The air stank of horrid pollution and the sky was a hideous violet hue that many plants and humans have commonly seen, hated, and associated with the actions of the undead, but the zombies didn't bat an eye. They were used to it, and many actually liked it that way, better yet, it kept the humans and plants away. The ocean water peeled away to make way for a ship that peeled itself from the cloud of fog, like a sharpened blade against brittle grass. The Z-Tech insignia engraved into its side proudly and confidently. The ship wasn't alone, for others identical to it followed it through the fog of smog, like sea monsters out of a mist. The ships rolled into a steel harbor steadily and gently, avoiding crashing into the platform. The ships were now steady, and the zombies onboard soon traveled out from the decks to finally set foot into dry land. The ship stopped and fixed itself to the platform, now immobile. With this, a sliding platform rolled out from the metal behemoth and connected to the platform.

The zombies, most of them of the animal or water specialty, walked out. They looked exhausted, some were dragging their feet, and the rest had a sleepy look on their faces. Despite what many say, even the walking dead need rest once in a while.

One of them, however, didn't go with the rest. He was a Marine Biologist, who separated from the rest and headed to report directly to Zomboss himself of their mission. He was nervous, because what he will tell him will not make him happy one single bit. He was ninety percent sure he wouldn't come out unscathed.

This zombie quickly arrived at his office door, and just stood there. The Marine Biologist could feel an air of unease the more he stood, gazing frighteningly at the metal barrier that may or may not bring his undoing. He swallowed whatever bravery he still had, and very reluctantly knocked. He waited until he was invited inside by a shrieking voice. He very gently opened the door, and when he entered, there was the mighty Zomboss in his high office chair, anyone with a brain won't question it if they know what's good for them.

"Ah, back from the mission I see?" Zomboss smirked. Zomboss expects the best from his zombies regardless of the mission's difficulty, and those high expectations don't help with their anxiety to complete them. Zomboss had a confident smile that their mission went well, because it's not hard to catch pesky fish in the water, and by that he means aquatic plants, since they are provided with whatever material and gear they need for such missions to catch all kinds and species of targets, big or small. He waited, somewhat, patiently for what this zombie was going to tell him. What he said next dashed those expectations.

The poor sea specialized zombie cleared his throat, the back of his nearly bald glistened in nervous sweat. Zomboss could practically sense his fear, but he said nothing. Just by this zombie's reluctance he could already tell what the results were going to be.

"Sir, I have some bad news to report…"

Zomboss never likes to hear that, never. His expressionless gaze slowly turned to a murderous gleam, leaning forward and sneering menacingly at the Marine Biologist who shrunk a bit, the wrinkles on his forehead brought forth into a more dangerous glare. The poor zombie was already fearing for his unlife.

"And pray tell, what is this bad news you wish to tell me?"

The zombie gulped and nervously fiddled with the collar of his slightly dirty shirt. "W-well...during our mission, one of our submarines was infiltrated by something or someone. Almost every single sea plant escaped…" The zombie braced himself for the punishment and shriek bombs.

"Who?!" Zomboss shrieked, the windows behind him seemed to rattle alongside the zombie in front of his desk. The Marine Biologist couldn't help but shrivel fearfully. When Zomboss didn't get an answer for the next few seconds, he hissed in annoyance. This made the zombie start talking, for if he didn't, well he would end up in the very deep end of the grave.

"W-we don't know! We didn't notice anything, we didn't hear or see just what or who let them out!" The Marine Biologist was covering himself with his hands, shaking.

Zomboss gritted what teeth remained, his face seething into crimson. He looked down at the zombie with soul ripping eyes. "Then interrogate the damn weeds that were still obtainable. And give me whatever surveillance footage that survived from the submarine."

The zombie's body practically shook like an earthquake happened, he nodded and quickly sped out not wanting to receive the sharp end of Zomboss' wrath. He has known some zombies that went in and never came out. Who knows what happened to those poor undead. He was just happy to be out of there in one piece. If things don't go Zomboss' way, the zombie may not be so lucky next time.

Zomboss' sat back on his chair and sighed. Plans can never be perfect without something screwing with it. On the bright side, he had a number of oceanic plant subjects to torment, unfortunate they weren't a lot, but sea plants are quite easy to take down, and are very populous in the ocean. He will enjoy breaking their spirits and interrogating them, the ones that didn't escape the hijacked Z-Tech zubmarines that is. However, he wants to know.

He will break them, and he will make them tell him if they know anything. If not, then too bad, they will be his slaves, prisoners, and lab rats anyway.

…

Kernel Corn was running back to base as fast as his leaves could take him. On him is a crucial ingredient in order to finalize the Tactical Cuke meant to be given to the zombie's base. Part of him was smiling, on the inside. Perhaps this will give them a dent in their army and give them victories.

Kernel Corn was actually very close to the docks on the plant's side. It had a nice view of the ocean, including a nice view of the hideous violet sky and clouds over at the zombie side. Kernel Corn made a huff. One day, plants will put an end to that, and have some of that good ol sun in a full three sixty everywhere.

"Psst! Hey!"

