This is told from Krystal's point of view. I decided to try something new, and thought it came out pretty well. Please, R&R.

Chapter 11

Through the Eyes of a Krystal

I don't know how, or even why. All I know is, I seem to have seen it from somewhere else before. Jim was taking his usual evening shower, and I was waiting in his room. He was planning on lending me one of the discs that he uses on his personal data receiver, or his 'laptop', as he calls it. As I look at it, I can't help but notice that it is a more simpler versions of the ones that we normally use. But that isn't what has my attention, right now. What does have it, actually, is something rather smaller on the scale, and probably more insignificant, unless you've had it since you were a child; his Ultraman doll. I picked up the red and silver figure, feeling the plastic, seeing the paint coming off, exposing the red underneath. I know that I have seen it from somewhere before. I don't know how, but I do. Most would probably pass it off as simply dej'a vu, but I know that it is something more than that. Something, that seems to have been forgotten, is now trying to be remembered. At least, that's how I feel. I probably didn't notice him step out of the shower, or even the bathroom, since he tugged on my tail, again. I gave a yelp, and whirled. He was standing there, grinning broadly, wearing his sweat pants, and naught else. I don't know why, but he seems to find it amusing to tease me like this. I feel my face turn red from slight fury, and shout

"I told you, to not do that!" He just laughs, and puts his shirt on. I honestly don't know what it is that he is thinking, sometimes. That is, if I don't use my telepathic abilities. He goes over to his laptop, and picks up the case, labeled 'Clash of the Titans', with a picture of a man, with a sword, holding up the head of someone, or something. He says that it is based off of a popular myth on his planet. When he told me about 'Terran mythology', I became interested. He told me about Greek, Norse, and even some from, what he called, the 'Middle Ages', and 'Dark Ages'. Those seemed to be his favorites in particular; tales of knights upon charging steeds, rushing off to slay evil monsters, and protecting the helpless. Cerinia had similiar myths. Though, I haven't told him everything about them, since I don't know much about them myself. The destruction of my homeworld has left me, without much knowledge of my own world. Jim was left with a similiar fate, when Earth was met with a destruction, that was eerily similiar to Cerinia's. I have been searching for answers to Cerinia's demise, when I ran into Fox, and joined his team. I had feelings for him, and was about to express them, when Fara was introduced. I still remember the day;

We were landing on Corneria, for the first time for me, and departed Great Fox. I took in all the sights, and sounds, and thought that no place like this one could exist. All the worlds that I had been to on my travels, had rudimentary technology, thier societies being barely able to travel within thier own systems. Once I saw Corneria, however, I knew that I would think differently from now on. When we made our way from the ship, there was a family waiting for us; the Phoenixes. The youngest, Cody, ran up and embraced Fox. At first, I thought that this was his family, until I saw Fara come up to him, and kiss him. When I saw that, I felt a part of me die inside, knowing that, he and I cannot be together. We stayed at the Phoenixes, and I was outside, on the balcony, going over what all had happened. Suddenly, I felt a presence coming, turned, and saw Fox standing behind me. He stood beside me, while he gazed upward at the stars.

"They seem so limitless, the stars. When I was a kit, I wanted to explore every one of them. My father told me to go after my dream, just before he passed away. The Phoenixes encouraged me. And now I protect those very stars, while also exploring them." I turned to Fox, and I could see the slight grin on his face as he remembered his father's words, 'Never give up. Go after your dream, and follow your instincts.' I felt a little comfort, but not much. I felt all alone, again. Fox looked at me, and had a sympathetic face.

"I know that you feel alone, but you shouldn't. There's someone out there for you. You just have to find him. At least, I hope it is a 'him'," We both laughed at the little joke, and returned our gaze star ward. He put an arm around me, and said "Don't give up on love, Krystal. If all else fails, love certainly will not."

I was probably daydreaming, again. Lost in memory, for Jim was waving a hand near my face, saying "Hello, anyone home?"

