(Disclaimer: I do not own the Zoids franchise. Copyright goes to Tomy for making this fantastic series. All I own are this story, its characters and some concept Zoids that might appear.)
Zoids: Lost Eden
Chapter 5: The First Signs of Conflict
"Amazing!" Alyx could not help but look at the interior of the Hammer Kaiser with excitement. They had just alighted from the Liger Zero which was currently stored on one of the maintenance platforms. "I've never been in a transport Zoid before but—wow! Just how many large Zoids could you fit here?"
"Alyx, calm down." Naruse reprimands her as she walks over to her side. "You're acting like a country bum. Behave yourself."
"Given that she's from Kalanes City, I suppose she qualifies as one." A man with messy dark hair walks over to them, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he gave the girls a cursory glance. "So, which one of you introduced herself as an envoy from the Guylos Empire?"
"That would be me sir." Naruse responded, raising her hand as she does. "I'm not sure I caught your name though."
"1st Lieutenant Itsuki Touya of the Helic Retaliation Force." The soldier introduces himself. "I was piloting the Saberlion that led you here."
"I see. Well, should we get down to business?"
"Why don't you get your wounds attended to first? We have a medical room near the pilot's quarters. I can take you there myself." Itsuki offers.
"I do not want to impose too much, Lieutenant."
"It is no trouble. Besides, the Captain is currently in a briefing right now. We wouldn't want to interrupt them while they're speaking."
"Understood. Then please, lead the way Lieutenant."
Itsuki nodded and headed towards the elevator, followed closely by Naruse. Seeing that Alyx was still too occupied with touring the hangars, Naruse thought it best to just leave her be for the time being.
"Alyx! I'm heading over to the medical bay. Just follow up when you're done." Naruse called out to Alyx before boarding the elevator.
"Sure thing!" Alyx waved back before running towards her Zoid's platform where a mechanic has started hooking the Zoid up to various monitors and panels in order to perform a diagnosis.
"Liger Zero eh? It's been a while since I worked on a Zoid of this class." The mechanic murmured to himself.
"Wow! You've worked with Ligers before sir?"Alyx suddenly pops up from behind the man.
"Yes. In fact, I used to be head of maintenance for the Ray Force!" The mechanic proudly declares. "So how long have you had this Zoid, kid?"
"Around three hours, more or less." Alyx replied, leaning on one of the consoles. "We've already been through a lot though. Escaped a burning city, nearly collided into an apartment building and held off a Geno Saurer."
"Haha! Well, I guess it's no surprise why this fella's all banged up. You're in luck though. We've got spare parts for it right here in the Hammer Kaiser! Plus, we've got a CAS component for it right here. Only one though."
"So…you can fix up the Zero?" Alyx asked as the mechanic just shrugged.
"Of course I can! Fixing this up is even easier than working on the Shield Ligers; the army just doesn't manufacture parts for them anymore. If you managed to retrieve the shoulder armor, we could've restored it back as if it was brand new. But, why bother when you can use the CAS eh?"
"CAS?" Alyx was a little puzzled upon hearing the term.
"Change Armor System. This thing's built so that you can swap out its armor for different stuff. Pretty sweet huh?" The mechanic explained.
"Really? That's great!" Alyx leapt up in excitement. "Hey, what's your name?"
"Me? Oh, just call me Kiminari. It's what everyone else does." The mechanic extended a hand which Alyx shook.
"I'm Alyx. Alyx Ledesma from Kalanes."
In the meantime, Captain Ash's convoy finally met up with the Viscount's Dragoon Nest roughly forty miles south of Kalanes City. There, the Zoid core was transferred from the trailer where it was brought inside one of the Dragoon Nest's hangars with Captain Ash personally overseeing the procedure. The sound of approaching footsteps caused him to turn around and see the Viscount walking towards him. He was alone though, as the Knights were all delegated to lookout duty.
"I still do not understand how a single Zoid core can help us achieve our plans." Captain Ash questions the reasoning behind their earlier mission.
"This core is just a key Captain. A stepping stone for the bigger picture to come." Another riddle. Ash observed that the Viscount had been very elusive as of late.
"But without the map data—"
"Yes. Without its body, just having the core is not enough. For five years I endured the humiliation of serving this Empire of usurpers. I won't let a minor setback like this hinder it now." The Viscount turns to face Ash.
"And that is why you intend on recapturing "her"?"
