Nova made it to one of the shuggazoomian lakes. It was one of the places of their first dates. She was mad at first. But now just sorrow filled her soul. How could this happen to her? And why? She thought she knew Sprx well. She thought he is her true love. But all he wanted was to satisfy his perverse imagination. If this was a lie, what else is? And what is true? She couldn't help herself from crying.

As she was crying, her tears have fallen into the river and made circles around them one after another. Her crying turned into breakdown and more tears have falled.
Small bubbles started to appear on the level. At this moment Nova was pacing herself slowly. Soon she noticed the bubbles. As she kept looking at them, they were getting bigger and more of them started to appear. Her sad face turned into confused look. It seemed her tears were causing it. As she tried to approach the level a bit to find out what is going on with the water, something jumped out of the water right in front of her nose and all she could do was screaming of fear; "AAAAAH!"

The Team flew above the city looking for Nova. They couldn't see any signs of her, so they decided to split up in teams of tree; Chiro with Antauri and Otto & Gibson with Jinmay and Sprx. However Sprx refuses to join Gibson and Jinmay.
S: "You go ahead, I'll check the lake."
J: "We are worried, too, Sprx. But we should stick together to not get into trouble, too."
G: "Don't play a hero, Sprx, there is no time!"
S: "I know what I am doing this time! And I don't play a hero, Gibson! If we split up there'll be higher chance we'll find Nova sooner!... I know where to search."
Gibson and Jinmay nodded their heads.

Sprx could feel Nova is in danger. For the worse, she was in danger because of him. His heart was beating so fast and he felt so frustrated as he could not find her when his peripheral vision noticed a small yellow speckle near water. But something just... wasn't right.
S: "Nova!"
N: "Huh... Sprx..."
S: "Don't worry, Nova! I'll save you!"
A huge crocodile-like creature came out of water and splashed Nova with water. Nova was terrified and shocked. She had lot of courage, however, even being cybernetic, half robotic, couldn't bottle up her natural monkey fear such as fear of predators. And this was one of them. The biggest she had ever seen.
As it made it on earth, it slapped Nova away with it's monstrous tail.
N: "Aah!"
S: "Nova!"
Sprx came to Nova and tried to lift her head.
S: "Nova! Are you okay?"
As the crocodile creature came closer, Sprx slowly laid Nova's head back on grass and pointed his magnets towards the animal.
S: "I am warning you! If you touch her, you will have something to do with me!"
The animal screamed as it started running towards them.
S: "Magna-Ball Blazer!"
The animal stopped and turned his back towards Sprx' shot. His skin appeared to be too thick to let it hurt him.
S: "Huh, no way!"
The animal approached even closer.
S: "Magna-Ball Beam Splitter!"
The crock turned out again made the shots parry back on Sprx and Nova. Sprx covered Nova with his body to keep her safe. He took all of his own painful shots. They were hot and heavy and even made him scream.
"Good idea, Sprx." said Nova as she stood up.
S: "Hey! Did it all myself! How about little help?"
Crocodile screamed as Sprx's shots just made him more angry.
S&N: "Electro-Vibra Force! Sting-Ring!"
This attack finally made the animal fall back into the water collapsed.
S: "Yeah! Woohoo! We made it! Together we make such an incredible team! Hi five, Nova?"
Nova was silent. She started to walk away from Sprx.
S: "Nova?"
Sprx started to follow.
S: "Nova c'mon. Still can't talk to me?"
As he tried to look into her eyes, Nova always turned her head in different direction. Nova looked angry and was shivering from cold.
S: "Nova, it won't work like this for a long time. Talk to me."
Nova kept ignoring him while walking.
S: "*Sigh* Okay. Don't talk, listen... I'm sorry for acting like a douchebag. I showed up to be such a jerk. I know it. I realise that. You know you are the first girl I'm dating. However you are more than just that. You are the only girl in my life. And I love it that way. Even when it probably wasn't really good for my development..."
These words got Nova's attention. She looked at him for a while, then looked back on path in front of her.
S: "I know I'm not that dream prince you probably dreamed about. But that's just me. I don't even remember my mother. Like the rest of us maybe. You were the only female always around me. I didn't understand you. That's why I teased you so often since ever. The reason I act like an airhead between girls is that I don't understand them and I'm afraid of them. Well, I was. Before we became a couple."
Nova's eyes were slowly filling with tears as she was trying to keep mad face.
S: "You made me understand you little better. You helped me, Nova. I know this isn't the best apology, but I'm sorry, Nova. I'm sorry for being so slow, for not respecting you for all of those years. I know it's probably hard to believe I truly love you and don't just see you as an object, but I do. I love you, Nova. And if this is the end-"
N: "Sprx!..."
Nova couldn't hold back anymore. She hugged him so tight Sprx needed to gasp for air.
N: "Sprx I know you love me! I'm sorry I doubted it for a while! In fact, I thought... I thought you just-"
S: "Nova..."
Nova kept hugging him as she lifted her head from his chest to look into his eyes.
N: "Huh?"
S: "Nova there's not much time since the team is still looking after you."
N: "You all went to save me?"
S: "Yeah, we... Gibson found out you were in trouble."
N: "Well, thanks for not fighting over leading the way with him this time. It saved my life."
S: "Haha, hold up. In fact, I refused to follow him so I could find you quicker."
N: "Oh! My hero!"
S: "It's true!... About that, are we alright?"
N: "*sigh* Yeah, I can't stay mad at you for long time. *achoo!*"
They both smiled at each other.
S: "We must hurry. Sprx-77 to hyperforce. Do you read?"
A: "Antauri to Sprx, report."
S: "Nova is alright. We're coming home."

