All was quiet except for the low droning of the TV, which was playing an
old horror film. And I mean old, it wasn't even in color, bad acting and
special effects, what more could anyone ask for? Van was sitting on the
couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table, with his cheek in his hand
as he squinted one in an attempt to figure out what was going on in the
film. Actually, he enjoyed watching old crappily done movies; they brought
back memories of when his sister and him were younger. Jade was fast asleep
next to him, her head on his lap and his hand resting on her side. He
looked down at her and smiled, she looked so cute and innocent asleep. It
was endearing.
"Oh God. Don't let the evil hand, ah, it has got me. Bob, it has got me. Ah. I am. So scared." A woman with short curled hair placed her hand over her face as she screamed in a monotone, as a fake looking hand grabbed her ankle and started dragging her on the floor.
Bob, the man she had been talking to, ran his hand through his black hair and turned dramatically to the camera and muttered some heroic mumbo jumbo. Meanwhile in the present, Van wondered if he acted like that in real life. Oh man, that would blow if he were as dramatic as that guy. He snorted softly as to not wake Jade.
He folded his arms across his chest and laid his head back, inhaling deeply. That little voice in the back of his mind kept nagging at him to find out what happened to the others. Van had blocked it out for several hours but it steadily grew louder and until it reached its current volume. It was getting really annoying.
Van looked down at Jade again and an unconscious smile pulled at his lips, he turned his gaze to his surroundings. There had to be something that could take his place until he returned. A light bulb turned on in his head; he slowly moved off of the couch and made sure that Jade's head wouldn't move. Several long, grueling minutes later, Jade was snuggled against the armrest instead of Van. Smirking at his own brilliance, Van quietly woke up Zeke, who had been snoozing next to the couch.
Soon he was outside hopping inside the cockpit of the Blade Liger. The zoid roared to life and dashed off into the desert. The bright lights of the control panel burning the midnight haired pilot's eyes, Van shut his eyes tightly and tightened his grip on the controls. Zeke growled an apology as Van slowly opened his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's make a quick run around of the surrounding area, so my concious'll stop bugging me," Van commanded easily.
Zeke roared in agreement. Van stifled a yawn and rubbed his eyes. "Beat tired, man. I don't think I've had a decent night of sleep for weeks."
Some ruins started to come into view, dead zoids scattered about, their gray bodies blending perfectly into the surroundings. Van looked down at the controls as a grin crossed his lips.
"Hey buddy, do you remember this place?"
Zeke roared enthusiastically and jumped.
"Where are we going?"
Van blinked and turned his head to come face to face to a certain seven year old. Jade propped elbows on the seat in front of her, her lips parted in the shape of an 'o'.
"Jade?!" Van cried incredulously.
She shot him a peace sign and a wink. "What up! But anyhoo, where are we going?"
"How did you-" Van sighed in defeated and returned his attention back in front of him. "Never mind, but we're going to those ruins up ahead. This is were I found Zeke and Fiona, many years ago."
Jade tensed at the blonde's name, but quickly shook it off. "Fiona? You found her?" she repeated in obvious confusion.
Van nodded as he maneuvered his zoid to jump over the ruble, hadn't he explained all this to her already? Judging by her curious expression he had not. Man, his memory sucked.
"Yes, found. You remember how Ambient was in that tube thingy?" she nodded and tugged at the back of his shirt, a sign for him to continue. "Well so were Zeke and Fiona."
"You mean Fiona the person Fiona? Or is there another organiod you didn't tell me about?"
Van couldn't help but laugh, his story even sounded funny to his ears. He couldn't blame her if she didn't understand, apart of him still didn't believe it.
"Fiona the person Fiona, the one your not very fond of," Van explained with a low chuckle. "I remember how shocked I found her, a girl, in a small capsule next to where Zeke was. But I think I was being chased by some bandits at the time, so I quickly accepted it."
Jade shot him a strange look, her uncle, being chased by bandits? Now that was something she couldn't picture, him being anything but responsible and mature. Being a kid and reckless didn't click. She tried to imagine him younger, like in the pictures she saw at Maria's house, but her mind wouldn't allow it.
She quickly shook off her confusion, and it's place came excitement. She was actually going to some ancient ruins! For the second time in less then a week, score one for Jade! "So we're going inside, right??"
Van shrugged and just as he opened his mouth to reply, the Blade Liger came to a shrieking halt. As a result, Jade's face was smothered against his shoulder and the pilot nearly hit his head on the controls.
"Jade, are you okay?" Van asked quickly.
"Ah, I think so. But my nose hurts," she said in an awfully nasal voice, massaging her nose.
"Yo, Zeke, what the hell was up with that?!"
Zeke fused in the Liger's core growled loudly and kept moving his head towards to the ruins. The golden blades sprung forth without Van even doing anything and the zoid roared once more, this time louder than the last.
"Zeke, what is your problem? We can't attack! There's no enemy!"
Zeke shook his head and roared, his tone frantic. Zeke kept indicating to the ruins, why couldn't his master understand what he was trying to say? He tried again with the same result, with an annoyed growl Zeke shot out of the Blade Liger and landed inside of the temple.
Van gasped and opened the cockpit and jumped out. What the hell was up with Zeke? Was there something in there that he wanted him to see? If so, why didn't he just say so? He knew that Van wasn't the greatest at charades! Organiods, a mystery to mankind.
Jade landed behind him, still massaging the bridge of her nose. "What's the matter with him?" she asked, her voice still nasally.
Van shrugged and placed his hands on his hips as he gazed at the ruins, once forgotten memories whirling in his brain. Why weren't these ruins protected like the other ones? He wondered, looking back at the dead zoids most of them sleepers. Perhaps it was protected, but if the sleepers were attacked why weren't replacements put in their place? To make matters worse, Zeke was acting really weird. It reminded him of that first day they'd met and Zeke made him go back inside for Fiona.
