1. Stand Up Again

I really enjoyed Zoids 0 back in the day, and I finally got around to writing a little fic for my fave, Jamie. Both chapters take place during or right after episode 4 (the first encounter with the backdraft group). At some point I'd like to write some interaction between Lina and Jamie and/or Doc and Jamie... when I can ever find the time.

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The D-Bison was lying on its side, splayed out in the sand like a giant metal carcass. It was normally such a solid zoid. Brad hadn't thought anything could send it flying like that.

After Jamie had been knocked down, after the battle had really turned against them, he had been ready to ask for an excuse to join the battle. Besides, there was no guarantee that the Backdraft Group wouldn't take his Command Wolf as well if they lost.

It wasn't that disturbing to see the D-Bison looking like a dead thing, but he couldn't stop the thoughts clamoring in the back of his head. Alternating between irritatingly persistent worry and angry demands to know why Jamie hadn't just gotten _out of the way_.

The actual damage to the D-Bison seemed minimal, but it was impossible to assess the damage he was concerned with from the outside. Brad had gotten his Command Wolf up and responding again pretty easily, and now he left it a few feet from the downed zoid.

Brad ignored the noise when Bit charged up to join him, voice still raised in whoops of self-congratulation and victory. He was more intent on forcing the manual hatch controls to work, practically having to pry the cockpit open to get at Jamie.

What he found wasn't unexpected, from the lack of communication after the battle and the fact that Jamie hadn't opened the cockpit himself. Jamie was out cold, lying as still as the D-Bison itself. If not for the restraints still strapping him in place he would have slid out of the cockpit as soon as the hatch opened.

Jamie's breathing was reassuring enough. Deep, steady, even breaths. It was impossible to be sure if he had fainted or been knocked out by the fall, but he wasn't bleeding and Brad couldn't see any serious injuries.

"Jamie!"

Brad looked up at the shout and decided that Bit had only just gotten in close enough to see that Jamie was still unconscious.

"He's fine," Brad said back, as much to himself as to Bit. "Just let me get him out."

Brad wedged one shoulder under Jamie's head, wrapping his arm around the still pilot around the restraints. With his other hand he fumbled the straps apart and then off, so that Jamie slid safely into his grip.

Once Jamie was free it was easy to carry him to the ground without jostling him too badly. Brad was helped by the fact that Jamie was so light he could practically carry him one-handed. Once he was on the ground he shifted Jamie to lie more securely against his shoulder.

"Can you get the D-Bison back on its feet? I think we can just walk it back to the hover cargo. I'd rather not stick around once we get Leena back."

Brad definitely didn't trust the Backdraft Group not to scrounge up a few extra zoids and declare the battle resumed. He wanted to get off of this battlefield as soon as possible.

"Yeah, sure. But what are you gonna do, carry Jamie back?"

"If I have to."

Bit was quiet for half a heartbeat longer than normal before turning to his controls with his usual enthusiasm and shouting, "Okay, Liger! Let's show this hunk of junk who's boss!"

Turning his attention back to Jamie, Brad propped the unconscious pilot up in the shade of his Command Wolf. He ran his fingers over Jamie's head, probing through his hair for a lump, a cut, anything that might indicate where or how hard he might have hit his head.

It wasn't like Brad hadn't blacked out his fair share of times from getting knocked around during battle. His main concern now was the possibility that the restraints in Leena's zoid hadn't fit properly, and Jamie had struck his head on something when he was knocked down.

When his search turned up nothing, Brad gave Jamie a light slap on the cheek to rouse him.

It took a second, slightly harder, slap before Jamie cracked one eye open. He peered at Brad with an expression like a wince, then blinked and let both eyes come open.

"Brad?" His voice was steady, but faintly confused. "Did we lose?"

"Of course not."

Brad took his hands away from Jamie's head. He was more interested in noting that Jamie wasn't having trouble holding his head steady, and his eyes seemed to be focusing normally. It did seem that his concern was unfounded, and Brad could only feel relieved.

"Does your head hurt?"

"Everything hurts," Jamie informed him with a touch of sheepish humor, as if he was giving Brad permission to laugh at him.

Brad didn't laugh, at least not until Jamie looked past him and exclaimed, "What is Bit doing?"

Following Jamie's gaze, Brad couldn't suppress a chuckle at the sight of Bit and the Liger Zero leaping around the D-Bison, trying to shove it into a position where the automatic stabilizers could take over. Bit kept shouting, 'whoa, whoa!' and waving one arm like he was in a rodeo every time the D-Bison was pushed too far in one direction or another.

Seeing that made Brad very glad he had gotten Jamie out of the cockpit first.

With a sudden totter and a faint hiss the D-Bison found its feet. Liger came skidding to a halt, kicking sand all over Brad as he instinctively put a shielding arm around Jamie's head.

"Did you see that?" Brad thought Bit was referring to his success in getting the D-Bison up until he saw Bit was pointing at a distant shape in the sky. "Leena just blasted her way out of that Whale King!"

In the next second Jamie was scrambling to his feet to get a better view, letting out a joyful shout of, "That's my Terras!"

Well, at least Jamie had recovered, after giving his teammates a scare like that.

"Now we're all accounted for, let's get out of here," Brad said to get the other two moving. He did keep half an eye on Jamie as he climbed back up into the D-Bison, but that was all.

When he got back to the hover cargo and saw the shape that Jamie's precious Terras was in, well. . . all he could do was drag Bit upstairs with him and give Jamie a little privacy to assess the damage.

	2. Bits and Pieces

"Hey, I'm back!"

Bit didn't exactly expect a chorus of delight at his arrival, but the resounding silence was still a little annoying.

"Yo, Jamie!" Bit shouted, waving at the figure up on the catwalk. He was sure the other pilot wouldn't ignore him outright.

Jamie came up to the railing when Bit called him by name. "Welcome back. Did you have any more luck today?" If his heart wasn't in the question, Bit didn't care. He was going to answer it anyway.

"Yeah! I took your advice and went north this time. There were practically whole zoids out lying around for the taking up there. Hey, come see what I found!"

"I'm in the middle of something right now."

Bit already knew that. When he had left Jamie had been trying to sort out what parts of the Terras's armor could be repaired and what would have to go. From where Bit was standing it didn't look like he had made any headway at all.

"It'll cheer you up. Come on, Jamie. Don't make me come up there and get you!"

"Alight, alright."

Jamie made a show of reluctance as he took the lift down, but Bit knew he didn't want to be contemplating scrapping parts of his beloved zoid. Besides, Bit was sure this would end Jamie's moping. By the time Jamie reached his truck and climbed up to look in the back Bit was practically dancing with impatience. It was all he could do not to just blurt out the surprise.

Watching Jamie's eyes go wide was worth his unaccustomed stint of patience. When Jamie let out a joyful cry and leaned in to better examine the parts Bit couldn't help grinning in response.

"But this is exactly what I need to repair the Terras!"

Jamie's expression of amazed gratitude was worth every piece Bit had been forced to pass up because he was loaded up on flying zoid parts. Bit took a moment to just bask in that glowing admiration. _Jamie_ had never mocked his profession or called him a thief, and here was proof of how useful his scavenging skills could be.

"You're not just giving me these parts, are you?"

"Of course I am. I'm not _Brad_, you know!" Bit was too taken aback to even be offended at the question.

Before he could make up his mind to be annoyed, Jamie had jumped down from the back of the truck and hugged him hard.

"Thank you, Bit!"

He looked all at once elated and embarrassed. Bit couldn't help laughing as he gave Jamie a friendly thump on the back.

"No problem. Besides, dinner's always late when you're in a bad mood."

End file.

Stand Up Again by Stariceling


1. Letter 1

Deserted Emotions

Hey y'all! This is a letterfic. And, obviously, it's a letter. I've done a lot of fanfics (all of which are not yet completed, but I'm working on them still). Thought I'd try something different. Well, here goes nothing.

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I know not what I think, but only what I feel. At least, what I used to feel. Sometimes, I forget who I am. I'll always know my name and birth date and everything like that, but I can't quite remember that I was a child. A child who was known only as a pretty face. A child who was happy and always smiling.

Now when I see pictures of myself as I am now, I never see a smile. I see an expression of pain and sorrow. But no one else notices my pain and sorrow, because to me, I don't feel sorrow or pain. I'm so use to these emotions that they slip through me unnoticed.

When I see pictures of me as a child, I see happiness flowing through that little girls veins. I see someone who does not have a care in the world, only dreams. Dreams that are beautiful and full of hope and desire. When I was her age, my dreams seemed real, as if I could touch them and hold them close to my heart.

But now I have no dreams. My dreams shattered in front of me. I don't remember when or what caused the to shatter, I just remember scrambling to collect the shards of my once beautiful dreams. When my dreams shattered, so did I. I lost all sense of being. All the comforts of love and friendship. I was alone. When I look into my mirror, I see black holes behind my eyes. Black hole that have destroyed my soul.

But now the time has come for me to destroy these black holes which consume me.

