Zoids: A New Beginning

Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own zoids etc, etc.

"Ahh!" came a cry from Sebastian as his Iron Kong went down. Brad's Shadowfox bounded away, searching for another target. A little farther over, Benjamin's Iron Kong was almost completely blown to pieces by Leena's Gunsniper.

"Buster Slash!" cried Bit as the Shnider's laser blades carved up Harry's Iron Kong like a side of beef. The buzzer sounded and the judge handed the battle to the Blitz Team.

"You should wait until you can make it into Class S yourselves before you think to challenge us," said Brad.

"Face it, the day you guys make it into Class S will be a sad day indeed," said Leena.

"And now for that prize money," said Bit.

"Ohhh, just you wait Leena, I'll prove myself to be worthy of your love. Just you wait," groaned Harry.

"Yeah, whatever," said Leena as she idly filed one of her fingernails.

On another battlefield, an even tougher team than the Champ Team was in equally desperate straits. Unlike the Champ Team, this team was a Class S team, and so was their opponent.

Known as the Seeker Team, they specialized in fighting in broken terrain. The Team's roster included a Konig Wolf, a Saber Tiger, a Dibison, and a Gunsniper. Their strategy had served them well. At this point however, they had never lost so quickly and decisively. Their Konig Wolf had just gone out to scout the area when their opponent struck. The Konig Wolf, then separated from its teammates, was taken down so fast that the pilot never saw the zoid that hit him.

With their recon zoid out of commission, the rest of the team had no way to locate their opponent. The team leader had finally settled on sending out the Gunsniper to reconnoiter the area. No sooner had they settled on the decision, then their opponent was among them like a fox among day-old chickens. A single slash from a powerful claw weapon put the Gunsniper out of commission, followed by a second slash that took two legs off the Dibison. Finally, a third slash disabled the Saber Tiger. The battle was over before the Seeker Team had fired a single shot.

Even before the judge announced victory, the zoid darted away, its type and physical appearance a mystery. Nobody saw what the zoid looked like. On the edge of the battlefield, the zoid boarded an enormous transport vehicle. Once he arrived on the bridge of his greatshark, Derrik Fay smiled, "Our success is complete."

At the Toros Base, Brad reclined on a couch in the team lounge. Bit had fled the base moments earlier with Leena's Gunsniper in close pursuit. Bit had stolen Leena's cookie or donut or something. It hardly mattered.

He sighed, half in self satisfaction at the easy living he and the rest of the team had secured from their victories in Class S, and half in annoyance at Bit and Leena for their childlike antics, and Dr. Toros whom they had cracked down on to keep him from spending their money on useless parts. It had been difficult. The first thing they did was relocate their entire savings account into another account and kept the entire set of access codes from the Doc. If he couldn't get at their money, he couldn't waste it.

Bit was in trouble. Leena's Gunsniper was managing to keep up with the Liger 0. "It was just a cookie," he mumbled, knowing that remark wouldn't work on Leena. He was about to reach over and activate the Liger 0's ion booster to gain some distance when a low vibration came from the ground and up the Liger's legs.

The Liger ground to a halt with the Gunsniper nearly slamming into its rear end. The shadow of an enormous, low-flying transport passed over them. The transport stopped, turned around and landed in front of Bit and Leena.

Bit's first thought was that the transport was an exceptionally large whale king, but a closer look proved him wrong. The transport was built more along the lines of a shark than a whale. He found himself starring at the array of weapons that the thing had, especially the very large ones. Leena also starred, her cookie forgotten for the moment.

The transport's mouth opened (it is based on a shark after all, so the forward most hatch is a mouth) and a single man stepped down the ramp. Bit recognized it as none other than Derrik Fay. He opened the Liger's cockpit and jumped to the ground. "Hi Derrik, what do you want?" he inquired.

"I figured you would be taking the Liger 0 out for a…" he hesitated, looking at Leena's Gunsniper, "Run." His smile was amused. "I have come to challenge the Blitz Team to a battle."

