Beyond the Battlefield
Prelude to the Battle
"Wow Ami. You look great," Bit says as Ami runs down the hallway in her halter top red dress that reaches the floor.
"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself," Ami says as she looks at Bit in his tuxedo. She wraps her arms around his neck, while he wraps his around her waist, and gives him a short sweet kiss. "I really wish we didn't have to be here."
"Neither do I. I say we throw our own little party tomorrow night," he suggests, putting his forehead to hers and smiling.
"Sounds good to me." She returns the smile.
"Well, we better get going." Bit holds out his arm as Ami takes hold of it, both walking into the room.
*
"Bit. Ami. It looks like you've made it," Mr. Umi says as he walks up to the two.
"We wouldn't miss such an event where there's free food," Bit comments.
"Great. I'll be right back." HE turns around and heads back out.
"Bit! Ami!" The two look for the origin of the voice and see their three other teammates.
"Hey you guys. How's it going?" Ami asks.
"Alright. I'm not really into these formal events," Jamie comments, tugging on his tuxedo.
"This is great. It's the perfect to show off my beauty and charm to all the single men out there," Leena states, fixing her strapless black dress.
"I like it because I've already gotten a few offers from companies who want to give us money."
"As long as you don't make us any promotionally flunkies, you can do whatever you want," Bit comments.
"What? Are you kidding me?" the Doc says.
"We're not into the money thing. We fight for different reasons, like to be the best."
"Yep," Ami agrees, nodding her head.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to tonight's festivities. We are all here tonight so that everyone can get to know each other. But before the party continues, I would like to introduce our two guests of honor," Mr. Umi says on his podium.
"He's not going to do what I think he is going to do," Bit whispers to Ami.
"I really hope not," she whispers back.
"By the entrance, Bit Cloud and Ami, the Fire Cat, Kamiya." HE points his hand towards the two and they wave nervously, as the people around them clap.
"I can't believe he actually did it," Bit whispers.
"He did."
"Now, back to the party." As soon as he leaves, people start to flock over to the couple.
"Mr. Cloud, Ms. Kamiya, it's such a pleasure to meet two of the finest Zoid warriors around," one business man says, sticking out his hand.
"Um.thanks," Bit says, accepting his hand and shaking it.
"My business has some very nice offers we are willing to discuss with you."
"Our business also has some that will interest you very much," another man states, more coming closer and crowding around the two.
"Sorry, but we're not interested in taking on sponsors or offers," Ami says, backing up.
"Please, hear us out first."
"If you have any offers, please talk them over with or manager Jamie here. He will gladly take down your offers and we'll review them over," Bit says, grabbing Jamie and putting him in front of them.
"Don't accept any of them Jamie and make sure the Doc and Leena don't take any for us either," Ami whispers.
"You guys owe me big time," Jamie states.
"We sure do. Thanks Jamie!" Bit says, taking Ami by the wrist and leading her off to a near by corner, far enough from most of the people. Ami puts her back against the wall and Bit stands right in front, his arms around her waist again.
"I feel bad leaving Jamie with them," Ami says, looking at the floor for a while.
"But at least they're out of our hair."
"Then how about we go move that party we were planning tomorrow to a
few minutes from now?" Ami suggests, snaking her arms around his neck.
"That sounds wonderful." He leans down and kisses her, starting out slowl, but building up.
"You two skipping out?" They jump and turn around to see Jack standing a few feet behind with his two female partners, Kelly and Chris.
"Jack? You're here?" Bit asks, blushing as Ami hides her face in his shirt.
"IT's a good place to get some companies to give us free parts," Kelly comments, stepping forward in her sleeveless blue cocktail dress and Chris in her matching purple dress.
"We heard about you beating Jack and Bit today Fire Cat," Chris says.
"Yeah, so? Rapidfire is the fastest land Zoid there is. It's natural for her to beat others in a race," Ami states, moving forward.
"A little cocky sounding are we?" Kelly says.
