Chapter 6

I Never Knew You Loved Me

Two Months Later……

Mid morning, Bit Cloud heads towards the bathroom, his towel over his shoulder, and a dull look on his face. Passing the Conference Room, the doors automatically slid open. Brad and Jamie looked out. Bit yawns and continues on.

'Bit!' Jamie cried, jumping up to catch him.

He had in his hand a large piece of paper. Bit stopped and turned around.

'What?…' He asked gloomily, rubbing his head.

'Did you just wake up?' Jamie inquired, and Bit fell silent.

'It is a Saturday, and we haven't been in a battle for four months'

'How does that make you tired??'

Bit frowned at him, and waved his hand.

'I need to have a shower, Jamie' He told him, beginning to walk away again.

Jamie seized him by his shoulder and shook the paper in his face.

'I need you to do Brad a favour, Bit'

'Then why doesn't he just ask me himself?'

Jamie shrugged, and Bit took the paper from him. He read through it and stared up at Jamie.

'A Rev Raptor!!?'

Jamie jumped and put his finger to his mouth to quieten him.

'Who's this supposed to be for anyway??'

'Kiano' Jamie whispered.

Bit's eyes widened, as he scanned the order form again.

'And a Long Range Buster Cannon!?'

Jamie punched Bit in the arm, and he dropped the form.

'What!? That part can't seriously be for Kiano too??'

Bit stared at Jamie in shock, but he just nodded slowly.

'How the heck are we meant to pay for all this!? We have been winning anything considering the fact that everyone's too afraid to fight us!'

'Shut up!' He snapped, retrieving the form.

Bit rubbed his chin and looked around at the hallway.

'Brad's dipping into his own account to pay for them' Jamie pointed to the signature on the form. It was signed by Brad, 'Remember it's Kiano's birthday soon'

Bit sighed,

'But she's only been here for at least six months!'

'Don't be so greedy!'

Bit stuck out his tongue to Jamie, as he shoved him.

'What's with Brad's attitude to Kiano anyhow?'

They both shrugged and stared at each other.

'I'm getting the feeling though….'

'What?' Bit said excitedly, 'What!?

Jamie smirked, and put his hand on Bit's shoulder.

'You'll soon see……Oh trust me, my pal'

Bit frowned, still smiling from anticipation.

'It would be good if you got her something too. Remember, she's got a lot coming'

Bit seemed enthused, as he thought for a few minutes.

'I know exactly what she'll like!' He grinned, turning and walking away.

Jamie smiled, and looked down at the form. He glanced back up.

'Bit! The order form!!?'

'After' He replied, waving his hand at him and turning into the bathroom.

Jamie shook his head, and folded the form up. He headed back to the Conference Room.

Bit poked his head out from the bathroom and yelled to Jamie.

'Hey!'

Jamie stopped and looked back.

'Yeah?'

'Do you think Brad really loves Kiano?'

Jamie nodded sarcastically,

'Why yes Bit! You really are clever!'

Bit grinned and the door closed. Jamie chuckled and turned inside.

Two days after, Bit headed towards the hangar. He strolled down the corridor, looking and feeling awfully happy.

'Ahhh, the feeling of success!' He said to himself.

'Success, Bit?' Brad asked, appearing from the room behind him.

'Yeah!' Bit smiled back.

'And what exactly do you mean by that?'

Bit paused for a few seconds, glaring at Brad.

'Well, you know! Not having any challenges! Everyone's too afraid to fight us!'

'Bit, the reason why we aren't going into battles is because we can't afford to, remember? We have to wait until Doc and Leena return'

'Can't afford to!? What about the battle we fought with the Backdraft!?' Bit cried.

'We won barely nothing… We can't afford to fix Leena's Gunsniper'

'You're the one who paid all that money on a present for Kiano's birthday'

'That's because I have the money and the heart'

Bit huffed, crossing his arms.

'And I don't?!'

Brad stared at him, not impressed by his attitude. Bit walked away, approaching Kiano's temporary room.

'Bit, just try to keep your mouth sealed about it, alright?'

Bit waved his hand and disappeared into the hangar bay. Brad turned as the door to Kiano's room slid open. It was dark, so Brad flicked on the lights. Kiano was sitting at the desk in the corner, and she jumped when the lights came on.

'Kiano?'

Outside, Bit strolled back into the corridor, only to see Brad and Kiano talking. He looked around and slid beside the door to listen. Jamie turned the corner ahead of him, and Bit waved him over. Jamie slowly passed and leant against Bit.

'What's going on?' He whispered.

'Brad's going to do something'

Jamie frowned and began listening.

