[scikaiju]

Episode 2


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OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light
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Despite the weather forecast fate seemed to be with them as the rain held off for long enough as they buried Joseph Richardson, or what was left of him. Hawk kept glancing over at Joe’s father during the ceremony. He still wouldn’t reveal why they were in sector 7J. Joe might have been Harold’s son but he lost a good man damn it, he wanted to know how and why Joe was left a skeleton. He, no the entire team deserved to know that much. But the rather infamous poker face of Harold Richardson was up in full force since it happened. And that just drove him crazy.

Eyes wondering a bit he was somewhat relieved to see that the reporters and paparazzi decided to be respectful and stay outside the cemetery. Although you could still see the occasional camera or head pop out from over the wall. Even they had to make a living he guessed but there had to be a more interesting story than a funeral happening today. That creature showed up last night for crying out loud, and that giant.

The preacher finished and a UNDF flag that was draped over the coffin was folded up and given to Harold. He barely reacted, in fact his assistant was the one who ended up taking possession of the flag. The preacher turned toward him and his men. The rest of Alpha Team and a few others held up their rifles and waited for his order. He gave it without hesitation, “Fire!” Almost as one they raised their rifles to the sky and fired, and again and again. Lowering their rifles Joseph’s coffin was lowered into the ground. The team walked up and said their final goodbyes and left as he stood by his grave.

“Harold,” a younger man with blond hair walked up to him. Peter Brooks, the youngest on the UNDF board. Looking sympathetic he told him, “My Father sends his condolences and wishes he could have been here for you.” The surviving Richardson’s head barely nodded in response. “You have my condolences as well, Joseph was a good man. A credit to you and your family and to the UNDF.”

“Thank you Peter,” he finally said. “And thank you father for me as well. Come Patricia, we still have an organization to run. Those creatures aren’t going to stop because of something like this.”

Overhearing the exchange Hawk watched the two of them get into his limo. As it pulled away he shook his head in disgust, “I don’t think he shed a tear during that whole thing.”

“According to my father that’s how he is,” Peter said coming closer. “He never shows anything as it would be a sign of weakness, no matter what the situation is. I have to admire him and pity him at the same time.” Looking back at the grave he said, “Although it probably cost a pretty penny to arrange this funeral so fast. Joseph did die just last night. That has to count for something.”

“He probably wanted to get it out of the way so it wouldn’t interfere with his schedule as much as it already has,” Hawk said darkly.

“Now that’s a little unfair Captain,” Peter told him. “We all grieve in our own way. I’m sure he’s probably hurting on the inside.”

“I’ll start caring the moment he tells me why they were up there and what the hell happened to Joe.”

Nodding a bit Peter looked around the cemetery. “Most of the board is putting it down to that rather famous instinct of his. He seemed to know about these creatures before they showed up. Maybe he had some insight about our new giant friend.” Getting a little closer he looked right at Hawk, “He did give the order not to fire on the giant, did he not?”

“From the message on my desk this morning it’s an order that’s still in effect.”

“I’ve heard, in fact his exact order is not to engage the giant for the time being. Which tells me might change his mind somewhere down the line.” Stepping a little closer and spoke in a bit of a conspiracal tone, “And it doesn’t mean we can’t be prepared on the off chance he does. Study the giant, find out what he can do, discover his weaknesses. Figure out the best way to defeat him.”

A bit taken aback at what he was hearing Hawk asked, “Is that and order Mr. Brooks?”

“Just a suggestion Captain,” he answered stepping away a little. “Some of the board members don’t agree with this order, some have told him the moment they heard but you know how he is once his mind is set. But they did agree to assign a codename to the giant for the time being.”

“This is the first I’m hearing of it.”

“It was just decided on before we had to leave for the funeral.” Grinning a bit he revealed what it was, “Ultraman.”

***
“Of all the preposterous names,” Richardson said as they drove back to the mansion. “Ultraman. If anybody had come up with anything else I would have jumped on it. And we still no closer to finding out who he bonded with.”

