Leo stretched out his limbs. He groaned loudly. "Glad to finally get out of that rickety death trap." Just as he said this, G'dar scrambled out. He gripped his ears as a shriek filled the air. "Especially with that thing on board." He barely got out of the way as G'dar charged forward.

"G'dar!" Aikka yelled. He ran after his beetle. "Come back!" Thankfully, the creature didn't run too far away. It went into a basket of food that was nearby. He sighed as G'dar knocked over a cartoon of berries. He patted the carapace as a local yelled at him.

Lydia and Eva sighed. Both bowed their heads. "So much for a low profile…" Eva muttered.

Lydia's ears drooped. "I just hope we don't get into any more trouble." She touched one of her tails. "That's the last thing I want to deal with." Her familiars soon popped out. She gave them a firm look. Her index finger in the air like a mother ready to lecture her children. "Alright guys, I need you to stay close to me in case anything happens. This planet is an entertainment district as well as a shopping center. It might cause some problems if we're separated."

Ishtar did a salute. "Yes mam!"

Lydia giggled as she picked them out of her tails and set them into her bag. She soon noticed that the handle was starting to get worn. She sighed. I better go look for a new bag. I wonder if there's a market nearby. Lydia pulled out a map that the group had managed to print out before arriving. She watched every curve and block for anything that might indicate a market.

Eva leaned next to her. "Going to go shopping?"

Lydia nodded. "Want to come?" Lydia faced Eva. Her tails wagged in joy. "I've made a list but maybe you can buy something for yourself."

Eva was about to answer but a small commotion was heard. She turned to see G'dar rubbing against another ship. Aikka frantically apologizes to the crew. Spirit and Rush aided him. She grimaced at the chaotic sight.

Lydia bit her lip. Her ears lifted slightly. Fox fur puffed out. "You…go on ahead…I'll go by myself."

Sagittarius walked over. "Let me come with you. I know I'm a little scary, but it might prevent any unwanted company."

Leo laughed. "You? Ha! That's rich! Like I'd lose a chance of losing track of the fugitive."

Sagittarius growled. His ears flicked up in pure agitation. Eyes narrowed. Fists balled up. "Don't be making threats! It was your fault that Brinnia-"

Prince Scorpio stepped between the two. Blazing Stars perched on top of his head. "Enough. Let's all go together and try to be civil about this. If we get out of control here, there might be unwanted questions."

Sagittarius and Leo glared at each other for a moment. Their bodies tense. Battle stances at the ready. Then, they settled down. Both crossed arms and looked away.

Lydia sighed. At least we won't have to fight for a while. She heard a few footsteps behind her. She turned to see Argen standing behind her. His feet shuffled in reluctance. Lydia knelt down, her tails moved carefully so as not to let her familiars fall.

"Um…" He said. His fingers fiddled together. His cheeks flushed a dark green. "Can I come with? I don't want stick around this ship." He pointed to the chaos that went on.

Lydia smiled. She playfully tilted her head. Fox ears flicked, earning a giggle from Argen. "Sure but you're going to have to stay close."

General Leo groaned. He muttered something , Lydia was able to hear some of the words. Mostly at the idea that they were going to do some babysitting. He stomped off with Sagittarius walking behind him.

Prince Scorpio offered his arm to Lydia. His ears drooped slightly. "Shall we?"

Lydia's face turned red. Her fur fluffed up. She could hear her familiars and Argen giggling. This felt like something from one of the fairytales as a kid. "S-sure." Lydia tried to hold back the shaking that threatened to ruin the moment she had been dreaming for a long time. Her arm was a mere twig when looped around his. But the warmth gave a much needed comfort.

—-(Sometime later)-

Argen's eyes widened at the sight before him. Brightly colored buildings surrounded the area. Music filled the air. Billboards showing musical instruments and tools used for every need. What Argen did love most were the plants. Yellow flowers with music note petals. Violets that shifted colors based on the lighting. There was even a tree that could whistle. "Amazing! This is beyond anything I've seen before!" He turned to the store keeper. "Do any of them have healing properties?"

