," Doc answered.
"Yeah but what if they had done something to Ace, AND LIGER 0!" Jim began to yell. "WE COULD LOSE A GREAT PILOT, not to mention a good Zoid."
Soon the hang out room became silent. "I'll go see," Doc finally broke the silence as he got up.
One by one a Zoid fell defeated. A red Lightning Saix soon stood against the mighty Zoid. At its super speed it darted around the Elephander. But suddenly, the large Zoid disappeared. The Lightning Saix pilot jumped back surprised and looked all around. Just then the red Zoid fell as the Elephander reappeared right behind the Lightning Saix.
"Next is James Hunter!" Altile announced. Ace looked at James with wide eyes. James opened up his eyes and looked up. He turned to Ace and gave a smile.
"Good luck," Ace said. James nodded.
"You too," he replied before mounting his Zoid. Soon the Shadow Fox ran out on to the battle ring. "Come on, you don't scare me!" James gave a cocky grin. The Judge announced for the battle to begin. The Shadow Fox darted back and forth with its great mobility. The Elephander quickly went invisible. "Nice try pal!" James adjusted his screen. "But not good enough!" The S. Fox slid to a stop and began to fire off its gattling rifle. The Elephander quickly jumped to the side. "WHAT?! NO WAY?!" James gasped in surprise. Just then he was hit from behind. The S. Fox did a sliding turn and let out its smoke screen. James began to run circles around his target and fired off his gattling rifle. The Elephander lifted its tail and opened up its ears and quickly an energy shield came up around it. "DANG!" James yelled as the Shadow Fox's claws began to glow. "Okay buddy, STRIKE LASER CLAW!" The Shadow Fox lunged at its target and brought down its right claw. But right as it came down, the shield came back up in front of the Elephander and began to jolt the Shadow Fox with powerful electricity. Finally the Shadow Fox was shot back 15 feet, fell, and slid to a stop.
"James," Ace gasped. The Shadow Fox didn't move.
"THE WINNER IS THE ELEPHANDER!" laughed the Dark Judge. Ace looked down.
"WHAT?!" cried Doc Taros.
"That's right, the ZBC never issued a new tournament. I don't know what your talking about," a man in white said.
"Okay, thank you," Doc replied before turning off the screen.
"You see, I was right," Jim said.
"Then we better go after Ace," Iris responded.
"But how do we find him?" Jesse questioned.
"The was another time that Liger 0 was once stolen," Doc said. "And so after getting him back, we implanted a tracking device so that we could find him if it ever happened again." Everyone then nodded and ran toward the Hover Cargo.
"Ace Striker! Ha, ha, and Liger 0, you're next!" Altile smiled. 'The amazing Liger 0, finally, we can claim that Zoid!' he thought.
The Liger 0 pulled out into the ring. "Now's time for my pay back Ace Striker," the pilot of the Elephander smiled. Ace sneered at him.
"FIGHT!" called the Dark Judge.
"COME ON LIGER 0!" Ace called out.
"ROOOARRR!" roared the Liger. The Elephander let out a loud call as well. The Liger 0 lowered and prepared for combat.
"Well if you're not going to make the first move, the I WILL!" the Elephander pilot called as the large Zoid attacked. 2 large boosters extended out of the Elephander's back and shot it forward. The Liger 0 quickly dodged then shot off its shot cannon. The Elephander darted to the side and turned. Then fired off its laser cannons. With its great mobility the Liger darted back and forth. After the 10th laser, the Liger 0 lunged forward.
"STRIKE LASER CLAW!" Ace cried. But the elephant Zoid put up its shield and electrocuted the Liger. The white Zoid was sent flying and crashed hard. The Elephander approached its fallen enemy then extended claws from behind its trunk.
"Strike Iron Claw!" smiled the pilot as it extended its claw and hooked on to the Liger. The Elephander slammed the Liger 0 on the ground numerous times. It flung the white Zoid high in the air and made it come crashing down hard. The Liger 0 laid only 10 feet away from its opponent.
"L… Liger," Ace rubbed his head. "Come on buddy, you can do it." The Liger 0 slowly got up. "Come on, I know you're inside Liger. Come on Organoid, Liger and I need help. Please…"
The Elephander pilot looked at Altile who held a thumbs down. The pilot smiled. The large Zoid began to advance toward its enemy but suddenly stopped. "Oh, I forgot, a special present I saved just for you!" the pilot grinned big as he pushed another button. Just then the tip of the trunk began to suck in small particles and began to light up. "This is a mini- Charged Particle cannon!" the pilot sneered as the trunk charged up. Foot locks opened up on the heels of the Elephander as the charging finished.
"Come on Liger. Please Organoid," Ace said as the Liger slowly rose.
"Good bye, Ace STRIKER!" the pilot called as he mashed hard on the same button. Suddenly a bright beam was released from the trunk of the Elephander.