What was he supposed to do? Jade was still complaining about her nose, and the entrance was at the top of the temple. Van knelt in front of her and pushed her hand down.
"C'mon Jade, let me see your nose," he said softly.
The moonlight reflected off of her eyes as she shook her head quickly, her hand covering her nose and mouth.
"Your nose hurts doesn't it? It could be broken, and you wouldn't want that. So can I see it?"
"No," was all she would say.
Sighing, Van stood up. It was no use, he decided, he'd just have to check it later. "Do you still want to check out the ruins?"
"Do I ever!" she exclaimed happily, having already completely forgotten the nose issue.
As they started walking, Van kept stealing glances at his niece. Her nose looked fine from what he could see, but then again it was too dark out for him to be sure. The steady sound of their feet beating against the ground allowed his thoughts to consume him. Were Moonbay and Irvine okay? What had happened to them in the first place? What had happened to all of them for that matter? His niece being tied up the Liger's leg was symbolic, but of what Van had no idea. He had questions and all he wanted was answers.
"Hey look!" Jade tugged at his sleeve, her eyes locked heavenwards.
Van looked down at her and tilted his head. "What?"
In reply, Jade held up her arm and pointed to the starry night. Van didn't see anything except the stars twinkling, but then a flash of blue lightening landed in front of the temple. A screech echoed from the distance.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&
Fiona sat in a stunned silence, the other girl's words echoing in her head. "If..we.stick around long enough, we'll only cause pain to those we love." Sure the blue devil had made statements like that before, such as Van would keep on fighting and one day he would die in battle, and that one came true. Well, everyone believed he was dead, so that still counted. But Reese believed this then why was she hanging around Raven, if she knew that she would only hurt him? Maybe she just came to the realization now, Fiona reasoned.
But everything did make since, it seemed that no matter what Fiona did something bad occurred. But her mind insisted that Reese was only making this up to scare her, Fiona wasn't so sure. Reese had changed a lot, surely she wouldn't be so hung up on revenge. She looked up at Reese, who was staring at the orb of light, the light reflecting off her eyes. Reese looked miserable, Fiona decided, and she meant every word she had said.
Neither had spoken for several minutes, each lost in their thoughts. Fiona wanted to ask her something but every time she opened her mouth her throat clogged up and her vision blurred. She wanted to know how the other girl knew this or was it all just coincidence? Fiona realized if she kept double guessing herself then she would never get anywhere, but why was she all of a sudden so insecure? She had made dozens of great financial decisions with ease and now she couldn't even think without doubting herself.
Suddenly a blur of blue landed in the gap between the two girls. In it's place was the silver organiod, Zeke. Fiona looked up and then returned her attention to the ground, wait what? She did a double take, her jaw open. Were her eyes deceiving her? Was Zeke really in front of her?
"Zeke? Is that you?" she gasped.
Zeke nodded and growled softly, his ruby eyes darting over towards Reese, who still had not lifted her gaze from the orb.
Fiona was quivering even though she had no idea why, her heart filled with newfound hope. Maybe there was a way to escape their prison. She crawled excitedly towards Reese and tapped her on her shoulder. Reese looked up at her with tired eyes.
"Reese! Zeke has come to rescue us!" she chirped. "Isn't that great?"
The organiod growled in agreement, although it sounded hesitant. But Reese couldn't blame him, he wasn't sure if he could trust her.
"What's the use?" she whispered, eyes bright with tears. "We're going to die anyways."
Fiona's good graces wavered as she frowned, what was the matter with that girl? She wondered, Reese was so depressed and ignored any attempts of help. It was like she had completely given up hope. Fiona had only seen her like this once, and that was when the Deathsaurer was revived and fused with the Deathstinger and Hiltz.
Fiona grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her several times. "Reese, snap out of it! You mustn't give up yet; it's not over. The enemy hasn't show himself yet, we can still win!"
But Reese just shook her head and smiled such a sad smile that it broke Fiona's heart. "It's hopeless."
"No, it's not! Reese, what has gotten into you? What would Raven say if he saw you like this?" Fiona demanded and shook her once more.
"He would say that I am weak for giving up...and that I wasn't worthy of being with him..."
"Doesn't that make you want to prove him wrong?" Fiona asked softly, cupping the other girl's chin in her hand.
Reese bit her lower lip and met her eyes, the light off the orb making her eyes look even brighter. Why couldn't Fiona understand? She thought about what the blonde had said about Raven...would he.? Of course he would think less of her if he saw her like this, she told herself firmly. But did she really want him to have the last laugh?
"I..I just don't know," she whispered.
Fiona smiled kindly and wiped a stray tear. "Then isn't this worth a shot? What do we have to lose?"
Reese nodded and straightened, filled with renewed hope. She stood up and looked over at the organiod that had witnessed her moment of weakness and suddenly felt embarrassed. But refused to let Fiona or the organiod know that.
She cleared her throat and rubbed her arms. "We need to get out of here, the only way to get out of this room is through that door. But neither of us are strong enough to do that, so that only leaves you, organiod. Are you up to it?"
Zeke made a throaty growl and glanced over at Fiona, who nodded in response. He rammed his skull against the door, taking it with him. He shook it off and slammed his tail down as an indication for the girls to come. Reese and Fiona looked at different sides of the hall, both of which just melted into darkness. A shiver went up and down the blonde's spine as a cool breeze from seemingly nowhere caressed her cheeks.
"This way," Reese said, tilting her head to the right.
Fiona swallowed and gazed at the wall in front of her, there was a carving of a hand holding a scepter with what appeared to be a diamond on it's head. Beneath it was writing, but she had no idea what it said.
