~*~*~*~
"You rang?" Van said with a sneer.
Irvine smiled and silently thanked the gods or whoever responsible for this great act. His old buddy Van was back and in full force. The thing was, the bounty hunter bet that he had no idea exactly what was going on, just doing what came naturally.
"Hahaha very funny, Van, quite frankly I'm surprised you came. With your zoid piloting skills all whack and stuff," he smirked.
Van scowled and made a 'hmph' sound, a symbol of relief that the old Van was back. "Yeah yeah, so what's up? Zeke says that.." He scanned his surroundings and came across a big, red, zoid. "holy cow!! Raven! What are you doing here?!"
A sweat drop formed on the backs of both the Blade Liger and the Genobreaker's head.
"You know this guy?!?!" Jade screeched from inside the cockpit of the opposing red zoid.
She slammed her hands down on the control panel before anyone could stop her, resulting in the Genobreaker jerking and firing missiles in every direction. The Blade Liger dove on the ground and covered it's head with it's paws, while the Lightening Saix dodged them.
"Will you cut that out!"
Raven grabbed her by the scruff of the collar and pulled her up so they were eyelevel. Oddly enough, even with his meanest, most threatening, horrible glare the little brat still smiled at him. And for the first time in his life, Raven felt guilty for even considering harm on the child. What the hell was the matter with him? He dropped the little 'bundle of joy' onto Reese's lap, knowing all too well the wrench was laughing her heart out at him.
Reese gently ran her hand through Jade's hair and whispered softly, "There there, little one, it seems big bad Raven has a soft spot for you."
Jade blinked and shot her a questioning look. "Whatdaya mean by that?"
Reese just giggled in reply.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"So how are you feeling about tonight's show? I hear everyone who's anyone is going to be there, including the Emperor himself. Must be exciting," questioned blonde reporter, Denise Rogers of ZET. Zoidian Entertainment Tonight.
The always-lovely Fiona smiled shyly. "I'm thrilled that many people take such an interest in my music. It's going to be so fun tonight; this is exactly what I live for. The months and weeks before the show are the hard, most stressful part, but when it's curtain time that's when the fun really begins."
This was just another routine interview for ZET, a show that covered all the latest news in the entertainment world ranging from television to movies and everything in between. The show Denise was talking about was Fiona's biggest concert yet, in Marvin Square Garden and it was the thing on everyone's mind. If you weren't there you weren't cool to put it simply. And who would have thought a year ago that anyone, like top actors such as Fiorilli DiCaprio or even the Emperor, would ever go to this girl with no written past's concert. Times change.
Besides Fiona was also the most controversial artist at the time with her supposed affair with the Emperor Rudolph.
"On a different note," Denise began with a smile that hid her true meaning. "what's all this I hear about you and the Emperor?"
Fiona burst out laughing much to everyone's confusion. "Me and his royal majesty?" she laughed some more. "You've got to be kidding me!"
Denise arched a blonde eyebrow. "That's what I hear nowadays. I'm assuming you guys aren't friends."
"Oh no no no, we are friends. It's a long story really, but I knew him before he became Emperor when Prozen's men were after him. My friends and I saved him and safely returned him to the throne," Fiona explained quickly. "But that's besides the point, Mary Ann is a sweet girl. I would never dream of doing anything that would wreck their marriage, even if it was prearranged."
"CUT!!" shouted the camera man, waving his hands in the air.
Fiona and Denise exchanged confused glances. What on Zi was that guy's problem?
"Yeah Fred, we were in the middle of an interview here and Fiona is a VERY busy woman," Denise barked.
"I know that, no offense but we've been put off. Breaking news took our time slot, it appears there's a fierce zoid battle with some wanted criminal and get this, a stolen zoid from the museum."
"I can't believe this!"
Fiona grabbed the handles of her chair so hard that her knuckles turned white and forced herself to stay calm. There was a one in ten possibility it could who she thought it was. One in ten! She had to know.
"Who is this wanted criminal? And the zoid what is it?" she asked, her questions like rapid fire.
Fred scratched his head and replied, "I dunno who the criminal is but the zoid is a blue..blue..Blade Liger I believe."
"Oh my god it can't be," Fiona rose from her seat and raced into the screening room where random personal where complaining about losing tonight's time slot.
On about three of the monitors there was the breaking news program; the two zoids were fighting viciously. There was no denying which two zoids those were. Why did she have such a bad feeling? Oh yeah, Van could die that's why. Something flickered on the corner of the screen..it was another zoid. The Lightening Saix. Irvine! He was there and he wasn't doing a thing. Fiona wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
There had to be something she could, some way she could assist them. And then she saw it, a microphone the same kind they had the bases when she was in the Guardian force. Her fingers ran across the smooth neck of it and quickly took it out of the socket.
Fiona gulped and on the numberpad typed some numbers.
"I wonder." the feel the keypad felt foreign and the allure of assisting from outside the battle field became overwhelming. This was becoming too much like old times, way too much. Her career came first and unfortunately, Van came last even though in her heart he always came first.
"Hey you can't do that!"
"Oh yeah?" Fiona snapped. "Then watch me!" ~*~*~*~*~*~
"We have him right where we want him, Shadow.."
The Genobreaker spread it's legs apart and opened it's mouth..a bright ball of light formed.. Jade sat in the back in total awe, she had no idea her uncle could pilot zoids that well. He was incredible, his skill simply breathtaking. It was like he was a whole other person.
"Raven, are you sure about this?" Reese called out. It was the first time she had spoke in what seemed like hours.
"Of course I'm sure! I have to get my revenge, no, I must get my revenge. It's pay back time."
Jade parted her lips in awe and popped her head over Raven's shoulder for a better look. Her uncle's Blade Liger was standing still right in front of them, why wasn't it doing anything she wondered. Both zoids had taken a heavy beating, the Genobreaker was missing one of it front paws that had been sliced off by the Blade Liger's blade. While the other zoid no longer had that just washed shine.
"Van! What you are just standing there for? He's getting ready for the charged particle beam, now's your chance to finish this," cried Irvine, his zoid paced back and forth.
Who was Van? Jade wondered, that guy and Raven kept referring to her uncle as this Van, was that his nickname? She had to know.
"Hey Anthony!"
The com link appeared. Van appeared to be deep in thought. He glanced up at the sound of his name, "Jade?"
"Why is every one calling you Van? Your Anthony aren't you?"
Everything came to a halt as Van's eye twitched. He didn't need this kind of pressure! Not only did he have to think of a way to beat Raven without hurting Jade, he now had to explain everything. He let out a small sigh.
"Honey, this isn't the time for that question. It's a really long story and uh, you don't have time," he replied quickly.
Raven smirked and folded his arms over his chest, the light in the zoid's mouth disappeared. "I have time. Yes Van, do tell."
The hero of Zi narrowed his eyes and shook his head at his nemesis, who knew how to put him in compromising positions. "Why I oughta.." He sighed again. "This really is a long story and I don't think this is the best place to tell it."
"Tell it or kiss the little girl goodbye," Raven produced an ivory knife and proudly showcased it with another smirk. "Your choice."
"This isn't fair, Raven!" he whined. "That's blackmail!!"
"Does it look like I care?"
Van hung his head and sighed once more. "No, it doesn't. You win. I still don't think this is the right time or place for this story but just put that thing away before you poke your eye out with it. Alright Jade..uh, I don't know how to begin.. So bear with me.
