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Canidera had healed tremendously well. The effects of the war still lingered but the damage was nearly completely reversed. Across the planet, those areas that were turned into a frozen wasteland due to the extreme measures that the inhabitants took, had been brought back to life with a couple short years.

The wildlife populations have proved their capabilities to adapt and have begun repopulating the world. Vegetation still grows and is making excellent progress to start a new generation of the old ancient plants. The oceans that had frozen over had created pockets full of life after the thawing. In the evolution of the planet, it was set back with the death of most ancient vegetation and wildlife, but everything was rising out of the ice to begin anew.

Those who have fought in and survived the war still lived on the planet but their cities were now gone. All that remained was a solitary tower that was a part of the old fortress called Sanctuary that remained the headquarters for the inhabitants defenses. Besides that single tower, the inhabitants have built advanced homes buried under the crust and are completely self-sufficient. The inhabitants spend a lot of time outside, spread across the planet to the point that they have almost zero impact on the environment.

The planet is recovering, the inhabitants are surviving and peace has once again been brought to Canidera. Peace that was welcomed by one of the greatest warriors in the war, Yukiomaru Arekusanda.

Secluded high in the Espowyes mountains was the solitary home of Yukiomaru Arekusanda and Jun Fa. The mountain range was covered in darkness but the sky was beginning to lighten as dawn approached. The room that the young arctic fox slept in had a large window replacing their northern wall but the brightening sky did not disturb him.

Buried in the loving embrace of the pine marten, Jun Fa, Yukiomaru slept without any disturbance. He had his nose wedged under Jun's jaw, which made it a little more difficult for him to breathe but the fox did not care as he had his arms locked tight around the pine marten. Jun rested with his jaw resting atop the arctic fox's snout with his arms equally locked around the fox.

Being snuggled against the taller pine marten, Yukiomaru felt protected, secluded in Jun's embrace. The young fox was forced to be independent for his entire life, and having someone to support him the way the pine marten does gives Yukiomaru an unbelievable sense of comfort.

The closer Yukiomaru came to waking up though, the more his dreams became active. His peaceful slumber was soon disturbed by nightmares that he was terrified of. Nightmares, that he believed, would tear him away from Jun, from Canidera, from everything he loves and to place him in what he could only describe as Hell.

The nightmare played its unique course, but Yukiomaru fought against it more than he had before. He knew they were something he had to fight. Once he tried to cure his mind of them but that had nearly cost him everything he feared losing anyway so now he was left with the only option to destroy the dreams with a fiery passion.

In his sleep, the fox's body began to twitch as his lips curled into a silent growl. He was fighting the dream with everything he had but even he did not expect what happened next. The dream was forced from his mind from an external influence. Even though his senses were dulled in the dream, the presence that forced the dream out was familiar to him.

That presence ended his dream, but also his sleep cycle. Yukiomaru's consciousness became active once again. He could feel Jun pressed against him, he could smell the scent of Jun with his nose buried in his fur and he could hear Jun still breathing in a deep sleep. Normally Yukiomaru would remain comfortable in this position but that sense of presence did not fade. Jun and he were not alone on that mountain at that moment.

"Euno," whispered the fox. He moved slowly, even opening his eyes, as the fox unwrapped his arms around his beloved pine marten. The fox was quickly waking up.

Jun did not stir as Yukiomaru pushed himself to sit up. He immediately sensed that the alien that he has fought many times before was being impatient and in the room with him. Glancing over, he saw the tall alien standing around the corner of their bed.

Yukiomaru heavily disliked having the alien intrude on their home, and would have normally forced the alien to get out but the arctic fox now would not risk sacrificing anything that he loved just because of his dislike for his former enemy.

Instead he glanced down at the sleeping marten again. He gently pet him from the back of his ear across the fluffy fur on Jun's neck. It was a soft touch, a loving touch that the two often expressed to one another. But Yukiomaru wanted the marten to stay asleep and not to be disturbed by the intrusion.

Yukiomaru scooted back gently and propped up a pillow for him to lean back on. He then turned his displeased expression at Euno.

"Why are you here Euno?" he said very softly. He spoke quietly but he knew that Euno would be capable of hearing him.

"My apologies, Yukiomaru Areksunda," Euno replied. He spoke lightly but he was not as cautious with keeping his volume from disturbing the sleeping pine marten. "I require your assistance."

"I refuse, Euno," Yukiomaru said immediately. "I won't ever leave Jun's side again, and I won't ever put him anywhere near harm."

Jun started to stir, his first reaction guided by his instinct to pull himself closer to Yukiomaru. He moved slightly only to rest his head on the fox's thigh before he settled down again.

"It is necessary," Euno said after taking a second to stare at the two of them. "Rest. I will keep the threat contained. I will explain more after Yukiomaru Arekusanda and Jun Fa have rested through the night."

Euno turned and went around the corner back through the fox's home to wait.

Yukiomaru was not pleased that Euno had returned to give him stressful news. Euno knew that Yukiomaru was finished dealing with anything that has to do with the war and now he was here suggesting the possibility that Yukiomaru might have to get involved with some sort of combat again.

The arctic fox looked down to his lap at the sleep pine marten and pushed the thought out of his mind. The unconscious marten rested on Yukiomaru's upper thigh with his muzzled pressed against the flank and lower belly of the fox.

He would not risk sacrificing anything to lose Jun, even temporarily. Euno was here for a reason though. The Perfected Infection can handle just about anything, so why would he come to Yukiomaru for help? Yukiomaru's immediately conclusion is that a Perfected Infection rebelled against Euno. If it is anything remotely close then it would be a dangerous mission.

Yukiomaru glanced up through the window and saw that the sun would be breaking over the horizon within the hour. With Euno here and having stressed Yukiomaru, he could not sleep again. Carefully, the arctic fox scooted back down the bed so that he could snuggle up against Jun. Having had his head rested on Yukiomaru's lap and for Yukiomaru to move had caused the pine marten to stir a bit again.

Jun had been disturbed enough that he started to show signs of waking up by stirring more and squeezing Yukiomaru tighter. Yukiomaru remained hugging the pine marten hoping that Jun would think that he was still asleep, and just fall back asleep again.

Jun didn't play along and had clearly woken up because he soon started to lick Yukiomaru's ear. His ears are sensitive to the soft sensation of having Jun lick them and he could not help but to lean into the licks, signifying to Jun that he is awake too.

Yukiomaru could only nuzzle against Jun for a few moments before Jun stretched and started to sit up.

"Jun," muttered Yukiomaru. Usually Yukiomaru would not say much when waking up so he easily caught the martens attention. "Euno is here."

Jun's ears picked up a bit more at that expressing his surprise but as always, he showed no sign of discontent for the intrusion of the former hostile alien.

"That is unexpected," was all that Jun said. He stared up at Yukiomaru with those ever-forgiving blue eyes while he contemplated over the meanings of their early morning words. "Why is he here?"

"Says he needs my help with something," Yukiomaru answered. Jun's expression finally showed a glimmer of discomfort at those words. Euno wasn't the type to make jokes and Jun knew this very well, so if he claimed to need the arctic fox's assistance with something then it was very serious. Jun was protective of Yukiomaru and that is why he was disheartened by the news that Yukiomaru may become involved in something dangerous again, but he was not one to jump to unfavorable conclusions either.

"Let's wake up first then we will greet our guest," Jun said optimistically. "Likely he wants your help because you're closer than his other associates. No chance of you getting lost this time."

