Disclaimer: I do not own Jonny Quest or any works of H.P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos. I am making no money off of this and it is purely for fun and enjoyment.

A/N: While this story is rated T, I reviewed the FF guidelines in regards to ratings when there is violence and language. There is some swearing in this chapter, but not to the point that I would change the rating. Just be warned there is 1 F-bomb.

I made a change to Chapter 25, Corbin's weapon of choice. After some discussions with someone smarter on weaponry than I, I decided to give him an HCAR versus the SAW. It has more stopping power as well not being as bulky and cumbersome as the SAW (but it is heavy). .30-06 versus 5.56...no debate...much more effective in taking out hellish creatures for the pits of hell! LOL

Chapter 26

Watching with a combined sense of fascination and horror, Phil Corbin, Captain Edwards, and Heather Farrington stood frozen in place as the Dragonfly careened down the runway, under assault by another deadly beast summoned by the daughters of Zin.

As the aircraft crashed through the fence, the explosive noise jarred the trio from their mesmerized state. Shaking his head, Phil looked at his companions, "Come on!"

Running back into the hangar, he headed for the I-1 SUV secured in the plane as Edwards hit the automatic switch and the hangar doors whirred to life.

"Get in, you're driving." Corbin told Heather as he worked to release the clamps. As the security clamps released the vehicle, he quickly grabbed a plate carrier with pouches and quickly donned the body armor.

Climbing into the driver's seat, Heather found the keys already in the ignition and started up the vehicle. Phil climbed in to the passenger seat, still carrying his rifle, taking the extra magazines from Heather, he stuffed them into his pouches. She gunned the vehicle as it sped down the ramp towards the hangar exit. Stopping only long enough to gather up Edwards, she steered the vehicle out the hangar and towards the crash site.

As the vehicle sped across the slick concrete, Phil could make out the forms of his other agents running towards the crash site. The darkened silhouette of the monster atop the Dragonfly appeared unaware or unconcerned of the approaching agents.

The faint glow of emergency lights and the wail of sirens could be heard approaching from the distance.

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"Everyone, out of the plane, now!" Race demanded as water began to seep into the Dragonfly's cockpit. Sparks ignited around the damaged control panels and a sharp crackling retort produced a small fire near the navigation panel.

Unbuckling their safety harnesses, Jonny and Hadji scrambled against the downward force that was attempting to pull the large aircraft further into the water.

"Come on, Jess!" Jonny cried, reaching for Jessie's hand, when suddenly the crashed plane shook. An eager cry emanated from outside the plane, alerting the trapped Quest team that the winged creature was still attempting to pry through the aircraft's shell.

Coughing against the increased smoke, Jessie unclasped her buckle and climbed over the chair. Grasping Jonny's outstretched hand the young man pulled her clear of the obstructions and through the cockpit door.

"Benton, let's move," Race said as the plane teetered, the nose dipping further downward into the murky pond.

Following the teens, Benton clambered past the seats, his legs churning against the rising water that was flowing inside. Race kept a hand on Benton's back, propelling the man forward while at the same time preventing him from losing his footing.

"Get in the vehicle!" Race yelled to the teens as the plane lurched again, causing Benton to slip as gravity attempted to pull the men back down.

"Hurry, dad!" Jonny encouraged as the flames within the cockpit grew.

Reaching out, Benton grasped his son's hand as Jonny pulled him up through the hatch at an increasingly awkward angle. Moments later, Race crawled out of the cockpit as well.

"Get in the truck." Race ordered. He knew it would be tricky, but as the plane continued to sink, the only option was to launch the Quest SUV out the rear of the plane. If they tried to escape on foot, the thing outside would have the advantage.

Racing through the belly of the jet, Benton snatched his satchel that held the exotic book from the floor where it had fallen during the crash. Moving as quickly as possible the team scrambled through the cargo hold and into the vehicle. As he started the engine, Race pressed the button on the overhead counsel to open the rear hatch of the plane. As the hatch cracked open, a gust of wind, rain, and hail blasted through the cargo hold.