Okay, three years ago..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The wind howled and banged angry fists against the walls inside of the very exquisite, very luxurious hotel walls. Crystal vases filled with a colorful array of flowers, ranging from birds of paradise to roses and countless other flowers, stood elegantly in different corners of the red-carpeted room. While the hotel room was fit for a king, the woman inside was in a less than perfect mood. She had waited her whole life for a place like this where she'd finally be treated like the beautiful creature she really was. She was going to have to kill those responsible for ruining her perfect evening.starting with her fiancé.
Long brown regal fingers drummed against the mahogany desk. She checked her gold wristwatch, one that happened to have a five-finger discount attached may I add. Where the hell was that bum? He was supposed to be here two hours ago. How hard could it be for him to get Van and bring him here so he would be out of sight? Honestly, you can never let a man do anything unattended. It was times like these that the old saying came into play; if you want something done you gotta do it yourself or something like that.
She let out an exasperated sigh, "What's taking them so long?!"
There was a soft knock on the door. It was about time!
"Yes?" she tried to sound as rich as possible. Hey, she was allowed to pretend wasn't she? Shesh!
"Miss Moonbay, there's a phone call for you," said the floor butler, a man in his early 80's with thinning, snow white hair.
In his elderly hands, laid a silver tray with a little black cordless phone in the middle. Nodding her thanks, Moonbay picked up the phone. She put her hand over the receiver and said, "Thank you."
"Talk to me."
"Moonbay," It was Thomas. "Did you hear what happened?"
She arched an eyebrow. "I don't think so. I might have."
"About Van, that he has the Liger back and that he's fighting Raven and losing I might add."
"What! Van can't lose to Raven! You mean that pest still hasn't learned his lesson yet? Why can't he leave poor Van alone.." Her voice trailed off, she was already thinking of horrible ways to torture Van and Irvine.
Maybe she'd hang them by their toenails and have a bunch of snakes crawl all over them, because Van was deathly afraid of snakes. Then she'd grab a flamethrower and burn the Lightening Saix to the ground while Irvine watched in horror, helpless to stop the destruction. Just the thought of the looks on their faces brought a smirk to her lips. Hn, that would teach them to lie to her! Ha ha!
"Uh Moonbay? Can you hear me?"
"Of course I can hear you. I'm not deaf, mind you," Moonbay replied coldly.
Thomas sighed on the other line. "Ok whatever. We need to get Van out of there before he gets himself killed. I've tried talking him out of it but he refuses, his damn pride won't let him. And I've always tried talking some sense into that Irvine of yours and let me tell ya, I had about the same success one could have by talking to a stonewall. Which is none! Zepo, zero, cero, nada. And quite frankly, I'm sick and tried of being ignored!"
//Hn, it's no wonder everyone ignores you..//
"And let me guess, by 'we' you refer to me."
"Finally! Someone who actually listens to me!"
"I'll see what I can do." And with that she hung up and returned to phone to the tray, which the old man had been holding out patiently.
Once the old butler had left, Moonbay began pacing the floor in the hopes an idea would come forth and expose itself to her. And so far none had. Time was against her; every second that ticked by could be the last one she'd ever have to see Van again. She had raised that pest since he was like 13 or 14; she hadn't seen him for three years. He was like a little brother to her, one she couldn't afford to lose him again. Plus, she had to knock his lights out for leaving everyone.
"Come on..come on... there has to be something I've over looked. Something that could distract Raven long enough to get Van safely out of there."
The question was, what was that something? What could possible distract Raven from the getting the one thing he'd waited his whole life for, his revenge?
"What does Raven hate more than Van? Hmm that's a hard one. Hiltz! But dammit! The bastard is dead. well cancel that thought."
There had to be something she was missing. She made a quick turn and nearly tripped on the carpet. When suddenly it hit her; Reese was an Ancient Zoidian and so was Fiona. If she could get Fiona to fake a premonition stating that Hiltz was alive and said that Raven owed him money, then Raven would tear through the ground trying to find Hiltz. It wasn't perfect but it was a plan in the works. Now all she had to do was find Fiona.
Moonbay rushed through the door and down the hall into the elevator. Minutes later she was running through the front gates, debating how she was going to get across town the fastest. Her Gustav was out of the question. If she was going to use a zoid, it was going to have to be a fast one. She ran to the nearest phone booth and dialed 1-800-RENT-A-ZOID. Whose slogan was, if we don't get a zoid to you in less than five minutes of your order it was yours to keep.
Two seconds later, a Gustav pulled up with a big steel box in the cargo.
"Wow, that was fast," Moonbay observed as the driver of the Gustav walked over to her with an order form in hand.
"Are you uh," he looked down at the paper. "Moonbay? I got the zoid you ordered."
"Sure am, sonny, is it a Zaber like I ordered?"
The acne-ridden teen nodded and glanced back at the cargo. "Gotta sign here." He handed her a notepad and a pen.
Moonbay signed her name and practically threw the notepad back at him. "Excuse me, but I'm kind of in a hurry here."
"Okay." He held out a remote and then the sides of the steel box collapsed revealing a red Zaber-Fang in perfect condition.
It wasn't a Lightening Saix but it could get her where she wanted to go quickly. Moonbay jumped in the cockpit and then the zoid roared to life. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"...you mean to say that your actually the legendary hero of Zi?"
Van placed his hand at the back of his head and laughed nervously. He had always been embarrassed at being called that. He was rather modest. "Uh. yeah."
During the storytelling time, Jade had somehow found her way to Raven's lap and had made herself comfy there too. To everyone's surprise, including Raven's, Raven didn't do anything except try really hard not to move. Jade had her hands flat against the zoid controls, her hazel eyes wide. Needless to say the little girl was shocked beyond belief.
"You mean to say that you're the guy we watched that thing on A&E?" she asked excitedly.
On the other end of the com link, Van folded his arms and cocked his head in a thoughtful manner. A&E, when was the last time he watched A&E? oh yeah, he remembered now. A couple weeks ago and Jade had asked different questions about the zoids on the program.
"Now that I think of it, yeah. wow! I'm on A&E! Only rich and famous people are on A&E!! Isn't that cool, Zeke?" Van asked his organiod excitedly.
The Liger nodded and bounced up and down.
"That's so cool!" Jade chimed in as well. "My uncle's on A&E!"
They both started bouncing just like Zeke while everyone else sweat dropped.
"Yup, that's Van alright." Irvine muttered, shaking his head.
He suddenly remembered something that sent cold fear running through his veins.. He forgot to tell Moonbay about the sudden change in plans. Irvine gulped; she was going to kill him. Make him die a slow and painful death all the while laughing her head off. Uh oh that's not good.
The Lightening Saix screeched and pawed the ground anxiously, trying to make its discomfort noticed. When that didn't work, it raced to the Blade Liger's side.
"Van, look, in case you've forgotten you're supposed to be dead. Once the media finds out their going to have a field day. You have to lay low until we can come up with a plan. And let me tell you, having a zoid fight with Raven isn't going to help you be invisible," Irvine growled.
Van cringed when he knew Irvine was right. People were going to question his motives all these years once they found out, and he would have to work years to get his rep up again.
"Your right.." He muttered.
"Look up there."
Van did so and saw a team of Redlers hovering 500 ft above them. Each one of them had a different name on the side. Hot damn, the press was good.
"What are they..? Are they taping all of this?" Slowly but surely everything began to add up in his head, they must have heard everything. Oh god, and they were going to send it in for the ten o'clock news.