"I am not acting like that. It's a fact," she starts, beginning to lose her temper.
"Ami, calm down," Bit says, grabbing her shoulder before anything could happen.
"I was impressed out there. Not many have been able to beat me. Bit was the first and wasn't even able to beat my team. I was wondering, if you would like to battle all of us. To show us your true speed and capabilities," Jack suggests.
"Or are you just a scared little kitty cat?" Chris and Kelly say at the same time, chuckling afterwards.
"No one calls me kitty! And I mean no one! You're on. I'll show you just how great Rapidfire is by defeating all of you by yourself."
"What are you doing?" Bit says as Ami gets away from his grasp.
"They insulted me and Rapidfire. I can't let that just go by. I have a title to defend. And you would do the same so don't try to change my mind," Ami says, her anger at full.
"That's a great idea. A battle will show just how powerful the warriors are here," Mr. Umi says, popping out of nowhere. HEt urns towards the audience and clears his throat. "Attention everyone. We have a special event tonight. Fire Cat has accepted a battle request from the entire Lightening Team. IF you will all please follow me, I'll show you to the arena."
*
Jack and the girls get into their Zoids and the Blitz team stands by, waiting for Ami to get into hers, Rapidfire's head already bent to the ground. "Ami, why aren't you getting in? You're not going to back out are you?" Jamie asks.
"Of course not. I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to get into Rapidfire. I usually climb up, but this dress isn't made for climbing or battling," she says, rubbing the back of her neck.
"I'll help you up. Put your foot on my hand and I'll give you a boost." She does as she is told as soon gets into the cockpit.
"Thanks honey. I'll be back right after I beat these guys."
*
Ami stands ready on one side of the field as the three others stand on the opposite. The rest of the people stand in the audience, getting ready for the battle. Bit and the rest of the Blitz Team wait in the announcers box with Mr. Umi.
"The fighters will be restricted to the arena for the battle. All usual rules apply to this battle. Fire Cat and Rapidfire versus the Lightening Team. Ready? Fight!"
"You're going down kitty. Let's finish her off with our special move." The three Zoids line up, one behind the other, and start a charge towards Rapidfire.
"Let's show them what we're all about." Ami starts her charge at them as well. Two of the Lightening Saix appear from behind the first one and charge at even greater speeds. Rapidfire simply opens her wings and pounces into the air, flying over the two black cats, landing and moving out of the way before the third could strike.
"How did she do that?" Mr. Umi asks outloud.
"That's Ami for you," Bit comments.
"Nice move, but it won't help you later." Ami starts another charge towards the one as the two others start to run around, trying to confuse her. Kelly starts to fire as Ami charges, but Rapidfire quickly dodges them before being hit on two sides by the other two. She soon stops and sees as she is surrounded by the three Lightening Saix. She tries to move away, but a shot is fired stopping her.
"No way. I'm trapped like an animal," Ami says, looking for a way out.
"It's time to end this. Fire girls." All three fire at the trapped Rapidfire, covering it in a huge cloud of smoke.
"Did we get her?" CHirs asks.
"Don't forget she's an Ultimate-X, so we still have to be careful." As the smoke clears, Rapidfire seems to be down. But after a few seconds if waiting, Rapidfire shakily gets back onto all fours.
"You don't really think a little attack like that is going to destroy me. I've been through a lot worse than that."
"But that would take any normal Zoid down," Kelly comments.
"But not Rapidfire. A normal Zoid and her pilot would not have gone through the hardships we have gone through together, like having her own brother sacrifice his own life so his little sister can go on and realize both of their dreams. That's what keeps Rapidfire and me going and why no one has ever beaten us once and has been able to beat us again. Rapidfire and I will always fight with everything that we have even if it means our death, because we have been through so much, that a little battle like this is nothing. Now, we'll show you our true power. The power of our love and sadness and our bond! We will never let Kikeru's sacrifice go in vain!" she finishes as she and Rapidfire stand tall as if nothing ever happened, a strong fiery will surrounding the two.