"Reese-" she started to say when Reese cut her off.
"No time, we have to get out of here," Reese said firmly and grabbed her wrist and led her down the hall.
It was so dark that Fiona couldn't even see her hand if she waved it before her eyes, vines seemed to appear out of nowhere and grab her shirt and nip at her heels. The fact that she couldn't see a thing unnerved her a lot and that succeeded in slowing them down even more.
The blue devil growled to herself, why couldn't Fiona just trust her? She searched the other girl's mind and discovered that the delay was because of her blindness. Reese rolled her eyes, held up her free hand, and muttered an incantation under her breath. With each word she uttered a ball of light grew larger and larger in her palm.
"Happy now?" she said in a less than friendly tone.
Fiona gasped, so that was how she did that. She nodded silently, still in awe. She glanced over her shoulder to see Zeke trotting behind them and noticed that something was completely off with the picture. Reese had an organiod, why did she need Zeke to break down the door if her organiod could have easily done it?
"Reese, where's Specula?" Fiona piped up.
Reese stopped, but Fiona wasn't sure if it was because of her question or the fact that there was another doorway. The sound of voices echoed down the hall before them. Reese unconsciously tightened her grip on the other girl's hand, the voices seemed to be coming closer. She tensed and stealthily flattened herself and Fiona against the wall. Fiona let out a gasp of surprise.
"Shhh!" Reese whispered. "Someone could hear us," she added telepathically.
The voices grew louder until it got to the point where they could understand what they were saying. One belonged to a male while the second one was that of a girl's.
"Can we go in there?" asked the girl, excitement pouring out of her nasally voice.
"No."
They sounded so familiar, Fiona thought, but where had she heard them before?
"So are you going to explain anything to me?"
"Do I have to?" sighed the male. "Honestly Jade, you ask too many questions."
"Auntie says that I have an inquisitive mind!" chirped the other voice.
"Talk about your understatements of the century."
Fiona held her breath as the approaching footsteps came to a halt right next to the doorway. She could hear the guy whispered something, and just as she opened her mouth to exhale Zeke bounced up and down excitedly. Reese turned to them wide-eyed, that was the only emotion she showed, and made a motion for them to shut up. But the organiod continued to bounce and growl.
"Zeke, are you insane?" Fiona hissed in a high whisper.
He ignored her. Due to the sudden silence on the other side of the wall, the people must have heard him. Zeke raced through the doorway and growled enthusiastically. The sound of someone falling met the two Ancient Zoidian's ears.
"On the count of three, we'll storm in there," Reese's voice filled her mind. "We'll have the element of surprise on our side."
She nodded and braced herself as Reese began the countdown. She could feel Reese's body tense next to her and her grip on her hand tighten.
"One."
How could Zeke do that? Was it someone he knew? Fiona wondered.
"Two."
The only sound Fiona could hear was her raging heart. Her breath was caught in her throat as she tried to calm her heart with no avail.
"..Three!"
They raced through the door, fists raised, and voices loud and unafraid. Reese was holding orb in her hand menacingly while Fiona curled her free hand into a fist, her jaw set. But what they saw was not what they were expecting..
There was Zeke on top of some unlucky guy, licking his face happily, while he was hollowing with laughter. Standing next to them was Jade, who had screamed when they stormed in and backed against the wall. Her hazel eyes wide.
"Jade?" Fiona said blankly. Reese lowered her hand and furrowed her brows in confusion.
Jade just stared at them for another second before her hand grabbed her chest. She patted her chest in an attempt calm her heart. "Don't you ever do that again!" she exclaimed, breathlessly.
"Sorry," Reese and Fiona said in unison. They glanced sideways at each other.
Fiona walked up to Zeke, Reese still holding on to her, and peered over the organiods shoulder to see none other than Van trying to stop his laughter.
"Van?"
Van pushed Zeke off of him and laughed softly, before looking up at the two Ancient Zoidians. Well, that explains why Zeke had been acting so funny. He smiled and stood up and brushed the dust off of his pants. On his left, Jade was watching them with apprehension. He knew what she thinking, she was worried about him and Fiona kissing again. Van studied Fiona for a moment, her blonde hair was sticking up in several directions and looked grayer and her face looked dirty. Reese was standing right next to her, her hair had separated into dirty clumps and she too looked dirty. His eyes fell upon the ball of light floating above her hand and then at her other hand that was linked with Fiona's.
Reese followed his gaze and quickly pulled her hand to her chest. It was demeaning to her, to have been seen holding hands with Fiona just out of fear. She wiped her hand on her shirt and smiled at Jade, who returned the smile.
"How have you been, little one?" she asked softly.
Jade smiled widely. "I had the weirdest day!" she chirped.
"I think we all have," Van said gently. "Let's go."
He started to walk in front of them and paused so his back was facing the blue haired Ancient Zoidian. Van glanced at her from the corner of his eye. It was obvious that Fiona trusted her, but could he? That was the question. Back in the day, she swore her revenge on him and then she teamed up with Raven, who also hated him with a heated passion.
"Friend or foe," he said stiffly.
Reese looked at the back of his head strangely. "What?"
"Friend or foe, Reese. I'm not going to say it again, friend or foe."
Reese frowned, if she said 'friend' then Raven would never forgive her as long as he lived, but if she did say it she would have a place to stay and possibly even friends. But if she said 'foe' then Van could kill her right then and there. What did she have to lose?
Jade shot her uncle a weird look. "What do you mean?"
"Reese knows exactly what I'm talking about," he replied coldly.
Reese bit her lip and tried to make up her mind. She didn't really have a grudge against Flyheight, she reasoned with herself, but Raven did. Raven, agh, he kept popping up in her thoughts. She had stopped using her powers because of him, she had helped kidnap a little girl because he wanted her to. She had spent this whole time being there for him, helping him find his humanity, and just doing everything humanly possible for him.