He pressed the button to launch some missiles but nothing happened. Van gulped and laughed nervously, his zoid turning to the other two.
"Uh guys? I forgot, I'm out of missiles. They must have took them out when the Liger was being shipped to the museum."
Raven growled and muttered something about being surrounded by idiots. The Genobreaker spread it's legs apart and opened it's mouth. A blinding light began to form inside.
"He's gonna fire the charged particle gun," Irvine said, maneuvering his zoid so it ran out of the way.
Van followed his friend's lead and he too, ran to safety. Which in his mind, was a couple feet away than where he was before.
"Raven, are you insane? You're going to completely annihilate this innocent people! You know I can't let you do that!" Van cried.
The Liger's twin golden blades sprung forth and ready for battle. It lowered it's head and growled menacingly.
"Look, both of our asses are out on the line. I, unlike, you happen to be a wanted criminal and that means people like your good ole' friend there want to get me for the money. So just shut up and thank me."
The Genobreaker lifted it's head slowly as the light in it's mouth grew bigger and bigger by the second. Soon it was the size of a basketball and still growing. It had been a long time since it last had done this, a very long time. And it needed more power.
"SHADOW!!"
Jade sat in awe and confusion, wondering what was going on. When suddenly the whole zoid felt like lightening had crashed into it. All the different cracks and lines in the cockpit began to glow with an eerie purple light. The zoid fired the beam of light and it seemed to absorb the Redlers in the sky, reducing them into nothing but little crisps. She gasped, not a thing was left of those five zoids.
She looked up at Raven, who was smirking, and just stared at him. "Uh.does anyone mind explaining what just happened here?"
Raven just smiled at her and ruffled her hair.
"Raven!" Van screeched. The Liger looked ready to kill, it's eyes glowered a bright red that mimicked the color of Van's face. "Was that necessary?! You killed them! There's not even a chunk left for their families to have for the funeral!!"
"Oh shut up already, Van. I did you a favor," Raven replied as if it was obvious.
"A favor?! I don't call KILLING innocent people a favor!! This isn't going to help me get my job in the Guardian Force back," he sighed. "Thomas isn't going to be happy when he finds out."
"Who cares?" Irvine growled. The Lightening Saix walked in small circles impatiently. "Van, you and I both know that Thomas overreacts to the smallest detail. So what's the big deal?"
In his cockpit, Van whimpered softly and poked his index fingers together. A habit he had learned from his seven year old niece. "I know but..I was kinda hoping he would put in a good word with the Madam President or even Rudolph. Cause I need a job.."
"Moonbay is going to kill both of us because we're already two hours late! The wedding is in less than two months and my fiancée is going to kill us, you do the math, Flyheight!" Irvine barked.
"Why is she going to kill me? I'm just an innocent bystander," came the meek reply.
//Hmm// thought Raven as he sat back and enjoyed the show. //Should I kill them now? Or let them go painfully and pitifully slow. Now that is the question.// A soft, silky smooth voice sounded close by his ear. Reese's breath was warm.
"I think you should let them be," she whispered seductively.
Raven felt hundreds of chills go up and down his spine. Just like they did every time Reese spoke that way, that seducing way that she somehow got him to do whatever she pleased in the bedroom. Must be strong, he reminded himself. He was going to get his revenge if it was the last thing he ever did, besides, he swore on that and knowing his luck the moment he got an conscious he would be struck dead by lightening. Not that that would be a bad thing.
"Well what do you know?" he replied, trying with all his might to ignore her silent invitation.
A loud gurgly sound met everyone's ears. To Raven's mild surprise, he glanced down and saw the sound came from the little runt on his lap. She grinned and laughed nervously.
"I guess it's lunch time," Jade said with a bright smile.
The maverick stared at the little girl in amazement, how could a creature so small stir up so many feelings in him? A man whom emotion ran scared of with it's tail in between it's legs. It was easy to see why Van was so attached to her.
It had been a couple days since he last ate, but nothing compared to what he had endured before. He'd live but wasn't sure or comfortable for that matter with the idea of letting the girl go hungry. She wouldn't go down quietly that's for sure.
"Let me guess, little one, your hungry."
Jade nodded cheerfully, her black locks bouncing. "I'm starved! I got so mad at my uncle this morning I didn't eat breakfast."
In the com link, Van flushed a deep red. Raven took notice of this and decided now was his chance.
"What did he do?"
Van nearly jumped out of his seat if it wasn't for the seatbelt. Oh no, he had told Raven a bunch of stuff already. His ego had suffered enough. The insanity had to stop.
"Now would ya look at the time? If we hurry now, we can still make to the Bakers Square for their special cheese sticks! And I know how much a certain little lady loves cheese sticks!" Van chirped franticly in an attempt to turn the conversation around.
Jade gasped. "Really? Ooh ohh! Let's go, Raven! PLEASE!!! Van's right, their cheese stick special is da bomb! Take it from me!"
She grabbed his hand and squeezed on it with all her might. Raven just arched an eyebrow at her attempts. Come to think of it, he never had cheese sticks before whatever those were. But if they got the kid all riled up, then why not?
Raven looked Van in the eye with Jade still pulling at his wrist. "Under two conditions."
"Alright what are they?"
"Your buying and the kid stays with me."
Both Irvine and Van gasped; was he serious? He wanted to keep Jade? There had to be a punchline somewhere.
"Your kidding," Reese said dully. "Raven, you can't even take care of yourself. How do you expect to take care of a kid?"
He scowled at her. "I can so take care of myself. Who took care of you when Hiltz left you in the desert to die? A little runt like this won't be any trouble."
"Oh no, trust me," said the black-haired youth. "Taking caring of Jade is a lot of work. And I won't let you take her, she's my niece. Can't we all be friends?"
"No," both Irvine and Raven shouted.
Van sighed. "Go figure." ~*~*~*~*~*~
"Let go of me! I mean it now let go of me!"
Fiona twisted wildly in an attempted to free herself from the vise like grip of some masked attacker. Tried as she might, she was no match for who ever this was. The masked figured pulled down the black scarf that was wrapped around the lower portion of her face, and roughly pulled Fiona closer.
"Shh, Fiona it's me."
A small gasp escaped the blonde's pale lips; her wrists were slowly lowered to her waist. Instead of fleeing for freedom, Fiona racked her memory. That voice sounded so familiar. Another thing; the voice did not belong to a man, it belonged to a woman instead.
Her attacker pulled off the black ski mask completely, revealing none other than Moonbay.
Fiona gasped. "Moonbay?"
Moonbay winked. "Hey, I have a plan. Listen up."
Fiona nodded as Moonbay whispered her plan into her: she wanted the ancient Zoidian to basically lie to Raven's face and tell him that Hiltz was still alive and believed that he owed him money. It wasn't much, but knowing Raven Fiona knew it would work.
"How do you purpose we get there?" she asked.
Moonbay winked and held up a peace sign. "I told you, I've got it all under control. Now all we need to do is get to the battlefield that is in the outskirts of town, in the desert right by the small village where Van was found."
"Roger."
*&*&*&*&*&*
"Gah! But Raven!" Van pleaded for what had to be the millionth time. "The capital's that way.."
They had been making their way into town to get some lunch, Irvine in the lead because he was too worried about being murdered by his fiancée to even get involved in the spat behind him. The Genobreaker followed him and the Blade Liger trailing behind with it's head hung low.
