Fan Fiction / Zoids Fan Fiction ❯ Two Birds, One Arrow ❯ The Spirit of the Wild Eagle ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer- Let's make this clear (even though it clearly already is clear), shall we-I do not own Zoids! Period. All of that good stuff still belongs to the people who made it (I believe it's Sunrise… can you imagine? One whole year since I updated and I still don't know for sure). I am in no way doing this for making money (damn companies… they're just afraid I could take their series to places they never could in popularity… just kidding, of course), and this is only for entertainment purposes. For those of you who have missed me, I am ever grateful for your undying fanship, if… erm… such a word exists (if it doesn't… *gestures his hands and POOF!!!*… it does now.) That being said, I hope this next chapter is as good as the wait was long… and if it isn't, you know my policy. READ ANYWAY!!! Now, to business. Chapter 8 of the romantic comedy, "Two Birds, One Arrow":

The Spirit of the Wild Eagle

Sun setting in the distance, the Raynos appeared overhead, miles away from the Backdraft base. Tirano and Layon stood poised, arms crossed and anticipant, as the Zoid they spent the past few hours expecting gracefully dove and landed in front of them. Neither looked at the other; instead, two eerily pleased smiles spread across the respective cheeks, and would have probably gone on beyond their ears if such a thing were physically possible.

The cockpit door opened.

"So, little boy," Tirano began, "I see you've made the right choice, dying for your friends in what would otherwise have been a hopeless struggle."

A hand emerged from within the Raynos.

"I admire that," was the last sentence he would say out of sheer joy. It was rather strange how Tirano's facial expression changed in the next few seconds, but to put it into a basic summary, it happened as follows: his smile shortened and writhed into a state of utter surprise, and then twisted once more into what was unmistakably an angry frown, looking like the movement of a snake the entire time. Needless to say, Tirano wasn't very pleased. Oscar had climbed out of the Raynos, and not Jamie, which somewhat surprised Layon, but it wasn't enough to anger him, as he bore no grudge against either the expected pilot, or the substitute standing before him; after all, unlike Tirano, who was evil, he was just insane.

"What are you doing here…?" Tirano growled. Oscar simply smiled. "This wasn't part of the agreement."

"Well, I'm sorry, but as long as I'm still alive, my boy is going to remain as far out of harm's reach as possible," Oscar chimed, shrugging his shoulders. This was apparently more than Tirano could stand, as he advanced menacingly toward the man who uncannily resembled the object of his utmost hatred.

"That's about to change very soo-"

"Tirano, wait!" Before he'd gone more five inches, Layon had extended his hand, and stopped him cold. Once again, Tirano wasn't very pleased.

"What the hell did you do that for!?"

"I want his explanation!"

"I don't care for his explanation!"

Oscar's smile broadened as Tirano lunged for him once more, only to be obstructed as Layon flung himself between them. At this point in time, Tirano was death itself, and, as Oscar stood unflinchingly behind Layon, he stared bravely into its face.

"Why don't you wait before you kill him?"

"What's the point in that, doc?"

"You don't just go around killing everyone in sight!"

"Well, I do! Now get out of my way!" Tirano gripped Layon by his collar, threw him to the ground, and charged once more. He drew his entire arm back for the punch, and then let it fly. Oscar dodged, which only served to further Tirano's anger and frustration. He began swinging wildly, while Oscar stepped back in a graceful dance of dodges and lazy parries.

"I understand my boy whipped you at Ashley's…" Oscar said as he evaded yet another fist.

"Shut up! SHUT U-ugh!" If "up" were the next word in this sentence, the world would never know; at this point in time, Oscar's knee was lodged so far in Tirano's chest that there was an imprint forming in the rash rich boy's back, and he fell limply to the ground, eyes glossy and throat straining for air. Oscar's smile faded, and it wasn't because of the sound of guns cocking all around him.

"So what made you think you stood a chance against his old man?" Oscar growled. He looked over at the "good" doctor. "You okay, Layon?"