"Friend."
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
"We need a plan," Fiona announced.
Van and Reese nodded; it was a couple hours later after the incident in the ruins. Jade had fallen asleep on the way back and was currently snoozing in the bedroom. The three were in the living room, the only light was that of the TV that had been set to mute. Fiona was sitting on the couch while Van and Reese sat on the floor on either side of her. They were currently discussing the day's events and their next move.
"What about Raven?" Van asked suddenly, looking at each of the Ancient Zoidians in turn.
Fiona shrugged while Reese hung her head sadly. "I've tried getting into contact with him but he hasn't responded."
"Well couldn't that be because he doesn't like his mind being read?" suggested Fiona.
Reese shook her head and ran her hand through her now clean hair, it felt so good to be clean. "When Raven doesn't like something he'll let you know, he's not the type to suffer in silence."
"Your right," Van muttered absently as he folded one arm across his chest and propped his elbow on it and tapped his chin thoughtfully. "So that could mean that.."
"Raven's either unconscious or dead," Reese replied with no emotion whatsoever. "But he's not dead, I can feel him, he's still alive."
They sat in silence for several minutes, each wondering what to say. Fiona didn't know whether to be happy if Raven was alive or not, she didn't dislike him or anything but he was too dangerous alive unfortunately. Something that did stand out was how a great zoid pilot, legendary almost, was so easily defeated by an unknown enemy. Raven had fared well on his own against five Genosaurers. It was like he was knocked out before he even knew what hit him.
Reese frowned and looked up at Van, who was licking his lips in thought. There had to be something they were missing here. They were all attacked and sent to different parts of the continent, and then she and Fiona had lost some blood. There were so many pieces to this puzzle but no picture to go by.
"Flyheight," she said suddenly. "What was it that you were sent to retrieve?"
Van blinked and cocked his head to one side. "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is, what were you sent to retrieve before you were attacked?"
Reese let out an aggravated sigh, could anyone be any denser? She wanted to shake him until he understood but that would be way too out of line, he probably "accidentally" kill her.
Just as the blue devil opened her mouth to try again, a look of total comprehension fell upon the young pilot's face. "Ohhhh, you mean three years ago!" she nodded with annoyance. "Now that I think about it, I have idea what I was supposed to get from Emperor."
"The reason I asked this was because perhaps the reason why you were attacked years ago and what happened earlier, it's possible that that information had something to do with it. Perhaps something someone doesn't want us to know," Reese explained logically.
She did have a really good point, thought Van. He had never even considered that until now. It made sense, this individual or group didn't want them know something. And unfortunately for the good guys they had succeeded.
"Do you remember Fiona?" Van asked curiously.
Fiona's head jerked up and she shook her head. "N-no, I don't. It was top- secret."
"That's interesting," Reese muttered to herself, folding her arms across her chest. "Whatever the information was, it had to be important if not even the partner knew."
Van nodded in agreement, he and Fiona didn't know then who would? He suddenly remembered with dismay that the piece of paper that had his instructions self-destructed, kinda reminding him of those spy movies. Maybe just maybe..
"I got it!" Van exclaimed, snapping his fingers.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Reese snapped.
He ignored her outburst. "If we don't know, and the paper blew up. Then maybe Rudolph will know! Think about it, Rudolph was the one I had to go to. He of all people should know, right?"
"True, but how do you purpose we get in?" Reese asked with a bored tone, tilting her wrist. "Dead people and wanted criminals can't just waltz into the Emperor's palace and expect a council with his royal majesty."
"Oh yeah, you right.." Van trailed off sadly. So he and Reese were out of the question then that only left.. "Dead people and fugitives may not be allowed to see the Emperor but pop stars are!"
All eyes fell upon a certain blonde Ancient Zoidian. Fiona lowered her head and amused herself by staring at her lap. Van got onto his knees and placed his hand on her knee.
"C'mon Fiona, you're the only one who can get in," he pleaded softly.
Sad sunset eyes met with his dark ones. "Why can't one of you two do it?"
"Dead person," Van replied.
"Fugitive," Reese said.
Fiona whimpered softly and shook her head once more, why couldn't they understand? She had made a complete fool of herself in front of the Emperor, she snapped at him! And that was a major no no in society. She couldn't get waltz in and say, "Hey Rudolph, baby, don't worry about what I said the last time. I changed my mind! So tell me everything!" That wouldn't work not even in an alternate universe would that work. She would have to explain everything that happened to Rudolph and pray that he wouldn't hang her friends. Not only that but she had embarrassed herself.
But the way Van was looking at her made her feel guilty for even considering saying 'no'. Agh! Why couldn't he look the other way or something! Fiona didn't know what to say, but eventually let out a sigh and hung her head.
"Fine, but how am I supposed to get the information?"
Van frowned thoughtfully, well damn that wasn't something he had thought about. She could just repeat everything to them..
But once more a certain blue haired woman was one step ahead of them. Reese closed her eyes and muttered another incantation. With a smile, she held up a small blue bug between her index and middle fingers.
"Like this," Reese explained easily. "This is a recorder, it will allow us to hear what you hear."
Fiona stared fearfully at it as if it were a snake about to attack. "I don't know about this."
"Just put it on, you have nothing to lose."
*&*&*&*&*
Author's Note: okay chapter eight is finally done! wohoo! I'm still trying to work out my writer's block so sorry if this chapter is crappy. I have a question for you guys, a real dilemma. well actually for all of you who read my earlier fic, "I'm With You." I've seriously been losing sleep because of this. Should I finish that it? I mean, I'm really proud of it and I don't want it to be forgotten without at least being finished, you know what I mean? *sighs* maybe it is too late for that, but I'd really like to know what you the readers think if that's not too much trouble. School's starting on Monday so it might take me longer to update.or actually since I don't like school, maybe sooner. Lol. So yeah.
