Chapter 3 - New Alliances
Reese had been walking in the darkness for a while, the cool night air felt so good, she thought that she would stay there the rest of the night, but the desert winds would soon become cold and bitter. Specula had been walking with her for a while, but neither of them said a word. Reese was still having trouble processing all the information she had heard a little bit ago. "Hiltz," she thought, "he has had some influence here. How long did he know of the existent of other zoidians?" That man was trying to convince her to believe that Hiltz was one of them. When he had inhabited the zoid core of the Death Saurer, he had said that he would destroy all the weak that couldn't defend them selves, or something like that, what would have stopped him from really destroying EVERYTHING?"
The two moons continued to blaze in the sky; she began to regret being out in the desert as soon as she started shivering. She wrapped her arms around herself, but that wasn't working to well, but it wasn't too long until she felt a blanket being wrapped around her. She looked up to see that it was the 7-year-old boy she had met before.
"What are you doing out here?" She asked, rather startled.
"I knew you would be cold, and as your attendant, I came to give you that blanket." He replied with a smile. She hadn't seen a smile that she liked since the two little girls gave her water on her way to Zoid Eve. (Episode 63 - Final Battle). She felt at peace with his smile, but when Hiltz smiled, she wasn't at peace, nor when Raven or Fiona smiled, not even when Specula smiled, was she truly at peace. But this boy, those two girls, made her feel at peace. Why? Was she tired of fighting? Other than those two experiences, when was the last time she felt at peace?
"Thank you for the blanket, you may go now." She smiled at him; he smiled back, turned and left, with the green organoid following him. "Hmm, I wonder why that organoid is following him and not the other man I saw." This was a small matter though, and she began to think again about what she had heard. The new Humans on Zi were put here as test subjects to see if they could survive, they were like the ancient zoidians in the sense of being lab rats. "Maybe we can try to 'convert' them into zoidians, or whatever the correct term is. But what am I saying, I'm making it sound like being a zoidian is some sort of religion. Still, there must be a way that we can change their genetics. We would just need that chemical. Oh well. I shouldn't have sent that kid away, I would have asked him if there was a place for me to stay. I suppose I don't mind the out doors." She had said this loud enough for her 7-year-old attendant to hear her, that he came over to take her to where she would be staying.
They began to walk past a few buildings. Reese finally started a conversation with the only question that came to mind.
"So, what's your name?" She asked
"Locke" He replied.
"Who's the organoid? Have you come up with a name?"
"Yes, he's Link. That name was deicide by my parents' years ago. He used to be theirs."
"I see, well, even if you are my attendant, you might not know my name. It's Ryss, and this is my organoid Specula. I don't know when her name was decided. Who are your parents? Did they make you my attendant?"
"I don't have any parents, I don't know what happened to them, but I've been told that they were dead, left behind, didn't come with us in the capsules." He said sadly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that." Was all she could say. But he shook his head.
"No, I'm used to it, it's ok. I'm fine." He showed her to her house, and explained that even though she was queen, she wouldn't have her own cooks and such for a while, while every thing was getting organized, and Reese said that would be fine, and he left.
"Locke and Link" She thought. "That really does sound like a dangerous duo, and probably will be one day."
* * * * *
A few more weeks went by, and Van found himself riding his liger in the middle of the desert. His mission was to get yet another solder into the military. "It'll be more of a beg rather then an invitation, I just know it, but Herman said it was 'of utmost importance' that he joins." He thought to himself. He was positive that this would be a drag, and began to think if he could get killed trying to do this. "I've got to think straight, I don't think he would kill me, but he's just so unpredictable.
He reached the house and got out of the liger. Though he had a stern face, he was pretty nervous. He hadn't seen the guy face to face for a while. "Well, I suppose its been about a year, but other than that, I haven't seen his actual face since we first met."
He went up to the house, and knocked on the door. No answer. He knocked again, but still nothing. He knocked again, only to be greeted by silence. He knocked a forth time, only saying, 'This is Van of the Guardian Force, please answer.' But nothing happened. He reluctantly began to turn the knob, and open the door slowly. He peered in, but couldn't see much, except for a table at the end of the room. "Great, a greeting by darkness, he had better not try to scare me."