I know that I shall never see anyone again. My time has come. The petals of my rose have fallen, scattering themselves on the ground.

Good Bye.

Naomi F.

	2. Letter 2

Deserted Emotions

Hmmm...I got bored one day and decide to write some more letters. And yes, they're all gonna be depressing...for the most part. I'm gonna do one for all the main characters. Well, here's another letter!

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When I saw here, she took my breath away. I guess one could say that I've always had a crush on her. I would scour magazines searching for articles in the hopes of learning something new about her. Where she came from. What her childhood was like. What her dreams were. Stuff like that. But every time, I came out empty handed. But there's no hope for me now. She's most likely dating him.

He was like a brother to me. Sure, I have plenty of brothers, but what's one more? The thought of those two together sends chills down my spine. Why wouldn't they be together? After all, they lived together. Alone. Just the two of them. Who knows what they did at the base where they lived. It scares me. Everything about her scares me. But then again, I have saved her life. Even if I only did it once.

But it was great, having her body against mine. When I saved her, it felt awkward having her body against mine. But that feeling was nothing compared what I was feeling now

That was an amazing night though...

Now that I think about it, I think I'm in love. I'm in love with a girl. I never thought that I, Bradley Aaron Hunter, would fall in love with a girl. A girl who does not know I exist...I think I finally understand unrequited love. Its love, but it hurts. When I think about her, my heart aches. It hurts so much it feels as if it's about to explode. I love her...but the question is...does she love me?

Brad H.

	3. Letter 3

Deserted Emotions

Got bored again...not really though. Just need to take my mind off of school and all the problems that go with school. Anyway, this letter is from...well, you'll find out for yourself. Don't want to give away the ending now...anyways, enough talk.

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Sometimes I get so depressed thinking about her, that I start devising plans of suicide in my head. I try to stop them, but they always come back, stronger then they were before.

She's a goddess and doesn't even realize it. It's as if she doesn't see how guys worship her and the ground she walks upon. My friends think I'm lucky to live with her, but they don't know the truth. I've been lucky enough to be able to admire her, but I don't have the privilege of talking with her. She shields herself against the world. She lets no one come close to her heart. But she has a good reason.

As a child, she grew up in a place where men dominated. Women had no voice in the world. A woman's purpose was to marry, satisfy her husbands need for pleasure and bear her husband sons. But she had someone to protect her. Her savior was her mother. Her mother protected her from the cruelness of men. Her mother hoped to find her daughter a suitable husband who would take her away from her suffering and make her happy. But one day, her mother died, leaving her daughter in the cruel hands of her husband.

Her father decided that his daughter would marry a wealthy businessmen. The man was sixty three, while she was eleven. The marriage took place soon after the mothers' death. After her marriage, what little freedom she had perished. But one day, hope returned. A man had heard of the young beauty whose life was miserable. He felt so sorry for her that he stopped by the mansion where she resided. He snuck onto the grounds and found his way to her room. There, he took her in his arms, and ran away. The man who saved her was her mothers' brother. Eventually, her uncle persuaded her husband to divorce her. After that incident, she kept to herself, letting no man get close to her heart.

Despite her ways, I love her. It might be wrong, but I don't care. But I have no chances with her. I believe she is in love with someone else. Someone who admires her more than I do. Even though the two of us can never be, I wish her happiness with him. I know he will love her more than I ever could. I also know that he will make her very happy, and that they will live happily ever after. Their lives will be a fairy tale. Minus all the evil witches and demons of course.

I just wish that I could confess my feelings for her.

I want to say, "I love you" to her.

But I never will. To love and not be loved in return is the cruelest fate. But I also have a 'secret' admirer. We've talked...well, sort of. More like seduced one another. Anyways, she's waiting for me in my bed...cant keep her waiting.

Leon. T

	4. Letter 4

Deserted Emotions

I'm writing another letter. I told myself that I would stop at 3, but at the moment I have a total of 6. Instead of letting the new 3 sit around my room, I decide to post them instead. Well, hope you enjoy them. They should all be up by tomorrow. Here's letter #4!

I love her, I love her, I LOVE HER!!

Who do I love? Her of course. The fiery red head who stole my heart the moment I saw her. Sure, she beats me up a lot, but I still love her. Even though she nearly kills me whenever I eat a cookie.

I know it's wrong to steal the cookies she bakes, but it's the only way I can get her attention without violating her privacy. Not to mention that the cookies she bakes are delicious.

But I must admit, my favorite thing to do is to 'accidentally' walk in on her while she's taking a shower. Seeing her wet like that makes her look so god damn sexy. The curves of her body are irresistible. But I must also admit that Naomi's body is much nicer than hers. I wonder what Naomi looks like naked...Leon probably knows. Then again, maybe he doesn't.

I really, REALLY want to ask her out, but I'm afraid she'll think it's all a joke and get angry with me and get offended. I HATE UNREQUITED LOVE!!! It's the worst. I wonder if anyone else I know feels the same way as I do? Not about her of course, but about someone else.

I can't get her out of my head. When I sleep, I dream about her. I love her. But does she love me too?

Bit C.

	5. Letter 5

Deserted Emotions

Yay! Another letter. I've decide to do one for each main character. Well, most of the main characters. In total, there will be 9 letters. I have 6 completed. Well, here's letter #5!

He drives me crazy! Not crazy crazy, but love crazy! I can't believe that I, the most beautiful girl in the world, have fallen in love with him. Him being a mean, rude, thieving, perverted, cocky as hell zoid pilot.

But at the same time, he's cute, sweet and innocent. When he's sleeping, he looks like an angel. Almost every night I walk into his room and sit on the edge of his bed, watching him sleep. It's an obsession of mine. Don't ask me why I do it, because I don't know why myself.

I want to ask him out, but I don't know how. I've been meaning to ask Brad for help, but I'm to shy to ask. After all, he might tease me about it.

I've never told anybody this before, but I used to have a crush on Brad. When he first joined the team, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. That was a long time ago. Back then, he was about two feet shorter and had short hair. Brad joined the team when I was 13. That was 6 years ago!

I was surprised when dad told me that Brad asked to join our team despite all the offers he had received. I'm glad he joined our team. He's an amazing zoid pilot. Once he was ranked as the #2 pilot. And he was only 15! That was his first year on the team, too.

To this day, I still have a crush on Brad. That's what sparked the feud between me and Naomi. I thought that she was going to steal Brad away from me. But I'm over that now. Anyways, enough about Brad.

When he came to us, he was just a junk dealer who tripped my brother and his shield liger. Later that night, we caught him sneaking around the base. Nowadays he's a kick ass zoid pilot that got us into Class S. and I love him. Not because he's a kick ass zoid pilot, but because of who he is.

I love him because he's himself.

Leena T.

	6. Letter 6

Deserted Emotions

I just realized that I haven't done a disclaimer for any of my letters. Oops. Nit like anyone here thinks I own zoids. Anyways, here's letter #6

Disclaimer: I'm only saying this once so listen up. I do not own zoids or its characters!

I never thought that I would fall in love. I always thought that my sister would be the lucky one. Instead, I've fallen head over heels in love with him. He's cute, smart and a good pilot. One of the best I've seen. He's also quiet. He's almost the exact opposite of his sister.

We first met face to face at a zoids promotion part. I first saw him while he was signing autographs for young children. Of course, she was by his side.

I always thought that the two of them were dating, but now I know better. But he and I are dating. Well, were not just 'dating'. We've taken our relationship to the next level, if you catch my drift. If you don't, let's just say I lost my v-card and he's the one who took it from me.

It's not like I'm a slut or anything. He's the only guy I've slept with. All the rumors saying that I do threesomes with my sister and Jack are untrue. Talk about disgusting! Jacks cute and all, but he's not my type. But he's my sisters' type. I've always thought that my sister and jack would make a good couple. I mean, the way they fight with each other make them look like a married couple. I think that they should get married. They'd have cute children together. ! I can just see it now...

Jack running around and chasing the kids while me and my sister sit in the garden having lunch and catching up on things and remembering the good times...

That would be the perfect life. Of course, I'd be married to him and we'd have children of our own. I can see it now...

I can't believe what I'm thinking! I never meant to fall in love, I just...did. I don't know how it happened. All I know is I love him.

I love him!

And he loves me.

I still can't believe I fell in love with him.

Chris T.

	7. Letter 7

Deserted Emotions

Hey y'all! I'm so close to finishing up this letterfic I can taste the excitement. Well, without further a due, here's letter #7!

I don't know what it is about her, but she's amazing. She's beautiful, smart and a good lover. Ok, that last part is untrue. I've never slept with her in my life. In fact, I've never slept with anybody. Even if I tried to sleep with her, her sister would cut me off so I could never sleep with her again. Despite the threats from her sister, I still want to be her boyfriend.

Unfortunately, I have to clear it with her sister first. I would talk to her sister, but I'm afraid of what would happen to me. I know I'm supposed to be a big, tough guy, but her sister scares the shit out of me. Anyone who says that her sister is not scary hasn't seen her sister angry before. I cringe at the thought of it.