I turned red again, while saying "Sorry, just reminiscing."

"Right. Well, here's the movie you wanted."

"Thank you." He handed me the case, and I took it. Our hands briefly touched, and we looked at eachother. I could feel it in him, his feelings for me. I was starting to feel for him, and it was showing in him. I wondered, if he was the one for me. But, he would often feel uncomfortable, trying to force down the feelings he has for me. He feels, that we are too different. The difference may only be skin-deep, but he feels that he could not convince others of this fact. And, as much as I'd dislike to admit it, he does have a point. Others would think that a human and a fur together would be...strange, to say the least. I believe Falco said it best, when he said that 'the parts don't even fit'. I assumed he meant that in a sexual way, and was certainly not any of his business. True, I feel for the human, but not in that way. Even I find that to be a little 'over the top', I guess the phrase would be. But even so, I do care for him. As I bid him good night, and exited his room, I couldn't help but wonder, were we really so different from eachother? I entered my room, and placed the disc, called a 'DVD', according to Jim, and proceeded to pull out a short-sleeved shirt, and shorts. I got dressed in the garments, and placed the other clothes in the hamper beside my door, which ROB will pick up, and take to the laundry room to be cleaned. I took the case, and decided to watch its contents after all, rather than save it for later, like I had planned. The 'movie' was about a young human, part man, part god, who has been tasked with saving a city, and a princess. The setting reminds me so much of Cerinia, in its simpleness, and artistry. The man, Perseus, loses the family he has known to Hades, god of the underworld. Perseus then gets captured by the city of Joppa, who have declared war against thier own gods, claiming that they are not needed anymore. It was an interesting concept, one rebelling against one's own creator. Throughout the story, Perseus learns what he is, a demigod, and chooses whether or not to accept it. Along the way, he and his friends battle fearsome monsters, even his mother's husband, who had been possessed by Hades.

I couldn't help, but think of Jim while watching this. He was essentially the same thing, except in his case, he was part Ultra, and part human. He had said that humans and Ultras are of the same race, but, still... He has fought several battles, all for the defense of Corneria. Well, some of them were, at least. I still remember when he transformed, for the first time. Wolf was planning on ravaging me, and I could sense Jim's intense need to protect me. Suddenly, that need must have triggered the transformation, and he was an 'Ultraman'. He easily defeated Wolf, and Leon. The power emanating from him was incredible, and nearly limitless. His next transformation, took place when we were attacked by a completed spyborg, beset by Wolf. I still wonder how he got his paws on one. Jim saved my life, by nearly sacrificing his own. While we all thought he was dead, he transformed and took on the spyborg and won. He was different that time, his pattern not what they were, and his eyes changed. I wonder, did I have something to do with his first transformation?

I watched the movie, reminiscing about the past, and pondering the future. Fox worries, that Jim's power will get the best of him. I tell him that this is not so. That he will not allow that to happen. I know that Fox has dealt with megalomaniacs, and power hungry beings before. I have even dealt with some myself, during and before my time with Star Fox. But, the idea of Jim turning against us, just seems so remote. He doesn't even look the type to want even more power. But, I have tried to imagine, what it would be like, if he became our enemy; Would he bring down destruction on the Lylat System, and destroy the Star Fox team? His own power seems limitless, and appears to be capable of anything. With that kind of strength, I guess being feared would feel...good. With that in mind, would I have to be the one, who will have to end his life? I try to imagine myself, pulling the trigger on Jim, but, the very idea sends shudders down my spine and tail. "I couldn't. I just couldn't..." I say to myself. I couldn't fire on a friend like that, not even with my own life thrown in the balance. The movie ended, with me not really paying attention to much of it.

'Jim, would you really turn against us? Against me?' I pray that that never happens. I turn the monitor off, and the lights, climb into bed, and try to put those fears to rest. I certainly put myself to rest, but not my fears.