"Yes. I am not so sure but, I believe "she" knows where the next part of the puzzle is hidden. She wouldn't have interfered with our plans otherwise." Extending a hand, he pats Ash on the shoulder as he makes his way back to the Zoid hangar. "Rally all the pilots. We will begin our briefing soon. Remember that the survival of our Empire lies in our hands."
"Yes, sir!"
As Ash and the Viscount made their way back to the Gustav trailers, they caught sight of the maintenance team working vigorously on the Geno Saurer. Closer inspection showed that the damaged claws were finally repaired though the armor hasn't been mounted yet. Sitting on one of the arms was Sakura, with a control panel in her lap. She appears to be observing how well the claw moves after the work done on it.
"She seems to be quite a hard worker." The Viscount muttered as his lips curled into a slight smile.
"Indeed." Ash echoes the opinion. Hearing that, the Viscount walked towards the hangar, the other workers pausing for a moment to bow and acknowledge his presence. Except for Sakura. She was still preoccupied with overseeing the repairs on her Zoid as she has her back turned on the Viscount and the Captain.
"So, how goes the repairs on your end?" The Viscount casually called out from underneath the large Zoid.
"Dismal." Sakura replied without even turning her head. Her tone also indicated that she wasn't aware of who she was talking to. Ash was about to reprimand her but the Viscount informed him that it was okay. "The reaction speed on the left claw is down by over five percent. We'll need to readjust the weight distribution and maybe replace a couple of wires. Problem is, we don't have any new ones."
"Is that so? Why don't you check with the team on the Dragoon Nest? Maybe they have a spare."
"I'm not sure I'm allowed to. The Dragoon Nest is under the Viscount's control. I might get kicked out by the Knights if I even try to set foot there."
"Oh don't worry." The Viscount assures her. "Tell them I gave you permission to. If they don't believe me, tell them to report to me immediately."
"Alright. Wait—" Startled with what she just heard, Sakura turned to face the person she had been talking to this entire time. "S-sir Viscount, sir-! I'm sorry! I didn't—WAAAHHHH!" As she stood up to apologize, she accidentally missed her step and slipped down on the platform floor. Before, she could hit the ground though, the Viscount managed to catch her in his arms.
"Whoa there! You should watch where you're stepping. You don't want to bruise yourself up before our mission." The Viscount teased the young girl in his arms. Sakura immediately stood up and bowed her head.
"I—I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking and—!"
"Heh, it's alright. If anything, I should be the one apologizing. Had I not distracted you, you wouldn't have slipped." The Viscount continues teasing the young pilot.
"N-no sir! It happened because I was careless and-!"
"Relax. I said it is alright." The Viscount turned to face Ash who had just walked up to them. "So, she's the pilot you've been talking about."
"Yes. This is Warrant Officer Sakura Nagisa." Ash introduced his subordinate.
"Hehe…I've heard about you. Your exploits have been very impressive as of late. It's a shame about Kalanes."
"I highly regret it sir! Forgive me for my shortcoming. I'm prepared to take on any punishment!" Sakura apologizes as she kept her head down.
"Really? Then I expect you to join me in my private quarters later this evening~" The Viscount teased.
"E-excuse me…sir?" Sakura was visibly startled by the remark.
"I'm kidding. We do not have time to think about punishments and rewards now." He pats her on the shoulder as he walks over to the Zoid ahead. "How much longer until you can finish the repairs here? Provided you have the parts you need."
"A-ah well, replacing the wiring shouldn't take too long. I think it should be ready in an hour…sir." Sakura reports on the progress they've made so far.
"Good. This is good." The Viscount smiles to himself as his mind wanders to the upcoming battle ahead.
The quiet desert rumbled, sending shivers down the small animals that scuttled around the arid terrain looking for any sign of nourishment. Up ahead, the Hammer Kaiser's fins lit up with a faint glow, hinting at a form of Magnesser flight mechanism. Boosters flared up and in less than a minute, the Hammer Kaiser took off, departing from the Kalanes airspace and headed down south, towards a misty mountain that loomed over the horizon.
"Wow!" Alyx could not contain her excitement upon seeing the buildings and rock formations grow smaller and smaller as the massive Zoid increased its altitude. She overheard how it was necessary that they stay airborne. It greatly reduces their chances of being detected. Once, they could've just moved around the continent without impunity as the Helic Republic still maintained a strong grip and influence across the land. However, all that changed when the Neo-Zenebas deployed the Seismosaurus: a powerful sauropod Zoid that had all but wiped out the Helic army from their own continent. Now, only guerilla units like the Retaliation Force remains, cut off from the rest of their allies who have gone into asylum on the Eastern Continent.