"I'm fine, thanks," he replied as he stood and dusted himself off. "That won't be necessary," he said, gesturing to the gathered soldiers to stand down and lower their weapons. They complied.

"You know, I wanted to understand why you would ever wish to take my son's life before you did whatever with me."

"But that's just it, Oscar. I don't!"

"Then why-"

"Ask him!" Layon pointed at Tirano, who hadn't budged since the blow, yet was still groaning silently. "I mean, after all, that display he just put on clearly reveals his contempt for young Jamie. I don't hold a grudge, but he clearly does, the same way he couldn't give one fig for my dispute with Tauros. We're partners; he's not my subordinate, and so, I have no say in his goals, nor does he in mine."

"Oh, well I suppose that absolves you of anything he has done or will do if he gets his clutches on my boy, doesn't it?"

"Yep. Sounds about right, really," Layon said as sincerely as possible. Obviously, Oscar's last statement was not sincere, because he stormed over to Layon, moved on so close that their noses were practically grazing one another, and clenched his fists tightly.

"Look! Although I think your dispute with Steven is absolutely ludicrous, I really don't care about who comes out on top from that. But this? This is my boy! You're telling me that's the way it goes? Flinging his life around like it's some small fee for a greater gain? Who are you to play god with my son's life?" Regardless of the spittle that was now all over Layon's face his next words were fully contemplated and just as calm as his body remained.

"I have spent far too long trying to make Tauros regret what he did to me those many years ago. While I do sympathize with your disposition in all of this, I have no choice but to take any and all opportunities I can. For all I know, I may not get another chance in my life, and as far as I'm concerned, if it involves me taking my life just to get my revenge, I'd do it."

"Then take your own life! Not my son's!"

"I think I've been really tolerant, Oscar…" Layon snarled. "I really don't have to have this little chat with you, you know? I could just walk away… like this." Perhaps it was the insensitivity of Layon toward Oscar's son, or maybe it was the rude gesture of turning his back on Oscar, but whatever it was, it was clear that Oscar had lost all of his rationale, and Layon did not realize this until he was rubbing his bloody nose and glaring at the man whose only reason for not hitting him again was because of the soldiers who were ready to shoot him if he so much as moved. He straightened up, his eyes on Layon at all times, and he put his hands in the air.

"How dare you do this, Layon? I've been a good friend to you all these years! How can you possibly care so little for our well-being? We've been like family to you since the days of the Academy!"

"Family? Family, you say? What kind of man steals the love of your life and calls himself your family?"

"It wasn't Steven's fault!"

Oh, stop sticking up for him already! I'm tired of you lying for him! You didn't write that goddamn letter! You weren't the poet in our group; he was!"

"That's because I didn't want anyone to know, Layon!" Oscar was desperate now. He knew as well as Layon did that this was most definitely his last chance to bring reconciliation between them all; if he failed now, there would be no chance for their friendship. "I had a reputation to keep, and Steven was the one popular with the ladies-"

"Bullshit! You keep saying he didn't write that letter, but even if you did accidentally sign his name, what the hell did he think he was doing when she fell in love with him?" Oscar didn't have an answer. His face was frozen in terror, the kind one gets when they don't have an explanation for something they know is truth, and yet, his eyes flared in Layon's direction. He couldn't believe how anyone could be so foolish, or, for that matter, how anyone could go to such extremes to exercise such foolishness.

"Layon, please…"

"No! I don't want to hear another word, Oscar. Not. Another. Word. At this point, the letter isn't even important. He didn't have to marry her, and he definitely didn't have to have a child with her, Oscar. Don't you see? The letter means nothing. It's how the situation was handled after the mistake that I can't forgive."

Oscar swallowed a huge lump in his throat.

"That was a mistake, and Layon, quite frankly, I think you're making another."

"I'm making a mistake, Oscar?" At this point, the insanity in Layon's eyes had returned, and it matched the ferocity in Oscar's eyes point for point. "You are the one who made the mistake long ago, when you took Steven's side instead of mine."

