A whole week has passed by, and it is now April 17th. Nero and the others are relaxing over the weekend. On the ship, they are chatting with each other in the hallway.
"Man, it has been days since Z was sent to jail. What a relief that we won't have to deal with him anymore."- Budo.
"Yeah, it's a good thing he hasn't been causing trouble as always. But what should we do this weekend?"- Nero.
"We've had some missions in the Galactic Force for the past few days. But I'm out of commission on weekends."- Luna.
"Wanna go to Terria again?"- Nero.
"Sounds good!"- Budo
. "It would be nice to visit my tribe again."- Hade.
"You guys go on. I'm gonna keep working on Robo-Fly."- Barbara.
"Alright. Take care!"- Nero.
Barbara heads into her room.
"I'll need to get ready. You boys can wait for me on the garage floor."- Luna.
"Okay, take your time, Luna."- Nero.
"Let's head to the garage."- Budo.
Nero and Hade nod in agreement.
The three boys are waiting in the garage for Luna. It's been 15 minutes.
"Man, where is she?"- Budo.
"Be patient, Budo. I'm sure she'll come eventually. We must respect a woman's privacy."- Hade.
"Yeah. I wouldn't worry too much. "- Nero.
Luna finally comes down from the elevator and shows up in a casual outfit. She is wearing a black V-neck shirt with no sleeves, rubber-toe sneakers with no socks, black pleather skirt. She still has her gloves on though.
"Yo, did I keep you waiting?"- Luna.
Nero, Budo, and Hade stare at her in awe and surprise.
"W-what? What's wrong with you guys?"- Luna, weirded out.
"Well, it's just… I mean…"- Budo.
"Sorry, we just weren't expecting you to wear that. Nor have we seen you in those clothes before."- Hade.
"Oh, so that's why you guys were staring at me all slack-jawed. Boys these days. Terria's a hot place so I'm gonna need to wear something to help me through the heat. These clothes are just perfect for that occasion!"- Luna.
"Well…um… you look pretty great, Luna."- Nero, falling in love.
"Y-yeah! Thanks! Let's just go- aah!"- Luna, blushing a bit before taking one step and tripping over her shoelaces. Nero rushes in to catch her in time.
"Are you ok?"- Nero, holding tight to her. Luna looks at him while blushing. Nero does the same to her. She quickly turns her head away.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine! Thanks! Now, will you let go already!? I just need to tie my shoes!"- Luna.
"Oh! Okay, sorry!"- Nero.
Luna looks at her feet with an embarrassed frown. "Wait. Luna, you don't know how to tie them?"- Nero.
"Sh-shut up! Of course, I do!"- Luna, lying to him.
"You sure? Fine. But wait until we get to Terria. We've been waiting way too long."- Budo.
Nero looks around the garage for a Teleport Rocket. He finds the one in the back corner of the garage.
"Looks like there's one rocket left. But what's with the static?"- Nero, looking at the rocket which is making tiny sparks of electricity.
"Dunno. You think it might be broken or something?"- Budo.
"Who knows? We'll just have to ask the professor to warp us to Terria instead because this Teleport Rocket doesn't look safe for usage."- Nero.
"So, we just came down here for nothing? Greeeaaaat."- Luna.
"Not for nothing. We can still visit my home planet. We just need to ask Professor Franklin."- Hade.
"Alright, let's- woah!"- Luna, tripping over her laces again and falling face flat on the ground. "Owww… ugh, these stupid laces!"- Luna.
"Luna, just tie them."- Budo.
"Well, I was about to, thank you very much! But you said to wait until we're on Terria!"- Luna, annoyed.
"Are you sure you'll be okay walking like that?"- Nero.
"Just temporarily. Trust me! I can- wooooaaaah!"- Luna, tripping while trying to get to the elevator. She falls to the ground in pain again.
"Here, just let me tie them for you."- Nero
They arrive at the professor's lab.
"Hey, professor? Can you take us to Planet Terria?"- Nero.
"Sure thing! I'll- Woah. Luna, you look different."- Franklin.
"Yeah. Thanks. I look hot, I know. Can you warp us there?"- Luna.
"Uh…S-sure! Let's go to the main deck."- Franklin.
But before they go out, Barbara bursts in through the doors.
"Everyone, look at this!"- Barbara.
She goes back for a while to bring Robo-Fly from the lab entrance.
"Greetings, everyone!"- Robo-Fly.
"Holy Space Cow! She talked! She talked!"- Budo.
"Am I hearing things!?"- Nero.