“We’re still interviewing the ground teams in the suspected area,” his assistant told him, “and checking the names of the survivors in the area. It will take time no matter how much man power we put on it.”

“Time that could have been cut short if we were allowed to put the surveillance cameras in the park.” Going over the folders in his briefcase he muttered under his breath, “Damn environmentalist.”

“And it was considered a huge invasion of privacy,” Patricia reminded him. “It was a struggle to get them in the major cities and the surrounding area. Even your influence only goes so far.”

“They want protection but won’t let us do everything possible to do just. I’d bet what’s left of my fortune our giant friend and whoever he’s bonded with doesn’t have to worry about any backlash to their actions.” A little quieter he said, “They’re probably still celebrating their victory as we speak.”

***
At that moment Ken was laying in bed of his modest apartment. Most of the furniture was from his old room from back at his parent’s house. Today was his day off from the garage. Although Jeff left several messages trying to get him to take his shift for one down the road. Last few times he’d done that he ended up working both shifts anyway. Usually he would have taken it but he really needed time to think right now, without the usual background noise of the garage. On the dresser on the far side of the room was the Spark Magnifier that Daxium had given him, his only proof last night actually happened and wasn’t some weird dream. If the continuous news coverage wasn’t proof enough.

He had been wanting to try something all day but was too afraid to try. Setting his resolve he took a deep breath and looked, not out but in. Faster than he thought he would he found what he was looking for, something that seemed alien to his mind. Before he knew it he was in some sort of crystalline structure, the red, blue and silver light he saw from before swirling on the outside. With him in the structure was Daxium, his size this time around, standing there. Not sure what else to say Ken went, “So where are we?”

“I created this space during the bonding,” Daxium explained. “From what I was feeling during the process the union was becoming to precise, we were becoming one being. Admittedly that frightened me and I was worried what would become of you. We are bonded but this way we retain who we are.”

“So when you’re not… needed you’re in here and when you are I am?” Daxium nodded his head in the affirmative. Oh the things he would agree to. “It seems to me your getting the raw end of the deal. You time outside seems limited. I felt you lose energy. Especially when that thing,” he pointed at the diamond on his chest, “started flashing.”

“Yes, my energies dissipated faster in your world than we anticipated.”

“Would you have lasted longer if I said yes sooner?”

“Doubtful,” he answered, “they were dissipating when the being from your world that was originally supposed to contain me perished.”

“So what is going on?”, Ken asked him. “You said you were sent here to fight those creatures. Where do they come from? Where did you come from?”

“I will do my best to explain.” Holding out his hand as an image of the galaxy appeared above it. “This is what you know as the universe. This pattern is repeated several hundred times in the muiltiverse. Each one inhabiting it own dimensional plain. My people discovered this long ago and we did our best to study them. We discovered several beings such as ourselves, beings of light. A few living in the same universe with beings such as yourself. Unfortunately we didn’t discover a secret of our own universe until after it was too late.”

Ken watched as two more universes appeared in his hand. “They’re overlapping.”

“Indeed, for some unknown reason our scientists can’t figure out all three universes inhabit the same dimensional plain, just out of phase with each other.”

Starting to understand Ken said, “You and those creatures are from these other two universes.”

“We did not discover the nature of our dimensional plain until the beings from the dark universe tried to invade ours.” The images disappeared as Daxium continued, “The beings of darkness saw us as a new land to invade and conquer. Unfortunately neither side knew how quickly the beings from one world would disintegrate as soon as they stepped into the other. We were at a standstill, they tried to continue the war while we tried to contain them, diplomacy having failed long before then.”

“And since the creatures appeared first they discovered my universe inhabited the same plain.”

“That would be correct KenScott. They planned on using your universe as a staging ground for their attack, in not use your people as soldiers to invade my universe out right. For some reason they do not have the same problem I have in your universe. Another part of my mission is to find out why this is so. Until we do the fate of both our universes is placed fully on our shoulders.”

“Why not everything else seems to be on it,” he muttered to himself. “But at least somebody is actually helping shoulder the burden for a change. And it’s Ken Scott Dax, two words or just Ken. So are they all like you where you come from?”