"What? I never took anyone's side! I'm trying to help you both-"

"Bullshit!" Layon snapped. "Bullshit, bullshit, nothing but bullshit! That's all you've been spouting since you opened that goddamn mouth of yours! I'm tired, and frankly, I don't have any more kind words to spare on you, Oscar, or anyone else for that matter. I'm going to get my revenge on Tauros, no matter what it takes, and you can't stop me."

"Layon…" Oscar growled.

"Take him away." Layon looked down at the heap that was Tirano. "And put him in the medical ward or… something…"

________________

At the Tauros base, all lights were off, except for those that came on to prevent an uncomfortable, pitch black experience. Pierce was in the living room, sitting in Tauros' armchair with her head hanging down and her hands clasped between her legs; it would seem she'd been there for quite awhile. She let out a huge sigh…

~Why do I feel so helpless right now…?~

Just then, she heard a noise coming from the kitchen, and jumped from her seat.

"Who's there?"

"Ow! Bit, you idiot! What the hell are you doing in here?"

"Trying to get my cookie, Leena, before someone else takes it. Speaking of which, what are you doing in here?"

"Well… I… um… you see…"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk… Leena, you oughtta be ashamed of yourself, always taking things that don't belong to you."

"Oh, yeah? You should talk, Bit!"

"But that rule doesn't apply to me," he said in a calm, collected manner.

"And why is that?!"

"Because I'm not the one with the weight problem-bye!"

"What!? Bit Cloud! You jerk! COME BACK HERE!"

Pierce sweatdropped and laughed nervously, partially from the hopelessness of it all and the fact that their footsteps were headed her way.

"Forget your cookie, Bit! I'm going to eat you alive instead!"

"You know, that's a great deal fattier!"

"OOOOOOHHHHHH!!! When I get my hands on you-"

"I know, I know! We've already covered that part, but you're not going to get your hands on me, are you-Pierce!? What are you doing here?" he said as he came to a screeching halt. It was against his better judgment to stop, because Leena was still too consumed with rage to notice Pierce. She skidded into the room viciously until she, too, stopped, and landed an even more vicious blow to the back of Bit's head, rendering him temporarily unconscious. She lifted him over her head with both arms, and just as she was about to throw him, her eyes fell on Pierce, who seemed to be a little more than disturbed by the scene.

"Pierce? You're still awake?" she gasped. Her shock made her forget all about Bit's body, and he fell to the ground in a lifeless clump. Pierce nodded sadly at her, and Leena could do little else but empathize. She walked over and put what she hoped was a consoling hand on Pierce's shoulder. "Look, I know things don't look too good right now, either, but how much help can you be if you're a wreck when the fighting starts again?"

"I'm completely useless right now, Leena."

"That's not true at all… how could you say a thing like that?"

"Haven't you figured it out yet? I don't have the Stormsworder, and I don't have the Raynos. I'm an air pilot, Leena; on the ground, I can do little more than a cheerleading routine, and that disgusts me. I'm no help, and even though I love Jamie dearly, that's not going to wake him up again, now is it?" She turned her head away and slammed her fist on the side of the chair, and then said, through gritted teeth, "I should have gone in Oscar's place…"

"Pierce… Jamie is going to be fine, and you're not useless. He does need you, and yes, your love does have the power to help him, at least that's what I believe, but you can't just give up when things don't look good. I mean, take a look a Bit." They both looked over to see Bit slowly sitting up and rubbing the back of his head, muttering several curses that not even Leena, who always looked for a reason to beat him again, could hear. Leena smiled.

"He's always fighting a losing battle, and he knows it, but he keeps trying, hoping that one day, he'll get the upper hand against me."

"I guess… but that doesn't really seem to be a good example, does it?"

"Nope Leena admitted, with a halfhearted chuckle. "Heh… I guess it doesn't. I guess what I'm saying is that, even against all odds, you have an obligation to give it your all, no matter what. If you don't have a weapon, use your fists! I do! And then if you don't have any fists, use your legs, and if you don't have either of those, then roll at your enemies and pray like the dickens that you'll make them trip into something very deep or very sharp… or both!"

