When Aliens Attack!

by Mecha74

The king of the monsters has fallen. Now several alien races will battle for control of the Earth. Story is an expanded Showa era with some alterations. Also crosses over into Daiei, Tsuburaya and other studios.

10. The Vanguard

San Francisco

"This is David Mann, reporting live from downtown San Francisco," spoke the image on the television screen. Mann worked for a small news station, KPX Channel 35. Were it not for him and his unique charisma, their few viewers would have tuned out years ago. The mustachioed 35 year-old, with his trademark sunglasses, held on to those precious viewers who tuned in every night from 7 to 8 P.M. to see how he managed to turn small-time events around The City by the Bay into a comedy routine. However, today was not one of those days as he was doing a remote special news bulletin. David Mann, along with hundreds of others, was also running for his life.

The cameraman turned to face down the street where the huge form of Oodako filled his lens. Twice already, a giant octopus had besieged San Francisco. More ironic was the fact that Oodako was the unknowing brother of the last one that had paid the city a visit. The huge cephalopod had latched onto two buildings with two colossal tentacles, then dragged itself along the street. The screams of hundreds were silenced instantly as the giant mass of flesh crushed anyone who happened to be in front of it. Oodako reached out with another tentacle and lifted ten people off the ground, eyed them for a second and raised itself slightly to shove them into its gaping beak. Of course, this did not appease the creature's hunger so it slid forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen," continued Mann. "This creature appeared mere minutes ago and now, hundreds are dead. Oh - oh my God! The giant octopus has just lifted an entire tanker truck off the ground and it seems - oh Jesus, ladies and gentlemen! It's scavenging around in the truck as if trying to pull out an anchovy. Oh, now it's found the driver and, like so many others, this monstrosity is devouring him! Now, as if it were a toy, the octopus has flung the tanker into the side of a building!" The sound of an explosion followed and the already shaky video signal from the camera vanished for a few seconds. When the picture came back on, Mann wasn't reporting but running, not caring in the slightest about getting the story. A hideous roar came from the direction of the bay.

At first, the panicking crowds didn't notice as a hairy, wet King Kong emerged from the water. He reared back his mighty head and roared, his bellows echoing for miles. Then the screams returned as two separate groups of running pedestrians met. One ran from Kong and the other from Oodako.

The octopus had its back to the ape as it continued eating people and didn't notice Kong until electricity surged through its body. It jerked its head in the direction of the great ape and saw FOOD, a gigantic source of food! This creature could sustain its ravenous appetite for months. Oodako didn't remember Kong, nor the terrible wounds he had inflicted upon him in a previous battle. All the octopus cared about was food. Using the same technique it had earlier, it latched its tentacles on two buildings and launched itself forward. Like a child running toward a candy store, Oodako slithered across the city toward its prize. Kong stood where he was as this appeared very amusing to him. He knew he would have no problem tackling this weakling but watching it wallow in complete self-confidence made the ape nearly laugh.

"I will let you have first shot," Kong taunted in kaiju-speak. The octopus couldn't possibly understand him but he didn't care and leaped at the giant ape, spreading tentacles out like a gargantuan quilt of death. Kong raised a metallic arm and the octopus smacked into it. Instantly, the tentacles wrapped around it and the beak went to work, trying to bite through the metal to the warm flesh beneath. Kong lifted his arm up to eye level and marveled at the stupidity of the creature before smashing it into a building. Surprised that it was still hanging on, Kong began back-handing everything within reach until the octopus fell off.

Oodako gradually pulled itself out of the rubble and with its suckered appendages, began climbing the side of a building. Kong grabbed onto its massive stomach and tugged but the octopus was determined to not let go of its anchorage. He then shoved his hands into the beast's air holes. At once, its body shrank as it struggled to breathe. Seizing the opportunity, Kong jerked Oodako from the building, its tentacles still gripping pieces of it. He brought the creature closer and sent electricity surging through it. A horrifying scream was all Oodako could manage before exploding. Chunks flew everywhere and a sticky, light orange goo coated streets, sidewalks and structures. Kong bellowed a victory yell and slung the mass of tentacles into the air. Then, like a target shooter, he hurled a ball of lightning at the tangle of flesh, exploding the last remaining vestiges of his enemy.

At first, people didn't know what to make of their savior who didn't seem like a threat to them. After all, he had just killed the giant octopus and was just standing there. They stayed quietly behind buildings and cars while mothers held their children back. Every time the ape made a small grunt or turned his head, they would jump in surprise. Then came the few brave souls who approached him. The first was a little girl in a red dress who couldn't have been more than seven years old, her hair in two blonde pony tails. She carried a stuffed bear she affectionately called 'William'. Her mother ran after her, fearful of Kong but the ape didn't harm the girl. In fact, he didn't even notice her until he felt the slightest of tugs as she hugged the fur on the side of his gargantuan leg. Then others crowded around the giant with words of praise and thanks. They didn't care that he couldn't hear them, nor understand what they were saying for that matter.

Kong looked down at the people of San Francisco. They were so humble, so thankful and it was as if they were treating him like a god. They would be like all the others to come, but bowing down before him for salvation from his vicious wrath. Kong's kind, friendly look quickly disappeared. He snarled and slammed his fist through a building. The last thing his praisers saw was tons of debris crashing down upon them. That was when the American siege began.

For a brief instant, the citizens of San Francisco were speechless. Then reality smacked every last one of them in the face like a ton of bricks. Their screams drowned out Kong's battle cry as they scattered anywhere they could get to. It was impossible to tell how many were trampled to death by the fleeing mobs. Kong felt like a fat kid in a candy store. Looking down one street, he aimed at a group of people, placing his hands so that they formed a triangle. A stream of electricity blasted forth, instantly incinerating them.

The call of the MOGERA rang out from the Bay area. The clanking of their metal bodies announced six of the metal leviathans walking out of the water in a pyramid formation. With a precision that couldn't be matched, they snapped their arms in front of them. In three steps, they formed a semi-circle with each MOGERA facing a different part of the city. Simultaneously, their pincher hands opened to reveal a gigantic missile stored in each arm. Twelve missiles shot forth, leaving a vapor trail behind them. When they hit, a massive shockwave wracked the city to its very core.

Meanwhile, Kong made his way to the Golden Gate Bridge where vehicles were frantically trying to reach one side or the other. There had already been several collisions and some people had even driven off the great span. Kong grabbed a side of the bridge and began to push it back and forth as if he were rocking a cradle. Tires squealed as drivers tried to accelerate up the steep incline that was being created. The water below was quickly turning into a graveyard of sinking cars and dead bodies. With all his might, Kong gave a shove, sending the bridge swinging to a near 90-degree angle. When it swung back to him, he smashed his two metal fists through it. The beams and suspension couldn't hold the mighty landmark anymore and it collapsed, sending any remaining traffic to the murky depths.

Next to fall was the Transamerica Pyramid. Like penguins diving into the water, each MOGERA boosted itself into the air with its jet propulsion, then dove at the ground and drilled into the earth. Beneath the city, they raced toward their target. Still in formation, they went even farther down and then made a sharp turn upward. The ground rumbled as they came closer and closer, finally surfacing underneath and exactly in the middle of the Pyramid. The very tip of the building was where the first MOGERA's nose drill broke through. Once it was free, its companions followed. When all six machines were in the air, the Transamerica Pyramid resembled a peeled banana.

Three dropped to the ground on their treaded feet and began rolling through the Financial District, blowing up everything in sight with their lasers. The other trio flew through the air like gigantic birds of terror, raining down death from above. They dove through skyscrapers without the least bit of harm to themselves. Lasers from their diamond eyes ripped the pavement from the streets.

Kong was having a field day as well. He would climb a building and when he reached the top, he would punch his fists through the roof. Then he would release huge amounts of electricity into the structure to set it afire. However, there was much of the beautiful city left to be devastated and what had been destroyed was only a demonstration. The Mysterians, Xians and Virans only wanted to give the world a taste of what was in store for it. Now was the time to claim the land in the name of the three great races that made up the Space Force Directive.

Underneath the City by the Bay, the epitome of Mysterian/Xian technology made itself known. Two giant walls burst forth from the ground, not the least bit deterred by cars, buildings or people they crushed as they reached for the sky, expanded outward and then formed two monstrous domes over the center of town. Four more popped up at other locations. By 12:33 P.M., San Francisco, California was completely cut off from the rest of the world. No radio or television signal could reach above or beneath the mammoth structures. The American siege had begun in a very big way.

Los Angeles

At 12:43 P.M., there was noise. A constant barrage of sound was all that could be heard throughout the City of Angels but it wasn't the normal city-associated hubbub. The second most populous city in the United States was in a state of emergency as television screens across America showed the horror of the attack on San Francisco. They had no choice because the alien invaders had somehow hacked into every broadcast station and forced their message on their astonished audiences.

