Rebel Love
Chapter 20-Reunited Hearts I
By Kitten Starr
Leena hooted with laughter as she used Strike Laser Claw Extreme on her final opponent, which would get her to the last step of the Royal Cup. Her eyes were gleaming with prestige as she jumped from her Zoid and onto the ground where a jubilant Vega was waiting. She ran over to him and threw her already outstretched arms around him.
"We did it, Veg! We've one more battle to fight and the Royal Cup is ours!" she exclaimed in ecstasy.
Vega embraced her and shared in her delight. He didn't want this moment to end, but then again, he had finally begun to see Leena in a different light. Maybe it was because he was no longer that fifteen-year-old boy who had a menial crush on her. He had grown into a fine young man and had several girls after him, especially Dr. Izumo's daughter, Seijitsu. "So we have, Leena! So we have."
Leena looked up at him. "What did you just call me?"
Vega looked at her with a quizzical look taunting his handsomely features. "I called you Leena."
Leena tore away from his grasp and began walking off. Why did that name sound so familiar to her? She walked back to her Saix and got in. She headed back to base where she could think and clear her mind since many thoughts were beginning to cloud her mind. It had been months since these thoughts had tormented her. She thought they had finally begun to pass. Now they were flooding back after she had tried so desperately to push them away. When she was thinking about those thoughts, she would become very moody and distant. She would go through withdrawal symptoms just as if she had been drunk with them. She didn't like feeling that way and it bugged her because she had fought so hard to try to remember something of her past.
Leena pulled into the hangar and leaped from her Saix. Just as she hit the floor, Vega came in with his Zoid. She turned away from him so that he couldn't see her face. She didn't want him to see the torment that he had caused from just that one name he had spoke of. It wasn't his fault. No, maybe it was. Maybe he knew something that she didn't. Perhaps he did know something of her past and he just wasn't revealing it.
Vega exited his Zoid and ran to Leena. He stopped just as she whipped around with the most angered face he had ever seen from her. His eyes grew wide and then narrowed as she pushed her index finger into his chest.
"You've known all this time haven't you?" Her words were icy as she spat them out. Her eyes were fire-ridden as she pushed him back.
He put his hands up in self-defense. "Known what, Aleena?"
"You know something about my past and you won't tell me what. You've been hiding it! I know you have. I can read it all over your face," she accused.
Vega narrowed his eyes once again and shook his head. "How dare you. I've been your friend. I'm the one who saved you. You would have died without my assistance."
She spoke vehemently, "You had no right keeping it from me. These past two years I've lain awake at night because I couldn't sleep. That one dream has plagued me to the point of the very whims of my sanity. It's not right, Vega. If you know something, tell me now." Her eyes softened and then saddened. "Please, I beg of you. I need to know."
Vega looked at her and then lowered his head. "You're right, Alena. I do know something. I just-I just couldn't tell you until the time was right."
"But why? You were supposed to be my friend. Friends do not keep secrets like that from each other." Leena's body shook as she spoke. Tears glistened as they streamed down her face.
Vega stared at her and frowned. "I didn't tell you because you were the only friend I've ever had. I didn't want to lose you after I had just found you. Don't you see? I didn't tell you because I feared you'd return to where you came from. I couldn't let that happen. I'd be lonely again."
It was his turn to cry. Leena felt guilty just as he did. She once again embraced him as they both began to dry their tears. Their friendship would be forever lasting and this proved it.
"I'm so sorry, Alena. I should have told you."
Leena pulled away and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have said those things. Oh, Veg, I could never live with myself if we weren't friends. Please forgive me."
Vega smiled at her. "Only if you forgive me in return."
Leena grinned, "Forgiven."
Vega's smiled widened. "You're forgiven too."
He took her hand and began leading her to their favorite place beside the pool. He had gained enough courage to finally tell her all he knew and all she needed to know.
"Where are we going?"
"Someplace where we can talk."
-~*~-
Bit rubbed his eyes lazily as he woke up. The late morning sun was beaming through the small window that accompanied his room. He sat up and stretched as he yawned loudly and groggily.
He dressed in his usual attire and left his room for a late breakfast. He didn't realize that he had slept late due to their last Royal opponent. It had really taken all his energy to defeat those vermin. There was no telling whom they would encounter next.
Bit found a bowl and spoon on the table. No doubt, Jamie had set it there thinking he would've been up earlier. Bit rummaged through the cabinets and found a box of cereal to his liking. He retrieved the carton of milk from the refrigerator and sat down at the table. He poured the cereal and the milk and began eating.
Jamie entered the kitchen just as Bit was finishing up his meal. "Good morning, Bit. I'm glad to see you're finally up. Have a nice sleep?"