“No, after I was selected for this mission I was altered to help in our upcoming battles…” Daxium trailed off, his head tilted slightly in confusion, “Dax? My name is Daxium.”

“I know I know,” Ken covered his face in his hands, “how do I explain this? My full name is Kenneth but everybody calls me Ken. It’s a shorten version of my name.”

“You… shortened my name to Dax?”

“Yeah force of habit, I do it with all my friends. If you’re not fine with it I can keep calling you Daxium.”

“No I am… fine with it. If we are to be partnered like this I wish for you to be as comfortable as possible… Ken.”

Wanting to leave he felt he should say something first, “Dax I hope you realize the amount of faith I put in you and that story you told me when I first met you.”

“I do,” he said. “I promise I will not do anything to break the trust you put in me Ken.”

Blinking a few times Ken was back in his room. Grabbing his jacket he put it on and headed for the dresser and looked at the Spark Magnifier. “I should have asked him how I’d know when to use this thing,” he said out loud. Putting it back in his jacket he checked himself over to make sure it wasn’t noticeable. It would be a tad hard to explain what it was. Taking a moment to take a black band and put his hair back in a ponytail he tried hard not to look at the pictures still taped to the mirror’s surface. Especially one of him back in high school standing behind a girl with red hair with his arms wrapped round her. It was long over but could never find the will to take it down or get rid of it.

***
Things were quiet for a couple of days, too quiet for his tastes. It was time to shake things up a bit. Standing in the darkness of a cave off the UNDF radar Joseph’s killer watched as a portal started to open before him. Purple energy swirled as a creature walked foreword. Holding up a hand energy flowed through the creature stabilizing it enough to stay in this world. “Another Gazato,” he said as it took form. Slightly shorter than he was with an almost triangular body and fin like arms it’s head seemed squarely set on it’s shoulder. It came at him looking hungry. “I don’t think so,” a quick blast at it’s feet backed it up.

“Why did they end another one of you?”, he said in disgust. “Even the Razor Wing units can shoot you down.” An idea coming to him he circled the Gazato, examining it carefully. “But maybe we can alter you a bit. Add a bit of height, maybe a little more power.” Facing the portal that was still there he said, “Do you think that is possible?”

After a moment a voice answered, “It is.”

“Good. I’ll leave it to you. The power you gave me only goes so far.”

“But you are pushing the limits of what you can do every chance you have Avatar.”

“Call it my innate human curiosity.” Starting to leave he added. “Send a few more regular Gazatos, just to keep the so-called Monster Squad occupied until this one is ready.” The Gazato was struck by energy from the portal. The creature screamed in pain and feel to the ground as he calmly walked away and into the light. “Let’s see what his giant can really do.”

***
“Razor wing one you have a bogey on your six!” Ryo shouted into his communicator.

“We see it,” Bill said as he began invasive maneuvers. The creature was able to keep up with him as he used every trick he could think of. Still it bought them just enough time for Ryo to get them in position so Jessica could shoot it down. “Thank you Jess.”

“I was more worried about the Captain,” she said with a grin.

“I can take care of myself Wade,” Hawk said over the line. “But thanks for the concern. All unit finish what’s left of these creatures.” All the Razor Wing units in the air followed the order to the letter. Hawk tried not to smile too much as he shot down one of his own. The creatures were still able to damage a Wing here and there in the melee, some so bad the pilot and gunner had to eject. If some could at all that is. The Wings flying in a holding pattern Hawk contacted the base, “Bridge is the area clear?”

“I’m not reading any foreign life signs in the area,” he answered. “It looks like you got them all.”

“Right. Contact the ground crew to assist the pilots who had to bail out. And have them reclaim the fallen creatures bodies. There hasn’t been any reports of contamination yet but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.”

“I’m relaying those orders now Captain Hawk. Castle out.”

“Hawk to all Razor Wing units, return to base.” All surviving jets acknowledged the order.