The alien had a cheery look on his face. His diamond shaped face was graced with musical notes for hair. The thick cords ran down his head all the way to his shoulders. He wore an apron that resembled musical sheets. "Indeed we do." His voice let out a melody with each word he spoke. He pulled one out from a box hidden behind the stand. "Here we have-" He nearly shrieked as Sagittarius came closer.

Sagittarius stared at a few white flowers that seemed to resemble an earth lotus flower that sat in one corner. "Amazing…I've never seen something so well cared for." He looked at the shopkeeper. Upon seeing the frightened face, he went down on his knees and lowered his ears. "Is this yours?"

The Shopkeeper stared in stunned silence. A music note of an eyebrow arched. "Um…yes…I've cared for it for about 20 years."

"Impressive! Do you happen to have any seeds this lad and I can take?"

Lydia and Prince Scropio watched from afar. Their arms were already full of groceries and parts for the ship. The duo couldn't help but be entertained at how Argen was being cheery at the marketplace considering how glum he was only a day ago. Behind them, Leo skulked by an empty salescart. Ears lowered to his head.

Lydia grinned. "I'm glad those two are having fun. It was a good idea to let those two come along." She shifted her bags of clothing. Lydia had to admit, it was weird how everyone stared at her and the other Crogs. But she did find their company assuring especially after a little pirate alien, Fruter, tried to steal her items. She moved one of her tails, admiring the charms that were braided into the fur. "A lot of the shop owners were really kind."

Prince Scorpio stared at Lydia. His heart fluttered each time he looked at her. The way her tails swayed when she walked. Her human and fox ears bearing a stunning array of small earrings. Children surrounding her, wanting to touch her tails. "Probably because they've never seen such beauty before."

Lydia turned to him. "What?"

Prince Scorpio's ears lifted up. "N-nothing! Just…This must be the first time to see a Fox-like alien to them." He mentally cursed for his poor statement. He heard a faint chuckling behind him. Prince Scorpio turned. He saw Leo with a smug look on his face. He glared back.

Before any fight could break out, Sagittarius and Argen returned to the group. Each one had seeds and a pot of flowers. Their eyes sparkled with pure joy.

Argen held up his plant. It resembled a cleft note with silver petals stretching out like a ribbon. "Isn't this cool?! It's supposed to help with space sickness and anxiety issues. Maybe you could use it when you're back home, Lydia."

Lydia's ears drooped. Her tails slowly sagged. There's just one problem…I don't have one. Not while I'm like this. Her eyes stung with tears at the mere idea of coming back to Earth. The stares. More whispered comments about her behind her back. Her heart couldn't take it.

Argen's face transformed into guilt. A frown plastered on his face. "I'm sorry. Did I say something to upset you?"

Lydia wiped her tears away. "No. It's not that." She knelt down and took his gift. "Thank you, Argen." Her ears picked up a slight chuckling. For some reason it annoyed her. She side-eyed to see it was General Leo trying his best to hide his dark humor. "Anything funny, general?" Her teeth were clenched as she said those words.

General Leo gave a smug look. He ignored Prince Scorpio's and Sagittarius' glare. "Oh…Just find it funny how all your fellow humans will act when they see how much of an abomination you are. Well…That is if our king doesn't turn you into a-" His words were cut short as a flash of white made contact with his face. Sending him to crash into an empty stall. His enormous body was hidden in the debris. "Ow…"

"Ha! Finally caught up with ya!"

Lydia, Prince Scorpio and Sagittarius stared in shock. Eyes wide at who they were seeing before them. A female Byrian that was dressed in a pair of overalls. Tools peaked out of the pockets. Musical note earrings dangled from her ears. Her long hair tied into a ponytail.

Sagittarius' eyes sparkled. His ears lowered to his head. "B-Brinnia…Is…Is that you?" He lowered his stuff as he walked towards her. Hands raised. His steps were shaky, legs ready to give at any moment.

Brinnia gave a sad smile. "Hi Sagi…Sorry I took so long to find you."

