After finishing breakfast, Nero and Budo head to the garage to get dropped off at school.
"You guys go to school?"- Luna.
"Yep! We'll see you guys when we get back!"- Nero.
"Alright! See ya!"- Luna.
"Take care!"- Hade.
"I'll try flying the ship to the school so I can beam you guys there. Study hard!"- Franklin, happily waving at them.
They are now in the garage.
"Hey, Barbara. Aren't you gonna bring Robo-Fly today?"- Budo.
"I'm doing an upgrade on her right now. So, I can't let her come to school until further notice."- Barbara.
"Well, we can't wait to see it! I bet she's gonna turn out fantastic! Especially since you built her!"- Nero, exclaiming happily.
"Hehehe. Thanks."- Barbara, blushing again.
The ship was now near their school. Franklin presses the blue button that says 'Arrival' on it. The blue light illuminates them magically. And they are instantly teleported to the school's main entrance.
They walk inside.
"Man, we have more people on the ship now! Our adventures this weekend were epic!"- Budo.
"You got that right, Budo! I can't wait to go on more! And we caught a criminal right-handed too! Galtic is sure to let us in his squad after we graduate!"- Nero.
"Yeah! Let's hope we make the grade in the future to be part of the Galactic Federation!"- Barbara.
"Speaking of grade, should we study in the library again?"- Nero.
"We should. C'mon, guys"- Barbara.
"Geez… not again."- Budo.
"Don't be disappointed, Budo. Studying is important. We'll need to keep doing this activity if we want to graduate. Plus, it could be fun."- Barbara.
"I guess. It depends on the subject though. And I'm not too good with equations."- Budo.
"I'd rather do astronomy. I do wanna explore more different places in space. Especially since we live in a spaceship floating across it."- Nero.
"And especially since we have a test coming up tomorrow. So, let's get started, okay?"- Barbara.
"A test?! Fine… let's get it over with."- Budo.
The trio is at the library studying for tomorrow's test. Nero looks closely at the page of the astronomy book. It has a picture of an unknown planet and a description of it.
"Hmm. The Lost Planet? How did anyone discover this place years ago?"- Nero.
"That's an interesting question, Nero. It is said to be very mysterious and has a dark concept from the looks of it outside of space. It must be so rare that not many people have seen it."- Barbara.
"So then how is it known if it's that hard to find? Did someone enter the planet? Was it just one astronaut that discovered it? Who named it 'The Lost Planet'?"- Nero.
"Let's keep reading to find out. There might be some answers."- Barbara, suggesting that it's imperative to keep reading in order to discover as answers as possible.
While they were reading, Magnolia came out of nowhere and snatched the book from Barbara.
"Magnolia! Please, we really don't want any trouble!"- Barbara.
The librarian shushes Barbara.
"I'm really sorry!"- Barbara, putting her hands in the middle and bowing.
"Tch. Always so gentle and submissive. You really are nothing but a pushover."- Magnolia.
"Look, just give it back to her and get lost. You wanna be called to the office again?"- Budo, glaring at Magnolia.
"No one said you can order me around, you spiky-haired lowlife."- Magnolia.
"L-lowlife!?"- Budo, surprised and angry.
"Wow. With the horrible way you're acting now, I'm amazed you weren't expelled from this academy."- Nero.
"What did you say, you little degenerate?"- Magnolia, angrily glaring at him.
"You heard me. Do you enjoy picking on the kind and innocent that much? You're no better than a villain. I can't figure out why you're always bullying others for your own petty amusement. What has Barbara ever done to you?"- Nero.
"Tch. I don't expect you to understand."- Magnolia.
"Then tell me. I'm not waiting patiently for a straight answer from your mouth."- Nero.
"Alright. I guess I can enlighten your seed-sized brain. It's because she took my pride away from me ever since she's been getting better than me at every school subject. Everybody at White Star treated her like a princess thanks to her goody-two-shoes act and her little knack for learning! There, you got your answer. I'll be going now. Tata!"- Magnolia, as she walks away with Barbara's astronomy book.
But not before Nero and Budo rush to retrieve it from Magnolia.
"Give it back! That's Barbara's book, not yours!"- Nero.
"That's right!"- Budo.
The librarian walks over to the quarreling group.
"What's going on here? This is a library, you know. You need to be silent."- the librarian.
"Miss Chells, she stole Barbara's book!"- Budo.
"We're just trying to get back from her!"- Nero.
"Magnolia, is this true?"- Miss Chells.