"Will you shut up already?! God, your so annoying," Raven snapped, turning over to the Liger.
Van sniffled and tried to think up a plan that could stop Raven from taking his niece again, but nothing seemed to come to mind. He was in no position to attack Raven, a) he had no missiles, b) he was a bit rusty, and c) Jade's life was on the line. He silently cursed the gods.
Suddenly there was a booming roar from somewhere close by, all three zoids whirled around to see a Zaber. It stood tall and threw it's head back and released a mighty roar.
"Hey there, boys."
A com-link appeared of a tall, dark skinned, brown haired woman. She had her hair up in braids and wore a confident smirk. Behind her sat a certain blonde haired ancient Zoidian.
"Moonbay!" Van and Irvine cried in unison.
Moonbay winked. "What's up you guys?" her sweet demeanor vanished. "I've got terrible news, although I am glad to see you Van. Even though I'm going to kill you when this is over. You too, Irvine, don't think your off the hook. Anyways, I'm not here to make death threats-" she was cut off by Raven.
"Then why are you here, transporter? I've got better things to do so you better make it quick."
Moonbay narrowed her eyes at him. "Shove it, asshole, no one was talking to you. But I know something that might be of importance to you."
In the Genobreaker's cockpit, Jade stared at the brunette in awe. She called Raven a bad word, wow. She glanced up at Raven, who was growling, his purple eyes burned with hate. Man, it seemed like everyone knew what was going except for her.
"Uncle!" she said suddenly.
Van glanced up at the sound of his niece's voice..er.well she wasn't technically his niece.but whatever. "Yes, Jade?"
"Who is she? And why do you know so many people and not tell me?"
"I..er.. Jade, I thought we already went over this..she's one of the people I knew before I met you, remember?"
Jade blinked and looked up at Raven as if he could help her, he just shrugged. "I guesso..but will you guys hurry up? I'm hungry! And ooh ooh! Guess what!"
Meanwhile.. Moonbay glanced back at Fiona, who was currently filing her nails. She returned her attention back at the com links. Van was scratching the back of his neck with a somewhat confused expression, while the little girl on Raven's lap bounced up and down excitedly.
"What, Jade?" Van sighed.
"Your going to be so proud of me!" she chirped. "I finished my essay! And boy have I got totally major cool stuff for class! I got to meet the coolest, no, the coolest of the cool zoid pilot on the planet! Raven!"
Moonbay snorted as she watched Raven arch an eyebrow and stare at the little girl as if she was crazy.
"What? You think I'm cool, brat?"
She smiled and nodded. "Boo yeah."
*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Fiona tried to clear her thoughts; somehow lying to Raven didn't feel right..there was of course the risk that he could kill her if he knew the truth, but that wasn't what made her uneasy. Although she had known Raven almost as long as she knew Van, even though they were enemies most of the time, she still considered him one of her friends. Her friend was a dangerous one, probably the most sought after man in the world, but still her friend nonetheless. If he agreed with that title was a mystery.
She closed her eyes and tried to think of what she was going to say, it was almost time for her to do her magic. Van would have questions about the 'premonition', she thought with a sigh. So would everyone else. But one thing that troubled her; would Reese see right through her act? The thought brought chills down her spine, she did not want to think about that.
There was of course the risk that Raven could just run off with the little girl; Van would be safe but he wouldn't be happy that's for sure. How could they convince him to leave her with them and then get Hiltz? Hmmm..
She felt a tap on her leg and looked up to see Moonbay signaling her that it was her turn.
"Now as I was saying, guys, Miss Fiona here had a vision..didn't you?" Moonbay turned to her and discreetly gave her a thumbs up.
On the three com links, Fiona could see Van looking at her curiously, Raven rolling his eyes, and Irvine looking down at something on the control panels. She cleared her throat, and grabbed the side of the seat in front her to pull her up.
"Er...yes I did.." Oh god, how did she state her other visions? "It's about Hiltz, he's alive."
Van gasped. "Oh my God, you have got to be kidding me!! I could have sworn for sure the Deathsaurer was toast!!"
A wave of guilt fell over the Ancient Zoidian like a tidal wave. But she remained strong, and nodded grimly.
"That's not all," she said softly.
"That bastard," Raven muttered under his breath, holding up a shaking fist. The little girl just blinked.
"R-raven.I'm afraid, your involved. Hiltz is alive and he believes that you er..owe him money."
"WHAT?! I DO NOT OWE THAT FREAK MONEY!!"
His anger seemed to make the ground below shake and Fiona instantly regretted her words. Great, what did she get herself into. Suddenly, her cell phone rang. Silently thanking all the gods of Zi, she answered it.
"Yes? Fiona speaking."
It was Kay. "Fi! Where on Zi are you?! I heard about that canceled thing with the interview, but why didn't you come back to the hotel? You still have rehearsal you know."
Fiona glanced up in front of her to see the Genobreaker swipe it's massive tail on the ground repeatedly. "Look, I'm busy. Can't you scold me some other time? Perhaps one that lives don't hang in the balance?"
"Fiona! Are you mad? Don't you know there's a mass murderer on the loose? I'm watching the news, and there was a major zoid battle going on between the mass murderer and a stolen zoid. It's dangerous!"
"I know that!" Fiona snapped. "I happen to be at the battlefield now if you'd excuse me I have to coax my friend." With that she promptly hung up and folded her phone.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*
It was amazing how someone so cool could suddenly become the scariest guy on the planet. Raven was the perfect example of that; because one minute he was a nice, playful guy and the next he was swearing in languages that probably no one understood. Whoever that Hiltz guy was, thought Jade, he had to be a pretty bad guy to make Raven hate him so much.
She ran her hand through her hair and carefully laid her head against Raven's rock hard chest. She faked yawned and stretched her arms out for emphasis. Hopefully that would make him stop being so scary. She hoped.
"What the hell do you think your doing, kid?" he hissed.
"Raven!" Reese snapped from in back and whacked him upside the head. "Don't you dare threaten her!"
"Grrr..who said I was going to? Goddamn!"
Jade snuggled closer, he smelled like old musty perfume. She curled up to him and struggled to find a comfortable position. If her plan was ever going to work, Raven would have to at least believe she was sleepy, which she was not. She yawned again and squinted one eye just to make sure he was watching.
Raven blinked, he had no idea what to do. That little girl was snuggling against him like he was a life sized teddy bear and it made him feel weird. And he didn't like feeling weird, but he wasn't sure what he could to do make her stop. A thought crossed his mind; maybe he was wasting his time with her, she was nothing but a nuisance the whole time. He could just kill her there was no one there to stop him..except for Reese but who cared about her, right?
She yawned again and roughly pulled his arm around her. God, this guy was so difficult! It was her uncle, he'd already be holding her and stroking her hair. All this yawning was making her tired..
*&*&*&*&*&*&
Author's Note: hey there everyone! I'm sorry I didn't update sooner! Sorry! It's just I lost interest in this story, I didn't know where to continue from here...truthfully..I still don't know where to go, any thoughts readers? I'd love to hear them! And thank you to Starheart: whose kawaii starry eyes triggered guilt inside of me and therefore forced me to finish what I started! I hope you guys don't find this too boring! Hope you like it! R and R
Love always
~*Mi ChElLe13*~
Agh, I can't believe they changed my name!!! 13? Who puts a 13 in the back of their name? Why couldn't it be 18? My fav number? *sigh*
"You rang?" Van said with a sneer.
