"This is what a winner looks like."

Sylazide was unsure how to handle her frustration with not being able to be the first to a ‘great idea’. Did she really think she’d be the first to do a certain thing? That was kind of reaching higher standards than any of the absolute monarchs that they become so familiar with.

“Wait, you’re wanting to be the first to get to a ‘thing’? Have you not realized how hard that is? The Earth has been around for so long, ideas have existed through so long, but great people aren’t considered great because they are the first, it’s just what they bring to the table?”

They seemed to overlook the possibility that Liz maybe wasn’t concerned about that, that maybe her worry is that she hadn’t found that thing that seperated her from the bunch. Of course, it was easy to make assumptions, they were acquaintances that very much didn’t know the others life story. 

Besides, Sylazide was a nymph who didn’t even know what they were going to make out of their life, sorta hard to decide that sort of thing when they were born into a very specific destiny.

Regardless, they got to hear more about Liz and her own goals as she better explained herself.

“Uh, personally the idea of being talked about all over the news and the media world isn’t my idea of dreamy, but different strokes different folks, I suppose. I’m not going to knock your ambition.” 

Nothing wrong with what Liz wanted, it was fairly understandable, so thought that offspring of someone who had pined so hard for approval. Additionally, it helped in making the bandicoot enjoyable to talk to, having such high goals, though again maybe it was because they were familiar with that type.

“You don’t know about Area 51? Really? Government base in America, star of conspiracy theories and alien legends? The place all the memers are going to raid because of some joke or pipe dream that they will get to save an alien? C’mon, if you’re going to be famous, you gotta keep up with the trends.”

Now was time for advice of a much lighter kind, something Sylazide could really get into, the media world. “Well, what have you tried in terms of getting famous? What do you like? Is there something on these islands that no one could easily get anywhere else?”

If they were to be truthful, they’d suggest she invest in a computer and microphone and play video games, but they doubted she was interested in cashing in big on a market that’s already been tapped in.

Liz didn’t expect the kid to actually have ideas, but they sure were appreciated.   She listens on the literal edge of her seat trying to mentally write down everything they say.  Memes? Got it.  Tawna loves those things, so maybe she could start asking her for help with this.

When they start to ask her things her brow furrows a bit.   Liking things?  What did that have to do with any of this?  She shifts, feeling a little put on the spot to think of past ideas she’s had.  There’s just been so many of them, they all sorta come at once.

“ Uh... once I tried to get the girls to do some show with me.  It was gonna be like, uh, Power Rangers but it was all just one big ad for a company that sells toilet products.  They didn’t really go for it.  “

She swallows, face heating up.  That was one of the most out there examples.  Why did that one come up first?  “ I’ve also done, like, music n’ stuff too.  Yeah, yeah.  Like singing, and dancing.  I like to wear fun outfits, too.  Make it a real blast!  ... Someone apparently already does that, too, though.” 

 “ Ya know, ‘Princess’ is a WAAAAAAAY more interesting title to go by than Lady. “     She smiles then.  “ Princess Liz is what my account name is.  Since just Liz was taken.  I think I’m just going to brand as just Liz though.  Like, Liz alone, not Just Liz.  Though.  Princess Lizzy is how I refer to myself on my blog. So... huh.“

She’s left pondering that for a moment before she waves a hand.  “ We can think about that later.  What’s important now is!  Uh... things I can get on the island no one else can.  Things I can get on the island no one else can...“ 

Liz takes a deep breath, thinking hard, before she finally has an idea.

“ ... do ya think selling toys on Etsy made out of dinosaur bones and fruit has any appeal, love? “ Even she seems unsure on this one.  “ I think... I think I gotta ponder that one a bit more. ”

Isabella crossed her arms and raised an brow, as she stared at the disaster of a kart presented to her. This was, what, the 4th time this had happened? There were only so many times she could let her friend do this. But, at the same time…

“….Fine. I will fix it for you. But! Only because I cannot stand to see a kart in such poor condition.”