"O-of course not! These two were just accusing me of a crime!"- Magnolia, lying.
"But we just saw you swipe Barbara's book!"- Nero.
"I was only borrowing it! She said I could have it!"- Magnolia, faking her innocence.
"I see. In that case, you boys had better leave Magnolia alone!"- Miss Chells.
"But, Miss Chell-"- Nero.
"But nothing! Just go back to where you were sitting and stay silent!"- Miss Chells, angry.
"Are you serious?!"- Budo, angry.
"Now!"- Miss Chells, coldly glaring at him.
"Y-yes, ma'am."- Budo, scared.
Time passed as school was officially over. The trio is back on the ship. With a very depressed Barbara. It's no surprise.
She was having a dreadful day. Magnolia was not only bullying her again but she also stole her book and got off scot-free. Nero and Budo told the principal what happened and call Magnolia over. But she was a great liar, saying she has no idea where Barbara's book is and that she's lost it. The convinced principal checked the mean girl's bag and the book wasn't there. Considering that she, in secrecy, dropped Barbara's book at the nothingness of space through the window. And Barbara was never able to find it since.
Back at the ship on the first floor, everybody looks at the depressed Barbara. Luna comes over to console her.
"Hey… You alright?"- Luna, putting her hand on Barbara's shoulder with a worried expression.
"Yes. I-I'm okay."- Barbara, sniffling.
"C'mon. What happened? You can tell me."- Luna.
Barbara tries to hold herself together but failed. She then drops to her knees and starts sobbing uncontrollably.
"Hey! Hey! It's okay! Shhh! Shhh. It's alright."- Luna, trying her best to calm her down as best she can.
She begins to look at Budo angrily. "What happened to her?! You'd better not have made her cry!"- Luna.
"I-I didn't do anything!"- Budo, defensive.
"So, what happened then!?"- Luna.
"Well… A lot happened at school."- Nero.
"Barbara…"- Hade, concerned.
"Here, Barbara. Come with me. Let's have some girl talk. That should make you feel better, okay?"- Luna, offering her hand to Barbara. She takes it.
The two walk toward the elevator.
"I've never seen her this miserable before."- Hade.
"Yeah… I hope she feels better soon."- Nero.
"I should've taken her book back from Magnolia when I had a chance. But she was too slippery."- Budo, angry at himself.
"Don't worry, Budo. I couldn't do anything either. But what we can do for Barbara right now is to make it up to her for the bad day she's been having."- Nero.
"Yeah, but how?"- Budo.
Nero walks towards Franklin.
"Professor? We're gonna need your help. I have something that came to mind."- Nero. Franklin nods.
Luna takes Barbara to her room.
"Well, you feel like telling me what's wrong now? I can help."- Luna.
Barbara wipes her tears away and begins to speak. "I-it's just that… my childhood bully took my astronomy book away from me and hid it somewhere where we couldn't find it. I get nightmares from encountering her ever since she always picked on me. She calls me worthless and other bad things."
Luna clenches her fist in anger. "That lousy witch! She's gonna pay! What's her name?! Could you also give me info on what she looks like?!"
"Magnolia. She's an Arctican like me and Budo and has purple hair and pink eyes."- Barbara.
"Argh! Girls like her make me sick! I oughta have her arrested and expelled permanently!"- Luna, continuing. "And I thought Z was bad! I won't let any of my friends get tortured like this! I'm gonna go get ready to capture her tomorrow and report her to the principal. She may be a student. But she's the worst of the bunch!"
"But Luna. I don't want to get you involved in my problems."- Barbara.
"It's fine. Really. Besides, we're friends, aren't we?"- Luna continues again. "Listen, Barbara. You're a very smart and pretty girl. Whether you look at it or not, you're an awesome person. All you need to do is live up to your potential by always working hard at what you do and staying true and confident in yourself. Don't let Ugnolia get to you. Muster up some courage and put your foot down. Prove to bullies like her that she shouldn't treat you like that. You can change your life that way! It only takes courage."
"Luna… You're right! I won't give up that easily! I can stay true to myself regardless of what anyone says! Thank you for the talk! I feel much better!"-Barbara.
"Hey, we gals gotta look out for each other, right? I'm gonna go to the gym floor. Seeya!"- Luna, waving at the recovered Barbara.
"Okay! Don't push yourself too hard!"- Barbara.
Dr. Z is in his lab. Inventing something as usual.
