Disclaimer: I do not own Zoids. Never have never will, though I wish I did. -_-
Disclaimer2: Aurora does NOT belong to me. She belongs to ShadowRebirth37. SR37 has kindly let me borrow her for my fic.
Author's Note: I know what you all are saying. 'OMG!!! She finally updated!!' \o/ As with the previous chapter I've put in a new element for you all to ponder about. Just as a warning there are only two more chapters left with him a child. This chapter and the next. Then there will be a time skip of about…5 years, two years before Chaotic Century.
Story Guide:
"Talking" 'Thoughts' /Organoid Speech\
{Zoid Speech} Emphasis "Ancient Zoidian" :Com-Link:
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/ Hold still hatchling… You're making this harder than it needs to be…\ Shadow growled. He was doing his best to wrap up Raven's torso where his ribs were broken, but the boy just wouldn't sit still.
"But it hurts when you touch it."
/ I know it does, but if you don't let me do this it'll hurt even worse.\
Raven sighed, defeated. He knew that Shadow was right, but it really hurt. It didn't help that it wasn't proper medical tape either. Shadow was using some spare cloth that Aurora had in her storage compartment from the last person that had tried to pilot her. Some of his other belongings were in there as well, but those would have to wait until later to be deemed useful or not.
A few minutes later and Shadow was finally done treating Raven's wounds.
/ Alright…you're done. Just try not to do anything that'll cause it to fall apart. It's not as tight as it needs to be, but it'll have to due for now.\
"Alright. …Hey Shadow?" he asked as he put his shirt back on.
/ Hmm? What is it?\
"Do you think you could take me up to the tree tops? We never did get the chance to eat anything."
/ Of course. Just be careful that you don't fall off.\ Shadow said as he lowered himself so that Raven could climb onto his back and sit just behind his wing protrusions. Raven had to hold onto his neck when Shadow stood up and pulled his wings out but after he got up into the air and had made himself parallel to the ground, Raven let go so he could gather some fruit. After he had gathered as much as he could hold, Shadow landed and let him off.
"Hmm… I wonder where Aurora went…" Raven pondered as he picked out a piece of fruit he wanted to eat.
/ She said that she wanted to make sure that there weren't any other zoids in the area. I think she's also making sure that there aren't any Republican bases nearby…\
"I wish she'd get back soon. The sun's goin' down and we don't have any means to keep warm," he said as he took a bite out of the fruit he had and then made a disgusted face at it as he swallowed. Shadow started to panic.
/ What's wrong with it!? It's not bad is it!?\
"No… It's too…sweet."
/ Too sweet? …Even so it's the only food that we have at the moment. You'll just have to make due for now.\
"I know. We really can't complain. …Perhaps…"
/ What is it hatchling?\
"Perhaps Aurora will be able to answer some of our questions. If not she'll at least be able to help us make decisions."
/ I'm sure she'll be able to answer some of our questions. She's been active longer than we have so…she must know a little about the human's mind set.\
Raven nodded at that. They needed to understand this society as soon as possible to fit in a little better. He was sure that the general population had never seen an organoid before…that would draw unwanted attention.
Grimacing as he took another bite of the fruit, Raven watched as Shadow's head snapped up and glared at an approaching object coming from the east. Shadow moved Raven behind him hoping that it was just Aurora returning. A few minutes later and the disappearing sun's rays reflected off the approaching object revealing a multitude of different colors. Shadow sighed, relieved. It was Aurora and judging by her leisurely stroll back to them, there were no other zoids around and no Republican bases nearby.
"Glad to see you're back safely Aurora. I take it that we're safe here?"
{That's right Sugar. My scanners didn't pick up anything near here. There's nothin' but sand for the next thirty miles.}
/ That's good. After what happened earlier today we need a rest.\
"Hey Aurora… Can I see what else you have in your storage compartment?"
{Sure. No need to be so shy about it.}
Aurora laid down and opened her cockpit hatch up for Raven. Shadow fussed as Raven climbed up into it.
"Oh Shadow, I'm alright. I know not to over do it."
/ I wonder sometimes…\
Raven opened the storage compartment and rummaged through it. …Clothes…old, tattered and would never fit his frame even in a couple of years, but until he could get new clothes he'd keep them. Blankets…there were three of them, all in good condition. Next to the blankets was a sleeping bag, also in good condition. No pillow…he'd just have to improvise. The next thing that caught his attention was a sheathed dagger. He unsheathed it to make sure it wasn't rusty. It was still sharp and it looked like it had never been used, he'd have to change that. Putting the dagger away, Raven moved onto the next item, or should he say items. Three canteens all empty but not for long. There was also a tool box with all the things he would need to repair Aurora if need be. The last thing that was in the storage compartment was a small leather pouch. He untied the purse strings and took out what was inside. He held a small gold coin in his hand; he guessed that this is what the soldiers were calling money. He put it back and returned the pouch to the compartment.