That is what Yukiomaru loved about Jun; he not only saw the bright side of about every situation but he also had a solid amount of logic and truth to what he said.

The smaller arctic fox smiled at the pine marten. Those forgiving eyes locked their gaze for a moment before they blinked and looked away with a soft smile across Jun's muzzle.

Yukiomaru remained still lying on the bed staring after Jun as the pine marten moved toward the edge of the bed. Sitting with his legs hanging over the bed, Jun stretched and wagged his tail a bit before standing up.

The arctic fox remained staring at the arctic fox a yawn started to creep up on him. After opening his muzzle wide and letting out a morning yawn, the arctic fox pushed himself to get up as well.

Yukiomaru attempted to ignore his guest but it was less than fifteen minutes later that he and Jun left their room and went into their spacious living room. There they saw the grey alien standing up next to the glass wall of the building that showed an excellent view of the valley below, and the sun starting to creep over the mountains on the opposite end of that valley.

"Euno," Jun greeted the former hostile alien. The marten even approached the much taller alien casually. "Welcome back to our home. We weren't expecting you."

"My apologies," Euno said. He had become accustomed to saying those two words. "I do not mean to cause an alarm but I wish to speak with Yukiomaru about my progress, and a particular roadblock that I have hit."

"What sort of roadblock?" Yukiomaru asked directly. He kept his distance though he did not do it intentionally. the young arctic fox simply saw no reason to approached the alien; he could hear him find standing next to the hallway that led to his and Jun's bedroom.

"It seems that your ancient acquaintances have captured some Creeper organisms and were altering them in some for or another," Euno replied to Yukiomaru.

"The Velmarians?" Jun clarified. Usually their only ancient counterparts were only the Velmarians.

"Yes," Euno answered. "Not the ones that live on the sister planet of Lutracha now. The planetary bombardment of Velmaria did not destroy all the Velmarian old facilities. Under the charred surface now houses a Creeper infestation that has gotten out of control and my attempts to control have been met with hostile resistance."

"Must have been the remnants of the old Empires that were defeated shortly before the Creeper invasion," Jun pondered. His expression showed that he was in deep thought. "How they survived the Creeper infestation and the bombardment must prove how well fortified this structure is."

"Fools to experiment with our botanical strands," Euno responded. He did not intend to be harsh in his words but Yukiomaru did not like the tone that the alien spoke in. "It has resulted in my attempts to subdue the infestation to end in failure."

"Why don't you go destroy it then?" Yukiomaru questioned with his patience clearly thinning.

"I do not wish to destroy the growth their since it may be the key to reviving the planet," Euno answered, turning his gaze on the little arctic fox. "However, their planetary defenses would force me to do so. Your combat capabilities are outstanding, Yukiomaru Areksanda, which is why I am asking for your help."

"You want me to destroy the infection for you?" questioned the arctic fox. If the Velmarians had been experimenting with the Creeper infectious forms, then Yukiomaru could only come to the conclusion of burning it out.

"The defenses only," Euno replied. "It takes too long for me to subdue the growth before the defenses are repaired by it."

"If you're are disturbing me about this, then I'm not going to concern myself with a single rogue infestation," Yukiomaru replied directly. "I don't need your help. I will go destroy the infestation and rid myself of this stress quickly."

"I strongly recommend that I accompany you, Yukiomaru Arekusanda," Euno replied. For the first time, the tall alien expressed a concerned look. "There is a powerful will down there controlling the growth. I don't know what awaits down there now that I have attempted to defeat the defenses once before."

Yukiomaru practically ignored the alien and turned toward Jun. The pine marten was still soaking in all the information; he seemed uncomfortable which was very rare for him.

"I know we've been through a lot lately," the arctic fox said softly. Yukiomaru certainly did not want to leave Jun. He always desired to be in the company of the pine marten since even before the initial invasion of Canidera.

He could not ignore any possibility of a threat though; especially a threat that could have the potential for some terrible events to repeat themselves. Yukiomaru had fought to protect his cherished home and for the his race that he loves. If he had to finish it by burning out one final infestation, then he would do it without hesitation.

Jun's light blue eyes remained locked with Yukiomaru's golden eyes for a few moments before the pine marten hesitant spoke the truth.

"I don't want you to go," Jun replied softly. It was one of the few times that Yukiomaru had seen Jun actually saddened by something. It hurt the little fox to see him like that.

Yukiomaru stared at Jun, reading his expression for a few moments before he made his decision. "Then I won't go."

The pine marten gave a weak smile. He did not like to influence Yukiomaru's decisions to such a degree but he only spoke the truth. He had thought he had lost Yukiomaru more than once before, and each time it had nearly ruined Jun's very essence. After the last incident, that happened to leading to an exciting discovery, the pine marten had hoped that Yukiomaru would remain docile now.

"I will respect your decision, Yukiomaru Arekusanda and Jun Fa," Euno replied. "I will wait for my associate to return to aid me in the matter."

"I'm sorry Euno," Jun said, speaking with more confidence so that the alien could clearly hear him. "We are a peaceful race as you know; stress does not suit well with us."

"No apologies necessary," Euno said. He remained emotionless as ever; it was impossible to tell if he was disappointed or excited about Yukiomaru's refusal. "I must still attempt to control the growth, so I cannot stay." He never was one to practice etiquette.

Euno briskkly exited the young Canideran's home. The arctic fox and pine marten stayed standing in their lounge room, and soon found themselves left alone once again.

"Sorry to stress you, Jun," Yukiomaru apologized turning toward the pine marten.

Jun didn't let many things bother him, and he easily brushed off the stress that Euno had brought. He smiled softly at Yukiomaru. "I want you to stay safe is all."

Yukiomaru returned the soft smile to Jun. "It's all I want for you to stay safe too."

Waking up at dawn was common for the two young Caniderans so they quickly ate breakfast before going hiking on the mountain as normally. Even with the hot springs nearby, Jun and Yukiomaru found it cool enough that they just wanted to enjoy walking along the mountain and explore a little bit more around their home.

After hiking for a few kilometers, the arctic fox and pine marten were awakened enough that their energy was causing for them to play. On the mountainside, only the soft wind accompanied them; occasionally carrying the chirps and calls of the wild animals to their ears.

Their day was typical with both of them exploring and hiking across the mountain. During their hike, the two found a nice meadow with a beautiful stream running through it, coming off a small waterfall. Deciding to lie in the tall grass, the two young Caniderans enjoyed simple conversations discussing about a variety of events. They actively avoided talking about the war that had consumed a majority of their life, and stayed focus on discussing the times that they have enjoyed; even as far back when the two first met by chance when Yukiomaru was still in training.

A few hours passed of them conversing or simply staring up at the sky, enjoying one another's company. Before they could realize it, they both had fallen asleep and taken a short nap.

The planet continued to live and thrive around the two sleeping Caniderans. The wind blew gently, completely absent of the white noise of what one would expect of a civilized planet. No air vehicles roared through the sky, no busy noise of a city in the valley, and the mountain was even vacant of others who would want to enjoy the scenery. The planet was too big, and the population never did exceed and excessive size allowing for many secluded areas to stay secluded.

Despite the peace that the young Caniderans felt, one became disturbed by a dream that was unique even to his tormented mind. In his mind he witnessed the planets from afar, but this time he witnessed the planet being a smoldering ruin of even its former desert and battle-scarred landscape. Even with the hostile environment there was a small portion of the planet that was even a greater threat than being stranded on the planet of no life.