Hours later Hawked walked the halls of Castle until he found who he was looking for. The Alpha team was hanging out in one of the break rooms just talking. It was hard not to notice the empty chair at their table. It didn’t seem right without Joe there but life goes on as they say. Might as well make his presences known, “Jess can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Sure Captain,” she said getting up. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“Jess don’t forget,” Ryo told her, “card game in this room at eight o’clock sharp.”

“Make sure to bring your money,” Bill told her.

“Especially since I’m planning on walking out with yours,” she shot back. “What can I do for you Captain.”

“I’m not really sure,” he answered. Motioning for her to walk with him he headed down the hallway. “I was going over through some paperwork on my desk and I found the strangest request that Joe apparently put in a couple of weeks ago. It was about finding somebody for you.” Jess looked confused until Hawk said the name, “a Ken Scott.”

“Oh he did not,” Jess moaned. Feeling a little embarrassed she explained, “He’s a guy I used to date back in high school. Joe caught me looking at a picture of him a few weeks back. He asked and I told him about him.” Chuckling a bit she added, “According to him I still have a thing for him.”

“Do you?”, Hawk asked.

“Oh no,” she said immediately, “but Joe didn’t listen. Said he’d help me get in contact with him again if I wanted. I told him if he did he’d be my new boot. I guess I didn’t stress the point enough.”

“You know Joe,” Hawk said, “once he set his mind on something you’d be hard pressed to get him to change it. He was a lot like his father in that aspect.”

“I told him Ken probably forgotten about me by now,” she continued. “Too many things going on in his life, especially back then.”

“He was a bit all over the place I take it.”

“No,” she told him, “The exact opposite. Ever since his dad died he took it upon himself to be the man of the house and shoulder everything. He pretty much had to, his mother wasn’t handling things well at the time and his older brother… From my point of view about him if it didn’t affect him directly he didn’t seem to care. And he played Ken like a fiddle too. Their parents owned a store that their mom was having a hard time keeping afloat. Ken pretty much decided it was his responsibility to make sure it stayed open, pushing everything to the background, school, a social life… me. I finally had enough when I overheard his brother practically guilt him into breaking a date so he could help out with the store, only because he had a date he didn’t want to break. I don’t know maybe I was being a little immature back then too,” she wondered out loud.

“Maybe you should talk to him,” Hawk suggested. “At least say hi.”

“That was years ago Captain,” she told him. “He’s probably has his own life now. And I’m too busy around here, any meeting would be cut short. Especially lately seeing how our targets are getting larger in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Trust me I’ve noticed. From the look of things we’re going to earn that Monster Squad nickname in more ways than one.”

“Captain I know it’s a little soon but is there any word on a replacement for Joe?”

“We’re still going through the paperwork and it’s still going to be awhile.” Faking looking offended Hawk went, “You tired with flying with your Captain already Wade?”

“Of course not I’m just worried about Bill. Me and Ryo both think he’s going to strain something trying to behave with you as his gunman.”

“You noticed that too,” he chuckled. “I’ll try to push the paperwork a little faster but you know the bureaucracy around here.”

Jess nodded and went on her way. Finding herself in her quarters she headed for her bunk. Going into her footlocker she pulled out an old scrape book of hers and found the page she was looking for easily enough, a photo of her and Ken around her seventeenth birthday. Yes it was over, but that didn’t mean she didn’t wondered what he was doing form time to time.

***
“Ken can you come into my office?” He looked up from what he was doing and said he’d be right there. When he got there he noticed another rather large envelope on his boss’s desk. His mood deflated soon after. “Rose forgot something the other night and came back. She just happened to see you toss the other one I gave you into the trash.”

“Slipped from my hand,” was all he could say.

“You really disappoint me Ken, you really do,” his boss said sitting down. “I thought we both agreed you were going to fill it out and send it in.”

“No offense but you agreed.”

“Don’t get smart with me Ken.”

“Trust me I appreciate what you’re trying o do. And as much as it hurts to admit Jeff is right, I’m just a grease jockey. I’m not going to be anything more than that.”

“We both know that’s bullshit Ken.”

“Mom still needs help, I can’t leave.”