"Do you see that?" Chris comments.
"IT looks like she's on fire. She truly has a strong spirit. Maybe even more than Bit's," Jack whispers.
"And to show you just how strong we are, I'm going to finish this battle in three minutes. If I don't, I'll forfeit. Someone get a stopwatch ready."
"It's all set," Doctor Toros comments.
"Fine. IT's your loss," Kelly states.
"Do it Rapidfire. Kick it up all the way." Rapidfire starts her run as the three Saix start firing. Rapidfire though dodges every shot. She turns around and starts firing at one cat, bring her down.
"ONE down in only 45 seconds," Jamie comments.
"Not bad. Now to get the others." She starts the charge again, the two black cats trying to confuse her again by running in circles. "That won't work this time." She charges towards one and jumps up high into the air, only to come back down and pounce on a second Lightening Saix, crushing her into the ground and out of the battle.
"Two down in 1 minute 15."
"And now it's just you and me Jack," she states, Rapidfire roaring and ready to attack as the two stand face to face. "And I won't take it is easy on you because you're Bit's friend."
"No need to." The two charge at high speeds, before moving out of the way. They soon face each other and start firing, but soon Rapidfire gains speed and suddenly disappear from Jack's sight.
"Where did she go?"
"Right behind you! Strike Laser Claw!" Rapidfire comes down onto the last Lightening Saix, taking a chuck of metal with it as she lands in the ground safely as Jack lands with a thud.
"The battle is over. The winner is Fire Cat and Rapidfire."
"Alright. I knew Ami could do it," Bit cheers.
"Now you see why no one ever calls me kitty," Ami announces, standing up out of Rapidfire and wiggling her tail.
*
Bit and Ami sleep soundly again in their bed. The door bell suddenly rings. No one answers, so it continues to ring. "Bit, get the door and tell him to stop ringing the bell."
"There's no need to."
"What did you do this time?"
"I set up a little trap for him." Suddenly several loud thuds are heard and then a scream of pain, followed by a shutting door.
"Bit, what did you do?" she asks, putting her chin on his shoulder.
"I left the door a little bit open with some books, so when he came to enter, all the books would fall of him."
"Good plan." They continue their sleep only to hear the doorbell ring again.
"HE doesn't give up does he? Can you get it Ami?"
"Why don't you? You're closer."
"I set up the trap and opened it last time. It's your turn. Go show him why no one messes around with the great Fire Cat."
"Alright." She sits up on the bed and stretches in her track shorts and tank top pajamas. She gets up and starts to fix her hair as she heads towards the door, starting to build up her anger. She grabs the knob, but doesn't open it. "Listen here. Don't you get the hint? We don't want you here waking us up at ungodly hours. We'll wake up whenever we feel like it and if you ring that doorbell one more time, I'm going to scratch your eyes out so you can't see the doorbell again more." She waits patiently as the door bell rings again. "That's it!" She pulls the door open and raises her hand, only not to see the bellboy on the other side. "Jack? What are you doing here?"
"I came here to talk."
"Bit's still sleeping, so it will take a while before I can get him up," she says playing with her hair.
"Actually I want to talk to you."
"You do?" she asks, her eyes opening up all the way.
"If you don't mind."
"Of course not. Come on in." She moves out the way and lets Jack in.
"Ami, I heard threatening and a doorbell. You didn't take me seriously did.Jack? What are you doing here?" Bit says, surprised as well.
"I came to talk to Ami. Is that alright with you?"
"Sure. I'm going back to sleep." He turns around and heads back into the bedroom. Jack sits down on the nearest couch and Ami sits on the one across.
"So.if it was about the battle yesterday, I'm really sorry about damaging your team like that. I kinda went out of control," she apologizes, playing with the hem of her shorts.
"Don't worry about that. But I do want to talk about last night's battle."
"You do?"
