Disclaimer: I don't own the BLoSC series or the movie. Enjoy.

Chapter 3

Building a Companion

Despite being five years old, the daughter of the Empire will begin her education since she is the only heiress to the Evil Z Empire.

She will undergo the same educational program that Zurg has gone through with all of Nana's guidance and teachings.

There's not much to talk about Zurg's family history except for her grandmother's stories of her conquest of Evil. Yes, she has seen the family portrait of Nana Zurg, displayed in the hallway that leads to her father's chambers. Regardless of how big the hallway is, it was only Nana Zurg's portraits that fills it.

Her portrait depicts her sitting in lady like manner. Her grandmother appeared to be in her sixties, wearing a high necked purple dress with her short wavy white hair kept neatly, luminous skin and calming green eyes.

At first, Zyra would believe that Nana was a kind and gentle soul but her innocent looks hide her true Evil nature from the stories she was told. Stories that were depicted in her other portraits such as the annihilation of one planet's species and assassinations of past Capital leaders.

She still got the shivers even now since the first time she heard about it. Nana Zurg was plenty of Evil.

Getting back on the track of her lessons, she did diligently her studies as most of them were just standard subjects that she already learned. Math, Science and stuff. But the thing is…she has to learn most of them in a foreign alien language.

The struggle of reading through basic alien language were troublesome. Some words are spoken with a different dialect while others follow a certain tune. The pronunciation of some words are atrocious enough that it had a different meaning than what it is intended.

What would her father expect, that she should learn all of this by the end of the year?

It was a little embarrassing that it put a damper in her anticipation. It is one thing to know that getting stronger is not achieved easily with hard work alone, it's another to have your brain overloaded with information and there are still many other lessons to go for a day.

Oh. Joy.

At least the ones that are easy to remember were curses, which Brain Pod 32 wasn't fond of it. Oh the look on his face.

She was glad to have a little humor every now and then.

It was challenging to try to fail purposely some of his tests as to not let him know that she knows too much. For one thing, it's nice to be called a born-genius and all but the downside to that…she will gain everyone's high expectations of her and the stress…the pressure will destroy her.

So to keep her mind wiped from stressful triggers, she pretended that the average results sadden her but Brain Pod 32 assured her that she will learn in time.

The next lesson is what intrigues her the most out of the others.

Interface Computer literate and hacking.

Being in a world that heavily depends on technology, her focus was so sharped on the lesson that it will pierced through the screen like daggers and she can learn a thing or two like hacking. Hacking was something new in the criminal underworld right now and she can take advantage of it.

Though he only taught her the basic ones like how to hack on a password locked emails and build firewalls to guard important documents but it was something.

Over the course of her education, she and 32 became fast friends then best buddies. By best buddies…she means as partners in some works around the Z Empire. His connections with the division leaders are the key to get information and materials.

With his aid, she even enlisted some Grubs to be her spies in each division, either for retrieval of info or doing her errands.

The anxiousness of being discovered as someone from another world increased by a small degree. To have allies surround you may be a good cover or bad in case one of them decides to betray her.

But it's one way for her to learn how to use subjects to work that what 32 said. Zyra was sure that he's secretly training her to be the next ruler of the Empire, which he does most of the time. She will let that last one buried in her mind to think about it in another time.

Because at the end of the day, she has the free time to get into her real research. Undisturbed.

Five years later...

Zyra was inside her private spacious room. Filled with lavish blue theme furnishings including a comfortable sofa with a mini table and a writing desk with a computer on top of it. The blue decors off-sets the light purple painted walls.

She surround herself with books and other folders while sitting down on the floor.

One after another, she carelessly throw papers over her shoulders, deeming them useless.

But the ones that interests her the most were documents containing history-changing events such as "Signing of Treaty between man and alien", "Galactic Alliance was formed", "New discoveries of other planets and life forms," and the creation of a military corps known as Star Command.

For the past years, she dedicated most of her time on improving her hacking skills and gathering information across the net, all to obtain some specific data. And quite some time ago, she managed to marked the date before the Buzz Lightyear movie will start. Zyra calculated that eighteen years from now, the main plot line begins.

