I WANT OUT!" The ghost woman shouted purple energy surrounding her as she jerked forward getting in Wes's face causing the boy to jump back in fear. Fortunately the chains had reached their limit and instantly pulled the specter back to the wall. The ghost grit her teeth as she tried to resist but it was futile and she was back up against the wall huffing and growling. At the time Wes was slowly getting to his feet as he looked around. "So this is a prison?" He asked looking for any sign of guards rushing into the room.

The woman despite herself let out a huff. "No this isn't a a prison, not intentionally at least." She corrected while muttering the last part bitterly. Wes felt relief rush through him. "Thank goodness." He muttered in relief before glancing around than room "Bt than where-?" He muttered as his eyes drifted from the room to his now blank wist to finally the woman who gaze now held annoyance.

"Come child you know where we are." She muttered with a roll of her eyes. "Just acknowledge it already so we can move on." She snapped impatiently. Wes let out a breath as he conceded the point. "So if we're in the Ulitimatrix then does that make you the-?" He asked only to be interrupted. "The Ectnourite DNA source yes." She confirmed satisfied that they were moving on.

However Wes wasn't ready to move topics just yet. "And if you're the source for Ghostfreak's DNA then that means all the other transformations are-!" The ghost woman interrupted by lunging forward causing the boy to yelp. "Be silent and listen boy!" She hissed causing Wes's mouth to clamp shut.

"Good. Now to your point, no I am the only one who's in a circumstance. The only one trapped here." She confirmed with bitterness once more growing in her tone. The guilt that had been building washed away only for confusion to replace it. "Well if that's the case then why are you trapped here?" Wes asked the obvious question and the ghost woman satisfied that they were changing topics answered.

"An Ectonurite's consciousness exists even in a single strand of DNA meaning having my DNA scanned a copy was created" She explained before her eyes narrowed. "Or at least that's what should have happened." She hissed causing Wes to tilt his head. "Supposed to happen?" He reappeared as the Anur native grit her teeth.

"Intention is a massive part of it and whoever it was who responsible for collecting the Ectonorite clearly didn't know that!" She roared as energy flowed off her with such force that Wes was forced back. "Had they come to me and asked for a DNA sample than while copy of me would have been created it would have remained dormant and in stasis permanently." She explained with Wes nodding. "But I'm guessing that's not what happened." Wes muttered.

"Indeed. I still don't know entirely what happened. All I recall is a purple flash and the next thing I know I'm chained to a wall very similar to this one." She explained as rage was once more building in her voice. "Years and years I spent trapped in that tiny little box!" She spat. "Struggling in vain to regain my freedom only to be meet with the mocking clanking of the chains!" She ranted sounding more and more deranged.

Wes step by step was slowly approaching her as she continued. "No matter what I tired I was meet with failure after failure!" She continued to rant. "There was a moment when I thought escape was possible." She admitted. "For just a few moments they entire world went dark and the chains holding be disappeared. After untold ages I was finally free and I was in shock." She explained before scowling while clenching her fist so hard Wes could hear the bones start to crack.

"That proved to be my undoing for after those few seconds of shock the chains returned tighter than ever. So tight that I lost consciousness!" She mumbled her tone becoming more and more bitter. "And when I awoke I was here chained to the wall in this new cell. I've been trapped here ever since. Unable to do anything but struggle here in vain. Not even able to lose consciousness and dream, Just lay here against the wall year after year." She finished her tone losing a lot of its edge and leaving the alien sounding hollow and broken.

Wes's heart broke hearing such a thing. Here was a life that was being held in isolated solitary confident simply because of someone else's ignorance or lack of care. It honestly made Wes's blood boil at whoever was careless enough to do such a sloppy job.

"C-can I ask a question?" Wes asked hesitantly with the Ectnourite scoffing but nodding. "Why is this the first time you called me here? Why not bring me here the first time I fell asleep after getting the watch?" He asked the first question that came to his mind. The ghost's woman's face sneered. "Believe me it's not for a lack of trying." She swore as she glanced at her constraints.

"As bad as these look they were worse before. I couldn't even move from the wall until recently." She explained to the young man. "Well than what changed Ms...." Wes trailed off unsure what to call the ghost in front of him. "Zs'Skayr" The now named Zs'skayr bluntly told him. "As for what changed, well that's rather obvious." She told him and after a few moments it clicked in Wes's mind.