"No, you are not. Miss Barbara has installed a voice chip within my circuitry. It has allowed me to speak to you all clearly. I am so glad I have received this gift in my coordinates! It brings me great joy to see you all in such great health!"- Robo-Fly, flying around in happiness.
"So, this is the upgrade you were talking about!"- Nero.
"Barbara, you rock, girlfriend!"- Luna, praising her. Barbara giggles and blushes.
"Thanks, Luna. I like your new outfit by the way. I told you would look nice in it."- Barbara.
"Yeah- Wait a minute. Barbara, you knew she was gonna wear that?"- Budo.
"Yeah. Yesterday, we went to a little shop in the Federation that sells clothes. That day, they were giving some away for free at the time. I had Luna try stuff on and…well…"- Barbara.
"The one I'm wearing now suits me. So, I got it for free."-Luna.
"Wait! Really!? Since when does an intergalactic police facility sell products like that? We rarely see them!"- Nero.
"Captain Galtic hired some girls to make the clothes. It's for anyone who wants to be fashionable. We needed to make more money to keep HQ balanced that way."- Luna.
"Uh… why? You make more money by completing missions."- Budo.
"You're hopeless, Budo. We, girls, need extra clothes. It's mundane at best to wear the same clothing every day. Even for galactic soldiers. Honestly, you men could never understand."- Luna.
"Whatever. Anyway, let's go to Terria already! I've been waiting forever!"- Budo, whining.
"Geez… Boys are such little kids."- Luna.
Meanwhile, at the prison, Dr. Z is locked in a cell behind a deadly laser for bars. He has never been able to get out. Infamous was taken into custody as well as being separated from his master. The scientists of the Federation had him locked in a cage at their lab.
"Ugh! Those stupid little space rats! As soon as they release me from this cell, I will hatch new plans to catch Nero. One way or another! After I get rid of his obnoxious companions!"- Dr. Z.
The doctor feels something uncomfortable in his body. Like he's in desperate need.
"I need to go. Why haven't they put a toilet here!?"Hey! Is anyone out there!? Hello!? Let me out! Nature needs to take its course!"- Dr. Z.
"Shut up! No one's coming to tend to your needs!"- one of the prisoners. It appears to be Fazer again.
"What!? How dare you! Don't you-"- Dr. Z, yelling at the prisoner. He cuts him off by turning on the sink making Dr. Z even more desperate to use the bathroom. "Stop! I can't take it!"- Dr. Z, holding his bladder tighter.
"Hehehehe. Suck it up, loser. You're tough enough to hold it, aren't you? If not, do it here. Heh."- Fazer, torturing the doctor for his own amusement.
Our heroes are now at the Terranian Village on Planet Terria! They walk around to see if the town is recovering from the damage Infamous brought it. And it appears to be repaired. They see most of the civilians putting up some signs to honor Nero.
"Hey!"- one of the Terrians. She runs across to hug her brother, Hade.
"Frill! It's so good to see you!"- Hade.
"Likewise, Big Brother! Hey, is that Nero? The hero who stopped the real perpetrator?"- Frill, looking at Nero with gleaming eyes.
"Uh… yes. Nice to meet you, Frill!"- Nero, smiling at her.
"Nice to meet you, too! Thank you for looking out for Hade."- Frill.
"What brings you to Terranian Village, Frill? Aren't you supposed to be back home?"- Hade.
"Oh right! About that. My best friend went missing earlier. I've been trying to find her. I look around the Tetra Village but she's not there. I just searched here too."-Frill.
"I see. I'm sorry to hear that. We'll find her for you."- Hade.
"You will!? Thanks so much!"- Frill.
"What does she look like?"- Luna.
"She has a yellow-patched dress. And her hair is long and green. We were playing hide and sick in the Terranian Forest."- Frill.
"Frill, that place is dangerous! You should know better! That area is strictly prohibited for children like you!"- Hade.
"I'm so sorry…"- Frill, looking sad.
"No, I'm the one at fault. I didn't mean to yell at you. I just want you to be safe."- Hade.
"As soon as we find your friend, we'll bring her back here. In the meantime, why don't you head back to the village, kiddo?"- Budo.
"She can't go back on her own! I'm going with her."- Luna.
"Really? Thank you, miss!"- Frill.
"Just call me Luna. No need for that 'miss' stuff. Now let's get you home, kid."- Luna, taking the young girl's hand as she begins to guide her back to the village.
"Okay!"- Frill.
"Guys, let's head into the forest."- Nero.
Nero, Budo, and Hade run into the forest. It looks quite dark and dangerous. It's inhabited by savage wolves, red bears, and some other monsters.