“She’ in pretty good shape now. Besides if she does need any extra help maybe Jeff will finally grow up and step up. Do you want to come with another excuse I can shoot down?” Actually Ken had several excuses floating around in his head at the moment. And his boss probably had a counter argument for each one just like he said. Actually he probably had one he didn’t have an answer for, but it would be hard to explain Daxium and his new need to get away at a moment’s notice. If he knew when that is. “Look Ken I know you can do this. And I know you know you can do this. And right now I’m not asking you I’m telling you to fill this out. I know Jeff will make a fuss if he sees this so I’ll keep it in my office until closing time. Don’t worry I’ll remind you in case you ‘accidently’ forget. Now get back to work.”

The moment he left the office, like he guessed Jeff was right there. “Wow little bro, that’s about as disappointed I’ve ever seen the boss get at his golden boy. What did you do?”

“Nothing,” he told him.

“Now that didn’t look like nothing little brother. You might as well tell me because I’m going to find out. And once I do I’m going to rub it in your face so bad.”

“Fine you want to know what it is?”, he snapped. “He’s gave the opportunity to get the hell away from you! And it’s looking better every second.”

Not missing a beat Jeff told him, “And abandon your family? How selfish can you get?” He just happened to look down and see Ken’s hand form a fist. Smirking he said, “What are you going to do little man? Break your mother’s heart by assaulting your own brother? And you know I’ll press charges too.” For a brief second he thought it would be worth it. But that would be something Jeff would hold over his head so he just walked away. “Just like I thought, nothing!”

Ken headed to the back to one of the restrooms and locked the door behind him. All these years and he still let Jeff push his buttons like that. Staring at his reflection he thought about the Spark Magnifier in his jacket’s pocket. “Some piece of work you bonded yourself too, huh Dax?” He didn’t get an answer, truthfully he wasn’t expecting one.

***
Deep in the inside of Castle the one the dark beings called the Avatar studied the file in his hand. In the back of his mind he felt the Gazato grow stronger. Smiling to himself he knew it was about time. The giant would have to come out of where ever, or whomever, he was hiding. So deep in thought he almost missed Richardson and his assistant coming toward him. Saying a quick hello as he passed Richardson practically ignored him. He still smiled, just picturing the look on his face when he discovered his son’s murderer was right under his nose. Right before he blew it off.

***
In the Castle control room Bridge and the scientific staff were busy trying to upgrade the sensors. Orders from both Captain Hawk and the board, something as big as that monster should have been easier to locate. So the order of the day was to increase the range of the sensor and fine tune arrays. Wiring hanging around his neck a man with salt and pepper hair popped up from behind the console, “How is that working Bridge?”

Running a few tests he looked somewhat disappointed, “Only a twenty percent increase. Hawk was looking for at least thirty Dr. Williams.”

Untangling himself from the mess he was in he said, “Not without a complete… gah…,” he tangled himself a little more before going in the right direction, “complete system overhaul. Then the pencil pushers on the board will be breathing down my neck. I’m still seeing their disapproving faces when I tried to get funding for the Alpha One.”

“You’re still trying to get that off the drawing board?”, Bridge asked as he helped free the good doctor completely.

“You’d think after one giant monster and they would see the need. Richardson and Brooks looked intrigued but the rest shot me down.”

“And it was just one giant monster, who knows when another one will pop up.” Almost on cue an alert went off. Bridge ran around the consoles and put the new modifications to work. “I’m getting a reading similar to those flying creatures we’ve been getting.” Pulling up the image on the big screen he was confused to see a growing dark cloud a few miles outside the city. “I think we got some wires crossed somewhere.”

“Impossible,” Williams started back under the console before Bridge stopped him.

“The cloud is going against the wind currents and that reading’s getting stronger,” he announced. “I’m going to try to penetrate the cloud.” Using advanced sonar and radar he was able to look inside the cloud, and what was growing inside. “Monster Squad prepare to launch!” Claxons went off as a few moments later Richardson, his assistant and Brooks came in to see what the commotion was. All were quiet as their questions were answered on the screen.