As they made it to the super robot, Sprx made sure to get her inside as soon as possible since Nova was freezing cold. Everyone was already inside. Sprx wrapped Nova in blanket and carried her in his arms. Everyone ran up to them asking Nova if she's okay.
N: "I'm alright, just little cold. No worries."
S: "You need to rest and warm up now."
Nova loved when Sprx cared about her even when she didn't seek for help often. Sprx caring about her was something so pure and truly beautiful.
He carried her all the way to their room. In between Nova told him how sweet and nice his gesture is. She also told him it's okay their date is over cause this is showing his love enough. But Sprx said it's not over yet as he opened the door. Nova showed him her real smile this time. The greatest she ever used. She ran out of her words. It warmed her from inside so she wasn't cold anymore. She hugged Sprx from happiness and her fur shared little more waterliness with his. If you ever smelled a wet dog, it was nothing to wet fur of a male monkey. She has put her head on his chest again.
N: "Thank you."
Sprx pet her head and said "Haha... yeah... but actually... I didn't manage to make you dinner yet. I'm sorry Nova."
Without words Nova took Sprx by his hand and led him to their bed, covered him with blanket, kisses him on his cheek and said "You rest, I'll do it."
S: "Nova, don't be silly. Stay here and rest, I'll handle it."
N: "I'm not! I'm fine, really. Stay here. I'll be back soon."
By doing this Nova became responsible to cook for everyone. Sprx took all of the shots for her. He needs to rest as well. However, it were his dumb shots after all. But it must've been such a stressful day for him.

In the kitchen Jinmay told Nova "It's okay, we'll manage it here. Enjoy your big day." and smiled.
N: "Sorry for my previous behaviour, Jinmay. I didn't mean it."
J: "I know you didn't. It's okay. I understand it."
Nova made small dinner for her and Sprx.