"Since I can't find the Shape-shifting Bracelet I used to have, I suppose inventing another one will suffice. But with an improvement. Let's see… where can I find the perfect components?"- Dr. Z.
He leaves for a while to rummage through his drawers for the parts.
"Hmm… where are the microchips. They need to be inserted into that bracelet. You there! Robot!"- Dr. Z, pointing to the short robot he built recently."Go find the parts I need for the bracelet! And be quick!"
The mechanical creature nods to his command and goes on a search.
"Huh. What have we here?"- Dr. Z, looking at the notification he just heard from his computer. It appears to be a blueprint of a giant magnet with constructions and directions on how to build it.
"Hmm. This grants me an illegitimate idea. If I build an ultra-high-tech magnet and install it in my base's main control system, I can use it to catch Nero. He'll never be able to escape from the powerful magnetic force! Ahahahahahahaha!"- Dr. Z. "But who sent this? I'll have to figure that out later! The bracelet can wait! Time for a change of plans! Robot! Get back over here!"
At 6 pm after dinner, Nero and the others gather in the hallway.
"So, what is it, Nero?"- Luna.
"Since you've been having a bad day, Barbara, we got something that'll cheer you right up."- Nero, pulling out a surprise from his pocket.
"A cube?"- Barbara.
"Not just any. Check this out!"- Nero, pushing the middle button.
The mechanical cube shows a bright holographic image of the entire galaxy.
"It's beautiful!"- Barbara.
Nero gives her the cube. She looks at the hologram with amazing eyes and a smile. After Barbara turns the cube off and puts it in her pocket, she rushes over to Nero and hugs him.
"Thank you so much, Nero! It looks so amazing!"- Barbara.
"You know, the reason I wanted to become an inventor was-"- Barbara.
"Because you want to be helpful to everyone, right?"- Budo.
"Yes. But also because of my father."- Barbara.
"What do you mean, because of your father?"- Luna.
"When I was younger, I was teased and ridiculed at my old school due to how shy I was. But when I got home after a rough day, my dad invented something. A little robot to keep me company. It was able to speak and walk around on its own. It often told jokes to make me happy. Its name was Cy."- Barbara.
"I get it. Your dad showed you one of his inventions to cheer you up. You needed a friend."- Nero.
"Yeah. Afterward, he invented other things for the town. To make their lives easier. All those people praised him for it. He was the pride of the town and the best man I've ever known. That's when I realized that I wanted to be like him. An inventor."- Barbara.
"That was all before you met me?"- Budo.
Barbara nods at his question.
"My life has gotten easier because of two amazing people in Arctica. My dad and Budo. They saved me when I was depressed or overwhelmed by my dark days. They changed my life. After that, I met all of you guys. You've made me as strong and confident as I can be. Thank you."- Barbara.
"I- I'm not really that amazing, though."- Budo, blushing and scratching his head from behind.
"That's not true. You are! Remember that time you helped me when we first met at White Star Academy? You were really kind and brave!"- Barbara, reassures him.
Budo's face turns red.
"Am I detecting a crush?"- Luna.
"Shut up…"- Budo.
Luna starts laughing and so does everyone else.
"Oh! By the way! About this quiz we're taking tomorrow?"- Nero.
"Oh! You're right, Nero! Let's get to studying!"- Barbara.
"But how are we gonna do that? You don't have your astronomy book anymore."- Budo.
"Maybe she can borrow one of ours."- Nero.
Now in Barbara's room, the main trio study for the astronomy test tomorrow.
"Terria is what kind of planet? A: Hostile, B: Aquatic, or C: Deserted?"- Barbara, quizzing the two for the bit.
"I'm gonna go with A. Because, c'mon, we've been there before. It had deadly Bullworms, Bullfish, etc."- Budo.
"Though it was a bit sandy. But it had an ocean and a forest. So, I'm with Budo's answer on this one."- Nero.
"Alright! You two got it right! We'll definitely do great tomorrow!"- Barbara.
And they kept going until all the other answers are done and well-memorized. Until it was 9 pm when everyone went to bed.
Now it's morning. The gang is having breakfast. Delicious cinnamon muffins. At the table, they sit down and eat.
"Yummy! These are so good!"- Nero, eating vigorously.
"Don't eat so fast! You could get a heart attack, if not choke!"- Luna.
Nero swallows and drinks some orange juice.
"Alright. Alright. I just can't help it. These muffins are so delish!"- Nero.
"Yeah, they are! You want one, Hade?"- Budo.