"Are you ready?" Naruse taps Alyx, bringing her back to the reality of their situation. "They agreed to take us in and even accommodate some of our needs but, that may all change during this meeting."
"You think they won't believe you?" Alyx asked, turning away from the window she was looking out of.
"Maybe. But, I will do my best to have them hear me out. It's as you said: This war would not stop with just the actions of a few. It's a long shot but right now, we'll need their strength if we want to prevent the Viscount from plunging this world into further chaos."
Before Alyx could respond though, Lieutenant Itsuki approached from behind. "Are you ready?"
"Yes. Yes we are." Naruse answered with a nod.
"Then let's go." Itsuki walked ahead while the girls followed closely behind. He led them to the edge of the hall, where a single door stood closed. Itsuki knocked three times before turning the knob and entering, saluting at the brown-haired woman seated in the center of the room, her back turned towards the door.
"I've brought the two girls we took in from Kalanes." Itsuki called out to the woman, puzzling the two girls with his lack of formality. The woman turned around and eyed Naruse and Alyx, checking them out from head to toe.
"U-uh, is there something on my face?" Alyx asked, puzzled.
"No, you look just fine." The woman responded before rising up from her chair. "My name is Leesa Eleanor, Captain of the Alexander."
"Oh! I'm Alyx. Alyx Ledesma." Alyx sheepishly scratched her head as she introduced herself.
"Don't worry; I know. I had Itsuki run a background check on you two beforehand, just before you arrived at this ship." Eleanor motions for the two to sit down and for Itsuki to close the door. Alyx glanced at the Lieutenant. He probably ran the check while they were walking in the desert.
"And you're the girl who introduced herself as an envoy of Guylos. I'm surprised. I didn't know the Guylos Empire still maintains some influence." Eleanor turns to Naruse.
"Some of us still remain. Mostly as retainers for the Neo-Zenebas. Or hunters." Naruse answers back.
"So I heard. So, what information can you give us with regards to the Remnant Prince?" Eleanor cuts straight to the point.
"Remnant Prince?" Alyx found the title a little puzzling.
"It's the man you might know as the Viscount." Eleanor explains to Alyx. "When the Guylos Empire fell, the emerging Neo-Zenebas proceeded to eliminate what remains of the Empire one by one, driving them out of Delpoi. During this time, the Viscount supposedly rose to power and rallied several remnant forces to his side and struck a deal with the new Empire. He would finish off what is left of the Helic Republic here. In exchange, they would be allowed to stay in the continent. In the following years, the Helic Republic gradually lost their hold on this continent as its bases fell one by one. Any underground resistance was immediately crushed by this masked hunter. It is said that he was responsible for the destruction of over seven resistance movements and the small towns that harbored them."
"Why? What could Neo-Zenebas gain from working with such a man?" Alyx implored further, growing more and more interested in knowing more about Naruse's enemy.
"It works as a good scapegoat." It was Naruse who spoke up. "Through his actions, all the hatred and ire of the general populace were directed at him and the forces he led under his command. This in turn, allowed the Neo-Zenebas leadership to remain popular among the people. It is for this reason that the main Helic army finds it hard to return. Victory in war would be meaningless if you cannot win over the populace. If anything, it will only lead to further chaos and uprisings in the long run."
"I see." Alyx only nodded.
"What your friend here said basically sums it up. So long as our enemy remains popular among the people, the harder it is for us to return to our own homeland." Eleanor pauses to brush away a stray strand of hair from her face. Turning back to Naruse, she continued her original question. "So, what information do you have for us?"
Naruse took a deep breath before speaking. "Within five years of working under the Neo-Zenebas leadership, the Viscount has accumulated quite a sizable army which he keeps hidden in territories on and off the continent, without the knowledge of his masters. This is all in preparation for his ultimate plan, which he plans to execute soon."
"And what is this ultimate plan?"
"The revival of the Guylos Empire." Naruse's answer surprised everyone in the room. "Once the Helic and Neo-Zenebas armies have exhausted themselves, he plans to initiate a military takeover at New Helic City and seize political control, bringing the entire Central Continent back under Guylos influence."