As the great domes closed, the view switched to a seated, red-hooded figure. Behind him stood another humanoid and an odd tentacled creature. The one in red spoke into the cameras and microphones conveniently arranged for his very special announcement.

"Greetings, people of America. What you have just witnessed was indeed our work and certainly not the achievement of any of your pathetic human enemies.

"I am Lord Koban, ruler of the Mysterians. To my left is Ken'trus of the Xians and to my right, Master C'seris, the Viran Commander and Captain of the AZAG-THOTH. It was our combined might that you just saw demonstrated and it is our combined might that will take over the United States of America. Resist us and you will die. Bow before us and you will be saved. There is no alternative. We will slaughter our way across the land until we reach your nation's capital. There, we hope your President will have a nice little talk with us about giving over your country for our needs.

"If any negotiations are to be offered before we reach our intended destination, I suggest you let us know. All hostility against us will be destroyed in the same manner as we have just demonstrated. The Space Force Directive is in control now." Television screens and radios would repeat this message for the next twelve hours. And when the feed was discontinued, every single channel and frequency devoted itself to reporting on it, despite the fact that everyone knew its source and content.

In Washington, the President ordered fighter squadrons sent to California to combat the Directive but they were never heard from again. Any place the Army and Air Force went, no news came out of that area, either from the military or the local media. All that could be determined was information on the aliens' locations and even that was often sketchy due to security concerns.

Soon, it was noticed that the Directive was moving south from San Francisco. The President ordered everyone in southern California evacuated. It was a long shot but what else could he do, just stand by and watch people die? In the fear and panic of the moment, nobody noticed the Directive's true plans until it was too late. They were simply going to take over Los Angeles anyway.

The news spread like wildfire across the state. National Guard troops were immediately sent to protect areas that had not been invaded yet. Some made the fatal mistake of venturing into captured territory. There was no telling how many soldiers were rushing people out of Los Angeles but it certainly wasn't enough to assist the million-plus residents.

In some areas, there were riots, pillaging, carnage and death. The police soon stopped trying to preserve order and some even joined in on the mayhem. Cars and vehicular traffic almost immediately came to a complete halt because of its sheer volume. The luckiest ones were those who decided to get out on foot.

Entire families, most with just the clothes on their backs, fled the city as fast as possible. Cruise ships and commercial airlines offered free transportation away from the metropolis. However, these small attempts to save people were actually trapping masses of humanity. Whatever plans that were conceived didn't matter when, atop the Hollywood Hills, a war cry echoed over the City of Angels, signaling that the Space Force Directive had arrived.

The hulking monstrosity that was King Kong stood above the familiar HOLLYWOOD sign, eying the city below as if it were a gold mine. He raised his arms toward the sky and bellowed as Mysterian ships and MOGERAs flew by high above him. With one swipe, he destroyed the huge letters of the landmark and headed for the heart of the city. Troops stationed there were overwhelmed as total chaos erupted amongst the thousands of panicking people. Cars crashed, property was trashed and somebody was dying every second from being caught under the fleeing multitude of feet. It was truly Hell on Earth.

Electricity crackled across Kong's fingers. From each one shot a constant flow of energy that destroyed property as if it were cardboard. People caught in these electric tendrils could only let out a scream before their bodies exploded into millions of pieces. "Sing, my children!" Kong bellowed in kaiju-speak. "SING FOR ME!" He drove a hard punch straight into the ground that sent out a shock wave, uplifting the pavement, cars on the roadways and crumbling the foundations of buildings. Finding pleasure in his little trick, he leaped into the air and brought both of his great fists crashing into the ground as a squadron of F-18s raced toward the oncoming forces.

"All units fire at will. I repeat, FIRE AT WILL!" ordered the commanding officer over the radio. The jets flew down below the clouds and toward a group of MOGERAs, firing their missiles at the titans. The most they did was leave a blast mark on their metal hides and alert them of their presence. The MOGERAs' heads snapped in the direction of their attackers and each computer brain assessed the aircraft before igniting their jet boosters and chasing after them.

Some pilots fled while others stayed behind and fired off their entire payloads. They were treated to a stream of eye lasers that exploded planes on contact. Kicking their boosters into high gear, the MOGERAs followed the fleeing jets. Half the pilots veered higher into the sky while others went low to the ground. They headed straight for the skyscrapers, dodging them by mere inches. The MOGERAs were undeterred and crashed right through the structures in their pursuit.

Fighters that couldn't turn in time flew into the sides of buildings. A few made it out of the maze, only to have a MOGERA rise up under them, their aircraft exploding against their metal bodies.

The remaining planes that had fled into the sky soon found themselves alone. Sensing no danger, they headed back toward the city. However, they had underestimated their adversaries who came from their hiding places in the clouds and blasted them out of the sky.

In the city, Mysterian space ships shot their lasers at the running pedestrians and buildings. Kong stomped down the Sunset Strip, incinerating everything in sight. He created a whip of electricity and slashed it across the area in front of him, sending dirt and debris flying into the air above the explosions. MOGERAs methodically laid waste to downtown L.A.

At the docks, people were frantically trying to get aboard departing boats. Suddenly, a MOGERA rose up out of the water in front of one ship. The captain ordered a hard left turn before the vessel crashed into the robot. It lifted the huge vessel out of the water and flipped it over.

Kong tore his way through one tall building after another. He would rip pieces off, raise them above his head and then throw them down on the fleeing, panicked citizens. Before he could demolish another one, a shot came out of the air and blew his chunk of metal to pieces. Kong's attention instantly turned to the direction of the blast. Hovering in the air behind him loomed Battra.

"Ah, good!" Kong declared with delight. "A fight!"

"I have come to destroy you once and for all!" Battra roared.

"Wait a minute... I know that voice. Yes, it is you, the worm that I beat to a bloody pulp! I am surprised you are still alive. My, how you have changed, worm! Tell me - how is that scar of yours?" Battra glanced behind him at the deep mark left from Kong slicing his exoskeleton open. Even though he had gone through his metamorphosis, the scar still remained.

"It is still there. And I expect to repay you for it!"

"Oh, come now, worm! Revenge isn't a trait associated with heroism."

"Who said I was fighting you to be a hero?"

"You seem confident in yourself, worm. I am going to enjoy taking you down a notch." Kong cocked his hand and fired a ball of electricity at Battra. The Black Mothra leaped out of the way as it blasted through a building. Battra then rammed Kong and latching his feet onto his head, proceeded to drag the mighty ape across the ground. He sped up faster and faster until he became airborne.

Battra made a sharp turn upwards, heading straight for the sky. Higher and higher he climbed until oxygen was becoming dangerously scarce. Then he did a hard right and went into a dive toward the ground. An ear-piercing sonic whir announced their return to the lower atmosphere.

Two thousand feet above the surface, Battra slung the giant beast with all his might and veered off. Head first, Kong hit the ground like a ton of bricks. A massive impact crater nearly a mile wide caved the ground in on itself. The shockwave was felt across the entirety of Los Angeles.

Having noticed that Battra was indeed a threat, the MOGERAs went on the offensive. As with the fighter planes, they chased the insect across the sky. Battra tried numerous aerial tricks to dodge their laser fire but none were working too well. Once again, he went plummeting for the ground, swerving and missing impact by mere feet.

With amazing velocity, he turned and launched himself away as the pursuing MOGERAs crashed. Nevertheless, the robots had not left this move uncalculated. The ones that hit drilled deep into the earth. Others followed their pre-determined course after the Black Moth. To their surprise, it was nowhere to be found. Baffled, they scanned the area in different sensory modes.

"I'm sorry... Were you looking for me?" came a kaiju voice from behind them. The robots turned their heads as Battra blasted his ionic prism beam right through them. His moment of triumph was short-lived as the drilling MOGERAs burst forth from the ground and crashed right into the hovering insect. One after the other, they landed painful blows.

The battering was sending Battra higher and higher into the air and so fast that he had no idea what was happening until he felt gravity pull him back to Earth. The MOGERAs weren't going to let him leave without a final present. Each pincher hand opened and sent forth a missile. Battra opened his eyes and saw them coming.

"Sweet Mother of Gaia... " he muttered just before the projectiles detonated across his black hide. Battra shrieked in anguish as he became a living fireball. Beneath the flames, the insect painfully turned his head and saw the target he was heading for. Standing in his crater with the biggest of smiles on his face was King Kong.

NO! PLEASE NO! The electricity went through his mighty arms and released a whip-like beam straight at Battra that sent the mammoth insect spiraling into the harbor. A tidal wave raised the remaining ships out of the water and flooded the immediate area. The MOGERAs and Mysterian ships crowded the shore and in the air where Battra sank beneath the waves. Kong pushed his way through to get his own look. The bubbles signaling Battra's breathing had now all but ceased. He faced Los Angeles and pointed in the direction of the dying bubbles.