Bit grinned and shook his head acknowledging that as an affirmative. He swallowed his last bite and picked up his bowl ready to slurp down the cereal sweetened milk. "So, who are we up against next, Jamie?"
Jamie looked at Bit and his features hardened. "A team from the Backdraft Group."
Bit spewed milk everywhere as Jamie mentioned the Backdraft Group. "How in the world did they manage to get into the Royal Cup?"
Jamie shook his head. "I don't know, but so far they've been fighting by the rules. We'll be up against Sarah's team. There are only two of them, Vega and Alena."
Bit wiped the milk from his lips and chin and stared at Jamie. "Who's this Aleena you speak of? I thought Vega was a loner in battles."
Jamie blinked at the question. "I read an article about her several months ago. She's very willed in battle and hasn't lost a battle since she was drafted by the Group."
Bit's jaw dropped. "Not one? How long has she been with the Backdraft Group?" Jamie smiled in amusement at Bit's reaction. "She's been with them for a little over two years, and no, she hasn't lost one. Not one I tell you."
Bit sunk into his chair. "Then her skills must be exceptional. I can't wait to see her tactics on the battlefield. By the way, when is our next battle?"
Jamie shrugged. "I think it will be this afternoon as far as I'm concerned."
Bit grimaced. "Thanks, Jamie."
Jamie left the kitchen and waved over his shoulder. "No problem, Bit."
-~*~-
Sarah watched Leena and Vega through the window of her office. She was happy that they had gotten over whatever little truism that had them down each other's throats. She didn't like seeing them fight. Watching them laughing and cutting up now was music to her heart. She was surprised they had worked so well together these past days when they were battling. She was afraid they might not concentrate like they should and it would cost them the chance at the Royal Cup.
Sarah had also noticed that Vega was growing into a manly state and smiled at the thought of it. She also had figured out that Vega no longer held the crush he had had so long for Alena. She was glad he had finally managed to escape from that stage in his teens. She liked them just being friends. Their relationship was better that way. Stronger even.
She liked the fact that Alena had grown stronger in her battling and in her confidence since she had first arrived with them over two years ago. Alena had grown into a fine young woman and Sarah had told her that several times. Alena wasn't your average run of the mill Jane that most thought her as. Alena was tough at heart and didn't take anything off anybody. It was amazing the way Vega and Alena become one on the battlefield. They were the two dearest people she held to her heart and she wouldn't let anything happen to either one of them. She'd die for them if it meant saving them.
-~*~-
Leena sat in her deck chair waiting for Vega to return with their drinks. She had a feeling he was about to tell her something important. She was glad and wouldn't have it any other way. Her mind was racing with all sorts of scenarios she would encounter after their last battle, which was scheduled later this afternoon. This would be the determining factor that would finally rest her torment that she'd endured for so many months.
She sat up in her chair as Vega was making his way back. He set the smoothies on the table and sat down. He slid the cherry banana smoothie towards Leena while he sucked on his strawberry mango. The tartness of the strawberry mingled with the sweetness of the mango as he swallowed it. The drink was refreshing.
Leena quietly sipped on hers as she waited almost impatiently for Vega to explain himself. Her ears perked as he cleared his throat and set his drink down. She noticed how uncomfortable he looked and the slight twitch that kept daunting his lips. She could tell he was nervous because he wouldn't be still. She had him read like a book.
Vega looked up at her and she nodded her head in a sign of anticipation. "Alena, the only thing that I do know is that your real name is Leena Toros. You are the daughter of Doctor Toros and were once a member of the Blitz Team."
Leena set her glass down. "Once?"
Vega nodded curtly. "I read your file. It said you had dismissed yourself due to personal reasons. I tried getting more information on you, but I failed."
Leena sighed and then smiled. "Anything else?"
Vega shook his head. "Sorry, that's the only thing I know. The only other thing I know of is the names of your ex-team members."
Leena fumbled with her straw. "What are they?"
Jamie rested his hands on the table. "Bit Cloud, Brad Hunter, and Jamie Hemeros. At least I think so."
Leena responded, "Hmm."
Vega spoke up once more, "Another thing if I remember correctly is the name of your brother. Lee. No, that isn't it. Lenny. That's not it either."
"Leon," Leena spoke the name as if she were dreaming.
"Yeah, that's it. Wait a minute. How did you know?" gasped Vega.
"Huh? I don't know. Maybe I'm beginning to remember things," Leena explained.
"Maybe."
Both finished their smoothies as they reminisced on the last year. They were reacquainting themselves with one another in a sense. Leena was happy that she finally knew who she was at least, but something was still nagging her. Why would she dismiss herself from her team? Didn't she like it there? Did something happen to push herself away? What happened that made her run like she did? She would have asked Vega, but she very much doubted that he'd know anything about it. After all, just as he had said, he had only rescued her. He didn't know much about her past. Just her name and the names of a few possible friends.