“….And I really wish you would listen to me and be more careful. It is not just your kart I am worried about, but also you. What if your reckless driving got yourself hurt? I may be good at fixing seriously busted karts, but fixing seriously injured friends? Not my area of expertise, Liz.”

Liz’s face lights up the moment she agrees to fixing her car... only to turn to a pout when Isabella starts to lecture her.  At first, she rolls her eyes, and crosses her arms.  She’s heard this so many times before and the worst part?

She knew Isabella was right.  

“ I know, I know...this time really was a mistake, honest!  “

“Name’s Toby.” *he gave a soft wave and a nice smile.

“Are you one those band-e-coots people are talking about?” *He asked.

“ I’m not just a bandicoot, I’m THE bandicoot.  “ Liz flips her hair with a grin, then huffs out.  “ Well, not the bandicoot. That’s probably Crash. “

Liz’s change in demeanor did startle the alien adolescent quite a bit. Sure, she was being unnaturally sweet and nice, but the sheer look of needing to know this tiny bit of information was unnerving. 

However, that concern subsided, after all, this is what they wanted. They wanted Liz to be on the verge of demanding to know, and her not asking only made her reaction all the more entertaining. They’ll be waiting for her to figure it out.

“Of course I know Oxide is a big deal, he’s about the biggest deal as it gets with most alien lifeforms. He’s the fastest racer in the galaxy, he held the Earth hostage for the sake of a challenge, he has a cool hovercraft, etc.. Plus, yeah, sure, he’s scary, but in that very aesthetically pleasing sorta way, not like some of the other folk.”

They sounded rather prideful to talk about their parent in such a positive light. No matter how fun it was to roast the grouchy arthropod, he still was someone they looked up to.

“I kinda gotta admire how bold it was to try to get a freakin’ selfie with him though. Like it’s a hassle just to get near him, just to talk to him, at least so I assume, so just wanting a picture of him to spread around, now that takes a certain kind of person. Besides, you know how the internet say, ‘pics or it didn’t happen’.”

Once more, Sylazide couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re scared of mimes? They are just a subspecies of jester, you don’t gotta worry about them. What are they gonna do, build an invisible wall around themselves so you can’t look at them –oh wait they can’t.”

Then, their mind went on another topic, possibly discussing ways to get Liz some of that internet cred. She was determined, but there should have been bigger things she should have done, or at least try out.

“So, wait, you’re looking for stuff for the people on the internet to eat up? I mean, the islands are a good of a start as any. But you gotta think bigger than selfies and exploration. Looking into aliens are cool and all, but I think the Area 51 craze is already stealing your thunder.”

How prideful they sounded of Oxide didn’t go didn’t go unnoticed by Liz, nor how fast they were to defend the comment about him being scary.  Whoever Sylazide was to him, they were definitely close.  There were all kinds of scenarios to explain that though.  The compliment towards her definitely didn’t go unnoticed either.  She flashes a grin, obviously very pleased. 

That changes when they move on to mimes, though.  Just hearing about them was giving her the creeps, and her mood seems to worsen even more with Sylazide comment.  First she’s shocked, then she just looks right out annoyed.

“ UGH!  What rubbish.  Seems like ever time I get a great idea, or a thing going on, some arsehole already gets to it first!  “  Liz slumps in the chair.  Normally she would try not to take something like this so hard, especially in front of a stranger, but it was yet another failure, along with the reminder that she still didn’t have a thing.  Alien spaceship exploration totally could be her thing!  Well, no not really.  She doesn’t know much about them, but it was a starting point, at least.  Her ears twitch, as she’s deep in thought. 

It only lasts a few seconds, and Liz quickly perks back up.  So what if this wasn’t going to work out?  She was LIZ.  There was always going to be something new to try!  She could always go back to giving the pets wild haircuts, Coco couldn’t keep Pura away from her forever. 

“  WELL I’m not only looking to impress people on the ‘net, I’m looking for anything that will get me big anywhere!  It’s my dream to see my name in lights... to be the headline of every paper!  Isn’t it an absolutely dreamy thought? “

Their earlier mental point about Oxide not really letting her do much was pretty much confirmed when she mentioned her previous encounter with him, and how he wouldn’t let her take a selfie with him. At least she didn’t initially want to invade his personal space, but of course, being a grumpy old bug, he wouldn’t let just anyone get that deep into his comfort zone. 

