The Iron Bird is the ninth episode of Season 1 of the Monster Rancher anime series. It aired in Japan on June 12, 1999.
Synopsis
Genki and the others come across an Iron Bird, a massive flying machine. Its owner used it to escape from the land on the other side of an impassable canyon. But, the fugitive is running from the forces of Moo, and, in order to save himself, he may have to betray his new friends.
Full Recap
Finally reaching the end of the continent, the group arrives at Heaven's Canyon, a gigantic, bottomless gorge. Just when it looks like they're stuck, an Iron Bird crashes near them.
The pilot, Ed, was a prisoner from the Baddie camp on the other continent. He reluctantly sells the Iron Bird to Hare and promises to fix it.
The next day, they all collect parts to the Iron Bird, but the evil Captain Kuro ambushes Ed to sabotage the Bird's Spirit Capsule. He is successive, but waits until they are lifting off the next day to reveal what he has done. Ed also admits to Holly that the Baddies rule the other continent ruthlessly.
Just then, the Kuros attack, but the heroes defeat them and take off across the canyon, saying their farewells to Ed.