"M-man, this is one scary place. Should we come back later and prepare?"- Budo.
"We can't. Not until we find that girl. If they were playing hide and seek here, she must've stayed hidden somewhere in the wrong place."- Nero.
"Nero's right. Let's investigate."- Hade.
"It'd probably be easier and faster if we'd split up. The forest is big after all."- Nero.
"Good thinking. Let me know if any of you two found her."- Hade.
"Roger that!"- Budo.
So, the three split up as they take different directions. Nero roams straight ahead while Budo goes left and Hade goes right. As Nero keeps going, he finds a path of footprints.
"Footprints? These can't be the girls. They look bigger. Like they belong to some wild Terrian creature. Maybe I can follow the prints. I don't know how I can be sure, but it might lead to where the girl is."- Nero.
He decides to follow the trail. He continues to follow them but is interrupted by the birds. They fly closer to him trying to peck his face off. They float close around his face and peck his head.
"Ow, ow, ow! Knock it off!"- Nero, guarding his face. "Cosmic Flare!"- Nero, firing this attack.
The surprised birds were hit by a white fireball of cosmic energy. It charred them. They fall flat on their bodies.
"Stupid birds! Now, gotta keep moving."- Nero, continuing his investigation.
It took a while, but Nero finally met the end of the trail.
"A cave? No, some sort of lair."- Nero.
He jumps down from the path he was on and makes his way into Grizzley's Cove. As he walks inside, he sees the Terranian Grizzley and a girl behind bars that are behind the bear. Nero recognizes the appearance that Frill mentioned. He found her!
"Hey! Let her go!"- Nero, yelling at the Grizzley.
It comes closer to Nero and stares at him with full red eyes that are sharp as daggers. It walks back only to get down on its legs and arms. Getting ready to charge!
"Come at me!"- Nero, readying his fist.
The two take it outside as the Grizzley chases Nero, who quickly turns 45 degrees to his right from the tree he was about to run into. The Grizzley ran into it instead. It hurts its head.
"Cosmic Flare!"- Nero, firing his attack at the savage bear.
It took a hit. Now it's covered with burn marks. This only made it angrier. It charges at Nero with full force and lightning speed. Hitting him from when he wasn't prepared. Nero was sent flying and has his back against a tree. He then lands face down as he falls.
"Ow. I should've seen that coming."- Nero, rubbing his head.
Grizzley's speed and power increase the more he gets angry.
"Ok, big guy. Take this!"- Nero runs with his charging fist.
It lands on the Grizzley's face, but it counterattacks with a punch to Nero's gut. It then kicks Nero away with its left foot. Nero is now sent tumbling to the ground in pain. Before he recovers, the Grizzley grabs him by the hair and throws him across the forest with great strength! Just as Nero was sent to the air again, he lands next to the tree on the ground. The Grizzley runs into him again and gives him a flurry of punches. Even while he's still on the ground!
"Please… just let her…. go."- Nero, closing his eyes.
He has a lot of bruises and scratch marks all over his body. Before the bear strikes again, Hade comes to the rescue. He stabs the bear behind the back with his dagger. The Grizzley collapses and slowly dies.
"Nero!? Are you alright!?"- Hade, running toward him.
"Hade, what's wro- Nero!!!"- Budo.
Hade is on his knees as he frowns with grief. But he gets back up.
"Guys… the girl... In that cave.."- Nero.
"Cave?"- Hade.
"So, she's in there."- Hade. He carries Nero in his arms. "Go get the girl."
"Huh?"- Budo.
"Go get her! She's in that cave! Bring her to Tetra Village too! I need to take Nero back to the Terranian Village for some medical treatment!"- Hade, glaring at Budo with stressed eyes.
"Y-yeah. Okay!"- Budo.
He does as Hade orders. Hade is walking out of the forest while carrying Nero.
"How could I let this happen to you? I'm a disgrace as a friend."- Hade, thinking sadly in his head.
While unconscious, Nero dreams of a mysterious place. As he opens his eyes, he appears he is left on top of a black hill.
"Huh? Where am I?"- Nero, looking around to see his location. He sees that the sky is very white, and the black clouds look like cartoonish ghosts. "What the heck? What is this place!? Maybe someone in that town could tell me where I am."- Nero, pointing at the purple-roofed town to the north.
He slides down the hill and makes his way into town.
He stops for a moment, however, to see a red-furred creature.
"Hey uh… excuse me, little guy, but-"- Nero.
The creature turns around to see Nero.
"Woah! What is this!? Oh! A Dream Spirit!"- the creature, recognizing Nero's glowing white body.
