Lydia was walking through a lush jungle. Strange frogs chirped and croaked. She gripped her nightgown tighter in her small hands. She looked down at them. Wait…Lydia thought. Did I…shrink? She flinched when the sound of rustling was heard. Lydia turned her head to see that the Crog child from her dreams was now trying to push the greenery away from him. Lydia could now see a clear view of him. He was like any other Crog except for those ears. There were two of them instead of one. She tried to reach out to help him, but her hands were smacked away. Tears welled in her eyes and she cried.

The Crog groaned. "You humans are such crybabies aren't you?" He brushed the plants off his own pajamas. The cloth was made of silk. The deep red color made him stand out in the forest. He stared hard at young Lydia. Then, he looked around before he patted her head. "There…Will you stop crying now before something eats us?"

Lydia sniffed. She looked up at him in surprise. She took off her glasses and began to wipe them against her nightgown. "Um…What's your name?" Lydia was only met with a stare. Her cheeks flustered. "I just want to call you by your name. It'll be rude if I call you Crog all the time."

The Crog was silent. He crossed his arms and sighed. Ears drooped. "Prince Scorpio…." He turned to Lydia. "That's all you need to know."

"Lydia…" Lydia said. "My name's Lydia. It's nice to meet you, Prince Scorpio." She briefly looked at Prince Scorpio's ears. She put her glasses back on. Her face went red at the sight of them. Her hands folded together. "Can I-" Her words were cut off by a roar.

Lydia woke up with a start. She tried to move her hands. Her head moved from one side to the other. Her vision was a little blurry, but there were no further aches. She slithered her hand to her side. "E-eva…Aikka…" Lydia soon realized that the lights were out. A few light bulbs were damaged. Cracks appeared in certain places. However, she was starting to make out certain shapes.

A soft groan reached her ears. Lydia turned. She soon saw Aikka put his arms around Eva. Both Rush and Spirit were spared of debris thanks to Saggitarus shielding them. The Crog's head was bleeding. "Guys…Guys wake up!" A sound reverberated in the hull of the ship. Lydia instinctively broke free. Her feet tapped against something smooth. She picked it up. Her fingers could feel stubby legs and ears. "Ishtar!"

G'dar's cry echoed loudly now. She grouped the ground for the stones and bag. Once she was able to find them, Lydia moved toward G'dar. Thankfully, the damage to the ship wasn't too severe. The lights seem to have been knocked out but the walls didn't look as damaged. I better treat Saggitarius to the latest desert once this is over.

Lydia soon reached G'dar. The Nourasian Beetle was rattled but didn't seem too phased. Lydia slowly went over to the giant bug. She patted his head gently. "There…There…It's ok now." Lydia giggled as she received a kiss from the beetle. "Ok, can you move?" Her question was met with slight movement of the enormous legs.

"Lydia?" Eva's voice echoed across the ship. "Lydia, where are you?"

"I'm over here!" Lydia called back. "Can any of you move?"

"Yeah. Aikka's ok."

"G'dar's just a little rattled but no injury to him whatsoever."

"Good to know." Rush's voice soon joined the mix.

"Rush! Is anything broken? What about Spirit and Sagittarius?"

A grunt was heard. Something rattled and creaked. Then a loud crash. "Ooops…I'm fine. Spirit is too. Sagittarius managed to shield us when we went down. By the looks of him though he won't wake up for a while."

Lydia made her way back to the control room. Her eyes grew sharper in the light. "Let's get out of this room. My vision is really strong in the dark. I'll let you hold on to my tails and lead the way out." She soon arrived to see that everyone except Sagittarius were on their feet. The Crog was being held up by both Spirit and Rush.

"Sounds like a plan," Eva said. She reached out to the extended tail. Her fingers tightened around them. Eva walked forward as carefully as she could. Her shoes tapped against the floor for any debris.

The group were able to reach Lydia with ease. They all held on as Lydia guided them through the dark. Their steps echoed as they shuffled through the darkness. Finally, they managed to get out of the ship. G'dar tailing them like a giant dog. To their surprise, they were welcomed by a barren landscape. The sand being oddly colorful against the lavender sky. Everyone set Sagittarius down gently.

"So…" Rush rubbed his head. "Anyone have an idea of where we are?"

Spirit shook his head. Aikka was too busy looking after G'dar to answer. Lydia and Eva both shook their heads. Then, Eva thought of something. She turned to Lydia. "Where's Ishtar and the others?"

Lydia went into her bag and pulled them out. The three stones nestled in her palms. "They're burnt out but I think they'll be back soon." A rumble vibrated around them. Lydia's tails and ears perked upright. "What was that?"

