Ajax and Ace had been waiting for quite some time and Ajax was beginning to wonder what the other fighters were up to. Then, a colossal explosion lit the entire bridge of the castle on fire. The boys jumped at the sudden noise and began to operate plan, 'Take back Puldora'.

    They placed a device on the barrel of their guns and grappling hooks shot up from it, hooking onto a window frame about five stories up. Pressing a button, the metal rope began reeling itself in and they hung tightly to their blasters as they were pulled up.

    From her cell, Sylvie heard the thunderous explosion and was curious about what might have caused it. She leaned against the bars of the cage, rubbing her bruised jaw and sighing loudly out of boredom. Why am I always the one getting caught? she wondered.

    "Sir, the human is in here," she heard a guard say.

    "Chain her up, I need to speak with her," she head a deep, masculine voice command.

    Two fully armed guards opened Sylvie's cell door and forcefully lead her to a wall where chains hung. They cuffed her wrists and ankles and attached them to the chains. Sylvie knew her arms were going to be sore after having them stretched out from right to left. She watched as a tall, beardless middle-aged man walk up. His long dark hair was tied back in a neat ponytail and his skin was perfect and ageless. Sylvie knew he was a umaros man, without even looking at his pointed ears.

    "So this is the human? She is smaller than I imagined," he stated, glaring at her with pure hatred.

    Sylvie blew a few wisps of hair out of her face, Why does everyone think I'm short?

    "Tell me human, what is your name and how did you manage to hide away for so long or even reach this planet?" he asked.

    "You'll be surprised how blind a bloody tyrant's ego can make them," Sylvie spat.

    "Oh, so you know I'm the dictator of this planet?" he pried.

    "I know that you have taken over this planet for a stupid cause."

    "You call the plan to eliminate humans from the entire universe a stupid cause?"

    "Not only is it a stupid cause, when you put it that way, it's completely impossible."

    "Oh really?"

    "Yes really, humans will always find a way to prosper, all they have to do is stay hidden from your sight and because of your hate, your sight is very bad."

    A crushing impact on Sylvie's jaw again sent salvia spraying from her mouth. The bruise that was already there made the blow hurt two times more.

    "Who are you to speak in such a way?" he scolded.

    An idea lit up in Sylvie's mind, "I am the daughter of the king and queen of Puldora."

    "That is interesting, I don't remember there being a princess," he came up closer and towered over her.

    "They don't speak much about me," Sylvie lied.

    "I see."

    Sylvie watched in horror as he brought out a long whip. The scars on her back tingled at the memory of being flogged.

   "Now, what is your name and where are your parents and brother?" he asked, cracking the whip.

    Sylvie winced at the ugly sound, "I am Sylvie, and I do not know where they are. Even if I did know, I wouldn't tell you."

    He balled his fist and struck her in the temple.

    Sylvie felt dizziness overcome her sight and blood dripped into her eye.

    "I will ask you again, where are the king and queen?"

    "I told you already I don't know! We were separated during the escape."

    "You liar!" the man placed the whip around the back of her neck and slid it off.

    Sylvie screamed in pain as the barbs peeled the skin right off the back of her neck. Blood oozed its way down her back.

    "Tell me, where are they, or the penalty is death!"

    "I told you the truth," Sylvie whimpered.

    He raised his whip to strike again, but the blow never came. The shocked expression on his face as he crumpled to the ground surprised Sylvie. She looked up and saw Ajax hiding in the hall with his blaster drawn. He ran up to her, pick-pocketed the keys from a knocked out guard, and freed Sylvie of the chains. Ajax caught her as she fell forward limply and lowered her to the ground.

    "Ajax, you're just in time," she whispered while touching his face with her hand.

    "We've taken back the planet, it's over," he informed her gently.

    "How?"

    "The squad gathered up the people and they chased the rest of the umaroi out of the planet, while Ace and I took over the castle and killed the dictator. The king and queen have come out of hiding."

    "Who's Ace?"

    "I'll introduce you to him later. Right now let's focus on getting you some medical attention," he wrapped an arm around her waist and helped her stand. "Lean your weight on me."

    Sylvie did as he said and they slowly made their way to the infirmary, where nurses were busily hustling about, tending to wounded patients.