Irvine smiled and silently thanked the gods or whoever responsible for this great act. His old buddy Van was back and in full force. The thing was, the bounty hunter bet that he had no idea exactly what was going on, just doing what came naturally.
"Hahaha very funny, Van, quite frankly I'm surprised you came. With your zoid piloting skills all whack and stuff," he smirked.
Van scowled and made a 'hmph' sound, a symbol of relief that the old Van was back. "Yeah yeah, so what's up? Zeke says that.." He scanned his surroundings and came across a big, red, zoid. "holy cow!! Raven! What are you doing here?!"
A sweat drop formed on the backs of both the Blade Liger and the Genobreaker's head.
"You know this guy?!?!" Jade screeched from inside the cockpit of the opposing red zoid.
She slammed her hands down on the control panel before anyone could stop her, resulting in the Genobreaker jerking and firing missiles in every direction. The Blade Liger dove on the ground and covered it's head with it's paws, while the Lightening Saix dodged them.
"Will you cut that out!"
Raven grabbed her by the scruff of the collar and pulled her up so they were eyelevel. Oddly enough, even with his meanest, most threatening, horrible glare the little brat still smiled at him. And for the first time in his life, Raven felt guilty for even considering harm on the child. What the hell was the matter with him? He dropped the little 'bundle of joy' onto Reese's lap, knowing all too well the wrench was laughing her heart out at him.
Reese gently ran her hand through Jade's hair and whispered softly, "There there, little one, it seems big bad Raven has a soft spot for you."
Jade blinked and shot her a questioning look. "Whatdaya mean by that?"
Reese just giggled in reply.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"So how are you feeling about tonight's show? I hear everyone who's anyone is going to be there, including the Emperor himself. Must be exciting," questioned blonde reporter, Denise Rogers of ZET. Zoidian Entertainment Tonight.
The always-lovely Fiona smiled shyly. "I'm thrilled that many people take such an interest in my music. It's going to be so fun tonight; this is exactly what I live for. The months and weeks before the show are the hard, most stressful part, but when it's curtain time that's when the fun really begins."
This was just another routine interview for ZET, a show that covered all the latest news in the entertainment world ranging from television to movies and everything in between. The show Denise was talking about was Fiona's biggest concert yet, in Marvin Square Garden and it was the thing on everyone's mind. If you weren't there you weren't cool to put it simply. And who would have thought a year ago that anyone, like top actors such as Fiorilli DiCaprio or even the Emperor, would ever go to this girl with no written past's concert. Times change.
Besides Fiona was also the most controversial artist at the time with her supposed affair with the Emperor Rudolph.
"On a different note," Denise began with a smile that hid her true meaning. "what's all this I hear about you and the Emperor?"
Fiona burst out laughing much to everyone's confusion. "Me and his royal majesty?" she laughed some more. "You've got to be kidding me!"
Denise arched a blonde eyebrow. "That's what I hear nowadays. I'm assuming you guys aren't friends."
"Oh no no no, we are friends. It's a long story really, but I knew him before he became Emperor when Prozen's men were after him. My friends and I saved him and safely returned him to the throne," Fiona explained quickly. "But that's besides the point, Mary Ann is a sweet girl. I would never dream of doing anything that would wreck their marriage, even if it was prearranged."
"CUT!!" shouted the camera man, waving his hands in the air.
Fiona and Denise exchanged confused glances. What on Zi was that guy's problem?
"Yeah Fred, we were in the middle of an interview here and Fiona is a VERY busy woman," Denise barked.
"I know that, no offense but we've been put off. Breaking news took our time slot, it appears there's a fierce zoid battle with some wanted criminal and get this, a stolen zoid from the museum."
"I can't believe this!"
Fiona grabbed the handles of her chair so hard that her knuckles turned white and forced herself to stay calm. There was a one in ten possibility it could who she thought it was. One in ten! She had to know.
"Who is this wanted criminal? And the zoid what is it?" she asked, her questions like rapid fire.
Fred scratched his head and replied, "I dunno who the criminal is but the zoid is a blue..blue..Blade Liger I believe."
"Oh my god it can't be," Fiona rose from her seat and raced into the screening room where random personal where complaining about losing tonight's time slot.
On about three of the monitors there was the breaking news program; the two zoids were fighting viciously. There was no denying which two zoids those were. Why did she have such a bad feeling? Oh yeah, Van could die that's why. Something flickered on the corner of the screen..it was another zoid. The Lightening Saix. Irvine! He was there and he wasn't doing a thing. Fiona wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
There had to be something she could, some way she could assist them. And then she saw it, a microphone the same kind they had the bases when she was in the Guardian force. Her fingers ran across the smooth neck of it and quickly took it out of the socket.
Fiona gulped and on the numberpad typed some numbers.
"I wonder." the feel the keypad felt foreign and the allure of assisting from outside the battle field became overwhelming. This was becoming too much like old times, way too much. Her career came first and unfortunately, Van came last even though in her heart he always came first.
"Hey you can't do that!"
"Oh yeah?" Fiona snapped. "Then watch me!" ~*~*~*~*~*~
"We have him right where we want him, Shadow.."
The Genobreaker spread it's legs apart and opened it's mouth..a bright ball of light formed.. Jade sat in the back in total awe, she had no idea her uncle could pilot zoids that well. He was incredible, his skill simply breathtaking. It was like he was a whole other person.
"Raven, are you sure about this?" Reese called out. It was the first time she had spoke in what seemed like hours.
"Of course I'm sure! I have to get my revenge, no, I must get my revenge. It's pay back time."
Jade parted her lips in awe and popped her head over Raven's shoulder for a better look. Her uncle's Blade Liger was standing still right in front of them, why wasn't it doing anything she wondered. Both zoids had taken a heavy beating, the Genobreaker was missing one of it front paws that had been sliced off by the Blade Liger's blade. While the other zoid no longer had that just washed shine.
"Van! What you are just standing there for? He's getting ready for the charged particle beam, now's your chance to finish this," cried Irvine, his zoid paced back and forth.
Who was Van? Jade wondered, that guy and Raven kept referring to her uncle as this Van, was that his nickname? She had to know.
"Hey Anthony!"
The com link appeared. Van appeared to be deep in thought. He glanced up at the sound of his name, "Jade?"
"Why is every one calling you Van? Your Anthony aren't you?"
Everything came to a halt as Van's eye twitched. He didn't need this kind of pressure! Not only did he have to think of a way to beat Raven without hurting Jade, he now had to explain everything. He let out a small sigh.
"Honey, this isn't the time for that question. It's a really long story and uh, you don't have time," he replied quickly.
Raven smirked and folded his arms over his chest, the light in the zoid's mouth disappeared. "I have time. Yes Van, do tell."
The hero of Zi narrowed his eyes and shook his head at his nemesis, who knew how to put him in compromising positions. "Why I oughta.." He sighed again. "This really is a long story and I don't think this is the best place to tell it."
"Tell it or kiss the little girl goodbye," Raven produced an ivory knife and proudly showcased it with another smirk. "Your choice."
"This isn't fair, Raven!" he whined. "That's blackmail!!"
"Does it look like I care?"
Van hung his head and sighed once more. "No, it doesn't. You win. I still don't think this is the right time or place for this story but just put that thing away before you poke your eye out with it. Alright Jade..uh, I don't know how to begin.. So bear with me.