"DO YOU SEE, MY CHILDREN? DO YOU SEE MY POWER? NOTHING CAN DEFEAT MY POWER. NOTHING! NOW YOU KNOW WHO YOUR TRUE GOD -"

SLAM! Ionic prism beams burst from the water and blasted across the waves, taking out numerous MOGERAs and space ships as they sought their target on Kong's back. The impact from the blast was tremendous and sent the ape head over heels across the city. Kong stopped rolling at the foot of a massive tower that collapsed on top of him. At once, MOGERAs and Mysterian battle craft fired their lasers at where the beams had come from but the commanding officer ordered a cease fire. Silence prevailed as not a single trace of the titanic insect appeared but out of nowhere, a MOGERA's head was blown off and its body fell into the water in a shower of sparks.

All of the mechs' heads turned skyward as Battra loomed over them against the sun. He had managed to fly out of the water as his point of impact was being attacked. Across his body were massive burns and the beautiful red and yellow coloring of his hide was now nearly black. Laser and missile fire trailed as he sped through the sky. There was no way he could destroy the entire Mysterian army nor did he care to. All Battra wanted was Kong. As if in answer his challenge, bolts of electricity shot forth from the pile of debris the giant ape was buried in. Battra swooped past him as the artillery that was trailing him blasted their ally. Kong punished a few who fired on him with a blast of electricity. With his hand, he motioned for the army to stop shooting. This was one enemy whose death he wished to accomplish himself.

Battra came in for another attack, firing ionic prism beams down on Kong like hail. He was lucky to deflect the few he did but the insect was relentless in its assault. Getting his timing more precise, Kong unleashed a horde of electric rays on the underbelly of his foe as Battra flew over him. Doing a complete front flip in the air, Battra launched himself at Kong while upside down and ran smack into him.

His horns dug deep into the ape's side as he plowed Kong through buildings as if he were a battering ram. With a mighty roar filled with pain and rage, Kong dug his feet into the ground hard. Slowly but surely, Battra was losing speed under the great ape's strength.

When he had gotten to a slow enough pace, Kong grabbed hold of the moth and ripped him out of his side to throw him over his shoulder. With Battra's head in his arms, both crashed down on a massive freeway interchange. Pieces of the roadways and dust went up in the air in a giant shower of debris. Beneath the cloud, Kong slowly rose to his feet, electricity shining brightly across his hands. Battra tried to turn so as to face Kong to shoot him with a prism beam when a shock went through his body.

"It seems you do have some fight left in you after all. Oh, well... Looks like I will have to shock it out of you... " Another wave of electricity surged through Battra. "I must admit that flying enemies are always the toughest to beat." He hit the Black Moth with another blast. "But compared to me, you will always be a pathetic, BLAST! insignificant BLAST! little BLAST! WORM!"

Slowly, Battra had eased his way over the top of a very long, sharp piece of debris. Before Kong released his death blow, the insect leaped into the air and jabbed the great beam through Kong's lower shoulder.

"So sorry to interrupt your speech, oh great one, but I am not finished yet," he hissed in the ape's ear. Battra swatted Kong to the side with his wing and circled around in the air for another attack. Suddenly, he halted in mid-air. In his mind, he sensed something. Something that meant danger.

Mothra! She was in terrible peril in Japan and needed his help immediately. The insect looked down at Kong who was easing the shard from his shoulder. Cursing in kaiju-speak, Battra turned to fly across the Pacific.

"Hear me!" he roared to Kong. "This is far from over! We shall meet again soon. Wherever you go, I will find and destroy you. You may slay hundreds or even thousands but never forget that I, Battra, will always be there to lay the final blow upon you!" Kong snapped around just as Battra took off into the sky. He fired two bolts of electricity but the moth dodged them as he soared off into the clouds and out of sight.

"COWARD!" Kong roared. "I WILL BE WAITING ON THE DAY YOU DECIDE TO CHALLENGE MY POWER AGAIN!" He let out a grunt of frustration and turned toward the objective that lay before the Space Force Directive. Los Angeles was a complete wreck. Any more damage could be taken care of by the occupation forces. The MOGERAs and space ships rose into the air as massive domes once again enshrouded the dead, dying and wounded of a once great American city.

Nebulan Reaction

At the Nebulan's base, Fumio stood thinking as he watched footage of the invasion force moving through Los Angeles, laying waste to whatever stood before them. The expression he was wearing was grim as Kubota came up beside him.

"So the Mysterians have finally shown their hand," Fumio muttered in a disgruntled tone.

"Indeed... Along with the Xians and the Virans, no less," Kubota added.

"It was only a matter of time. The battle in Earth's orbit was simply a portend of things to come."

"Am I to assume that our plans will have to change again, Chairman?"

"Possibly, but I want to see what the response is by the United World Powers first. I am sure that their assistance will be sought in this matter, seeing as how the American humans are ill-equipped to deal with things such as this. I find it interesting that they have not learned from their own human history that a strong defense is the best offense."

"They also seem to believe they are the best and strongest nation of their species, not wishing to accept the fact that there are others in the universe much better versed in the ways of survival," the Viceroy remarked with an evil grin.

"Indeed," Fumio smiled.

"Are you pondering something, sir?"

"Yes. Why deplete our own manpower and resources when we can let our so-called allies bear the brunt of this attack? Let the Earth alliance fight this battle themselves and allow the warring factions to batter and weaken one another."

"Shall we lay low and let everyone else combat one another?"

"No. We can wipe out the UWP ourselves and then use what we salvage from them, along with our own technology, to deal with the Directive and anyone else that stands in our way. But for now, let us take one step at a time and just bear witness to what unfolds."

"And if this new alien alliance should come for us?"

"Actually, Kubota, a new plan has suddenly occurred to me. One that will buy us some time and address another growing threat as well."

"And if our assistance is requested?"

"Nothing that a communications black-out would not fix," Fumio grinned.

"What of the planned UWP offensive against the Gudis?"

"What about the Kilaaks?"

"I have grave concerns about our partnership with them. I do wish I could be sure of what was going to happen next..."

"Several unexpected variables have introduced themselves since we began this exercise, whether it be the Kilaaks actions or all the various other races that have come to this planet. Should we retreat and regroup?"

"No. We are not beaten yet, Kubota. Our superior intelligence shall win this war for us in the end as you will see. We shall succeed... We always succeed," Fumio stated confidently.

San Diego

"Sir, another dozen robots have been sighted in Washington state!" A soldier handed a slip of paper to the Secretary of Defense.

"MOGERAs?"

"It seems so, sir."

"Thank you, soldier." The young man saluted and walked out of the Oval Office. The Secretary gave an uneasy glance at the President who was seated behind his desk. "Sounds like the Mysterians are back, sir."

"This just can't be happening!" the President sprang out of his chair, his face changing from shock to confusion and back again. "First, it was the Kilaaks in Japan. Then the Simeons. And now this? What is happening to us? Is this even possible?" He looked down at his desk, trying to contain his emotions while taking a deep breath to try and collect himself. "Jim, do we have any chance at all of defending ourselves against the Mysterians?" The Secretary smiled.

"We sure as hell can try."

"Do it, then."

"Yes, sir!" He left for the Pentagon to rejoin the Joint Chiefs of Staff and muster the nation's remaining military defenses. The Vice President turned up the volume on the television at the other side of the room and the two head executive officers of the United States watched a news bulletin. A woman, perhaps Korean, was standing on the outskirts of San Diego with a large Xian space craft hovering over the city.

" - everyone is fleeing in panic, though nothing has happened yet. There is worry that San Diego will fall victim to the Xians like San Francisco did to other aliens. City officials are trying to reassure the people about our treaty with the Xians but the panic persists. We are still awaiting the federal government's response to all of this. Will America fight off this new enemy alone? Will the United Nations agree to help? Can we expect any relief from the Simeons or is everyone too concerned with Japan?" Her train of thought was interrupted as a humming sound filled the air and a blinding flash of twisting light shot down from the nose of the space ship, materializing into a giant monster.

"Look there! The Xians have just beamed down an Anguirus! What their intent is, we can only guess but at this point, it doesn't seem too good. Its roar is deafening! Ah! Now it is running down the street and heading right for us! My God! It has coiled itself into an armored ball! It's coming right for -" The picture on the television screen turned to static until a news anchorman appeared.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we seem to have lost contact with San Diego. We will try to update you as the situation develops there. In other news, the United World Powers is said to be assembling a counter-action against the Kilaaks who have re-activated several South Pacific volcanos..."

The Vice President looked up with a long face toward the Commander-in-Chief who was now standing behind his desk. "We won't survive this."

Aboard the Xian mothership, Rentis made the final inspection of the mind control equipment that would be used with the Monsterland kaiju. He also inspected each of the monsters themselves before beaming them down.

"Everything is in working order," a drone reported.

"Excellent. Notify Ken'trus. Once the operation has his approval, he will advise the captains of the carrier ships."

Rentis then walked by the kaiju holding cells. The mind mastery technology being used was far more advanced than what they employed for the original invasion. No meddlesome humans were going to interfere with the command signals this time.