This will give her enough time to do rigorous training.

She had taken self-defense classes from her old life, though her body is not conditioned, she can still remember the moves and exercises.

At least it's better than nothing.

Zyra did request for physical training a year ago but Zurg, being an overprotective parent he is, disagrees with her and he dare to say "no buts". That got her riled up and a family feud between the two began.

After explaining her points to be trained early for days, her father finally give in his consent but only if she turned thirteen to start her training.

She reluctantly agreed to the deal…but she couldn't wait that long.

Her physical training has to start now to give her some advantage later on.

So in secret, she did some exercises during the night with light stretches and punches. It takes determination and hard work to achieve a certain level in self defense but she has the drive and the will to do so.

The only one who knew about it was her babysitter and teacher, Brain Pod 32. Because one time, he wanted to check up on her at the unholy god hour of two o'clock in the morning and that's when he first saw her, pausing a high kick in the air.

But for some reason, he dismisses the strange encounter and honestly told her that he thinks it's beneficial for her age and he is willing to keep it a secret from Zurg.

Well…she appreciates the gesture. Finally! There's someone out there who understands her need for it.

Zyra scooted over to her metallic blue dresser and opened the compartment with a hand scan. Inside, it revealed a red covered tablet.

This particular tabloid device contains the known characters from heroes and villains side, plots from the movie and the season's episodes. There are more episodes in season one than season 2 though she can only recall some of it because it's been a long time since she watched the show.

She had it typed in French in case someone would try to read its contents.

French was considered one of the dead languages according to the history lessons she had with Brain Pod 32.

Only linguistic experts can decode it and she made sure that everyone on Planet Z doesn't know the language deeply. She even tried to speak French to her father and the result was Zurg just looked at her funny and went back to his business, thinking that his daughter was speaking something gibberish since she is just a child.

Reading from the first few entries, she assumes that at this moment in time that Buzz already left Capital Planet.

Because of the court system on Capital Planet and his overzealous pursuit of criminals, Buzz initially quits being a Space Ranger and help a family in a lone planet dealing with the gas baron and his cronies. return to his duty as a Space Ranger.

She really needs to keep tabs on the news or articles from the network. Who knows what else she might have missed.

Zyra entered a series of codes in her tablet and red scripts of security numbers appeared.

A secret file titled "Future Team Lightyear" unlocked itself on the screen. The file leaked information on the Rookie members of Team Lightyear. All other information was base from what she knows from the show.

~0~0~

Name: Booster Sinclair Munchapper

Age: Currently a big toddler, not older than five

Added information: Their species has enhanced strength and able to endure heavy hits.

Weakness: Food (obviously)

~0~0~

Name: Mira Nova

Age: somewhere around three years old

Added Information: Tangean ghosting/mental powers.

Weakness: Grounders (get close enough, no more mind powers)

~0~0~

Name: Xperimental Ranger or XR

Age: created during the movie

Added Information: Hacking. MAJOR THREAT.

Weakness: being blown up often (lost count after each episode)

~0~0~

Among the three rookies, she finds XR the most troublesome. With his kind of hacking skills, he can access easily on computers in no time just from the USB port alone and this would cause her trouble or worst, wreck all her techno-related plans.

Take note. Increase the firewalls and anti-hacking programs to all of my files.

Another file appeared on screen, she accessed it and it showed a name, the name that will forever haunt Zurg's evil schemes in years to come.

"Buzz Lightyear, daddy's soon to be arch-nemesis." she said oh so sweetly.

He was once her favorite hero but now turned enemy. If they ever meet in another circumstances, she would have jumped for joy, meeting her childhood hero. Unfortunately, the universe is against her as they will have to be mortal enemies. And maybe someday, they will all get along and put their differences aside but she knows that it won't happen anytime soon.

Without Brain Pod 32's assistance, she wouldn't be able to hack through Capital Planets registration of populace to retrieve Buzz's personal file without getting caught. Of course, Brain Pod 32 was curious why she was researching on a certain individual such as Buzz.

Zyra was able to reason with him that she has to know the Star Command recent recruits for enemy analysis and he easily bought it.