Kernel Corn continued to run, not looking back, as well as ignoring whoever made that noise. He had no time to speak or chat with anyone, any of the zombies in the area will be after his cobs if he is seen, and the smart ones will go tell of his sighting. He would have continued until he had water splash on his stem. He immediately stopped, and his cobs began spinning threateningly. "Okay! Who did that?!"

Kernel Corn swore that if it is a zombie, he will pelt them into pieces with his kernel pellets. He looked around cautiously for the punk that splashed him. His cobs began to spin dangerously fats with readiness for a fight. He then heard another noise, which he realized was coming from the edge of the water. Kernel turned his head and saw the shape of something moving around underneath the water, but he decided to stay where he was not wanting to be caught off guard by some sea animal, or sharks. Captain Deadbeard has a bunch of those and Kernel refuses to go near the water if it is, for he will not be fish food, especially his monster of a pet shark Snaggles.

"Over here!"

Kernel raised an eyebrow. He was able to tell the difference for the most part between a zombie and plant, humans too, for most zombie's had a certain raspiness in their voice that isn't present in most other beings he's heard. This voice didn't sound like a zombie due to a lack of any raspiness. Kernel carefully stepped towards the water since the source of the regular sounding voice appeared to be coming from it, but he still needed to keep his guard just in case. When he came closer, he took a peak above the rocks that made a natural barrier from the land and the water. There, he found the source.

There was an enthusiastic eel peashooter staring at him. The aquatic peashooter looked very happy that he had Kernel's attention. He waved one of his pods.

"Hello sir." The pea introduced himself. "My name is Raymond."

"Hello...were you the one that splashed water on me?" Kernel asked.

Raymond stiffened nervously. "Um, well yes but, I just… I just wanted to talk to you! It's for a good reason!"

Kernel sigh. "Please make it quick. I need to be out of here before I'm spotted."

Raymond looked around just in case. He leaned forward to Kernel with a serious face. "Well, not too long ago, the zombies were on a raid to capture sea plants. I wasn't captured, but I was far enough from them and close enough that I had to watch it." Raymond had a sad expression as he spoke.

Kernel's gaze hardened in anger. The zombies never ceased to disgust him. Sea plants are often very peaceful, but plentiful to Zomboss. Kernel urged Raymond to continue with a cob hand.

"And well, something extraordinary happened. One of the submarines was being weird. I think it was hijacked somehow because the door of it opened and a crowd of sea plants just came out rushing like crazy."

Kernel was surprised. Did someone hack and free them? There were only sea plants, and as far as he knows, most aren't tech professionals, especially any one of them that could have enough knowledge to do something like that. One would likely need Agent Citron's level of knowledge with technology to accomplish such a thing, or perhaps someone with magic was responsible. "Do you know who or what freed them?"

Raymond shrugged. "I'm not exactly sure what, but I think it was someone inside there."

"What makes you so sure?" Kernel raised a brow.

"Well, you know those mecha sharks? With all those painful looking devices attached to them? Well, I saw them fighting, something. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was invisible. And, whatever it was, it was fighting back, not only that but I saw a shimmer of a shape in the mass of sharks, some sort of clear silhouette."

"Did you see who it was?" Kernel asked, intrigued about this turn of events. He started to wonder if this was connected to the individual he and his agent friends encountered earlier.

Raymond shook his head. "I couldn't see them, but the sharks were definitely attacking something, or someone. While they seemed invisible to me, it seemed the sharks could see them." Raymond looked down. He was thinking of what else to say. "Those things were also dragging them around. I think they may have taken them inside the submarine. I don't know, I was hiding and watching from an angle. I couldn't get a good look because I was scared that I would be spotted." Raymond hung his head a little.

Kernel placed a cob on his shoulder. "It's okay, we all have fears. You're not obligated to fight, especially if you weren't trained for it, and against a whole armada of capture submarines. If you tried to do something you would have likely been taken by them or killed, and Crazy Dave knows what would have happened to you. Don't hold yourself accountable. What you told me is of interest, and that is good enough."

It sounded risky to use the mear words of a plant he has never met, but he could tell from the eyes and voice of this eel peashooter that there was truth in what he was being told, the plant's tired and fearful eyes, and the way he spoke didn't seem to be laced with deceit or alternate intentions. As far as Kernel could see, this poor plant was telling the truth of what he was sure he saw.

Raymond smiled at the Commander, his words raising his spirits. He, however, wished he could have done something to help his fellow coral reef neighbors that were captured, he couldn't help but hide for his life. Kernel Corn was right however, he wasn't capable of taking out something as big as that submarine or know how to fight those sharks, let alone multiple. Raymond felt bad about that, but it was reasonable that he would have been nothing but another casualty to be added to the zombie's list.

"What will become of the captured plants? There were actually multiple submarines there, and only one was brought down." Raymond said, worry laced in his voice.

Kernel looked crestfallen when he looked into his eyes. "We will need to find the place where they were taken first before any action can be taken. I just hope there won't be any casualties." Kernel knew at the bottom of his heart, his plant heart, that there would definitely be innocent deaths. He knows the things that the zombies, especially Zomboss, do to plants in their possession. He didn't want to depress the pea in front of him anymore than he already was. The look Raymond gave him felt as if he already knew it already.

