Rex heard the harsh winds of Undar. He swore he could smell the familiar dust, and feel the burn it gave to his eyes and nose.

No matter how hard he tried to get over it, he always hated the noise of those winds. The smell of everything.

The feeling of being alone.

Rex was well aware he was having a nightmare, but he couldn't just control his actions. He was stuck. Like he was back then.

He wished for it all to end, and then, his silent wish came true.

The scenery around him suddenly changed to Syspocalypstar, but a massively destroyed version of it.

Rex knew his dream self had done the destruction. After all, he was very much capable of it.

He was the villain again, and his need to destroy had corrupted him. Just like it did back then.

Rex hurt everyone. He hurt his friends, and those he cared the most about. A deep sense of regret filled him, but his anger always seemed much stronger.

Rex heard an intense echoing of footsteps behind him, and he clenched his fist.

The only thing his dream self could think to do, was destroy. Everything and everyone.

In his anger, he turned to punch whoever dared to walk up to him, but he froze in place once he saw who it was.

Rex was suddenly aware of what he was doing, becoming lucid. He stepped back, finally managing to take control of his dream self.

"Marie..."

Rex's voice echoed as he called her name.

The ruined world around him melted away into nothing, as he focused on the image of Marie in front of him. The surrounding area was nothing but the darkness of his mind.

He lowered his gaze slightly to meet her beautiful eyes, and watched as Marie stepped closer.

Her dress and hair swayed in the wind Rex's mind created. She smiled sweetly, which Rex found surprising.

She should've been terrified of him. Rex had destroyed everything.

"Marie, what are you...doing here?"

"You're not bad, Rex. Why do you see yourself this way?" Marie spoke up, "You're so cute, under all that toughness."

Rex blinked in confusion, "What? I don't get it. Why are you...?"

Marie reached up, gently touching Rex's cheek with the back of her fingers. She giggled, "Your stubble tickles!"

Rex blushed slightly, finding her incredibly adorable. Someone so soft and gentle had completely softened his heart.

He leaned into her gentle touch, feeling warm and comfortable. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in such a long time.

He soon realized his actions, stepping away from the image of Marie.

"No...I..." Rex paused, "I can't love you, Marie."

Marie showed a confused expression, "Why not?"

Rex observed her features once again. She was such a beautiful and kind woman. Too cool, for even Rex to consider for himself.

His confidence had slipped.

"Princesses don't fall in love with villains."

Marie grabbed his hands, pulling him close to her.

She traced her hands up his muscular arms, until she reached the back of his neck. She leaned in closer. Touching the ends of his hair with her gentle fingertips.

"Who says they can't?"

"Just every fairytale ever." Rex responded, "The villains don't get happy endings. They only end up hurting more if they try."

"Then let's write our own." Marie leaned into him lovingly. Her chest pressed firmly into his torso, as she wrapped her arms around him.

Rex blush deepened, "Marie, come on. Honestly?"

"Our love is foretold in the stars above." Marie touched his cheek again, "Rex, you and I were meant to be. In a world full of hatred, we will be love's inspiration."

Marie's words warmed Rex's heart. Romance wasn't usually his thing, but didn't cringe or even feel the slightest bit uncomfortable.

He truly wanted to feel something again.

He thought about what he wanted to say to her, though he found it complicated to put his feelings into words.

"Marie, I..." Rex paused for a moment, then opened his mouth to speak again.

———————————————————————

A thud echoed through Rex's bedroom.

"Ugh." Rex sounded, being woken up by suddenly falling out of his bed.

Rex could only assume he was moving too much due to his chaotic dreams. He stood up, rubbing his arm in discomfort. "Man! Dude, come on! Did that really have to happen?"

Rex remembered his dream, lowering his gaze to the floor. "Marie..."

He couldn't help but mention her name again.

He picked up his cellphone from his nightstand, checking the time.

"I slept in a bit. That dream was...weird, but not in a grody, cringe way. Why would I dream about her?"

Rex suddenly did recall that weird detailed dreams in his past could be tellings of the future. He saw that with Armamageddon.

He perked up, "Is it really possible? I could have a girlfriend again?"

Rex did ask for a sign from the universe. He suspects that dream might have been one.

If he could get together with someone as amazing as Marie, he wouldn't be lonely anymore.

Rex didn't even realize he was smiling.