Okay, three years ago..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The wind howled and banged angry fists against the walls inside of the very exquisite, very luxurious hotel walls. Crystal vases filled with a colorful array of flowers, ranging from birds of paradise to roses and countless other flowers, stood elegantly in different corners of the red-carpeted room. While the hotel room was fit for a king, the woman inside was in a less than perfect mood. She had waited her whole life for a place like this where she'd finally be treated like the beautiful creature she really was. She was going to have to kill those responsible for ruining her perfect evening.starting with her fiancé.
Long brown regal fingers drummed against the mahogany desk. She checked her gold wristwatch, one that happened to have a five-finger discount attached may I add. Where the hell was that bum? He was supposed to be here two hours ago. How hard could it be for him to get Van and bring him here so he would be out of sight? Honestly, you can never let a man do anything unattended. It was times like these that the old saying came into play; if you want something done you gotta do it yourself or something like that.
She let out an exasperated sigh, "What's taking them so long?!"
There was a soft knock on the door. It was about time!
"Yes?" she tried to sound as rich as possible. Hey, she was allowed to pretend wasn't she? Shesh!
"Miss Moonbay, there's a phone call for you," said the floor butler, a man in his early 80's with thinning, snow white hair.
In his elderly hands, laid a silver tray with a little black cordless phone in the middle. Nodding her thanks, Moonbay picked up the phone. She put her hand over the receiver and said, "Thank you."
"Talk to me."
"Moonbay," It was Thomas. "Did you hear what happened?"
She arched an eyebrow. "I don't think so. I might have."
"About Van, that he has the Liger back and that he's fighting Raven and losing I might add."
"What! Van can't lose to Raven! You mean that pest still hasn't learned his lesson yet? Why can't he leave poor Van alone.." Her voice trailed off, she was already thinking of horrible ways to torture Van and Irvine.
Maybe she'd hang them by their toenails and have a bunch of snakes crawl all over them, because Van was deathly afraid of snakes. Then she'd grab a flamethrower and burn the Lightening Saix to the ground while Irvine watched in horror, helpless to stop the destruction. Just the thought of the looks on their faces brought a smirk to her lips. Hn, that would teach them to lie to her! Ha ha!
"Uh Moonbay? Can you hear me?"
"Of course I can hear you. I'm not deaf, mind you," Moonbay replied coldly.
Thomas sighed on the other line. "Ok whatever. We need to get Van out of there before he gets himself killed. I've tried talking him out of it but he refuses, his damn pride won't let him. And I've always tried talking some sense into that Irvine of yours and let me tell ya, I had about the same success one could have by talking to a stonewall. Which is none! Zepo, zero, cero, nada. And quite frankly, I'm sick and tried of being ignored!"
//Hn, it's no wonder everyone ignores you..//
"And let me guess, by 'we' you refer to me."
"Finally! Someone who actually listens to me!"
"I'll see what I can do." And with that she hung up and returned to phone to the tray, which the old man had been holding out patiently.
Once the old butler had left, Moonbay began pacing the floor in the hopes an idea would come forth and expose itself to her. And so far none had. Time was against her; every second that ticked by could be the last one she'd ever have to see Van again. She had raised that pest since he was like 13 or 14; she hadn't seen him for three years. He was like a little brother to her, one she couldn't afford to lose him again. Plus, she had to knock his lights out for leaving everyone.
"Come on..come on... there has to be something I've over looked. Something that could distract Raven long enough to get Van safely out of there."
The question was, what was that something? What could possible distract Raven from the getting the one thing he'd waited his whole life for, his revenge?
"What does Raven hate more than Van? Hmm that's a hard one. Hiltz! But dammit! The bastard is dead. well cancel that thought."
There had to be something she was missing. She made a quick turn and nearly tripped on the carpet. When suddenly it hit her; Reese was an Ancient Zoidian and so was Fiona. If she could get Fiona to fake a premonition stating that Hiltz was alive and said that Raven owed him money, then Raven would tear through the ground trying to find Hiltz. It wasn't perfect but it was a plan in the works. Now all she had to do was find Fiona.
Moonbay rushed through the door and down the hall into the elevator. Minutes later she was running through the front gates, debating how she was going to get across town the fastest. Her Gustav was out of the question. If she was going to use a zoid, it was going to have to be a fast one. She ran to the nearest phone booth and dialed 1-800-RENT-A-ZOID. Whose slogan was, if we don't get a zoid to you in less than five minutes of your order it was yours to keep.
Two seconds later, a Gustav pulled up with a big steel box in the cargo.
"Wow, that was fast," Moonbay observed as the driver of the Gustav walked over to her with an order form in hand.
"Are you uh," he looked down at the paper. "Moonbay? I got the zoid you ordered."
"Sure am, sonny, is it a Zaber like I ordered?"
The acne-ridden teen nodded and glanced back at the cargo. "Gotta sign here." He handed her a notepad and a pen.
Moonbay signed her name and practically threw the notepad back at him. "Excuse me, but I'm kind of in a hurry here."
"Okay." He held out a remote and then the sides of the steel box collapsed revealing a red Zaber-Fang in perfect condition.
It wasn't a Lightening Saix but it could get her where she wanted to go quickly. Moonbay jumped in the cockpit and then the zoid roared to life. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"...you mean to say that your actually the legendary hero of Zi?"
Van placed his hand at the back of his head and laughed nervously. He had always been embarrassed at being called that. He was rather modest. "Uh. yeah."
During the storytelling time, Jade had somehow found her way to Raven's lap and had made herself comfy there too. To everyone's surprise, including Raven's, Raven didn't do anything except try really hard not to move. Jade had her hands flat against the zoid controls, her hazel eyes wide. Needless to say the little girl was shocked beyond belief.
"You mean to say that you're the guy we watched that thing on A&E?" she asked excitedly.
On the other end of the com link, Van folded his arms and cocked his head in a thoughtful manner. A&E, when was the last time he watched A&E? oh yeah, he remembered now. A couple weeks ago and Jade had asked different questions about the zoids on the program.
"Now that I think of it, yeah. wow! I'm on A&E! Only rich and famous people are on A&E!! Isn't that cool, Zeke?" Van asked his organiod excitedly.
The Liger nodded and bounced up and down.
"That's so cool!" Jade chimed in as well. "My uncle's on A&E!"
They both started bouncing just like Zeke while everyone else sweat dropped.
"Yup, that's Van alright." Irvine muttered, shaking his head.
He suddenly remembered something that sent cold fear running through his veins.. He forgot to tell Moonbay about the sudden change in plans. Irvine gulped; she was going to kill him. Make him die a slow and painful death all the while laughing her head off. Uh oh that's not good.
The Lightening Saix screeched and pawed the ground anxiously, trying to make its discomfort noticed. When that didn't work, it raced to the Blade Liger's side.
"Van, look, in case you've forgotten you're supposed to be dead. Once the media finds out their going to have a field day. You have to lay low until we can come up with a plan. And let me tell you, having a zoid fight with Raven isn't going to help you be invisible," Irvine growled.
Van cringed when he knew Irvine was right. People were going to question his motives all these years once they found out, and he would have to work years to get his rep up again.
"Your right.." He muttered.
"Look up there."
Van did so and saw a team of Redlers hovering 500 ft above them. Each one of them had a different name on the side. Hot damn, the press was good.
"What are they..? Are they taping all of this?" Slowly but surely everything began to add up in his head, they must have heard everything. Oh god, and they were going to send it in for the ten o'clock news.