Rentis himself created this new upgrade and reveled in his handiwork. All that remained was to see it in action, operating flawlessly as he was sure it would.

However, as the Chief of the Xian Science Unit walked by Godzilla Junior's holding cell, he noticed a brief flinch by the kaiju. He gazed at the beast intently and then requested a copy of its brainwave activity.

"Increase the signal sent to this one," Rentis ordered before leaving the confinement area.

A single solitary tear could be seen in the corner of Godzilla Junior's right eye. For the briefest of moments, his own will cried out for its freedom, only to be crushed by the Xian control signal.

The foster son of the king of all monsters was no longer a prince but a puppet.

The gigantic armored ball of spikes bounced and rolled across the city, laying waste to everything in its path. Finally, Anguirus Junior uncurled himself and skidded to a stop in a cloud of dust. Looking at his feet, the kaiju saw a bus jammed amongst dozens of automobiles in the middle of the street. Had he skidded another few meters, all of these vehicles would have been crushed. The people within them screamed, looking out their windows and trying to see the massive size of the creature. Anguirus pulled back his head while inhaling and let out an ear-splitting roar.

The glass in the surrounding apartments, cars, trucks and the bus shattered. He then lifted his left foreleg and brushed the bus aside, flinging it across and through the traffic jam before marching onward. With a swing of his tail, the beast leveled an entire city block of apartments. Houses, office buildings, stores - they all gave way beneath the giant quadruped's body as its mighty feet smashed through brick and steel. His tail knocked over tall buildings, crushing hundreds of people within as he marched onward, smoke and fire ascending wherever he went. In his mind-controlled state, Anguirus didn't even acknowledge Ebirah on the other side of the city. The huge red crustacean dwarfed the Ankylosaurus, as well as its surroundings, save for perhaps the skyscrapers but even such majestic structures were no match for the monsters or the firepower of the Xian ships. The city was quickly being reduced to rubble, with only crumbling buildings spewing smoke and flame left decorating the landscape.

A squad of small Xian fighter craft hovered over the kaiju, raining laser beams down onto the structures below. The panicking populace scattered every which way, trying to avoid the deadly barrage and falling debris. Crowds ran toward the East Side, only to encounter an enormous lobster ripping through a hotel like a model building. On the West Side, the ships zoomed past on their course of destruction. To the north, there was a building collapsing and to the south, a larger Xian craft blasted apart all highways and main roads. They were trapped.

From the primary spacecraft, a squad of armed Xian soldiers beamed down and arranged themselves to march toward the crowd of fear-stricken humans. In cold, emotionless voices, they ordered them to remain where they were. The majority were too frightened to run but a few brave souls dared it and were quickly shot down.

"Remain perfectly still and you will live longer than you may anticipate," ordered their commanding officer. The people watched the aliens' every move intently, which was very little. Suddenly, they felt lighter, as if their bodies were dematerializing. In a flash of light, they vanished. The Xian had telepathically commanded the computer on board his ship to engage the transporter beam and within seconds, the soldiers had also disappeared. This scenario was replayed over and over again throughout the city until everyone not shot, blown apart or stepped on was captured and brought aboard the Xian vessel and placed in sound-proof cells. The ship began to move away and the small fighters regrouped. The monsters dematerialized, leaving San Diego in a fiery ruin.

At Ogasawara, Cillian Bakker watched the static-filled television coverage with a mortified grimace. Seeing his precious Ang being used as an instrument of the Xians to kill and destroy (along with the other kaiju from Monsterland) made him sick to his stomach. A combination of anger and frustration had slowly built up within him until he had no choice but to release it.

"It isn't right!" he screamed, hurling a glass across the room which shattered against the wall next to the laboratory doors just as Doctor Kenji Kamaiya stepped inside. Cillian's teacher and mentor was startled by the close call and looked from the impact point back to his student who now leaned over a desk, his hands supporting him as he hung his head in apparent despair.

"Cillian? I know how you feel. It makes me angry as well but what is done is done. The aliens have the kaiju now and there is nothing we can do about it. We should be focusing on picking up the pieces and getting back to our work..."

"Work?" Cillian began to say, standing up and turning towards Kenji. "What work? You said it yourself. The Xians have the kaiju now. All of them are gone! They were our work and always were. They were the only reason for our being here in the first place!" he continued furiously.

"And they shall be again. There are other kaiju in the world besides the ones that were stolen from us. We can begin again, Cillian," the professor tried to reassure him but this only served to further anger his young protégé.

"So we just forget about them? Like they were nothing or never really mattered?"

"Cillian, that is not what I mean and you know it..."

"They were never more than just experiments to you or scientific curiosities? Have you no idea what we've lost, sir?"

"Now listen, Cillian-"

"No, you listen!" he shouted, cutting him off. "These creatures were and are the crown of creation. There was, is and never shall be anything like them again on this Earth! So majestic and beautiful... priceless, irreplaceable... And now, nothing more than pawns of these invaders, tainting them with their blood-soaked plans of conquest and turning them into murdering MONSTERS!"

"Cillian... they are kaiju. For many of them, killing is second nature. Mankind has seldom co-existed with them. You speak of them as if they were benevolent beasts, yet the history of several of the specimens that we kept on this very island began with death and destruction."

"Not Ang. We witnessed his birth, brought him back here with us, raised him, nurtured him! He would never so much as harm a fly!"

"And finally we come to the heart of the matter, Cillian. I warned you about developing emotional bonds with these animals, of where it could lead. Your duty and responsibility as a scientist comes first."

"To Hell with duty and responsibility! Ang is all that matters now and I must find a way to save him!"

"Are you listening to yourself? You are talking crazy! No one can save them now! The Xians, when they are finished with them, will either take them with them or... dispose of them. The only salvation they can hope for now... is death."

"I refuse to except that!"

"You must, Cillian! You have no choice..."

"There are always choices!"

"Not this time," his mentor said sternly. "I will not let you leave..."

"Fine! Then I quit," Cillian retorted sharply. He ripped his security badge from his shirt and threw it down at the Professor's feet. Kenji looked down at it and then at his prize student, his eyes wide with disbelief as this fellow scientist walked by him and out the door. Cillian never looked back.

Having blazed a trail of death and destruction up the West Coast, the Mysterians began their trek across the northernmost Untied States. From Washington state, they passed through the northern tip of Idaho, Montana and crossed near the Missouri River into North Dakota. The massive army traveled through miles of crop land, a small tactical error on the part of General Kugo. There was little human population in this area but that would not prove to be a problem. They could cross the flatlands in record time and continue their wave of annihilation.

Since the invasion began, the United States started consolidating more and more of its military resources to better address the Space Force Directive's projected plan of attack. The only foolproof method of monitoring their activities was by satellite. Nearly every ground-based piece of tracking equipment had been destroyed by their spacecraft's initial attacks on military installations. When other countries refused to help America, they also cut off access to their satellites as well. The U.S. was now using every orbiting device imaginable with its name on it that hadn't been turned into space junk, including privately-owned television and telephone equipment. DISH, Alltel and others could settle up with their subscribers when the state of emergency was over.

It was noted that the Directive had split into two different groups, one proceeding north and the other taking a southern route from their initial point of attack in California. The central states were left relatively untouched. However, every political and military official knew that wouldn't be the case for long. The heartland was bound to come under attack sooner or later, if for no other reason than the vast area of real estate it offered.

By the time the Mysterians had reached the plains of North Dakota, a plan had been formulated to take advantage of this highly under-populated area. The country's nuclear resources in Kansas City also hadn't been destroyed yet. In a matter of hours, the Pentagon determined that a nuclear strike on the Mysterians in North Dakota was a rather risky but sure-fire way of ridding the country and the world of the Space Force Directive's northern contingent.

At 8:30 A.M., missiles blasted off from their underground Kansas silos and headed toward their northern targets. It was hoped that any citizens caught in the fallout and the nation itself would understand the reason for such drastic measures. Near Williston, the Mysterian forces were still in one large group. Typically, a few MOGERAs would scout ahead, followed by the bulk of the army. The platoons would fan out over nearly every part of a state to cover the most ground. Having just crossed into North Dakota, it was deemed that the army stick together before spreading out across the vast area with its widely scattered settlements. Five MOGERAs had already scouted ahead and relayed information back to the other robots and Mysterian commanders.

The combined forces of King Kong, the MOGERAs and the Mysterian and Viran support ships were following this simple procedure when the legion of robots halted and snapped their mechanical heads to the west, sensing something miles away that no living creature could. The soldiers in the air knew this behavior meant trouble. Their onboard computers reflected what the MOGERAs saw off in the distance - fast-approaching nuclear missiles. Instantly, a squad of MOGERAs and fighter craft took off to intercept them. Kong was left in the dust with a puzzled look on his face.