I think I fell in love with her when I joined the team she was on. We were sitting around a campfire, talking. I can't remember what we were talking about because I was to busy looking at her. Her voice was soothing and her eyes were a deep chocolate. She was beautiful.

The closest I've gotten to her was when she and I were alone while her sister went off somewhere. To this day I still don't know where her sister went that day. So, she and I were sitting alone at the base when she asked me about my family. I was caught off guard with the question, so didn't say anything in response. She apologized for asking such a personal question, but I told her it was okay. That's how everything started. We started talking about our families and our pasts. We talked into the early hours of the next morning.

Eventually, she got tired and fell asleep on my shoulder. I tried to pick her up and carry her to her room, but she started to stir when I walked past my room. Not wanting her to wake up, I entered my room and laid her on my bed. Despite my efforts, she woke up. Instead of complaining, she grabbed my hand and asked me to stay with her. She asked me to lay by her side and sleep next to her. I happily obliged. I laid down next to her when she turned towards me. I heard her say my name so I turned on my side and faced her. Before I could ask her what she wanted, she had leaned her head against my chest and grabbed a hold of my shirt. I thought I heard her crying, so I comfortingly wrapped my arms around her. I heard her fall asleep shortly after. I cold feel myself falling asleep, so I surrendered. When I woke up later that afternoon, she was still sleeping in my arms. I was afraid that her sister would soon find us, so I got up and walked around the base. I saw no trace of her sister so I went back to my room. I laid down next to her and wrapped my arms around her until she woke up. The two of us blushed a deep red. Neither of us mentioned the incident after that happened. To this day, not a night goes by when I don't think of that moment of heaven. Why? Because I love her.

And I hope she loves me.

Jack S.

	8. Letter 8

Deserted Emotions

After this letter, only one more left! I'm so excited. At the same time, I'm kind of sad. I hate ending my fics. It's so depressing. But a writer has to do what a writer has to do. Anyways, here's letter #8!

You know all those love movies where the couple overcomes all obstacles and fall in love. I never believed that anything done in those movies could happen in real life. But I was wrong. Dead wrong.

I remember the day I fell in love with him. Him being the coolest, hottest, most amazing pilot in the world. Well, at least that's what I though. He beats Bit Cloud hands down. Let me see...

That day was unlike any other. My sister had left for the day. It was just me and him sitting next to each other on the couch. I had always been curious as to what had happened to him before he joined the team. I was particularly interested in his family. So I asked him about his family. I thought I had offended him when he didn't respond, but I was relieved when he told me that I had caught him off guard

The two of us sat side by sided telling each other about our past, our families, and our dreams. We talked together until day faded to night and night turned to dawn. I must've fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew I was in his room on his bed.

Without thinking, I begged him to stay with me and sleep beside me. He obliged. I was surprised when he laid down next to me, my hand in his. I turned towards him and accidentally whispered his name. He must have heard me because he turned towards me.

Without thinking I grabbed a hold of his shirt and leaned my head against his chest. Without meaning to, I started crying. I couldn't stop. I wasn't sad, I was extremely happy.

I cried softly, not wanting him to hear me. But, once again, he must've heard me because he wrapped his arms around me. I must've fallen asleep again, because the next thing I remember was lying next to him in the same position as before. The only difference was that I could see sunlight penetrating the curtains over his window.

The first thing that crossed my mind was my sister. If she saw us like this, she would have killed him. He must have sensed my uneasiness because he told me that my sister wasn't home yet. We were about to kiss when we heard the front door open. Needless to say, I ran to my room and changed while he also changed.

To this day, neither of us have mentioned that night. But not a night passes when I don't think about it. I don't know why I remember that night exactly, but I think it's because I'm in love with him

I just pray that he loves me too.

Kelly T.

	9. Letter 9

YAY!!! LETTER #9!! starts dancing I'm so happy! I've finished this fic! Yep, this is the last and final letter! Well, here's letter #9!

When it comes to love, I'm clueless. I've never been in love. I've never been kissed. Heck, I've never had a girlfriend.

Not that I mind though. Judging by what I've seen of love, it's not all that people say it is. It's nothing but a lot of pain. Both physically and psychologically.

The only people that I see often that are in love are Bit and Leena. Those two have an interesting relationship. You see, Bit steals the cookies that Leena bakes. As a result, Leena yells at him and chases him around the base with a frying pan.

Other times, bit accidentally walks in on her while she's taking a shower. Once when that happened, Leena threw the bathtub at him. After that, bit ran into the hanger and drove off in the jeep. Leena, seeking revenge, got into my beloved Pteras and chased after him. She fired all the ammo and hit the jeep head on. Surprisingly, the jeep remained in perfect shape. Bit on the other hand was in the medical bay for weeks.

I don't know about other people, but I do not want to be in a relationship like Bit and Leenas'.

I still don't know why they aren't dating yet. From what Doc and my dad say, they act like a married couple. Now that's saying something.

Another couple I know is Leon and Chris. Those two have been dating for awhile. They've done everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. Yep, including sex shivers. That word sends chills down my spine. Call me old fashioned, but I think that THAT should be saved for after the wedding.

Another love sick puppy I know is brad. Yes, Brad Whateverhismiddlenameis Hunter is a love sick puppy. He won't admit it but he has the hots for Naomi. And I mean the hots. It's almost obsessive. But don't tell anyone. It's supposed to be a secret. I only know because I talked with him about her one morning before he had his first morning cup of coffee. I think I'm the only person who has ever seen Brad before his morning routine of drinking coffee.

One day in the near future, Brad and Naomi will get married, settle down, have kids and grow old. It's their destiny. I know it is. They're perfect for each other.

Come to think of it, Brad and Naomi are probably the most loving couple that will ever exist. If I ignore Bit and Leenas' current relationship, love sounds pretty good.

Now I want to fall in love. Well, I think I'm going to go bug Brad about his crush on Naomi.

Jaime H.

End file.

Deserted Emotions by licorice179


Inches from the Fall

His fingers were barely gripping the edge but it was just enough to keep him from falling. The boy scowled, narrowing his eyes to focus on the points of contact of the rock ledge and his digits.

Below him, the last of his makeshift springboard crumbled to the ground fifteen feet below. Raven could hear his breath come out in a shaky hiss and he cursed his body for betraying what his mind was vainly trying to deny. The boy could feel his body weight weighing on his fingertips as if he himself was standing on them, taunting him him to let go.

He gritted his teeth and curled his legs upward but the resulting pressure on his hands was unbearable. He held them there just long enough to manage a kick at the body of the cliff that sloped away from him before leaving him to dangle as he swung from the edge. He gave a loud and almost animalistic roar at the bolts of pain that ran from his hands, to his numbing arms and down to his shoulders but the momentum he gained was enough for him to drag the rest of both his hands to the flat surface of the ledge.

Raven paused only long enough to calm his racing heart. His eyes trailed to the rubble under him. The dust had settled since the rickety slabs fell and he mused how they would no longer be of any use to him. He closed his eyes and willed some strength into his arms.

When he opened them again, he was once again looking up at the edge he needed to climb. The boy braced his palms for the pressure and dug his fingers into what little he could before heaving his form upwards. It was an easier ascent with more than just his fingertips to rely on.

A few minutes later, he was standing on his feet again, looking down the fifteen-foot-drop. It didn't look very impressive now that he was up there but with no one else to rely on, it would have been an impossible climb had he fallen at all. He scowled and turned away; he had a whole training field to conquer.

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A/N: I felt a little nostalgic and decided to write something for a show from my childhood.

I really liked Raven then but, sadly, only in Chaotic Century.

End file.

Inches from the Fall by Kinjiru


Return To Mirodo: A ZoidsGenesis Epilogue

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a fic my friend wrote because he wanted there to be more at the end of ZG, tying up all the loose ends. Xposted here from elsewhere. So this is me doing a favor, not coming back from the dead lol

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_Return To Mirodo: A ZoidsGenesis Epilogue_
_ by uhh, Mushroom Scribe?_

**_-o-o-o-o-o-_**

"Yohh HA! Yohh HA! Yohh HA!"

Sweat rolled down Ruuji Familon's back as he and his team pumped the paddles with their legs, driving the mechanism that would inflate the airbags and haul up the new Zoid they had uncovered at the bottom of the sea, half-buried and derelict. It was quite a long way out this time, almost farther than they were willing to explore. However, he was excited; this was the first time in many months they'd found anything bigger than a Baratz! It was going to be well worth their effort.

Of course, it had been Ruuji who spotted it underwater to begin with. His lung capacity was still greater than anyone in Mirodo - although, his brother Faaji was beginning to catch up to him. Little upstart. Ruuji grinned at the thought as they were finally able bring it up and tie it to the boat.