Now going back to Buzz, his file contains more information than the others because let's face it, Buzz is like a cheat code for any difficult situations that Star Command can't handle. She needs every piece of information that she can get about him. And no, she is not a stalker or one of those people who are obsessed with their idols.

It's for enemy analysis research!

She had waited a whole day for another set of data to add in Lightyear's file and she can't wait to read them all.

~0~0~

Name: Buzz Lightyear

Species: Human

Age: Currently 21 years old

Occupation: Space Ranger Recruit (Currently)

Added information: over the top goodie-two shoes and awesome kickass maneuvers

Birthplace: Morph

Current Residence: Capital Planet

Relationship status: Single

Favorite Food: Cosmic Chili

Family/relatives: Nana Lightyear, no other known family members'

~0~0~

There was a moment of silence before her unreadable expression become bewildered with this information sheet.

Wait. That's it? No other history documents about his past, his parent's names or if he has a sibling at all?!

It's the most basic profile she has ever seen! The same as the public records.

Zyra double check the data transfer program and read the information from top to bottom several times, making sure that there's no error but all the systems are fine and there's no alteration on the data sheet. That is until she spotted a red coded code glaring at her.

Huh. Well what do you know…

==""COMMANDER'S EYES' ONLY""==

There was a "Commander Eyes' only" logo imprinted on the next paragraph. What kind of information that its only need to know bases by the Commander? Zyra wouldn't dare to touch this section as she is still a novice in hacking and she wouldn't want to risk anyone finding her location if they felt a single bug trying to pry the data open.

Zyra sighed aloud and close the file before moving on to the next agenda.

Memorizing the planetary system including it's four different quadrants and placements will be an advantage if she will ever space voyage.

Now where did I put that map?

Scanning through the scattered papers for the charter map, she spotted an old news paper with the highlight about the Academy graduates. Lifting the paper in front of her, Zyra muttered to herself.

"Top 10 fresh graduates from Space Ranger Academy were recruited in the Star Command. Buzz Lightyear, top 1 in his class, passed the entrance exam with flying colors and many high expectations held from Galactic Alliance for his duty as a Space Ranger."

In the front page, the image of Buzz Lightyear and Commander Nebula stand side by side. The Commander still looks the same except his facial hair is slightly brown and he still has his pegged leg.

This was a news clip she kept ever since she first saw Buzz as a younger recruit. She easily recognize one of the future rangers behind Buzz.

Warp Darkmatter was seen glaring at Buzz behind his back while crossing his arms in frustration.

If she remembers correctly, Warp worked as a double agent for Zurg since his Academy years. But she didn't see the periwinkle skinned man anywhere on Planet Z. Maybe they had secret meetings, talking only through communication devices on the monitors from the throne hall. Or that she might have missed him as Zyra was spending most of the time in her room or down in the labs.

Putting the paper back where she found it, the evil princess plopped down on her mattress and her head on the pillow.

Reviewing what she learned so far, the Team Lightyear's information data chart bothers her a little. Knowing each one of them and combining their abilities together, they make up the galaxy's ultimate team.

Right now, she can't compete with them in terms of strength and smarts. She can't fight them all on her own.

Yes, there's Brain Pod 32 and some Grubs but they are not trust worthy enough with her secrets, especially they serve her father for the longest of time.

Besides her father's armies and highly advance weapon, she needs someone capable enough to stand against them.

Someone who can honestly speak out about her decisions and got her back vice versa in case of dire situations. Someone who she can travel with through space without any worries about being ambushed.

Zyra needs a partner.

A lightbulb moment came when she realized that she has all the necessary things to create the perfect companion.

That's right. I can create the ultimate robot fighter and not only will it fight for me but also we will experience space adventures together as my loyal guard. It's brilliant!

Faster than the cheetah, Zyra hopped off from her bed and went to her desk. She began to drawn out weaponry designs and other internal mechanics with a notebook and a pen. Thoughts and ideas were popping out in her mind.

It has to have Artificial intelligence, how else would it adapt its enemies moves and tricks. But I have to add a loyalty program to it, making sure that it won't betray me after long time of activation.