"Why?" asked Leena, coming up behind Bit.

"I believe that you will offer the challenge I need for my purposes," said Derrik. "Whether you win or loose, I will help with the repairs for your zoids, and should you win, the prize money is five times the Class S standard."

"Wow," said Leena appreciatively, "You're that eager to battle us."

"Yep, so do you accept?"

"You can count on it," answered Bit.

"Thank you," said Derrik, "I will certainly look forward to this battle."

"What!?" exclaimed Jamie, "Doesn't anyone around here take into consideration the rest of the team? You can't just go accepting any battle that comes your way!"

"Take it easy Jamie," said Brad, "Just think of that prize money."

"If you recall, we lost the last time we fought Derrik," replied Jamie.

"We'll just have to win this time," said Bit, "What's the problem Jamie, I don't see why your so anxious if we loose."

"Well, one thing that has me anxious is that Derrik has changed his zoid," said Jamie.

"So, just pull up the specifications for his new zoid," said Brad.

"I can't, he didn't want the specifications released to the public."

"What?" exclaimed Leena, "I thought that all data with regards to a team's zoids had to be made public."

"That's the thing about Class S. Class S members can request for the Zoid Battle Commision to keep the data from being made public." Jamie paused, then continued, "The only information about this zoid I have is its name," he hesitated, "The Raptorus."

The battle was scheduled for two days later, so the Blitz Team took their zoids into town for a final checkup to make sure they were in top shape for the battle. While Bit wandered around the recreation area, waiting for the checkup to be done, he spotted a very familiar face.

"Hey!" he yelled seeing someone he recognized, "Vega!"

The person he was shouting at, a boy of fourteen turned and saw him. A smile sprang to his face. "Bit!" he shouted back. He came up to Bit and shook his hand, laughing.

"I haven't seen you in a while Vega, whatcha been doing?" asked Bit.

Vega's smile became a frown, "I haven't been able to do anything. Since Sarah and I left the Backdraft Group, we didn't have the money to repair my zoid. We can't even pay the registration fees for the Zoid Battle Commission."

Bit felt slightly guilty. Vega Obscura had been a prominent member of the Backdraft Group. Known far and wide as the King of Unsanctioned Battles, Vega was fairly famous. For a boy his age, he proved to be a master at zoid combat, with an uncanny ability to predict his opponent's next move. He was later introduced to the Berserk Fury, the only other Ultimate X in existence at the time. Behind the controls of the Berserk Fury, Vega was more than strong, he was unstoppable. He brought the Fury to the Royal Cup. In a final showdown with the Liger 0, the Berserk Fury had been totaled. Bit didn't realize how much trouble he had caused Vega.

Seemingly reading his mind, Vega said, "It's not your fault. After all, the purpose of a zoid battle is to take out your opponent. We'll find a way to pay for the Fury and the registration." He smiled again, "It's good to see you. You have to tell me all about what it's like in Class S.

Bit was more than happy to get the subject of Vega's financial problems off his mind. He explained in detail the battles they had fought in Class S. Vega listened eagerly. Vega secretly wished that he could be in Class S too, with other warriors who could challenge him.

Neither of them knew they were watched by a set of friendly, sympathetic eyes. Derrik Fay watched Vega closely. The boy showed incredible potential as a zoid pilot. Always the careful observer, he had been only too happy to watch Vega in battle. In fact, Vega reminded Derrik of himself when he was just starting out as a zoid pilot.

"Bit," called Leena, "It's time to go."

"See ya Vega," said Bit, "Good luck repairing the Fury. You know, you can always ask us for help."

"I'd like to do this for myself," said Vega, "But thanks anyway."

Bit was about to try to offer help again when Leena called his name again. He sighed and said goodbye to Vega before going off to find the others.

The next day, the Blitz Team arrived on the battlefield. While the hover cargo was en route, Jamie went over the information he had on the Raptorus, gleaned from previous battles.