Sagittarius lifted her into his arms. He spun her around in pure glee. The local aliens gathered but they didn't bother him in the slightest. "I'm so glad you're alright! How did you get here? What about the poison? Do you feel sick? I'm so sorry I should've asked-"

Britannia rubbed his black head. Her eyes filled with laughter. "I'm ok. I'll explain everything once we're somewhere a little private." She gestured to the crowd.

Sagittarius looked around. His ears drooped as he heard the familiars giggling from Lydia's fur. "Oh…right…My apologies." He lowered Brinnia down. However, his hands struggled to let go of those hips.

Lydia watched as an annoyed Leo pulled himself out of the rubble. He looked like he was about to say something but a single glare from Prince Scorpio made him back down. Lydia tried her best to suppress her satisfaction of Leo being put into her place. Then, she remembered something. Lydia glanced around the market. Her eyes darted to find a clock a few feet from where they were.

"We can discuss it back at the ship," Lydia said. "It's almost departure time." She shifted her bundle and began to move. Suddenly, Lydia was lifted into Prince Scorpio's arms as the ground exploded with a loud POW!

Panic soon erupted. Argen was on the ground. His knee was scraped but he cried out of pure shock. Civilians ran in multiple directions. Sagittarius picked up Argen while Brinnia raised a weapon. Leo was on his feet in mere seconds. The Crog General went west, ignoring the screaming aliens in the crowd.

Lydia stared up in confusion. Her items were in disarray. A few clothes littered the ground. "What's happening?! What's going on?"

Prince Scorpio held on to Lydia tightly. He could feel Blazing Stars heat as the lizard jumped from his head. He glared at the place where the shot was fired. "We're under attack. There seems to be an assassin on this planet. No doubt the mastermind behind this insanity was no doubt informed by The Monarch after the fiasco back at Argen's planet."

Britannia was quick to throw in more details. "They tried to shoot with a Nimpharian Sniper Rifle. The bullets that come out of those things will finish you off before you could scream."

Lydia's fur bristled. Her hands gripped tightly. She looked at Ishtar. The little pig dangled from one of her tails. "Ishtar. Go ahead of us and make sure Eva and the others are ok. Be careful. There might be more than one."

Ishtar nodded. She let go of Lydia's fox tail. The moment the hooves hit the ground, she grew in size. Ishtar charged through the crowd. Plants expand with each command.

Prince Scorpio took off. His speed was almost unnatural for his size. The world speed around him. Sagittarius and Brinnia running behind him. His ears raised, tense for any sound. They'll pay, he thought. Eyes narrowed as fury roiled through his body. They'll pay for ruining this for her!

—-(General Leo, deep in Music City)-

To say General Leo was mad would be the understatement. He was dragged into dangerous situations by his prince. Almost killed by an insane ruler. Punched without warning from Sagittarius' "girlfriend". Now, someone was shooting at them. An assault like that was considered at threat and insult to the Crog Empire. He picked up a shuffling of feet in an alleyway to his left.

"Gotcha!" He made a hard turn. Leo felt along his side. He cursed as he remembered that he left his weapon back on the ship. "'We must be diplomatic' he says. 'Try to be less hostile to civilians' he says." He stomped as he scanned the dimly lit walls of the building. "Bah! One of these days he's going to get our people killed!"

Something glinted at the corner of his eye. He soon grabbed a blade in his giant fingers. The blade dug deep into his fingers. It was more like a mere bee sting than actual pain. The weapon was a dagger. The blade was as big as a human hand. Short and had a pommel red as blood. Air was able to separate it by only a few inches between his eyes.

A laugh echoed through the entryways. "Impressive." From the voice it was no doubt female. Something about the tone sent shivers of excitement and anger down Leo's spine. "I've never come across a target that would be able to stop a blade. Let alone be able to detect me that quickly. I guess you Crogs are more" She let out another giggle.

Leo grimaced. "I don't know if I should feel flattered or insulted." He let out a dark chuckle. "Perhaps both!" He threw the weapon back to where it was originally thrown. He soon caught sight of a shape dodging the attack. Pale complection with long, braided black hair. Sharp teeth glinted into a menacing grin. Her red and black clothes looked casual for a fighter but no doubt effective.