She learned that lesson from the "Revenge of the Monsters" episode. In her opinion, the energy vampire known as NOS-4-A2 was one of her favorite villains.

But face to face with it in reality, she prefers not meeting him until she is fully prepared to fight the charming evil energy sucker.

Zyra pour her heart and mind in writing out to build her companion.

Outside of Zyra's room, a Hornet stationed itself beside the doorway as the guard on duty. Each and every one of the Hornet army were assigned to certain places, a little few on restricted areas.

When the sound of the door automatically opened, the Hornet looked down at the little girl wearing her backpack.

She looked at to him with a perked up smile.

"If anyone needs me, tell them that I'll be at the science lab bays. And please guard my room as always."

The Hornet nodded and resume his position, blasters out for any intruders.

Swiping the security card key on the console outside of her room with a small click indicating that it's locked, Zyra began to skip down the hallway and entered a huge corridor which branched out to different passages.

The hallways were dimly lit with red banners of "Z" when she passes by. Taking her time walking through the same route going to the science bay while she thought of designs for her ideal creation.

While navigating through a busy passage, each Grub either greet her with a "good morning" or some bow down their heads as a sign of respect. Zyra nodded to each greeting and quickened her walking space, recognizing the familiar passage way up ahead.

Reaching the entrance of the reddish arch gate, a long metallic bridge connected to a cylinder type elevator with the name above it.

Science Laboratory Section. Authorized personnel only

"Is there something you need at the laboratory section, Milady Zyra?" Someone spoke behind her.

She turned around and smiled at Brain Pod 32. He may look like the other Brain Pods but she requested him to wear a yellow band in one of his mechanical arms so that she can easily spot him without checking the number from the back.

"Hey, 32. Yeah, I really need the Brain Pods from the Science Committee to help me with something."

"Oh?" this interests 32, "such as?"

"I want to make my own robot!" Zyra exclaimed happily.

Brain Pod 32 tilted his head a little. "Don't you have enough Hornets? If you want, I can call the factory to make more for y- ""

"No. no. no. Not just any robot. A Special one!" Zyra pulled out the designs from her back pack and showed it to 32.

Holding the papers delicately, Brain Pod 32 studied the blueprints.

"Hmm. These schematics are impressive. Powered by miniature crystallic fusion cell, shifts from blaster to hand or blade form, built in communication system and artificial intelligence chip. Not bad, did you learn all this from my next lesson plan about physics and energetics?" 32 asked.

"Not really. I just thought of it." She shrugged

Actually the idea came from another cartoon series. It would be actually cool to apply those in my robot. Zyra wasn't ashamed on stealing other's ideas but it did exist in this world so why not.

Brain Pod 32 looked at her in shock.

"You mean you just thought all these that even the most experienced engineer takes years to achieve?"

Oh shoot. Zyra can imagine seeing stars in his eyes.

"I knew it!" 32 exclaimed happily, "You are a born-genius. It was strange for you to purposely fail those easy tests back then…"

"W-wait! You knew this whole time?!" she asked nervously.

"Yes. I have come to understand your behavior after years of being with you, your highness. So with this fact, we can further nurture your genius mind with more advance education!" he said excitedly.

She could almost faint from that statement.

I don't think I can handle that much learning. I can barely remember the entire two seasons of the series but not this!

Zyra quickly responded while her arms flailing in the air.

"32! Let's discuss about that in another time but right now I want to make this robot, I'm still not familiar with the robotics but will you assist me?" Zyra hoped that this will get 32 out from his mind about planning her next genius level lessons.

"Oh right. Of course, I'll be happy to."

Crisis averted! But to think that he knew this without me noticing him. She'll have to take note to put up more guard around her facial expressions and body language. If he can see through her with simple observation, anyone can do it.

They both entered the elevator and it descended to the lower levels, passing by the white and purple lights.

"If you don't mind me asking, what motivated you to do this?" 32 asked

"Out of boredom, I suppose. Plus building a robot is fun and exciting."

It would be bad if he knew what her true intentions of needing a personal robot because then he'll find out about everything. Not that she doesn't trust him, he is an important ally, an advantage even. On the other hand, having your own personal automaton, who she can talk with about her guarded secrets without question, it's a big bonus on her part.