"So basically, he plans to do something similar to the Eisen Dragoon uprising five years ago?"
"Yes. And this time, he intends to succeed where the Dragoons failed: The complete annihilation of any and all opposition. It is for this reason that he sent his forces under Captain Ash to Kalanes. They extracted an ancient Zoid core from the city. He believes that it is the key to making this vision a reality."
"A Zoid core?" Itsuki walked over to their position, pacing back and forth as he thought about what he just heard. "Of what?"
"That's what I don't know." Naruse replied, her gaze lowering to her lap.
"If that is true, then how come the Neo-Zenebas forces haven't caught wind of this yet? Surely they would've figured this out by now?" Eleanor remains a little skeptical of what she just heard.
"Well—because of you guys actually." Naruse continued. "The Neo-Zenebas army is currently preoccupied with strengthening their defensive positions in preparation for the Helic Army's return from the Eastern Continent."
"They've already caught wind of that?" Itsuki asked.
"Yes. With that in mind, they simply do not have time to monitor the Viscount's actions. And the Viscount is a very cautious man. He's not acting in a way that draws attention to him."
"But if he was able to organize an army, like you said. Then how is he hiding it from Zenebas eyes? Does he have any allies? Conspirators in high places?"
"As a matter-of-fact Captain, he does." Alyx noticed Naruse hesitate for a moment. "The Daemon family has agreed to provide him with the assistance he needs to realize his plans. They provided him and his forces sanctuary under the territories they control. It was them who also informed the Viscount of the existence of a powerful Zoid core in Kalanes as well as the location of the place where its body could be found. So far, I managed to destroy any leads which lead to the location in question but, that doesn't change the fact that the Viscount now has the core. It's only a matter of time before he finds the other piece of the puzzle."
"Umm…what's the Daemon family?" Alys raised a question to the two girls with her.
"The Daemon family is a rather influential family within the noble houses of Guylos. They were the ones who funded and spearheaded the Death Saurer Revival Plan which eventually led to the incident at Valhalla six years ago. With the Empire's collapse, they apparently switched sides and provided the Eisen Dragoons with the means of overthrowing what remains of the old Guylos. According to some reports, they were also involved in the creation of the Seismosaurus as well." Itsuki explains to the clueless young pilot. "Their scientific prowess is not to be underestimated."
"And now they plan on switching back to the Viscount's side. Truly a family of crafty opportunists who only care about staying afloat in and in power." Even if she tried to hide it, Alyx could see the anger rising in Naruse's voice, especially when she mentioned family.
"I think I understand now." Eleanor replied, as-a-matter-of-factly. "But there is one more thing that bothers me. You, young Guylos envoy. What do you stand to gain from this?"
"Plus, isn't that supposed to be beneficial for you? Your Empire will rise again, should the Viscount have his way. I personally find your motivations confusing." Itsuki adds to the air of skepticism.
"I just…don't want another tragedy from happening again. Plus, I do not acknowledge the Viscount's actions to be representative of the Empire's true intentions." Naruse defends her stance.
"Those are rather big words coming from one as young as you." Itsuki commended Naruse's will. "And how do you know all this? The details of the Viscount's plan, and the conspiracy of the Daemon family?"
"Because…" Naruse paused, unsure of how to continue. A tap from Alyx urged her on and she musters up the courage to say it out loud. "My real name…is Iris Lilith Daemon, the second daughter of Annalise Frain Daemon, heir to the royal house."
Upon hearing it, Alyx's eyes grew as wide as saucers. "C-come again?"
"You heard me." Naruse shoots her a sad smile. "I am of the very family I detest. I am involved in this conspiracy as well."
For a while, Alyx found herself unable to speak as she processed everything she had just learned in the last few minutes. She knew Naruse lied about her identity when they first met but she just didn't expect her to be who she said she was right now.
"I suppose, you can say that's part of the reason why I told you all this." Naruse turns to look at the two Helic soldiers. "Are we Guylos? Or are we Zenebas? If the Republic wins this war, would we switch sides to them? I don't even know who we are anymore. Shame had already fallen over us when we rebuilt the Death Saurer, that monster that claimed many lives and again when we defected to the rising Neo-Zenebas. And now they intend to repeat this cycle…I don't want it! I don't want to live while people look at us like we're some kind of monster!"
"I see." Itsuki finally laid his questions to rest as he turned to the Captain. "So, what do we make of this?"