Either way, with how Liz was speaking, it seemed like they wouldn’t get too far by bringing up that she broke into the ship, she was going to not call any attention to that in the slightest. 

At least she expressed that she was sorry for alarming them. They couldn’t say they were the biggest fan of her saying she would have been sneakier if she knew they were around, but it was somewhat of a thought. Besides, everything about her was off, nothing could get any worse. Well, it could, but in these circumstances, not really.

There was an audible snort from the nymph followed by full blown laughter when she made it known that she didn’t reach the conclusion on who they were, and, understandably so, wanted to know why they were there. Yet, they couldn’t stop from finding it amusing.

“Oh, he wishes I was a racing apprentice. In all honesty it’s not something I thought about it or practiced often. You’re right about your assumption, he wouldn’t just hang around some kid. But I’m not just some kid. I’ll leave you to try to figure out what that means.”

It was much more fun that way, it was going to get a reaction out of her either way, or so they figured, whether that reaction be out of curiosity of realization.

“Is there a reason you wanted a selfie with Par, er, Oxide exactly? Ain’t there more aliens on Earth nowadays? Like that robot dude, or the mimes, they’d give some sort of entertainment to the masses, yeah?”

It definitely got a reaction out of her.  Eyes went wide, and her ears twitched.  The always curious mind of Liz just HAD to know what that meant, but it was obvious Sylazide wasn’t going to let that information go easily.   There’s a huge noticeable shift in Liz’s demeanor.  She leans forward, eyes slightly narrowed.  The overly friendly attitude was definitely gone.   It wasn’t a look of anger, or pouting, as it would be for most other people, though.  Liz was focused.  She was determined to figure this out. 

“ I see... “

The constant use of the word Par was finally grabbing her attention.  Again, she assumed it was some alien title.  It would be too obvious to ask about it now, and honestly?  It would be a lot less fun that way. 

“ There’s all kinds of funny alien blokes down there now, but none of ‘em are nearly as important as Oxide.  He’s kind of a big deal, dont’cha know? He’s like... Infamous ... so of course I had to get a selfie with him!  And he’s a big, scary alien to boot!  People on the internet would eat that up! “  

“ Besides.... mimes are creepy. “ She shudders.  

The nymph stared as they made sure to examine Liz’s expression. Maybe she wasn’t too bad, they pondered, since she lowered her phone and seemed to have some reservations about possibly catching an anxious youngster on film, no matter their existence as an alien. 

Even if they were nervous, there was a raspy chortle as she mentioned Oxide was going to mad. Alright, she was familiar with how the elder insectoid acted, overlooking it, and that was definitely an attitude he could get along with. Sure, he had full reason to be peeved, she broke into somewhere personal, but if she wasn’t malicious, then she was just daring, maybe even… fun.

Of course, that only got Sylazide’s own curiosity going as she continued to speak. Still, they hesitated on joining next to her in a seat, choosing to continue to stand and watch her, their wings spread out from their body. They didn’t want to trust in that friendly face of hers, but they found themselves more willing due to that demeanor of hers.

They clenched onto their phone, pausing, before they decided they were going to talk for themselves.

“My name Is Sylazide, Nitros Sylazide.” They responded, their tone rather shaken, though it was hard to tell due to their naturally growly voice. “I’m the only other one here. So, you know what Oxide’s doing right now? I know everyone’s been back into racing, so I wouldn’t doubt he’s motivated.

… Wait, you haven’t been watching him too intently have you? What’s got you so interested in him? Is it just for the sake of making e-fame by going into alien property?”

Though, they knew that in Liz’s defense, Oxide would have said no if she asked. She had some leeway with them.