The elevator doors opens to the side and revealed a massive hangar with five large corridors leading to specific laboratory areas. Each corridor corresponds to a number where number one is for heavy weaponry manufacture and number five is for the creation of the Hornet Armies.

What she wanted to go was number four, where the board members of the Scientist Committee gathered to formulate new technology and weaponry for the Evil Emperor Zurg.

The two Hornets guarding the number four entrance saluted at Zyra and Brain Pod 32 as they make their way through the path leading to a circular steel doors. Brain Pod 32 brought out his board membership card and swipe the security console. Once it acknowledged him as one of the main core members, the steel doors opened while releasing a heavy white thick smoke.

Zyra could see the Brain Pods chattering around with each other while seating at the long white metal table. Papers and chalkboards full of complex designs and numbers scattered around the room.

"Ah! Excuse the mess, princess!" A Brain Pod approached her and bowed his head.

"It's no problem, Brain Pod 99. I just need your opinion with my robot design." Zyra gestured 32 to show her schematics.

Brain Pod 99 received the papers from 32 and examine the detail designs of an autonomous robot.

"Hmm…this can be possibly made but we need to acquire the other materials to create its exoskeleton. Titanium alloys are pretty much common but I figured that you want the best grade." 99 said.

Zyra smirked. "You knew me well, 99. Do we have such alloy for it?"

"You are in luck. The next shipment of metallic alloys will arrive in the few hours. However, your father needs that large amount of alloy for his next doomsday weapon." 99 said in concern.

"No need to worry. You, Grub," Zyra pointed at the Grub near the main computer station, "Get in contact with the communication system in the throne room."

A Grub bowed and typed in the console. The main monitor screen blared static for a moment and it revealed the image of Evil Emperor Zurg torturing a leaf head prisoner with laser gun aiming on its feet, making the prisoner dance for its life.

"What is it? Can't you see I'm a little bit busy here." Zurg said while pressing a remote control in his hands.

"Hey, Daddy." Zyra said sweetly.

Zurg halted his activity and looked at her on the screen and gave a small smile.

"Ah, little starlight! Wait just a moment. Hornets! " Zurg yelled to the side, "Take away the prisoner. We will reschedule the torment tomorrow afternoon." Zurg said.

Hornets were seen grabbing the prisoner and taking him away through the purple gate doors.

"Now what does my precious little girl want?" Zurg looked at her fondly.

Zyra put her hands behind her back. "I kind a need the titanium alloy for my project. So can I have them, pretty please?"

"But sweetie~ Daddy needs those for another latest Evil invention." Zurg was steepling his fingers, " I need to keep the Space Rangers in their toes if there's a chance for me to end them all."

"Pleeeaaassseee? You can give that to me as my early birthday present," Zyra said, as she used the move that every child in the world knows in order to get what they want from their parents.

The overly cute pout with big puppy dog eyes.

Zurg couldn't resist her gaze and sighed in defeat, "Oh alright. You can have them."

"Yes!" Zyra fist bumped in the air.

"On one condition, you have to tell me about this project of yours later once I'm done with my meeting with the pods."

"Okay, Daddy and thank you!"

Swiftly, Zurg pointed at the Grubs on the side.

"Grubs! Order another large shipment of alloy immediately! ON THE DOUBLE!" Zurg yelled at the Grubs as they scurry away to process the order from him and the transmission ends there.

Zyra turned towards 99.

"With that done, I want your division to focus on constructing the internal mechanisms. I need to see this project of mine till the end."

"As you wish, your highness." 99 and the other Brain Pods worked on building the design.

"While they do the frame work, you and I will discuss about the programs that I want to install in it." Zyra said to Brain Pod 32.

"Agreed. It will be my honor to join this project, " Brain Pod 32 replied, " and this will be a great practice for your technical lessons on robotics."

Unlike constructing a Hornet squadron which took a day to create, Zyra wants her robot to be extra special that it took almost a month to build.

The project used a lot of her time and mind to help redesigning, fixing errors and adding some features to the bipedal robot. The work load gave her headaches and she randomly burst in anger on anyone nearby, she apologized later after hours of re-programming the artificial intelligence. But it was all worth it when the project was finally done.