Pierce couldn't help but laugh at Leena's enthusiasm.

"Yeah! That's the spirit! You should never give up! That's what makes us great, that we don't lose hope even after it seems like all hope is lost!"

"You're right. Thanks, Leena," Pierce said, beaming gratefully.

"No prob!" Leena let out a huge whoop, and then, exhausted by her speech, started catching her breath. "Geez, girl, I needed that pep talk, too. You were really starting to depress me." Pierce and Leena laughed. "I've got so much energy, I don't know what to do with myself-oh wait! I do now! Oh, Bitty-poo…" When she looked over, Bit was no longer in the room. Apparently, his better judgment must have been knocked back in place after the collision between his head and Leena's fist. Regardless of his absence, Leena was not deterred, and she plunged merrily into the darkness of the hallway.

"You can't hide forever! Come out and take your beating like a man!"

Pierce, with her newfound hope, realized that she, too, didn't know what to do with herself.

~I guess I'll go and see how Jamie's doing…~

________________

"Get in there!"

When the cell door closed, Oscar got to his feet, and let his eyes adjust to the dark, gloomy interior of his confinement. There were numerous instruments that, without any doubt, were meant for torture, and several shackles that were bolted into the walls. His eyes widened horrifically when they fell upon what was shackled to one of the walls.

Tauros, and he wasn't looking too good, as far as looks were concerned.

"Steve…en?" he said under his breath. Even so, Steven Tauros must have heard it, because he raised his head weakly, and smiled. It was almost unbearable for Oscar. Many bruises rested all over his swollen face, and his clothes were completely torn. There were gashes all across his chest, where blood stains showed not only that he must have lost a lot of blood, but that it had been allowed to run, without any evident effort, or pity, on the guards' behalf, to clean up the mess. Even through his smile, he was enduring labored breathing, and with each breath, his arms twitched as though they wanted to cover something. Oscar concluded that several of Tauros' ribs were broken.

"Hello… Oscar…" Tauros said. Even in his strained voice, he didn't seem to be letting the current situation get him down; any non-hostile company was good enough for him. It was rather disturbing for Oscar. Tauros was very pale-except for his cheeks, bringing his entire face to life, at least, but that was the creepy thing about it-and his head, looking so much livelier than the rest of his body, looked like it might just start floating around like a spirit, damned to wander the cell for all eternity. Oscar rushed over to his friend's aid.

"How could… Layon… do this to you?" he said as he searched the shackles for any kind of keyhole. "Here… let me help you out of these…"

"Um… Oscar? These are chains, not ropes. Please don't get delusional on me. I've already suffered greatly at the hands of a lunatic."

"Ha. Ha. Very funny. In case you've forgotten, I'm perfectly capable of picking locks-here's where the key goes!" he exclaimed as his hands felt on the lower part of the shackle bracelets, and he immediately set to searching his pockets. Seconds later, he pulled out a little pin, and started fidgeting with the keyhole. Snap went the first lock, and he went to the second shackle to search for its keyhole. As Tauros' left arm fell free, he winced.

"I was beginning to think I would die in here alone…" Tauros said. Oscar didn't even look over, but Tauros' eyes were starting to get watery.

"Stop talking like that. How could you not expect us to save you?" Oscar replied absentmindedly, more focused on unlocking the second shackle. It popped free as well, and Tauros fell to the ground, face first and letting out a loud scream of pain. Seconds later, Oscar knew why; Tauros' feet were also shackled. "Oh, god… I'm so sorry Steven. Here, let me help you u-"

"Don't!" Tauros yelped.

"That's right… your ribs are broken. Well, just wait a moment while I get you out of these foot shackles." Tauros really didn't have a choice in the matter. When Oscar had finished, he tried to the best of his ability to set Tauros upright against the wall. He tore his own shirt in shreds and used the ripped cloth to bandage Tauros' chest area, then he sat down right beside Tauros.