It surprised her when Sylazide could actually talk, but it only shows briefly before she goes back to being all smiles.  “  I wouldn’t say too intently, love, just enough to know what I need! “

Which is to say, she has been watching him very, very, very intently.  She didn’t want to freak the kid out, though.  Then again, she couldn’t have been watching him as much as she thought considering Sylazide  was here.  “ I just wanted a selfie with him! But he got his trunk in a twist and wouldn’t do it... so I had to improvise a bit! Believe me, visiting the ship was NOT my first plan. “

The word visiting is used intentionally on her part, rather than a more accurate word like breaking in.  There’s a pause, followed by a grin.  “ A little glad that plan fell through, otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten to met ya!  I love meeting new mates, don’t you? “

It does disappoint her  some that Sylazide opts out of sitting with her, as it made questioning them a lot harder, but she rolls with it.  

“ REAL sorry about starling ya like this, by the way.  I’m sure it was scary for some bandicoot lady to just suddenly show up like this!  Believe me, I would’ve been a lot quieter had I known. “  She winks playfully. 

There’s a question that’s been in the back of her mind this whole time, she’s been trying to ease into it, gain Sylazide’s trust before asking something so personal.  But she just had to know, and couldn’t hold back any longer!

“ What’s a sweet kid like ya doing here anyways?  Oxide is such a grouch, I didn’t peg him as someone who hangs around kids.  “  Considering the  name the answer should have been obvious to her.  It seemed to go right over her head, though, assuming it to just be some alien title.   “ Oh! Are ya like a racing apprentice or something ? “

The shift within the alien spacecraft didn’t go unnoticed. At the time, Sylazide was within the cockpit, holding their clawed hand over a button, debating and going over multiple scenarios over their head. They wanted to be able to contact their family all on their own, but they weren’t good at initiation. 

Oh well, they figured. From the sounds of it, Oxide should have returned! … Or so they thought, until they heard a muffled speaking, the voice in question much less growly in comparison to the family of insectoids. 

This voice sounded very snoopy, too eager to be going through one of the spaces the aliens felt safe within. It was when the voice sounded furious at something going wrong that Sylazide decided that they had to do something. 

Armed with only their phone, their willpower, and their willing to use their very sharp teeth, they carefully made their way through the hall leading to the main area of the ship. Their steps were more than just cautious, they had to be calculated, lest they trip up and leave themselves vulnerable.

Though, anyone would hear the taps of three bug-like feet against metal, so their plan went out of the window as Liz soon turned and faced them.

The nymph froze up, staring wide-eyed at the bandicoot boldly questioning who they were, not calling any attention to the fact that she should have been there. After a long moment of silence, Sylazide took out their phone and furiously pressed a multitude of buttons. Taking one deep inhale and letting it travel through their trunk, they held out their phone, and let an audio play. 

That’s right, they used a text-to-speech program to do the talking for them. “More like, who the heck are you? What are you doing in my Par’s ship— wait is that a phone, are you using my home to advance your Instagram based agenda?”

Then the audio stopped. Dang it, they had to type more. They had to think on their words, as sure she shouldn’t fully receive their trust and they were willing to get aggressive if the situation called about it, but this was kind of the no good they were down for. 

“You aren’t with any sort of organization out to get alien lifeforms are you? I mean I guess the FBI would use actual cameras. Okay, more important question, are you afraid of Par – I mean Oxide at all, because you know he’s going to be mad.”

Her eyes flicked everywhere, examining the alien as they stared her down in shock.  Of all times for her phone to have died!  If she made contact with them while she was filming... oh she could only imagine the views it would get! They were obviously the same species as Oxide, just way smaller.  Could they be a child?  Liz’s face softens and she lowers her still restarting phone, not wanting to film some stranger’s child. 

A brow is raised when the alien’s own phone comes out.  She patiently, if not somewhat bemusedly, waited for them to type and say their piece.  It took a lot of self control to not laugh, or even to not make a face at some of the questions this kid was asking, but she holds it back.  She can tell they’re nervous. 

That last question took her by surprise, though it shouldn’t have.  Of course he was going to be mad, and of course she was afraid.  She’s seen those teeth!  But she was confident enough it wouldn’t be an issue.  And besides, even if it was... there were other ways she could probably get out of it now.