"Apparently, the Raptorus strikes fast and hits hard," said Jamie, "According to what I've heard, no one has ever managed to get a good look at the zoid because it moves so fast."

"Then' I'll just use Jager's speed to catch it," said Bit.

"Don't get too cocky Bit," warned Brad, "We have no idea what this zoid can do so stay on your toes."

At the battlefield, the Gunsniper and Shadowfox were mobilized. Bit switched to the Jager armor and mobilized as well. The judge dropped in and began the battle. "The area within a thirty mile radius is a designated zoid battlefield, only competitors and personnel have authorization. Danger! All others must leave at once. Area scanned. Battlefield setup. The Blitz Team versus the Raptorus Team. Battle mode 0993. Ready…Fight!"

"Looks like the enemy is 30 miles away," said Jamie.

"Alright," said Bit, "You guys cover me and I'll go in."

"Roger that," said Brad.

"Gotcha," said Leena.

The Liger 0 surged into motion. The Jager bounded across the battlefield. The Shadowfox and Gunsniper also broke into a run but the Jager quickly outdistanced them. After about a minute of running, Bit spotted his opponent. It was alone and waiting for him.

Bit's eyes widened. The Raptorus was unlike any zoid he had ever seen. It was indeed built in the same configuration as a Rev Raptor, but it was also very different. It had the same raptor shape. It stood on two legs, each with three toes and an extra large claw on the inside toe which was raised away from the ground. The zoid's arms were long and slender, with three long and dexterous fingers, each tipped with a fair sized claw of its own. The zoid's configuration was horizontal, the Raptorus's head mounted on a neck bent to form an S-curve. The body was counterbalanced by a long but stiff tail.

The Raptorus looked less like a zoid and more like a living creature. There were no angles, or straight lines on its body. Instead of typical zoid joints, the Raptorus's joints were almost invisible except where limbs bent such as at the knee, elbow, or wrist. The exterior covering looked even less like a zoid. Instead, it looked like somebody had taken a real velociraptor and stripped the skin off, revealing underlying layers of musculature. The Raptorus was as much a piece of art as it was a zoid.

"Alright Liger," said Bit, "Lets hit him hard."

The Liger roared into agreement and accelerated towards the Raptorus. The Raptorus continued to stay where it was. The Liger's claws began to glow. "Strike Laser Claw!" shouted Bit. The Jager jumped into the air to administer the slash.

The Liger 0's claws cleaved through thin air. The Raptorus had deftly sidestepped the Liger 0's attack. The Liger wheeled about to attack the Raptorus but the Raptorus was no longer there. On two legs it was sprinting in the direction of the others.

"You're not getting away that easily," said Bit. He fired the Jager's Ion Boosters and gave chase. The Liger quickly gained ground it had lost during the Raptorus's head start. It was almost right behind the Raptorus when the Raptorus also accelerated, matching the Jager's speed perfectly. Bit saw the Gunsniper and Shadowfox coming up.

Both Leena and Brad skidded to a halt while they tried to target the red and gray blur that was the Raptorus. The Raptorus darted between them so fast that neither of them had pulled the trigger yet. Bit followed the Raptorus.

The Liger began to slow down. Bit realized that the Ion Boosters had been overused. He shut them down and tried to keep up with the Raptorus. The Raptorus amazed Bit. Not only had it matched the Jager's speed without using any kind of jet booster, but because it didn't use a jet booster of some sort, it could run at that speed indefinitely. The Raptorus slowed down to a stop a mile away.

It turned around and faced Bit. Derrik's face came up on the communication's screen. "So, what do you think of my new zoid?" asked Derrik.

"Its incredible," replied Bit, "I've never seen anything like it."

"I'm glad you like it Bit," he said with a smile. "Now I'll finish you off with the Raptorus's most powerful attack."

The Raptorus's hind claws began to glow with laser energy. The Liger 0 roared. "You're right partner, lets get him!" said Bit.