***
Ken was on a break on joking with a couple of the others when he started feeling funny. Not in a sick way either. He wasn’t sure how to describe it, only that it was coming from inside him somewhere. “Hey Ken are you all right? Ken?”, Rose shook him a little by the shoulder getting concerned.

“I’m not sure,” he answered truthfully. “I’m going to head to the restroom.” Hurrying in he locked the door and concentrated, “Dax, what’s going on?”

He heard a reply in his head, “I am sensing something similar to the creature from before. I can’t pinpoint it from here.”

“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Flushing the toilet for effect he headed back out, “I’m heading home, I’m not feeling right.”

“Oh you faker!”, Jeff shouted out. Ken ignored him as he headed to his car. True to his word his boss hurried out and gave him the envelope. Taking and saying he’d be in tomorrow if he was feeling better. Pulling away he saw an almost black cloud in the distance. Seeing how it was the only cloud in the sky like that it looked like a good place to start.

***
Razor Wing one and two were able to intercept the cloud a half mile from the city in front of the others. Behind Bill Hawk tried to get a sensor reading through the cloud cover. Getting a fuzzy reading he made a mental note to have the sensor packages on the Razor Wings upgraded as soon as possible. “Hawk to all Razor Wings, I want this done by the book. Keep the creature occupied until the ground crews evacuate that area of the city.” Getting an acknowledgement he prepped the missiles on the underside of the wings. “Bill we’re going to have to go in and draw it out.”

“You got it Captain,” he said while trying to figure out how much fancy flying he was going to have to do to get out of this one in one piece.

“I’m seeing something,” Ryo announced as they flew in front of the cloud. “Something glowing and getting brighter.”

“It looks like a set of eyes,” Jess commented. As they flew past the giant Gazato emerged from the cloud that quickly disappeared. “Castle sensors were right, it’s a larger version on the creatures we’ve been fighting.”

“Then treat it like the others,” Hawk ordered. “All Razor Wings fire!” A barrage of missiles were unleashed on the creature. It cried out from the impact. In retaliation it fired a series of energy orbs from it’s mouth. One of the Wings was hit and both occupants had to eject. No one expected how fast the Gazato reacted into flying over and coming the two in the air. Sickened by what he just saw Hawk gave the only order he could at that moment, “Bury the son of a bitch!” Another barrage exploded on the Gazato forcing it to the ground. “Keep it up, any Scan Tracks in position to engage do so now.”

As commanded those that could fired their cannons as soon as it was in range. It unleashed another volley of those orbs right at them. Several missed but still caused damage to the surrounding area. Some hit with deadly accuracy. Kan ran the streets having to dump his car a few blocks back when he ran hit the roadblock in the city and having to avoid the UNDF units trying to get people out of there. From where he was he could see them try and fight the creature like they did the other one. Down below it’s feet he saw some people running away, the Gazato saw it too. Ken could only watch in horror as it bent down and ate them despite the increased attacks from the jets at that precise moment.

Reaching into his jacket he pulled out the Spark Magnifier and stared at it. If this wasn’t “when” then he’d never know. Not sure what else to do he held it above his head and squeezed the handle. From the slots on top three crystal prongs flipped out. The tips came into contact and created a small spark that quickly grew in size and intensity until it engulfed him completely. In moments Daxium was free and quickly grew in size, “Shiah!”

“The giant’s back,” Brooks commented, “Or should that be Ultraman?” Richardson looked at Patricia who nodded and headed for a row of monitors with Dr. Williams right behind her.

“All unit hold up,” Hawk ordered. “Richardson’s order is still in effect. Keep the conflict from entering the city if needed.”

“That’s a pretty tall order Captain,” Bill said.

“I know,” was his only response as he watched the giants collide.

Daxium grabbed Gazato by that flipper of arm and tried to pull it back way from the city. The creature fought back sensing more food straight ahead. Blocking a kick Daxium quickly stepped back and fired an energy bolt. Despite their closeness Gazato was able to avoid the attack which took Daxium by surprise. It took opportunity to attack smacking him in the head. Crying out it fired more of those orbs. Back flipping out of the way of each one the giant of light landed on his feet and ran in. Jumping over another orb blast he nailed Gazato with a flying kick that knocked the creature to it’s back. Daxium stood over but was caught off guard by an orb at point blank range. The next thing he knew the Gazato was on top of him mouth open wide and coming closer. Barely getting his left arm up in time the creature bit down on his forearm hard. Crying out in pain he struggled to free himself. Light started pouring out like blood as the teeth went deeper.