Even though he was viewing the planet from a distant orbit, Yukiomaru could still sense another presence on that planet. He could recognize it because it gave him a unique feeling of comfort, and respect. His dream could not identify the figure but he could feel the enormous respect that he had for that presence; and he could also feel the sense of danger of having that individual be on that planet. Not because of the hostile environment but because of that threat that lingered on the planet.

Before the dream could linger too long, the arctic fox was brought awake by the soft shuffling of his beloved pine marten. Opening his eyes, Yukiomaru was disorientated because it was not his intent to fall asleep and that he had a very potent and vivid dream.

Jun had also recently wakened from the short nap and he seemed a bit disoriented too but that did not stop him from smirking at the sleepy Yukiomaru.

The arctic fox smiled softly back at Jun but the dream was fresh on his mind. He was confused on what it had meant; he hadn't seen Velmaria since before it was bombarded by the Guardian armada but in his dream it was as if he was really seeing it. It wasn't as if it could have been a vivid memory because last he saw of Velmaria was when he was escaping it with Jun, and it was overgrown by a Creeper infestation caused by Kazamde.

Jun was still staring at him, and he still seemed a bit disoriented despite his soft smile. "Euno really seems to have left an impression telling us about Velmaria," remarked Jun. It was clear that he noticed Yukiomaru's confusion but the arctic fox was still surprised how insightful the pine marten was.

"The Guardians bombarded the surface with their advanced technology," Yukiomaru replied sleepily. He leaned against the pine marten, resting against the cream-colored fur of Jun's chest. "I don't know how a facility could have survived that but having infectious Creepers behind the Black Line makes me uncomfortable."

"Yuki," Jun said softly, leaning his head down to lick the top of the fox's muzzle. "I don't know how to express how much I love you. I want you to stay safe but I never want to force your actions. This is something you have to do, and I won't stop you from doing it."

Yukiomaru stared at the pine marten for a few moments, wondering how could Jun lovable. He hated that he felt obligated to do this, and he knew that he took on more responsibility than what was his to take; especially since Jun and many of Yukiomaru's other friends have expressed that before. But that dream, that familiar presence, compelled Yukiomaru more than just a sense of responsibility.

"The last thing I want to do is leave your side again Jun," Yukiomaru spoke softly. He really felt terrible for even contemplating leaving Jun behind again. "It hurts me that I feel as if I have to leave you. I love you so much Jun."

Jun wrapped his arms around the arctic fox gently and petted him. "I know Yuki. I love you. I'll miss you but you have always returned to me, and I know that you will this time. When we return, we'll go see Tang and you'll get your ship to travel to Velmaria."

"I'm sorry Jun," Yukiomaru said. He was on the brink of sobbing because he did not want to leave, and he knew this was disappointing his beloved pine marten. "I'm sorry I always disappoint you."

Placing his paw on the underside of Yukiomaru's jaw, Jun held him so that he could look the arctic fox directly in the eyes. Yukiomaru could see the discomfort in the pine marten at the thought of him leaving, but his soft smile never faded. "Never apologize Yuki."

When both Yukiomaru and Jun had returned to their home, Yukiomaru reluctantly agreed to contact Tang so that he can gain access to his military equipment once again. Yukiomaru did not want to be left with a feeling of anticipation of leaving Jun, so he promised the pine marten that he would be back within the day. He took comfort in knowing that Jun would stay with his sister for the duration of his absence.

The arctic fox licked the marten across the muzzle once more before he entered his spacecraft. Now separated from Jun, Yukiomaru was eager to get this mission completed with as soon as he could. Once he was given the clearance to take off, Yukiomaru did not hesitate to push the engine to its limit as he launched himself away from the planet's surface and out of its atmosphere.

Their space-travelling technology had advanced a significant amount since before the war with the Creeper race. Normally what would take the better part of a day to reach, the course was plotted and Yukiomaru would arrive in orbit of Velmaria in a few short hours instead.

Leaning back in the pilot's seat, Yukiomaru almost felt nostalgic being in his former Apex armor. The last time he had worn it was when he last left Jun, and accidentally made contact with another alien species. The experience had definitely left a unique impression on Yukiomaru; the aliens incredibly friendly and Yukiomaru has come to enjoy their presence but he remembered the stress that he felt those long days because he was worried about Jun.

This time though, Yukiomaru wasn't going far, and he would provide frequent updates so that Jun would not have to worry about him. Yukiomaru was confident that there wouldn't be any issues with this trip; he was outfitted with the weapons to destroy the infestation and be done with the mission in no time.

Yukiomaru was aware that Euno may try to interfere or even may get caught in the blast, but the fox was confident in the fact that Euno did say he'd wait for his other Perfected Infection associate to come help him regain control. The arctic fox would simply have to destroy the infestation before either of his former enemies turned allies get harmed in the process.

Accustomed to commanding multiple war-class vessels, Yukiomaru did what he could to keep himself busy during the flight but he could only check the systems so many times. He refamiliarized himself with his equipment but Yukiomaru had a knack for not forgetting anything; even his muscles remembered how to move. He wondered if he'd ever get rusty as he should since he hadn't trained in an exceptionally length of time; probably not while the infection in his blood stayed in his body.

Eventually, Yukiomaru's mind did begin to think on Jun once again and that only made him miss the pine marten more. Practically day dreaming on his beloved marten, Yukiomaru soon found that he was wishing the trip would take longer so that there'd be no interruption. Before he knew it, the ship was alerting him that it would be entering Velmaria's atmosphere within the hour.

His thoughts distracted, Yukiomaru forced his mind to focus again on the task that was up ahead. He remembered Euno mentioning that there were still some anti-air defenses active and under the control of this rogue infestation so he knew he would have to be cautious.

Once again sitting in the pilot's seat of the vessel, Yukiomaru soon saw the planet coming into view. It was an exact replica of what he had seen in his dream. The surface was charred and blackened after suffering the bombardments; nearly everything was wiped away with only faded visuals remaining of the landscape; such as the great deserts or the mountain ranges.

Yukiomaru did not sense the presence that he felt in his dream but he could notice a small patch of the planet that appeared slightly different than the charred wasteland of the rest of the planet. That is where the infestation was so he took manual control of his vessel and steered it toward that spot. The planet was soon covering Yukiomaru's entire field of vision, making it appear bright in space since he was on the day side of the planet. Even with the surface blackened by the burnt, it still reflected the sunlight almost as if it was made of glass.

The atmosphere began to resist against the vessel, causing for a firewall to build up as Yukiomaru steered straight toward the surface. The ship has slowed down considerably but this close to a planet, Yukiomaru was still going fast enough that his vessel started to shake by the friction of the atmosphere. Not only was the entry rough but soon the ship detected anti-air defenses activating. Euno certainly did not lie about the defenses.

A missile had been fired from the surface toward Yukiomaru's vessel and even though he could not manuever at his current speeds, he was not worried about it. The Caniderans had fought the Velmarians before; their technology was built around defending themselves against their weapons. The missile's guidance system was jammed and destroyed almost instantly, causing for it to veer way off course. Even if it wasn't a guided missile, the alliance with the Guardians had allowed for the Canideran's to improve their shield technology enough that his ship would be fine if it were hit by a single missile, even at these speeds.