“ Well of course he’s going to be mad, when isn’t he mad? “ She chuckles, shaking her head, trying to gloss over the question.  “ I don’t think he’ll be back soon, I mean, everyone’s out there trying to make sure they don’t get shown up by a bunch of babes. Its very time consuming... I’d assume.  “

With the confidence of someone who was supposed to be there she strolls towards and sits in a chair in the room, and pats on one next to it, trying to get the other to sit with her.

“ Promise I’m not FBI or nothing like that either, love. “  Her expression is beyond friendly, like, way more friendly than usual.   Anyone who knew Liz would have recognized it as the face Liz makes when she wants something, and in this case that something was information.  The bandicoot couldn’t help but be so curious.

“ You kinda got it right the first time.  I didn’t realize this was anyone’s home, though.  Are there more of you on here?  I assumed it was only Oxide, yet here you are! “  She realizes she never introduced herself.  “ Liz, by the way.  “

“ How’s it going everyone?  You’ll never guess where I am today, mates.  That is... unless your guess was an alien spaceship! That’s right, your girl Liz is about to explore an alien ship, and you’re all coming along!  “

Liz greets her future viewers casually, as if she didn’t just break into Nitros Oxide’s ship.  Her phone is in hand, slowly filming the room she is in.  How did she break into Oxide’s ship you ask?  It was a very long, complicated process that we’ll skip through for the sake of everyone’s dash.  Just believe the author when they say Liz almost always finds a way to get what she wants.  

So her selfie plan didn’t work out.  No big deal!  She always bounces back with a bigger, better idea than before when it comes to her potential fame.  This one was of course even riskier, and even more boundary breaking, but the bandicoot was confident  Oxide wouldn’t be around.  She didn’t spend all that time studying his schedule for nothing.

Confidently she explores the ship, recording it all for her fans while she narrates.  Her heart pounds with excitement the entire time.  This was going to be it, her big break!  She just knew it.  A few times she runs into trouble with being able to open doors, but she remembers what Tawna told her:  Always go for the second most important looking button!  It was working out so far, as she didn’t think she triggered any alarms.  

Liz is so caught up in her own excitement she doesn’t notice her phone continuous warning of LOW BATTERY until it’s too late.

“ Ya GOT to be kidding me,” she hisses out, scrambling in her back to pull out one of her backup batteries.  That video BETTER had saved, if it didn’t she was about to throw the biggest fit in the history of throwing fits.  Exchanging her batteries, she breaths a sigh of relief at the phones start up screen.  That is, until she hears very distinct footsteps nearby. 

She didn’t think Oxide would be back this soon!  Her hands grip her bag so tight her furry knuckles go white.  She was ready to bolt at a moments notice. 

That is until she saw the person on the ship with her. 

“ Oi, who the heck are you? “ She asks, as if she’s not the one breaking and entering right now.

Oxide slowly turned his attention towards his nails, lifting up his hand and twitching his sharp fingers before lowering it, his other hand beginning to grip onto his arm as he prepared himself to speak. This had to be a first that he was asked why racing mattered to him. It… actually excited him to be able to talk about it.

The only issue was that he was getting personal, potentially opening himself up to showing emotion to this bandicoot - yet he didn’t feel inclined to push her away. Maybe just a bit of information would satisfy her, he rationalized in his head.

“The thing about racing is that it’s something I’ve been doing since I was a nymph. One day I discovered I enjoyed going fast, and it stuck with me. However, racing wasn’t the most popular on my home world, so I had to branch out a lot just to indulge myself, fortunately my parent was willing to let me to do so.” He left out that he was actually very shy growing up, he could hardly talk for himself.

“I worked a lot towards racing, even learning how to create my own vehicles and improve them the best I could, just because of this interest of mine. It’s what mattered to me most, even becoming an escape from every other emotion.” Even more information he left out, including that he was often looked down upon from choosing to be a racer, since so many of Gasmoxia’s residents had expectations of their prince.

“So, no, it’s not an ‘intergalactic secret’ as you say. I’m just not often questioned about this sort of thing.”