Please tell me what you think.
Peace out!
~$hAdOwCaT*~
"Oh God. Don't let the evil hand, ah, it has got me. Bob, it has got me. Ah. I am. So scared." A woman with short curled hair placed her hand over her face as she screamed in a monotone, as a fake looking hand grabbed her ankle and started dragging her on the floor.
Bob, the man she had been talking to, ran his hand through his black hair and turned dramatically to the camera and muttered some heroic mumbo jumbo. Meanwhile in the present, Van wondered if he acted like that in real life. Oh man, that would blow if he were as dramatic as that guy. He snorted softly as to not wake Jade.
He folded his arms across his chest and laid his head back, inhaling deeply. That little voice in the back of his mind kept nagging at him to find out what happened to the others. Van had blocked it out for several hours but it steadily grew louder and until it reached its current volume. It was getting really annoying.
Van looked down at Jade again and an unconscious smile pulled at his lips, he turned his gaze to his surroundings. There had to be something that could take his place until he returned. A light bulb turned on in his head; he slowly moved off of the couch and made sure that Jade's head wouldn't move. Several long, grueling minutes later, Jade was snuggled against the armrest instead of Van. Smirking at his own brilliance, Van quietly woke up Zeke, who had been snoozing next to the couch.
Soon he was outside hopping inside the cockpit of the Blade Liger. The zoid roared to life and dashed off into the desert. The bright lights of the control panel burning the midnight haired pilot's eyes, Van shut his eyes tightly and tightened his grip on the controls. Zeke growled an apology as Van slowly opened his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's make a quick run around of the surrounding area, so my concious'll stop bugging me," Van commanded easily.
Zeke roared in agreement. Van stifled a yawn and rubbed his eyes. "Beat tired, man. I don't think I've had a decent night of sleep for weeks."
Some ruins started to come into view, dead zoids scattered about, their gray bodies blending perfectly into the surroundings. Van looked down at the controls as a grin crossed his lips.
"Hey buddy, do you remember this place?"
Zeke roared enthusiastically and jumped.
"Where are we going?"
Van blinked and turned his head to come face to face to a certain seven year old. Jade propped elbows on the seat in front of her, her lips parted in the shape of an 'o'.
"Jade?!" Van cried incredulously.
She shot him a peace sign and a wink. "What up! But anyhoo, where are we going?"
"How did you-" Van sighed in defeated and returned his attention back in front of him. "Never mind, but we're going to those ruins up ahead. This is were I found Zeke and Fiona, many years ago."
Jade tensed at the blonde's name, but quickly shook it off. "Fiona? You found her?" she repeated in obvious confusion.
Van nodded as he maneuvered his zoid to jump over the ruble, hadn't he explained all this to her already? Judging by her curious expression he had not. Man, his memory sucked.
"Yes, found. You remember how Ambient was in that tube thingy?" she nodded and tugged at the back of his shirt, a sign for him to continue. "Well so were Zeke and Fiona."
"You mean Fiona the person Fiona? Or is there another organiod you didn't tell me about?"
Van couldn't help but laugh, his story even sounded funny to his ears. He couldn't blame her if she didn't understand, apart of him still didn't believe it.
"Fiona the person Fiona, the one your not very fond of," Van explained with a low chuckle. "I remember how shocked I found her, a girl, in a small capsule next to where Zeke was. But I think I was being chased by some bandits at the time, so I quickly accepted it."
Jade shot him a strange look, her uncle, being chased by bandits? Now that was something she couldn't picture, him being anything but responsible and mature. Being a kid and reckless didn't click. She tried to imagine him younger, like in the pictures she saw at Maria's house, but her mind wouldn't allow it.
She quickly shook off her confusion, and it's place came excitement. She was actually going to some ancient ruins! For the second time in less then a week, score one for Jade! "So we're going inside, right??"
Van shrugged and just as he opened his mouth to reply, the Blade Liger came to a shrieking halt. As a result, Jade's face was smothered against his shoulder and the pilot nearly hit his head on the controls.
"Jade, are you okay?" Van asked quickly.
"Ah, I think so. But my nose hurts," she said in an awfully nasal voice, massaging her nose.
"Yo, Zeke, what the hell was up with that?!"
Zeke fused in the Liger's core growled loudly and kept moving his head towards to the ruins. The golden blades sprung forth without Van even doing anything and the zoid roared once more, this time louder than the last.
"Zeke, what is your problem? We can't attack! There's no enemy!"
Zeke shook his head and roared, his tone frantic. Zeke kept indicating to the ruins, why couldn't his master understand what he was trying to say? He tried again with the same result, with an annoyed growl Zeke shot out of the Blade Liger and landed inside of the temple.
Van gasped and opened the cockpit and jumped out. What the hell was up with Zeke? Was there something in there that he wanted him to see? If so, why didn't he just say so? He knew that Van wasn't the greatest at charades! Organiods, a mystery to mankind.
Jade landed behind him, still massaging the bridge of her nose. "What's the matter with him?" she asked, her voice still nasally.
Van shrugged and placed his hands on his hips as he gazed at the ruins, once forgotten memories whirling in his brain. Why weren't these ruins protected like the other ones? He wondered, looking back at the dead zoids most of them sleepers. Perhaps it was protected, but if the sleepers were attacked why weren't replacements put in their place? To make matters worse, Zeke was acting really weird. It reminded him of that first day they'd met and Zeke made him go back inside for Fiona.
What was he supposed to do? Jade was still complaining about her nose, and the entrance was at the top of the temple. Van knelt in front of her and pushed her hand down.