He pressed the button to launch some missiles but nothing happened. Van gulped and laughed nervously, his zoid turning to the other two.
"Uh guys? I forgot, I'm out of missiles. They must have took them out when the Liger was being shipped to the museum."
Raven growled and muttered something about being surrounded by idiots. The Genobreaker spread it's legs apart and opened it's mouth. A blinding light began to form inside.
"He's gonna fire the charged particle gun," Irvine said, maneuvering his zoid so it ran out of the way.
Van followed his friend's lead and he too, ran to safety. Which in his mind, was a couple feet away than where he was before.
"Raven, are you insane? You're going to completely annihilate this innocent people! You know I can't let you do that!" Van cried.
The Liger's twin golden blades sprung forth and ready for battle. It lowered it's head and growled menacingly.
"Look, both of our asses are out on the line. I, unlike, you happen to be a wanted criminal and that means people like your good ole' friend there want to get me for the money. So just shut up and thank me."
The Genobreaker lifted it's head slowly as the light in it's mouth grew bigger and bigger by the second. Soon it was the size of a basketball and still growing. It had been a long time since it last had done this, a very long time. And it needed more power.
"SHADOW!!"
Jade sat in awe and confusion, wondering what was going on. When suddenly the whole zoid felt like lightening had crashed into it. All the different cracks and lines in the cockpit began to glow with an eerie purple light. The zoid fired the beam of light and it seemed to absorb the Redlers in the sky, reducing them into nothing but little crisps. She gasped, not a thing was left of those five zoids.
She looked up at Raven, who was smirking, and just stared at him. "Uh.does anyone mind explaining what just happened here?"
Raven just smiled at her and ruffled her hair.
"Raven!" Van screeched. The Liger looked ready to kill, it's eyes glowered a bright red that mimicked the color of Van's face. "Was that necessary?! You killed them! There's not even a chunk left for their families to have for the funeral!!"
"Oh shut up already, Van. I did you a favor," Raven replied as if it was obvious.
"A favor?! I don't call KILLING innocent people a favor!! This isn't going to help me get my job in the Guardian Force back," he sighed. "Thomas isn't going to be happy when he finds out."
"Who cares?" Irvine growled. The Lightening Saix walked in small circles impatiently. "Van, you and I both know that Thomas overreacts to the smallest detail. So what's the big deal?"
In his cockpit, Van whimpered softly and poked his index fingers together. A habit he had learned from his seven year old niece. "I know but..I was kinda hoping he would put in a good word with the Madam President or even Rudolph. Cause I need a job.."
"Moonbay is going to kill both of us because we're already two hours late! The wedding is in less than two months and my fiancée is going to kill us, you do the math, Flyheight!" Irvine barked.
"Why is she going to kill me? I'm just an innocent bystander," came the meek reply.
//Hmm// thought Raven as he sat back and enjoyed the show. //Should I kill them now? Or let them go painfully and pitifully slow. Now that is the question.// A soft, silky smooth voice sounded close by his ear. Reese's breath was warm.
"I think you should let them be," she whispered seductively.
Raven felt hundreds of chills go up and down his spine. Just like they did every time Reese spoke that way, that seducing way that she somehow got him to do whatever she pleased in the bedroom. Must be strong, he reminded himself. He was going to get his revenge if it was the last thing he ever did, besides, he swore on that and knowing his luck the moment he got an conscious he would be struck dead by lightening. Not that that would be a bad thing.
"Well what do you know?" he replied, trying with all his might to ignore her silent invitation.
A loud gurgly sound met everyone's ears. To Raven's mild surprise, he glanced down and saw the sound came from the little runt on his lap. She grinned and laughed nervously.
"I guess it's lunch time," Jade said with a bright smile.
The maverick stared at the little girl in amazement, how could a creature so small stir up so many feelings in him? A man whom emotion ran scared of with it's tail in between it's legs. It was easy to see why Van was so attached to her.
It had been a couple days since he last ate, but nothing compared to what he had endured before. He'd live but wasn't sure or comfortable for that matter with the idea of letting the girl go hungry. She wouldn't go down quietly that's for sure.
"Let me guess, little one, your hungry."
Jade nodded cheerfully, her black locks bouncing. "I'm starved! I got so mad at my uncle this morning I didn't eat breakfast."
In the com link, Van flushed a deep red. Raven took notice of this and decided now was his chance.
"What did he do?"
Van nearly jumped out of his seat if it wasn't for the seatbelt. Oh no, he had told Raven a bunch of stuff already. His ego had suffered enough. The insanity had to stop.
"Now would ya look at the time? If we hurry now, we can still make to the Bakers Square for their special cheese sticks! And I know how much a certain little lady loves cheese sticks!" Van chirped franticly in an attempt to turn the conversation around.
Jade gasped. "Really? Ooh ohh! Let's go, Raven! PLEASE!!! Van's right, their cheese stick special is da bomb! Take it from me!"
She grabbed his hand and squeezed on it with all her might. Raven just arched an eyebrow at her attempts. Come to think of it, he never had cheese sticks before whatever those were. But if they got the kid all riled up, then why not?
Raven looked Van in the eye with Jade still pulling at his wrist. "Under two conditions."
"Alright what are they?"
"Your buying and the kid stays with me."
Both Irvine and Van gasped; was he serious? He wanted to keep Jade? There had to be a punchline somewhere.
"Your kidding," Reese said dully. "Raven, you can't even take care of yourself. How do you expect to take care of a kid?"
He scowled at her. "I can so take care of myself. Who took care of you when Hiltz left you in the desert to die? A little runt like this won't be any trouble."
"Oh no, trust me," said the black-haired youth. "Taking caring of Jade is a lot of work. And I won't let you take her, she's my niece. Can't we all be friends?"
"No," both Irvine and Raven shouted.
Van sighed. "Go figure." ~*~*~*~*~*~
"Let go of me! I mean it now let go of me!"
Fiona twisted wildly in an attempted to free herself from the vise like grip of some masked attacker. Tried as she might, she was no match for who ever this was. The masked figured pulled down the black scarf that was wrapped around the lower portion of her face, and roughly pulled Fiona closer.
"Shh, Fiona it's me."
A small gasp escaped the blonde's pale lips; her wrists were slowly lowered to her waist. Instead of fleeing for freedom, Fiona racked her memory. That voice sounded so familiar. Another thing; the voice did not belong to a man, it belonged to a woman instead.
Her attacker pulled off the black ski mask completely, revealing none other than Moonbay.
Fiona gasped. "Moonbay?"
Moonbay winked. "Hey, I have a plan. Listen up."
Fiona nodded as Moonbay whispered her plan into her: she wanted the ancient Zoidian to basically lie to Raven's face and tell him that Hiltz was still alive and believed that he owed him money. It wasn't much, but knowing Raven Fiona knew it would work.
"How do you purpose we get there?" she asked.
Moonbay winked and held up a peace sign. "I told you, I've got it all under control. Now all we need to do is get to the battlefield that is in the outskirts of town, in the desert right by the small village where Van was found."
"Roger."
*&*&*&*&*&*
"Gah! But Raven!" Van pleaded for what had to be the millionth time. "The capital's that way.."
They had been making their way into town to get some lunch, Irvine in the lead because he was too worried about being murdered by his fiancée to even get involved in the spat behind him. The Genobreaker followed him and the Blade Liger trailing behind with it's head hung low.