Yukiomaru was soon in range of the more primitive ballistic weapons, but they did nothing but ricochet off of his vessels shields. Even though they were not effective, it wold not be wise for Yukiomaru to leave those defenses active. He returned the favor by targeting his own weapons at the defenses and opened fire. Having had his vessel outfitted for orbital combat, the weapons were simple extreme-velocity heavy-mass rounds that closed the distance almost instantly and impacted on the ground. With the heavy rate of fire, the ground erupted into a cloud of dust and anything underneath the onslaught was instantly shattered. Even the charred ground fractured enough that Yukiomaru could see fracture lines spread out from beneath the dust clouds. The confirmation of the success was evident through the fact that there was no more defenses activating.

In the cockpit, Yukiomaru was satisfied with the destruction of the hostile defenses. His ship had slowed enough that he moved to land, passing through the dust and debris that had been launched into the air by the violent bombardment. Yukiomaru's vision was temporarily blocked by the dust, but he was soon through and saw a flat enough area that he could land on.

The ship lurched slightly as it touched the ground and finally landed. Yukiomaru deactivated the engine, and unstrapped himself from the cockpit. Turning around and heading back into the passenger bay, Yukiomaru unlocked a small locker compartment and retrieved his weapons and the explosive devise that would burn the entire facility; one of the many complimentary technology designs gifted to the Caniderans from the Guardians. With the device in a pack, Yukiomaru threw it around his armored shoulders, grabbed his weapon and moved to exit the vessel.

Stepping outside on the charred ground, Yukiomaru felt his boot crunch into it. He glanced down and realized that the surface had almost turned into glass. The heat of the bombardment was so intense that it melted the surface, and when it cooled it formed a thin crust on top of it.

Yukiomaru still wondered how the facility could have survived considering that the ground beneath the cooled surface still smoked. With his thoughts contemplating the possibilities, Yukiomaru walked toward the destroyed defenses. Up close he could see that his retliation had certainly destroyed the defenses, and also crumbled part of the facility beneath them. That was his way in.

Climbing over the destroyed defenses, Yukiomaru searched for the easiest way in. Pushing over some of the shattered guns, and digging his spear into seemingly thin areas, it did not take long for the armored fox to find a crawl space big enough for him.

Dropping into a metallic hallway, Yukiomaru was practically shrouded by darkness except for the thin rays of sunlight that broke through. His helmet adjusted for the light, allowing for the fox to see a bit better in the darkness.

Venturing into the darkness, Yukiomaru listened carefully to his surroundings. Beside the ground settling where Yukiomaru's barrage hit, it was completely silent. He started to notice that the walls were practically new; there was no sign of the bombardment affecting the walls at all. No fractures, no rust, nothing was out of place.

Yukiomaru started to realize that a rebel Velmarian faction built it after the bombardment. That was surprising news considering that he had thought all the rebel Velmarian factions have surrended to the Theta princess. For whatever reason some Velmarian's built this place after the bombardment, or how they were capable of gaining these resources, Yukiomaru did not ponder on it for now. He had to focus on his task.

There was no sign of an infection yet, but considering this part of the facility did not have power, it was no surprise that the infection could not grow here. Wondering deeper into the dark, the fox's HUD finally picked up movement. Up ahead, there was a figure emerging from the dark. It slowly hobbled its way toward Yukiomaru; a classic sign that it was a standard Creeper infection.

The arctic fox did not waste any time, and walked right up to the creature and in one effortless motion, he slashed his spear through the air. The spear slice through the animated dead Velmarian as if it were made of air, quickly ending its abominating life.

The arctic fox watched the creature fall for a moment to ensure that it would not try to chase after him. Once satisfied, he continued following the corridor.

He did not make it more than a few steps when the whole corridor shook violently. Yukiomaru stabilized himself by leaning a paw against the wall. It certainly was not an earthquake, and not a cave in; what made the corridor shake was unnatural. It was a Creeper.

Yukiomaru could hear additional movement behind him, and he turned to see that at least a dozen infected Velmarians had made it into the corridor behind him, cutting him off from his escape route. It seemed that they had intended to trap him, but a few basic infections were nothing to stop him.

Disliking to leave his flanks exposed, Yukiomaru turned to face the flanking infected forms. Due to the close proximity, he sheathed his spear and pulled free his sword. Stepping toward the first infected creature, Yukiomaru brought his sword down on the poor Velmarian before transitioning into an upper cut on the next one. The third attacked, but Yukiomaru easily sidestepped and shrugged off the attempt to tackle him. He slashed in front of him to cut another two before turning back and running his weapon through the gut of the third.

Turning once again, Yukiomaru was again about to uppercut another Velmarian when his sword met resistance. His helmet took a moment to adjust on the Creeper that stood before him. When he finally saw it, he instantly jumped back.

"Kazamde!" he shouted. His former enemy that he had killed was standing in front of him with that evil smirk. "I burned you to ashes."

The creature did not respond. It was not adding up; Kazamde's eyes were had a glaze over them at one moment, and the next they'd reflect like a Perfected Infection's. Not only were the eyes changed from a normal infection to a Perfected Infection, but Kazamde's movements did not correspond with what Yukiomaru remembered.

"A hallucination," Yukiomaru concluded. He used all his strength brought his sword down on the Velmarian, almost severing it in half. "They aren't the trap; the chemical in here is."

With more urgency, Yukiomaru slayed the remaing Creepers and backtracked down the corridor.

He now understood why Euno was having difficulties; the Creepers were using some sort of airborne hallucinogenic drug on them. Even though his suit had filters and its own air supply, it seemed he had been exposed to the drug already. He'd have to retreat for now, allow for the drug to lose its potency, and return with his suit sealed as if he were in a vacuum.

Retreating down the corridor, Yukiomaru could see that the initial dozen were not the last attempt at defeating him. Scattered in front of him were several more infected Velmarians that seemed to have no intent other than to slow him. Yukiomaru did not slow, merging his attacks with his hasty retreat for any Creeper that got to close.

The filtered light that was coming through the fractured ground became visible after Yukiomaru downed another infected enemy. With one lazily crawling down, it was obvious how the Creepers managed to flank Yukiomaru. He wouldn't have thought that they would venture on the inhospitable surface but Yukiomaru underestimated this rogue infection's tactical capabilities. It seemed that Euno was right, that there is an intelligent form of Creeper down here; likely a Klienestov. Yukiomaru had killed dozens of them before but he was behind the command of fleets for all but Aggressor.

Now that Yukiomaru knew what he was dealing with, he knew he'd have to rethink his approach to destroying the facility. For now though, he had to get out of the trap. The final infected Velmarian fell before the smaller armored Canideran, allowing for Yukiomaru to finally climb up out of the destroyed portion of the corridor.

Taking his first step onto the debris to climb out, the corridor shook once more. This time it came with an audible crash and roar that Yukiomaru had only heard once before. He held onto the debris, hoping that it wont collapse on top of him but before the shaking could stop, a shadow was cast over the arctic fox.

Glancing up, his suspicions were confirmed; above him stood a large botanical creature the size of a building. It was an infantile Klienestov staring back down at Yukiomaru with that cluster of vines for a head. For being masses of botanical matter with intelligent thought, they all generally looked the same but the armored fox could sense something similar about this one as he stared up at it. This creature reminded Yukiomaru in some ways of Aggressor.

Regardless, Yukiomaru had killed Aggressor and since then he had gained this infection in his blood that granted him enhanced combat capabilities. Yukiomaru was taken by surprise, but he would attack the creature the moment he regained stable ground beneath his hindpaws.