"Marie's coming over today." He recalled, "I can't wait to see her."

That smile soon faded.

"What am I doing? I'm not ready. Why do I want to see her so bad? I can't forget what Lucy did."

His anger came to the surface once again, but it quickly subsided. Marie wasn't Lucy. That was a good thing for Rex.

It was completely possible she wouldn't repeat Lucy's mistakes. She would never leave Rex alone.

Rex continued to think about it.

"I'm not a wuss! Real men face their fears! I can't be scared of something that never going to happen anyway. She won't leave me. She won't."

Rex looked around his bedroom, "I should probably start my morning. I have a radical day ahead of me!"

——————————————————————

Marie walked out onto her balcony. The light wind moved her hair as she took in the warmth of the sunshine.

Her castle was entirely pink, with accents of gold. It stood out from the rest of the area she ruled over.

The princess leaned over the balcony, resting her head in her hand . Thoughts of Rex filled her mind, and she had yet to know him entirely.

Though, Marie had to admit that she had a crush on him. Especially after he stepped in to help her yesterday.

He showed a very impressive side of himself.

"He's so handsome." She spoke dreamily, "And so amazing. He has such a good heart."

She looked down at her pink dress, "I wonder if he'll like this. Should I change?"

It was a very casual dress for a princess, but Marie loved how to fit her. Long sleeves also suited her well. "I should be fine. Right?"

She walked back into her bedroom, closing the golden balcony doors behind her.

Marie decided to sit down at her nearby vanity, picking up her favorite hair brush.

She proceeded to brush out her long hair. She frowned at her thoughts.

"I'm shooting too high, aren't I? Rex could never like someone like me. No man ever has."

Marie recalled her old suitors, and how none of them were actually suited for her. Snobby princes just weren't a great match.

Marie observed her reflection, looking at her the pink ends of her hair. She twirled a strand with her fingers.

"My hair ruins everything for me." She paused, "Maybe I've finally outgrown it?"

Marie picked up a pair of scissors from her rose quartz makeup organizer. Her hand shook slightly as she snipped off a small strand of her hair.

"Please, please have gone away."

The pink of Marie's hair glowed, as the strand of hair magically repaired itself.

Marie frowned, "No, no. I know I'm Systarian, but I'm no alien. I'm human."

She put the scissors away in frustration. Marie wasn't sure why she had magical hair. Being a princess was not enough of an explanation.

"No one wants to date a woman with weird stuff like this..."

Her parents were unknown, she was checked out, and confirmed biology human. She didn't get her hair's abilities at all.

A knock suddenly sounded at her door, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Marie turned, "Come in."

A maid dressed in a pink uniform entered her room, "Princess, your cookies."

"Oh, my sugar cookies!" Marie smiled, "Thank you so much!"

The maid placed a plate of pink sugar cookies on Marie's vanity, "You look so pretty. Where are you headed off to?"

"I'm just visiting a friend. I don't have anything scheduled today, so today is perfect."

"Is it Princess Unikitty again?" The maid asked.

"Not this time." Marie answered, "It's someone else. A friend of Unikitty's though. She introduced me to him."

By the time Marie realized her wording, it was already too late.

"Him?!"

"Oh, goodness." Marie turned, "We're just hanging out. It's not a date or anything."

"But Marie, if you like him, you could finally find your prince. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

Marie looked down, "Of course. You know that. Finding my true love would be a dream come true."

"Then, if you like this guy, it really wouldn't hurt to try."

Marie picked up a cookie from her plate, biting it. She took her maid's words into consideration.

"Maybe you're right...and I was honestly surprised that he took interest in me. He's so incredible."

"You're incredible too, princess. Have some self confidence."

"Right, self confidence." Marie frowned. Marie needed to work on that.

—————————————————————

Rex looked at his reflection in Rexcelsior's largest window, observing his features.

He grinned widely, "Alright, handsome. Now focus. You have a woman coming over and you need to make a good impression. You're super rad, and you're going to ace this."

His speech to himself seemed to bring up his confidence. "She'll obviously like me. Everyone likes me. They just can't get enough of how awesome I am."

A knock sounded at Rexcelsior's entrance. Rex turned, this was it. He wanted to be at his best. For himself, and of course for Marie.

He couldn't explain the feeling he felt when he was with her, but it was a good one. She warmed his heart.