He walked in slowly, looked for a switch, but couldn't find one. He walked in farther, but slowly, and the door slowly closed behind him, and shut, with a thud, and heard someone say behind him say, "Boo" In a un- amused-by-his-presence tone of voice.
"Now what could Van Flihieght want with someone like me." Asked a not so curious Raven. "Make it quick" he added.
"You are still as cold hearted as ever, aren't you?"
"Hmm, and you are still as hot-headed as ever, your insults have changed a little bit though, I haven't heard you call me butt-face in a while."
"Well if you miss it so much, I might just call you that again, if you wish it so, so badly."
"Hmm, no thanks, coffee?"
"No thank you."
"Oh darn, I guess trying to poison you isn't going to work." He smirked at his comment, which didn't amuse Van.
"I think I'll cut right to the chase, I've been sent here to.ask you into the army, and even the Guardian Force."
Raven just stared at him. Just blankly stared at him. Van wasn't at all surprised with his stare, but he was surprised because he thought Raven was being trusted to quickly. Though Raven thought the same thing, he was rather happy for an offer like this. But decided to keep this going. "You know I'm surprised that someone like you, or anyone for that matter, would be asking someone like me to join the Guardian Force."
"Believe me, so am I."
Raven just smiled. He was happy that he would get to be in the Guardian Force. But still wanted to keep this going. "So, you don't want me to really join, do you? Are you afraid I'll take some title from you? You are the great Van Fliheight after all. I wouldn't want to ruin your reputation."
"Well, in that sense I want you to join, what is the point of thinking I'm the best when my rival is just stepping down because I asked him to? That doesn't make me strong. However, to be very truthful and perfectly honest, I think your insane."
Raven just smirked. "Yeah I love you too."
Van stayed serious, he began to think if this was all a joke to Raven. And partly, it was, but he would say yes to his offer.eventually. But probably not right then, or even that year. Raven was honored he was being asked to take on such responsibility, but he also wanted to get his life back in order first. Seeing that Van was getting tired of the conversation, he decided to let him go, and he would give him his answer another time.
"Alright, I'll think about it, but I might not say yes till ten years from now. I have other things I want to do, and no, they wont put me in jail. But if some big menace comes up, I'll help you out, but don't come if it is a small task you can't handle already."
"I see," said Van, "I suppose I should be going then." He began to leave, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw that Raven had extended a hand to him.
"Hey, just let me know that there is a truce between us."
Van just stared at the hand before him. Raven frowned, and backed it away.
"It's alright, I understand. It is kind of hard to trust someone who has been doing just about everything to kill you for three years." He turned around and began to walk away, only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder, and found that Van extended his hand to Raven. "Truce?" Asked Raven.
"Truce" Repeated Van. "You know, that cup of coffee does sound pretty good. I haven't had any in a while."
"Alright, you hungry to?"
Van shook his head.
"Okay then, coffee for two."
Soon they were sitting at the table, sworn enemies, drinking coffee. Shadow had curled up under the table, and Van and Raven talked mildly. They didn't say a whole lot, until Van brought up a subject that had been bothering him for a while.
"Raven, who are your parents, and what were they like? What were you like as a child?"
Raven didn't answer, but stared into his cup. Van was about to change the subject, when he began.
"It began with my mother and father working with an organoid-" And he told Van everything that had happened. He told him about Van's father, but neither of them knew that Van's was the same man that would have taken care of Raven that was taking care of Van at the time.
Van's mouth was wide open; he had no idea that Raven held such a dark past, he assumed he had a small one, but one like this was almost hard to believe. It was baffling how much this one man had gone through over his life.
"So as you can see, I've only ever had one person I could love and love me back.Shadow."
"Wow, no wonder you were so spiteful, what about the other solder that helped you? Who was it?"
"I don't know, I heard that he had died, taking down a lot of Imperial solders with a single command wolf. I think his name was Dan."
"Wait, he sounds a lot like my dad, you don't think he was the one who helped you?"
"Actually, now that I picture him and you, you really do look alike, him being a lot older, but still."
They were both utterly amazed at how close they would have been to being friends.
"So pretty much, if Prozen hadn't taken me, we would have been best friends instead of worst enemies." Asked Raven.
"That's what it sounds like."