"Let's hope it will be that way. With how Zomboss treats anyone outside the zombie species, I doubt anyone will come out unscathed." Raymond sighed.

Kernel nodded, as much as he wanted to stay and talk with the plant, he had to leave now. He spent too much time here. There could be a zombie sniper or pirate taking aim at him. "Thank you for informing me of this, but now it's best we part, this place is too dangerous for us. However, before you go, I would like for you to do something for me."

Raymond gazed up at him with a serious questioning look. "W-what is it sir?"

"I would like for you to bring some of the plants that escaped the submarine, and bring them to the base to question them privately. If they have received injuries from the zombie encounter, then LEAF is more than willing to provide medical aid."

Raymond nodded, now with a purpose in mind, waved goodbye at Kernel before diving down. Kernel looked around, checking for any suspicious activity. Since he found none he ran off towards the plant's side of the battle ground.

He will consult with Agents Rose and Citron about this when he gets back to his barn and finishes his current mission.

…

"Hmmm." Zomboss had a hand on his chin as he reviewed the recovered security footage from the zubmarine. The Marine Biologist stood at a distance nervously rubbing his wrists. He brought Zomboss the files and recordings recovered from the vessel, and waited anxiously for what else he may command of him.

The said transport needed to be repaired intensively from the inside. The mainframe and monitors were the most affected. From the way they have been left, it was as if a mushroom grew on a zombie, and the said mushroom began to control the zombie's brain and limbs, doing whatever the mushroom wanted with its host. This was how Zomboss could best describe it. The difference was this was with a giant mechanical system, not a living being. It was straight up hacked with its systems mostly decimated. Zomboss was also given a report about the hole in the wall. It turned out there was indeed footage about what transpired.

Zomboss rather eagerly viewed the piece of video, analyzing every bit of it to find anything of use. By the time he finished watching, his eyebrows were raised. There appeared to be an invisible adversary that burned a hole in it. It almost looked like the hole appeared by itself as if by magic. However, with some video features and modifications present in its programming such as thermal vision, Zomboss had a deeper and better look, and a revelation.

It was a plant. A citron of all things.

Zomboss huffed. Of course it was a citron, roses are all about spells and almost every other plant in the LEAF agency's armada is all about using their organic abilities and weapons. The citron's technology is only slightly on par with the zombie's own which Zomboss boasts about, at least that's what he says to everyone. However, Zomboss noticed something. Why is this citron here? Citrons, at least the non aquatic ones, can not swim and survive underwater on their own. Citron's are fat and heavy, and will sink and drown if they set foot in deep water, this citron looks to be wearing some kind of...armor or suit for purposes underwater. The thermal vision showed there were no aquatic features present, and its body looked too bulky to be the natural body of the plant.

Zomboss watched intrigued as the citron made a hole in the wall, and began to inject a sort of needle onto the wires inside. After that the cameras went crazy, along with everything else in the submarine. He saw other angles from other cameras, and the crazy things that came only after the citron seemingly connected with the systems, somehow, even though they weren't at the control room.

Zomboss was intrigued, but also angry. There is so far no citron that has achieved total invisible camouflaging, natural or with a device as far as he knew. The only way Zomboss was able to see them was when he applied X-ray and thermal vision filters that were present and running in the background of the camera systems. Even if those filters couldn't show him what that citron was or what they looked like, it still showed him that there was in fact, something there.

Perhaps the plants managed to create such a creature that he hadn't known yet. Such a thing would run as the perfect stealth agent, commit assassinations without a trace, and all manner of things that are also very useful. He would like to dissect it and see how it works, both the plant and whatever it was using for its invisible abilities. He will need to write this down.

Zomboss rewatched the same footage a few more times, including the others to really grasp what he was being shown to catch every detail, every possible advantage it might have. Zomboss eventually stopped and sat back in his chair, fingers under his chin in a thinking pose.

There wasn't much he could do, which irritated him. He would love to pluck the citron out of the video, make a hole in its armor and put a giant juicer through its body while he watches with glee. However, he has no idea just where they went. They could still be in the place where the submarines used for the raid.

Zomboss however, had another plan.

Maybe he'll go see his new prisoners.

…

Raymond was swimming fast to the shore. His tail wiped the water fiercely for increased movement and speed. He needed to return to Kernel Corn, now that he was bringing what he asked him. He looked back, eyes looking at the corners to see if they were following.

Not far behind him, there were a dozen or so sea plants doing their best to follow the eel peashooter. All of them had some form of injury, wrapped by or cared for using natural materials they could find such as seaweed for bandages and sticky mucus from sea animals to stick them together to prevent them from falling off. Some were minor, like some bruising and scratches. Others were more severe, such as missing limbs and bite marks that went deep into their skin, courtesy of the sharks.

Raymond stopped to allow them to catch up. "How are all of you doing?"

"It's difficult to keep up with you. My tail is rather wonky," said another eel peashooter. His tail had tears and holes in it, which made it difficult for him to swim.

Another plant, a squid rose missing a leg, looked very downcast as she tried to swim. Having a missing leg makes it harder, even though she will eventually regenerate it, still, it will take time. "How much longer?" she asked.

Raymond swam up, and stuck his head out to look around. In the distance, he could see land approaching quickly. He went back underwater. "We are almost there, let's keep it going." He urged them.