"Ghostfreak." Wes muttered out loud only to clamp his hands over his mouth and look towards Zs'skayr fearful of her reaction. To his relief she either didn't notice or simple didn't care as she just continued. "Indeed, You're use of the Ectonurite DNA loosened some of my restraints allowing me to drag you here. As well as communicate with you albeit very briefly and hazy." She explained with a memory flashing through Wes's mind.

'..t .e .u. ..l.... m.'

"Which brings us here." Zs'skayr said raising a hand. "Wes Finix, you claim you want to help and save people. If that's the case then help me by sitting me free." Zs'skayr ordered. "Break my chains and let me roam free again." She challenged and Wes hummed with a nod. "Of course I will." He promised before looking unsure. "But from the sounds of it using Ghostfreak is what lessened the chains but could it really be that simple?" The boy asked. "Perhaps, perhaps not. But it's the best we've got for the moment." She reminded him to which he could only nod.

"Alright but it's not like I can go GhostFreak all the time nor can I use him every time I need to go alien." Wes reminded her with Zs'skayr nodding in understanding. "A fair point. Besides I have preparations of my own to complete only I gain enough freedom to move about in here." The ectnorite told him.

Wes raised an eyebrow at this but decided to leave it alone for now. "Now our time is nearly up but I would like to give you an advanced payment for your side of the deal." Zs'skayr informed Wes who blinked confused. "Payment?" He questioned. "How else am I to ensure you will actually release me?" She questioned and while Wes wanted to argue that she could trust him he thought better at the moment knowing it would fall on deaf ears.

"Despite being chained to his wall I have figured out a few things. So here is my proposal. Upon my release I will unlock several DNA signatures from the Anur system." She offered and Wes's mouth hung opened. "Really?" He questioned and Zs'skayr nodded. "That is the system I am originally from and given what little I observed of you I'm guessing such an offer is intriguing to you." She informed and she was correct.

As much as Wes wanted to deny it he was really excited for this. Horror was one of the things he loved in this world and to be able to use different horror themed aliens sounded beyond amazing. "Alright." Wes caved as he raised his hands. "You've got a deal Zs'skayr." He agreed causing a frightening smile to cross her face as she placed a hand against the wall.

"Excellent!" She hissed as a beam of energy shot into through the wall as a bright light covered the room. "Remember your promise little human and you'll be greatly rewarded, fail and well you won't like the results!" She wanted as a farewell as the room was engulfed in light as the distinct sound of the watch activating echoed in the distance.

Line Break.

BAM

Wes groaned he rubbed the side of his head. "What just happened?" He muttered. "Was that all a dream or-.""Wes." Hearing Max's voice caused Wes to turn and see the old man standing there, plumber rifle in hand with the girls standing behind him. Gwen looked absolutely terrified while Lucy's eyes were sparkling." "Wes, are you oaky?" He asked gently but still had the gun in his hands.

"What happened?" Wes asked tilting his head trying to make sense of everything. "What happened?!" Gwen shrieked. "You were asleep and suddenly transformed into this horrifying monster!" She cried only to be interrupted by Lucy. "It was so cool! Giant head, skeletal looking body and this awesome looking tail!" She squealed only for Max to stop her. "That's enough Lucy." He told her before looking at Wes. "You did give us a fright Kiddo, any idea what happened?" He asked and Wes signed and nod. "Yeah but it's a bit of a story." He warned before explaining everything that just happened.

Max listened in silence while Lucy and Gwen commented every so often. When he was done Wes looked to Max. "After that I woke up on the floor." He finished his story with Max nodding. "That's quite the tale." He muttered and Wes chuckled. "You're telling me." He agreed. "Listen Mr.Max I don't know what kind of experience you have with Ectonurites but I've got to help her. I can't let Zs'skayr just suffer like that if there's a way to help her." Wes announced to the older man.

To his surprise Max nodded. "Agreed. It's tragic what happened to her and if there's a chance to help her we've got to do it." Max told the kid. "But remember Wes, the Anur system is never straightforward and neither are the ones who live there. Stay on guard when you're dealing with her." Max warned with Wes nodding in understanding.

