Disclaimer: I do not own Zoids.

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Chapter VI:

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To Ivers's irritation and reluctance, he sent one of his Scout Foxes. Variant of the insanely multi-purpose zoid Shadow Fox, this zoid was made for the sole purpose of reconnaissance. Thus the Scout Fox was born with that idea.

Ivers decided that maybe one zoid could get him news, if anything from this wasteland.

Silently, he prayed for a miracle.

***

"We're home," Chioni said as they entered Way Station five's hangar.

"You never said she lives with you," Naomi smiled as the canopy of the snow cruiser opened.

"She lives here, I maintain the place," Weis said as he exited the vehicle. "It's been a mutual understanding since I got here."

"He's my butler," Chioni playfully said making Naomi laughed. Weis only groaned as unhooked the sled from the cruiser.

"I'm going to install the parts in Naomi's Gun Sniper," he sighed. "Try not to get into trouble."

"How can she get into trouble in the middle of this snow covered mountain?" Naomi asked.

"I was talking about you," Weis smiled and left.

"He irks me," Naomi smirked as she faced the girl. "Listen, Chioni. I need to get in touch with my friends. They're probably worried sick about me."

"Sure," she smiled. "I'll set up the Com Booster. The sky's clear so there would be no problem."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Naomi smiled as she followed the girl inside the cabin.

***

Brad Hunter was worried. Hell, worried was an understatement.

Ever since he had heard of Naomi's disappearance he'd be trying to find her using every resource he had. He stayed up late at night just to check if there was any word of her.

Unfortunately, there wasn't any word.

His nerves were shot. He was feeling guilty.

One and a half weeks ago they had a terrible argument. They had been steady for a year now and Naomi wanted their relationship to go to the next level.

Brad didn't.

Now, he feels like he couldn't live without her. Worse, he KNOWS that he needed her bad.

Never has a time that Brad the Mercenary came to care for someone. That is until he met Naomi Fluegel.

There was something about her that he couldn't understand. Something that made him wanted to be with her forever.

But he blew it when he said that they needed more time. When given the chance, he's say yes.

Actually, he was quite nervous when they had that talk about commitment. Nervous, because he didn't know how to ask her.

Things don't usually go like you plan. He wanted more time to prepare himself in asking her to be his wife.

Now that chance would never come again.

"Brad?" Leena came in the living room as Brad lay on the couch.

"What is it?" he asked gruffly. Lately, he hadn't been himself. He felt like dying.

"Hey Buddy!" Bit's over joyous voice called. Brad then stirred. Something was up and when he found Jaime, Doc and Leon, he knew something was up.

"Check this out," Jaime said as he turned on the vid screen. When Bard faced it, his eyes widened as the sight of Naomi filled the viewer.

"Naomi?" he said gruffly.

"Hey Brad," she smiled when she saw him. "You look like hell."

"I felt like I ran through it," he said. "Where are you?"

"Best I can tell is in the middle of nowhere," she joked.

"I got her signal," Jaime said and looked confused. "How did you end up way over there?"

"Long story," Naomi sighed. "I just wanted you to know that I'm okay."

"We've been worried," Leon said but he was smiling at Brad. Brad however, was transfixed at Naomi to notice.

"I can tell," her voice was soft and regretful. "Listen, I'll be stuck here until my Gun Sniper gets fixed."

"Naomi, it would take you weeks just to get here," Doc said but already was hatching a plan. "Stay put and we'll get you."

"The hover cargo's slow, dad. How are we going to get her?" Leena asked.

"Simple, we need to ask a favor," Doc smiled mischievously.

"I'm afraid to ask what your plan is," Leena sighed.

"Brad?" Naomi looked at him with sad eyes. Not being able to hold it back, he broke down

"I'm sorry," Brad said as he slumped to the ground unconscious.

"What happened?" Naomi asked worriedly.

"Nothing, really," Leon assured her. "It's just that sleep had finally caught up with him." Naomi visibly sighed in relief. Then she remembered something.

"Hey Doc, do you know any wolf type zoids that's almost as big as a liger?" she asked.

"I don't think so," Doc Toros frowned in thought. "I'll check it out."

"Thanks," Naomi smiled and turned off the com unit.

***

Amidst the snow there was a lone fox that heard every word of the conversation. Silently, the fox crept away to report.

Report that he had found their prey.

***

Weis had just finished the repairs on the Gun Sniper. He actually got it finished. When he found the zoid it looked like it had been trampled on by a herd of Dibisons. Alright, maybe stomped once by a Gojulas but the effect was the same.

And now he had to repair his own.

Looking at the part he got from Rick, he formulated a plan.

***

Naomi smiled as she turned of the com unit. Seeing Brad worried was heart lifter for her. It meant that he cared for her.

That was enough for her to forgive him. Truthfully, all the time she had in that brig got her thinking. She didn't want to die alone. She wanted to be with him.

And judging by his looks, he felt the same thing.

"Handsome guy," Chioni suddenly said making Naomi jump.

"Who?" Naomi asked as she tried to calm herself.

"Brad Hunter," Chioni smiled. "Boyfriend?" Naomi felt herself blush.

"Sort of," she said.

"Fight?" Chioni asked. Naomi just smirked as her response.

"You, young lady, are a gossip."

"Can't blame a girl that lives in the middle of nowhere," she smiled. "It's nice having a female companion for a change."

"You don't talk with Weis?" Naomi asked.

"There are some things a woman does not talk about with a man," Chioni said proudly. Naomi laughed at the girl's attitude.

"So?," she smiled. "What do you want to talk about?"

Chioni smiled widely.

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End of 6

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A/n: Intrigue is the fuel for a mystery. Now saying that, the mystery will deepen. (I hope)