Ruuji left in the skiff to teach his midday history lesson to the younger children as the rest of the team went about hacking away at the rocks and barnacles that had fused to its hull. He loved filling them with a sense of wonder as he told of the vast lands outside their humble village, of the amazing city that had hung in the heavens before Digald brought it down. He made sure to press home the point at the end of every lesson that if everyone didn't work hard to coexist, the mistakes of the Jiin and his hunger for power could easily repeat themselves. Fellowship was essential - but these children didn't understand. They just wanted to hear about the shiny Zoids that had flown up to the city in the clouds, and how the nasty old BioTyranno had been destroyed by the good guys. Ruuji didn't begrudge them one bit, but he still strove to instil other knowledge he'd gained. They were the future.

When he returned to the sea after a quick meal, his eyes grew round, heart thundering in his chest when he began closing in on the boat.

"SOUL TIGER!"

But it was not Soul Tiger - although he couldn't deny the resemblance. This one had green and aquamarine markings, not white and red. He chuckled to himself, wondering if he should head straight back to the emergency communications tower and contact Ra-Kan to tell him Seijuurou might have a new mount after all...

"Come now, Ruuji!" his father bade him, panting from the effort he'd been exerting. "Try and pilot this one!"

Everyone began clapping, laughing and carrying on. He rolled his eyes - it was useless and they all knew it. But out of respect for what he'd done for the people of Zi, they always let him have the first crack.

It did not respond to him; he knew it wouldn't. It responded to none of the villagers. To his astonishment, Faaji had managed to get its lights to flicker on for the briefest second... but no further attempts brought about change. Oh well; a transport vessel could be dispatched to Mirodo from NeoKira or Zuuri, and hopefully one of their Peace Enforcement Squad would be compatible.

When they reached the shore, much effort was needed to move their find from the boat; when they were lucky, they could pilot it and simply walk it onto land. Otherwise, pulleys and cables were needed, and all the might of the smaller Zoids they owned.

"Would you like to contact Ra-Kan-sama?" Faaji asked breathlessly.

He weighed this idea. "Nah. It's... I don't think I'll need to. You go ahead, just let them know what we found."

Faaji frowned as he wiped his brow on his sleeve. "Onii-chan... you never talk to them anymore. Are you sure?"

"The past is past, Faaji." Sighing, he dusted his hands off on his legs. "So much violence and death... I know you remember, I know. But I was on the front lines. Let me live my life of peace here at home, for now."

Faaji nodded, sighing. While the entire village over was grateful to him and sang his praises, he knew it was only his family who truly perceived and understood what he'd been through on the road to bringing down the Digald army. And it bothered them.

"Still," he added for his brother's benefit, "perhaps in a year or two, I'll take a journey... see all of them again."

"Really? Can... would you mind if I came with you?"

Ruuji laughed. "Two brothers, seeing the world! It sounds like fun."

The silly grin on Faaji's face was worth another laugh. "I'll let them know about the Tiger-type Zoid!"

And off he went, running through town like a man on fire. Oh, what a life. He wouldn't trade it for the world.

**_-o-o-o-o-o-_**

Morning broke. Today was the day they would send a Gustav to claim their burden of a nonfunctioning Zoid. Ruuji couldn't quite remember the last time a representative from the monarchy had come to Mirodo. It had been Garaga - they'd spent all night reminiscing, laughing, slapping each other on the back and swapping stories. But most likely none of the old crowd would be coming along; they all had important meetings to attend, territories to explore - or else ruins to excavate and sift through. There still remained widespread scars on the face of Zi left by the hand of Jiin and his menacing vision.

Crashing in the distance. He quelled his instincts to run for Murasame's cockpit; doing so would only put strain on their Generator and weaken this year's crop. He'd like to be safer rather than sorry, but he knew the odds of a new threat sprouting anew for no reason were slim. He had to learn to suppress those reflexes.

He crossed to his window to catch a glimpse of the Zoid causing the disturbance. Was that...? But the kingdom had many, many Lanstags. He couldn't be sure. Thirty or so minutes later, he had washed up, dressed and changed, and was waiting outside. When the Zoid halted, he noticed the Gustav that had been following along behind. Theirs was not a perfect world; there were small bands of thieves who tried to pawn Zoids for money. Hence more powerful escorts were necessary. But he'd take bandits over fools calling themselves "God" any day.

The head of the Lanstag lowered, the cockpit hissed, the hatch opened. A comely young woman rose, sliding down the exterior and landing deftly on the ground. Of course he had been wrong, the odds were astronomical to begin with. She was running in his direction. Why the hurry?

"RUUJI!"

And his heart caught in his throat, choking him. "M-MII?"

The laughter floating on the wind sealed it, exactly as she was sailing into his arms; it was Rei-Mii! That's twice she had fooled him into not recognizing her! How could she have changed so much in such a short time? But, as Ruuji reminded himself, it hadn't been that short a time at all. Three years... that was how long it had taken him to rebuild his beloved home. And in those three years, Mii had grown out of being a child.

"Ohh, Ruuji!" She sobbed while laughing, digging her hands into his back. Still startled, he let his own fall against her, amazed that he was holding someone he hadn't spoken to since they had all been part of the Suppression Army... "I've missed you so much, I can't believe it's been so long!"

"Mii..."

"IDIOT!" she shouted, stomping on his foot with crushing force as she stepped back - even in sandals, it was like an Elephunder's trample. "Why don't you ever call, or write? We're all beginning to wonder if you forgot how!"

"Sorry," he said bashfully, scratching the back of his head as he flexed his poor, swollen foot. "You know, so busy-"

"Stupid," she spat. THERE she was. But she couldn't keep the grin out of her eyes; they gave her away. "You're just as bad as you were then."

"Am I?" When she only put her hands on her hips, he grinned. "Same to you."

"UHT!"

Laughing, they locked arms and almost skipped all the way to the water's edge, still filled with the heady feeling of reunion that made conversation temporarily unnecessary. Then they were at the beach, and she saw the Tiger-type.

"Seijuurou will be glad to see this," she said, a satisfied glow creeping into her features. "He's been piloting a BioMegaraptor, he hates it."

"It still might not respond to him."

"But you know how stricken he was when SoulTiger gave out after the final battle," she said softly. "Any chance at all..."

Ruuji found himself watching the way her hair trailed on the light breeze, how the sun glinted off the water and into her dun-colored eyes, illuminating them. She wasn't really that much taller, was she? No, she was - and he was taller, as well. That's what time does. The rest of her had changed, too, but he forced himself not to notice. She was Mii, his friend and compatriot. That she had somehow transformed into an elegant vision of loveliness since they'd last spoken was of no consequence. Faced with her sudden presence, he found that all he wanted to do was catch up with her, find out how she'd been keeping. Ask about Ra-Kan, and Kotona, and Ron.

"Ruuji-"

"Mii-"

And they both giggled, staring down and way from each other. "After you," he bade her.

"I... can't stay long," she said softly. "There's a faction of machine-soldier-piloted BioRaptors that have been spotted up north, attacking villagers. We think last month's earthquake must have activated some dormant fleet..."

His jaw set. "Really? Do you n-"

"NO," she told him sternly. "You keep Murasame hooked up to that Generator for now. If the world's about to end, we'll call."

"Oh," he said modestly. "I... okay, I understand."

"Oji-sama..." She took a deep breath. "Lord Ra-Kan asked me to re-issue his offer to be his first in command."

Ruuji let out a heavy, burdened sigh. "Mii..."

"Not that he expects you to come around," she said grumpily, folding her arms across her chest. "Personally, I don't see why he should care; you're too dunderheaded to lead the entire Peace Enforcement Squad."

"Sorry..."

Her nose crinkled at the bridge. "Pah. Of course you are - you lead an entire army once! But we all know you won't take us up on it; it's just a formal offer, in case you ever get tired of the rural life."

"Thank you," he said, bowing slightly. She giggled, flicking him in the forehead. "Ow!"

"Idiot."

And now, when he looked up at her, he saw she was breathing faster, grinning. Something was off, suddenly - or it had been since she arrived, although she'd been putting it off, covering it up with more pressing matters and formalities and greetings.

"Mii... what's wrong? What is it?"

More deep breaths. She turned her back on him, gazing out over the forest. "None of your business."

"B-but-" He took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them. "But you can tell me. Aren't we friends?"

"I don't know, are we?"

That caused him to blink. "What do you m-"

"Ruuji, why did you have to run off on us?" she snapped, still refusing to look at him. "I understand that your village needed its Generator to rebuild itself - and capable hands to fix everything, make repairs. But... couldn't you have left them to it, handed over Murasame to your people and helped us usher in this new era? Another Zoid - maybe a BioRapt-"

"I couldn't have piloted it," he sighed deeply, hands curling into fists. This again; everyone, always harping on him for his failure to be a true Zoid pilot. Intelligently, he knew that wasn't the case at all, but it sure felt like it to him every time someone brought it up. "You know that. I can't pilot anything besides the Liger. Never could, and haven't been able to since."

"Then you could have helped my father! Tize-san is a great strategist, but we all know from experience that your natural gift is so much greater!"

"Mii, please. You know what my mission was."

Minutes passed in silence. Ruuji watched the hem of her skirt undulate on the wind, watched her arms slowly drop from their crossed position to hang loosely at her sides. "I know. And we beat the Digald, and you left."