The Liger charged forward, its own claws glowing with an energy attack. The Raptorus opened its mouth and a high-pitched roar escaped. The zoid charged towards the Liger 0. Both zoids leapt into the air. The Liger raised one claw to strike while the Raptorus reared back in midair to deliver a kick with the energy charged claws.

"Strike Laser Claw!" shouted Bit as the Liger's claws flashed towards the Raptorus.

"Stike Sickle Claw!" roared Derrik at the top of his lungs as the Raptorus suddenly cut loose with all four sets of claws.

Bit completely lost sight of the Raptorus as it became a whirling blur. At one point he thought he had hit something, but he wasn't sure. The two zoids landed facing away one another. The Liger 0 hit the ground extra hard, bounced, and landed on one side. The Raptorus landed on its feet, skidded forward a little ways, and stopped.

Both zoids turned to face one another. "What do you think partner, should we try to hit him again?" The Liger didn't respond. "Liger, are you okay?" Bit asked. The Liger shook its head. Suddenly, Bit saw a piece of the Jager armor fall away, then another, then another, until the entire Jager armor system had fallen off the Liger 0, leaving the stripped down and vulnerable zoid underneath intact.

On the hover cargo, Jamie and Dr. Toros stared in wide-eyed amazement at what they had just seen. "The Raptorus pealed the Jager like an orange!" exclaimed Jamie.

"Worse than loosing the Jager armor, the Liger is out there without weapons, Bit's helpless," said Dr. Toros sadly.

"Run Liger!" Bit yelled. The Liger 0 turned and headed for the hover cargo. To Bit's surprise the Raptorus did not give pursuit. Instead it turned to face the Shadowfox and Gunsniper as they charged in, weapons blazing.

The Liger entered the back of the hover cargo. "What armor should we try partner?" asked Bit. His answer came on the screen. "You want to use the Shnider armor? Okay, whatever you say Liger."

Outside, the Raptorus danced in circles around the Shadowfox and Gunsniper. "Man, I can't shoot him if he doesn't stay in one place," lamented Leena.

"Let's try something new Fox," said Brad. The Shadowfox bounded at the Raptorus, its claws glowing. "Strike Laser Claw!" shouted Brad. The Shadowfox slashed at the Raptorus but the zoid easily avoided the glowing claws. It turned and ran at Leena.

"Get away from me!" cried Leena, firing the Gunsniper's entire arsenal at once. The Raptorus leapt into the air and came down with its claws set to attack.

"Strike Sickle Claw!" cried Derrik. The Raptorus hit with one foot, then the other, and started dancing on the Gunsniper's back. The Gunsniper suffered enormous damage from the large claws, which ripped through the Gunsniper's light armor like tissue paper. When the Raptorus landed, the Gunsniper collapsed.

The Shadowfox opened up with its Vulcan laser gun again, but the Raptorus dodged to one side and slipped past the Shadowfox's defenses. It rushed by on one side, scraping its foreclaws (which also had laser generators) along the Shadowfox's side. The Shadowfox collapsed as well.

At that moment the Liger 0, with Shnider armor attached, launched from the hover cargo. Five blades extended around the Shnider's head as it charged the Raptorus.

"Buster Slash!" cried Bit as the Schnider bore down on the Raptorus. The Raptorus responded by jumping, straight up. The Liger charged by underneath. In one smooth movement, the Raptorus landed and wheeled around in pursuit of the Schnider. It caught up easily.

As the two zoids ran side by side, Bit extended the Schnider's side blades. The Schnider lunged left towards the Raptorus. The Raptorus leapt up and over to the Schnider's right, but Bit changed the direction of his lunge and Derrik found the Shnider's blade underneath him.

Always the clever one, Derrik charged the Raptorus's claws with energy to counter the energy of the Shnider's laser blades. The Raptorus bounced off the laser blade and back over to the Liger's right. Then Derrik accelerated, the Raptorus easily outdistancing the Shnider.