Brad sat down next to her, not saying a word. He stared at her for a few minutes, waiting for her to say something. Instead she just looked at him. She was crying. Brad rubbed her arm and leant back to reach into his jacket pocket. He pulled out the Shadowfox Snoball and took her hand, placing it in it and closing her hand again. She didn't smile, she didn't move. She sniffed and rubbed her eyes, continuing to stare at the wall ahead of her.

'Is this in regard to your birthday?' He asked her quietly.

She nodded indecisively.

'…Duo…' She started, stuttering over the words, '…said he had a surprise for me…'

Brad rubbed her back, as she began to cry again.

'We have surprises for you'

Bit chuffed.

'He told me not to say anything to her!' He murmured to Jamie.

Brad got up and turned to leave. Bit and Jamie creeped away from the doorframe and headed around the corner.

'Come and talk to me if you need to'

He left the room and the door slid shut behind him. From the corner Jamie watched as Brad turned and headed down the opposite side of the corridor. Bit started laughing. Jamie tried to quieten him.

'Shut up!' He whispered.

Brad stopped. Bit could be heard, snuffing and chuckling. He turned around.

'Bit!'

He immediately stopped laughing. Bit nudged his head around the corner and grinned at him.

'Yes?'

'What was so amusing about that?' Brad asked.

Bit looked at Jamie for assistance, as they both stepped out in the open. Brad glared at him, and Bit scratched his head.

'…Well…' He started, beginning to snort with laughter again, '…you're such a sissy!'

Brad left him, definitely not happy about his response. Jamie also left Bit, and followed after him. Bit shook off the laughter and stumbled into the conference room.

'What was up with Kiano?'

'Same old thing' Brad explained to Jamie.

'Oh…'

'She's becoming more upset as the days go by'

Jamie pondered for a second or two.

'Brad, I'm getting the feeling that perhaps you might be falling in love with her'

Brad glanced at him, and turned away.

'No, you're wrong'

'…but'

'There's no "buts" Jamie. I care about Kiano, but not like that. You're feeling wrong'

'I care about Kiano too, but not in the magnitude that you do'

'Why do you say this?'

'Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you purchase a five-hundred thousand dollar brand spanking new Rev Raptor just for her? And a Long-Range Buster Cannon component, which by the markets these days is worth around one hundred and fifty thousand' Jamie started, as Brad glared at him.

'Your point?'

'It's not as if we have six hundred and fifty thousand dollars just lying around. Not even Bit's account is any where close to that amount of money'

'That's because Bit is comparable to Doc. Blows all his money on one worthless item that doesn't even render the price he paid for it. Besides, since when do you know the matter of Bit's account?' Brad inquired, and Jamie blushed.

'I check all your accounts, just to make sure that nothing's gone to fault. It's all for your benefit'

Brad stopped at the door to his room, and he sighed.

'How much is in your account?'

'…Well do you?' Jamie uttered, now changing the subject again.

'Do I what?' Brad asked.

'Love Kiano?'

They stared at each other for a while.

'Maybe'

The door slid open and closed as Brad disappeared behind it. Jamie smiled and turned around. Bit was standing there. Bit glared at him, as if looking for an answer and Jamie gave him the thumbs up.

'I knew it!' He cried, Jamie slapping him as he passed.

Another two days later, in her room, Kiano awoke to a tapping noise coming from her wall. She got up out of bed and looked around. Rubbing her eyes she emerged from her room and stared down the corridor. From behind her, someone grabbed her and covered her eyes. She began screaming.

'It's alright Kiano, it's me!' Bit told her, as she calmed down.

'Bit?' She asked, touching his hand on her now large belly, 'What's going on?'

'You're coming with me'

She listened to his voice, and by her standards he sounded quite happy.

'Bit, I don't care that Liger has a new component' She mumbled.

'No, this is even better!'

Kiano wasn't as excited as Bit had expected as he dragged her into the hangar. They stopped in the middle of the floor, and Bit uncovered her eyes.

'SURPRISE!!' Brad, Bit and Jamie yelled as she looked around.

There were streamers everywhere, balloons, confetti and a very long banner that said "Happy Birthday Kiano!" across something that was so big that the sheet that covered it could be used as a circus tent.

Bit was wearing a party hat and had three party blowers in his hand.

'What the…?' She yelled excitedly, still looking around.

'HAPPY BIRTHDAY!' Jamie exclaimed, walking over and hugging her.

'You didn't!?' She continued.

'We did' Brad told her, also hugging her.

She turned around and there in front of her was a long table covered in delicious food.

'We're throwing you a party' Bit said, the party blower screeching in her face.