I awoke to the tell-tale alarm clock going off. I did my morning routine, cleaning up, showering, etc. Dressed, I decided to return the movie to Jim. When I entered his room, what I saw hardly surprised me; he was passed out in front of his laptop, again. I shook my head in wonder, and placed the case on his desk. I looked over at the screen, and saw what it was he was doing last night; writing, per usual. I smiled to myself. It's his hobby, one that he has only confided in me. He figured that, he'd get torn into by the other members of the team, especially Falco. I read the first few paragraphs, and continued to smile. He may not be much of a poet, but he does have a certain way with words. He stirred, slightly, and I decided to leave.

Making my way to the command head, I saw Fox and Peppy working, per usual. Peppy was setting in the coordinates of the next mission, while Fox was working on the supplies inventory.

"That should be it, Fox. I wonder why General Pepper wants us to go to Macbeth?"

"More reports of suspicious U.F.O. activity. Apparently, these aren't Venomian, but they don't appear to be friendly either."

"What makes you say that?"

"They attacked a patrol cruiser, when it got too close to one. It never stood a chance."

"Then, we may be dealing with an invasion."

"Is it the same as the Keronians?" I asked. Both of them whirled, and faced me. Peppy smiled slightly, while Fox never lost his seriousness.

"I don't know. If it is, then we may be dealing with a serious problem, and not just from them."

"You mean Jim."

"You saw the way he reacted when he recognized those ships. Imagine if that had been in a populated area. He'd be placing innocent lives at risk."

"He was protecting innocent lives! Why can't you grasp the fact, that he is on our side?"

"I trust my instincts first, Krystal."

"Is that instinct that you are feeling Fox, or simply fear?" He whirled to face me. He stared, while I glared at him. He looked shocked, then angry. After forcing down an almost uncontrollable urge to strike me, he turned angrily back towards the console he was working on, grumbling to himself. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and saw Peppy look at me. He had a sympathetic smile, as if saying 'It will be alright. Don't worry.' I returned it.

"I wonder, if he'll recognize these ships as well. Heck, I wonder what all it is he does know." So do I, I think to myself.

When Macbeth was in range of our scanners, the planet was brought up on the main monitor. The team was assembled, and awaiting orders. Just then, General Pepper sent a transmission, via hologram. His image appeared before us, and gave us the briefing;

"The situation is simply this; we have picked up suspicious U.F.O. activity around, and on, Macbeth. When we sent a patrol cruiser out to investigate, the ships attacked and destroyed it without hesitation."

"Looks like they don't like company." Falco commented.

"Were you able to get a good look at the ships, general?" "As a matter of fact, the last transmission from the cruiser, was a photo of one of the attacking craft." General Pepper pressed a switch off-image, and the hologram turned from Pepper, to a strange looking craft; It was primarily saucer shaped, and had what looked like windows along the radius. It was silver, with a dark green star shaped symbol on top. I looked at Jim, who stood next to me, to see if he recognized the ship. He turned to me, and simply shrugged. Fox was also looking at him, and I don't think he bought his ignorance. The image turned back to general Pepper, who continued the briefing;

"Find out what those ships are, and if they prove to be hostile, then take them out."

"I think they're already hostile. Destroying a patrol cruiser like that-"

"Could have been a mistake." We looked over at Jim, who never took his eyes off of the general.

"What do you mean, Jim?"

"I mean, it was probably just a misunderstanding, destroying the cruiser. They, more than likely, didn't know what it was, felt threatened, and acted in self-preservation." "That's a bit of a stretch, don't you think?" Falco said.

"Tell that to the aliens, Falco."

"And while he's doing that, Jim, you could tell the families of the crewmembers who died on that ship, that the person/persons that they loved died of a stupid 'misunderstanding'!" Fox nearly shouted. I glared at him, while Jim never changed his expression.

"Well, in any case, you have your orders." When Pepper signed off, Jim turned to face Fox, smirking slightly.

"You don't trust me, do you?" he said, nonchalantly.

"I'm just wary of you. Also, you seemed to be trying to victimize the enemy."