"I'm sorry."

"You left Kotona, Seijuurou, Ron, Oji-sama... that big ape. You left me."

His brow furrowed. "Wh... but you understood. At the time, when I told you I was going, you wished me a safe trip, and-"

"Gin has asked me to marry him."

That was quite a blow; Ruuji didn't know what he'd been expecting. Mii was to be married? "I- c-congratulations, Rei-Mii! That's wonderful!"

"If... I accept his proposal... the wedding will be in two months. You are invited, of course."

Ruuji nodded. "I'll... I will come, I can take a trip for such an occasion." Then he blinked. "Wait, 'if'? What do you mean, why... is there a reason you haven't-"

"You big idiot!"

Her arms were around him, grappling, pressing his chest to hers, holding on for dear life. Thunderstruck, he merely placed a hand atop her head, caressed her back, felt her tremble. "Why don't you do something about it, Ruuji? Why don't you ever look twice? You hardheaded fool!"

"Wh-what do- this- I-"

"Don't let him take my hand without a fight!" she goaded. "Step up, be a man! Try it for once!"

He drew back to look down at her, but she kept her face buried in his chest, avoiding his gaze. Could he be hearing this right? "Wait, Mii, what are you trying to ask of me?"

"Do you REALLY not know, or are you just playing dumb so you don't have to- to bear responsibility?"

"Responsibility? F-for what?"

"For US!" Only now did she look up at him, tears streaming down her cheeks like waterfalls, teeth bared as she tried to let her anger blot out the pain. "Don't you remember? The night... the day before the final strike... Oji-sama was... and that night, you were there for me, you held me, you told me everything was alright, that you'd be there for me - that he'd come back!"

"I did," he said solemnly. "And I was right, he returned!"

"But you haven't kept your other promise!" she shouted, incensed. "You left! You left me behind! To wander around aimlessly, to- nothing has felt right with you gone! I'm such a wreck inside, like ev- like everything's broken, and I'm hollow, like a part of me has been ripped out and sent to this disgusting seaside landfill! What am I supposed to do without Ruuji?"

His hand was at her smooth cheek, wiping away a tear with his thumb. "Mii, you're so- please, don't cry, I'm sorry if-"

"No," she said forcefully, drawing back, swiping at her eyes. "No. I... Ruuji, I'm sorry, I d-didn't come here to whine. We... if you give us a few hours, we'll h-have this Zoid out of your hair. The government will reward the people of Mirodo handsomely, as you well know. Let's... I, uh, have to go check on my Lanstag, its gait felt off the last few miles..."

As he watched her begin to trek through the sand, wobbling from how unused to its dunes she was, it clicked into place within his mind; she had just tried to get him to propose to her, to challenge Gin's offer. But that would mean... no!

Did Mii really think of him as more than he realized?

Brain racing at breakneck speed, he thought back on the final battle - on her glorious sacrifice of her own prized Lanstag, the most powerful of its model, battle-worn and dependable. He remembered it being ripped into pieces, the cockpit nearly crushed in BioTyranno's jaws before they were able to save her. And she had done it before then, too, sustaining heavy injuries to her entire body; it had taken her weeks to fully recover. All to protect him. Because she was his good friend... or was there another reason?

Such wide, deep eyes that flashed so dangerously when she was angered, or shone with joy when she was at ease. Her laugh, her insatiable zest for life - even her barbecue that the whole team had grown so weary of. That stew she had prepared for him, and only him, only once. Sniping at the both of them every time Kotona was harmlessly flirting with him. Crying into his shoulder... now, just as she had three years ago...

"Let go," she breathed when his hand wrapped around her wrist, at the point where the grass began to overtake the sand. In fact, her determination dragged both of them another yard or two before Ruuji dug his heels in and she gave up. "There's- we need to get back to the Gustav, begin moving this Tiger-type onto its-"

"Mii-"

"Leave it alone!" she growled. "What right would you have to me, anyway? Some stupid hick from the middle of nowhere who- who can't even stick by his compatriots once the big fight's over, can't be bothered! I'm a PRINCESS! You're lucky I'm even talking to you!"

"Mii, I'm sorry! I'm sorry I left, I... but you knew what I had to do!"

"I know!" Her voice dropped after this outburst as she fought to master herself. "I know. And, maybe... in your position, I would have done the same. But come on, Ruuji... it was awfully cold."

"I'll accept Ra-Kan's invitation!"

To that, her eyes fluttered, mouth agape. "Wha..? B-but- wait, why? All of a sudden? Ruuji-"

"Then, I can... I can be near Rei-Mii-san," he told her formally. "Too long have I neglected my friends and countrymen. You and your uncle need me, more than Mirodo."

"No, Ruuji," she laughed weakly, not daring to believe this sudden turn-around. "I can't- I won't allow that. Not for my feelings."

"But then I would be in a better position to challenge Gin-san's proposal. And... and you can have freedom to choose. If that's what y-you want."

An impatient sigh as she stared evenly at him, hands on hips. "But what do YOU want, Ruuji Familon? What is it in the world you want to seek out? Life here? Life there? Tell me, honestly, because lies won't help me at all."

Only a moment was needed for him to take in her slender form, her smooth skin and bright, fiery expression. "You."

A shocked intake of breath followed this declaration. "St- what? Ruuji, don't be a jerk!"

"I'm not."

"That's not even funny," she snapped, even while she began to shake visibly. Ruuji stood his ground, despite growing fear for her well-being. "Against my better judgment, I go out on a limb and- and t-tell you how I feel, and you take pot shots at me, start lying and- why would you? Never in a million years would you REALLY leave this town, it's too-"

"But I would, for you," he told her with true certainty. "Not for anyone but you, but... Mii, you're worth anything. To me."

Her knees buckled, and he rushed forward to keep her from falling forward onto her face; he was only scarcely able to do so, but they still ended up kneeling in the sand as she shuddered. "God, I- I'm not ready for th-this, I said it, I didn't mean to and I said it, and you- Ruuji, you better take that back! And I'll call you an idiot, and I'll slap you, and you can apologize, and then I'll storm off and I'll be gone!"

"No."

"But it's all I can handle," she sniffled, breathing shallow and head shaking from side to side. She was going to pass out soon from hyperventillating. "If that's not what happens... if y-you- you really-"

"Marry you?" Ruuji grinned at her in what he sincerely hoped was a reassuring way. "I'd do that."

Her lip quivered. Her hands clutched at his biceps as she swayed, and being very careful, he lowered her to her back, where she lay trembling all over, staring over his shoulder. The movements were too jerky, too random; it was a seizure, Ruuji guessed. She clearly wasn't handling this well. Ruuji stood to fetch the village medic, but her hand clamped on his wrist. "DON'T LEAVE M-ME! I- ahh! Hnhh... help me, Ruuji, help me!"

**_-o-o-o-o-o-_**

Ruuji sat outside the hut that was home to what passed for a hospital in their hamlet by the sea, drawing odd shapes in the dirt with a stick. He was quite worried, yes, but he knew that more likely than not the doctor could figure out what was wrong with her. Already word had been sent to Ra-Kan and the kingdom, and the Lord himself was on his way. From all of these persons, Ruuji had kept the details of their conversation.

"Alright, son," the doctor said as he exited his clinic. "She's fine; just a little dehydrated, and low on magnesium. Gave her a dose. Needs to get plenty of fluids. She should also try to get more fish in her diet, maybe some nuts or spinach."

Ruuji laughed, he was so relieved. "That's what happens when all you eat is barbecue."

"Come again?"

"Nothing. Can I... go in and see her?"

"Sure. Just don't ask her to run any marathons for the rest of the day."

Mii was lying on the doctor's table, chugging down water like someone wanted to steal it from her. When she heard his footsteps, her head whipped around, and then she tried to sit up, but he rushed to her side and pushed her back down with gentle hands. "Please, rest, Mii. I don't want you to-"

"But we have to get going," she whispered. "The Zoid-"

"No, you don't," Ruuji told her firmly as he disposed of her empty glass. Telling her the Ra-Kan had nominated himself to come to Mirodo would only make her feel worse. "They're sending someone else from the capital to take care of everything. Rest is most important right now."

Her eyes were staring into a corner of the ceiling. "Ruuji... I don't want to be some kind of- of invalid who can't handle a simple job like this. What must Oji-sama think?"

"According to Faaji, he thinks you haven't been paying enough attention to your own health lately. That's what the doctor said, too."

There came a long pause as they thought. Ruuji brought his hand to her head and felt for a fever, and Mii held her breath the entire time, trembling - but only from nerves. At last, she whispered. "You know... I... I have a little brother, now."

Ruuji's jaw flew open. "You WHAT?"

A light chuckle. "We really should print you a newsletter. Yes... Oji-sama, he and- hell, it took us all a bit by surprise, but he took Haara-san for his bride. They were in no way expecting to be able to conceive, not at their age, b-but- well, four months later and everyone began to notice, and not long after that, well... baby Rei-In was born. Named after my father. So he's not technically my brother, but my cousin..."