"I'm sorry for all of this, Oscar…"

"What are you talking about? We both started this long ago, remember?"

"Well, if you look at it that way, it was Layon who started it." They laughed. Tauros stopped short because his laughter caused pain to shoot through his chest. He grunted, winced, and coughed.

"Don't overdo it. Those bandages haven't healed you, you know."

"Yeah, right… Oscar?"

"Hmm?

"Thank you."

"There's no need, Steve, really! I'm glad to help a friend in need."

"Yeah, which is why you're sitting in here alongside that evil bastard."

Oscar and Tauros' heads whipped around to look at the open cell door. Layon was standing there, arms crossed, and peering down on them as if he were their almighty executioner.

"What do you want, Layon?" Oscar sneered.

"Now, now, Oscar. You know lesser beings can't understand human language."

"Oh, you're a real riot, Steven. You'd have made a better comedian than an eccentric scientist," Layon said as he walked over to Tauros. Oscar jumped up and in front of Tauros, but froze once again when the sound of guns ready to fire echoed along the cell walls. Layon smirked as Oscar gritted his teeth. The two stared at each other for a long time, and neither showed any signs of moving.

"Stand down, Oscar," Tauros said. "It's-it's all right." Oscar's body responded by loosening, and he looked at the ground in utter defeat. Layon's smile broadened.

"That's right, Oscar. Be a good boy," he mocked, as his face contorted into a bitter, dark, angry frown. "Now get out of my way!" He knocked Oscar to the ground with the back of his hand. Oscar could do nothing but glare and rub his burning cheek as Layon knelt before Tauros, held Tauros' chin in his fingers, and raised his head so that their eyes met.

"I just came to let you know you'll be dying soon."

Tauros didn't answer.

"What? I thought you would be happy to know that you wouldn't have to look at me anymore."

Still, no answer.

"And what's more? You don't have to die alone."

Oscar's body tensed with rage.

"This is wrong, Layon! You don't have the right to treat us like this!"

"Then why is it that I'm doing just that now? You never were too smart, Oscar," he spat. "'Right' is where you make it. 'Right' is the ability to do things without negative consequences, and there is no one who would stop me from or punish me for killing you two here and now, so don't tell me that I don't have the right."

"You are going too far with this, you know," Tauros added.

"Oh? Am I? Tauros, I want you to understand something." Layon moved in closer, to the point where Steven had to hold his breath in order not to smell Layon's. "You. Ruined. My. Life. When you stole the love of my life from right under my nose, you took away my reason to live. I… am dead, and my sole reason for existing now is to exact revenge on the man who killed me and anyone who helps him or gets in my way. I am a vengeful spirit, so naturally, and I see no problem with doing so, I adhere to an eye for an eye. You took my life, and so, I will take yours. Is that clear, Steven?"

"Crystal."

"Then you will face execution two days from now. Until then, I bid you all adieu." Layon paused for a moment. "You know, it's funny. I never realized it now, but 'adieu' is such a fitting word. It carries the hidden message 'die' right between the a and the u."

"Just shut up and go…"

"Of course. Gladly."

Just as soon as the door slammed, Oscar sidled over to where he had been sitting before. Tauros' head was lowered in thought. Oscar sighed and stared contemplatively up at the ceiling.

"Things don't look so good, do they?" he said, more so thinking aloud than talking with Tauros.

"Nonsense. They'll come. I know it. I mean, you were the one who was cheering me up. Don't tell me you're having second thoughts now."

Oscar didn't answer. Tauros sighed, and looked up at the ceiling as well.

_______________

In the recovery room, Pierce sat quietly. She knew Wild Eagle must have acknowledged her presence by now, but if he did, he had decided not to say anything either. She reached out and stroked Jamie's spiky hair, smiling as a tear trickled down her cheek.

~I know you're going to be fine…~

"I can sense it…" Wild Eagle said, eyes still closed.

