Rushing at Makino I leapt high into the air and slammed my fist into his face before quickly dodging a blow for my face. Still glowing I stopped running and aiming at Makino I unleashed twin blasts of Turbo energy that knocked Makino to his knees but he got straight back up and came after me.
"Any ideas?" I asked Shock as I ran for my life. Quickly changing to Speed Mode I continued running and that's when I hit a dead-end. "Oh no." I muttered as I turned around and saw Makino gaining on me.
"Keep running." Was Shock suggestion and fighting the urge to roll my eyes at that I instead began firing at Makino. Which to my amazement had absolutely no effect this time, and I was knocked off my feet and sent flying by his fists. Somehow I managed to land on my feet and dodge his next punch and as I did his two Ultralink 'bodyguards' attacked me too. Thankfully Max Steel and Ven Ghan finally showed up.
"Need a hand?" Max said as he used Strength Mode on one of the Ultralink monster while Ven Ghan teleported behind the second one and attacked it with his sword. Watching on for a moment I was grateful for the assist…until I realized that left me with Makino and I cringed slightly.
"Not you again." I muttered before switching to Knight mode and attacking Makino head on. To my surprise he held up his hand and I stopped confused as he spoke to us.
"You are Ultralinked to this human. Why did you choose this?" He asked and I realized that he was speaking to Shock.
"Jessie's my partner, friend and even family and I'd never desert her. We look out for one another and we saved each other from dying countless times. She's taught me that she'd risk her life to protect those she cares about and I value that. Now you want to take that away from me and I won't let you." Shook told him and Makino's eyes narrowed in anger.
"I'll fight you to my last breath. You're a murderer of countless worlds and people who did nothing to you. So I'll make a stand to stop you…even if it costs me my life I'll make sure you never hurt anyone ever again!" I shouted as I remembered my parents and what it cost them to try and keep Earth safe from this monster. "This ends now!" I roared before I rushed forward but I didn't get fair when something hit me and I stumbled in midstep.
"Jessie!" Shock yelled into my head as I whimpered in pain, my mode instantly changing back to my Base Suit. "Keep fighting!" As I lifted my head I realized that Dredd had fired the shot and my eyes narrowed. With a growl I shot forward and rushed after him, furious at him for shooting me and that's when I made a mistake. Coming seemingly out of nowhere I was blindsided by Naught who slammed his arm into my side and I toppled over. My head slamming into the ground at high speed made me see stars even with my helmet and I groaned as I felt someone grab my arm and throw me, my head connecting with the canyon floor with a sickening crack. Dazed I felt unconsciousness threatening and it took all the willpower I had to stay awake though I couldn't stand for some reason. Soon it became clear why when I saw one of the many Ultralinked monsters standing on my legs preventing me from getting to my feet. As I lay there helpless Makino approached and stood over me, his shadow covering my body as I struggled.
"To think that you are one of Earth's saviors and yet you're now completely helpless in a manner of minutes. Pitiful." He said as he looked down at me for a few seconds before he turned to the monster holding me down. "Destroy her. Then get rid of Max Steel and Ven Ghan." He told it as he went to walk away and the Ultralink monster grinned down at me before lifting its claw to strike down. Seconds before he could C.Y.T.R.O slammed into it and knocked it into the ground. Quickly helping me to my feet C.Y.T.R.O the proceeded to pummel it into the ground. Now standing, and swaying a little, I went after Makino who turned and stared at me.
"Why aren't you…?" He began to say before I slammed my leg into his and he grimaced though he stayed on his feet. "How did you get free? What are you?" He asked as I grinned at him.
"I'm the one who's going to kick your butt. That's who." I answered as I heard Shock speak into my head. "Huh? Okay then let's try that. Let's rock Stealth." I said and before everyone's eyes I vanished. To my amusement Makino's eyes went wide for a moment before he ordered his Ultralink soldiers to track me down and destroy me. If you can catch me of course, I thought to myself. Taking off in a sprint I knocked down several Ultralink monsters by leaping and either kicking out or punching them. As one toppled over I was already knocking down the next and Berto watched on from the safety of Jefferson's Jump Jet, silently cheering me on.
"That is one amazing girlfriend you have there." Jefferson commented as he opened fire on the Ultralinks I'd stunned. Grinning Berto decided to help out as well and sent C.Y.T.R.O into several Ultralink monsters who were standing, shocked that someone was in their midst undetected. Before they had time to react they were knocked flying by the robot and then C.Y.T.R.O fired a series of missiles at them to finish them off.