"C'mon Jade, let me see your nose," he said softly.
The moonlight reflected off of her eyes as she shook her head quickly, her hand covering her nose and mouth.
"Your nose hurts doesn't it? It could be broken, and you wouldn't want that. So can I see it?"
"No," was all she would say.
Sighing, Van stood up. It was no use, he decided, he'd just have to check it later. "Do you still want to check out the ruins?"
"Do I ever!" she exclaimed happily, having already completely forgotten the nose issue.
As they started walking, Van kept stealing glances at his niece. Her nose looked fine from what he could see, but then again it was too dark out for him to be sure. The steady sound of their feet beating against the ground allowed his thoughts to consume him. Were Moonbay and Irvine okay? What had happened to them in the first place? What had happened to all of them for that matter? His niece being tied up the Liger's leg was symbolic, but of what Van had no idea. He had questions and all he wanted was answers.
"Hey look!" Jade tugged at his sleeve, her eyes locked heavenwards.
Van looked down at her and tilted his head. "What?"
In reply, Jade held up her arm and pointed to the starry night. Van didn't see anything except the stars twinkling, but then a flash of blue lightening landed in front of the temple. A screech echoed from the distance.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&
Fiona sat in a stunned silence, the other girl's words echoing in her head. "If..we.stick around long enough, we'll only cause pain to those we love." Sure the blue devil had made statements like that before, such as Van would keep on fighting and one day he would die in battle, and that one came true. Well, everyone believed he was dead, so that still counted. But Reese believed this then why was she hanging around Raven, if she knew that she would only hurt him? Maybe she just came to the realization now, Fiona reasoned.
But everything did make since, it seemed that no matter what Fiona did something bad occurred. But her mind insisted that Reese was only making this up to scare her, Fiona wasn't so sure. Reese had changed a lot, surely she wouldn't be so hung up on revenge. She looked up at Reese, who was staring at the orb of light, the light reflecting off her eyes. Reese looked miserable, Fiona decided, and she meant every word she had said.
Neither had spoken for several minutes, each lost in their thoughts. Fiona wanted to ask her something but every time she opened her mouth her throat clogged up and her vision blurred. She wanted to know how the other girl knew this or was it all just coincidence? Fiona realized if she kept double guessing herself then she would never get anywhere, but why was she all of a sudden so insecure? She had made dozens of great financial decisions with ease and now she couldn't even think without doubting herself.
Suddenly a blur of blue landed in the gap between the two girls. In it's place was the silver organiod, Zeke. Fiona looked up and then returned her attention to the ground, wait what? She did a double take, her jaw open. Were her eyes deceiving her? Was Zeke really in front of her?
"Zeke? Is that you?" she gasped.
Zeke nodded and growled softly, his ruby eyes darting over towards Reese, who still had not lifted her gaze from the orb.
Fiona was quivering even though she had no idea why, her heart filled with newfound hope. Maybe there was a way to escape their prison. She crawled excitedly towards Reese and tapped her on her shoulder. Reese looked up at her with tired eyes.
"Reese! Zeke has come to rescue us!" she chirped. "Isn't that great?"
The organiod growled in agreement, although it sounded hesitant. But Reese couldn't blame him, he wasn't sure if he could trust her.
"What's the use?" she whispered, eyes bright with tears. "We're going to die anyways."
Fiona's good graces wavered as she frowned, what was the matter with that girl? She wondered, Reese was so depressed and ignored any attempts of help. It was like she had completely given up hope. Fiona had only seen her like this once, and that was when the Deathsaurer was revived and fused with the Deathstinger and Hiltz.
Fiona grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her several times. "Reese, snap out of it! You mustn't give up yet; it's not over. The enemy hasn't show himself yet, we can still win!"
But Reese just shook her head and smiled such a sad smile that it broke Fiona's heart. "It's hopeless."
"No, it's not! Reese, what has gotten into you? What would Raven say if he saw you like this?" Fiona demanded and shook her once more.
"He would say that I am weak for giving up...and that I wasn't worthy of being with him..."
"Doesn't that make you want to prove him wrong?" Fiona asked softly, cupping the other girl's chin in her hand.
Reese bit her lower lip and met her eyes, the light off the orb making her eyes look even brighter. Why couldn't Fiona understand? She thought about what the blonde had said about Raven...would he.? Of course he would think less of her if he saw her like this, she told herself firmly. But did she really want him to have the last laugh?
"I..I just don't know," she whispered.
Fiona smiled kindly and wiped a stray tear. "Then isn't this worth a shot? What do we have to lose?"
Reese nodded and straightened, filled with renewed hope. She stood up and looked over at the organiod that had witnessed her moment of weakness and suddenly felt embarrassed. But refused to let Fiona or the organiod know that.
She cleared her throat and rubbed her arms. "We need to get out of here, the only way to get out of this room is through that door. But neither of us are strong enough to do that, so that only leaves you, organiod. Are you up to it?"
Zeke made a throaty growl and glanced over at Fiona, who nodded in response. He rammed his skull against the door, taking it with him. He shook it off and slammed his tail down as an indication for the girls to come. Reese and Fiona looked at different sides of the hall, both of which just melted into darkness. A shiver went up and down the blonde's spine as a cool breeze from seemingly nowhere caressed her cheeks.
"This way," Reese said, tilting her head to the right.
Fiona swallowed and gazed at the wall in front of her, there was a carving of a hand holding a scepter with what appeared to be a diamond on it's head. Beneath it was writing, but she had no idea what it said.
"Reese-" she started to say when Reese cut her off.
"No time, we have to get out of here," Reese said firmly and grabbed her wrist and led her down the hall.