"It makes me wish that the safety lock wouldn't have been on that gun, I would have shot him and none of the bases I destroy or people killed wouldn't be gone, but I guess I have always wished that the safety lock hadn't been on, come to think of it."
"Well, just remember, wallowing in regret won't get you anywhere."
"So true, I should know."
"I guess I'll be going, I'll return, and hopefully you'll have things sorted out by then."
"We'll see."
Van got into his Blade Liger, and rode off to the west.
"Raven, all these years we have hated each other, we've been out for the others blood, and many times, I've seen how fortunate I was that neither of us died. You always spared me for some reason and for that, I thank you. Prozen stopped us from being the best of friends, hopefully we can mend the relationship that always should have been there, and maybe, at least be good friends, at the very least."
* * * * *
"Van, I used to harbor so much anger toward you, I hated every fiber of your being, anything that had something to do with you, I hated. I can't remember why all these times, I let you go, I didn't kill you back then, and for that I am thankful toward myself. Thank you for finally being able to trust me."
"Are you really going to be friends with him?" asked Shadow. He wasn't used to seeing his master like this, but for some reason, he liked it."
"Yes, I'm sure he will be able to trust me, I know that I'll trust him. But I wonder why his organoid wasn't with him. Oh well, I'm sure there was a good reason. I hope your alright with me being friends with him."
"Yes, I just find it hard to believe that you would be friends with him at all, or anyone for that matter. You know, you sound like a kid when ever you say you want to be friends with him."
"Just making up for lost time Shadow."
Shadow just smiled.
* * * * *
At that moment, there was another meeting going on, going on way in the sky.
"Well Dr., this desert wasteland of a planet may be big, but it won't be able to hold a lot of people like it used to, will it?" Asked Commander Gary Shuttle.
"Look, I'm sure that the planet will be able to regain some of it's vegetation in its healing process. And besides, only the spoiled would find it impossible to live here, it isn't that hard. A lot of people can live and survive here, I'm sure of it, especially with the technology we have with us." Replied Dr. Randal VI.
"Maybe, but I suppose it might be worth taking over."
"Are you ready to begin?" asked the Doctor, sounding a little edgy.
"No sir, I'm not ready to begin the take over."
"What do you mean?"
"The attack squad that I had summoned for won't be arriving for a while. Apparently the war in the Drukon sector will be going on for some time and the solders we need will be fighting for a while." Explained the commander.
"I see, so how long do you think you can get a good attack force ready?"
"I'd have to say in the next 25 years or so."
"25 years?!?"
"Yes, besides, what's the rush? This planet needs to heal a little bit more, I don't think it can handle another war." Said the commander, also asking if the Dr agreed.
"I suppose, but I want to take over this planet, my ancestors tried long ago, but those barbaric zoidians were to full of themselves to share. I hear that a colony of them has been discovered, and its beginning to worry me."
"Don't worry, even if there is an army of them, they won't stop us."
"Yes they will. Commander, believe me, the technology of zoids is beyond what I've ever seen. If you haven't seen them in action, I guarantee that you will be amazed. The wars you are fighting now would be won in the twinkling of an eye."
"Really?"
"Yes, if you had the technology, your superiors would begin to feel inferior. You would be promoted, the sooner you do it, the better, before other technologies develop to far, I suggest you get a hold of this."
The commander thought this over. He knew the Dr's history, how his ancestors and family name had been humiliated at losing such great technology and the planet. But the fact was, no one was in a rush for finding room for a billion people. Way back then, when Zi had been just discovered, the earth was losing all the space it once had, and it needed room for everybody, and Zi was perfect back then. But now, there were 17 new planets. Even though there weren't any new plants being discovered, no one would need another planet for a while.
Still, if what the doctor was true, he could be living the good life, and all his worries would be gone, he could see great fortune in his future.
"Alright, I'll try to get some solders sometime soon. However, that might not be for another 15 years, I think I know where I can get some."
"Perfect." The Doctors eyes became full of greed and excitement. He could finally have the revenge he wanted. "Just be warned, the zoidians might strike at the humans we have down there, and when they begin to move, it might be to late, they might become friends, and vicious toward us."
"Don't worry, I can handle them."