"Last night's battle was one of the most amazing battles I have ever been in. At first, it didn't seem so, but once you got up, everyone was able to see the fiery spirit that you fight and live with everyday. IT was truly inspirational. You should never forget about that spirit. And I know and see why you are one of the best warriors around and what makes you so compatible with Bit."
"Thanks. I think," she answers confused.
*
"So only one more day until the big battle. I can't wait," Ami says, taking another shot at Liger in the arena.
"Finally we get to have a real battle. Or maybe I should I get to. You already had one." He tries an attack, but misses as well.
"I know. That Jack guy isn't such a bad guy. He looks a lot worse than he acts."
"You're not thinking about going after him, are you?" Bit asks concerned.
"Of course not. I doubt anyone can have as much fun as we do," she answers, taking another chance.
*
"Alright," Mr. Umi states as the crew of each team there gets ready for the briefing, "As you know, all you here will be serving as the crew of your warriors. You will be located out in the field so that if the warrior has to change, he or she can get to you easily.
"You are also here to instruct your warriors on different strategies because they will surely not listen to me or any of my men. And you will all have to communicate with one another if you want your money. I will start off with our main plan.
"To start off with, we will have Fire Cat, along with the other six fastest Zoid right next to her, named Group A. They will stand a few feet back though than the others. Next, we will separate the Zoids with the most powerful weapons to either side of the center group, groups B, C, D, and E. And finally, the rest will be separated into two groups, one on each side, groups W, X, Y, and Z.
"When the signal is given, groups B through E, will each launch one round of weapons at the enemy, hopefully getting rid of some of them. Then group A will start a charge at their fastest speeds towards the center, knocking down the center troops, which will be the best warriors. Then group B will go with W, C with X, D with Y, and E with Z. They will each go off and start their attacks. We should soon find out which are the more powerful Zoids and by then, we will send our most powerful ones over to destroy the enemies."
*
"Cheers, to tomorrow's battle!" one warrior says, lifting up his glass.
"To tomorrow's battle!" the rest cheer.
"IT looks like people like this kinda party than a ball," Ami says, taking a drink as she and Bit sit in one of the booths. She lenas back into his chest as he puts his arm around her.
"Hey Bit, thanks for the drinks," anoter warrior says, passing the two.
"NO prob. But I'm making a limit. I don't want one of our guys firing at one of us."
"Good idea. You know, you're a pretty cool guy."
"Hey Fire Cat. Come on out to the dance floor with us. There aren't enough good looking women to here and it's not a party without a few girls," another guy comes over to the booth.
"I'll be out in a second. Coming Bit?" she asks as she starts to crawl out of the booth.
"I'm not that good of a dancer. Just remember who you're with."
"I know, I know. I'll be back." She gives him a quick kiss before getting out.
"You're taking too long. Come on." The guy comes back and takes her off her feet and leading her away.
"Hey. I can walk myself you know." Bit watches as Ami leaves and takes another drink.
"You're pretty lucky Bit."
"You always need to make an interesting entrance, don't you?"
"It makes things different," Jack says moving into the seat on the other side.
"So what exactly did you and Ami talk about this morning? She seemed different at breakfast," he says taking another drink.
"We just talked about the battle. Nothing that important. So do you think you're ready for the battle tomorrow?"
"I've been ready all my life for a battle like this. And I'm going to bag more Zoids than my battles this year combined," he says, hyping himself up.
"Optimistic like always."
*
"Sir, the prototypes are ready for tomorrow's battle," a man states in his jumpsuit.
"Good. Don't put them up in the line up though," commands a man sitting down with purple spiky hair.
"Why not sir?"
"I don't want them to be part of the main battle. It will just be a waste of ammunition. We'll bring them out during our own little battle after the main one is done. That will make things more amusing."
And another one done. Either the next or the one after will be a critical chapter since it will set the rest of the plot, so stay tuned. I'm back at college now, so things may start to slow down since I'll be taking 21 credits, but I like writing as a way to relieve my stress, so I might get more done actually. See ya.