It was so dark that Fiona couldn't even see her hand if she waved it before her eyes, vines seemed to appear out of nowhere and grab her shirt and nip at her heels. The fact that she couldn't see a thing unnerved her a lot and that succeeded in slowing them down even more.
The blue devil growled to herself, why couldn't Fiona just trust her? She searched the other girl's mind and discovered that the delay was because of her blindness. Reese rolled her eyes, held up her free hand, and muttered an incantation under her breath. With each word she uttered a ball of light grew larger and larger in her palm.
"Happy now?" she said in a less than friendly tone.
Fiona gasped, so that was how she did that. She nodded silently, still in awe. She glanced over her shoulder to see Zeke trotting behind them and noticed that something was completely off with the picture. Reese had an organiod, why did she need Zeke to break down the door if her organiod could have easily done it?
"Reese, where's Specula?" Fiona piped up.
Reese stopped, but Fiona wasn't sure if it was because of her question or the fact that there was another doorway. The sound of voices echoed down the hall before them. Reese unconsciously tightened her grip on the other girl's hand, the voices seemed to be coming closer. She tensed and stealthily flattened herself and Fiona against the wall. Fiona let out a gasp of surprise.
"Shhh!" Reese whispered. "Someone could hear us," she added telepathically.
The voices grew louder until it got to the point where they could understand what they were saying. One belonged to a male while the second one was that of a girl's.
"Can we go in there?" asked the girl, excitement pouring out of her nasally voice.
"No."
They sounded so familiar, Fiona thought, but where had she heard them before?
"So are you going to explain anything to me?"
"Do I have to?" sighed the male. "Honestly Jade, you ask too many questions."
"Auntie says that I have an inquisitive mind!" chirped the other voice.
"Talk about your understatements of the century."
Fiona held her breath as the approaching footsteps came to a halt right next to the doorway. She could hear the guy whispered something, and just as she opened her mouth to exhale Zeke bounced up and down excitedly. Reese turned to them wide-eyed, that was the only emotion she showed, and made a motion for them to shut up. But the organiod continued to bounce and growl.
"Zeke, are you insane?" Fiona hissed in a high whisper.
He ignored her. Due to the sudden silence on the other side of the wall, the people must have heard him. Zeke raced through the doorway and growled enthusiastically. The sound of someone falling met the two Ancient Zoidian's ears.
"On the count of three, we'll storm in there," Reese's voice filled her mind. "We'll have the element of surprise on our side."
She nodded and braced herself as Reese began the countdown. She could feel Reese's body tense next to her and her grip on her hand tighten.
"One."
How could Zeke do that? Was it someone he knew? Fiona wondered.
"Two."
The only sound Fiona could hear was her raging heart. Her breath was caught in her throat as she tried to calm her heart with no avail.
"..Three!"
They raced through the door, fists raised, and voices loud and unafraid. Reese was holding orb in her hand menacingly while Fiona curled her free hand into a fist, her jaw set. But what they saw was not what they were expecting..
There was Zeke on top of some unlucky guy, licking his face happily, while he was hollowing with laughter. Standing next to them was Jade, who had screamed when they stormed in and backed against the wall. Her hazel eyes wide.
"Jade?" Fiona said blankly. Reese lowered her hand and furrowed her brows in confusion.
Jade just stared at them for another second before her hand grabbed her chest. She patted her chest in an attempt calm her heart. "Don't you ever do that again!" she exclaimed, breathlessly.
"Sorry," Reese and Fiona said in unison. They glanced sideways at each other.
Fiona walked up to Zeke, Reese still holding on to her, and peered over the organiods shoulder to see none other than Van trying to stop his laughter.
"Van?"
Van pushed Zeke off of him and laughed softly, before looking up at the two Ancient Zoidians. Well, that explains why Zeke had been acting so funny. He smiled and stood up and brushed the dust off of his pants. On his left, Jade was watching them with apprehension. He knew what she thinking, she was worried about him and Fiona kissing again. Van studied Fiona for a moment, her blonde hair was sticking up in several directions and looked grayer and her face looked dirty. Reese was standing right next to her, her hair had separated into dirty clumps and she too looked dirty. His eyes fell upon the ball of light floating above her hand and then at her other hand that was linked with Fiona's.
Reese followed his gaze and quickly pulled her hand to her chest. It was demeaning to her, to have been seen holding hands with Fiona just out of fear. She wiped her hand on her shirt and smiled at Jade, who returned the smile.
"How have you been, little one?" she asked softly.
Jade smiled widely. "I had the weirdest day!" she chirped.
"I think we all have," Van said gently. "Let's go."
He started to walk in front of them and paused so his back was facing the blue haired Ancient Zoidian. Van glanced at her from the corner of his eye. It was obvious that Fiona trusted her, but could he? That was the question. Back in the day, she swore her revenge on him and then she teamed up with Raven, who also hated him with a heated passion.
"Friend or foe," he said stiffly.
Reese looked at the back of his head strangely. "What?"
"Friend or foe, Reese. I'm not going to say it again, friend or foe."
Reese frowned, if she said 'friend' then Raven would never forgive her as long as he lived, but if she did say it she would have a place to stay and possibly even friends. But if she said 'foe' then Van could kill her right then and there. What did she have to lose?
Jade shot her uncle a weird look. "What do you mean?"
"Reese knows exactly what I'm talking about," he replied coldly.
Reese bit her lip and tried to make up her mind. She didn't really have a grudge against Flyheight, she reasoned with herself, but Raven did. Raven, agh, he kept popping up in her thoughts. She had stopped using her powers because of him, she had helped kidnap a little girl because he wanted her to. She had spent this whole time being there for him, helping him find his humanity, and just doing everything humanly possible for him.
"Friend."
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
"We need a plan," Fiona announced.