"Now than kids back to bed." Max instructed as everyone slowly made back to their bunks. However before Wes could fully lay down Lucy popped down from the bunk she was sharing with Gwen.. "So we're going to be trying out that new alien tomorrow right?" She asked with Wes laughing unsure. "Maybe, it's been a long day." He told the Lenopan who pouted.

"Boo." She said. "Can we at least get its name?" She asked and Wes nodded. "That I can do." He muttered as he activated the dial and and began to turn it until he found the new icon. "Here it is." He told the alien girl who was squirming and ignoring Gwen's groans. "What is it? What is it?" She questioned as Wes pulled up the information on the alien "Says here." He muttered before looking at Lucy.

"Xenomorph."

Line break.

"Now this is the life." Wes muttered one night as he floated in the lake. They had arrived at their campsite early that morning and after setting up camp Max decided to continue their training by starting their naval combat skills. The training was harsh always and now the kids were taking their chance to relax. "You can say that again!" Lucy shouted as she jumped off the dock and into the water causing a large splash. Wes ignored he spray easily enough but Gwen the only one not in her swimsuit jumped out of the way.

"Hey, watch it airhead!" Gwen shouted as she scowled at the blonde who resurfaced. "Oh golly gosh! Did you get wet near a lake dearest Gwendolyn?! I am ever so sorry!" Lucy exclaimed in the most over exaggerated way she could before her face went flat. "Seriously nerd, it's a lake what were you expecting?" Lucy asked rolling her eyes which only seemed to annoy the orange haired girl more.

"Well how about you quiet down so you don't disturb the other campers?" Gwen questioned the sludge girl further annoying her. "Oh you mean the ones that are also partying and enjoying the lake?" Lucy shot back while gesturing wither her arm to the other campers who were enjoying the lake just as they were.

Gwen unable to respond just growled and stormed her way to the Rust Bucket. Lucy watched unimpressed as she went. "Man what a drama queen." She groaned before watching Wes head for the dock. "Oh come on not you too Wes!" She whined and Wes gave her an apologetic smile.

"Sorry but Mr.Max and I have a fishing trip tomorrow and I wanted to be rested for it." Wes reminded her with Lucy letting out a groan but waved him off. Watching him go Lucy was left along as she floated on top of the water. "I thought a lake trip would have been more excited than this." She said to herself as she stared at the moon.

Unknown to her and the other guests an enormous figure swam beneath deep in the lake as it looked towards the surface and letting out a menacing growl.

Line break.

"You girls sure you don't want to join us this morning?" Max asked Gwen and Lucy as they walked down the pier early the next morning. "I'm good Grandpa. I'm just going to sit and catch some sun." Gwen denied as Lucy looked up to the overcast sky. "Let's see how that goes for you." She muttered before facing her uncle. "Well I'm going to hang out with some friends I made last night." She pointed over her shoulder to a bunch of kids waiting for her.

"Well alright, you kids have fun." Max told the girls before looking at Wes. "You ready Wes?" He asked getting a nod from the red headed boy. Continuing their walk down the dock, the two across a lone fishing boat with a single passenger. "Captain Shaw?" Max asked the man. "Yeah, who' asking?" Captain Shaw confirmed as he turned to face the duo. Captain Shaw has greyish-green hair on both the sides of his head as well sideburns. His chin is stubbled. He is wearing a regular tan fisher jacket and olive pants. He has a red baseball cap with a tan rectangle on it.

"I'm Max Tennyson and this is Wes. We charted your boat today for a fishing trip." Max greeted getting a nod from Shaw. "Well then let's not waste any more time. Hop aboard." He said dismissively causing the two glance at each other before climbing on board.

Despite his personality Shaw quickly proved he knew what he was doing, preparing the boat and casting off within minutes and soon the vessel was cruising gently through the water. Max was smiling as he looked down at the water. "So anything interesting to catch out there today?" Max asked trying to strike up a conversation. Shaw glanced towards him briefly. "More than you can imagine." Shaw said cryptically leaving to an awkward silence before added on. "But mostly salmon and bass."

"Right." Max muttered unsure before looking towards Wes who was leaning over the edge of the boat his bead down. "You okay Wes? You're not getting sea sick are you?" Max asked concerned and was relived as Wes raised his head and shock his head no.