'But I've only been here for six months!' She grinned.

'That doesn't mean we can't spoil you' Brad replied, taking hold of a rope hanging down from the large object covered in the sheet. He waved her over, and Kiano, still in shock, took the rope from him.

'What's this?'

'Pull for your pleasure' Bit smiled, Jamie and Brad glaring at him.

Kiano tugged on the rope and the giant sheet slid off the now glistening black metal. She gasped, beginning to walk backwards away from it.

'No way!' She yelled.

'Yes way' Brad continued.

It was a very large black and white Rev Raptor, with a long cannon affixed to its back.

'This is so cool! Is this mine?!'

'If you want it to be. I did buy it for you' Brad explained, coming closer to her.

'How did you afford this? It must have cost a million stars!'

'I managed'

Kiano smiled harder and hugged Brad once more.

'Thank you soooo much!'

Jamie stepped forward and handed Kiano a large wrapped box.

'I know that this isn't anywhere near as good as the Rev Raptor, but I know it'll help'

Kiano unwrapped the present and opened the box. Inside were many items. Baby clothes, bottles, milk formula, and nappies.

'Oh, wow! Thank you, Jamie!' She cried, also hugging him, 'You're right. I needed this'

Jamie smiled and they all turned to Bit.

'Alright, now it's my turn!'

He stepped behind the Rev Raptor's leg and then reappeared carrying a very big bag of lollies. He stumbled over to Kiano and placed it in her arms.

'A years supply of Sour Glow Worms!'

Kiano smiled, not knowing what to say.

'Thank you, Bit! I'm sure that when I'm not going to have a baby that these will taste great'

'See! Remember?! You told me that you and…'

Brad cleared his throat and stopped Bit from continuing to speak. Kiano placed the bag on the floor carefully and hugged Bit also.

'Alright, let's dig in!' He told her, showing her to the food at the table.

Kiano agreed and followed them over.

'Leon's coming as well' Brad said.

'That's goo…'

'What's going on in here?' Harry Champ butt in, strolling straight into the hanger bay.

'Harry go away, this is not the time' Brad demanded.

'Who's birthday is it?'

Bit pushed in front of him, stopping him in his path.

'Oh no, you're not helping yourself to our food!'

'Hey, the hanger door was wide open!'

'That doesn't give you the right to barge on in here!' Jamie explained.

'What do you want?' Brad claimed.

'Is Leena back yet?'

'No! And she's not going to be back for another six months!' Jamie replied.

Harry looked around and noticed Kiano.

'Hey! Kiano!' He cried pointing at her.

'Hey it's you!' She replied, '…Who are you again?'

He straightened himself out and walked over to her.

'The name's Harry Champ'

'Oh that's right. You're the guy who was really nice to me a while ago'

'Yeah, if nice means being a downright asshole' Brad mumbled under his voice.

Only Bit and Jamie heard him, as Harry looked Kiano up and down.

'There's something different about you though'

Kiano smiled, knowing what he meant, and she placed her hand on her stomach.

'So great of you to notice' Bit replied, awfully quickly.

Harry rubbed his chin.

'I know! You got fat!'

Kiano frowned and crossed her arms. Brad leaped up behind Harry and seized his shoulder.

'Repeat that' He whispered, and Harry glanced at him.

'Well, she wasn't like that the last time I saw her'

Bit, Jamie, Brad and Kiano stared at each other for a few minutes. They were waiting to see if Harry could figure it out on his own. Harry smiled and glared at the bag of lollies on the ground.

'Do you think you should cut down on those?' He said, pointing to them.

Brad spun Harry around.

'She's pregnant you fool!'

Harry flinched, now looking as shocked as ever. He gradually glanced from Brad, to Jamie, and to Bit.

'Oh my god!' He gasped, still staring indecently at Brad, '……You scoundrel!'

Brad shoved Harry away from him, looking over at Kiano. He began motioning to Brad, as if trying to convey a message to Kiano.

'It's not mine!!' Brad snapped.

Harry moved to Jamie. He poked out his tongue in disgust as Jamie stepped forward.

'Are you kidding!!?'

Harry cautiously shifted to Bit, looking as if he wasn't too sure about it. Bit grinned and shook his head.

'Hell no!'

'Then who?' He finally asked, shrugging.

'Kiano's husband, Duo Maxwell'

'You're married!!?'

Kiano looked upset. Brad knew that this was reminding her too much of her husband.

'He was a Gundam Pilot' He replied.

Harry's eyes widened and he waved his hand.

'Uh huh, and I'm the greatest Zoid warrior in the world!'