"Well, this information does not affect our mission of taking down the Viscount either way. But—" Eleanor extends a hand to touch Naruse's face. "Thanks to her, we at least have something else to go on." Letting go, she turns to face Itsuki again. "We should start by monitoring the territories under the Daemon family's influence. Perhaps we could narrow down his movements to those places."
"Understood. I'll ask Black Hound if they could do it for us."
"That would be most appreciated Lieutenant."
"So, you believe me?" Naruse looks at Eleanor with sad yet hopeful eyes.
"Well…I don't think you have any reason to lie." Eleanor tries to assure her. "The Retaliation Force was established in order to deal with enemies like the Viscount. Even if you hadn't told us this information, we would still confront him and try to take him out. Only difference is now, we have other leads we can use against him."
"Thank you, Captain Eleanor." Naruse bowed her head as a gesture of gratitude.
"Itsuki told me you requested our protection in exchange for this information. In that case, we'll need to keep you aboard this Zoid while the Viscount is still at large as I'm quite sure that he will be coming for you after that incident at Kalanes."
"Yes, I understand." Naruse agreed with the arrangement. "Since I destroyed the database containing the body he's looking for, he'll surely think that I know where it is."
"And do you?" Itsuki asked.
"No, I do not. I haven't been able to dig that deep. But then again, the Viscount doesn't know that."
"Or he just needs a bargaining chip in order to exploit more resources from the Daemon family."
"Yes, that is also possible."
"One more thing." Eleanor interrupts the discussion. "As you can see, the Zoids in this vessel are all old generation designs we just recommissioned from old bases and outposts. If it's alright with you, I would like to use your Zoid in combat sometimes. " Eleanor turns to Alyx to discuss this matter instead. "You do not need to be the one to pilot it if you want no part in this arrangement. If that's the case then I would make the necessary arrangements for you to return to Kalanes, if that is what you want."
"Alyx…I thank you for staying with me until this point in time. But—why don't you go back? Your life has been relatively peaceful so far. There's no need for you to involve yourself in this." Naruse suggests.
"Hey, Naruse? Is this what you want? What you really want?" Instead of answering, Alyx asks Naruse a question.
"Yes. I am sure. I'm sorry if I didn't tell you right away."
"Then that settles it." Alyx turns to face Eleanor. "That won't be necessary Captain. I'll pilot the Liger Zero myself. It is my property after all."
"Alyx?" Naruse asks, surprised.
"I told you didn't I? I don't care whoever you are. If there is something I can do to help someone like you, who is trying to prevent any more tragedies from occurring, then I will do it. It's our responsibility. Though—" Alyx suddenly stood up and took Naruse's hand in hers. "I don't know how it feels to go against the likes of your own family…"
"Alyx…Thanks."
"Hehehe…!" Captain Eleanor laughs at Alyx's sudden optimistic outburst. "Very well. From now on, you're officially recognized as a mercenary under our employ. We're counting on you, Alyx Ledesma."
"Of cours—I mean…Yes ma'am!"
"Alright." Eleanor turns to Itsuki. "Lieutenant, have someone escort Naruse to her own quarters. I believe we still have some we could spare. As for Alyx, take her down to the simulation area. She'll need training. And fast."
"Sure." Itsuki replied as he gestured to the girls to go. "You can wait by the elevator. Someone should be up in a while."
"Got it! Let's go Naruse! I want to look down at the ground and see how high we're up now!" Alyx drags Naruse out excitedly, leaving Itsuki and Eleanor alone in the room.
"So…do you trust them?" Itsuki asks Eleanor.
"I have my doubts. But still—the heir of the Daemon family… If ever she turns on us, I won't hesitate to use her against her own family." Eleanor explains as she closes her eyes.
"So what you're saying is…you do not care either way?"
"Of course I do. I'm just preparing for the worst. But if it were up to me, I'd prefer it if they really are our allies. I've already been through situations where I had to put my faith in total strangers. The people who adopted me, Black Hound… and you, Itsuki. So far, this faith hadn't let me down." Eleanor answers with a smile. "Keep a watchful eye on them would you?"
"Of course. As long as I can spare them."
"I said some pretty big words but—man!" Alyx cursed as she loses again in the simulated match. Immediately after the meeting, Naruse headed to the room she was given so she could rest while Alyx immediately headed down to the simulators to train. Try as she might though, she couldn't even get past some basic challenges. "Arghh! What am I doing wrong?!"