"I'm fine Mr.Max just looking at the lake." Wes explained as he turned back down at the water and saw some fish swimming by the boat. "We don't have water this clear in Bellwood." Wes marveled and Shaw actually smirked as he steered.

"She's a beauty alright and she's hiding something even more amazing." Shaw told the two who grew interested. "Really?" Wes asked intrigued as he walked up to the captain. "It's called the Kraken." Shaw answered as he took out a picture. "Been after it for years." He explained as Max and Wes examined the photo.

It was blurry and impossible to make out but it certainly had an unusual shape. "Sightings have been reported for hundreds of years but most have dismissed it as a mere myth but not me though." Shaw explained as Max returned the photo. "In fact I know a spot where I personally laid eyes on the beast." Shaw revealed as he turned to the pair. "That is if you have the stomach for some real adventure." Shaw challenged with a smirk.

Wes gave Max a hopeful look. "Well don't see any harm in it." Max agreed with Shaw's smirk expanding as he changed the direction of the ship. On their way Max took a look around the cabin. "You've certainly kept up technology wise." Max observed look over the technology. "Sonar, high deaf- video set up, ultra sound." The retired plumber called out as he examined the set up.

"You certainly know your stuff." Shaw muttered impressed as he looked at Max in a new light. "Marines?" He asked with Max shaking his head. "Air Force." Max corrected with Shaw nodding in understanding as he went back to Max's previous point. "Yeah it might seem externe but I'll determined to find the kraken." Shaw spoke with resolve only for his eyes to narrow in suspicion when he saw buoys floating in a wide arc with yellow tape with the words Do Not Enter labeled on each stretch.

"Looks official." Max muttered before looking towards Shaw. "Maybe we should head to another spot?" Max suggested and Shaw only looked more annoyed. "Nonsense. This is a public lake. No one can just close off a section of the lake without notice or warning." Shaw explained as he walked from his cabin eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Something's not right here." He told his clients before he turned his attention to an approaching craft.

"Fishing boat, stop where you are." A man spoke up over the speaker. The boat pulled up biesdies them allowing the fishing boat. "I am Jonah Melville, the founder of Friends of Fish." Jonah introduced himself. He is a tall and tanned man with a hawk-like nose. He has a stern-like face having tear troughs and dark lining around the eyes, giving him an almost tired look. He has short, reddish-brown hair and a spiky goatee.

He wore a cyan uniform with black accents and boots with his name and logo on it. One the ship were two other men that wore the same uniform as Jonah.

"We've closed this section of the lake for an environmental study." He explained as Shaw crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. "And no one was informed of this beforehand why exactly?" Shaw questioned and Jonah gave a smile and shrug. "Can't say why but it was probably a mix up with the forest ranger or something similar." Jonah proposed as one of his co-workers walked up and handed him a clipboard. "But as you can see I have the proper paperwork right here." He said before tossing it over to Shaw who quickly read it over.

To Shaw's frustration it was the correct documents needed for this very thing and it even had the official seal of approval with them. "As you can see we've gone through all the steps required and do have jurisdiction here." Jonah explained as Shaw tossed the paperwork back. "So I apologize but I must ask that you leave this area at once." He ordered with Shaw gripping his fist in frustration.

Max on the other hand calmly placed his hand on the captain's shoulder. "Why don't we move a little down that way?' Max suggested as he pointed over his shoulder. "That way we can stay out of each other's way and they can get their work over with faster." Max suggested to the fisherman who growled but ultimately nodded.

The fishing boat was quick to leave and while Max and Wes gave a friendly wave as farewells Shaw didn't even spare them another glance. Even after they left and the Friends of Fish boat was out of sight the silence still remained. So much so that Max felt the need to break it. "So captain, mind telling why you're so focused on capturing the Kraken? Looking for a claim to fame and reveal it to the world?" Max asked with Shaw scoffing. "And turn this place into a tourist trap? Not on your life." Shaw dismissed.

"Well then is it a vedette kind of situation? Some kind of score to settle?" Wes asked with Shaw humming. "I suppose you could say it's something like that but don't go thinking I'm buddy-buddy with those like Ahab or the like." Shaw was quick to clarify. "I've just got something to prove, even to myself." He told them though he did look away as he said the last bit.