Rex ran up to the entrance, pressing the button to open it. When it finally opened, a clear image of Marie stood before him.

"Hey, Rex!" She smiled brightly. The wind outside moved her hair and dress.

Rex's heart fluttered when he saw Marie. She stared in awe at Rexcelsior as she examined all it's details.

"Hey, Marie." Rex grinned, "You're fashionably late."

Marie looked at him, giggling. "Only by a couple minutes. Your spaceship is so cool! It's color is so pretty! You sure like blue, don't you?"

"Heck yeah! And by the looks of it, you like pink. Your dress looks good on ya." Rex replied.

Marie twirled, "Thank you! Actually, pink is the only color I wear. I just can't stand wearing any other color."

Marie stepped inside, and Rex closed the entrance behind her. He observed her, eyeing her long hair as it swayed behind her.

"Pink was clearly meant for you. It's even in your hair." Rex pointed to the tips of Marie's hair, "Is that natural?"

"Oh, yes. It is."

"But...the rest is brunette?" Rex blinked, "Very unusual."

Though pink was Marie's signature color, it didn't bother Rex, even if he often preferred bolder, stronger colors.

It was a soft shade, which matched her wonderfully. A drastic difference from Lucy's magenta and blue, and it was somehow more welcoming.

Marie nodded, "What can I say? I'm just unique." She stepped closer to Rex, putting her hands behind her back.

"I want to know more about you, Rex."

"Me?" Rex questioned, "I mean, sure. Let's see."

Rex thought about what he could say.

"Well, besides working for the queen, I do a bunch of other stuff. Guess what, I'm also a raptor trainer."

"Raptor trainer? Oh, your dinosaurs! I wondered what type you had."

"Yeah, they're upstairs. You wanna see?" Rex asked.

Marie nodded, showing a joyful expression.

"Yes! I'd love to!"

Rex motioned her to follow him, "Come on, don't be shy, now."

He watched Marie walk close behind him, as he lead her to the raptor area upstairs. Marie's eyes widened in surprise at the playing and roaming dinosaurs.

A raptor chirped, sniffing Marie. She laughed, "Hey." She turned, "Wow, you're such a cutie!"

"That's Connor."

"Connor." Marie gently pet Connor's snout, "Lovely to meet you Connor."

The raptors around the two roared, communicating with each other.

Rex laughed, "She's not a pet, guys. We can't just keep her."

Marie tilted her head, "You can understand them?"

Rex shrugged, "It's more like I can feel what they're trying to tell me."

Rocky roared next to Rex.

"Like Rocky says you smell nice."

"Oh." Marie giggled, "Thank you, Rocky. It's cake scented perfume."

Marie looked to her feet when she felt something rub against them. She was surprised to see baby raptors circling her.

"Babies?! You have babies?!" Marie beamed.

"Yeah. Born a couple days ago."

"Oh, they're so cute!" Marie lowered herself to the floor, picking up a baby raptor to pet it.

"Hello babies!"

Rex felt happy watching her with the raptors. It was a part of his world that she seemed to enjoy. "Marie, what about you?" Rex asked, "I don't know a lot about you either."

Marie stood up, "Well...I appreciate you taking interest in me, Rex. I'm actually boring. I don't do much, compared to you. You are extraordinary."

She hugged herself, "I'm no one special."

"No way, you're awesome!" Rex replied, "What makes you think you're boring?"

Marie looked back to the activities she did at home.

"I read a lot. I do a little bit of art. Though, I really wish I could do much more. You know, leave the castle, go to fun places. I just never have the time, plus, my family is a bit overprotective sometimes."

Marie nervously played with her hair.

"I guess you could say I yearn for adventure, even if it's something simple."

"Your parents are overprotective? It's kind of late for them to still be keeping tabs on you."

"Oh." Marie turned, "I actually don't have parents. I'm the first in my royal bloodline. I was raised by palace employees. They never explained what became of my parents. I don't know if they died, or just left me behind."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Rex apologized, "I didn't know."

"Don't be. I grew up just fine. My maids are kind of like mothers anyway, they've been with me for twenty eight years."

"So, you're twenty eight." Rex responded.

"Um hmm." Marie nodded, "How old are you, Rex?"

"I'm Thirty two."

Marie smiled genuinely, "So you're the oldest in your friend group. I suspected that from your mature nature."