"Hang on!" He growled as he hit another remote button to release the locking clamps that held the vehicle in place during flight. As the clamps disengaged, the SUV rolled backwards. Slamming the gear shift into Drive and punching the accelerator, Race launched the SUV forward and through the Dragonfly's hatch.

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"Look out!" Edwards bellowed from the back seat of the I-1 SUV. Seeing what the pilot saw, Heather jerked the steering wheel, while hitting the brakes, nearly avoiding a rollover as two winged demons materialized in their path. Snarling at the incoming vehicle, they swiped their sickly talons at the SUV before turning their attention towards their larger Master and the damaged plane.

Breathing heavily, Heather gripped the steering wheel as they skidded to a stop. "That was close!"

"Get to the plane and get them out of there." Phil ordered as he opened his door and stepped out.

"What the hell are you doing? You can't leave!" Heather asked with a look of disbelief.

"Get to the plane," He repeated. "We'll try to draw those things away."

"You're mad!"

"Phil, you'll be killed." Edwards stated, but didn't directly argue against the Director's decision.

"Only if they catch me," He shot back a weary smile. "Now go!" Slamming the door, he hefted the HCAR in his arms and ran off in the direction of the other I-1 agents, all the weariness, soreness, and pain from his previous injuries replaced with the surge of adrenaline.

"Damn that man!" Heather grumbled as she watched Corbin sprint off down the runway before getting the vehicle moving back towards the Dragonfly.

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The Quest SUV shot out of the back end of the Dragonfly like a dart. Accelerated by the angle of the ramp, the vehicle launched through the air before slamming down onto the earth. The tires spun against the slick grass that was coated with leaking fluids from the tail end of the half submerged plane as well as being drenched with rain water.

"Everyone okay?" Race asked as he worked to get the vehicle back under control.

Grumbles and nods answered his question. "Get us out of here, dad." Jessie pleaded as she turned her attention back towards their attacker. "Before it realizes we're out."

However, the monster let loose an earth shattering shriek as it saw the SUV speeding away. Flapping its gigantic wings, it took flight in pursuit of its prey.

The rain and sleet continued to pound down upon the besieged airport. Race strained to see as he tried to keep his attention on the road versus the thing that followed. Seeing a band of flashing lights approaching he felt his gut drop, knowing the first responders had no idea what they were about to encounter.

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Phil joined his I-1 agents as they ran towards the crash site. Legs on fire, he pushed the pain out of his mind and continued forward; the shrieks and howls as well as the distinct sound of metal being torn lose filled his ears as each stride brought them closer to the scene.

Pointing off to the right, he said, "Veer that way. We need to draw those things away from the Quests."

The other agents complied and quickly found a spot along the damaged fence line where a few old concrete building materials had been stored and set up behind the cover. As the men readied their rifles one asked, "What are those things?"

"It doesn't matter at this point," Corbin muttered as he wiped the rain from his forehead and eyes, "Just waste the fuckers."

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Race gunned the vehicle straight towards the approaching emergency response vehicles, flashing his lights to warn the approaching crews. As the SUV tore through the grass it shot out of the damaged fence line. Moments later he saw flashes of gunfire erupt from the left side of their position.

The trailing beast howled as the onslaught of fire tore into its body. Race breathed a momentary sigh of relief as he assumed his I-1 comrades had engaged the thing to draw it off.

"That thing is taking a pounding." Jonny cheered from the back seat as he watched the beast drop to the ground and turn its attention towards the new threat.

"Yeah, but can they actually kill it?" Jessie wondered, afraid for the men behind the attack.

Race didn't answer, but kept his focus on the escape. As they traversed the runway, he saw the emergency vehicles stop and form a line. The vehicle shook from a sudden impact on the roof. Keeping his hands firmly on the wheel he kept the SUV steady as the new threat slammed its claws through the roof, peeling it away as if it was nothing more than tissue paper.

Ducking beneath the razor sharp claws, the teens dropped to the cramped floor behind the front seats.