The rest continued with him doing their best.

In the LEAF base, Kernel Corn, along with Rose and Citron, were standing inside the center where their portals were in the base.

Kernel Corn looked out beyond the entrance towards the main hub of the plant base. Many plants mingled and walked around, going back and forth to do their respective missions. Some spotted the three, looking at them in surprise or awe before leaving for their duties, a few even waved at them.

Kernel Corn had already informed the other two of what the eel peashooter told him. The three agreed they would take the questioning into Rose's castle, with it being larger and having more space than Kernel's barn or Citron's ship.

Kernel looked out into the fray of soldiers, looking for the eel peashooter and his company. It has been over two hours since they last spoke, and Kernel is hoping that he won't take too much longer, even though he and the agents just got here almost ten minutes ago. Kernel Corn saw the honesty in the eyes of the eel peashooter, and felt he wasn't lying to him when he spoke.

"I have the medics ready when they arrive, since its likely the plants he will bring will have some form of injury." Rose said, twirling her wand slightly.

"It's unfortunate we don't have many amphibious plants within our army, we could seriously make a dent in theirs and their ego." Citron grunted dishearteningly.

Rose lip's frowned. "Many aquatic plants aren't very good at combat, especially since most of our combat happens on land, but at least unlike zombies, we can replenish numbers quickly, making and growing seeds faster than zombifying corpses unless Zomboss has a large supply of bodies to make more zombies."

Kernel was silently listening to their conversation as he continued looking into the base, he was focused on spotting their guests when they came in. Fortunately he didn't need to look for long, for the gate opened, and there they were. Kernel recognized Raymond, despite only meeting him for a few minutes. Behind him were more sea plants, looking in awe at the base. Kernel frowned when he spotted their current state and rather recent scars and injuries.

"Hey. They're here." Kernel turned slightly, the corner of his eye glancing at the two time traveling plants. Rose and Citron ceased their talk, looking to where the corn looked. Like him, they were distraught at the injured state the plants were in. Rose will make sure they leave the base looking and feeling far better than they are, she could practically feel the pain coming from them.

Kernel walked towards them with the other two agents following him. The water plants looked around the base, most with awe and wonder. Most have never been to the base before, so this was an exciting experience for them. Plants around them gave the visitors welcoming and concerned glances, with sunflowers coming towards them to check and use their heal beams for those with visible injuries.

Before anything could be done Kernel walked up to them with a small, a very small smile. "Welcome to the base." Kernel motioned for them to follow him, which they did in silence. They stopped with him where Rose and Citron were standing.

Rose and Citron offered their smiles which were more visible.

"Hi! My name is Agent Citron."

"I'm Agent Rose."

The sea plants nodded. What kind of plant didn't know those three names are the kind that have been living under a rock their whole lives, but they never met one who did so anyway.

Raymond slithered forward. Indeed, he didn't have feet, so he moved with the movement of a snake despite the fin that went from below his stomach region, around his tail to the end, and stop at his back. "Hello sir, sir and ma'am. I brought some plants like you said, if you remember me." He smiled sheepishly, looking at Kernel.

Kernel nodded in confirmation. "Yes I do." He looked at the other sea plants that were brought. "I asked him to bring some sea plants who were escapees of a zombie raid that I was just told about today."

The sea plants suddenly became uncomfortable. Raymond indeed told them the purpose of this meeting, but it doesn't make it easy for them to be open about it. Some of them lost someone dear to them, either captured or killed, and they don't enjoy remembering it too much. Some shifted on their roots, looking at the ground.

"Don't worry too much, there aren't any personal questions to be asked, just… about the zombies." This sort of made them feel a little less uncomfortable .

Raymond spoke up. "So, where are we going to have this meeting?"

"We will have it at my castle, so, would you mind following me?" Rose said, floating towards the crimson swirling portal, her two workmates following as well.

The sea plants looked at the portal, examining and warily looking at the water-like swirling patterns. None of them ever entered a portal before.

Kernel glanced at them "The portals are safe, you don't have to worry about anything."

"Come on." Rose stood in front of the portal, and went right in. Seconds later her head popped in, the glowing red patterns rippled like water with something thrown into it. "See? It's okay. So come on, we don't have all day." Her head disappeared into the redness of the portal.

The plants looked at the portal one more time, then Raymond went forward, staring at it with intensity. Eventually, he finally made a move. He went forward into the portal, first his head, then the rest of his body submitted to the redness. The rest of the sea plants, with some ushering from Kernel and Citron, finally entered the portal with the vegetable and fruit agents following when all the plants entered.

…

The wiring and metallic cranking of the elevator was soothing to Zomboss' missing ears. He had his hands behind his back, patiently waiting for the elevator to finish the journey down. Next to him was another zombie, his personal assistance zombie, who was carrying some objects for his master. He too was waiting for the descend, occasionally looking from the door to his master, ready and willing for any command he was given and not wanting to miss any, always staying vigilant.

The elevator stopped at last.

Zomboss flat mouth sneered as the doors opened, allowing him and his assistant entry to a hallway. They walked silently and ominously. The sounds of their boots are the only sound they made. The hallways had many steel doors, in which all of them were closed. On each door were words anyone that didn't belong in such a facility wanted to read.