The group glanced around. There was nothing coming towards them, but they couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't alone. Spirit suddenly clapped his hands and pointed to something in the distance. A faint glint could be seen.

Eva cupped her left hand as she tried to get a better view. "Do you think it's General Leo's and Prince Scorpio's ships?"

"Most likely," Lydia answered. She tucked her stones away and joined Eva. "They were attached to our ship when they attacked us." Her mind wandered back to the dream had earlier. She turned to Eva. "Um…Eva…There's-" A strange zipping noise was heard above them. Lydia looked up in time to see a tongue heading straight toward them. She pushed Eva away. Lydia tried to jump but the tongue tied around her up before she could get far.

"Lydia!" Eva cried out.

Spirit acted. He quickly took his shadow form. He attached himself to the tongue. Before he could get Lydia free, the ambassador of the Phils was met with a blast of heat. He fell on the ground. He rolled frantically to put himself out.

Lydia thrashed and struggled. Her ninetails wrapped around the slimy rope. She managed to break free. Her speed had only gotten a few feet toward her friends when a large shape appeared before her. She crashed into him. Lage hands grabbed her, squeezing at her abdomen. Lydia gritted her teeth.

"Stop struggling." Prince Scorpio held her up to her face. "You're coming with me." His eyes leveled with hers. He couldn't explain it, but his heart thundered in his chest. The strange thing is, it was out of fear. It was…joy. Pure joy of seeing her again. Behind him, Blazing Stars gave him a mournful look. Leo running up beside the lizard with a look of pure anger. "Why…Why are you doing this to me?"

Lydia took a deep breath. The images from her dreams began to mix with her memories. Wait…Her eyes were wide as realization hit. Those aren't dreams…They're…She swallowed hard. "I…remember." She leaned in closer. "Do…you remember me, Scorpio? The night we met?"

"That's-" Prince Scopio's eyes went wide. His heart thundered hard. "W-what did you just say?"

Leo stared at the two of them confused. Eva, Rush, Spirit and Aikka stood there stunned. Before anyone could say anything, the ground rumbled beneath their feet. Visible cracks splintered on the ground. Something rose out, a strange creature that had a body of a naked mole rat and armor of a scorpion rose out of the ground. It let out a bellowing roar. It flopped down, sending a shockwave toward them.

Spirit and Aikka ran to Molly and covered her. Rush put a protective stance, shielding Saggitarius from the sandy blast. Leo pulled out his weapon only to be blinded. Prince Scorpio and Blazing Stars curled around Lydia as everything started to sink around them. Cries were heard but they soon vanished. Nothing remained on the sandy surface.

—-(Back on Earth with Don Wei)-

It's only been a few days and Eva didn't call yet. Don Wei was notorious for being a worrier. He paced in his house. The living room floor threatened to be worn down by his shoes. Hands held tight behind his back. Lydia was turning into something. What it is? He doesn't know, but he had to put faith in both Eva and Aikka to make sure the mission doesn't go south anymore than it does.

"Goodness! I've never seen someone that fussy since I first worked in a lab."

Don Wei jumped at the voice. He turned to see it was Dr. Nongon. He sighed. "Oh…It's just you…" He put a hand to his heart. "What are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to check in. My lab was in a tizzy over the news. Poison on our suits?! Who would do such a barbaric thing?"

Don Wei grimaced. "Who indeed…The President is having everything on lock down and doing a silent investigation. If it happened in space…" He tightened his hands. "We must be careful."

Dr. Nongon nodded. "Agreed. Any news on where they're going?"

"Not much…" Don Wei was about to say more but stopped himself. His stomach coiled at the sight of the doctor's smile. "Um…Doctor…How long have you been working in that lab?"

"Oh for twenty years." Dr. Nongon simply walked over to a table where pictures of young Eva lay. "I see you cherish your daughter a lot."

Something about the doctor's statement made his heart race harder. Mouth dry, he tried to get the words out. "Yes. I worry about her even now." His body froze. He felt like a pawn on a chessboard. He thought back to Canaletto and how he took away his wife just for some stupid title. "If there's nothing else relevant…I suggest you leave. Now!"

Dr. Nongon's expression didn't change. He merely bowed. "Forgive me. I thought some idle chit-chat would lighten the mood." He was only halfway through the door when he turned back to him. "Oh..Please let me know if they've found Lydia's mother yet. I do hope that her disappearance isn't too much of a distraction for our alien linguist." With that, he left.

Don Wei collapsed on the sofa. He looked at his arms. To his shock, bruises were found along the forearms. His whole body shook. He was so pleasant earlier, he thought. But now…I feel like I'm trapped in the room with a true monster. Don picked up the photo of Eva and Maya. Eva…Please be ok.