"Like I said, it was probably a misunderstanding."

"And how would you know that? Do you know them?"

"No. That's why I said that, because I don't know what it is that we are dealing with." "Unlike last time, when you attacked the Keronians without mercy." Jim merely chuckled slightly.

"And that surprises you? Remember, I came from a world, where it is our business to weed out destructive races like that. We dealt with them before, just like I did. And if these aliens also prove to be hostile, I'll deal with them in the same fashion." What he said sent a shiver down my back, and wondered if Fox was as paranoid as I thought he was. Jim looked at all of us, appeared to scoff, then left the control head. We watched him leave, feeling a little afraid of him. I looked after him, and tried to follow him, but Fox held me by the arm.

"Let him go. He's-"

"Let go of me, Fox!" He took a step away from me.

"What you did, was uncalled for. He had a valid point, but you didn't care. You too busy feeling threatened by him, that you didn't bother to really listen to him."

"Well, can you blame Fox, Krystal? He has all that power, and I think we just got a glimpse of his true colors."

"And how do you know that, Falco? Do you have telepathic abilities, same as I do?" This shut him up, as I stared holes in him, and Fox. I left the command head, and followed after Jim. I caught up to him, as he was walking down the hallway, hands in his pockets, head down. I turned him to look at me. He had a depressed look on , and could hardly blame him.

"Are you okay?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

He shook his head, sadly, saying "What must I do, to gain thier trust, to make them see that I am on thier side." He slammed a fist against a wall, and cursed. I put an arm around his shoulders, and tried to console him. He placed his head on my shoulder, and I held him, feeling his frustration, and hopelessness. I was the only one he felt that he could trust at this point. He pulled away to look at me, and smiled slightly, saying "Thanks, for being here for me."

"I told you, when all others lose faith, I won't." I smiled at him, and he tried to return it.

In the hangar, we prepped our arwings for launch. I was busy on my own, while Jim was already inside his. He looked over at me, and grinned. When we were in space, orbiting Macbeth, we flew into the atmosphere. The planet, from what I was told, was a rich mining world, wealthy in minerals and precious ores. It was the cornerstone of the Lylat industrial economy, not to mention where they mine the precious stones, especially sapphires. The plan, was the same as the one on Zoness; a ground team will scout out the area, while three fliers provide cover. It was decided, that myself and Jim would be heading down. We landed our arwings, and headed for the settlement. The mining town called, ironically, 'Prosperity' was little more than a ghost town, its mines were already starting to run out. There were a few souls left, but not much. As Jim and I made our way through, I couldn't help but notice the tension in the air. Almost a tangible thing, it was thick, as if they were expecting something. There was hardly anyone out, and those that were, made especially sure to steer clear of us. Jim and I looked at eachother, puzzled. We entered what looked like to be a bar, and decided to snoop around. (Although, why we enter here, escapes me, since I would've preferred someplace more...civilized.) There were furs, as well as other races that I don't recognize, all conversing and drinking with eachother. Jim felt a little bit more comfortable, since it wasn't only furs that resided here. I reached out with my telepathic abilities, hoping to find some answers.

'Save your energy. Most of these guys look drunk off thier asses.' Jim communicated to me. He has a point, since most of the thoughts were either slurred, or jumbled and fragmented. Sighing in frustration, I turned to Jim.

"Then why are we here, then?"

"To find some answers." he answered, in a 'why else are we here?' tone. I shook my head, wondering if he actually thought this through. We made our way through the crowd, and sat at the bar. Jim ordered two drinks, handed me mine, and conversed with the bartender. I sipped it, and tried not to wince at the bitter flavor. I caught part of the conversation between Jim and the bartender;

"About time you guys showed up. I sent the report in over a week ago, and I'm feeling very damned nervous as it is." A military informant. The Cornerian Army had numerous such agents on the planets in the system, in different places on each one. It was considered the first line of defense against an outside aggressive force. I was hoping to hear more, when disaster struck; one of the drunken sods decided to take a fancy to me. The miner, a burly looking middle-aged bear, sat next to me, with drink in hand, on breath, and in his mind. I tried not to notice, but he made it difficult.