They all glared at him, waiting for him to leave.

'Now can you go away, Harry?' Jamie asked.

'Is it your birthday?' Harry inquired, looking adoringly at Kiano.

She nodded but didn't show the slightest hint of any furthermore excitement.

'Happy Birthday!! Where is Duo?'

A tear streaked down her face, and she looked at Brad.

'He's……he's dead'

Harry ceased smiling, and began the sympathy.

'Sorry'

Kiano waved her hand as if to tell him it was ok. Bit came up to Harry and turned him the other way.

'Alright, it's time to go' He demanded, shoving Harry towards the hangar entrance.

'Wait…'

Bit stopped shoving, and let Harry walk back over to Kiano.

'Yes?' She mumbled.

'How are you going to pay for your baby?'

Kiano looked even more upset, as she shook her head. Brad began to get angry.

'Because, if you want, my family is the head of the Champ Organisation and we get a lot of money. If you like, I can make up for Duo not being here'

'What do you mean?'

'I'm willing to help you raise this child'

'What!?' Brad snapped.

'I have the money, and you'll be loved… by me' He explained, smiling at her.

'Really?' She said.

Jamie and Bit kept quiet. They didn't want to get involved. Not as involved as Brad wished to be, yet he couldn't say a word. Kiano looked at him, and he stared back. There was a long silence as she thought.

Harry held out his hand, waiting for Kiano to take it.

'Are you serious?' She asked, Harry nodded.

'I care for you…'

'You came here searching for Leena!' Brad jumped.

'I never realised that Kiano was still here. Please Kiano, I'll help you no matter what'

Kiano stepped forward, occasionally glancing at Jamie, Bit and Brad. She looked at Harry and smiled slightly.

'Ok'

She took his hand, as Harry led her away. Brad, Bit and Jamie could do nothing but stare in awe, as Kiano left them. Harry hugged her, and continued walking.

'So, what kind of an idiot was this guy to knock you up anyway?' Harry demanded, and Kiano stopped.

She began to cry.

'What was that!?' Brad cried, as Harry glanced to him.

'I was just merely saying that perhaps this "Duo" didn't love Kiano at all'

Kiano shook her head with anger, as tears dropped from her face, onto the smooth concrete floor. She furiously pulled her hand away from Harry and ran into Brad's open arms.

'How dare you say that!' He bellowed.

'Listen, Kiano, I'm sorry. I never knew that something like that would upset you' Harry said, trying to reason with her.

She once more shook her head, buried in Brad's shoulder.

'Leave her alone…' Brad replied though clenched teeth.

'But you'll never get through living with these three stooges!'

Brad growled and let Kiano go. He was balancing on the edge of snapping.

'Leave now, Harry'

'No, I still want to reason with her'

Bit jumped forward and grabbed Harry by his shirt sleeve.

'Get outta here, Champ!' He yelled.

Brad took Bit by the collar and dragged him backwards.

'Stay out of this Bit. It's between me and him'

'I thought it was about Kiano?' Harry asked.

'SHUT UP!' Brad snapped.

Harry put his hands on his hips.

'Hunter, you really are a nutcase'

'Don't call him that!' Kiano sobbed.

They all glanced over to her, as she stopped trying.

'You're all crazy. Bit's brain runs on nothing but glycerine. Jamie swallowed an entire computer. Brad jumps up people's asses, and Kiano looks as if she's taken too much speed!'

'YOU SON OF A…' Brad yelped, leaping at Harry's throat.

He took hold, and pulled Harry to the ground. Pinning him to the floor, Brad began pummelling Harry in the gut. Kiano, Bit and Jamie looked on as Harry seized him by his shoulders and squeezed. Brad yelped in pain, and Harry pushed him off. He stumbled over, running him into the wall. Harry took a grip on Brad's neck and began to try and strangle him. Kiano had just ran out of the way, and stuck close to Bit. She was now crying even more, as she buried her face in his chest. Brad pushed his hand in Harry's face, attempting to break his nose. He shoved until Harry let go and fell backwards on the floor. Brad pressed his foot deep into Harry's chest. Harry yelped out with pain and started pulling Brad's foot off him.

From outside the hangar, the red Blade Liger ran into the entrance. The cockpit hatch flew open and Leon jumped out. He ran over to the fighters and snared Harry by his shirt, pulling him off Brad, now on the floor.

'What the heck is going on! Why are you trying to make pancakes out of each other?'

Brad lifted himself to his feet, still staring evilly at Harry. He wiped the blood off his chin and stared at him.

'Kiano'

'What about Kiano?'

'Harry was trying to take her away from us' Jamie explained.

