Final disclaimer: I don't own Zoids.

If you have been following this story since its beginnings about a year ago, I recommend going back and speed read chapters 1 – 10. There have been minor changes from here to there, but not enough to make you read everything over again.

Raven: Reading it all over again would be torturous.

DarkMetalist: Yeah, but those of you who have just read the story for the first time, did just read everything.

Chapter 11

Dinner

"Van" Fiona whispered.

Van stirred in his sleep.

"Van wake up."

He slowly opened his eyes to see Fiona hovering over him.

"You've been asleep for the last two days now, I was getting worried." Fiona said.

"You're telling me that the attack of the flying papayas was just a dream?" Van asked.

"No Van, the attack of the flying papayas did happen; you've just been asleep for a long time."

"Oh...what's the status of the papaya threat then?"

"Every last papaya has been burnt and accounted for; and the cleanup has just about finished for the base and the facility. And Van?"

"Yeah?"

"Our dinner reservations for tonight are set."

Later that evening:

They had chosen an outdoor restaurant "Zi Moonlight Gardens". It was difficult to get a reservation here since it was the most popular restaurant in all of Zi. During the day it was beautiful enough. The lush green gardens and colorful assortment of flowers surrounded the diners in an outdoor environment. During the night, it was even more beautiful. Candle lights sat on the table accenting the floral arrangements placed on the tables. Electric accent lighting brought attention to the bush sculptures and leads the "private" diners to a secluded location. Fireflies circled the garden in a dance of light. The twin moons are visible almost every night with stunning clarity. The stars fill the remaining void that is the night sky. Van was wearing a dark blue tuxedo with a red bowtie. Fiona had on a pink sparkling dress that had no back or straps. She wore magenta high heels and carried a matching purse. The two were seated in one of the secluded parts of the restaurant.

"Wonderful night, isn't it Van?"

"Not as wonderful as you Fiona."

"Van" she blushed "you're so sweet."

They were leaning in for a kiss when suddenly Thomas ran through the bushes to the table. Van and Fiona were in mid kiss when they saw Thomas with his mouth open and his index finger pointed at them, shaking.

"Miss Fiona! I thought you loved me!"

"Don't raise your voice Thomas; other people are trying to have their dinner."

"I'm sorry." he bent down on one knee and got closer to Fiona.

"You better not be proposing!" Van warned.

"Van!" Fiona scolded.

"Fiona" Thomas began. "We've known each other a long time and I've admired you, from afar. I was wondering, what do you think of me?"

"Thomas" Fiona began, taking his hand. "You are a truly wonderful person. I also think it was sweet of you to buy me this ring. But..."

"Oh no" Thomas thought.

"You're not the one for me. No lavish gift or public action could change that. Now don't get your hopes down Thomas, I'm sure you'll find the right girl someday."

Thomas was truly saddened by this, but he did understand when he would overstep bounds. He backed out of the secluded area by the main entrance and saw a girl around 20 years old sitting at a table by herself, sipping wine. She was in a, backless, strapless red dress and her high heels were light red. There was a rose stuck in the back of her bundled brown hair. Thomas decided to introduce himself.

"Hi, I'm Thomas."

"Rosetta" the girl responded sullenly.

"I see that you're alone."

"Yeah, my date never showed up; probably flirting with other girls. I was planning to break up with him this evening anyway."

"No one as beautiful as you should be left alone, especially at a restaurant famous for dating."

"That was incredibly corny." she scoffed.

"He looks good and his feelings are genuine" she thought while looking into his eyes. "I'll give him a chance."

"So...Thomas was it?" she asked

Thomas nodded.

"What do you do for a living?"

"I am a member of the Guardian Force." He stood up and took a heroic stance. "Protecting Zi and its entire people."

Rosetta smiled.

"Very interesting, tell me more."

While the conversation continued, Van and Fiona watched. There was laughter from both Thomas and Rosetta. Soon after, Thomas and Rosetta walked out of the restaurant together, arm in arm.

Fiona giggled.

"That was fast" she said.

"I never knew Thomas to be good with other girls." Van said.

"He didn't even know it himself. All Thomas needed was a push in the right direction."

"And you gave it to him."

Fiona and Van clinked glasses celebrating their night together and Thomas' newfound relationship.

"Oh, Fiona before I forget." Van said before Fiona sipped her wine. "I have something for you."

Van ran through the bushes and returned with the sack of salt.

"OH VAN, WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT!" Fiona exclaimed.

She immediately took a cup of salt and added it to her wine and food. Van mentally cringed, but kept up his smile. Before Fiona ate anything with the excessive salt, she gave Van a kiss on the lips.

Fin

I'm not a fashion designer or love expert. Also, rapid transitions and plot twists are very dangerous and should not be used by the faint of heart.

Raven: That much salt can't be good for you.

I'm thinking it's a possible side effect of the cryogenic process.

DarkMetalist: Well, I guess that's it for us.

Raven: Right, we'll see you later.

Final thoughts anyone?