"Hey, lady. Lonely?" He was intoxicated, deeply. I sipped my own drink, not looking at him.

"You know, 'buurrp.', scuse me, a guy could take offense at not being noticed. Especially, when he's trying to be civil." I turned to him, a fake smile on my face.

"Sorry, but, you're not my type." I turned away from him.

"You know, that's what most women say, about men that they just met."

"I wouldn't do that, if I were you." Finally, Jim took notice of the situation. For some reason, though, he seemed to not worry.

"Mind yerown business, pardner."

"Okay, just saying."

"Sage advice." I never looked at him. However, that never stopped him.

"Hhhmmmm. Just how I like my women. Spicy." He slightly touched my tail. That, was, it! I slammed my elbow into his paunchy gut, doubling him over, and landed a solid spin-kick on his bearded face. He fell back, landed, and breaking, on a table and laid still. I eyed him, waiting for him to make a move. He was out cold.

"Just how I like my men. Silent." I say, in a silent rage. Jim was still on the stool, laughing behind his hand. I shot him a glare, but he never lost his smile. I never lost my glare, as I asked, as calmly as I could

"Can we please, get the hell out of here?"

"You have anything else for us?" Jim asked the barkeep. He simply shook his head, his eyes on the downed patron.

"Alrighty, let's go." he said, in a carefree way. We left the bar, and I was still mad. Mostly at Jim, who felt like he didn't need to intervene. True, I have learned to fight off drunkards and such, but still.

'You need me to handle all your problems, now?' he telepathically communicated.

"That's not why, at all. You could have at least done more to assess the situation than-"

"Had I thought you incapable to handle yourself, I wouldn't have let you come along. However, if you want me to protect you from everything, then I will remember that. If, you want."

"...no."

"Good. the informant told me something rather...interesting. Turns out, about a month ago, a group of miners showed up to 'replace the old crew'. Either they were new to this, or very stupid, since everyone knows that Prosperity is almost played out. Also, he said that they were all wearing the same type of metal badge. That part concerns me."

"Why is that?" I kept walking, but Jim stopped, and looked at the ground.

"What's wrong?"

"I lied."

"What?"

"On Great Fox, when General Pepper showed us that image of the spacecraft, I lied about not seeing it before."

"What do you mean?"

"Is there, someplace private that we could go to?"

We checked ourselves into a hotel, a rather run down sort of place, but that hardly mattered, as in the room, Jim talked; "I recognized the ship, instantly. I believe that we are dealing with a race, as they are known to mine, as the Shaplay. I was hoping that I could be proven wrong, but, the informant confirmed it."

"Why did you lie?"

"Because I didn't want Fox and the others to think, that I would go overboard when I did recognize them. He's already suspicious of me, and is just dying for a chance to nail me to the damned WALL!" He slammed a fist against the already cracked mirror, shattering it. He was sobbing gently. I placed an arm around him, and smiled gently, as he looked at me, through tear stained eyes. "Not everyone suspects you." He rested his head against my shoulder, and I held him gently. "Tell me more, about the Shaplay. Why would they be here?" He pulled away, and nodded.

"They're more than likely looking for the ore that gives them thier power."

"What power?"

"Shaplay have the ability to play mind games, and tricks, make people see what really isn't there. Illusions, hallucinations, etc. The ore is normally found on thier own world, but it's been mined clean. Now, they're aiming for the Lylat system. Macbeth is famous for its rich mineral deposits. They've probably been searching, from town to town, mine to mine, looking for the ore."

"What does it look like?"

"Like a pink colored ruby. You'll know, when you see it."