While Oxide talks Liz listens patiently, focusing on every word he says.  Anyone else might have been impressed.  Not once does she roll her eyes impatiently or check the time on her phone.   Liz was expressing a side of herself she usually reserved for her close friends, the real her underneath the star personas she’s built up.  Someone who was kind and patient. 

There’s a big of jealousy while she talks, not that Oxide would know it.  For once the ever moody Bandicoot didn’t make a face.  Maybe if she knew the whole story she would feel differently, but as things were right now, Oxide had two things she wanted more than anything.

Something that was defining to just him, and importance. 

“  ... well, I don’t see why not!  You’re beyond interesting, mate. “

Part of her wants to pry even more, but she decides against it.

“ I can see now why my earlier comments upset you, and again VERY sorry.  But hey! Now I have new reasons to admire your racing! Your dedication and passion !  “

Oh, good, there was another shift in demeanor from the bandicoot. This time, it was something he could handle more, it had much less of the confidence that many of the island’s residents reeked of, instead it was heartfelt. But as Oxide’s own pride and self-absorption wasn’t around, leaving him more capable to deal with the emotions of others, that didn’t mean he understood it. Still, he knew for sure it was an improvement from her regret of upsetting him.

“You’re into racing… because of your friends?” Now, to others, that couldn’t have been too much of a loaded question, however, most others didn’t really realize that Oxide spent a lot of his time lonely. All this time he raced for himself. Sure, he did have his queen that always encouraged his endeavors, but he wasn’t surrounded by such love by anyone outside of his family. For so long, it was just him, and the watching eyes of the galaxies

“At least you have a reason to keep racing. I can’t imagine why you would quit any time soon if you got your companions.” 

Liz was ready to pull yet another face at Oxide when he questioned her, assuming he was going to find a flaw in it, but she’s glad when he doesn’t.   She really has to think about what he says, though. Racing was only supposed to be a temporary thing, until she made it big.  But what if making it big meant giving up the Nitro Squad?

" ... I can’t either. “  She says after a moment. 

She debated on asking him a similar question, a little worried it would anger him again.  In all the time she spent studying him for this encounter she could clearly tell he wasn’t the most sociable guy.   It would only be the friendly thing to do, she reasoned to herself finally.  And she, surprisingly, was actually enjoying chatting with Oxide. 

“ So what about you, mate ?  Can I ask what makes racing so important to ya, or is it some kinda intergalactic secret ? “  She’s back to being playful with him, but it’s less forced than before.  She doesn’t have any hidden intentions this time.

The insectoid halted for a moment, after the haste to move from herself with her phone had subsided. He was left feeling unsure of what to handle. The way she looked towards him, eyes wide before descending into a pout. Then he heard something he wouldn’t expect out of any bandicoot, an apology - a genuine sorry for treading a place none should explore within Oxide’s self.

“You’re… sorry? Well. Thank you?” He had to bite his tongue from talking about why racing mattered a lot to him, why it was a very personal career, and luckily it was easy to avoid going down that route due to how caught off-guard he was.

“… What are your other reasons for racing?” Now that he couldn’t hold back from asking, for easy to understand reasons that tied to his interest. He wanted to know what drove others, pun fully intended from the writer.

Was he really asking her to talk about herself?  Now there was something she could get behind.  Her face eases up, the confidence returning, only it’s different from before.  It was less determination and attitude now, and more fondness.

“ It’s a little mushy but, it’s already in my in the works autobiography, so I suppose I can tell you. “  There’s no stopping a grin from taking over her face over the excitement of what she’s about to announce.  “Because I’m on the Nitro Squad, of course! “

Just saying the words Nitro Squad has Liz’s heart a flutter.  Being a part of the group was so special to her.   “ When we race I get to spend so much time with all my mates, and we’re all there for each other, no matter what!  Even if can’t always keep up with them, I’m still an important part of the group, and they’re always trying to help me better myself!  “

Liz realizes she’s getting a bit emotional, and flips her hair, trying to remain cool.  “ My friends mean the world to me. “