"Thanks, but as a Terrian, I don't really like to eat sugar. I need to keep my body fully fit for my training every day."- Hade.
"It's no trouble. I'll just make you some scrambled eggs, Hade."- Franklin.
Barbara, who just finished eating, looked at her watch.
"Hey, guys. We need to go. It's 9:40."- Barbara.
"Okay. We'll see you guys later!"- Nero, waving at them while he, Budo, and Barbara head out of the kitchen.
"Bye!"- Barbara.
"Hey, Budo! Get back here for a second!"- Luna, calling out for him.
"You guys go on ahead. I won't take too long."- Budo.
He runs back to the kitchen.
"Yeah? I kinda need to hurry."- Budo.
"Just listen up! In case Barbara gets into any form of trouble, you'd better be there for her. If anything happens to her, you'll get a huge beating from me! Got it?!"- Luna.
"What are you talking about? I've been by her side since day one."- Budo.
"Then why didn't you stop that Magnolia chick from taking her book?"- Luna.
"How did you know about that?"- Budo. "Duh! Barbara told me about her!"- Luna.
"Well, we tried to take it from Magnolia. But the librarian stopped us and wouldn't listen or believe us. And if she saw me forcefully take it from her, there'd be more trouble. Plus, we couldn't find it."- Budo.
Luna gave a frustrated sigh.
"Look. Even if trouble arises, you still need to be there for someone. Getting in trouble is a risk you gotta suck up and take. Friendship is important. Don't be a coward. Just man up and take the fall for the people you care about at times like that. You'll recover from the fall eventually. Especially for Barbara. Protect her. Help her. Do not disappoint her. You love her, don't you?"- Luna.
This question causes Budo to blush furiously.
"W-well, not romantically in the way you mean! But you're right! She's my friend! And so is Nero! As well as you guys! I will keep you all safe! I swear! Thanks, Luna! You're the best! Oh, shoot! I'd better get going for school! Seeya!"- Budo, charging towards the elevator.
Time has passed since everyone took their Astronomy test. Most have passed. Some have failed. Budo surprisingly got an 85%. Nero at 90%. And Barbara at 100%. As a reward, their teacher gives them a lot of free time. Until the final class today. The trio head to the main hallway to relax as they grab their snacks from their bags.
"Man, I thought I was never gonna do well. But Lady Luck proved me wrong!"- Budo.
"Yeah! We did great thanks to last night. We studied non-stop."- Barbara.
"It's all because of you, Barbara. You helped me and Budo out a lot! You sure are amazing."- Nero.
"Tch. No, she isn't."- Magnolia, appearing from nowhere again.
Barbara becomes very scared. Nero and Budo step in to protect her.
"Not you again! What do you want now?"- Budo.
"You don't know how to talk to a lady, do you?"- Magnolia.
"Not to cruel ones like you!"- Nero.
"Tch. If you must know, I simply came to get something from my bag. So, do me a solid and get out of my way."- Magnolia.
"How do we know you won't hurt Barbara?"- Budo, uncertain.
"Don't get your undies in a twist, spike head. I'm not going to waste my time messing with her right now."- Magnolia.
"You'd better not! Or I will report you to the principal!"- Luna, appearing from nowhere too.
"Luna?!"- Nero, Budo, and Barbara.
"Hey, guys. Long story short. The principal allowed me to keep an eye out for any bad behavior in the school the moment he realized I was a Galactic Federation member."- Luna.
"What?! You, a part of the Galactic Federation? HAHAHAHA! At least YOU have a decent sense of humor."- Magnolia.
"She's not joking around. She really is part of the Force. She's just living with us from now on."- Nero.
"Yeah right! She's just a kid like all of us students at the Academy! Therefore, she should be a student, not an officer!"- Magnolia.
"Take a look at this! See if I'm wrong!"- Luna, pulling out her identification card.
"What?! No way! This has to be fake!"- Magnolia.
"It's not fake! I'm real as I'll ever be! You better leave Barbara and all the other students alone! That's an order from someone of the Federation! Remember that or get expelled! For good!"- Luna, putting the card back in her pocket. Magnolia begins to feel intimated.
"Y-yes, ma'am! I'll just grab something really quick and get out of your hair! Have a nice day!"- Magnolia, running to get open her book bag.
"Hold it!"- Luna.
"Y-yes, Miss Luna?"- Magnolia.
"Apologize to them! Mainly Barbara. You've mistreated her for years. If you don't say you're sorry, it's expulsion time for you!"- Luna.