-Chibi Reli
Prelude to the Battle
"Wow Ami. You look great," Bit says as Ami runs down the hallway in her halter top red dress that reaches the floor.
"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself," Ami says as she looks at Bit in his tuxedo. She wraps her arms around his neck, while he wraps his around her waist, and gives him a short sweet kiss. "I really wish we didn't have to be here."
"Neither do I. I say we throw our own little party tomorrow night," he suggests, putting his forehead to hers and smiling.
"Sounds good to me." She returns the smile.
"Well, we better get going." Bit holds out his arm as Ami takes hold of it, both walking into the room.
*
"Bit. Ami. It looks like you've made it," Mr. Umi says as he walks up to the two.
"We wouldn't miss such an event where there's free food," Bit comments.
"Great. I'll be right back." HE turns around and heads back out.
"Bit! Ami!" The two look for the origin of the voice and see their three other teammates.
"Hey you guys. How's it going?" Ami asks.
"Alright. I'm not really into these formal events," Jamie comments, tugging on his tuxedo.
"This is great. It's the perfect to show off my beauty and charm to all the single men out there," Leena states, fixing her strapless black dress.
"I like it because I've already gotten a few offers from companies who want to give us money."
"As long as you don't make us any promotionally flunkies, you can do whatever you want," Bit comments.
"What? Are you kidding me?" the Doc says.
"We're not into the money thing. We fight for different reasons, like to be the best."
"Yep," Ami agrees, nodding her head.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to tonight's festivities. We are all here tonight so that everyone can get to know each other. But before the party continues, I would like to introduce our two guests of honor," Mr. Umi says on his podium.
"He's not going to do what I think he is going to do," Bit whispers to Ami.
"I really hope not," she whispers back.
"By the entrance, Bit Cloud and Ami, the Fire Cat, Kamiya." HE points his hand towards the two and they wave nervously, as the people around them clap.
"I can't believe he actually did it," Bit whispers.
"He did."
"Now, back to the party." As soon as he leaves, people start to flock over to the couple.
"Mr. Cloud, Ms. Kamiya, it's such a pleasure to meet two of the finest Zoid warriors around," one business man says, sticking out his hand.
"Um.thanks," Bit says, accepting his hand and shaking it.
"My business has some very nice offers we are willing to discuss with you."
"Our business also has some that will interest you very much," another man states, more coming closer and crowding around the two.
"Sorry, but we're not interested in taking on sponsors or offers," Ami says, backing up.
"Please, hear us out first."
"If you have any offers, please talk them over with or manager Jamie here. He will gladly take down your offers and we'll review them over," Bit says, grabbing Jamie and putting him in front of them.
"Don't accept any of them Jamie and make sure the Doc and Leena don't take any for us either," Ami whispers.
"You guys owe me big time," Jamie states.
"We sure do. Thanks Jamie!" Bit says, taking Ami by the wrist and leading her off to a near by corner, far enough from most of the people. Ami puts her back against the wall and Bit stands right in front, his arms around her waist again.
"I feel bad leaving Jamie with them," Ami says, looking at the floor for a while.
"But at least they're out of our hair."
"Then how about we go move that party we were planning tomorrow to a
few minutes from now?" Ami suggests, snaking her arms around his neck.
"That sounds wonderful." He leans down and kisses her, starting out slowl, but building up.
"You two skipping out?" They jump and turn around to see Jack standing a few feet behind with his two female partners, Kelly and Chris.
"Jack? You're here?" Bit asks, blushing as Ami hides her face in his shirt.
"IT's a good place to get some companies to give us free parts," Kelly comments, stepping forward in her sleeveless blue cocktail dress and Chris in her matching purple dress.
"We heard about you beating Jack and Bit today Fire Cat," Chris says.
"Yeah, so? Rapidfire is the fastest land Zoid there is. It's natural for her to beat others in a race," Ami states, moving forward.
"A little cocky sounding are we?" Kelly says.