Despite the great speed of the weapons, the MOGERAs managed to catch up with them in mid-flight. Once they locked on, the machines used their eye lasers to slice off the still-flaming rockets that propelled the nukes. Another fifty miles and the army would have been turned into so much radioactive scrap. With the immediate threat over, the MOGERAs and ships landed. Mysterian soldiers specializing in nuclear applications rushed the undetonated warheads into their ships and disarmed them. The events of the morning were relayed to the North Pole base where the weapons would be fully dismantled and the MOGERAs returned to the ranks. The process would be mere child's play as the Mysterians were light years ahead of the humans in nuclear technology.

Road Work

The Kong-led MOGERA army was moving toward the North Dakota/Minnesota border when the mechs' sensors detected a lack of soil surface integrity but by then it was too late. Suddenly, the very ground itself gave way and they all fell into a massive sinkhole.

Megalon burst forth from his subterranean hiding place, opening fire on the airborne support ships. He had dug a trap, boring his way through the earth to intercept the alien army. One discharge of Megalon's weaponry was all it took to bring everything down in a domino effect.

At the head of the formation where Kong stood, a secondary trap dug into the bedrock gave way under his falling weight and he tumbled into an even deeper chasm, removing him from the battlefield. The robots activated their booster rockets to lift them clear, only to collide with Megalon as the great beetle kaiju took to the sky, unleashing his beams and projectiles. MOGERAs were blown apart left and right.

He then came down into the pit and tore into the MOGERAs with hand-to-hand attacks. The first MOGERA he encountered was beheaded as a second was cut in half from its left shoulder down through its right thigh. A third had its arms sliced off at the elbows and its torso drilled out. Another was gored by Megalon's star-shaped horn and flung overhead into a mech trying to attack from behind.

Horn beams and explosive pods found yet more targets. The support ships were content to hang back for the moment, not being able to open fire without hitting the MOGERAs in close such quarters with Megalon. The multi-terrain creature then dug down into the ground with the MOGERAs following him, using their sensors to pin-point his location and encircle him.

But as the alien constructs broke into the chamber the guardian was standing in, he shot back up toward the surface, leaving a large mound of volatile pods behind. The tremendous explosion destroyed them all as Megalon reappeared once more with flames erupting behind him.

Other MOGERAs that had been caught in the sinkhole dug themselves out as the Seatopian deity charged at them, roaring mightily. Kong was also slowly but surely climbing out of the deep chasm he had fallen into. When he finally reached the surface, all he saw was Megalon looking down at him from atop a pile of broken and shattered MOGERA parts.

"Nice strategy... Too bad it won't work," the giant ape rumbled.

"Actually, it already has. I knew I could not take both you and these machines on at the same time so a degree of separation was necessary. Now it is just you and me."

"Who are you?" Kong growled, not able to place this strange-looking creature.

"I am Megalon, protector of Seatopia."

"One of the kingdoms of old... I have heard of you. We share a common heritage and are both worshiped as gods by our people," Kong boasted.

"My people worship me because they choose to, out of respect. Yours worship you out of fear."

"Fear commands a different kind of respect," Kong grinned menacingly. "It is a lesson that I am now teaching the people of this land as well."

"After today, no one need ever fear you again," Megalon threatened.

"Then stop me, 'protector'... if you can!" Kong challenged. Megalon dove off the pile of wreckage and the two beasts rushed forward to meet head on.

Megalon launched a volley of pods and rays as his opponent ducked and dodged the explosives but took hits from the beams. Though the weaponry burned the kaiju's hide, the pain it caused only seemed to evoke Kong's ire. He raised his alloy-covered arms which deflected most of Megalon's long-range attacks until the gap closed between them. Then they began to hammer one another with their metallic appendages until Kong grabbed both of Megalon's drills and kicked him in the gut.

Temporarily winded, the Seatopian defender found himself in a bear hug as Kong tried to crush his exoskeleton in his massive arms. A head butt from the insectoid kaiju sent the titanic gorilla stumbling backward and clutching at his forehead.

Kong blindly released a blast of electricity that Megalon back-flipped to avoid. When the still-groggy ape looked up, his opponent tackled him. They both went down, wresting and struggling in a contest that Kong eventually proved superior at. Megalon was pinned face first in the dirt as Kong mounted him.

The great ape got a firm grip on the mammoth beetle's right arm and pulled hard until he heard the shoulder joint dislocate. Megalon let out a roar of pain as Kong pummeled the back of his head, lodging his crest horn in the ground. Kong then began to pump incredible amounts of voltage from his alloy arms into his captive who quickly realized that he would surely be electrocuted unless he did something fast.

"So tell me... who is going to protect the protector?" Kong taunted.

In desperation, the undersea guardian quickly opened his wings, smacking Kong in the face. Using the brief loss of concentration to his advantage, Megalon lashed out with his good arm to back-hand Kong off of him. As the ape turned back around, Megalon dove into the dismembered MOGERA pile to avoid the simian's electrical whips.

Kong swung them outward in a double back-hand motion, obliterating what remained of the Mysterian machinery but there was no sign of Megalon. When one of the still mostly intact MOGERAs rolled down in front of him, he didn't realize until the last second that Megalon had placed an incendiary pod inside it. The resulting explosion knocked the giant primate on his back as Megalon leapt up from under one of the fallen MOGERAs he had used for cover.

He landed right on top of Kong and heaved his left arm back to rip open the momentarily stunned kaiju's jugular, his right arm dangling uselessly at his side. But just then, a shower of rockets and beams exploded on Megalon's chest, knocking him back to tumble across the ground. He looked up to see a new slew of MOGERAs that was double the number of the previous force.

Megalon swore as he looked at Kong who was already getting back up and then at the oncoming MOGERAs. He knew he was out-gunned for sure this time. Quickly, he flew over to one side of the pit, slamming his dislocated shoulder into it to pop it back into place before burrowing underground. Several MOGERAs tried to follow but there was no being on Earth that could match Megalon's burrowing speed. He tunneled deep into the earth and far from the SFD's reach.

News of the encounter quickly reached the President in Washington. "Another kaiju attempted to combat the Space Force Directive in North Dakota but was forced to retreat, sir," the Vice President informed him.

"The same one that fought them in California?"

"No, sir. A different one: Megalon, the guardian of the Seatopians."

"I see... If an opportunity presents itself for any of us to catch our breath, I want to take a moment to extend my thanks to them both for trying to stop these invaders."

Phoenix

"Look, Mommy! A spaceship!" a little boy exclaimed joyfully, tugging at his mother's hand. The woman turned to gaze behind her into the clear blue sky. Moving silently toward the center of town was a large, slender, claw-shaped craft. She had no idea what it was or who it belonged to but her parental instincts told her to run.

"Come on, honey. We need to get home."

"But, Mommy! I want to stay and look!" whined the youngster as he was pulled off his feet. Their retreat was futile, however, as the ship had teleported two giant creatures into the heart of Phoenix. A loud roar grabbed their attention as a huge lizard-like monster rose to its full height. Pointed spikes ran down its head, neck, back and tail which dragged the ground. A thin, floppy layer of loose skin hung from its sides between its fore- and hind legs. The monster turned its head about, scoping out the area, then opened its mouth and roared again. This second sound sent everyone previously frozen in surprise running through the streets. Varan started moving toward the panicking crowd, smashing cars and pedestrians, toppling over buildings and destroying the entire area.

As he moved through a shopping district and away from the Xian ship, a gargantuan spider could be seen rousing itself from the ground. With a screech and chomping of its mandibles, Kumonga put his eight legs into motion and crept toward the center of the city. Coming upon a 20-story office complex, the monster lifted its foremost right appendage and shoved it through the building, crumbling it to dust. Kumonga continued destroying the high rises and corporate structures, causing fire and smoke to rise from much of what little remained of them.

On the ground below, what seemed like ants but were actually people rushed frantically out of their offices and into the streets and parking lots. Kumonga stopped his urban renewal efforts and sprayed a wide layer of silk into the air which fell over them like a huge sticky net. No one was able to struggle free, as if they had been welded to the trap. A squad of Xian fighter craft swooped down toward the trapped citizens, unleashing a wave of firepower that turned the jammed up tangle of cars and people into a sea of flame. Thousands tried desperately to leave Phoenix for Scottsdale in this early beginning of rush hour. The kaiju continued along a main street blocked with traffic, heading toward another busy section of the city.

Aboard the large spaceship ALPHA that was hovering motionless over the city's tallest skyscraper, the commanding officer leaned over the shoulder of the Xian who sat at a computer console controlling the spider. "Those humans can be too easily trapped. Leave some alive for capture." The soldier nodded and adjusted his equipment.

Kumonga stopped suddenly, sensing a grand opportunity to trap more people. The humans tried everything in their power to get off the street, some driving their vehicles onto the sidewalks and running over pedestrians who were also fleeing in terror. Others tried running away but were either hit by oncoming traffic or pushed aside by the chaotic crowds on either side of the road.