Magnolia shyly bowed in response. She walks over to the group.
"S-sarr.. S-soor…"- Magnolia, hesitating to apologize.
"C'mon! Say it right!"- Luna.
"Sorry!"- Magnolia, blushing.
"It's alright, Magnolia."- Barbara.
"W-what?"- Magnolia.
"I said it's alright. You don't have to worry."- Barbara.
"A-are you insane?! Wait. Was that sarcasm?"- Magnolia.
"No, of course not! I'm serious. It's actually my fault you're this upset. I must've taken your friends away from you that time. When you and I first met. I was the daughter of the man who invented so many things for the people of Tundra. Your friends were so intrigued by my father's inventions. I had no idea how you were feeling."- Barbara.
"That's why they ignored me in favor of you. I was so lonely, sad, and angry that I'd kept taking it out on you. The fact that my parents were gone didn't help matters either."- Magnolia.
"Your parents? What happened to them?"- Barbara.
Magnolia begins to break down.
"T-they were killed! By some stupid space pirates! I had to fend for myself living alone because of that! Why did this have to happen to them?! "- Magnolia, sobbing.
Barbara comes to hug and comfort her.
"G-get off! I don't need your sympathy, four-eyes!"- Magnolia sniffling.
"I'm so sorry about your parents… You've been through too much pain."- Barbara.
"Just let go!"- Magnolia.
"I won't. I want to help you, Magnolia. I want to be your friend. But that will never happen if you keep pushing me away."- Barbara.
Budo walks in to talk to Magnolia.
"Y'know, we're the same. Those guys killed mine too. Right now, I only have my uncle to take care of me. I've always been wanting to get strong enough to get rid of the Gunbardia and avenge them. I won't stop until I do. That's why I've always been training to get stronger. To protect those close to me and to avenge the ones I loved."- Budo.
"So, I'm not the only one who's suffered."- Magnolia.
"No, you're not alone. Life can be hard sometimes. Especially for those who've been lonely. But at the end of those hard times, there's always a positive side eventually."- Nero.
"There is?"- Magnolia.
"Yeah. For example, you found some friends. Us."- Nero.
"W-what? R-really?!"- Magnolia, surprised.
"Yeah. Hey, Magnolia. Come eat with us. We're about to have lunch soon."- Barbara.
"Honestly. You're still nice to me even after the way I bullied you? Geez…"- Magnolia.
"Budo? Nero? Will that be okay with you guys?"- Barbara.
"Eh. Why not? She needs some love every now and then."- Budo.
"Of course it's okay. I hope we can bond with her a little more. Wanna join Luna?"- Nero.
"No. I'm gonna head back. I think she knows how to behave now. And I get where she's coming from"- Luna.
"Wow… you guys are… N-nevermind! See you at the cafeteria!"- Magnolia running ahead to grab her snack.
Time skips to lunchtime. The three are having lunch together at the cafeteria. Magnolia included.
"Very tasty! This sandwich is the bomb!"- Budo.
"Yeah! Mine is too! Thanks for joining us by the way, Magnolia."- Nero.
"Yeah well…. Thanks for having me, I guess."- Magnolia.
"No problem!"- Barbara, smiling happily at her.
"Gunbardia… What's that about by the way?"- Nero.
"Oh, you never heard of those guys? They're a group of murderous and treacherous space pirates who wreak havoc on any planet they arrive at. Their sole purpose is to steal whatever they find valuable to become rich. Even if they have to kill to get it. They killed my parents. And Magnolia's too."- Budo, clenching his fist.
"S-sorry if I brought up rough memories. I was just curious about that name. Didn't mean to be insensitive."- Nero, apologetic.
"Hey, it's fine. As long as I get stronger, I'll send those devious snakes right to the asteroids! And with your guys' help, Nero, it might be easy."- Budo.
"So, uh… Nero, right? What planet are you from? Like, did you grow up anywhere? Live on Arctica?"- Magnolia.
"This may be a bit surprising, but I actually was raised on a ship in space. By a talented scientist who is also a space pilot."- Nero.
"Really?! Incredible!"- Magnolia, impressed.
"Yeah…"- Nero.
"Hey, I gotta pee."- Magnolia, exiting the table.
"I'll come with you! I actually need to go myself."- Barbara, following her.
"I wouldn't mind the company."- Magnolia.
Barbara and Magnolia left the table.
"Man, those girls are hitting it off."- Budo.