"Watch out!" Hadji said and as the smaller demon tore through the roof the young sultan withdrew another hidden Chakkar from his turban. As soon as the beast stuck its horrific face through the hole it let of out terrifying screech. Even in the constricted confines of the vehicle, Hadji was able to get enough leverage as he hurled the Chakkar at the monster. The sharpened ring slice through the side of the beast's face, causing it to scream and recoil in pain. As it fell, it grasped on to the edge of the SUV, its weight shifting the vehicle as it careened sideways.

Feeling the vehicle about to roll, Race threw the wheel in the opposite direction as the demon howled once again and let go. The wheels lifted, but smacked back down onto the pavement. Race exhaled, but just as suddenly as he had regained control, a second demon appeared and slammed into the side of the SUV. The steering wheel locked, shooting pain through Race's arms as he let go. The Quest SUV and all its occupants hurled across the runway and slammed into an oncoming security car, the impact of the sudden stoppage of velocity rattling through their bodies as both vehicles crunched together and remained still.

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"Did you see that?" Edwards asked as Heather changed directions and headed in the direction of the crashed Quest SUV.

"Yeah, we have to get them out of there." She mumbled.

"Where did it go?" Edwards asked as Heather brought the vehicle to a stop next to the twisted hulks of metal.

"Keep your eyes open." She said as they exited the vehicle and ran towards the damaged SUV. The chaos of the scene was overwhelming as terror stricken people shouted and ran. One fire truck darted forward in an attempt to extinguish the burning and smoking Dragonfly, but as it disappeared into the rain, the remaining personnel could hear its squealing tires, then a sickening crunch of metal and shattering of glass. Screams of frightened firefighters rang out, but were silenced within moments. A few of the contracted security drew their weapons and fired into the darkness where the hell-spawned creature had emerged only seconds prior before it vanished into the blackness.

A portly security guard was pulling one of his injured officers from the wreckage as others scrambled around frantically, unsure of what do as the creature vanished.

The Quest SUV was still upright. Edwards ran to the driver's door and yanking it open, grabbed Race's dazed form and pulled the big man from his seat. With the exception of some minor cuts and scratches, he only appeared to be dizzy and slightly confused.

"Are you alright?" Edwards asked as he helped Race steady himself against the vehicle.

Shaking the cobwebs from his head, Race focused on Edwards then said, "We have to get the others."

"On it, pal." Edwards replied.

Heather was working the rear driver's side door free as Benton clambered out over the driver's seat, his satchel still secured across his chest. Coming up next to the woman, Benton wedged his aching fingers in between the door jam and helped rip the door open.

Reaching inside the destroyed vehicle, Heather clasped onto the first person she could and pulled the teen out; it was Hadji. Moving him off to the side, Benton stepped forward and grabbed his other son by the arm, pulling him out. Jonny had grabbed on to Jessie's upper arm and as he exited the vehicle, she emerged from the wreck as well.

Wincing, Jessie cradled her forearm gently. "I think it's broken."

"Hang tight, Ace." Jonny said as he wrapped his arm around her for support.

"Take our vehicle." Edwards said as he ushered the shaken up Quest group towards the I-1 SUV. Heather assisted them as quickly as possible, never forgetting that the creatures that had attacked the team were still out there, lurking under the cover of darkness and the wicked storm.

As they climbed in, Edwards motioned for Heather to drive and said, "Take them back to the hangar."

"What about you?" She asked then noticed that the infamous Race Bannon had not climbed into the truck either.

"We have to go get the others." Edwards explained as he motioned for Race to commandeer one of the security vans.

"Dad?" Jessie whimpered from the back seat.

"I'll be right there, Ponchita. I promise, but we have to go get Phil and the others or else those things are going to kill them." It tore at his heart to leave her, but he knew he had to act in order to get the others out of danger. Giving Jonny a look, a silent communication between the two was exchanged and Jonny pulled Jessie close to him, wrapping his arms around the red-head, a gesture of protection and perhaps even love.

"Go. Hurry!" Edwards said and stepped out of the way for Heather to back up. As the I-1 vehicle sped back towards the hangar, the two men watched it go.

"Come on, Race." The pilot said as they ran towards the abandoned van. "Who knows where those things disappeared to?"