One middle-aged woman got out of her car, slammed the door and began to run but couldn't. She turned around and discovered that her dress was caught in the door. Tugging frantically, she tried to pull it loose but it wouldn't give. In terror, she looked up, screaming as the giant spider crept ever closer. With another spray of silk, Kumonga sealed the fleeing masses in place. Unable to move, others began to scream as they awaited their fate.

Albuquerque

By 4:30 A.M. the next morning, the Mysterian contingent of the Space Force Directive had long since passed through the city and, as they had done to every other concentration of humanity, left it in ruins. However, their job wasn't finished just yet. Two Mysterian saucers flew through the air at top speed, one carrying a hydrogen bomb. Their mission: release the last known specimens of Black Scorpion from their resting place deep within the Earth.

"Captain," radioed the alien manning the controls that would deliver the bomb. "Coordinates are set and launch time will be in three minutes."

"Excellent," replied his commander. "Are we at a speed fast enough to escape the blast?"

"Yes, sir. It should miss us by ten miles. We will be releasing the bomb after we pass the target zone as you ordered."

"Good. I just hope this doesn't turn out to be just a fossil dig."

"Oh, no sir!" piped up a Mysterian at the main computer. "The probes that were sent down there last month confirm the creatures are still alive. They have been hibernating in those underground caves since they were sealed up millions of years ago. A group of them were released accidentally on the southern end of the tunnel strip decades ago in Mexico. Luckily, it did not affect the ones in the northern strip."

"Two minutes to launch time," the bombardier advised.

"Maintain speed and drop on the mark," the Captain ordered. "Also, go ahead and send the Xians a map of the area we have left for the creatures to destroy. Make sure you tell them it is a restricted zone for their army."

The saucers flew over their target in the blink of an eye. A few seconds later, the faint sound of their passage followed. Miles away, one of the ships fired a computer-guided rocket behind them. When the nuclear bomb hit, it created an incredible shockwave that shook the ground for 70 miles in all directions. Dirt and rock on the immediate surface disappeared in the intense explosion. What was left of Albuquerque was obliterated from the face of the Earth. When the dust and smoke finally cleared, it resembled the Sahara Desert. In the middle of this now desolate landscape was a gigantic crater, 300 feet wide and so deep that the bottom was shrouded in darkness.

A cacophony of scuttling and rustling could be heard in the bowels of the hole, growing louder and louder as the now awakened creatures raced toward the surface. A hideous roar came from the mouth of the first Black Scorpion to breathe in the night air. It snapped its claws in the first moonlight it had seen for millions of years as its brethren raced out over the land by the hundreds.

Houston

Houston was hot and humid as usual so most of the populace stayed within its air-conditioned confines, whether offices, stores, restaurants or at home in apartments and suburban houses, watching the news concerning the destruction of San Diego the day before. Now, there was new information coming in about Phoenix being attacked. Few realized that a Xian ship was flying overhead until there was a brilliant flash of light.

Inside one apartment building fifteen floors up, a couple sat on their living room couch watching television. When their eyes had adjusted, they discovered that the light had disappeared. Looking out their balcony doors, two large brown eyes stared back at them. Too frightened to scream, they watched in horror as the pug-nosed beast cocked its head in interest at them, flopped its ears forward and growled. It then turned away and bent down out of sight. The man and woman were breathless with fright and had no idea where such an enormous thing could have gone.

The room violently shifted to one side and then back again, sending everything not bolted down sliding and crashing into the walls, including the couple. Now lying on the floor, the man could see from the balcony that the building was tipping over and rushing toward the neighboring residential center. The earth beneath it having been dug out, it collapsed onto the other structures, creating mass destruction. The ground began to shift again and the street burst upward, knocking surrounding buildings off their foundations and cars toppling onto one another. A hill quickly appeared and then gave way to the monster underneath it. With a roar, Baragon emerged and started his rampage.

"What in the name of -?" an old butcher exclaimed as he stepped outside his small shop to investigate what felt like an earthquake.

At the far end of the city, he caught a glimpse of Baragon's rear end slowly passing behind a wall of buildings. The man's face turned white and his jaw dropped in utter shock and fear. Suddenly, a crash from behind nearly threw him off his feet. A few hundred meters away stood a huge dinosaur about 90 meters in height, with gray-green skin and a row of small plates protruding the length of its back.

Before the man could even get words out of his mouth, his eyes followed the series of blue flashes among the bony ridges. The monster turned its head directly toward him, opened its mouth and fired a stream of blazing hot radioactive energy. The entire street went up in a wall of flame as Godzilla Junior roared over the results.

Baragon blew a stream of fire from his maw along an entire block, blasting several buildings apart while in another area, Godzilla Junior ripped through a hotel and brought his giant feet down on the parking lot, crushing most of the cars. Rearing his head back with a roar, he let loose another atomic blast which danced its way across the cityscape, turning everything in its path into fiery rubble. The Xian commander of the spaceship GAMMA telepathically signaled for one of his officers.

"Relay a message to the Mysterians. Inform them that they may begin placing their domes at will." The soldier departed through the sliding doors of the bridge as his commander turned back to the computer readings flashing on the wall. Everything was going as planned.

"Mister President, they have attacked Houston!" shouted a military officer as he entered the Pentagon War Room. A four-star General turned a stern face to his Commander-in-Chief.

"Sir. We have two-thirds of our nation's forces trying to hold these guys off in San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix, Denver, Kansas City and God knows where else. I don't think we will be able to muster a respectable front to protect the east coast if we sacrifice any more troops. We're losing as it is! It would be suicide to continue to fight for what has already been lost."

"General Goodwin, you're the last person I would have expected to hear that from," the President replied solemnly.

"I'm just being realistic! Without the help of our allies or the U.N., we can only hope to win this thing with a secure capital and sufficient military force. We must try and save what we still have." Several other military and political officials slowly nodded in agreement. "We have lost the West Coast and are quickly losing other states. If they push us any further toward the Atlantic, we're doomed." The President lowered his head with a deep sigh. He wanted nothing more than to nuke these aliens.

"No, Mister President. We can't afford to do that, not in a population center," the Vice President said quickly, reading his face. The Chief looked up at him knowingly.

Next time I won't suggest that my best friend run for Vice President he thought to himself. He lowered his head again. If there is a next time... "Then all we can hope to do is evacuate everyone in the remaining cities," the President decided. The Secretary of Homeland Security shrugged his shoulders.

"If we can evacuate them quickly enough. It could take as much as a week to clear out one city. And at the rate these aliens are moving, any efforts will likely be futile. We're probably best off saving our resources for the big fight."

"And let all those people die? People who I swore to protect? We have done almost nothing for them so far!"

"We haven't been able to, sir. You know that. We're shot down before we can even enter a city. We're helpless, Mister President," the Chief of Staff reminded him. "The most we can hope to do now is protect those areas still under our control. People caught in the way of the alien's advance will simply be considered regrettable casualties." The President fell back into his seat with another sigh.

The Secretary of Defense realized that the Commander-in-Chief would definitely bear watching. The country had already wasted a great deal of military resources with his insistence that troops be diverted from the front lines to overseeing civilian evacuations. The Homeland Security chief had asked when they were alone, "What are we supposed to do with them if we do get them out of there?" There was no regret in either his or any of the other Advocates' assessment of the situation. This was war, pure and simple. How many of those 'regrettable casualties' had been standing on rooftops in California actually WELCOMING the aliens when they first appeared? There had no doubt been more than one National Guardsman who shot a long-haired hippy type during such demonstrations.

The Advocates

In Washington, once more America cursed under its collective breath at its inability to stop the alien invaders. It was then that the Secretary of Defense glanced over at General Goodwin who nodded. He slipped out of the Pentagon War Room to make a phone call to Grovers Mill. Luckily, far-sighted military leaders and their science associates had seen fit to properly investigate one of the Martian space craft that had tried a similar invasion in 1953.

They were quite correct in thinking that it might come in handy some day, thus sufficient funding was arranged for research on its technology and operation. It was an easy matter for the government to cover up the attack and give the tiny New Jersey town its very own 'Area 51', although it was designated as a nuclear waste site to keep the public at bay. Beneath a fenced-in meadow was a vast underground hangar where the craft had been minutely analyzed. 'Selective amnesia' was induced via strategically released drugs whereby the public did not recall the United States having ever been attacked by the Martians. The nation soon had other concerns, such as Korea, Russia and the Cuban missile crisis. Flying saucers were quickly relegated to the fantasy realm of television and motion pictures but true to government form, extensive records were available for the Advocates to come upon, thanks to their high-level connections. As a result, Grovers Mill became one of their many clandestine 'resources'.

When the alien's invasion of the United States first began, there were others besides the White House staff who keenly studied the Directive's actions and movements across the country. From the very beginning, it appeared that America would be unable to stand up to their vast military forces and weapons.