'What the heck were you two doing!? Why didn't you stop them?'

Bit smiled,

'I wanted to see which one of the pussies would win!'

Kiano looked up at him, and he looked down at her. He raised his hand, beginning to swipe like a cat at nothing. He started making weird cat noises and hissed, flicking his hand at them. Kiano laughed at him, wiping the tears from her eyes. Bit smiled at his triumph of cheering her up, while the others just glared at him. Leon looked at Harry.

'Harry, what's all this about?'

'I just tried to offer my money to Kiano for her baby'

'You tried to make her to go with you!' Brad replied.

'Shut up!' Harry snapped back.

'BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!!' Leon barked, 'Kiano, were you going to go with him?'

She nodded slowly.

'Until he said that stuff about Duo'

'Why'd you say that Harry?'

He shrugged and looked away.

'I thought she loved me'

'She wouldn't love you for shit!' Brad butt in.

'BRAD!' Leon jumped, and he shut up, 'Is this what it's about?'

Brad and Harry glared at each other and didn't answer him. There was a long pause and Leon looked around, thinking to himself. He waved Kiano over to him.

'What's the matter?' She asked.

'Tell them'

'Tell them what?'

'Tell them which one of them you love better'

Kiano looked at each of them. She stopped occasionally on Brad rather than Harry and she lowered her head.

'Neither. Nope, I still love my Duo, and I always will. I don't care is he is gone, nothing will change it'

They all glanced at each other. Brad stared at her, and Leon put his hand on Harry's shoulder.

'There's your answer. You're both over your heads. Cool it will you'

Leon left them both and headed over to the food table. He took a handful of toffees and picked at them one by one. Brad, Harry, Bit, Kiano and Jamie looked at each other. Kiano went over with Leon, and Harry turned to walk away.

'You sure you don't wanna stay, Harry?' Kiano asked.

'No, he's leaving' Bit mumbled.

'I don't want to stay anyway' Harry huffed, and left the hangar.

Brad was still standing there. He watched as Jamie and Bit joined the table. He was shocked.

Kiano waved Brad over and he came. He plonked himself down next to her. Kiano placed her hand on his, and smiled at him.

'What's wrong?'

Brad looked up at her and smiled.

'Nothing'

She beamed back and turned to get some food. Brad turned quiet. He seemed upset about Kiano's answer.

Later that night, the four of them sat outside, underneath the stars. Bit looked awfully full, as he looked over to Kiano.

'Good!?' He asked her.

'I reckon! Thanks Jamie!' She said turning to him.

He just waved his hand back.

'I just hope you get enough enjoyment from Brad's overexpansive gift'

Kiano laughed grinned at Brad. He was staring up at the night sky.

They all fell silent and did the same thing. Kiano sighed.

'What's up?' Leon whispered.

'Remember when you asked me to tell which out of Brad or Harry I loved and I said neither?'

'Yeah' They all replied.

She sighed again.

'I was lying'

Brad sat up, now looking at her.

'What do you mean?'

'I mean exactly what you think it means' She smiled.

'That you love Harry?' Bit replied, as Kiano shook her head at him.

'Heck no!' She continued, sticking her tongue out.

'So that means you……love……Brad right?' Jamie asked cautiously.

Kiano did nothing but smile.

'If that's what you were all thinking, yes'

Brad glared at her.

'What about Bit or Jamie?' Leon said, leaning over.

Kiano shook her head.

'I love them, but not in the same way'

Brad now smiled, as Kiano stared at him.

'Are you serious?' He started.

She nodded.

Brad leant over and they hugged.

'Awwww!' Bit moaned, 'They're so sweet!'

'Wait, what about Duo?'

Kiano stopped and looked up at the stars.

'I can't be in mourning forever. There's only to wait and see what happens when we take revenge. Meanwhile, I'm your friend' She explained to them all.

'Alright!' Bit yelped.

She sighed, her eyes still fixed on the stars.

'That's odd' She began.

'What is?' Brad inquired, looking up also.

There was a minute silence, as everyone saw it. There was a cluster of stars directly above them that were moving. They split and were moving in different directions.

'Are they coming closer?'

Kiano gasped.

'The Commission!'

Brad, Bit, Jamie and Leon glanced at each other.

'What?!' Jamie cried, as Kiano lifted herself slowly to her feet.

'The Commission will be looking for me, remember!?'

They all got up, and Brad took her hand.

'We better keep you inside' He insisted.

Brad lead Kiano away as the others followed. Bit on the other hand was still staring into the sky.

'Could they be sending an army? I bet they'll try and find her, no matter what'