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Phil planted his feet, tightening his legs muscles as he fired at the creature that chased the Quests. The winged monstrosity collapsed to the ground as the hail of gunfire shot it out of the sky. The creature slammed into the earth with such force that the ground rumbled beneath its weight.

"Keep firing." He yelled as he reloaded the powerful rifle.

Even against the onslaught of the firepower, the creature rose. It turned its hideous form towards its assailants and let loose a deathly scream. The ear piercing wail assaulted Phil and his men, causing them to stop firing while attempting to cover their ears against the mind jarring onslaught.

As the group recovered, the thing flapped its leathery wings and took flight. Following the creature's path, the men raised their rifles and fired into the blackened sky. It disappeared momentarily, causing the I-1 agents to pause in their attack. A rattling boom rang forth from behind the men as the creature swooped out of the darkness and landed to their rear.

"Watch out! Behind you!" One agent yelled as the beast swung its massive clawed appendage. Ducking beneath the blow, Phil and one of the agents smacked into each other as they flattened themselves on the grass. However, another had not been fast enough. The razor sharp talon ripped into the man's torso, the momentum of the swing lifting the unfortunate agent from his feet and hurling his body into the dark.

"Run!" Phil said as he and the other man scrambled to their feet. The other two remaining agents in toe.

The creature let loose another growling sound and Phil would have sworn it was laughing at them. Heading for an abandoned storage shed along the fence line, the I-1 agents fled for their lives. The monster went airborne once again and came down behind the fleeing men. Swiping its claws downward, it contacted with a young agent, slicing into the man's shoulder and nearly severing the poor kid in two.

As they reached the shed, Phil dove behind it for cover as the last two remaining agents with him did the same. Breathing heavily, they switched out their magazines, knowing there was nowhere else to run.

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"The gunshots came from that way," Race instructed. Edwards was behind the wheel of the security van with Race riding shotgun. He had found an abandoned M4 in the van, which he currently held in the low ready position.

Edwards grunted and guided the van in that direction. As they got closer, they saw the chaotic battle unfolding before their eyes. Pushing the slow moving van beyond its limits, Edwards watched as the monster nearly sliced one of the fleeing men in half.

"This is insane." He mumbled.

Race rolled down his window then leaned out and fired at the creature. The rounds found their mark, but they appeared to have only a moderate effect on the evil being.

Barreling forward, Edwards jammed the steering wheel left, spinning the tires and giving Race a clearer shot at his mark. He saw the last three men huddled behind a tiny shack, also firing desperately at the hell spawn.

Shooting past the group, Edwards slammed on the brakes and blew the horn. Race jumped out and headed towards the rear of the van, opening the doors then turning to provide covering fire, keeping the monster at bay. The first agent sprinted towards the van while his comrades provided covering fire. As the agent reached the van he took up Race's position, allowing the bodyguard to move back to the front of the vehicle.

Phil was the next to run for the vehicle. As he reached it, he dropped to one knee, turned and also fired at the beast. As the rounds tore into its alien flesh, the creature finally appeared to be weakening.

The third and final man reached the vehicle and clambered into the back of the van. Jumping back into his seat, Race nodded at Edwards. Phil climbed in and reached back to help up his last man. As the agent jumped into the back, Phil grasped the man's forearm to steady him.

Race saw that all three men where inside. Turning to Edwards he said, "Get us out of here."

Edwards lifted his foot from the brake and hit the gas. As the vehicle pulled away, the ground convulsed as the dying creature lashed out at its fleeing prey one final time.

Corbin's eyes widened as the last man, the agent who held onto his arm cried out in agony. His body shuddered, as a massive talon pierced him from behind. The gnarled claw burst out of the man's chest, covered in blood and flesh. Phil and the other agent watched in horror as the force of the impact splattered them with their comrade's blood. Feeling the man's grip loosen, Phil instinctively reached to grab him again, but as the agent's eyes rolled in his head, his body was jerked out the back of the vehicle.

Breathing heavily, the two men watched as their buddy's body disappeared into the nothingness.

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Entering the hangar, Heather brought the SUV to a stop. Putting it in park, she asked, "Is everyone okay?"

Jessie grimaced at the pain in her injured forearm, causing Jonny to respond, "She needs medical care."