As far back as the '60s with the advent of President Lyndon Johnson's 'Great Society' programs, some Americans began worrying that the U.S. was becoming a more socialistic country with its many welfare programs, at the expense of increased taxes to support them. They were taking from the rich to give to the poor, undermining free enterprise and a lot of other things the country had come to stand for. Mainly, this largesse took away from military expenditures and now everyone would pay the price.

Since 1965, America's profile was drastically altered, particularly among the less advantaged. Representatives in the House and Senate, as well as in various state legislatures, voted against increased social programs when they would take funding away from the country's infrastructure or further weaken the nation in any way. Since people with like ideas tend to come together, a secret group formed to fret over these developments but it went beyond the 'talk' stage as very few could ever imagine. These 'Advocates', as they called themselves, figured they had better be ready to do something about it if the country truly went in the 'wrong direction'.

There were a number of more visible mainstream groups, such as the Minutemen and their fence-building out west to stem the tide of illegal immigrants from Mexico. The Advocates were highly successful individuals in positions of power, from businessmen who funded arms and technology to military leaders who could bring the armed forces into play if need be. They also happened to be the 'cream of the crop' so they often were elected to leadership positions. Since many were politicians, they could present their points of view in well-couched turns of phrase, often moderating the more socialistic leanings of their colleagues.

Things didn't seem really bad until the so-called 'lost' civilizations formed the United World Powers and aliens invaded the United States in force. The Simeons joining the alliance was almost like opening the border to Mexico, another sore spot with the Advocates who saw the country as being 'soft' on illegal immigration. There also seemed to be something 'elitist' about Mu and Seatopia since they had chosen not to associate with the rest of the world for so long, being 'foreign' or 'alien' in that respect. As well, their culture was quite different, no doubt socialistic, as well as being ruled by monarchs.

Although the U.S. appeared to be out-gunned, judging from what happened in California, the President did send in the military but the welfare of the average citizen was as much a priority as slowing the Directive's advance. He also seemed quite capable of accepting the likes of the Simeons as allies and equals. At least the Secretary of Defense had the best interests of the country in mind and would try to steer things in a better direction.

Alien Alliance

Aboard the Xian mothership, a communiqué with an ID code identifying it as Kilaak in origin sounded on the main bridge.

"Incoming transmission from the Kilaaks, Controller," one of the drone technicians announced. Ken'trus reacted with surprise but a thought suddenly occurred to him.

Maybe they somehow figured out that we sabotaged their control of King Ghidorah... He looked at the screen curiously but remained skeptical, letting it flash for a bit before finally pressing a button to open the channel. A split image showing King Karkaru and Fumio Subo appeared on the main screen.

"So... We have the respective leaders of the Kilaaks and the Nebulans. What do you want and more importantly, why should I care?" Ken'trus addressed them in a rather blasé manner.

"We are addressing the Controller of Planet X, are we not?" King Karkaru asked curtly.

"Maybe. Who wants to know?"

"We do." Fumio stared at him with inquisitive eyes, tilting his head sideways slightly.

"I am and what of it?"

"We wish to address you in regards to a mutual threat," the Nebulan explained.

"Oh really? And what might that be?"

"Gudis," Karkaru finally spoke, not really wanting to converse with a lifeform that he felt was inferior. He would be happy to let Fumio handle this rather distasteful proposal entirely.

"And what of the Gudis?"

"Regardless of our various differences, motivations or animosity, the simple fact is this: If Gudis is allowed to grow too powerful, we shall all be destroyed and all of our various plans and operations to take over the Earth will not matter."

"So your point is what exactly?"

"For just this once, we form an alliance and bring forth a combined fleet of all our ships - Nebulan, Kilaak, Xian, Mysterian and Viran to kill the Gudis once and for all," Fumio explained.

"Sounds good in theory but again: Why should the Xians align with you?" Ken'trus asked.

"If we stand by and do nothing, the Gudis will surely kill us all. Like Ghidorah, he is a planet killer. Once he slaughters everything and everyone and drains the planet of its vital resources, the Earth will be of no use to any of us.

"Now we have a chance to prevent that from happening. Never before have so many races gathered in such close proximity as we are now and no such army has ever brought the magnitude of firepower available to bear on this creature. Likewise, Gudis has never faced such a force that we know of." Ken'trus seemed lost in thought for the moment but Fumio could see that he was at least considering it.

"Maybe the Space Force Directive has its own plans to deal with the Gudis?" Ken'trus suggested.

"Perhaps so. But why take the chance that alone, you may not be strong enough to stop him? We are not. That is why we are addressing you now," Fumio said confidently. "And once Gudis has been destroyed, we go our separate ways, resume our various activities and after that... may the best species win," he concluded.

"I see... And just out of curiosity, why have you come to me?"

"Simple. The Virans are too untrusting and we know that they would never even respond to a transmission from us. And based on what we have heard about King Koban, trying to open a dialogue with that deranged maniac would be utterly pointless. I am amazed that you managed such a thing yourself. In the end, you were the logical choice," Fumio complimented the Controller.

"I am good at that, it seems," Ken'trus gloated as Karkaru rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"That, and considering the battle that took place between our various forces in Earth's orbit, we had a feeling that he would be less than... agreeable," Fumio added.

"Indeed... And with that in mind, you realize that it will not be easy for me to persuade them - should I choose to accept this proposal," Ken'trus reminded him.

"But I am sure you would succeed," Fumio smiled in assurance. Ken'trus knew that the Nebulan was just trying to butter him up, not that it mattered to him either way. After a few moments of silence, the Xian cracked a smile.

"I will present your plan to them but understand this," he started to say as his pleasant expression quickly disappeared. "If you perpetrate any kind of treachery, we WILL wipe you out," Ken'trus concluded sternly. Fumio's calm outward visage did not change as Karkaru turned away, chuckling slightly at the proceedings.

"Ah, yes... It would be the high and mighty Kilaak that would laugh off my warning, believing themselves to be greater and superior in every way to any other race in existence. So vast in numbers and power that they need not fear anything in the known universes," Ken'trus mocked sarcastically.

"Our dominance is not a matter of opinion but a simple statement of fact. My kind have existed, thrived and conquered before your race was even born, even before the planet that you call home formed amidst the stars. It is WE that other races fear, we that other so-called empires can only hope to emulate. Our history speaks for itself and the Iron Empire is the greatest in the cosmos with no equal."

"And yet, despite that superiority, here you are - groveling to me for help," Ken'trus grinned insultingly at the monarch.

"I grovel to no one, Xian!" Karkaru rumbled.

"Then why is the Nebulan doing all the talking? Is he the one calling all the shots?" Ken'trus continued his teasing.

"Do not test me, Ken'trus, or you may find that it is your own arrogance that shall be your undoing," Karkaru warned. The Controller's jovial countenance faded as the two alien leaders glared at one another, unflinching.

"Of all the races that I have encountered, I will be the first to admit that you are a force to be feared and respected... But do not suffer from the delusion for even an instant that I fear you, Kilaak!" Ken'trus boldly stated.

"Let us not bicker amongst ourselves, for such actions shall not resolve the problem that currently lies before us. Agreed?" Fumio interjected to diffuse the tense standoff. After a few moments, Ken'trus agreed, instantly changing his hate-filled stare to one of amusement. Karkaru's expression did not change.

"Excellent! Please contact us at your earliest convenience after you have reached an agreement with them," Fumio concluded with a polite smile as he shut of the feed.

"Are you insane?" King Koban shrieked in disbelief from the North Pole base.

"You know, coming from you, that sounds rather funny..." Ken'trus noted as he tilted his head sideways.

"I can not believe that you would even talk with them in the first place, let alone agree with their plan! You expect me to go along with this, especially after they massacred one of my best fleets? They cannot be trusted!"

"I am not suggesting that we do but what they say is true nonetheless. Gudis is going to become an issue sooner or later. A combined offensive now would mean less wear and tear on our forces in the long run than if we tried to take him on ourselves." Koban seemed to stew indignantly as he paced back and forth in front of the communications desk, intermittently looking back at Ken'trus and then away as he turned the idea over in his head.

"Let's say this succeeds... What will prevent them from turning on us?" Koban asked suspiciously.

"Truthfully, the forces we would each lose would be negligible when you consider the combined whole but that is only if each of us provide ships for the mission. I think we should try it." Koban paced the floor a few more times.

"Very well... But one of us needs to get in touch with the Virans and explain the situation," he finally said, stopping and turning back to the view screen.

Spirit Mothra

At the ruins of Akita, the sky was covered with a thick blanket of clouds, smoke and dust. Although it was now daytime, it was as dark as night. Mothra Virgo panted from her intense brawling with Death Ghidorah who was also exhausted from their violent fight. His necks slithered around, awaiting his enemy's next move.

Mothra managed to muster enough strength to fly into the air, despite her injuries from being smote against the ground. Death Ghidorah released a barrage of fiery gout, some of which managed to hit her, burning through her once-beautiful wings. The insect squealed in agony as she flopped back to the ground. Smoke rose from her body as Death Ghidorah advanced toward her. The Elias witnessed this and gasped nervously as they watched the demonic dragon. Even Belvera grew rigid at the sight.