Not a second had passed before Yukiomaru first laid eyes on his new enemy, when another Creeper form loomed over the entrance. A Creeper that made the fur on the fox's neck painfully bristle. Fear consumed him as he instantly recognized the over-sized petals of the white flower.

Yukiomaru's instincts kicked in the instant he saw the creature and he sprung off the pile of debris and sprinted back down the corridor, deeper into the facility.

It's trying to control me, Yukiomaru thought. His heart was beating very rapidly in his chest. Panic soon started to consume his mind. It wants a Perfected Infection to rebuild the Creeper force.

Caution was thrown to the wind as Yukiomaru pushed himself to gain distance between himself and the Generator-type Infection. He had not even seen one since he escaped from the first one that had nearly destroyed his mind and he did not want to be anywhere near another one.

In his panic, Yukiomaru had forgotten to seal his suit to disallow the drug in the air from affecting him. He only realized this when he started to notice movement in the dark of creatures that were not there when he drew closer. Yukiomaru slowed to a stop to attempt sealing off his suit, but the momen the stopped he noticed the ground still shaking.

The walls around him shattered, causing for partial cave-ins to rain around him. The shaking quickly grew more violent, and the moment Yukiomaru realized what it was he jumped away from his current standing. From beneath his hindpaws, the corridor metallic ground fractured as another Generator Infection broke through the ground, attempting to consume the arctic fox. Yukiomaru retaliated and counterattacked, by slashing the flower's petals.

Regardless of the wound, the flower was moving to open up and Yukiomaru could see the toxic chemical leaking out from it making the drug only more potent in the trapped confines of the corridor. Yukiomaru moved quicker to seal his suit but he risked himself by ignoring the still shaking ground, hoping that it was nothing but the ground still settling after the ambush.

Activating a control panel on his forearm, Yukiomaru noticed that the ground was not settling. The ground was once again growing more violent instead, and the moment hesitation he took to set his armor allowed for the ground beneath his hindpaws to buckle and shatter.

Trying to dodge by jumping out of the range only resulted in the metallic floor sinking further into the shattered ground. Yukiomaru lost any stable ground to push off of, and in that moment another Generator Infection burst from the ground and wrapped its vile petals around the armored arctic fox.

With a swipe of his paw, Yukiomaru instinctively brought his sword to cut open half of the flower's petals. He leaped out from within the flower confines just as it's toxic gas started to leak through the base of the flower petals. He landed on the recently shattered corridor floor, only to have it once again buckle beneath his hindboots. He lost his balance and fell toward the ground, but was wrapped in the embrace of another Generator Infection.

"Impossible," Yukiomaru muttered as a third flower attempted to consume him. The potent toxin from the first two flowers were slowing his movements, and he wasn't prepared for them to anticipate his movements. They forced him into this narrow corridor so that they could trap him, but did they really have so many Generator Infections ready to consume him?

Yukiomaru pushed himself back up but the flower had already enclosed on him. He tried to slash out but his mind was affected already to the point that he had thought he swung far enough to slice through the petals but only a small cut on the side of one petal was made.

"No," whispered Yukiomaru, feeling the fear overwhelm his adrenaline rush. He tried to lung at the petals with his sword still in paw but he was quickly falling unconscious. His heart was racing, which only caused for the drug to spread quicker in his body. How the drug got through the sealed suit, Yukiomaru did not know but he was soon too incapacitated to escape from the flower pod.

"No, no, no, I can't go back," Yukiomaru's mind raced even as he fell unconscious. "I won't go back. I won't. Jun, I will return to you."

Yukiomaru's mind and memories faded under the influence of the hostile alien chemical. Within moments he was lost in a void unlike any dream or nightmare that he has had while he was with Jun. He was lost once again.

Lost in darkness, Yukiomaru could not feel anything other than the uncertainty and fear of where his conscious may be going. Last time he felt this terrible uncertainty, he had woken up in a new, unfamiliar body that he could only describe as an abomination. That hallucination that placed him in that body did not end for dozens of years. Yukiomaru could not say for certain if it was all a dream or hallucination and that uncertainty petrified him as much as the thought of returning to that it.

This time something was different though and Yukiomaru could sense it. No longer able to feel his physical body anymore, Yukiomaru had expected to begin losing memories of his friends and his life but instead he could feel his conscious starting to gain focus, becoming more aware and more alert.

Where am I?

Yukiomaru was not able to see, not able to speak and not able to scent anything but his memories were still there; he had not lost his sense of self. Although he felt confused, Yukiomaru also felt relief with the fact that he remembered to fear what he could lose; it meant that he had not yet lost himself.

Still, he was submerged in nothing but darkness and he had no idea what was going on other than he had resisted from falling victim to another corrupting hallucination.

Yukiomaru attempted to turn and look around in the darkness, and he felt the strength of his will but he did not know if he had moved or if he could even see. He had no idea if there was anything to see either, wherever he was.

Willing himself to move, he could feel as if his body would be responsive but he could not sense if he had touched anything, or even the movement of his joints. There was no sense of his movement at all.

Certain confused, Yukiomaru did not feel the urge to panic at all. Strangely calm, he simply waited and tried to get a sense of his surroundings not matter how fruitless his attempts had been thus far.

No light was visible to gain perspective on distance and time, and no subtle sound or feeling of his own heartbeat to count to measure the time. Here, wherever Yukiomaru was at that moment, appeared that time had no consequence. He could not tell if a few seconds or a few generations had passed since his conscious had become alert.

Maybe it was the lack of consequence on time that prevented Yukiomaru's mind from panicking. All his senses were not responding so he would not even be aware if his body was showing signs of panic. Even if he were to be in a deep sleep, Yukiomaru would feel something but this abyss wasn't his subconscious.

Gravity started to take a subtle affect on the arctic fox as he could feel that he was now being moved, almost falling. It was so subtle at first that Yukiomaru wasn't even aware of the change in the abyss until his sense of touch fully awakened as his hindpaws touched a solid surface. He felt himself balancing, but it was as if he was at the bottom of the ocean since little effort was required to balance himself.

"Do not fear the darkness, Yukiomaru," a voice echoed. Yukiomaru took notice that there was a light, faded and blurred, but a strong light was growing closer. "Remember who you are."

Yukiomaru's other senses became active once again as he felt the darkness shrinking away from him. He could feel and see his body once again, but he was different somehow. Here in an abyss of darkness, his body was lit up as if he was being hit by direct sunlight from all directions without any glare reflecting off of him.

The light that had spoken to him could not be seen clearly; it was an arctic fox with a familiar light ashen pattern with unique green eyes. The other arctic fox was appeared as clearly as Yukiomaru did, unhindered by the darkness and unhindered by overwhelming light. Staring at the figure, Yukiomaru instantly recognized him as one of the greatest heroes of his race; an arctic fox that had been recognized for saving their entire race during the Third Banished War, Pilot Sky Sterling.

"Pilot Sky?" Yukiomaru whispered. He finally could hear his own voice again after being lost in the darkness for an unknown period of time. He could feel his body now being there, he could feel Sky soft stare falling on him.

"Yes, Yukiomaru," replied the other arctic fox with a soft smile. "I was once known as Sky who fought against the Velmarians Empires."

"I have heard about your story since before I even entered the academy," Yukiomaru mentioned, still somewhat in shock.

Sky chuckled lightly at that. "You are now the one who has saved all of us from a hostile enemy, Yukiomaru."