They talked as they were eating. Nova told him about her fears.
N: "You know, normally I wouldn't admit it, in front of you especially, but I was very scared today. Actually, I completely froze. I'm thankful you came to save me. I probably wouldn't make it alone by myself."
S: "I'll always be there to protect you, Nova."
They watched movie together, ate snacks and cuddled. In the end of movie they looked at each other. Nova smiled, Sprx looked into her eyes. He didn't smile, but wasn't sad. He decided to tell Nova about his feelings.
S: "Nova, I... I have to tell you something."
Nova looked at him curiously.
N: "Huh? What is it?"
S: "I just... I think there is no reason to hide it anymore. When I look into the future, I see you near my side. I don't wanna just date you Nova. I don't consider it to be just dating. I know I want to be with you forever. And because of that there's no point to hide anything from you. I always cared about you. And I was always scared to lose you. And I still am."
N: "Don't worry Sprx, I can protect myself."
S: "I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you, Nova."
N: "Oh Sprx. I think you know I feel the same about you. Please, try to look at me without being so worried all the time. I know it's hard since who we've become. But now we are here. Let's enjoy every day together."
S: "That makes sense. But I'll always be watching you."
N: "About that... there something I think I should tell you, too. Sprx. I appreciate everything you try to do to protect me or help me. However I never liked it to be honest. Since I'm the only female in the team, I usually feel like the weak spot. Especially... when you walk by me anywhere and won't let me do anything alone. You're making me feel I can't do anything by myself."
S: "I got it. I'll give you more space. I just don't like even seeing you scared."
N: "I know, Sprx. But you can't keep me aside. I'm part of the team. And I'll always be. And... it's true I'm scared sometimes. But... it belongs to our job, doesn't it? And after what you did for me today, I find it lovely. As long as you know I'm scared sometimes, I don't feel so nervous about it. And I don't mind your protection so much anymore. It's actually very sweet."
S: "One time many years ago Antauri told me it's okay to feel scared. It's important to overcome it and keep fighting. I didn't want to own it and show any fear. But then you changed my mind. You saved us all even when you don't feel yourself in cold weather. You kept going and didn't lost yourself in the wormhole. You have been my eyes and was the only one who didn't let her fear to stop her that night. I think I already understand it better. Hero isn't someone without any fears - hero is someone who overcomes his fears to protect others. You are true hero Nova. No matter how scared you are."
N: "Thank you, Sprx." said Nova with smile almost ready to cry.
N: "And Sprx. You are the monkey of my dreams."
They looked at each other and smiled.
N: "I think it's time for presents."
S: "Do you actually have something for me?"
N: "Of course! Why would I leave you without a surprise?"
S: "Because I don't even deserve you, haha."
N: "Nah, don't worry. I'll punch you enough times to equalise it."
Sprx showed Nova nervous smile. Nova smiled back. Then she handed him blue bag of elegant design. Sprx took it and started to pull out some soft papers. The bag contained several presents. Sprx knew it will be something special since the bag was heavy and Nova always gave great presents. She was always attentive and gave accurate presents. For his birthday, he got a fight pilot simulator video game since playing with Chiro really got him. (They figured out his birthday is probably the seventh of the brightest. This idea they got from his model name -77. They find it obvious Alchemist used their birth date since it could help him remember their actual age and day of birth. This could help him watch their abilities and development.) First present was a book "101 Things to Do with Your Pilot's License". There's more than just flying.
N: "According to this book, having a pilot's license opens up doors you probably never thought of. This book lets you know: Sky's the limit! Unless you didn't know that before, hh."
S: "Nova..."
N: "C'mon! Look at the next one!"
Sprx grabbed next book. It was book called "Inside the Cockpit". Although Sprx isn't such a passionate reader, pilots are love to know everything they can about flying and aviation.
N: "Aaah! They said this book is filled with an array of color photographs that will delight any pilot. It focuses on the fifty most influential aircraft in aviation history."
S: "Wohoo, they were right!"
N: "So, what's next?"
Sprx grabs next book-like thing. This time it's a flight deck journal. This journal included a pocket sized notebook inside a stylish handmade cover, covered with artful renditions of a space ship cockpit instrument panel.
N: "Now you can take notes, plan flights, and record the deep thoughts."
S: "Nova I-I have nothing to say!"
N: "Don't say anything. There's one more, open it!"
Sprx grabbed the last thing in the bag. It was much heavier. It was a nautical sextant. Pilots are into the history of navigation, and the groundbreaking pioneers of navigation were ship's captains. It comes in a wooden box with a leather closure strap.
Sprx was speechless. This took his breath away.
S: "Nova!"
N: "Huh? What's the matter? You don't like it?"
S: "Like it?... Any pilot will LOVE and appreciate this brass antique sextant!"
N: "Great! I'm glad you're satisfied."
S: "No! I-I'm not satisfied! I can't breathe, Nova! It had to be so expensive... I-I can't keep it."
N: "Of course, you can, honey. I know how much you enjoy being pilot. Although we all technically are, you are really passionate about it. I love you the most. What else would I spent on?"
S: "Nova, thank you. It really means a lot."
N: "My pleasure!... Speaking about being passionate about something, I wanted to ask you something for a long time already..."
S: "Go on!"
N: "Why do you prefer being called by your model number? We all have one. I know mine is NOVA52. I see my ID all the time and sometimes it annoys me. But I always have been just 'Nova' since I was born. Why are you attached to it so much?"
S: "*sigh* Yeah, that's right. I was just Sparx one time. The thing is, I'm not anymore. I mean, look at me. This isn't Sparx, the cute monkey with red fur. This is SPRX-77. Those... eye covers, helmet, tail tools, protectors, rocket pack and... of course..."
Sprx transforms his hands into magnets.
S: "I'm a fighting machine. Not Sparx, but SPRX. Not an innocent animal. A weapon."
He transforms his hands back and for a while they just stand next to each other quietly.
N: "I'm sorry to bring that up, Sprx. I had no idea-"
S: "Yeah. I know. Everybody thinks I just wanna be special and different. In fact, I just realise who I really am. Don't apologise."
N: "Sprx, listen. You are much more than that. You are much more than you think. You aren't a weapon. And you are in no way a machine. You are cyborg, yeah, that's right..."
Nova touched his chest with her left hand.
N: "...But when I get close to you, I can feel your warmth. When I listen closely, I can feel your heartbeat. And when I hold you, I can feel it. And most importantly, I know you want to use it to calm me down. That's not what a weapon does. That's not a definition of a machine."
Sprx looked at Nova.
N: "We are who we are. We won't change it. And we are important. We have a huge responsibility. You are upgraded, so you can help protect the universe. But it'll never change who you are."
S: "Who am I? Really."
N: "Whenever you'll find yourself lost, whenever you'll not be sure who you are, remember, you are the monkey I fell in love with."
S: "Thank you, Nova."
N: "No problem, sweetheart... Well, earlier this day, you also wanted to give me a present."
Without any word, Sprx grabs a pretty purple box with a silver bow with satisfied smile on his face.
S: "I almost forgot."
N: "I got ya!"
S: "What's my gift compared to yours?"
N: "I'm sure you have chosen with heart. If so, then it's equal."
They both smiled at each other. Nova pulled the bow and opened the box gently. Inside there was a cute light pink warm sweater.
S: "Since you don't take cold very well..."
Sprx smiles. Nova turns her confused face with opened mouth into smile as well. She jumps on Sprx and hugs him.
As she tried her new sweater she took a look on bed. It was only Sprx there when she left. Now it seemed there was something huge under the blanket. Nova felt little unsure and told Sprx to look at it and asked him what is it. When Sprx told her to find out for herself, she felt calmer. Nova uncovered the blanket. There was a huge cute plushie.
N: "Sprx, why..."
S: "Isn't he cute? I know you have your soft side."
N: "How would you find out?"
S: "Remember the Lug thing? When we were in that little store? You thought nobody saw you when you grabbed all the cute stuff. You probably forgot I always watch you."
N: "Creep."
S: "Actually I felt sorry you didn't keep the plushies."
N: "You saw the plushies."
Nova blushed and smiled.
S: "Yeah. Little princess innocent."
Nova kept smiling for a while but then stopped:
N: "Don't you... see me as a coward for it?"
S: "You? A coward? Never! You in fact are the most dangerous girl I know, haha."
Nova smirked.
N: "Then you must be happy I'm yours."
S: "You have no idea."
N: "I think I do."
Nova kissed Sprx deeply.