"We shall see." Muttered Randal.
Reese had been walking in the darkness for a while, the cool night air felt so good, she thought that she would stay there the rest of the night, but the desert winds would soon become cold and bitter. Specula had been walking with her for a while, but neither of them said a word. Reese was still having trouble processing all the information she had heard a little bit ago. "Hiltz," she thought, "he has had some influence here. How long did he know of the existent of other zoidians?" That man was trying to convince her to believe that Hiltz was one of them. When he had inhabited the zoid core of the Death Saurer, he had said that he would destroy all the weak that couldn't defend them selves, or something like that, what would have stopped him from really destroying EVERYTHING?"
The two moons continued to blaze in the sky; she began to regret being out in the desert as soon as she started shivering. She wrapped her arms around herself, but that wasn't working to well, but it wasn't too long until she felt a blanket being wrapped around her. She looked up to see that it was the 7-year-old boy she had met before.
"What are you doing out here?" She asked, rather startled.
"I knew you would be cold, and as your attendant, I came to give you that blanket." He replied with a smile. She hadn't seen a smile that she liked since the two little girls gave her water on her way to Zoid Eve. (Episode 63 - Final Battle). She felt at peace with his smile, but when Hiltz smiled, she wasn't at peace, nor when Raven or Fiona smiled, not even when Specula smiled, was she truly at peace. But this boy, those two girls, made her feel at peace. Why? Was she tired of fighting? Other than those two experiences, when was the last time she felt at peace?
"Thank you for the blanket, you may go now." She smiled at him; he smiled back, turned and left, with the green organoid following him. "Hmm, I wonder why that organoid is following him and not the other man I saw." This was a small matter though, and she began to think again about what she had heard. The new Humans on Zi were put here as test subjects to see if they could survive, they were like the ancient zoidians in the sense of being lab rats. "Maybe we can try to 'convert' them into zoidians, or whatever the correct term is. But what am I saying, I'm making it sound like being a zoidian is some sort of religion. Still, there must be a way that we can change their genetics. We would just need that chemical. Oh well. I shouldn't have sent that kid away, I would have asked him if there was a place for me to stay. I suppose I don't mind the out doors." She had said this loud enough for her 7-year-old attendant to hear her, that he came over to take her to where she would be staying.
They began to walk past a few buildings. Reese finally started a conversation with the only question that came to mind.
"So, what's your name?" She asked
"Locke" He replied.
"Who's the organoid? Have you come up with a name?"
"Yes, he's Link. That name was deicide by my parents' years ago. He used to be theirs."
"I see, well, even if you are my attendant, you might not know my name. It's Ryss, and this is my organoid Specula. I don't know when her name was decided. Who are your parents? Did they make you my attendant?"
"I don't have any parents, I don't know what happened to them, but I've been told that they were dead, left behind, didn't come with us in the capsules." He said sadly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that." Was all she could say. But he shook his head.
"No, I'm used to it, it's ok. I'm fine." He showed her to her house, and explained that even though she was queen, she wouldn't have her own cooks and such for a while, while every thing was getting organized, and Reese said that would be fine, and he left.
"Locke and Link" She thought. "That really does sound like a dangerous duo, and probably will be one day."
* * * * *
A few more weeks went by, and Van found himself riding his liger in the middle of the desert. His mission was to get yet another solder into the military. "It'll be more of a beg rather then an invitation, I just know it, but Herman said it was 'of utmost importance' that he joins." He thought to himself. He was positive that this would be a drag, and began to think if he could get killed trying to do this. "I've got to think straight, I don't think he would kill me, but he's just so unpredictable.
He reached the house and got out of the liger. Though he had a stern face, he was pretty nervous. He hadn't seen the guy face to face for a while. "Well, I suppose its been about a year, but other than that, I haven't seen his actual face since we first met."
He went up to the house, and knocked on the door. No answer. He knocked again, but still nothing. He knocked again, only to be greeted by silence. He knocked a forth time, only saying, 'This is Van of the Guardian Force, please answer.' But nothing happened. He reluctantly began to turn the knob, and open the door slowly. He peered in, but couldn't see much, except for a table at the end of the room. "Great, a greeting by darkness, he had better not try to scare me."