Ryo and Jess flew overhead and watched the whole thing. Jess’s thumb hovered over the trigger of the missiles. Finally she said, “Captain we have to do something.”

“We can’t engage the giant,” he reminded her. Seeing the giant struggle another loophole in that rule came to him, “But it doesn’t say we can’t aid him. Wings one and two target the creature.”

“Rodger,” Jess said while hitting the trigger at the same time. A pair of missiles hit Gazato squarely in the back. Letting go he turned his attention to his new attackers. Daxium rolled to a knee clutching at his forearm. With some effort he made the bleeding stop and turned toward Gazato. Standing up he crossed his arm in front of hiss chest and quickly brought them down. While his head and face stayed the same a line seemed to form down the center of his body. It expanded out and in a moment the silver on his body became blue while the blue markings became silver.

“What did the giant just do?”, Ryo asked out loud.

“I have no idea,” Jess answered.

Daxium ran at Gazato and started punching and kicking it. Bill took a hand off the stick just long enough to rub his eyes, “Did he just get faster?” Gazato cried out in surprise at the flurry and tried to fight back. Daxium was able to dodge it’s fins and legs. Jumping up he flipped backwards and kicked it under his chin. The creature stumbled back and tried to keep from falling. Taking that moment he extended his right hand and a whip like energy stream emerged from his fingers. Twirling it around he struck Gazatao several times, spark like explosions erupting with each strike. Swinging the whip one more time above his head he tried to wrap it around the creature but Gazato took to the air before that could happen. Daxium looked up to see the creature come at him and crash into him.

Flying past as Daxium crashed to the ground it landed and fired more orbs as he got to a knee. Daxium protected himself as the explosions went off around him. Looking down as his diamond started blinking red he knew he had t end this fast. Setting himself up and looking like he was going to run his body seemed to draw in energy again, and made the barest of flinches. In a second there was a flash across Gazato’s body and Daxium was now standing behind him, light whip retracting back into his hand and the jewel blinking faster that it was a moment ago. Gazato, with a glowing line across his body, stood there for a second before the upper part of his body seem to slide off than he exploded. Daxium put a hand by the jewel on his chest before looking up and flying off, “Shiah!”

“Captain do you want us to follow?”, Ryo asked.

“And what are the chances he’s going to pull that disappearing act again? All units return to base.” As Bill pointed the jet toward home Hawk remembered the little suggestion Brooks gave him. After what he just saw the giant do he was starting to see a little more wisdom in it.

***
“Looks like he won again,” Peter said to Richardson as they exited the control room. “With an unexpected assist from our own Monster Squad I might add.”

“It was a good call,” Richardson told him. “So far the giant has been fighting the same battle we have. Hawk decided to aide him like he would any ally.”

“And if this Ultraman decides he’d rather fight against us?”

Richardson stopped and looked at the younger man. His father would challenge him just like that in the past. In fact he was seeing a lot of Peter’s father in the look he was giving him right now. “Then I’ll be the first to order the troops to open fire.”

“I’m just making sure your head is still on straight Harold,” he told him. “After you son’s death and all, some of us are a little worried.”

“That is one thing your father never had to doubt. I suggest you learn to do the same.”

“I think I already am,” Peter told him. He kept going on his way as Richardson entered an elevator and headed for his office.

***
Emerging from an alley Ken held on to his left forearm. Rolling back the sleeve he winced a little at the red teeth like marks on it. Trying to rub the pain away he rolled it back down saying, “Looks like that bond was a little more complete than you thought.” Making sure nobody saw him he headed back to his car totally unaware a UNDF surveillance camera watched him leave the alley.


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ED – Shinedown – Fly from the Inside
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