Max hummed but let it go. clearly the man was hiding something but it wasn't any of there business. "Understood, so are there any other fishing spots you'd recommended?" Max asked and Shaw nodded clearly happy to be moving on. "Yeah we'll arrive in a few minutes." Shaw promised as he steered the boat further and further away.

About 6 minutes later the boat had arrived and was docked. Max looking around with his arms crossed nodded with a smile. "Now this looks like the perfect spot." Max commented with Shaw grunting. "Not as good as the first place but it's a good back up." Shaw noted before heading into the cabin and grabbing his own fishing pool. "Well then should we get to it?" He asked walking to the side of his boat and casting off. "Sounds like a plan." Max agreed as he moved to get his own pole. "You need any help Wes or do you think you can?" Max trailed off as he turned and saw Wes cast off his own fishing line.

Shaw whistled impressed. "Impressive lad." Shaw praised. "Thanks captain." Wes grinned. "My dad took me and my sisters fishing and camping a ton as a kid. Said he wanted us to know to survive in the wild if we needed it." Wes explained. "Smart man." Shaw nodded in approval at the parenting style.

"He was." Wes agreed with a nod and a smile but there was a tone in his voice that told Shaw not to dig any deeper than that. Thankfully the boat captain picked up on it and left it at that. From there small talk began starting with little things before moving on to larger topics. Wes chimed in when appropriate but was eventually popped in his head phones in and started to listen to music as the two older men to talk.

Shaw had been in the middle of one of his stories with the marines when a beeping started to come from his cabin. "The sonar." Shaw muttered as he rushed to the cabin and examined his equipment. "What's going on?" Wes questioned as he removed his headphones. "We found something." Shaw answered cryptically.

Still confused Wes then spotted a fin emerge from the water. "We've got company." Wes warned as the fin got closer and closer. "It's the Kraken." Shaw confirmed just as the fin submerged again. The Kraken swam right below the ship causing it to shake and threaten to capsize forcing the 3 to hold on to whatever they could.

"It's heading for the docks." Shaw exclaimed in shock once he realized the course the beast was taking. "Gwen! Lucy!: Max and Wes shouted in panic as Shaw floored the engine to chase after the beast. Back on shore Gwen was relaxing on the dock while Lucy was swimming with her new friends.

"Ah finally a little sun, and with no more distractions I can finally sit back and relax." Gwen sighed in bliss as the fin got closer and closer. Her peace was ruined a few seconds later however. When Shaw blared his horn twice as a warning. All nearby ships, swimmers and those on shore turned their attention.

"Oh come on." Gwen groaned as Lucy climbed on to the docks. "What could it possibly be this time?" She groaned in annoyance. A second later she got her answer as the kraken emerged from the water.

No one even got a chance to scream as the kraken in a single strike shattered the dock sending them all in to the lake. "The kraken. It's finally shown its self!" Shaw shouted watching the beast like a hawk through a pair of binoculars. "Focus Shaw, we've got to get to safety." Max reminded him getting a nod as the captain moved towards the cabin.

Seeing him gone Max turned towards Wes. "Someone's got to save those people." Max instructed getting a nod from Wes who jumped over the edge just as the kraken let out another screech. Activating the watch Wes quickly scrolled through until he came across Jetray. "Time for some air support." The boy muttered pushing down the device.

Jetray shot into the air like a bullet and quickly soared through the air before diving down and quickly grabbing Lucy and Gwen before dropping them off on shore. "Thanks for the save." Lucy told him with Gwen nodding. "We owe you one." She promised with Wes giving a nod before flying off to rescue more civilians.

WIth Jetray's speed the Aerophibian was able to quickly rescue people both from the water and sinking ships helped along by the fact that the kraken seemed to be attacking at random with no real target in mind. As this was going on Jonah was more than a little panicked. "Get us out of here!" He ordered one of his subordinates who quickly revved the engine to escape the danger. This unfortunately only drew the Kraken's attention as it tossed the ship it was holding to the side and quickly chased after the Friends of Fish boat.

The boat tried to evade the best it could but it proved child's play for the kraken to knock it around and forcing those on board to desperately hold on. Right as it went on for the kill Jetray flew over head and fired off energy beams from his eyes forcing the kraken to submerge. The alien landed on the ship and peered over the edge only for the kraken to emerge at the front of the ship and quickly used its tentacles to rip off the tarp off a crate that was left up there. Jonah panicked seeing this and quickly ran up front and grabbed hold of the box. "No you don't!" He shouted as desperately fought to keep the box on the ship.