"Ah," Ruuji said, smiling. That was nice to hear; Ra-Kan had suffered so much throughout his life, had borne the burden of thinking Digald's spread was his own doing. Anything to bring him happiness in these years was a long time coming. "I'm glad."

"S-so-" She swallowed thickly. "So Ruuji... I am no longer needed there, to be next in line for his throne. If... you would rather stay here... I could st- I could-"

"What is it?"

Tears were welling up in again, threatening to fall. "I could stay with you, if you wanted. Not that you do."

He felt his hand clutch hers tightly, and she allowed her eyes to squeeze shut now, waiting for the anvil to drop. "Mii..."

"Think about it for a while. I'll... be returning to base with the Tiger-type, once they've given me some decent food. Honestly, don't you guys know how to make a good barbecue in this backwater?"

"You're welcome to stay here with me," he chuckled. "But please, don't do this to run away from Gin's proposal. Th-that is, even if that were the reason, I'd be happy to have you around for a while! It's just... it's not fair to him, is it?"

His own cheeks were burning. What they were talking about were things that were far over his head. But he still wanted to talk about them, to consider the bright possibility of having Mii around, eating meals with her, working alongside to build up the village. He couldn't truly imagine her enjoying such menial tasks, but if she didn't mind...

"Yes."

"Hmm?"

"I'll move here," she whispered softly, fearfully. "If you'll... if you'll propose to me, and do it the right way. I'll consider it. B-but if I change my mind about this village, you have to move back to Zuuri with me, no arguments." She hesitated. "You know, nevermind the whole idea! We have nothing in common anyway, what was I thinking? Stupid plan in the first- EH?"

Smiling, Ruuji knelt by her bedside, and she pushed up on her elbow, agape, breathing speeding up. When he grasped one of her hands between his, a tiny squeak emitted from deep in her tonsils somewhere. This was probably bad for her condition, but to wait would be far worse agony. "Rei-Mii, I am in love with you."

"Venerable ancestors!"

"So would you do me the honor-"

"Crap crap crap crap crap-"

"-of being my bride?"

She was chewing on her fingernails now, shaking her head from side to side frantically, hyperventillating again. Automatically, he grabbed the water pitcher from the nearby table and shoved it toward her, and she drained it in one gulp, scarcely noticing she'd done so. He returned the pitcher to the table, trying not to let out a chuckle and spoil the moment. Then she whispered, "No way..."

"Wait a minute - what?"

"No, that felt all wrong," she snapped, pouting at him. "I think it would have been better if I'd proposed to you. Yes, that's it - I'll go get a ring made, and I'll propose to you, and you can have the honor of being MY bride. Brilliant! So that's a plan, we'll-"

"Mii!" he laughed, grabbing both her hands up and squeezing them. "Forget rings, forget that stuff! What do you think?"

"I think I'm scared now," she giggled madly, still trying not to look at him even though this was becoming harder and harder, sliding her thumbs along the sides of his hands. "We- our relationship has always been so rocky, with us bickering and- and- and everybody kept dropping hints that they thought we'd make a good couple, even Da-Jin-sama! But now when I think about- and that 'L' word you threw out at- and you and I would- and THEN we'd have t-to-"

The deep shade of scarlet was relfected in both of their features, and they turned away from each other. "Forget that, too, for now," he told her softly. "One step at a time - we haven't even kissed yet or anyth-"

And then they had. Neither of them were ready for it to happen, but when she slid from the bed and pinned him to the floor, lips exploring his, hands winding into his coarse, sea-salty hair, it was like the most dangerous kind of magic, powerful and wonderful and terrifying all at the same time. Then she released from him and sat back, slapping him across the face. "YOU PERVERT!"

"OW, MII!"

"I'm sorry!" she gasped out, laughing and crying. "I- that was just a reflex, I didn't really mean to slap you!"

Ruuji was already laughing though, hard, right from the gut. "Mii, you are one hundred percent crazy!"

"I must be to have fallen in love with a dope like YOU!" she shot back, dropping down onto him, laying her head on his chest. "Ruuji... my God, I just kissed Ruuji, how is that even possible?"

"I think the kiss you left on the side of my face stung a little!"

"How can I want to be with you so much, need your touch like this - when I'm completely scared of what it means? What's going to happen to us?"

"Good things, Mii." His hands were on her shoulders, and she snuggled into him, a sigh that signified something close to contentment floating out of her. "All good things."

**_-o-o-o-o-o-_**

"Now, don't you go cheating on me while I'm away," she ordered, those deep brown eyes narrowed threateningly. "You're a big boy; no temporary insanity pleas." Ruuji shook his head, laughing as she climbed her way into the Lanstag's cockpit. Once in there, she called down, "And don't look up my dress like that!"

"Who says I was?"

"Right. But, um... you're going to have to at least be tempted, if you want to be my fiancee!"

"Oh, tempted, sure! But I would never do something that uncouth!"

The haughty frown that she shot him told him it was the right answer; anything else would have initiated a screaming match. "Very well. I shall return once I have prepared all the arrangements for our grand ceremony. Oh, and informed poor Gin-chan of these pending nuptials. To be honest, I think he only offered to marry me because he wants to take care of me, repay me for helping him find his way again; or maybe he is in love with me, I don't know. But I'm sure he'll understand."

"Fine, fine. Just make sure you don't forget MY family is invited, too!"

"Right," she admonished herself, blushing. "Ahem. Anyway, we must be going to meet the party heading our way. So long, Familon-san."

"Bye, Hime-san!"

But she could not seem to close the cockpit hatch, nor do anything else but stare down at him. Finally, the head descended right to the ground, a few inches from him. "Ruuji, come here for a moment, I forgot."

He wandered over, curious. "Hmm? What's the pro-MMPH!"

The way her hand clamped down on the back of his neck sent a thrill down his spine as she stole a violent kiss from him; the tip of her tongue even brushed his lips! At the very moment he began to respond, moaning into her mouth, marvelling at how incredible she felt to him, he heard the hiss of the hatch being lowered, and leapt back just in time for it to slam shut between them.

"Be well, my betrothed," she told him in a voice drenched with passion. She had closed the door so he couldn't actually witness the bashful expression she must have sported while saying it. Ruuji grinned as she began to guide her Zoid out of Mirodo.

"I'll be waiting... Mii."

**_-o-o-o-o-o-_**

THE END (please review!)

End file.

Return To Mirodo: A ZoidsGenesis Epilogue by Mushroom Scribe


Loyalty

**Disclaimer:** I don`t own Zoids.

Loyalty

* * *

I don`t really remember where it all started. I don`t even remember how, either.

At the academy? Maybe. Probably a little later though.

I was at least ranked as an active private, when I met him, and after a time, he promoted me the way to corporal. That was when it started for me, I suppose.

That was when he first won my loyalty.

Back then, and it still rings true more than half a decade after the fact, the Imperial army had few female officers, let alone female soldiers. I was one of two attempted changes to that rule, the other was a naive girl named Viola.

She`s dead now.

I`m partly responsible, and I don`t give a damn either way.

My only emotions, my only true loyalties and my only real concerns lie with him now. He got me this far, I know he`d do it again if given the chance.

I think.

My name is Lieutenant Helena Ardin - though most people prefer to call me Lieutenant Hardin since I have a notorious reputation of discipline with my troops, the strictest of any unit in the Empire.

Sure, it gets me labeled a ruthless bitch behind my back, but I actually like that. It means they fear me enough to do just about anything I say.

Fear is the only true way to inspire loyalty, I`ve discovered. At least for a woman in the Guylos Army.

Viola tried differently, and she did manage to get the loyalty of a few of the troops in Rosso`s unit, but the problem is that no one would promote her and Rosso himself wasn`t ranked high enough to carry it out. I took a different road. I became the meanest, baddest, toughest bitch the Imperial army has ever seen.

I`m now the second-in-command of Regent Lord Gunther Prozen because of it.

He is the man whom my loyalties are reserved for. He is the only man in the army who cares nothing about gender, so long as the job gets done.

Unfortunately, it won`t get done this time. The false Prince and his friends are breaking through my lines right now, my own troops have finally broken. The strategy of trying to drive over the bridge with everything has failed, and now I realize that it would`ve been a better call to have blown the bridge and resorted to a full scale siege-style bombardment while circling around the other side and making a surprise attack from there.

Major Schubaltz would`ve done that, were he in my shoes, but that doesn`t really matter.

Nothing matters but my loyalty to Lord Prozen anymore.

That`s simply because my Iron Kong is about to go sky high from battle damage.

I suppose there are worse ways to die than getting to spend a split second locked into an eternity where you can reflect on just about everything. Even now, the flames have turned my world in white and contrasting shades of gray and black, but time has slowed down for me.

I`m screaming out orders to keep fighting and I`m not sure if my body is even registering my own thoughts anymore.

It almost feels painless, getting consumed by the flames in slow motion. I can feel a dull, humming sting, but that`s about it.