"That's for sure." He commented as he watched me attack Makino again who had no clue where I was. As I moved within striking range I began to charge up my Turbo energy and that's when Shock called out a warning. In my hurry to finish off Makino as fast as possible I forgot for a moment that my Turbo energy would give away my location and I was right when I felt and not saw a fist slam into my face and I hit the ground, Stealth mode instantly becoming Base Mode the second I landed on the canyon floor.
"Brute force isn't going to work. We need a new plan." Shock said as I managed to stand and I glared at Makino.
"I'm open to a suggestion." I replied as Makino got closer and that's when Max Steel called out. "What did he say?" I then figured it out and just moved quickly out of his path as Max used Turbo Cannon to slam into Makino. Seeing him go flying was pretty amusing and I stood there for until Ven Ghan teleported next to me and I jumped. "Whoa! Please don't that again." I gasped and he eyed me for a moment.
"We need to defeat Makino. Otherwise this planet is done for." He told me before vanishing again and I rolled my eyes before running after him and Max.
"He's just a bright ray of sunshine isn't he?" I remarked as he appeared behind Makino and leapt into the air, kicking out as he fired his gun at the alien. "Still I guess he is right. How should we beat him? Strength or maybe Knight Mode again?" I asked him and Shock detached thinking.
"Or maybe something we haven't tried yet. I've been working with Berto on a new mode but it hasn't been tested yet." Shock told me and I asked what it did. "Well…it might be the key to beating Makino but like I said its untested. And it could be dangerous."
"Just how dangerous?" I asked him with a raised eyebrow and he explained that it could prove fatal for the user even if it worked. "No offence but what good is a mode that destroys the user?"
"Like I said it could be dangerous. We really don't know though it could stop Makino. So the decision's up to you and you alone. You know I'll go with you no matter what you decide." Shock told me and I sighed. Taking a deep breath and letting it out I grinned.
"Let's rock," I said and he laughed as he linked with me again and after a moment's hesitation I ran at Makino. Along the way I called out my new Mode and as I ran a brilliant green light surrounded me and when I emerged I was in a whole new Turbo mode. "Valkyrie Mode!"
This time I found myself wearing a helmet with a set of wings attached, a long green and white dress and I was carrying a small sword with a shield that had Shock's outline dead center. Grinning I kept running and as I caught up with my three friends they stopped and stared.
"Is that…Jessie?" Steel asked and Max couldn't believe that I was running as fast as my Speed Mode. As I reached Makino I lunged forward and slammed my sword into his face quickly followed by my shield. No matter how powerful he is I knew he needed to be stopped or we were finished so I didn't give him a second to fight back.
"You!" He yelled before he attacked and I was shocked to discover just how powerful he was when he unleashed a wave of energy that threw me into the air. But I wasn't about to go down without a fight and I twisted in midair before landed and rushing him again. As I did he growled and raised his arms which caused several Ultralinks to attack us and I had to divide my attention to them or risk them taking over me. Detaching quickly Shock linked with my sword and the blade glowed with my Turbo energy before I leapt high into the air and attack each Ultralink as it tried to take control of us. In less than a minute they were all destroyed but Makino launched wave after wave of them on us and within a few minutes of fighting I began to tire and as I stood panting two Ultralinks shot towards me. Breathing hard I didn't see them in time and as they were about to collide with me…they suddenly vanished. Seconds before they hit Ven Ghan threw a containment capsule at them and they disappeared, reappearing in front of the Ultralink hunter who cut them down. Calling out a thank you I turned to Makino who was glaring at me in fury and that's when he attacked me. Throwing everything I had at him I still found myself lacking in power when he grabbed me and threw me. I managed to land on my feet but I lost my sword in the process and Shock detached as it was sent flying and as he headed for me I was stuck in Valkyrie mode. With only my shield as a weapon I ended up having to go on the defensive which didn't suit me at all and soon even that was knocked out of my hands before he threw a punch that knocked me to my knees. Off balance I was kicked and I let out a cry of pain before hunching over and he laughed as he kicked me again and again. Furious Max Steel raced to my rescue as I now lay on the ground covering my head with my hands to protect it as best I could. But even that proved futile when he stomped on my helmet and it vanished leaving me in Base Mode. Pain radiating through me I somehow managed to roll away from him and stumble to my feet as Max Steel used Turbo Cannon Mode to knock Makino away from me and as he did Ven Ghan teleported over to me. Grabbing my arm he teleported us a safe distance away as Max Steel and Makino clashed. Trying not to cry I saw Shock flew over and quickly link with me.