S: "Nova... I don't know what to say."
N: "You don't have to say anything, you made this day so unique."
S: "Thanks but... you kissed me, you know? I mean... are you okay?"
N: "I am. I just... wanted it to be special, you know?"
They smiled, kissed and hugged.
S: "Every time with you is special"
Sprx smirked and wiggled his eyebrows.
Nova made little grumpy face then Sprx pointed fingers on her and winked.
N: "You always have to ruin it."
Nova smiled.
S: "Ooor... make it better!"
Nova started laughing and Sprx joined.
N: "You are such an idiot!"
S: "Buuut... YOUR IDIOT!"
Nova laughed.
S: "Forever!"
They both laughed hard. After while they stopped and smiled.
S: "Thanks for tolerating me Nova."
N: "I love you. Thanks for loving me back."
They kissed.
In that moment they could hear Gibson's announce;
G: "To Nova and Sprx; Come to the main room! Immediately! I quit, Gibson."
"Lovely." said Sprx ironically.
N: "Can you embrace it?"
S: "It's our job, isn't it?"
They held hands, smiled and ran into the main room.

S: "I hope it's worth it!"
G: "I wouldn't interrupt you otherwise, Sprx. Nova, can you describe that creature that attacked you and the exact place you found it?"
Nova did so.
S: "What's happening?"

G: "*sigh* This creature appears to be not of the Shuggazooms origin at all! I presume we are dealing with an alien alligator-like creature. The problem is there is no way it could travel just by itself. We must look for its ship, find out who sent it here and what is its purpose."
N: "Sprx."

S: "So what are we waiting for?!
MONKEYS, MOBILIZE!"