I wonder, if I had been at the academy at the same time as Gunther, instead of when he was graduating, would he and I have had any sort of chance?

It _does_ keep me thinking sometimes, even now. I suppose I just have a love for him since he defied conventional logic and promoted a woman for doing a good job instead of for his own image.

What kind of love it is, I`m not sure. I don`t even have anymore time to think about that. Not now, anyway.

The world goes completely white and it stays that way. For how long, I don`t know. Time has left me and the only things I can hear are the flames of the explosion, my own screams of pain and the thoughts that I`ve had just now.

It was a good life, I guess, but it`s over now.

I don`t mind thought. As far as I`m concerned, I die as a martyr to Prozen`s dreams and ambitions, a loyal soldier who gave her all and in the end, found it wasn`t enough.

I am Lieutenant Hardin.

I _was_ the most feared woman in the Empire.

And most importantly, I was loyal to the bitter end.

That`s all I had. That`s all I have. And that`s all I`ll ever know.

* * *

**Author`s Note:** Oh look, it`s a Hardin fic that doesn`t senselessly character bash her because the author`s not an obsessed fangirl who thinks she`s in love with Prozen. Quite the opposite in fact: I hate Prozen, and I`m a guy.

And no, this fic is not intended to make Prozen or Hardin look like good people, it`s intended to make people see that Hardin isn`t a complete idiot(not that she even had much of a chance to prove otherwise), and yes, she does need better hair styling but someone`s hair doesn`t make or break their worth on the battlefield.

For anyone reading this and thinking about NA: Expect the next chapter to be up within the coming week, if not the end of the weekend. Having a spurt of writer`s laziness.

Sh33p out.

End file.

Loyalty by The Sh33p


Enemies, Friends, Lovers

**Enemies, Friends, Lovers**

That day we met it was a fact
We never really got along
I would tease you, and you'd react
But we didn't realize we were wrong

Sooner of later our feelings grew
And we became the best of friends
Something became clear to everyone we knew
But we didn't think it would ever end

But change again entered our young lives
When love made its way to our front door
At once we entered a new kind of paradise
And we are now together forever more

So I leave you this message, you know it's true
You never can tell when love will hit you

- - - -

Fixed this up due to the fact that now there's a way to put only one break in between lines. As I said before, It's an overall summery of the Bit/Leena relationship. I'm not sure through whose eyes because they both tease eachother.

End file.

Enemies, Friends, Lovers by Teefa and Co


a fight for your life

how could I be so dumb. She was nice enough to help me, but I am so cold hearted I didn't see that. My body slowly grows numb. I wish I could take it all back. Her niceness, everything, how was I to know she was the one.

Jinichiro: Hi, I don't own Zoids or Raven. I do own The masked girl and her orginoid. I don't own her zoid or anything, but what I said I own. This is all through Raven's pov. Enjoy."

a fight for your life-

I lost, but how. My zoid is gone. Shadows gone, too. This desert is getting hotter. I have been walking through since two days ago, since my battle with Van.

~~Flash back~~

"I won't let you win." I yelled as my zoids raged on. The core heating up.

"Fine." Van said and with one swift move was behind me.

"What the?" I said aloud. There was some crackling noise as the systems to my zoid started to explode. I tryed to open the cockpit door, but it wouldn't open. Smoke started to fill the cocpit and it became hard to breath. I punched and kicked, but as hard as I tryed it would not open. It became hard to see or breath. The smoke ingulfed me and threw me into a tunnel of darkness. With one swift move, I threw myself at the cockpit door and fell to the ground. I hit the ground with a loud thump. The smoke escaped into the air. Then all I could hear was a loud burst as my zoid blew up. The core had been damaged and as a result it blew up taking Shadow along with it. I could hear the sound coming close, but for some reason, I couldn't see.

"Hey, Raven, are you alright?" I heard the voice and it was Van. He seemed so close, but I didn't know which direction.

"How can you ask him something like that, Van. He wants to kill you." Irvine's voice was heard.

"Yeah, but still. He's in trouble. He has no way of transportation or anything like that. Van almost killed him." Moonbay said to Irvine or somebody.

"Moonbay is right. We should give him a lift to the nearest town." A soft sweet voice said. I knew it was that girl, Feonia.

"I'm not helping him out. You can forget it." Irvine's feet turned around and I heard them.

"I don't need your help. I can get tot he town by myself." I spit at them. I didn't need their help. I could do it myself.

"Atleast take some water." I heard Moonbay say.

"I don't need your pity." I was stern and wanted them to know it. I walked off into a direction, not really sure what way, it was just a way.

~~end of flashback~~

It's all my fault I'm here. I could have atleast tooken the water. No, how come I am thinking that. Van and htem are my enemy. I can take their pity. I then bumped into something and hit the ground, but it also hit the ground with a umph.

"Oh sorry." I didn't know what I hit.

"It's ok." A soft sweet voice said. "Need a hand?"

"No." I got to my feet.

"You don't look good. Can I help you in anyway?" The voice sounded like falling snow.

"No." I said and started to walk past whoever was there.

"You can't see." The girl said and placed a hand on my shoulder. Those three words made me pause in my place. I slowly took her hand of my shoulder. "I know it. I can feel it. Please let me help you. I can help you regain your eye sight. Then you can go on your way."

"Fine." I couldn't believe I would use her help, but afterwards I'd just leave. She took my hand and slowly started to walk. Her hand felt like silk or velvet. I could feel the heat turn to coolness.

"We are inside a small cave. It is cool here. I am just a wanderer, but I know alot bout these type of places." She let go of my hand and I stumbled alittle, but before I could fall she was holding. I quickly got out of her grasp. I hit the side of the wall and slid down.

"I don't need your help, besides being able to see." I could hear her walk or rumage through a bag. I felt her put a cloth over my eyes. "What are you doing."

"I am just placing a cloth over your eyes, don't worry." She was gentle. She then got up and I could hear her hum a soft tune. I heard the crackling of a fire and could feel the heat. After, what seem, half an hour she came over and removed the cloth. I could feel her put something around my head over and over.

"What are you doing no." I sorta barked, but that didn't slow her down.

"I am placing a bandage over your eyes. You will be able to see in the morning. It's grown late. The fire should keep you warm." I felt her tie it then leave. I wanted to tell her to stay, but I'm just not like that. I have seen many girls with soft voices, but they all were ugly or just annoying at other times. I heard a small thud as she sat down, but it sounded far away. I heard her hum to herself, but I soon fell asleep.

I could feel the sumlight over my eyes. They felt light as though the bandages were gone. I opened my eyes. After a couple of minutes focusing I could see the cave. A small place where a fire had been, where the bandages lay, where the cloth was, the bright sun, but most of al an empty cave. I sat and wondered how I got here cause the girl was not here. I slowly stood up and looked around. I slowly walked out of hte cave. The morning breeze brushed my hair. I saw where I was. It was near a small town. There weere many people down below. I was up on a cliff. I hoped down some ledges and stood on the ground. I looked around. I went off into a direction and found some water. I took some sips. The water felt so nice and relaxing. I jumped in. The water rushed up my body and it felt so nice. This was better then the hot air of the desert. I resurfaced for some air and took a breath when I saw her for the first time. A masked girl was leaning againest a tree. She wore a dress that was just like the girl Feonia's dress. You could see some blonde hair behind the mask. Her eyes the same red like Feonia's. She wore the boots and gloves like Feonia's. I watched her come over and sit at the edge of the water. She didn't seem to notice me. Could Feonia really be here with Van and the others? Then the girl noticed me.

"Good you are awake and you can see." The girl said. She sounded like Feonia, but her voice was sweeter or had I never really noticed how Feonia talked. I just nodded.

"What is your name?" I could see her eyes light up when I asked.

"My name is Siami. What's your name?" Her name was Siami, not Feonia. How could this be?

"Raven." I got out of hte nice water and sat on the bank. She walked over and sat down next to me.

"It's nice to meet you Raven." She said, but it seemed like I met her before. I could remember hearing things last night when I woke up.

~~flash back~~

"It seems like I know him." Siami said. I felt her put the cloth back on my forehead. I din't wanna open my mouth, but it did.

"What are you doing." I sorta growled, but she just held her hand there.

"You were sweating so I thought I should put the cloth here. Your forehead is hot." Her voice showed concern, but I never saw her face nor even know her that much. I felt her remove the cloth and place it on the ground. I felt the wind as she got up and walked away. Her footsteps were light and barely heard.

"Your annoying." I didn't mean to say it, but it just came out.

"I would expect that. I am sorry. If you don't want my help then I won't." She sorta sounded like she was serious, but joking at the same time.

"Fine, just don't baby me." I said low. I knew she heard it cause the next thing I knew I could feel her next to me.

"You just need some rest. Everything will be better in the morning and you can be on your way, if that is what you wish." She didn't sound like she cared what I did.

"Fine." I went back to sleep, but could hear her hum that melody one last time before drifting off to sleep.

~~end of flash back~~

"How come you helped me?" I looked at her. She had removed her boots and had her feet in the water.