Brain Pod 99 stood beside Zyra as they watched a pod like container rising from the metallic white floors. They were in a testing area in Science Bay 3, a huge hangar with nothing but a monitor room and hidden training weapons and robots behind the metal walls.

She smiled proudly at her creation.

The pod opened itself revealing a six foot tall bipedal robot in stasis mode. A Hornet design with a twist. It was dark blue in color, one red visor, pointy shoulder pads and a red diamond shape button on the left side of its chassis, activating an azure colored jet pack wings from its back.

"Heavy equipped with all types of defensive arts, built in electricity generated and cloaking device, powered by a miniature of crystallic fusion cell, mastery of shifting from blasters to clawed hands and a long blade mode and let's not forget the Artificial Intelligence chip that me and Brain Pod 32 worked hours for it." Zyra said.

Brain Pod 32 was out in an excursion to other factories but she will tell him all the details once he gets back.

She wiped off a tear coming out from her eye. "It's the most beautiful thing that anyone has ever seen."

"Have you thought of a name for this robot?" 99 asked.

Zyra had thought of naming it before, it took her a few days when she found the perfect name for it.

"I will call him Desmond." she said.

"Desmond?" 99 questioned

Zyra nodded. "Yup. The name was given to a man who was both a destroyer and a savior. I thought that this piece of beauty deserves that name because it will bring hell to the Space Rangers later on." She chuckled lightly.

"That is truly diabolical. Shall we begin?", 99 handed over a tabloid device, with buttons on the side and it was sea foam green in color, to Zyra's little hands.

She scanned through the programs and pressed the activation window with a soft touch from her finger.

The red visor from the bipedal glows red and slowly light blue like veins covered over its body and in a flash, the systems from her tabloid indicated that the systems are in function.

Zyra and 99 went inside the control room to observe from above.

She pressed again on the tabloid and the dark blue robot walked out from the pod and did some slight movements from his arms.

Then it suddenly performed some series of punches and kicks, which she installed some fighting moves on it.

"Now to test its skills in action. Grubs! To your positions!" Zyra said excitedly

The Grubs in the control room were in charge of setting up the mini course of fire and gave a go signal to her.

"99, begin the simulation!"

Brain Pod 99 nodded, as he pressed the big red button and a battle simulation started.

Whirring sounds of flying drones appeared from the ground and started to blast at Desmond, who successfully dodged all of it by rolling out to the side away from the range of the drones' lasers.

He activated his blasters from both arms and shoot on the moving targets accurately. Sensing an approaching projectile, he shifted his right hand to a blade mode, and slashed down the missile where it splits into two as the halves rocketed off to the walls and exploded.

Zyra could hear the Grubs were in awe of his skills as they clap at Desmond's performance.

Three more missiles were launched from the sides and it was locked on him. Figuring out that those were heat seeking missiles, Desmond started to run around the room like an athlete in a track field, letting the missiles missed him as it exploded on the floors.

Then a Hyper Hornet emerged from the ground and stomped loudly towards him.

Without hesitation, he charged at the Hyper Hornet.

Desmond skidded between its legs while activating his magnetic boots, continuing running up the walls to the ceilings.

Once he reaches in the middle of the ceiling, Desmond deactivated the boots and landed on top of the massive Hornet and sliced of its head with his blade thus automatically the Hyper Hornet fell down to the ground with a loud BAM!

It was clear as to who is the victor as Desmond stood up on top of the defeated machine like a warrior winning a battle.

Grubs nearby gave a round of an applause and a Grub raised a white board showing a perfect score of a hundred points.

Zyra was astonished of the spectacle.

He's like a freakin' ninja warrior! Zyra thought amazed.

"All motor functions are working properly," said 99, "As impressive as it displays, we still need to check its performances in a real field. That way, we'll know for sure that either it needs upgrading or it needs more work to be done."

Zyra got another light bulb idea with a snapped of her fingers and smiled evilly.

"And I know just the place for it."

Author's Note: This is an updated chapter (April 12, 2023). For those old and new readers, thank you for reading this fanfic of mine. Adieu~