We were headed for the supposedly abandoned mine, when Jim stopped in front of a gift shop. His gaze was fixed on something, then he went in. I followed him in, and saw what it was that held his attention; he was holding a sample of ore, only, it looked like a pink quartz. he made his way to the clerk, asking if he knew where it was that this was found. The clerk, an elderly canine, said that the mine is full of them. They have no commercial value, so most are simply tossed aside. Jim paid the clerk, and went outside, with me following him. He was examining the rock, and I asked

"Is that it?"

"Yep. Pure Otonium."

"'Otonium'?"

"The mineral. The clerk said that the mine is full of it. That means, that the Shaplay have found the freakin' mother lode." He looked around, as if fearful of being watched. "We need to hurry, and find them before-" My communicator went off, before he could finish.

"This is Krystal."

"Krystal, Fox. How's everything going down there?" I turned to Jim, who shook his head.

'Not yet. Not until they reveal themselves.' he communicated.

"Still searching. We're going to check out the mine, then move on to the next town." "

Copy. Over and out." I turned to Jim, who smiled slightly, and nodded his head. I returned it. The mine wasn't hard to find. It was located a few hundred meters out of town.

It looked like the stereotypical mine entrance; a hole in the side of the hill, with a magnetic railing coming out, for the hover cars to carry out the rubble and ore for waiting processing machines. The machines looked ancient, as if they had not been used in years, and that was more than likely the case. The conveyor belts had years of dust on them, and the machines that they fed were covered in rust, as the cube shaped constructs sat there, dead. Then, we found them; a pile of the same type of quartz that was sold in the gift shop. Jim knelt down, and picked one up. I looked over his shoulder, and saw the stone. He looked up at me, and nodded. "These were recently mined. The Shaplay still have to be here."

"They're in the mine, still. Do we go in, or-" we heard movement, and we whirled at the sound, both of us had our weapons drawn. Then, a little girl, no more than eight to nine years of age, walked out from behind one of the machines. She was a golden retriever, and looked rather shocked at us. I smiled, and replaced my weapon as I walked over to her. Jim also placed his back. As I walked over to her, she tried to move away.

"Don't be afraid. I'm a friend."

"How do I know? How do I know that you won't give me to the monster, that's inside of the mine?"

"A monster?" Jim asked, curiously.

"Mm-hm. Lately, I've been hearing strange sounds from the mine. I told my father about it, and he went into the mine. He's been gone for two days, now. And, there's weird people down there. They say that they're miners, but they're not." she said, in a whispered tone. Just then, we heard it; It sounded like a growl of some type from the mine. All three of us looked inside it, while the girl hid behind me. Jim and I looked at eachother, while the girl shook visibly.

"Don't be afraid, we'll find your father." I tell the girl. She looked up at me, and nodded quickly. I knelt down again, and asked

"What is your name?"

"It's Tasha."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Krystal, and this is Jim. Do us a favor, and wait here for us. We will handle things here." She stood beside one of the machines, as both Jim and I entered the mine. When we were several meters in I asked "What do you think that sound was?"

"Definitely wasn't the wind."

"Do you know what it was?"

"I think so. It's probably what they're using to mine for the Otonium." "They use a monster, to mine for the mineral?" "And, as a watch-dog." When we were at least halfway into the mine(At least, that's how it felt to me), we heard voices, and saw light up ahead. We automatically drew our weapons, and moved carefully closer. We saw the 'miners'; They looked like the typical miners that would usually dig around here, wearing protective gear, and using laser drills to cut out the rock. Except, they were slightly different in one area, they all wore the same metal badge on the left breast. They spoke in an alien language, that I could not understand. But once I used my telepathic abilities, I picked up the language fairly easily.

"These foolish animals have no idea of the gold-mine that they are sitting on. The Otonium supply here is practically endless."

"We will begin the invasion process, as soon as we have enough. Then, we will take over this pathetic little system. Surprising that no one has done it yet, considering the military weakness of the inhabitants." Jim and I looked at one another, and nodded.