Help came in the form of Jet ray however who fired eye beams at the kraken causing it to roar in pain as it ducked back under the water Seeing the danger gone Jonah approached the alien. "Thanks for the help back there." He told the alien who looked at the man in suspicion. "No problem but mind telling me what in that crate is so important you'd risk your life for it?" Jetray requested.

Jonah heisted for a moment before answering. "New piece of machine, first and only of its kind. If we lost it we'd have to start over from scratch." The man explained quickly. It was believable enough but Wes still had his doubts. All that became mute when one of the Kraken's tentacles swiped it straight from the deck and hauled it into the waters below.

Jonah and his men were gaping in disbelief while Jetray looked at them for a second before taking off for the shore. Max watched Wes fly into the woods before a purple flash emitted from the woods as Wes emerged back in his human form and joined the girls. Turning he saw Captain Shaw surveying the water for any sign of the Kraken's reappearance. "I think it's gone captain at least for now. We should head back to land and make sure everyone's alright." Max suggested and Shaw scowled.

He clearly wanted to argue but his mind was drawing a blank on exactly how to so with a reluctant nod he headed for the cabin to take the two back to shore.

Line break.

The next few hours were predictably filled with guests packing up and leaving the lake  leaving only our heroes and a few locals remaining.

"Okay now that everything's calmed down I think it's the perfect time to ask, what the heck was that thing?!" Gwen shouted having held the outburst in for hours until she could finally start asking the question she's been holding on to for hours.

"No idea." Lucy gave a shrug before turning to Wes. "Wes a bio on our fishy friend if you please." She requested confusing Wes. "Why would I know anything about the beast? I mean me and Mr.Max learned it was called the kraken  from Captain Shaw but that's about it." Wes gave a helpless shrug.

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Duh. I was talking about the information the watch has on it. You had to be close enough to get a scan of it." Lucy rationalized and Wes's eyes widened as he glanced down at the watch. "Yeah you're right. There were times I was right on top of it but it never made a sound." Wes realized the gears in his head turning as he tried to work out what that meant.

"But the watch captured Lucy's Lenopean DNA when she was feet away from you and it doesn't seem to scan anything that's native to earth." Gwen continued as the children's eye all meet while widening as they came to the same conclusion.

"THE KRAKEN WAS BORN ON EARTH!"

All 3 exclaimed with disbelief clear in their tones. "But how is something like that possible?! I guess I could understand if it was some kind of alien but now I'm supposed to believe there are monsters here that were born on earth?!" Gwen demanded feeling close to pulling out her hair in frustration. Max glanced at his granddaughter calmly.

"Not monster Gwen. Cryptid. Unusual creatures that mankind has yet to discover or at least officially discover." Max explained. "Officially discover?" Lucy questioned with Max nodding. "You kids must have all heard legends by now. Yetis, Chupacabra, Moth men. All real and kept hidden until humanity is ready to accept them." Max explained to the dumbstruck kids.

"So are the plumbers in charge of that too?" Lucy questioned and was more than a little disappointed when Max shock his head no. "The plumbers are responsible for extraterrestrial threats. Cryptids are another organization all together." Max explained. "So that's the plan we're calling in these experts and leaving this mess to them?" Gwen asked hopefully. only to sigh disappointed.

"Unfortunately their numbers have been cut down severely lately and the remaining members have more urgent business. They've asked us to handle the situation." Max explained. "Monster hunting, Sweet!" Lucy cheered. "No! Not sweet, why would the ask us to deal with this?!" She demanded and Max let out a guilty sigh.

"Unfortunately that's mostly my fault. Thanks to my accomplishments I'm relatively well known and now  word's already going around that I'm training some new recruits. So we've been deemed the best option to handle the situation." Max explained.

Wes who had been silent for a while chose this moment to speak up. "So what's our next move? How do we handle the situation?" Wes asked trying to think up a plan. "For now we need to survey the lake and see where the kraken might show up again. Thought for that we're going to need a boat." Max muttered.

