“I know. I’ve been practicing.” She put her hands behind her head and sighed. “I really wanted to be prepared to face you guys but I guess it wasn’t enough.”

“You definitely have natural fighting ability. Over time, I think you have the potential of being a great zoid warrior. Not as great as me but still great.”

Orisha laughed. “Still modest as ever, I see. Well, I’ll just take this as a learning experience and move on.”

Jack nodded in agreement, the back of his head piece bobbed up and down. A gentle breeze ruffled her long black hair, revealing a slight bruise on her neck. He narrowed his eyes in concern.

“Whats wrong?” she asked, noticing his reaction.

He came up to her, putting his gloved hand on her jaw, gently turning her head to the side. “That looks like a small burn.”

“Really? Oh, it must have been from those sparks that showered in my cockpit when you attacked me.”

“It doesn’t appear to be life threatening but still, I suggest you get someone to take a look at it.” He moved away so he wouldn’t stand so close to her and put his hands on his hips. “So, is someone coming to pick you up?”

“Yes. More than likely, I suppose.”

“Good. I’ll wait ‘til someone comes for you so you won’t be alone.”

“Ok, cool.” She nodded.

“Ori, may I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why were you chosen to fill in for your brother Cam’ron?”

Orisha picked up a flower, its delicate fragile beauty had managed to survive the zoids’ onslaught. “My dad thinks zoid teams that use both males and females have a winning combination so that’s why I was…” She deepen her voice, trying to sound melodramatic. “...the chosen one.” Smiling at her companion, she added. “You know Victor is the scientific type, he rather work behind the zoid battles than to be in them. Deon and Leon are leaving the Flugel Team to attend college. And Obosi is too young, that little boy idolizes you. He wants to become a zoid warrior and join the Lightning Team when he grows up.”

Jack couldn’t help but laugh. “Join the Lightning Team, huh? Why not your team?”

“He says your team looks cooler than ours.”

Jack nodded. “Smart kid.”

“Jack!” She exclaimed in shock. “That’s not funny! Think about how my brother Orixas feels.”

“I’m trying not to.”

Orisha giggled to his response.

They talked for several more minutes, enjoying each other’s company, when they heard the distinct sound of a hovercycle heading their way.

Jack shuffled a deck of playing cards. “Sounds like your ride is here.”

“It could be your ride instead of mine.” Orisha said.

He grinned at her. “We could bet on it.”

“I don’t think so.” She said. “I know you all too well, my friend. Besides, you always win.”

“You’re right about that.” He replied with a roguish smirk. The hovercycle and its rider came into closer to view. “If I didn’t know any better, that looks like Naomi Flugel coming for you.”

Sure enough, it was her. The cycle rounded a bank of trees before coming to a full stop in front of Orisha, hovering several inches above the ground. Dressed in her formal outfit, a slight breeze caused Naomi’s red cloak to flutter stylishly. “Hey, Orisha! Ready to go, hon?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “But what about my zoid?”

“Your dad sent for a Whale King to come pick it up so doesn’t worry about it.” Naomi looked at Jack. “Congratulations on your win. I wish it was my cousin’s team instead of your team winning, tho.”

“Your cousin’s team?”

“Yeah, Orisha is my cousin. I thought you knew that. Where do you think she got her marksmanship skills from?” She winked at him.

Orisha got on the cycle behind Naomi, while Jack stared at the two of them. He couldn’t figure how Naomi, pale skinned with hair the color of flame, could be related to Orisha, dark complexioned with hair the color of darkest night. “Mmm, interesting.” He finally said.

Naomi worked the handlebars, revving up the hovercycle. “Well, we better get going. Later, Sisco.”

Orisha held on to Naomi. “Bye, Jack.”

“See ya, kid.”

“Kid?” remarked Naomi while Orisha laughed. It was a private joke between the two of them, knowing she was a few years older than he was. Jack watched as the two women speeded off, disappearing into the forest, the sound of the hovercycle gradually fading away. He looked skyward and noticed the birds he had frighten off earlier had returned. A part of him wished Orisha had stayed a little longer; he really enjoyed her companionship the most. He climbed into the Lightning Saix’s cockpit, activating its controls. He had to return to where the Taskers were waiting for him. All in all, he won much more than he had bargained for.

“The battle ends…”