"Hold it, Shaplay!" Jim rushed from around the corner that we were hiding behind, with me following him. Startled, All six of the miners turned to face us, and dropped thier gear. However, thier shock was replaced by grins, as they looked at us. Puzzled we turned around, and saw a large form swing at both of us. That was the last thing I saw, before I entered a darkness that was blacker than any mine.

When I came to, I saw Jim lying next to me. I shook him awake. He groaned, held his head, and sat up.

"Ohhhh, what hit us? Where are we?" he asked groggily. We heard laughter behind us, and turned to see one of the miners standing behind us, arms folded, smiling broadly. "So, I see that your primitive military has finally sniffed us out, eh? No matter. Dead men, or women, tell no tales. Especially, without these." he smirked as he held up our communicators. He dropped them on the ground, and crushed them under his boot, sending sparks and ozone into the air. He laughed heartily at this, and turned away. "Great, now what?"

"Do you still have your brace?"

"You know I do." Jim placed the brace over his heart, but there was no flash. He tried again, still nothing. We walked forward, and bumped into something. We felt around, and felt the forcefield. The gaurd laughed again.

"Your Spacium Brace will not work here, Ultra." Jim looked at the Shaplay in disguise, and snarled.

"That's right, we know what you are, and prepared countermeasures against your transformation. Wouldn't want you to make problems for us." He turned away, and walked away from us, and sat down at a desk, propped his feet up, and relaxed. In moments, I could feel that he was asleep. Jim slumped to the ground, saying "So, now what?" Just then, Tasha came out from behind a corner. She saw us, and I motioned for her to come closer. She crept her way to us, and felt the forcefield.

"Tasha, can you find a way to turn this barrier off?"

"I don't know, I don't see any control panel."

"It's the gaurd. Get the badge off of him, and it should lose its power." Jim said. The retriever looked over at the gaurd, and nodded. She inched her way, and stopped next to the gaurd. He stirred, but did not awaken. She reached out, and, with a trembling paw, gently lifted the badge off of the gaurd. We all breathed a sigh of relief. That is, until the gaurd woke up. He grabbed Tasha by the arm, who let out a yelp of fright.

"What are you doing?" the gaurd shouted angrily.

"Tasha, THROW IT!" Jim yelled. Tasha did, right at the force field. The gaurd let out a loud "NOOO!", just as the badge exploded into sparks against the barrier, disabling it. Then, a horrible transformation took place; The gaurd was enveloped in smoke, and when it cleared, the being that stood before us was clad in a golden tunic, had a large, cone-shaped head, large compound eyes like an insect, and type of face plate with pointy ears on each side of its head. It cackled in a distorted voice.

"You think that just because you are free, you have won? We have finally obtained enough Otonium, and fed it all to our Giradorus, who now awaits for my order to destroy this pathetic little town. You are doomed, ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Tasha put her canines to good use, as she sank them into the hand of her captor. It let out a pained yell, and released the retriever. Tasha ran to us, and hid behind us. They took our weapons, but were far from helpless, as Jim rushed the Shaplay, and landed a cross into its face, knocking it back. Just as Jim was about to pounce on it, it raised his hands, as if to shield itself, and Jim's hands burst to flames. Jim was surprised, and he fell back, trying to put the flames out. The Shaplay laughed, and held out its hands, as if manipulating the flames. That's when I remembered, that Jim told me that the Shaplay were hypnotists, able to make one see things that are not there. I picked up a good-sized rock, and threw it at the alien. It struck soundly against its large head, drawing blood, and making it wail in pain. Jim recovered, and started to pound his fists against its face, until it was either unconscious, or dead. As he looked down at its prone form, the whole cavern shook, and rubble started to fall. Then, the growling could be heard. Jim turned to me, and said "Let's get the hell outta here!"

"Wait, my dad's still here! We can't just leave him here!" Jim knelt down to Tasha's eye level, and said

"Don't worry, I'll find 'im for ya." He winked, and tussled her head. He turned to me, and nodded. As Jim went further into the cavern, Tasha and I ran outside of the mine. When we looked back, what we saw erupt out of the hill, made us gasp in shock; it was huge, a gigantic, reptile-like creature with two giant limbs for legs, a red spine going down its back. It had four, bright red tusks, on either sides of its saurian-like head. It lumbered out of the hill, and made its way to the town.