Zomboss paid them no heed, for none of them were his destination.

There was a door at the end, a digital pad right next to it along with a card swipe. Zomboss used his card, and entered the password needed. The door hissed, and opened with a heavy crank. They entered the place behind it.

It was a prison, a rather large one. There were metal holding cells, with zombie soldiers and even a few gargantuars patrolling the area and keeping order. The prison went into multiple levels, with stairs leading to more rows of cells above

The soldiers were doing their duty until one of them saw Zomboss entering, and saluted.

"Zomboss sir!" He called out. This caught the attention of the other soldiers who all turned their attention to their master and saluted proudly.

One of the soldiers marched to him and saluted proudly too. "Zomboss sir, have you come to start your interrogation?" He asked with a smile.

Zomboss gave the soldier an identical grin. "Yes I have. A total of 215 subjects. Those numbers will satisfy me for a while. However, I'm looking for the weeds that didn't escape the hijacked zubmarine."

The zombie nodded vigorously. "Of course sir. They are right this way." The zombie gleefully walked away with Zomboss, his assistance, and four soldiers escorting the two. The zombie soldier up front opened a steel door with the purple Z-Tech insignia painted proudly in front of it. The zombie made way for Zomboss, who when he entered, he inspected the new area with a smirk.

The place was just like the previous prison area, but instead of being rectangular and large, this room was a smaller prison as a round cylindrical chamber filled with cells. Unlike the other area, this one had higher security and more grisly methods for holding their more important or violent prisoners.

Zomboss was led by his loyal soldiers to one of the cells. The inside of the cell bars had spikes pointed inward, this will pierce and injure any prisoner that was dumb enough to get themselves against the cell bars. Within this cell was a lone water plant, a lobster citron. Its pincers cuffed shut and its tail cuffed to the wall with a heavy chain connecting them. Underneath the plant was a little violet inflatable pool with dirty salt water. Sea plants need water even if they leave for land, so the aquatic citron's guards along with the rest of the prisoners of aquatic origins are only given enough water to survive.

The lobster citron looked up from the pool. Its eyes hardened in a tired but still a soul crushing glare at the zombies, but Zomboss and the other zombie just looked on impassively.

Then the citron spotted Zomboss. The poor lobster citron paled. He had no idea why he was separated from most of his other fellow water breathing brethren. Now he understood. It seemed the leader of the zombie species wanted him for some purpose.

Zomboss noticed the plant's visible fear, but shrugged it. As much as he liked it, he had more important matters to attend to. He stepped a little closer to its enclosure and cleared his throat. "Do you know why you are here?" he asked, his raspy voice cutting the area silent.

The citron stared for a few seconds before speaking. "No…" The voice was of a young male, the voice just a whisper but Zomboss still heard him speak.

Zomboss snorted, glaring at the lobster citron with the stink eye. "You were one of the few plants that didn't make it out of the hijacked zubmarine. Someone was responsible, which is why you and others present at that event are to be carefully watched in here, and questioned."

The arthropod's body went rigid.

Zomboss smirked. "Your body language speaks levels. Perhaps you do know something about this, do you?"

The citron shook his head. He was just as much of a victim as the rest. He was also deeply upset by this; the one opportunity to be free just slipped through his pincers, and if that mecha shark didn't grab his tail while he was in his escape, he wouldn't even be here. "I don't know who did it..." he murmured.

Zomboss frowned. "Do you? Didn't see who or what was responsible?" Zomboss already knew from the tapes, but he wanted to pressure the plant for anything else of use.

The lobster citron nervously shook his head. "I swear I don't know… I didn't see who could have done it." The lobster citron wanted out of here and never came back.

Zomboss smirked. "Soldiers, take this plant to the chamber, perhaps a little heat will make it talk more."

The citron became frightened. This has the potential to kill him, and if not then it would leave him with very ill health if he made it out alive, if Zomboss wants to keep him alive that is. The zombies entered the cell and leered over at him, holding heavy chains and weapons pointed at him.

When he was grabbed, however, he began to struggle against them. He swung his tail and claws around to hit and swat them away as much as he could. Since he was bigger than them he managed to catch one with his tail, sending the zombie to slam against the metal bars containing him. The spikes within the bars actually pierced the zombie's clothes and one of his arms, making him cry out in pain.

Zomboss just watched on with a frown. Then he commanded his undead to sedate him. This propped some of the zombies to go and fetch some dart guns in a nearby rack, kept and used for flailing and uncooperative prisoners just like this one. They quickly pointed and fired the projectiles at the arthropod towards his unarmored sections of his body.

The lobster citron curled his tail towards himself trying to use his armored shell for protection against the darts. One of the darts managed to reach an exposed spot on his armored body close to his underbelly, and the plant squealed in surprise and pain from the needle. He could already feel the effects of the dart, it was composed with some strong sedatives and chemicals by Zomboss' own creation and with it injected into his body, he felt he wanted to sleep, but knew he just couldn't unless he'll suffer in his sleep or something else. The plant tried to stay standing, his motions and body movements becoming a little flawed. His eyes started to blur, the citron blinking his eyes to try and clear his vision, but met with failure. Zomboss smirked. He made sure to make it very potent with a high concentration of sedatives in each dart, and it clearly showed right here.

