In the beginning of this exciting episode we see a large number of Imperial Molgas in pursuit of our heroes. Seems Van and the others are traveling through Republican territory and the Imperial Army believes they are the enemy. Van and Irvine put up a good fight, but for some unknown reason the Molgas suddenly retreat and disappear.

Once everything calms down, Van explains to Irvine how his sites weren't aligned properly during the battle. This statement has Irvine thinking. As everyone prepares to continue their journey, each of their Zoids begin to vibrate violently. Irvine instructs everyone to initialize their pulse guards. His fears were confirmed. They were in the valley of the Rare Hertz. The area is known for a Rare Hertz mist that affects all Zoids. Now they have a choice...to face the Imperial Army or the Rare Hertz. With the pulse guards holding, they decide to press forward.

The plan takes a turn for the worse when Zeke goes berserk. He fuses with the Shield Liger and begins firing at Irvine's Command Wolf causing some damage. The organoid becomes uncontrollable and quickly runs off. Van pleads with Irvine to give him the Command Wolf to go after Zeke. Irvine feels it is too late to help Zeke and is totally against it. Instead of fighting, Van takes off on foot to find the Liger and Zeke.

Van's desperate search eventually brings him to tracks left by the liger. He follows the tracks for hours in the stifling heat until they seem to fade. High on the cliffs above, Van notices a familiar figure standing on the ledge peering down at him. It is the Shield Liger! When Van attempts to climb up the treacherous mountain, he loses his footing and falls in a heap to the hard ground below. Van awakens to find Fiona has bandaged his bruised and bleeding arm.

Meanwhile, Moonbay finished the repairs on Irvine's Command Wolf. Irvine is tempted to leave Van behind, but Moonbay convinces him otherwise.

In another area of the valley, Van and Fiona have finally located Zeke. Again Zeke fuses with the Liger and fires at Van, but Van holds his ground. The Shield Liger raises his foot to crush the young boy, but Zeke is unable to go through with it. Suddenly a small avalanche caused by Irvine immobilizes the Liger. Zeke fleas, but Van pursues him with the help of his hoverboard. The chase ends at the edge of a cliff.

Zeke whacks Van over and over again with his tail, but this just causes Van to reminisce of their first meeting. Without warning the ground gives way under Zeke. Van grabs him causing both of them to hover dangerously over the endless depths below. Due to the weakened state of Van's arm he is unable to hold on until Irvine can rescue them. They begin to fall when miraculously Zeke propels them both to safety. Zeke's eyes soften as his memories return. Once again friends they discuss plans for a new day.