Chapter 20-Reunited Hearts I
By Kitten Starr
Leena hooted with laughter as she used Strike Laser Claw Extreme on her final opponent, which would get her to the last step of the Royal Cup. Her eyes were gleaming with prestige as she jumped from her Zoid and onto the ground where a jubilant Vega was waiting. She ran over to him and threw her already outstretched arms around him.
"We did it, Veg! We've one more battle to fight and the Royal Cup is ours!" she exclaimed in ecstasy.
Vega embraced her and shared in her delight. He didn't want this moment to end, but then again, he had finally begun to see Leena in a different light. Maybe it was because he was no longer that fifteen-year-old boy who had a menial crush on her. He had grown into a fine young man and had several girls after him, especially Dr. Izumo's daughter, Seijitsu. "So we have, Leena! So we have."
Leena looked up at him. "What did you just call me?"
Vega looked at her with a quizzical look taunting his handsomely features. "I called you Leena."
Leena tore away from his grasp and began walking off. Why did that name sound so familiar to her? She walked back to her Saix and got in. She headed back to base where she could think and clear her mind since many thoughts were beginning to cloud her mind. It had been months since these thoughts had tormented her. She thought they had finally begun to pass. Now they were flooding back after she had tried so desperately to push them away. When she was thinking about those thoughts, she would become very moody and distant. She would go through withdrawal symptoms just as if she had been drunk with them. She didn't like feeling that way and it bugged her because she had fought so hard to try to remember something of her past.
Leena pulled into the hangar and leaped from her Saix. Just as she hit the floor, Vega came in with his Zoid. She turned away from him so that he couldn't see her face. She didn't want him to see the torment that he had caused from just that one name he had spoke of. It wasn't his fault. No, maybe it was. Maybe he knew something that she didn't. Perhaps he did know something of her past and he just wasn't revealing it.
Vega exited his Zoid and ran to Leena. He stopped just as she whipped around with the most angered face he had ever seen from her. His eyes grew wide and then narrowed as she pushed her index finger into his chest.
"You've known all this time haven't you?" Her words were icy as she spat them out. Her eyes were fire-ridden as she pushed him back.
He put his hands up in self-defense. "Known what, Aleena?"
"You know something about my past and you won't tell me what. You've been hiding it! I know you have. I can read it all over your face," she accused.
Vega narrowed his eyes once again and shook his head. "How dare you. I've been your friend. I'm the one who saved you. You would have died without my assistance."
She spoke vehemently, "You had no right keeping it from me. These past two years I've lain awake at night because I couldn't sleep. That one dream has plagued me to the point of the very whims of my sanity. It's not right, Vega. If you know something, tell me now." Her eyes softened and then saddened. "Please, I beg of you. I need to know."
Vega looked at her and then lowered his head. "You're right, Alena. I do know something. I just-I just couldn't tell you until the time was right."
"But why? You were supposed to be my friend. Friends do not keep secrets like that from each other." Leena's body shook as she spoke. Tears glistened as they streamed down her face.
Vega stared at her and frowned. "I didn't tell you because you were the only friend I've ever had. I didn't want to lose you after I had just found you. Don't you see? I didn't tell you because I feared you'd return to where you came from. I couldn't let that happen. I'd be lonely again."
It was his turn to cry. Leena felt guilty just as he did. She once again embraced him as they both began to dry their tears. Their friendship would be forever lasting and this proved it.
"I'm so sorry, Alena. I should have told you."
Leena pulled away and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have said those things. Oh, Veg, I could never live with myself if we weren't friends. Please forgive me."
Vega smiled at her. "Only if you forgive me in return."
Leena grinned, "Forgiven."
Vega's smiled widened. "You're forgiven too."
He took her hand and began leading her to their favorite place beside the pool. He had gained enough courage to finally tell her all he knew and all she needed to know.
"Where are we going?"
"Someplace where we can talk."
-~*~-
Bit rubbed his eyes lazily as he woke up. The late morning sun was beaming through the small window that accompanied his room. He sat up and stretched as he yawned loudly and groggily.
He dressed in his usual attire and left his room for a late breakfast. He didn't realize that he had slept late due to their last Royal opponent. It had really taken all his energy to defeat those vermin. There was no telling whom they would encounter next.
Bit found a bowl and spoon on the table. No doubt, Jamie had set it there thinking he would've been up earlier. Bit rummaged through the cabinets and found a box of cereal to his liking. He retrieved the carton of milk from the refrigerator and sat down at the table. He poured the cereal and the milk and began eating.
Jamie entered the kitchen just as Bit was finishing up his meal. "Good morning, Bit. I'm glad to see you're finally up. Have a nice sleep?"
Bit grinned and shook his head acknowledging that as an affirmative. He swallowed his last bite and picked up his bowl ready to slurp down the cereal sweetened milk. "So, who are we up against next, Jamie?"