"You have good reflexes. And from the looks of it, it seems like you've already familiarized yourself with the Liger's basic controls." Itsuki emerged from his own seat and walked towards Alyx. "Instead, what you lack seems to be good judgement."
"Judgement?"
"You're not sure how best to react when confronted in battle. It was pretty easy to see your errors during that match. That leaves you with a lot of openings." Itsuki carefully assesses Alyx's piloting.
"Judgement eh…how should I improve my judgement exactly?" Alyx wondered as she leaned back on the seat of her cubicle. "Outside of actual combat experience that is?"
"Well, it helps if you're familiar with the mechanics of the enemy you're fighting apart from your own. That way, you also familiarize yourself with its quirks and weaknesses. Zoids are not humans so any prior knowledge about fighting on the street or on some bar isn't going to help. Animals react differently from people after all." Itsuki explains.
"Having fun here?" Looking up ahead, the two saw Captain Eleanor walking over to them. "So, how goes your training?" She asks Alyx.
"Not too good…I can't even beat sir Itsuki." Alyx sighed as she readjusted her settings.
"Hahaha! Yeah, I remember my first simulated match. Also got my ass handed over to me on a silver platter." Eleanor tries to encourage Alyx. "Do not be afraid to try again. We all start somewhere."
"Time is of the essence though so you'll need to learn fast." Itsuki threw in his two cents worth before facing Eleanor. "Think we should have her stand by during our attack on Mount Cybele? I don't think she's ready."
"Mount Cybele? Isn't it that really big mountain down south? The one usually covered in mist?" Alyx asked upon hearing the name.
"Yes. Our scouts have reported that a base belonging to the Viscount is located there." Itsuki explained. "We'll rendezvous with a supply unit for repairs and resupply. Then we head over there and meet up with Black Hound, a mercenary group who has been helping us for a long time. From there, we launch our attack."
"Maybe I can watch how you guys do it in the meantime. I may be able to pick up on things that way." Alyx offers her own suggestion but otherwise, she agreed with Itsuki about staying behind for a while.
"Hmmm…" Eleanor glanced around the hangar until her eyes fell on Alyx's Liger Zero. "Think you can pilot it in the meantime Lieutenant?"
"I don't know. I don't really want to go out there in a Zoid without any armaments." Itsuki seemed hesitant about the idea.
"In terms of armaments though, doesn't the Shield Liger and the Liger Zero share the same basic dimension of attack? Both are high-speed Liger Zoids centered on close range combat using their teeth and fangs. The Shield Liger just has more guns, I guess but in the Zero's case, the claws easily beat the gun's output." Alyx spoke up, causing the two soldiers to look back at her.
"The Shield Liger has an E-shield, the Liger Zero doesn't. That small detail could easily be the crucial factor that separates life from death." Itsuki counters Alyx's argument. "Good observation though. That's what I mean about understanding their mechanisms."
"However, she does have a point Lieutenant. A high-performance Zoid like the Liger Zero in your hands would significantly boost our combat capability." Eleanor suggests.
"I suppose if we have to. We'll see." Itsuki somehow relents to the idea.
"By the way, how were you able to defeat the Geno Saurer? Apart from it being damaged and all." Eleanor asks, recalling the battle the day before.
"Hmm…Well, Naruse guided me throughout that fight. She made most of the calls and told me how to respond." Alyx tries to recall the details.
"I see."
Crack! Rumble!
The whole hangar suddenly shook in surprise upon hearing the ferocious sound of lightning raining down around them. While more modern Zoids had adequate EMP shielding, getting hit could still cause potential damage to the giant Zoid's systems, not to mention the interference it might cause to the Magnesser System. Yet, the lightning itself isn't the primary cause of alarm as the pilots suddenly came running over to their Zoids while Eleanor ran to the elevator and rode it back to the bridge.
"What's going on?" Alyx asked. She found the soldiers' reaction to a usual weather phenomenon odd.
"Enemy attack…Damn, have they caught on to our plans?!" Itsuki cursed under his breath as he made his way over to one of the Shield Ligers; the one which had new Thruster Guns equipped to its back.
"So this lightning is artificial?" Alyx wondered out loud.
"A thunderstorm in the middle of the desert during a non-typhoon season? It's got to be." Kiminari replied as he passed her, carrying a whole box of tools and gadgets with him.