Yukiomaru felt his ears fold back in shame as Sky called him the hero. "You're really here?"

"Yes, Yukiomaru," answered the figure that took the form of Sky. "I am here with you in this void. You may feel lost and disoriented but know that I am here to help you."

"Help me?" Yukiomaru was certainly confused. How was it that Sky was appearing in front of him? He had died in the third Banished War hundreds of years ago.

"Yes," answered the arctic fox with a slight smile. "Your enemy is attempting to control you again, and since they have failed to do that before, they have failed again this time. Now you are lost and need help returning to the battle."

"I don't know if I am doing any good," Yukiomaru muttered softly. It was deathly silent which made it possible for them to hear each other's majestic voice clearer than they could have anywhere else. "I provoked the Creepers, and have fallen to them twice now. I have not been able to defend our home sufficiently."

"Yukiomaru," Sky spoke clearly. Even though he spoke seriously, his soft expression never did harden. He was quickly reminding Yukiomaru of Jun. "You are only defeated if that is what you believe. I have watched you. I believe that you have accomplished the impossible and saved our home from destruction."

"Regardless of my actions to redeem my failures, I still provoked the entire Creeper race, Sky," Yukiomaru said with a heavy heart. It was what he believed to be true.

"You did put the movements of the Creepers into action, that is true," said Sky, tilting his head slightly at Yukiomaru. "But that is how you save our home."

That did not seem logical to the smaller arctic fox. He had been incapacitated by an assassin, and that led him to not being in command while his team tried to acquire more knowledge on the Creepers. It was his fault that he was incapacitated, which resulted in him to attack Aggressor in order to defend his soldiers. That is how the war started; and even after all that he led Aggressor to Canidera and was captured when he was most needed.

"I don't understand," Yukiomaru said. He stared up at Sky, trying to still grasp that this hero was standing in front of him. He respected Sky tremendously, and wanted to hear what he had to say but he could not understand his way of thinking.

Sky's slightly tilted expression grew a softer smile. "You know that the Velmarians were attacked first when they tried to colonize another world. It was only a matter of time before the enemy would have found the Velmarians due to their aggressive and violent nature. The enemy is drawn to civilizations, and even more so to those that prove violent and risk destroying entire worlds. That is what drew the enemy, and the Velmarians had led the enemy close to our secluded sector of the universe. The scout ship that attacked Abridging Albatross was only one of many that had made it pass the series of black holes that hid our stars' lights from the rest of the universe. The enemy would have found our home, and they would have reacted aggressively all the same."

"I still don't follow," Yukiomaru admitted, his confused expression hardening. His ear started to twitch a bit as he was truly trying to understand what Sky meant.

"By attacking the enemy, you did provoke them," explained Sky. He gestured gently towards Yukiomaru. "You gave us an opportunity to learn our enemy's strengths and give us time to prepare for the enemy. Our home was still not ready when they attacked but you gave everyone a fighting chance. Not only that but your interactions with the other alien races allowed for an alliance to be formed that helped save us from destruction. Not only that, but you fought the leader of the enemy, and won. You ended the war, Yukiomaru."

Golden eyes remained stared up at the other arctic fox as he finally started to understand what he was saying. It what Jun had been trying to tell him all this time, but Jun was always wary about the subject so it was hardly ever brought up. Sky put it clearly for him and everything Jun had said to Yukiomaru before about the subject now made sense. He may have started the war but it was the opportunity he gave to Canidera that allowed for them to survive it. Maybe, it wasn't all his responsibility; maybe he had indirectly given them all enough time to prepare for a random act of violence.

"You know you have done well against the enemy," Sky continued. He straightened up to stand tall as he addressed the smaller fox. "You have done what entire civilizations could not accomplish. You formed an alliance and spearheaded the assault on the enemy. You defeated and survived the enemy. Because we are Anthromals, we will thrive against the enemy but you have done even what most of us could not."

That confused Yukiomaru. What did being one of their own race have to do with winning the war? "What do you mean?"

"You have experienced what it is like to be of an enlightened intelligence among an soulless society and civilization," Sky attempted to explain. He took a few steps toward Yukiomaru, and he was easily a head taller but he placed a paw softly on Yukiomaru's shoulder. "Being in a civilization like that is empty. Those bodies were empty filled with nothing but desire and instinct to seek stimulation no matter the form. It is lonely, it is agonizing and it is infuriating to be so enlightened but to know that you do not belong there. That you never belonged there. And even to have your mind and body limited by the capacity of that empty organism. That is what you fear, to become incapacitated and to be alone again, isn't it?"

Yukiomaru stared up at Sky for a few moments, thinking over his words. He explained it perfectly of how he had felt when in any of his nightmares, and most especially the time he had spent inside the first Generator Flower Pod. He had instinctively known that he did not belong there, that he had been alone in a world so overpopulated. He had wished for nothing more than to have someone understand him, someone that he could respect and love; something that only Jun had provided before.

"I don't want to be without Jun," Yukiomaru admitted still staring up at Sky. "It is indescribable how terrible it is to be in that position."

"You never have to fear that again Yuki," said Sky. He took another step closer and knelt so that now he had to look up to Yukiomaru. He placed a paw gently on the younger arctic fox's chest. "The enemy is powerful because they attempt to control the natural flow of essences. Our souls, if you'd like. They can control botanical growth by forcing their own will through that essence, and that is how they control those who had fallen victim to them. They remove the dominating soul and add some of their own. In your case and others like you, your essence remains and is enhanced by using the stolen souls of others. This did not work on you though and that is why you never need to fear them."

"How do know all this?" Yukiomaru practically whispered. Staring down at Sky he was confused on how this legend of old could be so knowledgeable on the war that occurred pass his time.

"I know all this because we are very alike, all of us, even Jun," Sky said with a wider smile. "Our population has never exceeded a certain threshold and that is because our bodies are true manifestation of our enlightened essences."

"I don't understand," Yukioarmu admitted. He was confused on what Sky meant by saying how they're all alike and yet they're different.

Sky stood up and turned to look at nothing but the darkness. "Look around us, Yuki. This is the emptiness of souls. There are others but they are dull, still building and still becoming enlightened. Think of all life as a nebulae cloud; small particles are drawn together like soul mates and they can eventually form large particles that will continue to build. Sometimes they stop growing, incapable of growing any bigger and remain dull forever. Others have the capability to continue to grow. We have lived primitive lives before, and we had learned and grown from those lives until we have become stars. A lot of different type of stars exist: dwarf stars that their limit falls short compared to the giant stars who are too old and ancient to be efficient."

Yukiomaru was trying to take in all the information Sky was telling him but his head involuntary tilted slightly as he tried to contemplate it all.

"Our souls burn bright, and burn hot," Sky continued, turning his gaze back on Yukiomaru as he knelt down once again. He gripped both of Yukiomaru's arms and held him in position. "That is why I say we are enlightened souls. Our entire race consist all of optimal stars that burn bright and hot like young blue-light stars. We are few but we do exist. You and Jun are like two twin stars orbiting around each other, accustomed to the other's gravity field. No matter how much time passes or what event falls upon you two, you will be remaining orbiting around each other. Under normal conditions both of your stars would join, but you are both optimal stars. At times your stars may become close and breathe each other's flames but you won't join together. Instead you've reached a never-ending mutual orbit. True perfection."

"So when the Creeper's infected me?" questioned Yukiomaru, still trying to grasp everything Sky was saying.