Something came up on the Liger's status screen. "Huh?" said Bit, "Seven Blades Attack?" He remembered the attack well, it had been powerful enough to take down Leon's Red Blade Liger. "Alright, lets do it."

The Schnider's side blades snapped into a forward configuration, along with the five blades of the Buster Slash. All seven began to glow. As the Schnider ran, it became enclosed by an envelope of energy created by the blades. The Schnider looked like a comet.

Up ahead, the Raptorus stopped and turned. "That looks like a powerful attack," commented Derrik, "Do you think we should test it partner?" The Raptorus signaled its agreement with an almost bird-like sound. It then ran towards the Schnider, its hind claws glowing.

"Seven Blades Attack!" cried Bit as the Schnider rushed onward towards its target.

"Strike Sickle Claw!" roared Derik as the Raptorus rushed to meet the challenge.

The two zoids crossed in midair and then landed facing away from one another. Bit almost thought he had won when he saw the top-right blade of the Shnider's head, accompanied by the Schnider's right-side blade, come whistling down, landing point first in the ground beside the Liger.

"Uh oh," said Bit. He turned the Liger 0 around to face the Raptorus's inevitable counterattack. To his surprise, the Raptorus was also just turning around. It faced him, then collapsed. Bit saw the glowing line of that his Seven Blades Attack had traced along the length of the Raptorus. "Whew, that was close Liger." The Liger 0 roared in agreement.

"The battle is over. The battle is over," announced the judge, "The winner is…the Blitz Team."

In the Shell Team Base, and bases belonging to other Class S teams, warriors stared in amazement. No one had ever bested Derrik Fay in combat. His new zoid had been sure to make victory over him impossible, and yet the Blitz Team, the newest Class S team, had beaten him.

Back at the Toros Base, the Blitz Team and Derrik were in the lounge, sharing dinner and conversation. The repair facilities on Derrik's greatshark transport rivaled those of the finest hired repair facilities on Planet Zi.

"Have you ever lost before?" asked Jamie, curious to know.

"Yes," replied Derrik, "I would not have gotten this far without losing."

"Now that we've won," said Bit, "I wonder what else is waiting for us beyond Class S."

"Don't get so eager to move up to Class T," said Derrik. "It will be a while yet. The next advancement tournament isn't scheduled until next year."

"Advancement tournament?" asked Brad, intrigued.

"The only way to move up to Class T or any higher class is to win that class's advancement tournament. The tournament is held annually. However, with the Royal Cup having just been held, all advancement tournaments don't occur until a year after the Royal Cup."

"How many classes are there beyond Class S?" asked Leena.

"Several, they go from Class S all the way to Class Z."

"Class Z?" asked Leena.

"The cream of the crop as far as zoid battling goes. Of course, there are so many classes between Class S and Class Z that a zoid pilot would grow old winning enough advancement tournaments trying to get there. So, once every ten years, they hold a special Supreme Tournament. The Tournament competitors face off in a giant battle royal. The last team with at least one zoid intact wins and automatically goes up to Class Z."

"How do we enter the tournament?" asked Bit.

"You've a couple years yet, but all teams Class S and above are eligible for the Supreme Tournament."

"Alright we'll be ready," said Bit.

Derrik stood up, "And now, it is time for me to take my leave. I have much to do and I need to get some sleep. Bit, Leena, Brad, Jamie, Dr. Toros, it has been a pleasure. Thank you for having me over for dinner."

"No problem," said Leena, "It's the least we can do to pay you back for repairing our zoids."

Derrik said thanks once again and left. Bit went to a window and watched the greatshark take off. "I wonder what he means by having much to do?"

Leena rested a hand on his shoulder, "We'll probably find out soon enough," she replied.

On the greatshark, Derrik reflected on what he was about to do. Throughout his entire zoid battle career, he had been a solo battler, and now he was about to assemble a team. No matter, it would be easy, he had his team picked out already.