"Hey Shadow?"
/ Hmm? What is it hatchling?\
"There's nothing in here for me to start a fire with. Do you think it would be best if I just slept in Aurora's cockpit?"
/ Yes. Some rogue zoid might sense us and you'd be safer in there than out here.\
{Even though you're so young you sure do know what to do out here Sugar.}
"Actually Aurora…this is my first time outside."
{First time outside? What do you mean by that Sugar?}
Raven told Aurora everything that had happened to Shadow and him. All the tests that the Republicans had performed, all of the experiments, and all of the pain that had been inflicted. Aurora was silent through out all of it. From what she gathered they had only been awake for about two years and were immediately experimented on.
{Sugar? Do you know what kinds of experiments that they performed?}
"Uhmm…most were for zoid piloting. I was awake for those, but there were a few that they…sedated me for. I think I was operated on once too, but I'm not sure. Shadow doesn't know either 'cause he was sedated when I was…"
{That's…troubling. Well, you needn't worry any more Sugar. I'll make sure neither the Republicans nor the Imperials get you. And if any rogue zoid thinks about harming you again, they have another thing coming.}
A small smile formed on Raven's lips. She meant every word…neither her nor Shadow would let harm come to him. He'd have to do his part to make sure that they didn't get hurt either.
Raven pulled out one of the warmer blankets and sat in the pilot's seat. Aurora's hatch was still open so when he was able to see the night sky clearly.
"…Hey Aurora…? Those are called 'stars' right?" he asked pointing to the sky.
{Yes, they are. People use to use them for guidance when traveling at night.}
"They're different than what I had imagined. Can you tell me what you know about them?"
{Sure. It's no problem Sugar.}
Aurora then spent most of the night telling Raven all about the stars. Shadow had already fallen asleep by the time she had finished.
{Get some rest Sugar. We'll be moving out of here sometime tomorrow morning.}
"…Alright. G'night Aurora."
The rest of the night went by quietly, but unbeknownst to them…something had picked up on their location.
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x—Temporary Republican Base
'How? How could this have happened!? Both of them were under heavy security! How could they have possibly escaped!?' Herman was at a loss. His Command Wolf squad, Ptera unit and Shield Liger squad hadn't been able to locate ZOH-001 and its organoid BKO-03. It had been about eleven hours since they had escaped and by now they could be any where. The President wouldn't be happy to hear about this, especially not after learning that Dr. D was retiring.
"Captain Herman sir! The second Ptera unit has just returned! Lieutenant O'Connell reporting!"
Herman groaned. He didn't need to hear that they couldn't find the blasted zoidian either.
"Captain Herman…we've located ZOH-001 and BKO-03."
"You've located them!?" Herman yelled. "Where!?"
"Sir! They're fifty miles to the south of here. However, it seems that they are not alone. Sensors have picked up a zoid with them. The organoid must have commandeered it."
"What's the zoid type?"
"Sensors show that it is a wolf type zoid."
"They commandeered a Command Wolf? It must be for protection. We'll have to proceed carefully. 001 can easily annihilate our whole force if it wants to, however, we must capture it before it moves again. We need to strike at dawn. O'Connell! Call Captain Ford over. We need to come up with a solid battle plan to combat against 001."
"Yes sir!"
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x --- Morning at Raven's camp
Raven woke up just as the sun was starting to peak over the horizon. Shadow and Aurora were still sleeping as he rummaged around Aurora's storage compartment again. He folded the blanket back up and had taken out the canteens and dagger. Might as well get some chores done so they could leave earlier. He made his way carefully out of Aurora's cockpit, he didn't want to cause any more damage to his broken ribs. Raven had only taken a few steps from Aurora when he heard a soft growl.
/ And what are you doing up so early hatchling?\
"Just cleaning up and getting some chores done." Raven answered as he walked over to the water's edge. He uncapped the canteens and filled them all, recapping when he was finished, and then went to cleaning up himself. He looked at his reflection when he was done and thought for a moment.
'I'm not ZOH-001 anymore. I can't change my features but I can…'
He unsheathed the dagger that was by his side and examined the blade. Shadow was busy keeping watch and Aurora was just now waking up. He gathered his long hair in his fist and pulled the dagger through it. He looked back to his reflection as he put the dagger in between the cloth he was using to keep his shirt from blowing in the wind. He narrowed his eyes at his new appearance. It may have been a trivial thing to most people, but he felt that 001 was now truly dead and Raven had been born.
{Sugar! What'd you d to your hair!?}
Raven turned to look at Aurora.