—-(The desert planet with Lydia)-

Lydia groaned. She rubbed her head. Teeth gritted, she tried to move. No such luck. She tried again. However, her bag was still stuck to her side. The stones jabbing into her ribs. Lydia looked around, she could make out Prince's Scorpio's limbs and a wall of scales. Pressure along her back and face let her know that something had her pinned.

She fiddled with her hand until she found her bag. The hard stones pressed against her fingers. Lydia tried to find something that might give her a better idea of where they are. A soft groan reached her ears. Her cheeks flushed as a warm breath tickled them. Her tails wrapped around Prince Scorpio's abdomen. A pair of yellow eyes glowed in the dark. Lydia gave an awkward smile. "Uh…hi…Can you make out where we are?"

Prince Scorpio was silent. He turned his body slightly. He let out a grunt. "Just my luck. I have to get stuck with an alien runt under a sheet of sand."

"We're buried alive?!" Lydia felt the grip on her tighter.

"Calm down deceiver, I'm sure we can dig our way out. Just inhale our pocket of air."

Lydia gave him an offended look. "Deceiver?! What do you mean?"

"You're actually one of the Kitsellus. They're known to change their shape." He lightly touched Lydia's ears. They were surprisingly soft. "My father also told me that your kind is one of the oldest races in the galaxy. I don't know why I had to stay away from you. You're pretty pathetic." To his surprise, he received a slap that gave a burning pain in his cheeks. He rubbed the spot where he was struck. His mind went into a whirlwind.

"I'm pathetic?! You don't even know me! You never even bothered to give us a chance. The moment humans went into your territory, you gave us no warning. You attacked us because your people couldn't handle a little dent in your , Toros tried to kill the other racers for a power that he doesn't deserve. As well as unleash an ambush on the respective planets. At least Sagittarius had the guts to admit that your people are messed up." Lydia raised a hand before Prince Scorpio could say anything. "Yes, to you he is a low class soldier. But to me, he's a scientist and an explorer willing to learn about new people. A lover with a broken heart and not afraid to show it. He's far stronger than your people will ever know." Tears gleamed in her eyes.

Suddenly, a groan resounded around them. A bright orange glow blinded them for a moment. "Master…Are you and your mate ok?"

Lydia and Prince Scorpio froze. Both were unable to speak for a long period of time. Lydia's fur stood on end while Prince Scorpio's ears twitched violently.

"We're not mates, Blazing Stars," Prince Scorpio said. His voice held an edge of annoyance. "Can you at least get us out of here?! Before we all suffocate?"

"Ok." Blazing Stars began to wiggle around. Everything was squeezing against them. "Patooh! There's so much sand here-Wait I think I-" A rumbling noise followed by a crack sent everyone on edge. "Uh oh.."

The sand soon gave way. The group screamed as they found themselves falling into a cavern. Blazing Stars shrunk down, grabbing one of Lydia's tails. Lydia clung onto Prince Scorpio for dear life. She closed her eyes shut as she was prepared to hit the ground. A heavy crunch resounded. She opened her eyes again and saw Prince Scorpio holding onto a dark purple crystal. His blood seeped out of his hand.

"Are you ok?" Lydia asked.

Prince Scorpio only gave a hollowed laugh. "I've felt worse…" He peered around until he found what looked like a good place to land. He looked at the lizard on his tail. "Blazing Stars, hold on to this creature. We're going to land."

"My name's Lydiaaaaaaaa!" Lydia screamed as they plummeted once more.

Crystals exploded everywhere as they landed. Prince Scorpio set Lydia down while he looked at his hand. His eyes were thoughtful. He shrugged it off. He held out his hand for Blazing Stars but Lydia slapped it away.

"Don't touch him!" Lydia's ears pinned back. "You expect me to let you have him after how you've treated him."

Blazing Stars crawled up to her head. "Mama Lydia. Sir Scorpio carved me. He gave me a name. I do appreciate your concern but I'll be fine." He leaped onto Prince Scropio's extended hand. Unaware of the awkward feeling he left between them.

Silence filled the cavern. It felt like an eternity until Prince Scorpio was able to speak. He cleared his throat. His ears betrayed his unease. "Familiar with this planet?" He groaned at Lydia's soured face. "Kinsellian…Human…" He sighed. "Lydia…I'm…s-sorry. Alright?"

Lydia looked up at him. The fur around her began to relax. Her tails began to arrange themselves. She took a deep breath. Part of her wanted to apologize for slapping, however, she knew there was nothing for her to apologize. She took a deep breath and calmed herself before continuing. Lydia glanced around the cavern. Crystals gleamed a thousand colors. "So far, there's been only three planets that have crystals." Her cheeks flushed. "Unfortunately I don't remember them all since it was explored by humans yet." She noticed his annoyed look. "Oh like you even know?"