Van and Reese nodded; it was a couple hours later after the incident in the ruins. Jade had fallen asleep on the way back and was currently snoozing in the bedroom. The three were in the living room, the only light was that of the TV that had been set to mute. Fiona was sitting on the couch while Van and Reese sat on the floor on either side of her. They were currently discussing the day's events and their next move.
"What about Raven?" Van asked suddenly, looking at each of the Ancient Zoidians in turn.
Fiona shrugged while Reese hung her head sadly. "I've tried getting into contact with him but he hasn't responded."
"Well couldn't that be because he doesn't like his mind being read?" suggested Fiona.
Reese shook her head and ran her hand through her now clean hair, it felt so good to be clean. "When Raven doesn't like something he'll let you know, he's not the type to suffer in silence."
"Your right," Van muttered absently as he folded one arm across his chest and propped his elbow on it and tapped his chin thoughtfully. "So that could mean that.."
"Raven's either unconscious or dead," Reese replied with no emotion whatsoever. "But he's not dead, I can feel him, he's still alive."
They sat in silence for several minutes, each wondering what to say. Fiona didn't know whether to be happy if Raven was alive or not, she didn't dislike him or anything but he was too dangerous alive unfortunately. Something that did stand out was how a great zoid pilot, legendary almost, was so easily defeated by an unknown enemy. Raven had fared well on his own against five Genosaurers. It was like he was knocked out before he even knew what hit him.
Reese frowned and looked up at Van, who was licking his lips in thought. There had to be something they were missing here. They were all attacked and sent to different parts of the continent, and then she and Fiona had lost some blood. There were so many pieces to this puzzle but no picture to go by.
"Flyheight," she said suddenly. "What was it that you were sent to retrieve?"
Van blinked and cocked his head to one side. "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is, what were you sent to retrieve before you were attacked?"
Reese let out an aggravated sigh, could anyone be any denser? She wanted to shake him until he understood but that would be way too out of line, he probably "accidentally" kill her.
Just as the blue devil opened her mouth to try again, a look of total comprehension fell upon the young pilot's face. "Ohhhh, you mean three years ago!" she nodded with annoyance. "Now that I think about it, I have idea what I was supposed to get from Emperor."
"The reason I asked this was because perhaps the reason why you were attacked years ago and what happened earlier, it's possible that that information had something to do with it. Perhaps something someone doesn't want us to know," Reese explained logically.
She did have a really good point, thought Van. He had never even considered that until now. It made sense, this individual or group didn't want them know something. And unfortunately for the good guys they had succeeded.
"Do you remember Fiona?" Van asked curiously.
Fiona's head jerked up and she shook her head. "N-no, I don't. It was top- secret."
"That's interesting," Reese muttered to herself, folding her arms across her chest. "Whatever the information was, it had to be important if not even the partner knew."
Van nodded in agreement, he and Fiona didn't know then who would? He suddenly remembered with dismay that the piece of paper that had his instructions self-destructed, kinda reminding him of those spy movies. Maybe just maybe..
"I got it!" Van exclaimed, snapping his fingers.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Reese snapped.
He ignored her outburst. "If we don't know, and the paper blew up. Then maybe Rudolph will know! Think about it, Rudolph was the one I had to go to. He of all people should know, right?"
"True, but how do you purpose we get in?" Reese asked with a bored tone, tilting her wrist. "Dead people and wanted criminals can't just waltz into the Emperor's palace and expect a council with his royal majesty."
"Oh yeah, you right.." Van trailed off sadly. So he and Reese were out of the question then that only left.. "Dead people and fugitives may not be allowed to see the Emperor but pop stars are!"
All eyes fell upon a certain blonde Ancient Zoidian. Fiona lowered her head and amused herself by staring at her lap. Van got onto his knees and placed his hand on her knee.
"C'mon Fiona, you're the only one who can get in," he pleaded softly.
Sad sunset eyes met with his dark ones. "Why can't one of you two do it?"
"Dead person," Van replied.
"Fugitive," Reese said.
Fiona whimpered softly and shook her head once more, why couldn't they understand? She had made a complete fool of herself in front of the Emperor, she snapped at him! And that was a major no no in society. She couldn't get waltz in and say, "Hey Rudolph, baby, don't worry about what I said the last time. I changed my mind! So tell me everything!" That wouldn't work not even in an alternate universe would that work. She would have to explain everything that happened to Rudolph and pray that he wouldn't hang her friends. Not only that but she had embarrassed herself.
But the way Van was looking at her made her feel guilty for even considering saying 'no'. Agh! Why couldn't he look the other way or something! Fiona didn't know what to say, but eventually let out a sigh and hung her head.
"Fine, but how am I supposed to get the information?"
Van frowned thoughtfully, well damn that wasn't something he had thought about. She could just repeat everything to them..
But once more a certain blue haired woman was one step ahead of them. Reese closed her eyes and muttered another incantation. With a smile, she held up a small blue bug between her index and middle fingers.
"Like this," Reese explained easily. "This is a recorder, it will allow us to hear what you hear."
Fiona stared fearfully at it as if it were a snake about to attack. "I don't know about this."
"Just put it on, you have nothing to lose."
*&*&*&*&*
Author's Note: okay chapter eight is finally done! wohoo! I'm still trying to work out my writer's block so sorry if this chapter is crappy. I have a question for you guys, a real dilemma. well actually for all of you who read my earlier fic, "I'm With You." I've seriously been losing sleep because of this. Should I finish that it? I mean, I'm really proud of it and I don't want it to be forgotten without at least being finished, you know what I mean? *sighs* maybe it is too late for that, but I'd really like to know what you the readers think if that's not too much trouble. School's starting on Monday so it might take me longer to update.or actually since I don't like school, maybe sooner. Lol. So yeah.
Please tell me what you think.
Peace out!
~$hAdOwCaT*~