Outside, approximately eight miles away from the Alexander, Caitlyn's Liger Zero X stood fiercely on top of a cavern entrance, its E-drivers powering the pair of blades it used to conjure up lightning and rain it down from the sky. Although the distance made it difficult to land an accurate hit, it did not matter to the Viscount, who was waiting below, in the cockpit of his own Zoid.
"Wise move." He murmurs as he watched the gargantuan transport Zoid descend from the sky in an effort to avoid Caitlyn's assault.
"So, do we just run in and attack?" Reynard asks from inside his Lightning Saix which stood beside the Viscount's Berserk Fuhrer, poised and waiting for the opportunity to strike.
"Maybe." With a slight nudge of the console, the Fuhrer roared and charged in, followed closely by the Lightning Saix. "Caitlyn, halt your assault for now lest you fry us by accident. Also, see to it that the Geno Saurer is prepared and in position."
"Understood sir." Upon receiving the order, the Zero X stopped its attack, retracting its Stunblades to its back. She had not been ordered to follow so Caitlyn stayed behind and observed how the Viscount intended on confronting their adversary.
The Hammer Kaiser opened fire using its smaller guns and the occasional missile. But the white Tyrannosaurus simply dodged the incoming shots or shot them down if they were big enough. In a span of a few minutes, the Fuhrer had closed in on the Hammer Kaiser. Maneuvering with a speed that surpasses most Zoids of its size, it began taking shots at the Hammer Kaiser's smaller guns, destroying them one by one.
"He always liked to show off…" Reynard grunted, his Lightning Saix standing still as he no longer bothered to provide any form of cover for the Viscount. He noticed something on the Hammer Kaiser from his sensors though. Near the dorsal fin where the bridge might possibly be located, a launch catapult extended and something big leaped out, aimed at the directions where the Viscount's Berserk Fuhrer stood. "Hey, watch out!" Reynard warned the Viscount over their channel.
The Berserk Fuhrer looked up and upon seeing the incoming bogey, moved out of the way, managing to dodge a Strike Laser Claw intended for its head. For a moment, the Viscount thought it was their stolen Liger Zero. But it was not. What greeted him as he turned to look was a white Shield Liger, equipped with some new arsenal. Barely had he stopped his Zoid's momentum when the Liger's guns turned and open fired, sending a couple of shots which he immediately deflected with his Zoid's E-shield. Somehow, this Liger's offensive style felt familiar. He had fought this pilot before. The Fuhrer's eyes lit up with deadly recognition and charged at the Liger, its Buster Claws rotating at high speeds. The Liger dodged with minimal movement and fired a couple more shots which the Viscount merely dodged.
"Itsuki Touya…Heh, should've known a familiar fly would show himself out here." The Viscount called out on the open channel, taunting his adversary.
"Likewise." Itsuki answered back, his Liger growling in anger as it stared down its huge adversary. From behind, he was immediately reinforced by two more Shield Liger MK-IIs and two more Command Wolf LCs.
"Quite a welcome party you've assembled here." The Viscount pulled back a little, putting distance between him and the pack that came out to face him. Turning to the open channel, he called out to the Hammer Kaiser. "There is no cause for alarm, Helic soldiers. I did not come here to fight with you right now."
"Says the man who nearly killed us with a lightning strike. What did you come here for, a couple of shots? Maybe a glass of whisky?" It was Itsuki who replied, his Liger roaring defiantly at their enemy.
"Heh!" From inside his cockpit, the Viscount smirked to himself. "I came to arrest a certain criminal –wanted for her acts of treason against our noble Empire. You may have "accidentally" taken her in as a refugee during your return from that—incident at Kalanes."
Itsuki knew he was talking about Iris, the Daemon family heir. Would it be wise to just hand her over? He didn't know. Right now, her fate, as well as theirs, rested in the hands of Captain Leesa Eleanor.
Writer's Note: Chapter 5 complete!
Zoids spotlight for today is the Shield Liger TG! (The one Itsuki is using in this chapter) It appeared in the Zoids: Original storyline along with the Zoids SS Manga. It is a variant that boasts higher speed (and possibly firepower) thanks to inclusion of the thruster guns on its back. Its shield has been upgraded to sport 20% more power while the regular Strike Claws are now replaced with the more updated Strike Laser Claws.
Credits to The Iron Bible for the info. For now, it's mostly regular designs that make an appearance but expect to see more NJR-ish (and maybe some OJR?) Zoids to pop up in the next chapters. See you on the next chapter!