"Yeah. It's rare to see them becoming friends. But it's kind of refreshing."- Nero.
Suddenly they hear a loud crash coming from outside the cafeteria. Nero and Budo as well as the other students exit the cafeteria to see what the commotion was about. It's an army of robots that appeared in the academy.
"Z's robots?!"- Nero.
"Everyone, please evacuate to the safe zone immediately! It's at the very bottom of the school!"- Mr. Thunder, announced.
But Nero and Budo stay to fight.
"Don't worry, teach! We can handle them!"- Budo.
"No, you can't! Go to the safe zone with everyone else!"- Mr. Thunder.
Budo disobeys and launches a punch on the left robot's middle section. It took damage from the hit. The right robot launches three missiles at him.
"Cosmic Flare!"- Nero, using it to shoot through the missiles and at the robot. The robot is destroyed. The left bot is left defenseless.
It begins to shoot a grappling fist. But it was so slow that Budo grabs it and throws it right back at the robot. It took another blow. Budo then tackles it hard to the ground and rips its head off. Budo then throws it down on the ground. It begins to beep, making Budo get away quickly before it explodes.
"We did it! But that was strangely too easy. Could these training dummies for robots have been the decoy?"- Nero.
Mr. Thunder and the students were shocked to see how well they fought. Nero's Cosmic Flare is the one that surprised them the most.
"Aaaaaaaaaaah! Please let go of me!"- a scared voice.
"Oh no! Barbara!"- Budo.
"Let's go!"- Nero.
The two boys quickly run past the crowd of students and teachers.
They run across the hallway to see Magnolia injured. She's laying on the ground.
"Magnolia! Magnolia!"- Nero.
"Hey, what happened?! Where's Barbara?!"- Budo, shaking her.
"The robot… took her… I'd tried to stop them but… I was too weak. It's all my fault! I couldn't protect her!"- Magnolia.
"Don't beat yourself up. There was nothing you could've done. We'll rescue Barbara! Just get yourself to the nurse's office. She'll patch you up."- Nero.
"But… I can't just-"- Magnolia.
"Please! We'll bring Barbara back to school and everything will be alright. Trust us!"- Budo.
"O-okay. You'd better save her!"- Magnolia. The boys give her firm nods.
"Call the professor!"- Nero.
"Got it!"- Budo.
He picks up his communicator. Franklin was able to pick it up.
"Hey, Prof. We've got some bad news."- Budo.
Nero and Budo are back at the ship.
"What?! Barbara's kidnapped?!"- Luna.
"I'm afraid so…"- Nero.
"Nero and I manage to take out two robots but… there was actually a third. If only we'd noticed sooner. This wouldn't have happened to Barbara."- Budo.
"Any ideas where she could be?"- Hade.
"Well, there's no other place I can think of than Z's base. He must've used one of the robots to capture her and bring her to his place."- Nero.
"That scumbag! What could he want with an innocent girl like Barbara?!"- Luna.
"I'm not sure."- Franklin.
"Does it have anything to do with the fact that she's an inventor now?"- Budo.
"No. She can't invent just about anything yet. Yes, she built Robo-Fly, but she still might be learning. Whatever the case, I just hope she's alright."- Franklin.
Luna runs away.
"Luna?"- Budo.
"Don't just stand there like statues! C'mon! We have a girl to save!"- Luna.
"Right! Professor, fly us over to Z's base!"- Nero.
Franklin nods.
At Dr. Z's base, the villain is keeping Barbara in a cage inside a big yellow cage.
"Perfect. They're almost here."- Dr. Z, looking through the giant telescope.
"Dr. Z! What's going on?!"- Barbara, scared.
"Calm down, little miss. I'm not going to do anything to you."- Dr. Z.
"Huh? Then why did you-"- Barbara.
"So that I could reel the fish in obviously! You were just the right bait!"- Dr. Z.
"Oh no! You're going to try to capture Nero, aren't you!?"- Barbara.
"That's right. Your little friend will be mine. Just it back and do be quiet since there's clearly nothing you can do from inside that cage."- Dr.Z.
"Listen to me, mister! You'd better not hurt them! They're my friends!"- Barbara.
"Argh! You are quite annoying! Infamous, take her to the vault!"- Dr.Z.
Infamous does as ordered. He sets Barbara free only to grab her with both hands and takes her to another prison that lies in the vault.
"They're right on my monitor. Now's my chance!"- Dr. Z, pressing the yellow button to unleash the giant magnet outside his lab.