"W-what?"- Nero, looking at his entire body. It looks a bit ghostly.
"You're a Dream Spirit. Don't you know what that is?"- the creature.
"N-no. I don't even know where I am."- Nero.
"I guess this is your first time here. No worries! I'm Blacktail! What's your name?"- Blacktail.
"N-Nero. Why is your name Blacktail? Is that a nickname or something?"- Nero.
"Well, it's just what most people call me. You could clearly see that my fur is red and that only my tail is black. The name sounds kinda iconic in a way, don't you think?"- Blacktail.
"What about your face? Is that a mask?"- Nero.
"Looks like it. But it's actually just a part of my fur. It's not a mask."- Blacktail.
"Okay. I know I'm clearly dreaming. But it wouldn't hurt to explore my dream world for a bit. Starting with this town."- Nero.
"I'll show you around! Follow me!"- Blacktail.
Nero and his new friend, Blacktail, walk into town through the entrance. Nero sees a bunch of strange, mythical creatures as citizens of the town.
"Nero, welcome to Mystery Street! This town is filled with magic, mystery, and excitement!"- Blacktail.
"Uh…Quite a name for a town. What are these people supposed to be?"- Nero.
"They're called Mysterians. They're abnormal, non-sensical creatures that came from people's dreams, their conscience, or their imagination."- Blacktail.
"So, are you a Mysterian too, Blacktail?"- Nero.
"Yep! I was created by an animator. He had a wonderful imagination. Every person in this world is a Mysterian."- Blacktail.
"Wow! That's cool. By the way, what's a Dream Spirit? You mentioned it before."- Nero.
"It's an altered soul of the living body that is asleep or unconscious. That is what they're called here. You, for example. You somehow stumbled your way to the Lost Planet."- a woman, appeared in front of Nero and Blacktail. She is tall at 6'2'' and wears purple clothing that consists of purple Mary Janes, a dress, and a hat. Also has silver hair, peach skin, and scarlet eyes
"W-what!? This is the Lost Planet!? It can't be!"- Nero.
"Whether you'd like to believe it or not, the truth is before your very eyes. The reason not many people were able to enter the Lost Planet is that they can only enter it randomly through their dreams. Judging by your reaction, it appears you've only just heard of it."- the woman.
"I just read about it in my Astronomy book! I didn't know anything about this! The Lost Planet was said to be in space."- Nero.
"That's because it was originally. It only exists 270. 08 miles away from the center orbit of the galaxy. The Dark Spread is what surrounds our planet from other aliens. It acts as a barrier to keep them away."- Woman.
"Viola, this is Nero. Nero, Viola."- Blacktail. Nero walks towards her.
"Uh, hey. Um, are you a Mysterian too?"- Nero.
"Yes."- Viola. "But you look like a normal human being compared to the other Mysterians."- Nero.
"Yes. But I am a witch created by a person's cognition. I'm not a real person. So, Nero, are you perhaps lost? Do you wish to find your way home?"- Viola.
"Yeah! That would be great!"- Nero.
"Then follow me. We're going to my lair."- Viola.
Nero and Blacktail follow Viola across town.
Her lair is located next to the bar.
"Hey, wait a minute. Can't I just wake up from this dream?"- Nero.
"You can't. You're a Dream Spirit now. Dream Spirits can only escape this planet with my machine. It's called 'The Reality Portal'."- Viola.
They enter her lair, and it appears something is missing.
"My machine! It's gone! I assume that obnoxious Payne stole it again!"- Viola.
"Who's Payne?"- Nero.
"Only a big bully. He's a Mysterian that takes things from us without asking. Worse, he selfishly tries to sell our stuff just for money! He only wants to be rich and powerful!"- Blacktail.
"That's horrible! Anything I can do to help?"- Nero.
"If we can get you home with the portal, your assistance would surely suffice. I know where his house is. Follow me."- Viola.
The three leave the lair to go and get the portal back from Payne.
They walk around town to go to Payne's house. Everyone has their eyes on Nero since he's temporarily a dream spirit now.
"Uh, the way they're looking at me is making me kinda nervous."- Nero.
"Just ignore them. Focus on the task at hand. You want to go home, don't you?"- Viola.
"Yeah. Of course, I do. I'm just a bit uncomfortable. Anyway, where is this Payne guy?"- Nero.
"I'm taking you to him. Learn to have some patience."- Viola.
"She's a bit bossy…"- Nero, thinking in his head.
They walked for a long period of time until they found a big house with a red roof.
"We're here."- Viola.
"This is his house? Why was it so far away?"- Nero.