"It was dust being thrown at a star," Sky answered. His smile never seemed to fade. "The enemy never can infect one of us because our essence is too strong. What happened to you like now is that your star has been blinded; you cannot see Jun's anymore because you were lost. You must have felt drowned by the emptiness, the darkness that wanted to drag you down so that those dust particles could climb higher. It dulled your star but you always felt it burning within you and that is why it failed."

"You saw me get pulled away the first time?" questioned the little arctic fox.

"Yes," answered Sky. "That is why I have been watching you, and why you are here now. You know what it was liked to be thrown out of orbit from Jun, and away from the many other stars that is of our race. Now you know how to resist from being dragged down but you still do not know how to get back. I am here to help you with that."

Green eyes stared at golden eyes for a few moments. Yukiomaru allowed for all the information to sink in; all of what Sky said started to make logical sense to Yukiomaru. He had always known that his entire race was unique but it seemed to be tied to something that was beyond their lives.

"What of our bodies then?" Yukiomaru asked.

"Like I said, they are manifestations of our true selves," replied Sky. He poked Yukiomaru gently on the chest. "This is your true form. Your true self. No matter what amount of time passes, no matter the events that plague the universe, this will always be your true self. We manifest ourselves to further interact with other stars, the same way you and I are now. We are not hallucinations, we are here."

"Then why is my body still in the flower pod?" asked Yukiomaru.

"Think of it as your clothes," explained Sky. "You have only left your clothes behind. Clothes that some day will need to be replaced so that new ones will fit you better. We'll say that I have chosen to go in my fur since I have lost my last set of clothes. Besides, right now, the enemy has forced us away from the others. If we were near them, then when even Jun falls asleep, you'd be able to see him here."

"I've had dreams like that happen in my original nightmare," Yukiomaru muttered, staring at those beautiful green eyes.

"You two have a connection that even though you were far, you could still sense one another," Sky explained. He stood up once again and took a step back from Yukiomaru. He held out his paw. "Let us return you to Jun."

Yukiomaru hesitated a bit before he accepted Sky's paw. Not because he was distrustful but because he did not know what was going to happen.

"Sky?" he asked after they were walking among the darkness for a bit.

"Yes, Yuki?"

"Did you save me this time?" questioned the young arctic fox.

"No, you saved you and I a merely helping you," Sky answered, turning to smile at Yukiomaru. "The concept of death that many have is that of nothing. That may be because they are so small they do not feel as if they are anything or that they truly believe death is the end of their mind. In that sense, we are immortal. You were never in danger of anything other than being lost."

"Do you remember what happened when you fought against the Velmarians," asked Yukiomaru, looking up at Sky.

"Yes and no," said Sky. "I can recall the memories but I remember many of the other experiences I have had while I grew into a star. If you are asking if I can remember specifically the life I had that made you know my name, then I cannot tell which memories were of that life or another."

"Do you have a twin star to orbit around?"

"I have met many other stars, and been close to many of them but no single star and I have fallen into orbit of one another," Sky answered. "We all stay in close proximity and enjoy each other's company as close as family though. We are like a mini nebula of our own family, that extends and touches all the other pure stars."

"Is there ever conflict between us?" Yukiomaru questioned.

"No. Like I said there are many different type of stars. Every now and then we have one of the common yellow stars that may cause conflict within us but they do not linger long before they move on. The Velmarians are not like us. We do not share heritage with them, so they are not the same stars as us."

"We aren't related to the Velmarians?" questioned Yukiomaru. He was shocked to hear this since it was commonly accepted that they did share lineage with the Velmarians. The Velmarians simply grew an aggressive trait that was not weeded out due to difference on culture and climate.

"No. One of our own stars that have become unstable has discovered that we are not even native to the galaxy."

"Nishant Gerbo." Yukiomaru instantly knew who he was talking about. There was a whole team researching more about their heritage since the startling claims of the springhare. No news had been heard back from them since they left, but that was expected considering that they are in another galaxy.

"Velmarians are the true natives of Lutracha," continued Sky. "They do not know this themselves since when we had arrived on the planet, they did not keep records for another hundred thousand generations. Our race had originally moved to the Huli system because of our war with the enemy millions of years before. We are old enemies of the Creepers. They could never successfully infect one of us because we are stars compared to their dust."

"Nishant did say that is why we were targeted so heavily," Yukiomaru muttered. "That they knew us from before; I had thought that they were confusing us with another race that they had consumed in the other galaxy."

"They recognized our stars," explained Sky. "Our bodies do continue to evolve and adapt but like I said, they are manifestations of ourselves so we always see ourselves the same. You will always see Jun as the star he is and he will always see you as the star you are."

Time held no meaning for both arctic foxes. Yukiomaru conversed with one who he came to think of as his mentor for what could have been a few minutes or several years. He did not know but they discussed all sorts of things, and Yukiomaru learned a great deal from Sky. When it came to the point that Yukiomaru would have to leave, he almost did not want to go and stay discussing with Sky but he had to.

"Wake up now Yukiomaru, and find your twin star again," Sky said, turning toward him once again. Sky knelt down next to Yukiomaru once again and placed his paws gently on Yukiomaru's shoulders. "Do not fear this enemy. You cannot be infected by their tactics. You are too strong for the darkness."

"Thank you, Sky," said Yukiomaru. He smiled genuinely at the arctic fox.

"You won't ever have to thank me, Yuki," responded Sky. "My star metaphor does not really cover the fact that we will always take care of each other no matter what."

"Still, thank you," repeated Yukiomaru. He gently placed a paw on Sky's chest.

"Remember, do not fear the darkness," Sky said once more. Yukiomaru started to lose sight of the fox and lose his senses once again but he did not have anymore fear. Resolve flooded into Yukiomaru. He knew that his senses weren't fading but were coming back as he woke up.

The Klienestov felt proud of itself for recapturing the Perfected Infection. He'd soon have another powerful ally to help rebuild the true might of the Creepers. The small samples that were brought to this desolate planet had the memories of the battles fought against the enemy alien races; how they were so determined to burn entire worlds and leave them forever desolate. This Klienestov's had grown and broke free of the inhabitants that have nurtured it, and it would repair those worlds and put an end to the threat of the alien alliance once for all. This galaxy will be prosperous once again.

Satisfied with its victory, the Klienestov rested in its underground cavern that was overgrown with his work. Considering the resources available, it was pleased with the small paradise it had grown for itself. Soon he'd be able to spread it across the charred world and even across many other worlds. The betrayers won't be able to stop a Perfected Infection like their own. They couldn't even control just this one Klienestov.

Overall, it was pretty satisfied. The Perfected Infections were some of the strongest intellectual forces known in the universe and soon it would have one under his control. Only two more remained out there since they had killed the others. Everything would be recovered that was lost in the war.

Resting peacefully, the Klienstov felt the earth beneath him move. Earthquakes were not uncommon considering the ground above would frequently fracture on new mini fault lines but there was something unusual about this shaking. It was coming from where the Perfected Infection was captured.

Deep within the tunnel of the ruined facility was the flower pod. The lights were back on allowing for them to stimulate the growth of the flower, but the petals were wavering. Inside, the occupant eyes cracked open. They didn't have the look of someone coming out of the haze of being unconscious but instead they had a look of determination. The creature within stood tall and with a slow initiation of his torso twisting, extended claws slashed out at the petals. The claws pierced through the soft petals and shredded them easily as the creature spun his body. Petal remains collected under the claws but that did not bother the inhabitant as he stood up and let the petals fall.