"What? That Jamie's coming back around?"

"Yeah. And…"

"And what?"

"That my time to leave is fast approaching."

"I see… are you scared?"

"A little. Not as terrified as I thought I'd be, but…"

Pierce chuckled a little and lightly jabbed Wild Eagle's shoulder. He flinched slightly, but he was amused as well.

"Hey, watch it."

"You're putting on that tough guy face just to be cool… little liar."

"Am not… little lady." Pierce blushed again.

"God, I wish you'd stop calling me that. It's so embarrassing."

"Aw, shucks, but you look so cute when you're blushing." Pierce's face blushed a deeper red. "And, besides…" Wild Eagle added, "you know you'd miss it if me or Jamie never called you that again."

"Perhaps…" she halfheartedly admitted, "but not likely."

"Yeah, right!"

They laughed again, and Pierce remembered and realized why she had always cherished this particular side of Jamie. With all her heart, at this very moment, she only hoped that when their two streams of thought melded, this part would remain, the resulting brand new Jamie a testament of this eternal few seconds of sheer happiness. Wild Eagle closed his eyes again, and Pierce leaned over him, smiling.

"I love you, Wild Eagle…" She kissed him, softly and lovingly, on the lips. When her lips parted from his, the eyes were open again.

"That's nice and all," came a squeaky, innocent voice that surprised Pierce, "but do you have a kiss for me too?"

"Jamie?"

"That's my name!"

Oh, Jamie!" she squealed, grabbing him up in a completely passionate-and tearful, for that matter-embrace.

"Ow! Geez… I wanted a kiss, not a hug," Jamie said.

"Well, too bad. I wanted to give you a hug, so deal with it."

"Anything else you'd like to give me?" he said in a devilish manner. She smirked just as darkly.

"That's for me to know… you naughty little man."

"Well, there's only one part of me that isn't little-"

"Oh, stop!" Pierce exclaimed, laughing at the top of her lungs. "Yeah, you're right, you're head."

Jamie was not deterred. He developed an even more deviant grin and said, "that's right, and don't you forget it."

"Oh, my god… the Wild Eagle's been rubbing off on you again, hasn't he?" She stopped. "Does that mean he's-he's…"

Jamie shook his head reassuringly. "He's still in there. We're actually rejoicing by playing a mental game of Connect Four… he's winning."

"God, Jamie, I've missed you so much. Don't ever do something stupid like that again!" She hit him on the back of his head, and he, of course, held the throbbing area.

"Geez… if you're talking about going unconscious again, I might not have to do anything. You almost knocked me out with that one," he said. Pierce chuckled nervously.

"Heh… sorry." Jamie, save a few minor injuries at this point, was fully rested, in top physical condition, and ready to leave the recovery room. Of course, he had to wait a couple minutes. That would be how long it took for him to go to the bathroom after his coma. When he was ready, the first thing he went to do was check on his Raynos; he was out the door before Pierce could stop him, and so she ran after him, shouting at the top of her lungs that he was finally awake.

Doors opened, revealing groggy eyes and half-sleep murmurings, but after every fourth one of her shouts, the other members got the message one by one. They didn't even bother changing out of their pajamas; they immediately set to following her down the hallways. When she arrived in the hangar, she saw Jamie looking around excitedly.

"Jamie…"

"Where is it Pierce? Where's my beautiful Raynos? I wanna let it know I'm okay and take it out for a ride. Let me go ask doc where it is…"

"Jamie…"

"What? Why so sad? Today's a great day! I think we're ready to crush the Backdraft once and for all!"

"Jamie, please! Calm yourself for a minute." She was wiping tears from her eyes, and Jamie was looking at her with deep concern.

"What's… wrong, my turtledove? Did something happen?"

"Oh, Jamie! I'm so sorry!" She ran into his arms and began crying uncontrollably. The gathering crowd in the hangar entrance looked on with deep sorrow, and no one dared to speak, or even let their breath interfere with what was about to happen.