"What'll we do, now?" Tasha asked. Just then, I felt a familiar sensation, and smiled,

"Don't worry, everything is well in hand." Just as I said that, a familiar red and silver shape flew out of the remains of the hill, and landed just outside of the town. Just then, Ultraman Jim was standing in front of the Giradorus, in a classic battle pose, while holding something in his hand. He looked at his hand, and set it down in the settlement. He turned his attention back on the monster, who roared at the Ultra. With a shout, Jim leapt up, and landed on top of the monster, and started to rain down blows upon it. Punch after chop after punch, Jim relentlessly pounded the beast, while it tried vainly to dislodge him off of it. Just then, the beast did something rather unexpected; its tusks started to glow, and clouds darkened the sky. Just then, a blizzard just appeared out of nowhere. However, it was focused primarily around the two combating figures. The winds and snow forced Jim off of it, and sent him tumbling to the ground. Jim got back up, but was battered by the storm. Just then, Giradorus lowered its head, and charged at Jim, like a battering ram. It slammed into Jim, sending him flying to the ground with a shout. Jim was up again, and grappled the tusks, attempting to pull them off of its head. Just then, the beast swung its head, and flung Jim away. It was up on Jim in an instant. He was trying to fight the monster off, but the storm made it difficult. I sent my hand to my chest, clutching the necklace that Jim had given me. Just then, several emerald blasts assaulted the monster, and three familiar looking arwings flew around. "The Star Fox team!" Tasha shouted. I looked at her, and nodded. I opened up my rapport with Fox.

'Fox, can you hear me?'

'Loud and clear Krystal. Can you tell me what to aim for on this thing?'

'The tusks, aim for the red flashing tusks.'

'Got it.' The three arwings, after receiving thier orders from Fox, made another pass at the beast, and let loose charged shots and nova bombs at its head. After two of the tusks were destroyed, Giradorus raised its head, and issued a pained wail. Then, Jim kicked the beast off of him, sending it tumbling to the ground. Then, Jim leapt upon it again, and started to pound it mercilessly. Then, he dragged it to its feet, and landed two solid blows to its face, sending it back down again. After dragging it to its feet again, he hoisted it up, over his head with a loud grunt. After a loud "HYAAAHHH!" he threw Giradorus to the ground. The blizzard was almost done, and the beast stumbled to its feet. Jim placed both of his hands on the edge of his warning light, then, he outstretched the left arm, and had the right hand cocked behind his head. After blue/white energy swirled around it, the energy became a saw blade of power. Jim threw it at the monster. The saw blade decapitated the monster's head cleanly, and rubies fell out of the stump that was its neck. Then, the body fell to the ground, twitched, and laid still. The clouds dissipated, and the sun shone through. Jim placed his fists upon his waist, and looked down at me and Tasha, and nodded. Tasha was laughing in joy, and said "Thank you." He looked up, and with a shout, flew up into the sky.

We made our way back into the town, and saw something that brought smiles to both of our faces; Jim was helping an older retriever, who looked at us, and shouted "Tasha!" the girl ran forward, and embraced her father. Jim looked to me, and smiled broadly.

"Good thing that he showed up. Who was he, anyway?" Tasha asked, turning to Jim.

"A friend of ours." he answered, matter-of-factly. After saying our farewells, we walked over to our own arwings, and flew back to Great Fox.

I was in my room, filling out my diary, when the chime sounded. Jim was standing in the doorway, holding the ruby that he had bought from the gift shop.

"You left this back on Macbeth. I thought that, you might want it back." He had it fashioned into an amulet, and held it in his hand. I took it, smiling slightly.

"Thank you. Do you want to come in?"

"I'd...like that." He entered, and we talked for awhile, about myths, and about eachother, ending in a kiss.