"I am not acting like that. It's a fact," she starts, beginning to lose her temper.
"Ami, calm down," Bit says, grabbing her shoulder before anything could happen.
"I was impressed out there. Not many have been able to beat me. Bit was the first and wasn't even able to beat my team. I was wondering, if you would like to battle all of us. To show us your true speed and capabilities," Jack suggests.
"Or are you just a scared little kitty cat?" Chris and Kelly say at the same time, chuckling afterwards.
"No one calls me kitty! And I mean no one! You're on. I'll show you just how great Rapidfire is by defeating all of you by yourself."
"What are you doing?" Bit says as Ami gets away from his grasp.
"They insulted me and Rapidfire. I can't let that just go by. I have a title to defend. And you would do the same so don't try to change my mind," Ami says, her anger at full.
"That's a great idea. A battle will show just how powerful the warriors are here," Mr. Umi says, popping out of nowhere. HEt urns towards the audience and clears his throat. "Attention everyone. We have a special event tonight. Fire Cat has accepted a battle request from the entire Lightening Team. IF you will all please follow me, I'll show you to the arena."
*
Jack and the girls get into their Zoids and the Blitz team stands by, waiting for Ami to get into hers, Rapidfire's head already bent to the ground. "Ami, why aren't you getting in? You're not going to back out are you?" Jamie asks.
"Of course not. I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to get into Rapidfire. I usually climb up, but this dress isn't made for climbing or battling," she says, rubbing the back of her neck.
"I'll help you up. Put your foot on my hand and I'll give you a boost." She does as she is told as soon gets into the cockpit.
"Thanks honey. I'll be back right after I beat these guys."
*
Ami stands ready on one side of the field as the three others stand on the opposite. The rest of the people stand in the audience, getting ready for the battle. Bit and the rest of the Blitz Team wait in the announcers box with Mr. Umi.
"The fighters will be restricted to the arena for the battle. All usual rules apply to this battle. Fire Cat and Rapidfire versus the Lightening Team. Ready? Fight!"
"You're going down kitty. Let's finish her off with our special move." The three Zoids line up, one behind the other, and start a charge towards Rapidfire.
"Let's show them what we're all about." Ami starts her charge at them as well. Two of the Lightening Saix appear from behind the first one and charge at even greater speeds. Rapidfire simply opens her wings and pounces into the air, flying over the two black cats, landing and moving out of the way before the third could strike.
"How did she do that?" Mr. Umi asks outloud.
"That's Ami for you," Bit comments.
"Nice move, but it won't help you later." Ami starts another charge towards the one as the two others start to run around, trying to confuse her. Kelly starts to fire as Ami charges, but Rapidfire quickly dodges them before being hit on two sides by the other two. She soon stops and sees as she is surrounded by the three Lightening Saix. She tries to move away, but a shot is fired stopping her.
"No way. I'm trapped like an animal," Ami says, looking for a way out.
"It's time to end this. Fire girls." All three fire at the trapped Rapidfire, covering it in a huge cloud of smoke.
"Did we get her?" CHirs asks.
"Don't forget she's an Ultimate-X, so we still have to be careful." As the smoke clears, Rapidfire seems to be down. But after a few seconds if waiting, Rapidfire shakily gets back onto all fours.
"You don't really think a little attack like that is going to destroy me. I've been through a lot worse than that."
"But that would take any normal Zoid down," Kelly comments.
"But not Rapidfire. A normal Zoid and her pilot would not have gone through the hardships we have gone through together, like having her own brother sacrifice his own life so his little sister can go on and realize both of their dreams. That's what keeps Rapidfire and me going and why no one has ever beaten us once and has been able to beat us again. Rapidfire and I will always fight with everything that we have even if it means our death, because we have been through so much, that a little battle like this is nothing. Now, we'll show you our true power. The power of our love and sadness and our bond! We will never let Kikeru's sacrifice go in vain!" she finishes as she and Rapidfire stand tall as if nothing ever happened, a strong fiery will surrounding the two.