He walked in slowly, looked for a switch, but couldn't find one. He walked in farther, but slowly, and the door slowly closed behind him, and shut, with a thud, and heard someone say behind him say, "Boo" In a un- amused-by-his-presence tone of voice.
"Now what could Van Flihieght want with someone like me." Asked a not so curious Raven. "Make it quick" he added.
"You are still as cold hearted as ever, aren't you?"
"Hmm, and you are still as hot-headed as ever, your insults have changed a little bit though, I haven't heard you call me butt-face in a while."
"Well if you miss it so much, I might just call you that again, if you wish it so, so badly."
"Hmm, no thanks, coffee?"
"No thank you."
"Oh darn, I guess trying to poison you isn't going to work." He smirked at his comment, which didn't amuse Van.
"I think I'll cut right to the chase, I've been sent here to.ask you into the army, and even the Guardian Force."
Raven just stared at him. Just blankly stared at him. Van wasn't at all surprised with his stare, but he was surprised because he thought Raven was being trusted to quickly. Though Raven thought the same thing, he was rather happy for an offer like this. But decided to keep this going. "You know I'm surprised that someone like you, or anyone for that matter, would be asking someone like me to join the Guardian Force."
"Believe me, so am I."
Raven just smiled. He was happy that he would get to be in the Guardian Force. But still wanted to keep this going. "So, you don't want me to really join, do you? Are you afraid I'll take some title from you? You are the great Van Fliheight after all. I wouldn't want to ruin your reputation."
"Well, in that sense I want you to join, what is the point of thinking I'm the best when my rival is just stepping down because I asked him to? That doesn't make me strong. However, to be very truthful and perfectly honest, I think your insane."
Raven just smirked. "Yeah I love you too."
Van stayed serious, he began to think if this was all a joke to Raven. And partly, it was, but he would say yes to his offer.eventually. But probably not right then, or even that year. Raven was honored he was being asked to take on such responsibility, but he also wanted to get his life back in order first. Seeing that Van was getting tired of the conversation, he decided to let him go, and he would give him his answer another time.
"Alright, I'll think about it, but I might not say yes till ten years from now. I have other things I want to do, and no, they wont put me in jail. But if some big menace comes up, I'll help you out, but don't come if it is a small task you can't handle already."
"I see," said Van, "I suppose I should be going then." He began to leave, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw that Raven had extended a hand to him.
"Hey, just let me know that there is a truce between us."
Van just stared at the hand before him. Raven frowned, and backed it away.
"It's alright, I understand. It is kind of hard to trust someone who has been doing just about everything to kill you for three years." He turned around and began to walk away, only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder, and found that Van extended his hand to Raven. "Truce?" Asked Raven.
"Truce" Repeated Van. "You know, that cup of coffee does sound pretty good. I haven't had any in a while."
"Alright, you hungry to?"
Van shook his head.
"Okay then, coffee for two."
Soon they were sitting at the table, sworn enemies, drinking coffee. Shadow had curled up under the table, and Van and Raven talked mildly. They didn't say a whole lot, until Van brought up a subject that had been bothering him for a while.
"Raven, who are your parents, and what were they like? What were you like as a child?"
Raven didn't answer, but stared into his cup. Van was about to change the subject, when he began.
"It began with my mother and father working with an organoid-" And he told Van everything that had happened. He told him about Van's father, but neither of them knew that Van's was the same man that would have taken care of Raven that was taking care of Van at the time.
Van's mouth was wide open; he had no idea that Raven held such a dark past, he assumed he had a small one, but one like this was almost hard to believe. It was baffling how much this one man had gone through over his life.
"So as you can see, I've only ever had one person I could love and love me back.Shadow."
"Wow, no wonder you were so spiteful, what about the other solder that helped you? Who was it?"
"I don't know, I heard that he had died, taking down a lot of Imperial solders with a single command wolf. I think his name was Dan."
"Wait, he sounds a lot like my dad, you don't think he was the one who helped you?"
"Actually, now that I picture him and you, you really do look alike, him being a lot older, but still."
They were both utterly amazed at how close they would have been to being friends.
"So pretty much, if Prozen hadn't taken me, we would have been best friends instead of worst enemies." Asked Raven.
"That's what it sounds like."