The citron felt woozy, every second was another second of time the zombies used to get to him. The zombies quickly rushed to him, trying to pin him down, kicking and caving his legs on himself till he went to the floor. The sedative's symptoms were doing its work, his body weakened. The zombies picked his chains and used them to drag him out.

…

Raymond took a sip of the cool water from his cup and rubbed some of it on his face, sighing in content. He and the sea plants were at Rose's castle, sitting on fancy wooden chairs around a long rectangular table. The sea plants and agents sat on the long way, with the sea plants all sitting together one side and the agents sitting together on the other. Kernel told them they wanted to hear their story one at a time, and Raymond decided to be the one to start.

Raymond cleared his throat. "Okay, well, I was on my way towards the reef, when I spotted the giant shadows of the submarines behind me. I looked back and saw them, so I got scared and swam as fast as I could to alert everyone. That's what I did and everyone began spreading the word quickly, and eventually we went to hide wherever we could. That was when those things arrived and began abducting everyone, those still swimming and those who were hiding. I was able to go hide in time, but a lot of the other sea plants weren't fast or lucky enough to avoid them." He made a sad face.

Rose had a saddened but determined smile. "Everyone managed to escape later didn't they? After all, the unknown assailant hacked the system and freed you all."

The sea plants glanced at each other. Raymond looked down at his glass of water. "…I guess you're right. I'm not sure if everyone escaped, but I want to firmly believe they did…"

Kernel slightly leaned forward. "Were you able to get an opportunity to see anything of this plant, despite them being cloaked?"

Raymond placed a pea pod under his chin. "They were cloaked, but I was able to see a shape since their figure would sometimes shimmer against the background. I couldn't really see any details like color, but they were in the shape of a citron."

The agents looked at each other for a moment, having their own individual thought

"Their shape didn't look aquatic at all, it looked… a bit bulky like they were wearing some kind of armor."

"Has their cloaking ever flickered away enough that allowed you to see what they looked like?" asked Kernel.

Raymond tilted his head "I... did. It only happened for a split second, but I think it was enough for me to see that they looked, for the most part, but I think I also saw some pink and black. I could be seeing things but I was sure that's what I saw."

Kernel nodded. "Anything else?"

"No, that's about it."

The agents turned towards the other sea plants. Now they wanted to hear what the others had to say about their encounter.

Citron spoke first. "Okay then, now it's time for one of you to tell their story."

The sea anemone flower raised her hand first. "I…I can..."

Everyone turned to her, waiting for her to start.

The anemone flower seemed to blush at being the center of attention. "I was one of the captured plants, and…it can be a bit difficult for me to speak about it…"

Rose gave her a warm smile. "Are you sure that you want to talk? We can ask someone else in your place instead."

The aquatic flower quickly waved her petaled hands. "No no no, I want to, besides, you said you wanted to hear from all of us. It's probable we have different views of what went down."

Rose looked at the nervous looking flower with concern. Perhaps the zombie raid may have given her PTSD? She would not be surprised if it did. "If it isn't difficult for you to speak up about it, then please go ahead, take your time."

The anemone flower gave a little grin. "It's fine. I will start, I don't take more of your time and from everyone else." The plant cleared her throat first. "I was one of the captured plants in the submarine. The zombies had us in these heavy nets and some in cages, and they were quite difficult to cut or break. There was a shark chomper in the same net that I was in, biting it with all his might but couldn't make a dent out of it. For a while, I felt that our lives would end at their hands, if not in there then when they got to land and do whatever they wanted with us. It was quite terrifying, especially when the water levels in the area began to deplete and some zombies in diving suits came, and with their zombie mechanized sharks. They were probably there to keep us in check or something. Everyone became silent, we all appeared to have had the same idea to keep to ourselves and not do anything to anger them and make them come after us. We just watched them and they watched us. I saw like three of them swimming away towards somewhere else, towards a wall. I couldn't see what they were trying to do from my angle, but suddenly things went crazy there." She waved arms slightly to emphasize her point. "The lights went out then came back on, weird noises coming from the walls and the entire area we were in was moving around very erratically. The movement threw off those zombies and those sharks out of balance and confusion. It was the weirdest thing." She flailed her vines in emphasis.

Citron reclined back a little in his seat. "And nowhere in the chaos did you find or see the one responsible?"

She shook her head solemnly. "Unfortunately, no I did not. Sorry sir."

"That is alright. Please keep going." Kernel remained quite attentive.

"Well everything was moving back and forth like crazy, like something big was shaking the entire thing. One of the last things to happen was the nets let loose, and many sea plants immediately swam to escape, including me. The door of the hangar, I think that's what it's called… was opened, and everyone swam as much as they could. I was more swept away by the crowd than swimming to escape back there. Outside I saw other submarines above us heading for the surface while the one we were on lagged behind them. That's about it." She sat back down and took a sip of her glass of water.

The next plant, a squid rose, came up next.

The little squid rose looked up at the agents, fiddling with a sea shell she had. The agents were mindful of her missing leg, which just further aggravated their silent anger towards Zomboss and the zombies responsible. Thankfully, her species have great regenerative abilities to regrow lost limbs, so it will grow back in due time.