Marie moved towards a nearby window, looking outside. "Another thing about me. There is one thing I want more than anything."

Rex stepped up beside her, "What's that?"

Marie placed a hand against the window's glass. Her expression softened, "A prince."

"A prince?" Rex perked up.

"He doesn't have to be an actual prince but...I want a guy who can be my prince. If that makes sense."

"Uh huh."

Marie had caught Rex's attention. He had every intention of listening to her.

Marie smiled, "I've always been really romantic. I've tried dozens of guys but they all hated me. As a result, I've never actually had a boyfriend."

Rex was shocked, "Hate you? Who would hate you? You're so cool."

Marie blushed, "Thank you. You'd be surprised. I was hoping for a guy who resembles the heroes in my favorite books. Strong, charming, and willing to save me with true love's kiss." Marie stared dreamily out the window.

"True's love's kiss. That's real?"

"It sounds like fiction, but I believe all fairytales are true. In some ways." Marie smiled, "With true love's kiss, any spell can be broken. It's so magical. So romantic."

Rex liked listening to Marie rant about her dreams. She beamed with happiness, and had sincerity in her words.

"I also wish I could see space or something. I've never explored, despite my previous location. That's number two on my things I want to accomplish. If not a prince, maybe a trip."

Rex blinked, thinking for a moment.

"Space, huh?" He grinned, "Well, I live in a spaceship. I go into space a lot. If you want, I can take you."

Marie turned, her eyes widening with excitement.

"Really?! Would you?"

"Yeah, why not? Let's go right now! It'll be cool."

Marie loved Rex's enthusiasm about it. She smiled sweetly.

"Alright. Thank you, Rex. Really. No one else has ever been this interested in me before."

"Not even Unikitty?"

"Eh, Unikitty is Unikitty." Marie replied, "Sometimes her attention span isn't great."

Rex laughed, "Then I'm glad I can make your day, princess."

————————————————————————

Marie's eyes widened as the endless stars reflected in them. She stared out Rexcelsior's largest window for the best possible view.

Rex stood next to her, turning to face her. He enjoyed her visible excitement.

"Pretty rad, huh?"

"Yes. It's beautiful." Marie commented, "I didn't know there were these many planets surrounding us."

"The universe is huge, much too huge for all of them to be combined into Syspocalypstar." Rex motioned towards the window, "Pick one you like and we can go visit."

"What?!" Marie turned, "We can do that?"

"Yeah. Why not?"

Marie blinked, fixing her posture.

"That's too much. I couldn't ask you to take me to another planet."

"Please let me. I'd love to." Rex leaned close to her, "It's really cool! You'll love it. It'll be worth it. Trust me."

Marie thought about it, showing a smile.

"If you insist. How about that pink one?"

"Alright! Great choice, princess. I'll go prepare The Rexplorer. That won't take up as much space."

Rex's left the area to go do as planned.

Marie giggled quietly, she turned back the window. He truly felt a warm feeling in her heart when she was with Rex.

"Rex...you really are something."

————————————————————————

The Rexplorer opened up, touching the bright pink colored grass underneath it. Rex stepped out, looking around. He waited a few seconds before speaking.

"Yep, I can breathe. We're good."

"You know, I actually didn't think about that." Marie stepped onto the ramp, "Are you sure it's safe though?"

"It should be, if not, I'll protect you."

"Charming." Marie giggled.

Rex reached out his hand to her, "Come on. I promise you're safe with me."

Marie stepped forward, and suddenly stumbled. Rex moved forward as she landed on him.

Marie touched Rex's chest, then pushed herself up. The two made intense eye contact.

"I'm- I'm sorry." Marie blushed, moving back. "I'm not usually clumsy."

Rex grinned, "Hey, it's okay. Stuff happens."

Marie's blush deepened, as she tried to hide her face with her hair.

"Come on!" Rex grabbed her hand, pulling her along with him.

Marie followed happily, smiling when they reached an area surrounded by colorful flowers in shades of red and pink.

"Oh, wow!" Marie sounded, "This is so pretty!We don't have these types of flowers on Syspocalypstar."

Marie separated from Rex, bending down to examine the plants. She gently touched the flower petals with her fingertips.

A wilted flower near her caught her attention. She frowned, knowing it probably didn't get what it needed like the other flowers.

"Poor thing."