Nero, Budo, Luna, and Hade are making their way above Z's lair. But they see something amiss.
"What the heck is that?"- Budo.
"It looks like… a magnet!"- Nero, recognizing the situation.
The gang is being pulled in.
"So, this is why he captured Barbara! He was using our friend as bait to lure us into a trap! He's more cowardly and sick than I thought!"- Hade.
"Nero, what're we gonna do?! We're being pulled in!"- Luna.
"Cosmic Flare!"- Nero.
The attack had no effect on the magnet.
"Guys! Get ready!"- Budo.
"For what?! Ready for what?!"- Luna.
"For this!"- Budo, pulling out the Force Crystal.
"Force Beam!"- Budo, firing a giant red beam of powerful energy at the magnet. It destroys it! The magnet is now blown into pieces!
"Excellent! You've saved us, Budo!"- Hade.
"Yeah. But let's not celebrate yet until Barbara's safe and sound."- Luna.
"Right! Don't worry, Barbara! We'll save you!"- Nero.
They break through the front windows and land safely on the ground.
Dr. Z grunts in frustration.
"Blast it all! To think that my plan would come to fruition!"- Dr. Z.
"Alright, Dr. Zero Intelligence! Where's Barbara?"- Nero, demanded.
"Oh, you mean the girl?"- Dr. Z.
"Yes, we mean her, you idiot! Where is she?!"- Luna.
"You'll have to find her yourself! Better yet, let's make a trade. You give me Nero and all the Infinite Crystals you have, and I'll give you back the girl. How's that sound?"- Dr. Z.
"Sounds like a sucker's deal! Your brain must be the same size as an acorn if you think we're gonna agree with those lousy conditions! Just give back Barbara!"- Budo.
"I can't stand your foul mouths any longer! Infamous, get back in here!"- Dr. Z.
Infamous walks back into the lab.
"You called, Master Z?"- Infamous.
He then turns to see Nero and the others. Dr. Z walks away.
"I think you know what to do with these pests."- Dr. Z.
Infamous nods as the doctor continue to make his exit. Infamous launches a purple energy blast at the group. They got out of the way quickly to avoid it. Budo uses the Force Crystal and does a Force Beam! Before it could hit him, Infamous dodged it with ease. Luna and Hade charge right at him. But the Alien of Destruction makes a small shockwave with his hand to blow them away. Luckily, they managed to land on their feet after recovery.
"I'll handle this! You guys save Barbara!"- Nero.
"Don't be an idiot, Nero! You can't take him on your own!"- Luna, concerned.
"He defeated him twice. I know he'll do it again. Let's have faith in him. Barbara's waiting for us!"- Budo.
Luna nods in agreement. The three exit the lab but Infamous tries to stop them. Nero launches a massive Cosmic Flare at him before he could do so.
"Ignore them! This is between you and me now!"- Nero.
"Very well. Once I defeat you, Master will be most pleased to see you captured and bruised by my hands!"- Infamous.
Thanks to Nero, the three are bought with enough time to escape and find Barbara.
The three quickly raced through the hallway.
"Where could Barbara be?"- Budo.
"Where else? The vault! That's where we were imprisoned before! We have to go there and set her free!"- Luna.
"Hade, this is your first time at the base. So, try to stay close to us. You might get lost otherwise."- Budo.
"Don't worry. I'm already following you two."- Hade, affirmative.
Before they're at the turning point, a bunch of security robots appears! The three get ready to fight.
"Not these stupid robots! Fine then! Let's make this quick!"- Luna, getting out her blast gun.
The robots launch their firearms. Budo uses Force Beam to destroy one of them. Hade dodges the left robot's attacks and launches a slice to its head with his dagger with such swiftness! Two robots are destroyed. Luna uses the blast gun to destroy as many as she could. The only problem is that there are too many security droids. There are only fifteen left!
"Budo, do a Force Wave!"- Luna, blasting the droids.
"I can't! I don't know how!"- Budo.
"Blast! Then our only option is to eliminate the droids one by one! But Barbara may be in danger if we don't hurry!"- Luna.
"Budo, you go on ahead! We can take care of these monsters!"- Hade.
"But-"- Budo.
"No buts! Get a move on! Save Barbara! She needs you!"- Luna.
Budo looks down, worried about all his friends who are fighting right now. But he realizes how strong and independent they are. Having said that, he nods firmly and pressed onward!
Budo finally made it to the vault. He hears someone sobbing.