"It makes me wish that the safety lock wouldn't have been on that gun, I would have shot him and none of the bases I destroy or people killed wouldn't be gone, but I guess I have always wished that the safety lock hadn't been on, come to think of it."
"Well, just remember, wallowing in regret won't get you anywhere."
"So true, I should know."
"I guess I'll be going, I'll return, and hopefully you'll have things sorted out by then."
"We'll see."
Van got into his Blade Liger, and rode off to the west.
"Raven, all these years we have hated each other, we've been out for the others blood, and many times, I've seen how fortunate I was that neither of us died. You always spared me for some reason and for that, I thank you. Prozen stopped us from being the best of friends, hopefully we can mend the relationship that always should have been there, and maybe, at least be good friends, at the very least."
* * * * *
"Van, I used to harbor so much anger toward you, I hated every fiber of your being, anything that had something to do with you, I hated. I can't remember why all these times, I let you go, I didn't kill you back then, and for that I am thankful toward myself. Thank you for finally being able to trust me."
"Are you really going to be friends with him?" asked Shadow. He wasn't used to seeing his master like this, but for some reason, he liked it."
"Yes, I'm sure he will be able to trust me, I know that I'll trust him. But I wonder why his organoid wasn't with him. Oh well, I'm sure there was a good reason. I hope your alright with me being friends with him."
"Yes, I just find it hard to believe that you would be friends with him at all, or anyone for that matter. You know, you sound like a kid when ever you say you want to be friends with him."
"Just making up for lost time Shadow."
Shadow just smiled.
* * * * *
At that moment, there was another meeting going on, going on way in the sky.
"Well Dr., this desert wasteland of a planet may be big, but it won't be able to hold a lot of people like it used to, will it?" Asked Commander Gary Shuttle.
"Look, I'm sure that the planet will be able to regain some of it's vegetation in its healing process. And besides, only the spoiled would find it impossible to live here, it isn't that hard. A lot of people can live and survive here, I'm sure of it, especially with the technology we have with us." Replied Dr. Randal VI.
"Maybe, but I suppose it might be worth taking over."
"Are you ready to begin?" asked the Doctor, sounding a little edgy.
"No sir, I'm not ready to begin the take over."
"What do you mean?"
"The attack squad that I had summoned for won't be arriving for a while. Apparently the war in the Drukon sector will be going on for some time and the solders we need will be fighting for a while." Explained the commander.
"I see, so how long do you think you can get a good attack force ready?"
"I'd have to say in the next 25 years or so."
"25 years?!?"
"Yes, besides, what's the rush? This planet needs to heal a little bit more, I don't think it can handle another war." Said the commander, also asking if the Dr agreed.
"I suppose, but I want to take over this planet, my ancestors tried long ago, but those barbaric zoidians were to full of themselves to share. I hear that a colony of them has been discovered, and its beginning to worry me."
"Don't worry, even if there is an army of them, they won't stop us."
"Yes they will. Commander, believe me, the technology of zoids is beyond what I've ever seen. If you haven't seen them in action, I guarantee that you will be amazed. The wars you are fighting now would be won in the twinkling of an eye."
"Really?"
"Yes, if you had the technology, your superiors would begin to feel inferior. You would be promoted, the sooner you do it, the better, before other technologies develop to far, I suggest you get a hold of this."
The commander thought this over. He knew the Dr's history, how his ancestors and family name had been humiliated at losing such great technology and the planet. But the fact was, no one was in a rush for finding room for a billion people. Way back then, when Zi had been just discovered, the earth was losing all the space it once had, and it needed room for everybody, and Zi was perfect back then. But now, there were 17 new planets. Even though there weren't any new plants being discovered, no one would need another planet for a while.
Still, if what the doctor was true, he could be living the good life, and all his worries would be gone, he could see great fortune in his future.
"Alright, I'll try to get some solders sometime soon. However, that might not be for another 15 years, I think I know where I can get some."
"Perfect." The Doctors eyes became full of greed and excitement. He could finally have the revenge he wanted. "Just be warned, the zoidians might strike at the humans we have down there, and when they begin to move, it might be to late, they might become friends, and vicious toward us."
"Don't worry, I can handle them."
"We shall see." Muttered Randal.