"So, the earthquakes have already happened across the world," said Zeon. "It'll be a matter of time before the four remaining signs will happen."
"So, what do we do?" asked Sam. "How do we stop Typhon and Echidna when they rise?"
"I've been preparing for their return, and I've already created a way to destroy the both of them," said Zeon.
"I've prepared a ray gun that can eliminate them, but it has to be aimed directly at the weak spots on their foreheads."
"So, where's the ray?" Cadence asked.
"In the same location where both monsters are imprisoned," Zeon answered. "But first, I need to collect four items to power the ray, and they're all under Troop supervision."
"So, we'll just inform the Troops who have these items that we need them, and I'm sure they'll have them delivered to us," said Cadence.
"No, I need to collect these items personally so that I can properly prepare them," said Zeon.
"Okay, we'll go with you," said Fred. "You may need as much help as you can get."
"Thanks, I appreciate that," Zeon said.
"So, where do we need to go and what items do we need?" Jacob asked.
"First, we need to go to San Diego to collect a rare gemstone known as the 'true colors gem'."
"Next, we must go to Japan to collect an antler from Monster 882, a Ceryneian Hind."
"Third, we must go to the Himalayas to retrieve a vile of dragon's blood."
"And finally, we have to go to Area 51 for a canister of X-95 Monstrumium."
"We've got a full shopping list," said Fred. "So, let's go save the world."
They then heard a loud crash coming from the weapons room and realized the containment chest that contained the reptiliape was empty; it must've escaped when the earthquakes were happening.
"Right after we take care of this problem."
The next day, the Lakewood Troop along with Cadence and Zeon were on a plane to San Diego to retrieve the true colors gem.
The plane landed, the Troop left the airport, and they rented a car.
"So, where's the true colors gem?" Sam asked from the back seat.
"According to what I picked up from Troop International," said Cadence, who was driving. "It's currently being held in a Troop storage facility."
"Storage facility?" Fred asked from the back seat.
"It's where they keep ancient artifacts that show monsters or are monster-related," said Zeon in the passenger's seat. "The one in San Diego is one of the most highly secured."
"So, where is this facility located?" Fred asked.
"Directly underneath the San Diego convention center," said Jacob.
"Isn't that where they are holding the annual 2037 San Diego Comic-Con?" asked Sam.
"Yes, and it's going to be tough getting through the large crowd of people," said Cadence.
"So, Zeon, can you tell us a little bit about the gem?" Sam asked.
"Sure, in 1964, a member of the Berlin Troop found a mysterious gemstone next to a portal," Zeon explains. "He assumed it might've come from the monster world but wasn't very sure."
"Troop scientists were unable to confirm what kind of gemstone it was until one day a locht broke into the labs disguised as a human."
"When the locht came close to the gem, it changed back into its true form without trying to."
"After that, Troop scientists have been experimenting on other monsters that can shapeshift, and every single one of them uncontrollably changed back into their true forms when they came into contact with the gemstone."
"How is that even possible?" Jacob asked.
"I don't know," said Zeon. "Even I wasn't aware of the gemstone's existence or its peculiar properties."
"That gemstone seems like a good idea to find monsters who can blend in amongst humans, so why not use it very often?" Fred asked.
"Because you'd never know where those kinds of monsters will turn up and could cause immediate panic if the gemstone fell into the wrong hands," said Zeon. "So, they felt it was best to keep it locked away."
"So, what do we do when we get to the convention center?" Jacob asked.
"I was given instructions on what we need to do when we get there," said Cadence. "All we have to do is find a janitor named Stan; he works undercover for the Troop and will take us down to the storage facility."
They came to the convention center where they saw people walking in through the front doors.
They walked up to the doors, but then something happened with Cadence; her left arm was changing.
Zeon and the troop pulled her behind a bush, and she fully became her monster form.
"What's going on?" Cadence said.
"It must be the true colors gem," said Zeon. "Its mysterious properties must've grown so powerful that it's causing you to uncontrollably become your monster form at this range."
"Maybe so that you won't cause any panic," said Jacob. "Just wait outside and far enough from this…"
He was suddenly interrupted by some gasping sounds.
When they turned around, three teenagers were standing there and dressed up in comic book superhero costumes.
"Wow, cool blood thrasher costume," one of the teenagers said.
"Blood thrasher costume," the Troop said at the same time.
"Yeah, from The Jakenator comics," another teen said.
"Wait, Jakenator," said Cadence. "As in Jake Collins."
"Yeah, he's here for the comic con," the third teen said. "We're going to go meet him."
The three teenagers left, and Cadence and Zeon were shocked.
"Jake's here," said Zeon.
"Jake Collins, as in the same Jake Collins who fought in the same Troop in 2009," said Jacob.
"Yes, because no one else would create a comic about someone who fights monsters and calls himself Jakenator," said Cadence.
"Well, I like his comics," Fred said. "They help me come up with good ways to capture or kill monsters."
"Maybe, we could pay him a visit," Sam suggested.
"I'm not sure," said Cadence. "We do have to retrieve the true colors gem before any more of the signs of Typhon and Echidna's return."
"Cadence, I do want to prevent both monsters from destroying this world," said Zeon. "But we haven't seen Jake in almost twenty-four years; it wouldn't hurt to go meet him again."
Cadence thought for a few seconds. "Okay, what the heck."