"Do you see that?" Chris comments.
"IT looks like she's on fire. She truly has a strong spirit. Maybe even more than Bit's," Jack whispers.
"And to show you just how strong we are, I'm going to finish this battle in three minutes. If I don't, I'll forfeit. Someone get a stopwatch ready."
"It's all set," Doctor Toros comments.
"Fine. IT's your loss," Kelly states.
"Do it Rapidfire. Kick it up all the way." Rapidfire starts her run as the three Saix start firing. Rapidfire though dodges every shot. She turns around and starts firing at one cat, bring her down.
"ONE down in only 45 seconds," Jamie comments.
"Not bad. Now to get the others." She starts the charge again, the two black cats trying to confuse her again by running in circles. "That won't work this time." She charges towards one and jumps up high into the air, only to come back down and pounce on a second Lightening Saix, crushing her into the ground and out of the battle.
"Two down in 1 minute 15."
"And now it's just you and me Jack," she states, Rapidfire roaring and ready to attack as the two stand face to face. "And I won't take it is easy on you because you're Bit's friend."
"No need to." The two charge at high speeds, before moving out of the way. They soon face each other and start firing, but soon Rapidfire gains speed and suddenly disappear from Jack's sight.
"Where did she go?"
"Right behind you! Strike Laser Claw!" Rapidfire comes down onto the last Lightening Saix, taking a chuck of metal with it as she lands in the ground safely as Jack lands with a thud.
"The battle is over. The winner is Fire Cat and Rapidfire."
"Alright. I knew Ami could do it," Bit cheers.
"Now you see why no one ever calls me kitty," Ami announces, standing up out of Rapidfire and wiggling her tail.
*
Bit and Ami sleep soundly again in their bed. The door bell suddenly rings. No one answers, so it continues to ring. "Bit, get the door and tell him to stop ringing the bell."
"There's no need to."
"What did you do this time?"
"I set up a little trap for him." Suddenly several loud thuds are heard and then a scream of pain, followed by a shutting door.
"Bit, what did you do?" she asks, putting her chin on his shoulder.
"I left the door a little bit open with some books, so when he came to enter, all the books would fall of him."
"Good plan." They continue their sleep only to hear the doorbell ring again.
"HE doesn't give up does he? Can you get it Ami?"
"Why don't you? You're closer."
"I set up the trap and opened it last time. It's your turn. Go show him why no one messes around with the great Fire Cat."
"Alright." She sits up on the bed and stretches in her track shorts and tank top pajamas. She gets up and starts to fix her hair as she heads towards the door, starting to build up her anger. She grabs the knob, but doesn't open it. "Listen here. Don't you get the hint? We don't want you here waking us up at ungodly hours. We'll wake up whenever we feel like it and if you ring that doorbell one more time, I'm going to scratch your eyes out so you can't see the doorbell again more." She waits patiently as the door bell rings again. "That's it!" She pulls the door open and raises her hand, only not to see the bellboy on the other side. "Jack? What are you doing here?"
"I came here to talk."
"Bit's still sleeping, so it will take a while before I can get him up," she says playing with her hair.
"Actually I want to talk to you."
"You do?" she asks, her eyes opening up all the way.
"If you don't mind."
"Of course not. Come on in." She moves out the way and lets Jack in.
"Ami, I heard threatening and a doorbell. You didn't take me seriously did.Jack? What are you doing here?" Bit says, surprised as well.
"I came to talk to Ami. Is that alright with you?"
"Sure. I'm going back to sleep." He turns around and heads back into the bedroom. Jack sits down on the nearest couch and Ami sits on the one across.
"So.if it was about the battle yesterday, I'm really sorry about damaging your team like that. I kinda went out of control," she apologizes, playing with the hem of her shorts.
"Don't worry about that. But I do want to talk about last night's battle."
"You do?"