"Barbara!"- Budo, recognizing the voice.
He runs towards the girl, who is locked inside the same cage where they were first imprisoned in.
"B-Budo?"- Barbara, sniffling.
"Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"- Budo.
"N-no, I'm okay… Thank you for coming to my rescue. I'm sorry for the trouble."- Barbara.
"C'mon, stop that! You have nothing to be sorry for! I'm just glad you're safe. I'll get you out of there."- Budo.
"Budo…"- Barbara.
Barbara comes closer to him, touching the glass. "Barbara… No matter what happens, I will keep you safe. I'm not gonna let anything else happen to you. Count on it!"- Budo.
"Budo…"- Barbara, having tears foam in her eyes.
But a certain doctor kicks Budo to the floor.
"Budo!"- Barbara.
"You annoying little punk! You thought I was done with you? Think again!"- Dr. Z.
"Dr. Z! Let Barbara go or you can have my fists for dinner!"- Budo.
"Not going to- Wait. Where are your pathetic friends? Did they perhaps flee because they got scared like cowardly little mice? Or did they lose to my robot minions?"- Dr. Z.
"Nero is fighting Infamous! And Luna and Hade are dealing with your toys!"- Budo.
"Argh! You space rats are always so annoyingly persistent! I'll soon destroy you all, capture Nero, collect all the Infinite Crystals and rule the galaxy with an iron fist!"- Dr. Z.
"Z, you make me sick to my stomach! You think you can torture my friends like this? You better pray that you're ready to deal with my fist!"- Budo.
He charges at the doctor in full force! His punch finally lands. Z tries to get up, but Budo angrily jumps on him and grabs him by the collar.
"You may be good with robots by your side. But on your own, you're pathetic and powerless. Set Barbara free or I'll SMASH YOUR STUPID SKULL!!!!!!"- Budo.
"Okay, okay. I surrender! You can have the girl back! Just don't hurt me anymore than you already have! Please!"- Dr. Z, begging with tears in his eyes.
Budo, who has finally calmed down gets off the doctor. Dr. Z gets up and grabs the remote from his pocket. As he presses the button, the door of the cell opens. Barbara runs to Budo and hugs him. He blushes but hugs her as well.
"C'mon, let's get you out of here. The others are waiting."- Budo.
In the hallway, it appears that all the droids are destroyed. And that Nero has bested Infamous once again! Everyone cheerfully reunites.
"Barbara!"- Nero, Luna and Hade.
Luna runs to her first with breakneck speed, carelessly hitting Budo out of the way in the process.
"I'm so glad you're okay!"- Luna, hugging Barbara tightly.
"You're not hurt or anything, are you?"- Nero.
Barbara shakes her head.
"I'm fine. You all came into this base?"- Barbara.
"Well of course we did! We were really worried about you! You know we care a lot about you, right?"- Luna.
"Barbara, would you like us to take you back to Home Base?"- Hade.
"We still might have school. I can't just skip class. It would be wrong."- Barbara.
"Well, good news! I've contacted the Federation about the whole incident. Some troops might be on their way now to put Z behind bars. Also, they told me that all students would be much safer at home today. Y'know, since the whole robot trouble."- Luna.
"Okay! Let's go home then! We can finally rest our feet."- Nero.
"Yeah! Good idea!"- Budo.
"Let's get our bags back from the school first."- Barbara
At the ship, the gang celebrates their victory against Z once again! They are having a feast.
"Barbara is safe at last!"- Franklin, relieved.
"Yeah!"- Nero, stuffing his cute, little face with a burger.
"Say, Barbara?"- Luna, talking quietly.
"Yeah?"- Barbara.
"What do you think of Budo? Isn't he strong, brave, and handsome? You're in love, aren't you?"- Luna.
"L-Luna! Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden!?"- Barbara, blushing.
"Relax! I'm just teasing. Though it's obvious you're crushing hard on him."- Luna, laughing.
"I-I most certainly am not! I do like him a lot but only as a friend!"- Barbara, getting more embarrassed.
"Everything alright, girls?"- Franklin.
"Y-yeah! Nothing to worry about, Professor. Just some girl stuff. You wouldn't understand."- Luna.
"Eh.. okay…"- Franklin.
Everyone is having a blast! Having light-hearted conversations while eating.
"I'm lucky to make lots of friends, especially in this group. I know you're still watching me, Dad. With support from these guys, I'll be a great inventor just like you! I will be helpful to everyone!"- Barbara, thinking deeply in her head.