"Are you okay?" He asked and I gasped barely able to stay on my feet. Disconnecting he eyed me worried before bringing up an image of my vitals and after a moment he stared at me. "You have a head injury and possible internal bleeding. You have to stop fighting now." He told me and he blinked when I shook my head and started to walk towards Max Steel. Flying into my line of sight he put his arms out and rested them on my shoulders. "Did you hear what I just said?" He asked me and I shook him off. "If you fight now you might not make it. You need urgent medical treatment so you're out of the fight." He told me and I made my helmet vanished.
"I heard you and I'm still not going to stop fighting. He's the reason I'm an orphan and he's destroyed so many lives so he can't win. Let me go." I said as I frowned at him and Shock looked into my eyes for a long moment before he nodded and linked with me. "So are you with me?" I asked him and he sighed.
"Now and forever." Shock said and I smiled despite the pain flowing through me. As I began to walk towards the battle I didn't let on just how bad I was hurt and along the way I winced with every step. Every time I stumbled I fought the urge to cry out by gritting my teeth and when the pain got bad enough I bit my lip until I ended up making it bleed. But still I kept going as Max Steel was thrown into the canyon wall and back into Base Mode. I hurried then and as I did I saw Ven Ghan vanish from the battlefield before appearing behind Makino ready to launch an attack and that's when I realized Makino was already ready for that when he lashed out, striking Ven Ghan in the face and knocking his sword away. I saw the Ultralink hunter hit the ground several feet away and when he didn't move I felt my anger start to build up inside me. As it did my eyes began to glow green as my Turbo energy began to rage out of control inside me and I heard Shock tell me to stop. Normally I'd listen and attempt to calm myself down but after witnessing Makino start kicking an unconscious Ven Ghan I growled and suddenly rushed for the villain. When he finally looked up he saw me running full pelt towards him and that's when I yelled at him to leave my friends along. Just as I collided with him my Turbo energy suddenly flared out of control and I cried out as it engulfed the three of us. There was a brilliant burst of emerald-green light and then a massive explosion that ripped the ground underneath us to shreds and knocked everyone on the ground off their feet. Then when the dust settled there was an eerie silence as everyone tried to work out exactly what had happened in the last few seconds. Max Steel managed to stand and he quickly hurried over to Ven Ghan and helped him to his feet. Eventually the Ultralink hunter regained consciousness and was able to stand, even if he was a little shaky. As everyone looked on they realized to their relief that Makino had vanished and when no trace of him could be found everyone started to cheer. As they did Jefferson landed his Jump Jet and walked out onto the battlefield and he was soon followed by Berto who couldn't believe that they had finally destroyed Makino.
"I can't believe it. He's gone without a trace. You did it Jessie…Jessie? Shock?" He asked and when he received no answer he began to worry and after running over to Max Steel he asked where she was.
"I dunno. She was here a few minutes ago. Right up until…oh boy. I think she's gone." Max said as Steel detached and when Berto stared at him in confusion he sighed and put a hand on the young scientist's shoulder. "No one could have survived that. You gave her life to stop Makino and save us." Berto just stared at him before his face clouded and he shook off.
"I don't believe you. I'm going to find her." He growled and took off before anyone could stop him. Not giving up he went looking all over for his girlfriend and as he searched he saw his friends cheering and he frowned at them. "How can they be celebrating when Jessie's missing?" He muttered as he kept searching but after several minutes he saw Forge wave him over. Frustrated he still hurried over to see what the Commander wanted and as he got closer he saw Forge had a pained expression on his face and that started to make Berto panic. It wasn't until he reached Forge that he noticed the Commander was holding something in his cybernetic hand. "What's going on? Did you find Jessie?" Berto asked and his commander sighed before opening his hand and Berto's heart skipped a beat when he saw the black and green ring sitting on his open palm.
"This is all we could find. I'm sorry Berto." Forge told him as he went to hand the ring to the scientist only to be caught off guard by the angry look in Berto's eyes who stepped back.