_______________

"…Oscar?"

"Yes?"

"How is everyone else faring? My daughter? Your son?"

"Everyone is just fine, Steven. Your daughter is just upset because of what happened to you, and my son should be fine soon."

"What do you mean, 'soon'? Did something happen to him?

"Nothing major. He just went unconscious for awhile after that last battle. He tried with all his might to save you, and it didn't work. It didn't look like anything serious."

"I'm so sorry for all the trouble my rashness has caused you and your family, Oscar."

"Aww, there you go again, Tauros. Always getting mushy when the situation doesn't call for it. It ain't no big deal. You're like family, and I take care of my family, no matter what. That's why I came. To save you and so that Jamie wouldn't have to come alone."

"What do you mean?"

"If I know my son, he's gonna lick this coma real soon. His inner spirit won't let him die."

"Inner spirit? Do you mean…"

"Let's just say he'll be here soon enough. It's about time I told him everything."

"What on earth are you talking about, Oscar?"

"Jamie's about to learn the true pride of our family, that's what I mean, Steven. One day, he will come to soar higher than any prior generation, as each new generation has always strived to do. He will be the greatest pilot in our lineage to date, and he's about to become the man I always knew he could."

"Oh… I see…"

"You understand a little of it already since you've known me all these years."

"Yep…"

"And when he gets here, you, and he, will finally know everything. It's time. I can feel it."

________________

"What!?" Jamie roared.

"Please, Jamie. Calm down. We need to think this through."

"There's no need for you to do anything yet. I've got to do this. Alone."

"Jamie, that's suicide! You're telling me you plan to attack the Backdraft Base by yourself?"

"No… I'm telling you that I plan to set up everything so that we can get my dad and Leena's dad out of there safely. We won't stand a chance if we attack them head-on, so I gotta give 'em a tummy ache. That's what I'm saying."

"So, what are you saying?" Pierce looked on desperately as Jamie finished making adjustments to his father's Pteras.

"As it stands, Pierce, we don't stand a chance. Sure, the Organoid system in Liger Zero is strong, and sure, Ashley's Gun Sniper Legend is one of the most powerful Zoids ever, but they have my Raynos, and your Stormsworder, not to mention an entire army with high-tech defenses, and they're undoubtedly going to use my Raynos' system against us. Remember, it can be copied, and each Zoid with its system will develop unique moves that are best suited for each pilot. They'll have an army capable of doing Whirlwind Fury or God knows what if they succeed. So we have to attack them hard. From the inside. And when they're busy dealing with us, they won't notice you guys, so that will be the most opportune time to attack."

"Jamie, that's the riskiest, dumbest plan I've ever heard you make."

"But it's also our only real option, other than to lose everything we've worked for in the blink of an eye. I plan to go out fighting, and as a strategist, I would never propose a plan like this unless I were sure there were no other alternatives, and there aren't. All you have to do is remain on standby right outside of their radar range, and when I've gotten the Raynos, we'll call you to prepare for the attack. This is all or nothing. The Backdraft won't be defeated, and they definitely won't leave us alone after this, but they will never be able to stop us again if we can pull this off, and that's why it's so important that you and the others wholeheartedly commit to executing this plan."

He hopped into the cockpit and closed the hatch.

"Jamie…"

"I love you," he said, as the door completely closed. The Pteras took to the sky, and left the security of the Tauros base, leaving Pierce behind with the same feeling she felt at square one: that she would never see her true love again.

/ Geez, you can make good speeches when it counts, can't you?/ Wild Eagle chirped mockingly. Jamie replied the same way he always does.

~…shut up…~

/ No can do. We gotta work together to pull this one off. So, what's the plan?/

~Plan? What are you talking about? There is no plan! We just get captured, and hope your mind, my mind, dad's mind, and Doc's mind can think of a way to get the hell out of there. Alive and able to fight. With our Zoids.~

/That's gotta be the most suicidal plan I've ever heard./

~Weren't you just listening? There is no plan!~

/ I like it all the same, though./ Wild Eagle laughed. / You're one, crazy bastard, you know that, Jamie?/

Jamie shrugged.