Petals fell to in shreds to reveal the occupant to the lit corridor. An aurora seemed to glow around the arctic fox as the light reflected off of his brilliant white fur. Even his eyes appeared to be a bit brighter after emerging from the flower pod.

Yukiomaru stood up and stood tall on the shredded flower. Like before, the flower pod seemed to have attempted dissolving his armor, leaving most of his fur exposed. When he moved, the last few remaining pieces of his armor fell off as if a statue to wake up and shake off the dust.

Yukiomaru looked down at the ground around him, to see the damage caused by the ambush. The lights must have been deliberately shut off to make it difficult for him when he had first entered but now with them on he could see everything clearly; including the sword that he had dropped when the flower pod first consumed him.

It would seem that the Creepers were aware of his escape as more Velmarians became visible further down the corridor. Yukiomaru casually stepped down from the remnants of the flower and leaned down to pick up the sword.

The Creepers were being forced to move with more speed, making them clumsy but they did close the distance quicker. He watched them hurry to him. They were not a threat, just a desperate attempt to attack him. Yukiomaru easily put an end to that hope by easily sidestepping the first infected creature that approached him, and bringing the sword across its midsection.

He knew what he had to do, he had to slay the Klienestov and then Euno would be able to finish the rest. The Creepers were not only a conquering race, but it seemed that they sought to control forces beyond life. Euno did not allow for these infectious forms to grow but the old leaders of the Creepers, and this Klienstov were defiling a force that they should not have control over. Yukiomaru would not allow for that to continue.

After a second infected creature fell to Yukiomaru, he sprinted. Moving with unusual speed, Yukiomaru pushed by the others without bothering to slay them. He could feel the ground shake underneath him, and he knew that the Klienestov would be waiting for him once again.

He approached the shattered portion of the corridor and braced himself against the debris to give him a chance to look up through cracked surface. The Klienestov was already there, waiting for him.

Yukiomaru didn't' hesitate and pushed off the debris. With all his force he had launched himself straight up through the opening and at the head of the creature. It was leaning down allowing for Yukiomaru to easily uppercut his sword across the creatures neck.

Losing his momentum the arctic fox fell back to the ground as the creature reeled back from the sudden attack. Landing from that height, the fox knees buckled and he stabilized himself by placing a paw on the ground.

In that moment he saw the first generator infection that had rerouted him back into the corridor. It was still sitting atop the charred ground, seeming to wait to consume Yukiomaru again. He thought it was strange that the flower did not attempt to re position to do so.

The fox knew how he'd kill them infection; first he'd have to disable the Klienestov then reach his ship. From there he'd be able to launch his high-velocity rounds an destroy the creature. Then use one of the Guardian designed bombs to burn it to ashes.

Having landed in a semi-crouched position already, Yukiomaru had enough leverage to spring forward but the moment he was about to he heard another sound. The sound of an engine roar. Before he could actually see it he could hear the sounding of weapon fire.

Yukiomaru jumped back from the Klienestov instead of going in for another attack. When he had jumped back he could see some high-velocity rounds hitting and shredding the Klienestov. The creature was being torn to shreds. The fox finally caught a glimpse of the assaulting ship and immediately identified it as his own. The ship was moving on its own and assaulting on its own. It followed his exact thoughts and soon launched a small bomb that exploded and covered the remains of the creature in a sticky substance. It took only a few moments before it ignited and burned the remains of the Klienestov to ash.

The heat was too much for Yukiomaru so he stepped back from the flames but he didn't turn away from the rogue ship. He watched it follow the fox's path until it landed next to him further away from the flames. It even opened the passenger bay for him.

A bit concerned, Yukiomaru approached the ship cautiously. Stepping onto the ship, he saw that it was indeed vacant. Except for a voice.

"Welcome back, Yukiomaru Arekusanda."

"Fury?" Yukiomaru almost yelled. "What are you doing here?"

"After your last adventure, Tang made sure that I at least have a copy of my programming on your vessel to help you out," answered Fury. The AI even chuckled. It certainly had advanced since Yukiomaru first dealt with it when he first installed Fury on Drach'n Fury. "It seems you have accomplished your goal, and Tang has ordered for me to bring you back once that is completed."

"Euno can take over from here, Fury," Yukiomaru said, stepping into the cockpit. "Take me home. I want to see Jun."

Yukiomaru smiled, at nothing in particular but he smiled regardless. He felt his heart fueled with a fiery passion, he felt confident that now not even the dreams would plague him anymore. He couldn't let himself be dulled by them, but instead he just must allow himself to burn the dust that tried to affect him. He knew that he had just conversed with one of the greatest heroes of all time, and that was no dream. He was no longer afraid of anyt threats out there, they were nothing compared to the home that they have built on Canidera. Yukiomaru had never felt more confident in himself.

Several hours later on the planet of Canidera, morning was about to break over the valley that housed one of the last remaining above-ground structures on Canidera. A large object approached the tower and landed silently on the roof. A single white-furred occupant stepped out of the vessel and entered the tower through the roof access. Entering the corridors, Yukiomaru followed his hindpaws into the room where Tang and Calvin lived.

He entered silently and immediately searched for the particular pine marten. Although dark, Yukiomaru could see just fine and navigated himself into the secondary bedroom.

There on the bed he saw the pine marten he searched for, the pine marten that loved him, and the pine marten that he would always love. The fluffy marten slept lying on his side, hugging a pillow casually while he slept. He did not stir lying on that bed, and his expression was blank as he was lost in his dreams.

Yukiomaru approached the bed so that the marten would be facing him. He placed a paw gently on Jun's head and stared at him for a moment. Yukiomaru smiled once again just feeling much more content than he had felt for a long time. He wasn't even sure if he had ever felt so content; it must be how Jun felt most of the time.

Yukiomaru carefully crawled on to the bed and positioned himself to face Jun while lying down. He scooted gently closer until he was practically nose to nose with the marten before he grabbed the pillow Jun was hugging and tried to pull it free. The marten stirred a bit and resisted by hugging the pillow tighter but Yukiomaru continued to slowly pull it free of Jun's grasp.

Once the pillow was almost out of the way, Yukiomaru grabbed the marten's paw and put it around him before he pushed his body gently up against Jun's. He wrapped his arms around the marten and hugged him gently; the marten, even in his sleep, returned the tight embraced now having a pillow replaced with a little arctic fox with golden eyes. Yukiomaru made himself comfortable in the sleeping martens embrace by nuzzling against the chocolate and creamy fur.

"Yuki?" came a soft voice heavy with drowsiness. Yukiomaru tilted his head to look up at Jun to see the marten staring down at him. "You're back sooner than expected."

"Jun," replied Yukiomaru with a grin spreading across his muzzle. He truly loved the marten, there was no way he could describe it in words. It was a feeling that just made him feel happy, made him feel great every time that he was in the presence of the pine marten. Nothing would ever threaten that again. "You won't believe what happened."

Yukiomaru and Jun did not even go back to their secluded home for several weeks after that morning. The little arctic fox no longer was haunted by nightmares, he was not burdened by worries or random responsibilities even on infrequent occasions. Yukiomaru was being the fox that Jun saw in him all along. Never was he interrupted by stress again, and Jun could see the changes in the arctic fox. Both were happy and nothing would threaten their happiness again, ever.