The young sea plant sat up straighter. "O-okay. It's similar to what she said about the raid. The zombies came in their big, scary machines. Sea plants around me and I went to hide from them. And, uh, they started to use nets to catch us shooting from holes on the sides of those machines. Some were able to avoid those heavy nets. I wasn't so fortunate. I was caught with a few others in the same net, and we were dragged inside. There were a lot of other nets around filled with sea plants, and they were trying to get out. The nets were too big and heavy, and quite difficult to cut or bite through, or even open. Some of those half metal sharks were dragging plants into cages too."

She took a deep breath and kept going. "Then, zombies and half robot sharks arrived. The sharks threatened us while the zombies swam to a part of the chamber we were in. I went to hide behind someone, trying to keep myself away from those sharks. Since I was hiding behind someone I didn't see what happened. Like the two said, everything became chaotic. The entire submarine became like a haunted house. Lights went off and on, weird noises coming from somewhere else. And at the end, the nets let loose and everyone immediately went to escape, for the doors were open. I was also making my way out when one of those half robot sharks grabbed me, and took one of my tentacles…" She moved her stump for evidence.

"Thankfully you can regenerate it. I hope you and your friends here make a full recovery. We are willing to give any additional aid if needed,"Rose said, giving the young squid a warming smile. The small sea plant smiled back. The sea plants were already checked on when they arrived but if they wanted or needed any additional healing then the agents would gladly give it.

"I was carried away by someone else, I was in pain and I couldn't swim properly at the time." The small rose sat down and sipped from her cup. Indeed it sounded identical to Raymond and the aquatic flower, but there were more plants to go.

The agents heard the rest of the sea plants over time. The remaining sea creatures had similar experiences in their time captured. The differences involve where they were, whether captured violently or not, the extent of their injuries, and method of escape. The three listened attentively nonetheless. Eventually all the sea plants soon told their stories, now there was only contemplation. They sat there, looking at the agents and wondering what they were thinking or what they would say.

The agents quietly conversed with each other while the sea plants sipped their salt water or looked around.

Kernel's eyes were narrowed in anger. "It would be good to try and launch a rescue operation to get those plants out of the zombie's grasp before they, or Zomboss, does something to them." This wouldn't be the first time the zombies have taken a large number of plants, including oceanic ones. While both factions have a tendency to launch armies at each other such as the back and forth turf wars, an operation such as this would best require some espionage and stealthy infiltration, at least for now until they know more. If those plants can be saved this way, then good, if not, then they will have to raid their location to get them out. Kernel simply hates the mental images of what the zombies do to innocent plants they take, and this many will be a thing for the horror books.

"Also, we may find out more about this citron. There will be no doubt Zomboss will be aware about this person soon, and likely try to find them. It's best we find them first, and perhaps like the alien flowers and Plasma peas, may want to lend us a helping hand against the zombies." What Kernel has seen so far of this citron, they would be a wonderful asset for the war, probably not world changing, but at least something to help them get an edge. Rose And Citron looked at eachother, mentally agreeing with the corn.

Citron hummed in thought."We know nothing about this plant, we don't fully know their motives for being here. I only identified what could be their vessel out at sea, but I don't know if they are here from a crash or landed. Whether they are from space or, heck, another dimension, I want to know why they are here and whatever they might be. It's also best to not rush at recruiting them, they could easily say no and just dip to where they came from. Whatever decision, whether helping us like the flowers and peas is up to them."

Rose finally spoke, thinking about their words. "You two make good points, but we will need to multitask in order to get the results we want in a short period of time. Right now, rescuing those plants and finding out about the citron are priorities. We will need to discuss this in a more private setting after we finish here with our quests." Kernel and Citron nodded their heads in agreement. Three whispered a few things to each other before completely finishing their conversation.

The three finally turned to the rest of the plants. Rose cleared her throat, getting their attention." I would like to thank all of you for your visit and everything you have told us, it has truly been enlightening. All of you are free to go back to the sea. Before you go, there is something we would like to ask of you. If any of you see that citron, we would like it if you can convince them to come here to see us if you can, or tell us where you have seen or found them. The three of us would like to talk to them."

The sea plants happily obliged with nods and sounds of affirmations. Soon all the aquatic plants made their way out of Rose's castle and towards the portal. The agents went to follow them, wanting to make sure they made their way to the sea okay.

Kernel made sure the sea plants stopped for a brief checkup for their wounds before leaving with waterproof healthcare materials for the injured in the reef. It won't be enough for everyone, but better than nothing. The agents told them that if they can, bring more injured plants to the LEAF base infirmary a few at a time for it will get crowded rather quickly.

The three felt they didn't need to question more sea plants, for the information they were provided was enough.

The sea plants walked out, and the agents surveyed them till they dived into the water. Seeing them safely return to sea, they returned to their portals.

…

The sea plants inside their cells cowered at the sounds of the wailing lobster citron. Zomboss smirked evilly at the pain his aquatic prisoner was in. Some used this to bang their weapons against the cells to show them this will happen to them if they aren't given what they wanted.