"Well, Mystery Street is a humongous place. And his home is twenty blocks away from Viola's lair."- Blacktail.
"We should sneak in quietly without him noticing us. My magic can make invisible."- Viola.
"But I'm a Dream Spirit."- Nero.
"And?"- Viola.
"Aren't I just a wandering soul right now? I might not be able to touch stuff and-"- Nero.
"You're not dead. In our world, Dream Spirits can touch anything. But they can get physically hurt if careless. The rest of your essence is still with you back in reality. But in dreams, you can do anything here like you usually do back in reality. But until you find a way to wake up, you'll be stuck on this planet for eternity and eventually become a Mysterian."- Viola.
"Okay. I think I get the gist of it. But when you said this place is in space, you mentioned The Dark Spread. That still raises questions."- Nero.
"All answers will be revealed eventually. Now, let's just do what we came here to do."- Viola.
She casts her spell on Nero Blacktail, and herself with her book. Now they've turned invisible!
"Should we go through the front door?"- Blacktail.
"Absolutely not. Let's find another way to gain access."- Viola.
"How about the windows? If they're shut, you can just use your magic to open them, right?"- Nero.
"Possibly. But let's not make any noise around when we set foot. Understood?"- Viola.
"Yes, ma'am!"- Blacktail, affirmatively. "Roger!"- Nero.
They go around the house to Payne's window. They see that he is not there.
"Looks like we're clear. Nero, see if the window is locked."- Viola.
"Okay."- Nero, making sure to see if the window is shut tight or not.
And it appears to be locked down.
"I think it's closed."- Nero.
"Alright, get out of the way."- Viola.
Nero steps aside for Viola to use her magic. As she casts it, magic sparkles appear around the window's lock. Now it automatically opens for them.
"Wow! You rock, Viola!"- Nero.
"Yeah! You're amazing!"- Blacktail.
"Shh! Quiet, you idiots! Payne might hear us!"- Viola.
"Please forgive us…"- Nero and Blacktail, looking sad and hurt.
"Let's go and get my portal back."- Viola, stepping in through the window.
Nero and Blacktail cautiously step in too. The group finally gained access to his house.
While invisible, they investigate quietly around the place. Blacktail checks upstairs in search of The Reality Portal. He searches every room and corner. Sadly, no luck.
Viola at her end searches downstairs At the kitchen, she sees Payne getting some cheese from the Fridge. She panics and runs away from the area before he notices her.
Nero searches the attic. The place is crawling with spiders and bats. Jumbo-sized ones! Nero uses Cosmic Flare to exterminate them. They're all eliminated!
"Wow, even my powers still work! Viola was right! I guess even as a Dream Spirit, I CAN still do anything! Now to find that portal!"- Nero.
Nero continues searching everywhere in the attic. But the magic portal was nowhere to be found. He exits the attic and heads back down to the hallway. There, he reunites with Blacktail.
"Found it?"- Nero.
"No. How about you?"- Blacktail.
"Same here. His house is big. It could take a while to find that portal."- Nero.
"Don't worry. We'll make sure it doesn't take that long. Maybe it's in his basement. We haven't tried there yet."- Blacktail.
"Yeah. Let's meet up with Viola again. We can search there together."- Nero.
"Right!"- Blacktail.
Nero and Blacktail head down the steps to reunite with Viola.
Viola heads to the basement door, with Nero and Blacktail running behind her. It seems that the way to the basement was a mysterious-looking door on the ground. Viola opens it and heads in. But as she did so, she accidentally slipped on a banana peel. Causing her to tumble down the steps and send her to a big trash can. They can roll to the desk as it helps it stop.
"Viola! Are you okay?!"- Nero and Blacktail, running down with concern. As soon as she opens the lid and comes out, her invisible magic wears off.
"No! Does it look like I'm okay? My clothes are ruined now!"- Viola.
"Payne seriously needs to clean in here."- Blacktail.
Nero spots an eye on the big, mechanical, hoop standing up on the ground. "Look! Is that The Reality Portal?"- Nero, pointing towards it.
"My machine! Let's take it and escape!"- Viola, seeing it too while exiting the trash can.
"Too late for that!"- Payne, appearing from the basement's entrance.
He looks to be about 5'7" and is a humanoid Mysterian just like Viola. He wears some plain khakis, a blue vest over his shirt, and brown loafers. His skin is red and has green hair.
"Payne!"- Blacktail and Viola.
"He found us! Shoot!"- Nero.
"Been a while since we've had a Dream Spirit on our planet. Anyway, you people ain't gettin' this portal back! It looks like it can be sold at an infamous, high price. I'd make thousands of dollars give or take! Or more!"- Payne.