Jamie looked at Bit and his features hardened. "A team from the Backdraft Group."
Bit spewed milk everywhere as Jamie mentioned the Backdraft Group. "How in the world did they manage to get into the Royal Cup?"
Jamie shook his head. "I don't know, but so far they've been fighting by the rules. We'll be up against Sarah's team. There are only two of them, Vega and Alena."
Bit wiped the milk from his lips and chin and stared at Jamie. "Who's this Aleena you speak of? I thought Vega was a loner in battles."
Jamie blinked at the question. "I read an article about her several months ago. She's very willed in battle and hasn't lost a battle since she was drafted by the Group."
Bit's jaw dropped. "Not one? How long has she been with the Backdraft Group?" Jamie smiled in amusement at Bit's reaction. "She's been with them for a little over two years, and no, she hasn't lost one. Not one I tell you."
Bit sunk into his chair. "Then her skills must be exceptional. I can't wait to see her tactics on the battlefield. By the way, when is our next battle?"
Jamie shrugged. "I think it will be this afternoon as far as I'm concerned."
Bit grimaced. "Thanks, Jamie."
Jamie left the kitchen and waved over his shoulder. "No problem, Bit."
-~*~-
Sarah watched Leena and Vega through the window of her office. She was happy that they had gotten over whatever little truism that had them down each other's throats. She didn't like seeing them fight. Watching them laughing and cutting up now was music to her heart. She was surprised they had worked so well together these past days when they were battling. She was afraid they might not concentrate like they should and it would cost them the chance at the Royal Cup.
Sarah had also noticed that Vega was growing into a manly state and smiled at the thought of it. She also had figured out that Vega no longer held the crush he had had so long for Alena. She was glad he had finally managed to escape from that stage in his teens. She liked them just being friends. Their relationship was better that way. Stronger even.
She liked the fact that Alena had grown stronger in her battling and in her confidence since she had first arrived with them over two years ago. Alena had grown into a fine young woman and Sarah had told her that several times. Alena wasn't your average run of the mill Jane that most thought her as. Alena was tough at heart and didn't take anything off anybody. It was amazing the way Vega and Alena become one on the battlefield. They were the two dearest people she held to her heart and she wouldn't let anything happen to either one of them. She'd die for them if it meant saving them.
-~*~-
Leena sat in her deck chair waiting for Vega to return with their drinks. She had a feeling he was about to tell her something important. She was glad and wouldn't have it any other way. Her mind was racing with all sorts of scenarios she would encounter after their last battle, which was scheduled later this afternoon. This would be the determining factor that would finally rest her torment that she'd endured for so many months.
She sat up in her chair as Vega was making his way back. He set the smoothies on the table and sat down. He slid the cherry banana smoothie towards Leena while he sucked on his strawberry mango. The tartness of the strawberry mingled with the sweetness of the mango as he swallowed it. The drink was refreshing.
Leena quietly sipped on hers as she waited almost impatiently for Vega to explain himself. Her ears perked as he cleared his throat and set his drink down. She noticed how uncomfortable he looked and the slight twitch that kept daunting his lips. She could tell he was nervous because he wouldn't be still. She had him read like a book.
Vega looked up at her and she nodded her head in a sign of anticipation. "Alena, the only thing that I do know is that your real name is Leena Toros. You are the daughter of Doctor Toros and were once a member of the Blitz Team."
Leena set her glass down. "Once?"
Vega nodded curtly. "I read your file. It said you had dismissed yourself due to personal reasons. I tried getting more information on you, but I failed."
Leena sighed and then smiled. "Anything else?"
Vega shook his head. "Sorry, that's the only thing I know. The only other thing I know of is the names of your ex-team members."
Leena fumbled with her straw. "What are they?"
Jamie rested his hands on the table. "Bit Cloud, Brad Hunter, and Jamie Hemeros. At least I think so."
Leena responded, "Hmm."
Vega spoke up once more, "Another thing if I remember correctly is the name of your brother. Lee. No, that isn't it. Lenny. That's not it either."
"Leon," Leena spoke the name as if she were dreaming.
"Yeah, that's it. Wait a minute. How did you know?" gasped Vega.
"Huh? I don't know. Maybe I'm beginning to remember things," Leena explained.
"Maybe."
Both finished their smoothies as they reminisced on the last year. They were reacquainting themselves with one another in a sense. Leena was happy that she finally knew who she was at least, but something was still nagging her. Why would she dismiss herself from her team? Didn't she like it there? Did something happen to push herself away? What happened that made her run like she did? She would have asked Vega, but she very much doubted that he'd know anything about it. After all, just as he had said, he had only rescued her. He didn't know much about her past. Just her name and the names of a few possible friends.