"I cut it. I'm no longer the republican's secret weapon. I'm not ZOH-001 anymore."
Shadow came over and ruffled his hair with his muzzle.
/ It suits you hatchling. Now come on. Let's gather the fruit and store it in Aurora. It's time we left. It wouldn't do us any good to get ourselves captured.\
Raven threw a disgusted look at the small pile of fruit that was near Aurora's front right paw. He hated the taste of them. He would personally rather eat sand, but he knew Shadow would flip if he said that. Aurora saw his disgusted look when Shadow had turned his back to keep a look out.
{Now, now Sugar. You'll only have to eat them until we restock in a village.} Aurora growled softly, so only Raven could hear her.
"…That's not soon enough." He replied as he gathered the fruit and climbed back into Aurora's cockpit.
{Looks like it's time for us to go.} Aurora growled as she strapped Raven in. As soon as she closed the hatch she was hit by a missile. Aurora roared in pain and Raven hit his head against the side of his seat from the shock of the missile.
/ Hatchling! It's the Republican Army! They must have located us last night. Prepare for combat!\
'Shadow! Take the ones that are coming from the north! We'll take the ones coming from the south!'
/ Understood hatchling.\
'Alright Aurora. Let's show them the monster that they've created.' Raven thought with a confident smirk. This is what they wanted him to do. He took one quick glance at Shadow before he took off to destroy his half of the Republican forces. He easily maneuvered Aurora around their fire, taking out any units that were unfortunate enough to be in his way.
As he mauled his way through a squadron of Command Wolves a command option appeared from Aurora.
"Aurora Strike Laser Claw? …So long as it destroys them it's fine with me Aurora."
A low rumble of confirmation as Aurora's left front claw started to glow like the northern lights. She swiped her paw at an attacking Godos, crushing the cockpit. Raven flinched a little. So far he had tried to avoid killing anyone, even though he knew what the Republicans thought of him. He guessed that…he just wanted to prove them wrong.
{Did you not want to kill them Sugar?}
'I've never killed before…'
{Sugar…so long as they're after you, you must always be ready to kill.}
'…You're right. None of them would ever show me mercy…' He strengthened his resolve. They had said it themselves. When he had outlived his usefulness they would destroy him. Showing them mercy…what was he thinking!? Raven hardened his heart and started his attack anew, more vicious than before.
/ Hatchling above you!\
Raven looked up and dodged just as a Ptera squadron fired their missiles.
'Thanks Shadow. How are things going on your end?'
/ They're dwindling down slowly. Reinforcements have finally stopped arriving from the north. And you hatchling?\
'…Same here. Reinforcements have finally stopped coming in.'
{Don't worry Sugar. We'll show them what happens when they decide to mess with us.}
' Alright enough talk. Let's finish this and get outta here before they can radio in more troops.'
/ Understood.\
{Alrighty Sugar.}
Raven checked his ammo supply. Aurora had missile pod clusters on her shoulder, but no missiles. He had a few shots left in her sniper rifles, but not enough to get rid of all the Pteras. He'd shoot down what he could and then improvise from there. He let Aurora take over mauling incoming units while he took aim to take out the Pteras buzzing by. Whatever experimentations that they did to him when he was sedated were paying off. Even with Aurora being shot at and being rocked and shook, he was still piercing right through the zoid's cockpits, killing the pilots.
The battle raged on for another two hours. The entire Ptera squadron had been taken care of by Shadow when he commandeered one and most of the other zoid squadrons and battalions were destroyed. They had about three battalions left between the two of them. Shadow had a battalion of Godos and half a battalion of Command Wolves, while he had a battalion and a half of Shield Ligers. Both Shadow and Aurora had some damage to them but he would be able to repair them. He faintly registered Shadow starting his attack again. Just as was about to start his melee, one Shield Liger stepped forward from the others. A beeping noise brought his attention to an incoming vid-link. He couldn't let them see his new appearance!
' Aurora! Disable the vid-link! I can't let them see me as Raven!'
{No problem Sugar. …There we go. Vid-link's been disabled but the com-link is still operational.}
Thanks Aurora.'
{It was my pleasure Sugar.}
:001. This is Captain Rob Herman. If you surrender now we will over look this transgression and pass it off as a training exercise. Lower your zoid and come out slowly.:
{Oh pulleezee. I'm not about to hand over my pilot. Sugar, why don't you tell him your answer?}
'With pleasure Aurora.'
:Jk. E zkj'p xahkjc pk ukq wju hkjcan. (No. I don't belong to you any longer.):
:001! In English! I know you can speak it fluently!:
:Uao, xqp jkp bkn ukq. Wqnknq…hap'o odks Ywlpwej Daniwj iu wjosan… (Yes, but not for you. Aurora…let's show Captain Herman my answer…):
{Finished flustering him already Sugar?}
'No. There's no point in saying anything else to him. I'm just gonna anger him in…different ways.' Raven said mentally to Aurora as he flipped off the com-link, right when Herman was about to say something else to him.