"It's not a product!"- Blacktail, angrily charging at him.
Payne envelops his hand in flames to hit Blacktail right back to the ground in pain. Charring him in the process.
"Blacktail!"- Nero, running to the poor kitty. "Are you okay?"- Nero.
"Yeah… But that hurt like a ton of bricks."- Blacktail.
"Tch. That's what you get, furball!"- Payne.
"He controls fire!?"- Nero.
"Most Mysterians have special abilities and powers to be capable of."- Viola.
"That's right! And my power is pyrokinesis. It's inserted in most of my molecules."- Payne.
"Well, only a coward like you uses his powers to hurt the innocent and harmless. I'll make you pay for what you did to Blacktail, you pyrokinetic piece of garbage!"- Nero.
Offended by Nero, Payne gets angry and lets out a strong combustion all over his body.
"You little twerp! What makes you think you can talk to a powerful and handsome devil like me that way!? Huh!?"- Payne.
"You don't scare me, Payne!"- Nero.
"Oh yeah!? Taste my fist!"- Payne, charging a punch, which is engulfed by flames, at Nero.
Nero dodges it and grabs his arm. He tosses the Mysterian demon at the wall outside of the basement. Payne felt damage to his back on impact. Nero walks out of the basement.
"I guess you felt Payne from that, didn't ya?"- Nero.
Payne gets up and tosses raging fireballs at the alien. Nero swiftly dodges them all with great speed and style. But as he got closer, he found that his neck was grabbed by Payne's fiery hand. He strangles Nero to death.
"Hahahahaha! What now, Dream Spirit? You could always surrender. Or you can die by my fiery grasp! Your choice!"- Payne.
"H-how about neither! Cosmic Flare!"- Nero, suffering a bit from the choke. Luckily, he managed to escape by firing a Cosmic Flare to Payne's belly.
As Payne takes a hit from that, he is left with no other choice but to unhand Nero.
"Ow! Why you little-"- Payne, about to attack him again. Blacktail spits a vortex of water at Payne from the side.
"Ahhh! I hate water! Where is it coming from!?''- Payne.
"Blacktail!"- Nero.
"Eat this, you self-absorbed slime of a man!"- Viola, using her magic to launch a shower of hydro acid onto Payne.
"Alright! You guys rule!"- Nero.
"Celebrate later! Finish him off for good!"- Viola.
Nero nods affirmatively and jumps straight to a severely weakened Payne! For a strong punch to send him flying across the hallway. He lands on the ground with excruciating injuries.
"I think I went too far."- Nero.
"He was a disgusting man. Don't be ashamed of what you just did. Now let's go to my lair so we can get you home."- Viola.
"Nero, are you okay?"- Blacktail.
"Yeah. Sorry about what you just saw right now. I'm not much of a hero to be acting that merciless."- Nero, looking sad and a bit guilty.
"What are you talking about? You stood up to him for me! He was a filthy crook who stole other people's stuff for his own profit! You were right to behave that way towards him. He deserves it."- Blacktail.
"Thanks, Blacktail. Alright back to the lair."- Nero.
Nero, Blacktail, and Viola are back in the lair. The Reality Portal is all setup and ready for activation.
"Finally. That's one less of Payne to deal with for today. I'm definitely taking a nice, warm bath after this process."- Viola.
"I'll call the cops and report to them about Payne's theft."- Blacktail.
"Seems like you guys have nemesis rubbing you the wrong way too."- Nero.
"Too?"- Blacktail.
"Back in my real world, there's this guy named Dr. Z. He's always trying to catch to take my powers away. Ruling the entire galaxy is his life goal. He wants to enslave every alien race of every planet."- Nero.
"How will capturing you lead to his reign?"- Viola.
"With me out of the picture, it will make it easier for him to collect all five Infinite Crystals. You guys know what those are?"- Nero
"I do. They're ancient items with each power inside of them. But they are different from one another. The user has to have a trait of righteousness for them to be worthy of the Infinite Crystal."- Viola.
"Right. But in my bizarre case, I'm actually able to absorb each crystal hold. The first crystal I touched as a baby had the same result. But I was so young at the time that I didn't know how to use my abilities. So, it led to a bit of an accident."- Nero.
"Um. My brain is starting to hurt from all this 'Infinite Crystal' talk. We should just get Nero home."- Blacktail.
"Right."- Viola.
The two walk Nero over to the portal. It's swirling with purple light. Before Nero steps in, he turns around for a bit.
"Thanks a lot, guys. You two are amazing people."- Nero.