"You needed help, so I did. I am just the kind of person to do that. I used to help many people, but everything has changed." Siami said and created a small circle with her foot. I stood up and she looked at me.

"I know who you are, Siami. You are that girl Feonia. Now tell me where's Van?" I was no mad. The girl slowly got up and shook her head. She put a cold hand to my forehead.

"You seem to not have a fever. Are you sure, your not getting me mixed up with someone?" I grabbed her mask and removed it. Her face looked like velvet. I just stared in shock. She had to be Feonia. She stared in shock.

"You have to be her." I was stuttering. She just looked at me.

"My name is Siami. I don't know this Feonia. I am sorry." She reached up and took the mask back from me. She replaces it back on her face and left. I walked alittle before noticing a gustad, a blade liger, and a comande wolf. I walked slowly there when I heard a familer voice.

"So you made it here." Van's voice rang out. I turned to see him behind me. Next to him was Feonia, but she didn't where a mask.

"Feonia, I don't do this, but thank you." I don't think thye believed me. They couldn't believe I said thankyou.

"But what did I do?" Feoni seemed startled. There was a short slience that was interupted by the roaring of Zek. A blue organoid came out of the woods.

"Resse." A yelled, but there was no answer. The blue organoid didn't look like Spectula, btu of another one.

"What the." Van has jumped back. The blue organoid came over to me. It handed me a note before disappearing. I slowly opened the note.

Dear Raven,

I guess you have decided to go off again. I respect that. Everyone does. I hope you will take care. If you ever need anything Just look for a blue organoid, her name is Biaoki She will help you when you need it. She won't harm you. Please take care of yourself, Raven. If you ever meet that girl, Feonia, then please tell her that she needs to remember. I remember, but she needs to, too. Thanks, Raven. You are a very nice person. I wish we could be friends, but we live in different worlds. I just know it. I hope to see you in the future, Raven.

Siami.

"what does it say?" Van was about to run over and grab it.

"Feonia, remember." Those two words made Feonia think.

"What does he mean? Van asked Feonia, but she took a step forward.

"Siami." Feonia took a couple of steps forward, but then stopped.

"So, you know this Siami?" I asked.

"Yes and no." Feonia looked at me.

"Ok. I'm lost. Who is she?" Van asked.

"She is someone I knew, but I don't know anything more." Feonia looked down.

"She looks like you." I said.

"Me?" Feonia said. She then remembered things.

~~Feonia's flashback~~

"Are you coming Feonia?" A soft voice asked. Feonia looked at her older sister.

"Siami, please wait up." Feonia was running to catch up. Siami was one year older, but was like her mother. Siami held out her hand for Feonia. She took it and was able to see the nice view.

"He shoudl be here, any minute." Siami looked up at the sky. A reddler came and landed near them. A young boy hopped out and onto the ground. His blonde hair covered the right side of his face. His clothes were alittle messed up, but nice though. He walked over to Siami and Feonia.

"Long time no see, you two." He smiled and Feonia hugged him.

"Raven, please stay from now on. Please don't go off." Feonia was about to start crying. Raven chuckled alittle.

"If you want me to then I'll stay. Feonia backed up and smiled. Siami just stood there smileing.

"Do you promise to stay, Raven?" Siami asked. She was concerned for him. She loved the boy dearly. He kissed her on the lips and then let go.

"Yes, I promise." Raven said. There was a loud explosion and the ground split apart. Siami and Feoni were thrown off the cliff. Raven ran to his reddler, but it was soon dystroyed by a flash of light. Siami screamed. People were running this way and that. Feonia and Siami got sepperated but both ending up the same.

"You will be placed in this pod, miss Feonia." The scientist said. He had reasurred her that her sister is fine and they will meet. He put her in the pod and closed it, but Feonia could feel Siami's uneasiness and see what she saw. Siami was running up some stairs and onto the roof of a building. There it was. The deathsuar. Some men came and rushed her back inside.

"Let me go." Siami struggled, but soon saw the scientist.

"Sorry, my dear, but you have to live. You and Feonia. You two are keys to unlock Zoid Eve. Once Zoid Eve is unlocked then everything is complete and you will be finished. Not needed anymore, you nor your sister." The scientist pushed her into the pod and it shut locking her away.

~~end of the flashback~~

"We have to find my sister. Where was she Raven?" Feonia looked at me. I nodded and led them to the cave, but nothing was there.

"She was here." I told them, but then showed them the water. No one was there. We spent the day searching the village, but not finding anything. I spent the night in the cave, hoping she'd come back. "How could I have been so stupid. She's probley gone because of me. It's getting colder. My body feels so numb."

"Then I'll light you a fire." A voice said. I turned to see Siami. She walked over and lite a fire for me. She sat in the spot she was in the other day.

"Where were you?" I asked. Siami couldn't believe he just asked that.

"I was out, why. You never cared. You also said that you were going to leave today, but you didn't. How come?" Siami looked at me.

"Because. I wanted to thankyou. Plus I spent the hole day trying to find you."I could feel the warmth of the fire. Siami took of her mask and sat there smiling.

"Raven, how come it had to happen to you?" Siami asked in sorta a dreamy type of voice.

"What happen to me?" I was curious.

"This is a new time. I come from another. As you should know. Feonia is my sister, one year younger then me, and we are both ancient zoidians. I loved a boy named Raven, but he was killed. He told Feonia and I that he would stay with us forever." It was the first time that Siami had told me anything about her, besides her name.

"I felt like I knew you, but didn't at the same time." I looked at the fire.

"Raven, you are him." A voice said at the door. I turned to see Resse.

"Resse." I was shocked.

"Raven, you are the ancient zoidian. I remmeber you, Feonia, and Siami as friends. You can remember. Just find a way." Resse said and walked away.

"Thank you, Resse." I said as she disappeared. I smiled and looked at the fire. Siami saw the smile and walked over. She put a hand on my forehead.

"You don't seem to have a fever." She smiled and sat down. "I've never seen you smile."

"There's a first time forever thing." I smiled, but I wanted something. I felt something. I felt love. I kissed her on the lips and everything flashed before my eyes.

~~the flashbacks~~

Siami and me hiding from Feonia when playing games.

Me learning how to write.

Me learning how to race.

Me learning how to pilot a zoid.

Me taking Feonia and Siami for a ride.

Siami walking on the beach.

My first kiss with Siami.

The deathsuar.

The blast and being reborn as the new raven.

~~end of thew flash backs~~

I had stopped kissing Siami and I was just starring in shock. She was just as shocked.

"I understand." I muttered. I felt different. I could feel a change in me. There was some wetness in the cave and it dripped on me. Siami grabbed my hand and dragged me to the water.

"Raven, you are my Raven." Siami pointed tot he water. I looked at myself in the water. My hair was now blonde, my eyes were red, and you could see a triangle on my forehead.

"Resse, was right. I remember everything, Siami. The deathsuar, My redler, everything." I got up and could do back flips. I remebered everything.

"Good." Siami hugged me and I hugged back. "Now please promise me that you'll stay forever."

"I promise." I said. We let go. I took her hand and led her through the woods, till we came to the blade liger.

"Huh?" Van woke up when Zek roared. "Feonia, what are you doing with a stranger?" Van was wide awake and had woken everyone else up.

"Van, what are you talking bout. I'm over here." Van looked and sure enough Feonia was standing right next to him.

"Feonia, your okay." Siami had tears in her eyes. Feonia walked forward and so did Siami. They met in the middle and hugged. Of course I ran over there. Feonia looked at me.

"It can't be. I remember seeing it. I remember watching you get killed." Feonia was starring at me.

"I promised I would stay with you guys forever and I'm gunna keep that promise." I smiled.

"You better, Raven." Feonia said and hugged me.

"Raven? Wait you mean he's Raven?" Irvine was shocked.

"Oh. Yes. I am Raven. I'm an ancient zoidian, but was killed and reborn as the raven you knew, but I unlocked everything and I am back to normal." I said.

"Man, if only a cutie could be created from every guy." Moonbay joked around. I guess everything turns out good int he end. I still don't have shadow or my zoid.

"Oh yes, Raven." Siami said and I looked at her. "Biaoki, Shadow."

"What?" I asked. All of a sudden there they stood. Shadow and Biaoki. I then remembered him being in the zoid when I died the first time. "You still won't die, will you, Shadow."

"No, he won't." Feonia said. Now everything ended out nice. That's all I can say. I Siami, my long lost love and my friends and new found friends, but I can't forget my pal Shadow who's stuck by me for so long. I wonder what the future holds, but for right now I am focusing on what I have infront of me like friends and people who care bout me. That's all the matters, but my life has always been a fight and I don't think it'll end right now. It's always been a fight for my life and it will always be. I just hope no one else's life will be. I hope all lives will be nice, without war. I have givin up killing and will join the gaurdian force to help. Those are my plans and I'll stick by them forever.

~~End~~

Jinichiro: What do you think? Please leave a review and tell me what you think. It was just a one-shot, but if you want a segual then please tell me. Thanks."

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a fight for your life by Jinichiro