"Last night's battle was one of the most amazing battles I have ever been in. At first, it didn't seem so, but once you got up, everyone was able to see the fiery spirit that you fight and live with everyday. IT was truly inspirational. You should never forget about that spirit. And I know and see why you are one of the best warriors around and what makes you so compatible with Bit."
"Thanks. I think," she answers confused.
*
"So only one more day until the big battle. I can't wait," Ami says, taking another shot at Liger in the arena.
"Finally we get to have a real battle. Or maybe I should I get to. You already had one." He tries an attack, but misses as well.
"I know. That Jack guy isn't such a bad guy. He looks a lot worse than he acts."
"You're not thinking about going after him, are you?" Bit asks concerned.
"Of course not. I doubt anyone can have as much fun as we do," she answers, taking another chance.
*
"Alright," Mr. Umi states as the crew of each team there gets ready for the briefing, "As you know, all you here will be serving as the crew of your warriors. You will be located out in the field so that if the warrior has to change, he or she can get to you easily.
"You are also here to instruct your warriors on different strategies because they will surely not listen to me or any of my men. And you will all have to communicate with one another if you want your money. I will start off with our main plan.
"To start off with, we will have Fire Cat, along with the other six fastest Zoid right next to her, named Group A. They will stand a few feet back though than the others. Next, we will separate the Zoids with the most powerful weapons to either side of the center group, groups B, C, D, and E. And finally, the rest will be separated into two groups, one on each side, groups W, X, Y, and Z.
"When the signal is given, groups B through E, will each launch one round of weapons at the enemy, hopefully getting rid of some of them. Then group A will start a charge at their fastest speeds towards the center, knocking down the center troops, which will be the best warriors. Then group B will go with W, C with X, D with Y, and E with Z. They will each go off and start their attacks. We should soon find out which are the more powerful Zoids and by then, we will send our most powerful ones over to destroy the enemies."
*
"Cheers, to tomorrow's battle!" one warrior says, lifting up his glass.
"To tomorrow's battle!" the rest cheer.
"IT looks like people like this kinda party than a ball," Ami says, taking a drink as she and Bit sit in one of the booths. She lenas back into his chest as he puts his arm around her.
"Hey Bit, thanks for the drinks," anoter warrior says, passing the two.
"NO prob. But I'm making a limit. I don't want one of our guys firing at one of us."
"Good idea. You know, you're a pretty cool guy."
"Hey Fire Cat. Come on out to the dance floor with us. There aren't enough good looking women to here and it's not a party without a few girls," another guy comes over to the booth.
"I'll be out in a second. Coming Bit?" she asks as she starts to crawl out of the booth.
"I'm not that good of a dancer. Just remember who you're with."
"I know, I know. I'll be back." She gives him a quick kiss before getting out.
"You're taking too long. Come on." The guy comes back and takes her off her feet and leading her away.
"Hey. I can walk myself you know." Bit watches as Ami leaves and takes another drink.
"You're pretty lucky Bit."
"You always need to make an interesting entrance, don't you?"
"It makes things different," Jack says moving into the seat on the other side.
"So what exactly did you and Ami talk about this morning? She seemed different at breakfast," he says taking another drink.
"We just talked about the battle. Nothing that important. So do you think you're ready for the battle tomorrow?"
"I've been ready all my life for a battle like this. And I'm going to bag more Zoids than my battles this year combined," he says, hyping himself up.
"Optimistic like always."
*
"Sir, the prototypes are ready for tomorrow's battle," a man states in his jumpsuit.
"Good. Don't put them up in the line up though," commands a man sitting down with purple spiky hair.
"Why not sir?"
"I don't want them to be part of the main battle. It will just be a waste of ammunition. We'll bring them out during our own little battle after the main one is done. That will make things more amusing."
And another one done. Either the next or the one after will be a critical chapter since it will set the rest of the plot, so stay tuned. I'm back at college now, so things may start to slow down since I'll be taking 21 credits, but I like writing as a way to relieve my stress, so I might get more done actually. See ya.
-Chibi Reli