"Come visit us again, Nero. Things are more fun with you around!"- Blacktail.
"I will. Let's have some fun again sometime!"- Nero, waving bye to them.
"Nero, don't forget. There's more to a universe than you think. Keep exploring it to find all the answers you seek. An advice from me to you. You must adapt to any situation you come across. Even if it seems impossible, giving up is never the best option. Look for a solution based on the situation. Now, until we meet again."- Viola.
Nero was a bit inspired by her words. He turns around continues through the portal. It takes him back to the reality he was in.
Nero wakes up in bandages covering his body. He opens his eyes to see that he's in a bed inside a nursing facility.
"Huh? Am I back at the village? That means Viola's portal worked. I mean, of course, it did."- Nero.
"Well, well! About time you woke up, lazybones!"- Luna, coming in from the front door.
"L-Luna!"- Nero.
"Way to scare us like that, you jerk! You could've been dead for all we know!"- Luna.
"Sorry about that. I was just when I found the girl, there was- Wait! Where is she!?"- Nero.
"Geez… Relax. She's back home at the Tetra Village with Frill and the others. Her name was Lily just so you know."- Luna.
"That's a great name. So, what am I doing here?"- Nero.
"What do you think? You got hurt very badly! This is a medical center in the Terranian Village where they tend to the wounded. You, especially. I offered to stay here and…"- Luna.
"Luna, you stayed to keep an eye on me? Thanks!"- Nero.
Luna's face turns red as a tomato. "W-well, it's not like I was that worried about you or anything! I obviously knew you'd come to eventually! I just hate getting sand in my shoes. So, I thought I needed the place to dump it! Yeah, that's it!"- Luna, embarrassedly looked away from Nero.
"You're so cute."- Nero.
"Sh-shut up! Anyway, just get out of bed and follow me! We need to go get Hade and Budo and head on home!"- Luna.
"Okay! Right behind ya!"- Nero, happily jumping out of bed despite his injuries.
They've arrived at the Tetra Village to reunite with the Budo and Hade. The two are happy to see Nero awake.
"Nero, you're alright! I knew you'd pull through, buddy!"- Budo, rushing to hug him.
"Hey, Budo! Sorry for making you guys worry. How are the girls?"- Nero.
"Well, they've reunited at last. And they told me to give you their thanks as soon as you wake up. But…"- Hade, looking down in shame.
"Hade?"- Nero.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner when you were in danger, Nero! You got brutally injured because of me. If I had known the Terranian Forest by mind and soul, I should've known sooner and rushed to your aid as quickly as possible. I should've been there fighting by your side. But I was too late after I saw you get attacked."- Hade.
"Hade, quit beating yourself up. You managed to save me in the end, didn't you? If it wasn't for you, I'd be pushing up daisies right about now. Let's try to forget about what happened today, alright? I just had bad luck. Plus, nothing is ever your fault."- Nero.
"Nero…"- Hade.
"Alright! Nero should get plenty of rest back on the ship! Tell your sister we're leaving!"- Luna.
Hade turns to her and nods before running off to find his sister.
"Yeah. Today was crazy enough as it is. Nero was out cold for a long time and exploring a dangerous, territorial forest. We should all take a breather back at Home Base."- Budo.
"How long was I out for exactly?"- Nero.
"About 3 hours give or take. You were sleeping like a baby."- Luna.
"Heh. Was I?"- Nero.
"Yeah. You were. Honestly, you're like a little sloth."- Luna.
"That's one way of putting it. There's something I gotta tell you guys when we get home. I just had the most amazing adventure!"- Nero.
"What adventure? Exploring in a dangerous forest where you almost got your behind killed?"- Luna.
"No! I actually hate how dangerous the place is. I'm talking about in my dream."- Nero.
Hade comes back. "We're ready."- Hade.
"Good! Budo, get calling!"- Luna.
"Geez. You're so abrasive and bossy."- Budo.
"What was that, punk!? Do you want a nosebleed or something!? I'd be more than happy to give it to you!"- Luna.
"N-no, ma'am! I'll call him right away!"- Budo, getting his communicator out while intimidated by Luna's wrath.
"Girls like Luna are frightening."- Nero.
"I must agree."- Hade.
Everyone is back on Home Base. As well as on the main control floor.
"Welcome back, guys! How was Terria?"- Barbara.
"Did you all have fun?"- Franklin.
"Yeah… But we had some trouble there."- Budo.
"What do you mean?"- Barbara, before gasping as she sees Nero in some bandages. "W-what happened!?"- Barbara.
Hade tells them the whole scenario.