Prince Scorpio looked away. Then, he noticed something. He pointed at it. "There. It looks like a worn out path." He began to walk towards it. "This could lead us to where the others are."

Lydia followed him, but she soon found herself being yanked to the front by her tails. "Ow!" Her fur flared out once more. "What was that for?!"

"Just walk in front. I already said my apology. Now, I want to make sure you try anything funny." He flinched as his hand began to throb. He pointed in the direction of the path.

Lydia huffed. "Fine," She grumbled. The rest of the words she muttered to herself. "Why does he have to be so stuck up? He can't even get a single speech into his thick head."

"I can hear you. You can keep prattling on as you wish."

Lydia and Prince Scorpio marched on. Neither saying a word to each other. The roads stretched and turned. Crystals of blue and green lined their path. However, they couldn't find any life or their friends. A few cracks and rumbles made them jump but nothing out of the ordinary. Finally, they found a river.

Lydia sniffed it. She smiled. "I don't smell anything off. I think it's safe to-" She felt something pull at her tails. "Ugh! What is it now?" She turned to see Prince Scorpio on his knees. His fingers gently rubbing them. Lydia's face went beet red at the sight. "W-what are you doing?"

"Sssssoft tailssss…" His words slurred. The wound on his arm began to take on an ugly shade of purple. Ears drooped. Eyes unfocused. Even the shouts of Blazing Stars didn't gain her attention. He almost had a child-like gaze as he looked at her. "Pretty. So pretty Lydia…Your glasses…Where're your glasses?" Without warning, he collapsed.

"Prince Scorpio!" Lydia went over to him. She lightly placed a hand on his black skin. A rush of heat ran up her arm. "You've got a fever." She turned his wound over. She gasped. "This is bad and we don't have a kit! Let alone how to fix this!"

"What do we-" Blazing Stars was cut off as a strange grappling device snatched him out of nowhere. "Help!"

"Blazing Stars!" Lydia called out. A net flew out before. She covered Prince Scorpio as best as she could. A wild sensation grew in her body. She growled fiercely. Lydia bit on the rope, ignoring the electric shocks that went down her body. Hands pulling at the fabric. As it went on a memory flashed in her.

A young Lydia was climbing up a tree. She lost her footing until a large hand pulled her up and set her on a branch. Young Scorpio gave her an annoyed look. Lydia grinned. Suddenly, a golden light hit. They both turned to the horizon. Bluish-green foliage turning aquamarine in the light. Birds chirped, flying into the air.

"Wooow." Lydia breathed. Her eyes grew wide at the beauty. "I wish my momma and Mercu could see this. It's so pretty up here!" Tears stung her eyes. Sniffling was soon heard in her ears. She turned to see Prince Scorpio crying. "Prince Scorpio?"

Prince Scorpio's eyes gleamed with tears. "It's not fair! Everyone kept laughing at me back there. I couldn't do anything! I'm the prince of the Crogs! A warrior! I'm feared by all!" A sob wracked. "I wanna go home!" He wailed. Tears flowed nonstop.

Lydia stared at him in surprise. A small smile appeared on her lips. She hugged him. This time, he didn't try to push her away. "But you still protected me. It's ok. We'll find someone to send us home." Suddenly, branches snapped above them.

"Lydia!" Prince Scorpio pushed her out of the way. He vanished as the creature attacked him. The two fell down from the trunk to the ground.

Lydia also fell. However, the branches slowed her descent. Breaking under her weight. She landed with a thud. Her world spun for a moment. When she got her bearings, Lydia slowly got up. "Scorpio? Scorpio?" She frantically got up. She saw the black monster looming over the unmoving body of Prince Scorpio.

Back in reality, Lydia found ropes wrapped around her neck. Prince Scorpio lies still as rope ties wrap around his ears. "Get away from us," She growled. She yanked on the ropes. A few snapped away. "Get away from uuuuusss!" She tore the ropes and net. This time, her fox ears picked up her assailants. She charged to the nearest one hidden behind a blue crystal cluster. Lydia jumped and bit down on the arm.

A child's scream was heard. The skin was rough under her teeth. She let go and grabbed the gun, breaking it in two. Lydia's attention went back to Prince Scorpio. She turned and went after the other attackers that were getting too close. Lydia roared until something hit her neck.

Lydia landed on top of Scorpio with a thud. Her world started to grow dark. However, she used the last of her energy to wrap her arms around him. She tried her best to fight her exhaustion. Her eyelids were threatening to close. "It'll be ok…It'll be…Scorpio…" She was swallowed by darkness once again.