His zombies were using a Lil Drake using his mech to heat and burn to extreme heat against the lobster citron, and washing the flames over the aquatic citron's shell. The plant was sweating and crying from the heat along with the strain it was putting on his body. His skin and shell were very dry, to the point of pieces breaking off in sheets and falling to the floor. He hasn't had water since they began this torture and he was feeling the effects. He was having a hard time breathing with a dry throat and his insides felt like they were melting.

The zombie stopped his flamethrower, much to the plant's relief. His body shaking in pain, the parts of him not protected by a shell were burned and sensitive. He had tears in his eyes, threatening to fall.

'F-finally…' he whimpered very quietly.

Zomboss was sitting down, head held by his palm. He was getting impatient. "I better have some kind of reasonable and sensible answer from you disgusting sun loving oceanic abomination, or you bet I will turn you, and many others, into delicious seafood for my zombies."

This got the aquatic citron's attention. He looked over at Zomboss fearfully, more than he ever did before. Zomboss sneered at the fear given to him. "Oh? Are you going to tell me now? Have you been lying to me this whole time?" Zomboss continued to demand an answer, but the citron just told him the same thing over and over, he had no idea what or who the perpetrator was. This was giving Zomboss a massive headache. He rubbed his head and walked away, and out of the room.

This gave the citron several moments of peace and very fearful anticipation. He wasn't sure what Zomboss was going to do to him now. He tucked his legs closer to his body in pain and exhaustion. The dryness was exceptionally harmful to the more hardened parts of his body. There were a few sheets of shell pieces on the ground around him. The zombies around silently glaring or sneering in silence at him.

Finally, Zomboss came back, the ugly neutral scowl most are familiar with adorned his face. Zomboss stared intently at the bounded plant, like he was staring at his soul. The poor citron shivered at the look, and was feeling large amounts of stress and anxiety waiting for what he would demand his zombie to do to him.

Zomboss finally spoke. "Leave it in the cell."

This brought some relief to him. At least it didn't look like he was going to be killed, for now at least. The zombies left him and locked him in his cell with his little pool of dirty water. He watched as Zomboss and his zombies left, leaving him in his cell and with other sea plants harboring identical fates to him.

He bent down and tried to get more water onto him, and unto his shell trying to get rid of this painful dryness and burns. There wasn't a lot of water but he really needed to get moist, he wasn't sure how much his skin and shell would take and his mind felt rather disorganized. He was hoping the zombies would refill it or give him just a little more than usual, he knew that wouldn't happen. The ocean plant no longer had enough strength on him and surrendered to the harm and tiredness of the day. " I wish someone could save me... get me out of here...or, at least… to end my suffering…"

Zomboss walked up to the next closest plant, a squid rose. "What about you? Do you know anything about this mysterious adversary?"

The squid rose just shook her head. The fear in her eyes was delicious. "I-I-I don't know a-anything either…"

"You sure about that?"

"Y-yes I swear!"

"And what about you?!" He pointed an accusing finger at a battered eel peashooter. The pea just shook his head, just as clueless as the others. Zomboss huffed, aggravated, and walked out of the room.

Zomboss was now pacing outside the room, deeply thinking. He's seriously beginning to think these weeds aren't in cahoots with this thing. The plants seem just as surprised and clueless as he was. "Hmm, perhaps I just need more aggressive torture methods. That might get the truth out of them." Zomboss then had a thought. "However, there is the chance that they are truly clueless, then this is a waste of time for me and precious resources. However my minions and I are quite entertained..." He has been quite bored for a while, so the past hour has been great for his mood. Eventually he decided he'll torture more plants.

The first plant was an eel peashooter. He ordered his zombies to make dozens of cuts on his tail, making the disgusting slimy creature wail, but everything he was being told was utterly useless and provided nothing of benefit.

Next a shark chomper, body filled with teeth marks from his mecha shark's attack on it. For a creature that big, it had no chance against his sharks. The creature's torture involving cutting its fins off. Unlike most sea creatures it would be able to regenerate its fins, this one will be forever disabled. Again, another plant with useless information begging for mercy.

Again and again, he kept harming more of these seaweeds, but everytime it turned out empty, nothing new for him. Nothing at all.

Zomboss was getting frustrated, driving him angrier and angrier.

He paced about the room, ignoring the pained moans and cries of the plants. He couldn't exactly tell if they were telling the truth, but they truly seemed genuine. There is the chance they know something, and also the chance they don't know anything. Seeing how his 'interrogations' ended, he will have to choose the latter. He felt he was wasting his time with them. Since these plants were not useful in learning about the interloper, then they aren't needed to be kept here anymore.

Zomboss grinned.

This was good, for there were seafood restaurants lacking in ingredients, and they needed a new shipment.

"I made up my mind."

The zombies all looked at him in obedience.

"Kill them all."

I have finally put something on here. For anyone that was waiting for a new chapter, I am surprised you're still here, but it's greatly appreciated. I'm still not giving up on this story or the other, but pretty soon I will need to put this story on hiatus to continue the other one. I thank you all for your patience. I will continue putting out chapters, and hopefully not take a million years for that.

Also, stay home, and wash your hands thoroughly. : )

Chapter length: 9400+ words