"O-oh my. That's awful. Good thing you saved him in time, Hade."- Franklin.
"Yes, but…"- Hade.
"Hey! Like Nero said! It's not your fault! Cheer up, yeah?"- Luna.
"Besides. It could've been worse if you didn't kill that bear."- Budo.
"They're right, Hade. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine."- Nero, putting his hand on Hade's shoulder in reassurance.
"Still, to make amends, I'll carry you to your room."- Hade.
"Well, okay. But you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened, alright? The water is already under the bridge. Let's just forget about it."- Nero.
"Hang in there, Nero."- Barbara.
"You'll be alright soon."- Franklin.
"Maybe I can tell you guys about my dream. It's really important that you hear me out about it."- Nero.
"Maybe once you're back in your room, big guy."- Luna.
At nighttime, everyone is in Nero's room while gathering around his bed. Because Nero tells them about his dream when he was asleep.
"The Lost Planet!?"- Budo. "You can just gain access to it while dreaming about it!? How the heck does that work!? It makes no sense!"- Luna. "Yeah, it really doesn't but that's what happened. A girl in my dream told me that their planet is being protected by the Dark Spread. Not sure what it means though."- Nero. "Nero, can I tell you something? It might be a long story."- Franklin. "Go ahead, Professor."- Nero.
"Well, long ago in old times, the Lost Planet used to be a peaceful, well-known planet of the galaxy. It was Planet Crymos. But one day, the evil spirit of the nebula, Ultimore, used his dark powers to try to take control of the planet and make it his. But the Legendary Cosmo, the Watcher of the Stars, shines his powerful light to protect the planet. It was a long, fierce battle until Ultimore was defeated and sealed away for good. In the Ancient Moon. His powers could not stand a single chance against the Legendary Cosmo, the Deity of Space. But after Ultimore was sealed away, unnoticeably some bits of his powerful, dark magic left Crymos to disappear out of the galaxy's existence forever. So, it became nothing more than a dream world where a certain amount of the human mind can only see it as a Dream Spirit. My great-great-grandfather, Alphonse Whitehouse, was one of the people who discovered it as Dream Spirits 100 years ago. The Mysterians were born there solely from people's minds, cognitions, imaginations, etc. It is in space, but only in our dreams. The Dark Spread was also due to Ultimore. Strangely enough, it protects their planet from invaders. But keeps them from ever leaving. Does this all make sense?"- Franklin.
"Wow! I think I totally get it now! To sum it up, Crymos was The Lost Planet's original form before it disappeared, right? No wonder not a lot of people were able to discover it!"- Nero.
"And it was called 'The Lost Planet' for a reason. It disappeared a long time ago."- Luna.
"But man, I just wanna sock Ultimore's face in!"- Budo.
"You can't really do that if he's already sealed away, Budo."- Barbara.
"Yeah, the Legendary Cosmo already took care of that."- Franklin, chuckling a bit.
"That's one heck of a story though. Anyway, I gonna go take a nice bath before we head to bed. Wanna join, Barbara?"- Luna.
"M-me?"- Barbara.
"Well, yeah. You and I are both girls. It shouldn't be a problem."- Luna.
"Yeah, but I never had to bathe with a person before. So, this is actually a bit nerve-racking."- Barbara.
"Just come on already! You're gonna love it!"- Luna, pulling Barbara's arm before running out the door.
"Luna, don't pull me so hard!"- Barbara.
Everyone laughs.
"I'm gonna tune it in for the night. Seeya, Nero. Hope you fully heal soon."- Budo, walking out the door while waving at Nero.
"Good night, Budo!"- Nero.
"Sleep well, Nero."- Hade, walking out as well. "You too, Hade!"- Nero.
"Nero, stay safe next time, alright? They're some parts of a planet you don't want to go to."- Franklin.
"Professor, I'll try to be careful. You don't need to worry. But the question, how do you know about the Lost Planet?"- Nero.
"Back in my home planet, Earth, my parents told me about when I was only ten years old. They were both great scientists."- Franklin.
"My daughter would love to be an astronaut one day. And she has strong beliefs about aliens existing. The poor girl often gets bullied at school for it though. But I'm confident that if she believes in aliens, then she won't have trouble with you nor the rest of the friends, Nero."- Franklin.
"I hope so, I would love to meet her. What's her name?"- Nero.
"Kate. Kate Whitehouse. I could bring her next week this spring if you want."- Franklin.
"Definitely! Please do! That would be awesome to see another human!"- Nero.
"Good night, my little space hero."- Franklin, kissing Nero on the head.
"Good night, professor!"- Nero.