Raven lunged Aurora forward quickly, surprising Herman and the rest of his troops. They quickly formed into formation and started their own attack. Raven plowed through them as if they were made out of paper. Twenty minutes later and only half a battalion was left. Raven heard Aurora's cooling fan kick into gear to start cooling off her systems.
{There's fifteen zoids left here. Shadow has about twelve.}
'We're almost done with them. If we can take out Herman there's a good possibility that the rest will vacate the area.'
{And if not?}
'Then we'll take them out as we have been.'
{Very well then. I guess that there isn't any sense to let them go so then they can regroup and try again.}
'Then let's finish this.'
Raven charged Aurora forward again, aiming for Herman when some of the other Shield Ligers intercepted him.
"Cnnn… E'i jkp ej pda ikkz pk zawh sepd ukq." (Grrr… I'm not in the mood to deal with you.) Raven said in the zoidian language in case they were listening to him. He quickly dealt with them and continued on his war path towards Herman. The rest of the Shield Ligers, save for Herman, tried to intercept him again.
"E owez cap kqppw iu swu!" (I said get outta my way!) Raven yelled as he rampaged through the remaining forces. Aurora was just as angry as he was. She just couldn't understand why they would go through this much trouble just to capture him.
{'What on Zi have they done to him to make them fight this much just to retrieve him?'}
Finally, only Herman was left in front of him. Shadow still had three zoids to take of. Raven's com-link light was blinking. Herman wanted to talk to him again.
{Just humor him Sugar.}
'If you say so…'
Raven turned the com-link back on and waited for Herman to say something.
:…001…if this was a training exercise or even the Imperial Army I'd be congratulating you but…as neither is the case…I will do anything to stop you!:
'He stopped me just to tell me that?'
:Pdaj opkl ia.: (Then stop me.) Raven said as he again turned off his com-link. He saw Shadow flying over head of him, finished with his destruction. Herman noticed this and chanced a look behind Raven to see the destruction first hand. He was momentarily stunned as he looked at all the carnage that Raven and Shadow had caused.
Raven took this opportunity to strike at Herman with Aurora's special Strike Laser Claw quickly followed by an Electron Fang attack as Herman's Shield Liger reeled. Herman's zoid had it's systems frozen from that attack. Now how was he to stop 001 if he couldn't even comprehend how he received his command system freeze?
Raven narrowed his eyes at Herman's cockpit; however, he didn't do anything. He turned Aurora and started off in the southwestern direction. This confused Herman as well as Shadow and Aurora.
/ Hatchling are you sure? He'll only come after you aga--\
'Let him. It will be the same result every time.'
/…Then we must keep our training up. We don't want any more surprises.\
{Agreed. This will be the outcome every ti--!}
Aurora's shoulder was hit again by a missile causing her head to slam into the ground and her hatch to fly open. Aurora's safety harness had cut deeply into Raven's skin causing bruising from the whiplash.
/ Hatchling! Aurora! Are you alright!?\
{I'm fine Shadow, but Herman won't be as soon as I get my fangs on him!}
'…'
/ Hatchling! What's wrong!?\
'I…I don't know… I feel…different…'
Raven unlatched the safety harness and jumped to the ground.
/Hatchling!\
{Sugar! What're you doing!?}
"AHHH!!!" It was a scream of shock and surprise. Black tendrils twirled around his body forming something. Shadow tried to get Raven away from the tendrils but he couldn't even get close to them. He watched as the tendrils formed a weird black head gear, a strange shiny black armor and wings…with a garnet colored membrane. After the tendrils were done they disappeared and Raven fell backwards in shock. He could hear Herman's zoid approaching closer. Now he really couldn't get caught again.
'Aurora! Can you still move!?'
Aurora snapped out of her shock and answered. {Yes. Hurry and get in.}
Raven did as he was told and got in. It was a little difficult with his new…wings… He'd have to figure out how to get rid of this armor. Aurora snapped her hatch closed and fired at Herman's cockpit with her Tri-Shock Cannon. Herman was able to eject before the cockpit was destroyed. He watched as the white –Command Wolf?- ran off quickly. It would seem that they would need a more powerful zoid if they ever wanted to bring 001 back into custody.
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Author's Note: *ducks incoming objects being thrown at her* I know…I left you all with a cliffie. Boooo… You'll live. All of you. ^-^ What's this strange armor that's on Raven? Where the hell did it come from? You'll find out…soon enough! Please review!! I worked hard on this!! It'd be nice to receive a little feed back!!