"Mothra, get up and fly away!" cried Lora, gripping Moll's shoulder nervously.

"Death Ghidorah, stay away from her!" Moll shouted as she stood up on Fairy. The other Elias and the Doubijin turned toward her in surprise. "Your evil reign here has ended! Take yourself away from this planet at once, Death Ghidorah," she muttered.

"Or perhaps I should address Gudis, the creature who is actually Death Ghidorah's master. You think you can take over this planet? How arrogant of you! Arrogance will bring your demise quicker than you believe, for you underestimate the power of this planet and its lifeforms. True, you are powerful but every power has its limits and you are no doubt in that category!" Lora stared at her in amazement. She had wisdom that gave her insight into what actions to take and how to take them. The wise woman also possessed the love to protect her planet and the courage to stand up against evil and address it face to face. Moll closed her eyes and waited for an answer from the terrible infestation. She soon heard an eerie, evil voice echoing in her head.

You are brave, tiny Earth creature, but that will not allow you to defeat me! Humanity, the Elias and Mothra will fall to my power. Your untimely destruction is inevitable! Moll clenched her fists angrily at Gudis' response.

"We will resist you with every last ounce of strength we possess! We will prevail against you as we did so many millions of years ago. Do you grow old and forgetful, Gudis? Or do you ignore the fact that you can not absorb Mothra or her energy? Mothra and the Elias will stand against you! Even if we lose, we will make your victory taste as bitter as defeat!" Moll focused her concentration, attempting to listen for a response but she didn't receive one, possibly striking curiosity and doubt within the terrible mutation's heart of stone and death.

"Coward! He uses puppets and his mind control abilities to do his dirty work," she muttered sarcastically. Suddenly, everyone's attention was attracted toward the battlefield by the quaking cry of Biollante who was re-entering the confrontation. Her giant body lifted its roots and bulldozed its way toward Death Ghidorah who was turning around to watch the Earth Spirit. Out of nowhere, several tendrils gripped his legs and pulled, causing him to topple onto his side. The three-headed dragon quickly amputated the vines with his mouths and tossed their remains back at Biollante.

While this was taking place, Mothra managed to get up and grasp onto his tail. With all her might, the insect fanned her wings at amazing speed and hoisted him off the ground, swing around and throw his bulk into a mountainside. Soil and rock tumbled down and enveloped Death Ghidorah's entire body but that merely bruised and scratched him. He burst from the debris and jumped back into the fray.

To prevent Biollante from intervening, Ghidorah sent out a powerful shock wave that slammed into her. Since her roots were not embedded, it knocked her over, causing a great thud to echo across the area. Immediately, multiple blasts of energy tore into Death Ghidorah's back, causing explosions and smoke to shimmer in the air. He swung around and found Mothra diving down towards him. Instead of crashing into him, she confronted the dragon and slashed at his faces with her claws, much to his surprise. He had no idea that such strength and violence could come from an insect. Ghidorah didn't take time to think about it and bit into one of Mothra's writhing legs and tugged viciously to tear it from her body. She squealed in immense agony as greenish blood spurted from the wound. The deity could feel her body weakening exponentially but she persisted in her attack and dug her claws deep into Death Ghidorah's center face, managing to completely claw both of the eyes out and forcing him to wail in pain and hatred while backing away.

Mothra raised her bloody claws and screeched angrily, flying at Death Ghidorah who tried to retreat but could not as she placed her mandibles around one of his cranial horns and tugged at it violently. The bone gave way and shattered. More blood spouted as the wound widened. Suddenly, in one quick surge of energy, both monsters released blasts at each other simultaneously. Mothra's triple forehead beams and Death Ghidorah's trio of lava gout rays interlocked in mid-air. A great explosion erupted with such force that it threw both monsters backward several hundred meters. Even Biollante, who was behind Death Ghidorah, felt the destructive effects. The Elias and Doubijin screamed fearfully as the great shockwave hit the air and struggled to hold onto their steeds until the turbulence finally subsided.

"Where is Mothra? Is she okay?" hollered Lora as she re-seated herself on Fairy.

"Yes, she's still alive but just barely. Biollante's in pretty bad condition as well," Moll informed her.

"Death Ghidorah looks quite famished. That is a good thing, though," noted Belvera with a hint of courage in her voice. As the Elias exchanged notes about how the battle was proceeding, Zirkon turned to concentrate his gaze on the far eastern horizon. He could feel a familiar presence coming to assist Mothra and Biollante. It was no doubt Battra.

"Battra!" he cried in relief.

"He has flown all the way from America! Mothra must have called to him telepathically," Oberon added as he put his hand on Terius' shoulder with great hope in his eyes. The winged avenger slowly flew by them and hovered over Death Ghidorah's resting place before swooping down and bombarding the dragon with his prism rays. Explosions erupted and Death Ghidorah barely managed to gather enough strength to roar out in pain. Quickly, Battra slammed his body into him. As he continued to crash on top of him, Battra panted as he was very weak from his battles and rapid journey to Japan. This was just enough to allow Death Ghidorah to subdue him. The demon threw the Black Moth away from him and before Battra could retaliate, he concentrated all of his lava beams into one great energy blast. Its power was so great that Battra was completely incinerated by the intense fire and explosion. As the smoke cleared, all that remained of him were tiny particles of bright crimson energy and the lepidopteron's angry roar of retribution as it echoed out of existence. Despite the fact that Battra's body was decimated, his spirit remained as powerful as ever.

"Battra..." the Doubijin muttered in horror as they watched Death Ghidorah gloat over his victory.

"This is not the end! Did you three forget our plan?" Moll reminded them. "We have only one last resort. If this does not work, then the world is doomed." Moll and Lora stood upon Fairy and glanced at Belvera who was as grouchy as ever and remained sitting. "Belvera, we need you. I know that you hate singing but frankly, I don't care at the moment. You are part of the Elias Triangle and Mothra requires your support." Belvera groaned that she had never really sang before in her life and only hoped that it would help Mothra. As the Elias prepared to sing Mothra's song, the Doubijin joined hands and chanted Battra's name in their ancient dialect. The Elias joined hands and forming a triangle, began to sing.

Mahara Mothra

MOSURA... MOSURA...

Mosura ya Mosura

Doungan kasakuyan

Indou muu

Rusuto uiraadoa

Hamba hambamuyan

Randa banunradan

Tounjukanraa

Kasaku yaanmu!

Moll and Lora turned and smiled at Belvera who beautifully harmonized with their voices. She nodded before returning her gaze to the battlefield and courageously prepared to sing the second chorus of the song. The Elias and Doubijin were glowing so brightly that a ray of incandescence was cast upon the entire area, like a great star shining in the heavens.

Mothra's theme echoed across the sky and resonated around the world, giving hope to all who heard it. Somehow, the mysterious powers of the Elias Triangle allowed this, informing everyone that Mothra was not defeated and that she was going to once again stand against evil.

As the song faded away, Mothra rose into the air, both her and Battra's spirits flying at each other to merge. A bright light shimmered across the area, blinding Death Ghidorah's dark evil eyes. When the luminescence diminished, an entirely new Mothra stood before them with the features of Battra and Virgo. Her wings and body had darkened to a grayish-charcoal color and Mothra's usual markings, as well as some of Battra's, painted her wings. Her beautiful sapphire eyes were a peculiar purple hue. The insect's even larger body hovered above Death Ghidorah and a bright yellow energy field shimmered around her as she released a low guttural screech.

"Spirit Mothra..." whispered Moll as this new Mothra's beauty glistened in her eyes when she turned to smile at Lora who was confused but then realized that this was the new Mothra's sub-name. Hope thrilled the tiny fairies and they were confident that Death Ghidorah could now be overcome as Mothra flew high into the darkened clouds and then jolted back downward. She slammed into Death Ghidorah's body at Mach 17, which was so forceful that it flung him to the ground. This Mothra was so fast that his remaining eyes could not keep up with her. He then used the mental powers that Gudis had granted him to remain calm and sensed Mothra's presence lurking nearby. Ghidorah quickly swung around and bit into her neck and tore at her flesh. This surprised the insect as she had no idea that Death Ghidorah still had this much resistance in him.

Ever more viciously he ripped at her. Blood squirted out of her wounds and Mothra released a screech that sounded like a combination of Virgo's voice and Battra's. Instantly, energy crackled within her wings. Two electrical forms of energy streaked down and gathered into a sizzling ball in front of her face. Suddenly, a spiraling surge known as the Spirit Blast burst forth. The beam slammed into Death Ghidorah's chest with such force that it penetrated his body and came out his back. Chunks of his body and innards exploded as it sliced through. A blood-chilling squeal came from the demon as he collapsed to the ground. A great spasm of pain erupted in his body as all his organs shut down. At long last, the terrible beast that threatened the world was dead.