"She's not dead! I'm going to find her and you can't stop me." He yelled and before Forge could react he whirled around and hurried away, fighting to keep the tears out of his eyes. As he hurried away he decided to start searching the area around where his girlfriend had vanished and as he did he saw the scorch marks in the dirt underneath his feet and he cringed. Unsure what to say or do for him his friends stayed behind after everyone else had returned to N-Tek and as the hours went by Berto began to give up hope of finding any trace of his girlfriend. Eventually he stopped searching three hours later and when he did he stared up at the sky, his expression unreadable.
"I didn't even get to say goodbye." He whispered and for a few seconds he was completely silent. Then everyone jumped when he opened his mouth and let out a scream. Instantly his friends came running as he began to sob and after they caught up with him they looked at one another, wanting to help but not sure how. It wasn't until Molly showed up and saw her friend sobbing that she stepped forward and pulled the young scientist into a hug. After a moment he wrapped his arms around Molly and buried his face into her shoulder as he cried out for his lost friend. Standing around his friends silently mourned the loss but Berto took it the hardest and it proved difficult to get him to come back to N-Tek as he refused to believe that Jessie was gone forever. Eventually he stopped crying and seemingly withdrew from everyone around him.
"We should go." Molly said to him and when Berto didn't answer she sighed and tried to get him to talk to his friends. But he'd stopped listening to everyone and wandered away from the group leaving them confused. "Just give him a few minutes then we'll get him to come back with us." Molly said as they watched him wander off.
As they waited Berto wandered aimlessly around the site of Makino's demise and apparently Jessie and Shock's as well and as he began to find no trace of her he felt fresh tears threatening and he wiped at his eyes. Soon he sighed and was almost going to return to the group when he heard something and that made him frown slightly. Listening closely he heard the noise again and it took him a moment or two to figure out where it was coming from. Wandering around for a while he heard it a third time and he suddenly brightened and took off at a full on sprint, leaving his friends to chase after him.
"Where's he going?" Steel asked as he flew beside his friends and Max shrugged, equally as puzzled. Then as they finally caught up with Berto they found him kneeling beside something and that's when they discovered that it was Jessie. Lying motionless on the canyon floor and with Shock hovering over her, Jessie lay beside a relieved Berto. Hurrying over Kat quickly checked her over and was shocked to discover that the Turbo user was alive if very weak.
"We need to get her back to N-Tek as fast as possible." She told her friends and Ven Ghan stepped forward offering to take there. Using one of his containment capsules he lifted Jessie over his shoulder and vanished in an instant. Racing for their vehicles everyone rushed back to N-Tek and within the hour they were waiting outside the Medical Bay as doctors worked on keeping me alive. Feeling helpless Berto paced outside the room as the hours tickled by and it wasn't until several hours had passed when Doctor Alexander finally emerged and Berto almost ran into him in his haste to find out if Jessie was still alive.
"How is she?" Max asked as Berto watched on and after a moment the doctor finally spoke.
"She's alive but it was touch and go for a while. Her heart stopped twice and she had to be put on a ventilator to help her breathe but she's alive and that's the main thing. If there's any improvement I'll call you straight away." He told her friends. Seeing Berto's face go completely pale Max stepped forward and managed to catch the scientist before he hit the floor. In the end he ended up in the Medical Room after he fainted and they left him to rest in the Medical Bay as well. After the battle everyone was exhausted and so Commander Forge 'ordered' them to get some rest and come back in a day's time and after they all left he sighed. "I still can't believe that Makino's finally gone for good. I just wish that Jessie hadn't almost perished in the process. I hope she'll be okay. We've all lost so much in this war." He said out aloud as he glanced down at his cybernetic arm before walking back to his office. Meanwhile back in the Medical Bay Shock flew over to his friend and looked down at her pale face then at the machine keeping her alive. With a sigh he then hovered over Berto who groaned in his sleep, still out cold from the shock of learning his friend had survived.
"That…well I can't believe we're still here. If you hadn't managed to use Turbo Flare at the last possible moment we wouldn't be here. That Turbo energy shield saved us both and destroyed Makino at the same time. But when we landed on the ground…you collapsed and I thought…you had died. For real this time and…I don't know what I would have done. I mean I know I would have eventually shut down but…to lose my friend and the only family I've ever known. But you're still here…heh we're still here and Earth's safe so in the end we stopped him." Shock said before he yawned. "Wow that battle took it out of me. Maybe I'll just rest for a while." He said and linked with Jessie. "Night guys." He mumbled as he closed his eye.