Getting out of the vehicle, Benton rushed over to assist Jessie.

"Get a med kit or something. Her arm is broken." Heather announced as one of the aircraft's crewmembers ran down the ramp of the plane to meet them. The man nodded and disappeared back into the plane.

As the rest of the group climbed out of the vehicle, Jessie frowned. As much as her arm was killing her she was more concerned about her father. "Where are they?" She asked through gritted teeth.

Peering out into the blackness, it felt like an eternity before they finally saw the headlights of the approaching van. "There!" Hadji exclaimed, pointing at the growing beams of light.

Within a matter of moments, the security van pulled in and came to a stop. Race jumped from the van and was at his daughter's side in a flash. "Ponchita, are you alright?" He asked, worry etched into every line of his handsome face.

Jessie, in an attempt to remain brave, nodded. The crewmember from the plane emerged with a field expedient splint and sling. Approaching the wounded girl he said, "I'm the flight medic, can I take a look?" Jessie nodded and the man quickly went to work on the red-head.

Edwards helped Phil and the other agent from the rear of the van. Seeing the two men covered in blood, Heather rushed over where they stood disoriented. "My god, are you alright?"

Phil blinked, his eyes distant. "It's not our blood."

Heather gasped, then wrapped her arms around his neck. At first he didn't respond, but then he slowly embraced her as well. Pushing back from her after a few moments, he gave her a slight nod, then addressed Doctor Quest, "I think we managed to kill the big one, but there's still two more out there."

"What now?" Race stepped towards the Director, concerned about his friend's mental state.

"Those things," Hadji started, "What did they want?"

Benton moved towards the I-1 men and as he opened his mouth to speak he was abruptly cut off by two more deathly wails. They came from inside the hangar.

Spinning around, searching for the source, Benton saw the devilish creatures materialize directly behind Jonny and Jessie.

"No!" He shouted as one of the beasts lashed out at the medic, slicing the stunned man's arm, causing him to stagger and trip. Clutching his wounded arm, he stared at the scene before him in disbelief.

Benton and Race both rushed forward, they were only a few steps apart from their children, but the distance felt like miles. The creatures, one behind Jonny and one behind Jessie, coiled their disgusting talons around the kids shoulders and vanished, taking the two young teens with them.

"Jessie!" Race hollered as he watched his scared and injured little girl disappear, wrapped in the clutches of the disgusting, vile spawn.

Benton felt bile rise in his throat. Race had warned him against coming here; said they'd be playing right into the Zin's hands; and Benton hadn't listened. But Race was right and now the daughters of Zin had what they desired, Jonny Quest and Jessie Bannon within their control.

His face flushed with anger, guilt, and sadness Benton turned back towards the stunned group. No one had been able to stop the creatures during the surprise ambush, it had all happened in the blink of an eye.

He looked at his son, Hadji. The young man was attempting to keep his features neutral, to appear strong, but Benton saw the boy's pain. He'd endangered this family for too long and now it had to come to an end. Wrapping the young man in his arms, Benton whispered into his ear, "Hadji, I am so sorry for all of this. I am so sorry. We will get them back. I promise you that, no matter what."

Hadji felt the tears running down his cheeks. Holding onto his adopted father for another few moments, afraid to let the man go, he replied, "Of course we will, father."

Benton released his tender grasp and looked across the faces of his allies. His own emotions reflected in each of their faces as well; anger; fear; hurt; determination; and most of all bravery.

"I'm going to get my son and Jessie back." Benton declared. "I'm going to Innsmouth to end this ongoing fight with the Zins once and for all. I cannot ask any of you to join me, but I would be grateful to have you all at my side this one last time."

Race nodded, "They have my daughter and Jonny. There was never a question of not going."

Phil sighed. He had removed his plate carrier and was wiping his dead man's blood from his face with his shirt. When he had finished he nodded to Edwards and the other agent as he helped the medic to his feet and received confirmation nods from them in return. He looked at Heather who also nodded and then looking Benton in the eyes, Phil said, "Just give us a minute to get more ammo."

Benton knew the final battle was about to begin.

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To Be Continued...