"Will you shut up already?! God, your so annoying," Raven snapped, turning over to the Liger.
Van sniffled and tried to think up a plan that could stop Raven from taking his niece again, but nothing seemed to come to mind. He was in no position to attack Raven, a) he had no missiles, b) he was a bit rusty, and c) Jade's life was on the line. He silently cursed the gods.
Suddenly there was a booming roar from somewhere close by, all three zoids whirled around to see a Zaber. It stood tall and threw it's head back and released a mighty roar.
"Hey there, boys."
A com-link appeared of a tall, dark skinned, brown haired woman. She had her hair up in braids and wore a confident smirk. Behind her sat a certain blonde haired ancient Zoidian.
"Moonbay!" Van and Irvine cried in unison.
Moonbay winked. "What's up you guys?" her sweet demeanor vanished. "I've got terrible news, although I am glad to see you Van. Even though I'm going to kill you when this is over. You too, Irvine, don't think your off the hook. Anyways, I'm not here to make death threats-" she was cut off by Raven.
"Then why are you here, transporter? I've got better things to do so you better make it quick."
Moonbay narrowed her eyes at him. "Shove it, asshole, no one was talking to you. But I know something that might be of importance to you."
In the Genobreaker's cockpit, Jade stared at the brunette in awe. She called Raven a bad word, wow. She glanced up at Raven, who was growling, his purple eyes burned with hate. Man, it seemed like everyone knew what was going except for her.
"Uncle!" she said suddenly.
Van glanced up at the sound of his niece's voice..er.well she wasn't technically his niece.but whatever. "Yes, Jade?"
"Who is she? And why do you know so many people and not tell me?"
"I..er.. Jade, I thought we already went over this..she's one of the people I knew before I met you, remember?"
Jade blinked and looked up at Raven as if he could help her, he just shrugged. "I guesso..but will you guys hurry up? I'm hungry! And ooh ooh! Guess what!"
Meanwhile.. Moonbay glanced back at Fiona, who was currently filing her nails. She returned her attention back at the com links. Van was scratching the back of his neck with a somewhat confused expression, while the little girl on Raven's lap bounced up and down excitedly.
"What, Jade?" Van sighed.
"Your going to be so proud of me!" she chirped. "I finished my essay! And boy have I got totally major cool stuff for class! I got to meet the coolest, no, the coolest of the cool zoid pilot on the planet! Raven!"
Moonbay snorted as she watched Raven arch an eyebrow and stare at the little girl as if she was crazy.
"What? You think I'm cool, brat?"
She smiled and nodded. "Boo yeah."
*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Fiona tried to clear her thoughts; somehow lying to Raven didn't feel right..there was of course the risk that he could kill her if he knew the truth, but that wasn't what made her uneasy. Although she had known Raven almost as long as she knew Van, even though they were enemies most of the time, she still considered him one of her friends. Her friend was a dangerous one, probably the most sought after man in the world, but still her friend nonetheless. If he agreed with that title was a mystery.
She closed her eyes and tried to think of what she was going to say, it was almost time for her to do her magic. Van would have questions about the 'premonition', she thought with a sigh. So would everyone else. But one thing that troubled her; would Reese see right through her act? The thought brought chills down her spine, she did not want to think about that.
There was of course the risk that Raven could just run off with the little girl; Van would be safe but he wouldn't be happy that's for sure. How could they convince him to leave her with them and then get Hiltz? Hmmm..
She felt a tap on her leg and looked up to see Moonbay signaling her that it was her turn.
"Now as I was saying, guys, Miss Fiona here had a vision..didn't you?" Moonbay turned to her and discreetly gave her a thumbs up.
On the three com links, Fiona could see Van looking at her curiously, Raven rolling his eyes, and Irvine looking down at something on the control panels. She cleared her throat, and grabbed the side of the seat in front her to pull her up.
"Er...yes I did.." Oh god, how did she state her other visions? "It's about Hiltz, he's alive."
Van gasped. "Oh my God, you have got to be kidding me!! I could have sworn for sure the Deathsaurer was toast!!"
A wave of guilt fell over the Ancient Zoidian like a tidal wave. But she remained strong, and nodded grimly.
"That's not all," she said softly.
"That bastard," Raven muttered under his breath, holding up a shaking fist. The little girl just blinked.
"R-raven.I'm afraid, your involved. Hiltz is alive and he believes that you er..owe him money."
"WHAT?! I DO NOT OWE THAT FREAK MONEY!!"
His anger seemed to make the ground below shake and Fiona instantly regretted her words. Great, what did she get herself into. Suddenly, her cell phone rang. Silently thanking all the gods of Zi, she answered it.
"Yes? Fiona speaking."
It was Kay. "Fi! Where on Zi are you?! I heard about that canceled thing with the interview, but why didn't you come back to the hotel? You still have rehearsal you know."
Fiona glanced up in front of her to see the Genobreaker swipe it's massive tail on the ground repeatedly. "Look, I'm busy. Can't you scold me some other time? Perhaps one that lives don't hang in the balance?"
"Fiona! Are you mad? Don't you know there's a mass murderer on the loose? I'm watching the news, and there was a major zoid battle going on between the mass murderer and a stolen zoid. It's dangerous!"
"I know that!" Fiona snapped. "I happen to be at the battlefield now if you'd excuse me I have to coax my friend." With that she promptly hung up and folded her phone.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*
It was amazing how someone so cool could suddenly become the scariest guy on the planet. Raven was the perfect example of that; because one minute he was a nice, playful guy and the next he was swearing in languages that probably no one understood. Whoever that Hiltz guy was, thought Jade, he had to be a pretty bad guy to make Raven hate him so much.
She ran her hand through her hair and carefully laid her head against Raven's rock hard chest. She faked yawned and stretched her arms out for emphasis. Hopefully that would make him stop being so scary. She hoped.
"What the hell do you think your doing, kid?" he hissed.
"Raven!" Reese snapped from in back and whacked him upside the head. "Don't you dare threaten her!"
"Grrr..who said I was going to? Goddamn!"
Jade snuggled closer, he smelled like old musty perfume. She curled up to him and struggled to find a comfortable position. If her plan was ever going to work, Raven would have to at least believe she was sleepy, which she was not. She yawned again and squinted one eye just to make sure he was watching.
Raven blinked, he had no idea what to do. That little girl was snuggling against him like he was a life sized teddy bear and it made him feel weird. And he didn't like feeling weird, but he wasn't sure what he could to do make her stop. A thought crossed his mind; maybe he was wasting his time with her, she was nothing but a nuisance the whole time. He could just kill her there was no one there to stop him..except for Reese but who cared about her, right?
She yawned again and roughly pulled his arm around her. God, this guy was so difficult! It was her uncle, he'd already be holding her and stroking her hair. All this yawning was making her tired..
*&*&*&*&*&*&
Author's Note: hey there everyone! I'm sorry I didn't update sooner! Sorry! It's just I lost interest in this story, I didn't know where to continue from here...truthfully..I still don't know where to go, any thoughts readers? I'd love to hear them! And thank you to Starheart: whose kawaii starry eyes triggered guilt inside of me and therefore forced me to finish what I started! I hope you guys don't find this too boring! Hope you like it! R and R
Love always
~*Mi ChElLe13*~
Agh, I can't believe they changed my name!!! 13? Who puts a 13 in the back of their name? Why couldn't it be 18? My fav number? *sigh*