It seemed as if time had slowed down. Ace could see the charged particle beam coming closer and closer slowly. "L… Liger," Ace gasped. Suddenly he heard a voice and knew what to do. The beam was only 1 foot from the Liger 0. "ZEEEEEEEG!" Ace cried as loud as he could. And then the beam hit.
"Hurry Jesse!" Jim demanded as the Hover Cargo moved quickly.
"I'm trying to," Jesse snapped as she drove the Hover Cargo.
"What's wrong Iris," Jim turned to the girl.
"I … just feel as though something awful has happened to Ace… as well as James," Iris replied. Jim gave her a puzzled look then turned back to Jesse with a demanding look. Jesse pushed on the gas.
"HAHAHAHA! IT'S ALL OVER!" the Elephander pilot laughed as the beam hit the Liger 0. But the beam didn't go straight threw the Liger. The pilot noticed that the beam looked as if it were dispersing on its target. Just then he saw a bright yellow light through the beam.
SLAM! The Elephander let out a loud cry as a silver Zoid threw its golden claw into its head. "WHAT THE?!" the pilot cried in pure anger as his Zoid rose. He was breathless to find what looked like the Liger 0, but it was silver with its claws glowing a bright gold. "WHAT ZOID IS THAT?!"
"What is that Zoid?!" Altile gasped.
"YEAH! WOO HOO! GREAT JOB LIGER!" Ace cheered in amazement and surprise. "You've fully evolved! Now, LET'S SHOW 'EM!" The Liger 0 roared an ear- piercing roar, unleashed its ion boosters at full blast and slammed its golden claws into its opponent's side. The Elephander went flying 10 feet back as shards of Zoid magnite flew off from its side. "LIGER 0 X IS READY TO GO! GOOOOOOOO LIGER!" Ace cried while the other pilots to the side cheered on. As the Liger 0X charged its opponent, the Elephander turned and swung its sharp trunk into its opponent. But with lightning quick reflexes the Liger jumped over the trunk and jabbed its glowing claws into its enemies back. As the Liger pushed off the Elephander's back, its golden claws dug deep into its enemy's back. The silver Zoid did a sliding stop and shot off 2 powerful rounds from its upgraded evolved Shot Cannon that sent the Elephander flying 5 feet back.
"DOC!" Jamie called. "The tracer on Liger 0 is emitting abnormal energy!"
"What?" Doc gasped as he looked at the screen Jamie sat in front of. "What do you think?"
"I really can't say… unless…" Jamie pondered.
"I… I'M GONNA BLOW YOU OFF THE FACE OF ZI!" the Elephander pilot yelled in rage. The Charged Particle cannon began to glow.
"You ready, Liger," Ace smiled. The Liger 0 got low as it gave a soft growl. Just then the cannon fired. "Then let's GO!" The silver Liger lunged straight into the beam.
"AHAHAHAHAHA! YOU'RE DEAD!" the pilot laughed. But when the beam hit, it dispersed off of the Liger 0X and the silver Zoid continued flying at its opponent with its ion boosters at max.
"STRIKE LASER CLAW!" Ace screamed as the Liger 0X threw its right golden claw into the Elephander. In seconds the Liger landed behind the Elephander. Ace breathed heavily as the Liger 0X and the Elephander stood back to back. Just then the Liger 0X changed back to white and fell. But right after the Liger 0, the Elephander followed.
All the pilots cheered loud as they saw the Elephander hit the ground. Ace smiled at his partner. "Good job, Partner. Thank you Zeeg," Ace smiled. He soon heard a high pitched roar come from inside Liger 0 and then Liger 0 rose and roared loud. "YOU TELL 'EM PARTNER!" Ace cheered on.
Soon the Hover Cargo broke through the coliseum wall. "JAMES!" Iris called as she ran out to James who was being carried by another one of the pilots.
"ACE! HEY!" Jim called as he approached the Liger and Ace. Ace hopped out of the Liger's cockpit to meet Jim and Doc who walked over to him.
"Great job Ace, you saved all these pilots!" Doc congratulated.
"Not to mention putting the Back Draft out of their misery," Jim smiled as he watched 3 Gogulous enter the hole in the wall and ZBC officials arresting the Back Draft. "Hey, are you okay Ace?"
"Yeah I'm fine," he replied. "But I think that Liger deserves the 'good job' the most," Ace smiled as he looked up at Liger 0.
The Liger's eyes lit up as it roared a loud roar again and again into the sky.
NEXT TIME:
Yeah! Liger's evolved! But hey, wait! That's not the end of our story. No, no, no. It seems we have another battle soon. The Wolf Pack team? Hey isn't that… Brad Hunter! IT IS! And he's with … no … JAX BLADE! So came back for a rematch eh? Next time on Zoids X:
THE WOLF PACK-REMATCH WITH JAX BLADE!
Ready…FIGHT!