~I learned it from you, and frankly, that's nothing I'm proud about.~

/…shut up…/

And so, the flight continued silently, not because they were annoyed, but the two of them were caught up in the moment, the sky seeming to echo the same, ominous message to them as the wreck of a Pteras whistled through the air: "This is it. Your time is now." They were at the peak of their anticipation, and just as equally at the pinnacle of their confidence.

They arrived, and, as Jamie suspected, the soldiers were already lined up to deal with the unidentified Zoid that flew over the horizon. When they took a glimpse at the rusty, worn-down, antique-status Zoid, a lot of them burst out in laughter. Very few were able to keep it at a snicker, and even fewer were able to maintain their composure completely.

/Assholes… what do they know about true greatness, anyway?/

~Just let it be, W. E. Just let it be.!~

/W. E? What the hell are you doing giving me nicknames? I sound like some cheesy movie producer or something./

~Well, you talk like one, so…~

/Watch it, pal. If I have to in order to shut me up, I'll kick my own ass./

~Any day, punk. Bring it. I'm gonna whip me so bad…~

After they got their final jokes in, Jamie climbed out of the Pteras, fully dignified, and stood perfectly still and unflinching, placing himself at the mercy of his enemies. Tirano appeared through the thick crowd of soldiers and Zoids, his evil smile far greater than anything he'd ever expressed before. He was still holding his stomach awkwardly, though, but for him, at this moment, it was a small price to pay.

"So, let me guess. This is the best the Hover Cargo can offer, eh?"

All the soldiers burst out laughing this time. A vein formed in Tirano's forehead and he turned around to snap at his men.

"What the hell are you doing laughing? You're soldiers! So act like it! The next one of you who laughs will fight me one on one."

Silence.

"So, seriously, is this all you guys have left after that humiliating defeat?"

"Nah…" Jamie said smugly. "We just didn't want to waste any unnecessary force on you, is all." Tirano did not appreciate the humor.

"Just take him away, and store this in the hangar-no, on second thought, the trash heap. It doesn't look like it would make it to the hangar."

_________________

"He's here, Steven."

"Who?"

"My boy." Oscar was beaming with pride. "My little boy made it…"

"Unless he's killed half of the Backdraft soldiers already, I'm not so sure that's a good thing, Oscar."

The door opened, and, just like Oscar thought, it was Jamie who was flung inside.

"So much for unnecessary force, huh, brat?" a soldier called.

"Hey!" the Wild Eagle groaned. "Which one of you sick bastards grabbed my ass?"

"You won't be joking much longer, will you?" With that, the door was closed, and the three allies were left with apparently no way out.

"Hello, Wild Eagle," Oscar said, smiling.

"Yes?"

"I'd like to speak with Jamie, please." In a second, the transformation was complete.

"Dad? How'd you know? Did you tell him, doc?"

"Nope. Not at all. But I think you'd be interested to know that he probably may have realized it before it even happened."

Jamie scratched his head.

"I don't understand…"

"Son, I've known about the day you would develop the Wild Eagle long before it happened, and I'm sure, though he probably doesn't remember, that the Wild Eagle felt like he'd existed all along."

"Well, yeah…" the Wild Eagle said after taking over once more. "But how did you know?"

Oscar stood up, and his face became serious.

"Son… Jamie and Wild Eagle… your coexistence… has been our family's greatest secret."

~What!?~

/What!?/

Okay, that's the end of chapter 8. Stay tuned for chapter 9 when you learn what the hell it is that Oscar is rambling about. Also, the fight is on next time, and Pierce infiltrates the base with the help of Ashley. Palta is back, and I'm sure our three prisoners will appreciate his assistance once more. And I promise, sincerely, that I will not take a year to update this. The conclusion is two chapters away! Don't miss it!

Yusef "The B.A.T." Pittman