The assassin stood tall. She pulled out a knife from one of the many pockets that lined her pants. Her head tilted. "This is going to be fun."

Leo cocked an eye. "For who exactly? A miserable outcast from a broken planet?"

The assassin froze for a moment. Her weapon lowered slightly. Her eyes were briefly glazed with despair.

Now's my chance. Leo charged at her. His arms extended. Suddenly, his opponent leaped into the air. Pain ran down his arm the moment cold steel plunged into the skin. He bit back a gasp and turned around. If he wasn't here to end her, he'd be very impressed. Not many warriors in the Crog Emperium would ever land a blow on him. Let alone one with a slim frame such as hers.

"Don't!" She growled out the word. Her voice was trying in vain to fight back the sadness inside of her. "Don't you ever dare utter those words, General Leo."

Leo's skin felt cold in an instant. His name wasn't as well known as General Kross' but something about this unnerved him. He turned to face the assassin. He was surprised that his opponent was crying. Her form screamed of an attack but there was a wall she had that was ready to crumble.

Leo calmed himself. I better see how much she knows. "So, you know my name, huh?" He crossed his arms. He instantly regretted it the moment pain split into his shoulder.

She gave out a hollow laugh. "Cute. Just gets straight to the point. You seem more agreeable than your father. General Kross, is it?"

Now it was Leo's turn to become angry. "How could you know about that?" He tried to laugh but it came out hollow. "My father barely acknowledged I was even alive. Let alone his son."

"Sons actually."

A blank expression went over his face. His were slightly lowered. "What? What are you talking about? I was an only child."

The assassin shrugged. "Yeah, well, your mother kept some seriously messed up secrets from you." She pulled out another blade. "Enough talk. I'm taking you down and getting my pay." She let out a roar, charging with all her might.

Leo dodged and kicked her. Fury bristled under his skin. Whatever source she got it from, it was none of her business. He walked over to her. He slammed his fist but it was stopped by the sword. This one let out a burning pain that spread throughout his arm. He roared and tossed her away. A warm trickle of blood was caught in his hands.

The assassin let out a feral snarl. She readied her weapon once more. She leaped into the air like an alien cat. Her swing was barely blocked by a large piece of metal Leo was using as a shield. She landed on her feet. Her fingernails grew into wicked claws. She slashed at him every chance she had. Weapons going from swords to nails.

Leo blocked the blows as best as he could. The small space of the ally was preventing either of them to escape. Even when he grabbed a piece of wall, it crumbled and blocked the one way out. He was grazed a few times but it wasn't enough to stop his fury from reaching a boiling point. He's been through one misfortune after another. "Time to end this foolishness." He blocked the sword once more. This time, however, he grabbed the attacker's arm. Squeezing it until there was a loud snap. Leo ignored the scream as he tossed her to a pile of debris south of his direction.

As the dust settles, the assassin rose in a coughing fit. Her clothes were ripped around the sleeves and pant legs. Blood dripped from the side of her head. "Wow. My first time fighting a Crog…" She coughed again. "Not bad. I really had you on the ropes." She raised a hand. A few fingernails were broken. "Still…Not going down…" She watched as General Leo got closer. "You're pretty good looking…Even if you…had a terrible father…a weak mother…and…a…b-brother…" She wobbled as she raised her broken arm. Then, she fell.

Before she hit the ground, General Leo snatched her in his large hands. Her frame fit into the curl of his fingers. He stared down at her. He had so many questions to ask her. Who sent her? What was she talking about? A brother? However, only one question escaped his mouth. "What is your name?"

A weak smile graced the assassin's lips. "S-strangely sweet coming from you…H-hem…lock…" Her eyes were closed and her breathing was a bit shaky.

"Hemlock," He whispered her name. For some strange reason, he found it very pretty. He shifted her in his arms. Leo flinched at the pain that ran up his arm. "You've got a lot of questions to answer. Plus…A little duel at a Crog arena."

—-

A/N: Going to leave it there. What's the secret to Leo's past? What'll be the crew's next step? Stay tuned!