"I can help with that last part." The heroes turned and saw Shaw approach them. "Captain Shaw I don't know what you heard but-." Max started to explain only for Shaw to raise his hand. "Save your excuses I don't want to hear 'em." Shaw quickly shot down. "I don't know who you people are or what you want but no-one knows this lake better than me and no one knows more about the kraken than me!" Shaw promised before turning away. "If your business here involves the kraken you'll need my help."

Shaw's logic while not perfect did make sense to the group and with no other real options was there best bet. "Alright you've got a deal." Max agreed shaking his hand. "Good to hear it." Shaw muttered. "Now if I can make a suggestion. You might want to look into those Friends of Fish." Shaw suggested only for Max to raise an eyebrow.

"Don't go looking at me like that." Shaw muttered annoyed. "They came out of nowhere and shut off the one part of the lake that has more sights of the Kraken than any other." Shaw explained his reasoning. "Yeah and I saw the kraken be especially aggressive towards their ship and than nap something from the deck." Wes explained with Shaw raising an eyebrow.

"And when exactly did you see this lad?" Shaw questioned causing Lucy and Gwen to freeze for a moment while Wes just shrugged. "When the Kraken first attacked I fell overboard but that red creature quickly took me from the water and dropped me on land." Wes explained quickly with Max nodding. "Saw it myself didn't see the need to say anything with the situation handled."

Shaw still looked skeptic but decided to move on. "Well that just proves my point on why we need to move in two groups. One to search for the kraken on the lake while the others look into those Friends of Fish." Shaw proposed with Max after a moment of consideration nodded.

"Alright then how about Wes you go with captain Shaw to scout out the lake?" Wes got up and snapped to a salute. "First mate, Fenix reporting sir." He told the old captain who snorted but gave a nod. "While the rest of us see what we can find on these Friends OF Fish people." Max finished proposing his plan.

"Oh spy mission time!" Lucy gushed itching to get started while Gwen let out a sigh of relief. Between intel gathering or monster hunting she'd take the intel job any day.

"Right we've got a plan so now let's get to it." Shaw said turning around and walking away before looking over his shoulder. "You coming boy?" He asked with Wes giving a nod and quickly following after the captain.

While still having doubts Max knew they had a job to do. "Alright girls." Max addressed them as they stood. "It's time to get to work."

Line break,

"She's probably been chased deep by those fish huggers." Shaw explained as he and Wes were gearing up in their diving suits. The captain's boat was currently anchored deep into the lake, far enough away to avoid being seen by anyone on shore.

"Best way to lure her out is with live bait." Shaw explained though it was clear he didn't like the idea of bringing a kid down with him. Still there was safety in numbers and Shaw was smart enough to notice the kraken was a lot more aggressive towards the ships than towards the people that afternoon.

"Now stay close, no sudden moments and if I tell you to move." Here he placed two fingers together and flicked them in a direction. "You move. Understand?" Shaw demanded causing Wes who had finished putting on his gear nodded. "Yes sir." Wes promised with Shaw humming as he finished securing his own gear and grabbing his spear gun. "Well no point in wasting anymore time. Let's move." He ordered as the two divided into the water.

The next few minutes were filled with a tense silence as the two searched for the beast. They had a couple of scares that caused them to flinch only for them to either be fish or a seaweed. They had just passed through the wreckage of a few ships when they came across something that stopped them in their tracks. A large brownish orange sphere with violet veins growing on it. 

'It's an egg!' both of them thought before they looked up and saw another boat quickly apparhlcing Shaw's. Shaw motioned for Wes to stay as he investigated. Shaw slowly swam to the surface and quietly swam to the ladder on his ship.

However before he could finish climbing two arms grabbed hold of him and threw him on board. "Don't you know that night diving is dangerous, old timer?" The intruder asked as he and two others surrounded him. They were all wearing a silver diving suit with an oxygen pack and belts with pockets.  "That is of course you went with a friend." He guessed.

"I work alone." Shaw denied bluntly. "I ani't got friends." He confirmed as the three got closer. "With a sparkling personality like yours? The later mocked as his subordinates grabbed his arms and forced them behind his back not noticing Wes surfacing. "I an't got anything worth stealing." Shaw told the trespassers hoping they'd take the hint and leave.

Unfortunately these guys had other plans. "You got us all wrong. All we're looking for is information. Like what you saw down there." He demanded with Shaw scoffing. "Nothing, same as always." The captain promised only to receive a punch to the face knocking him to the ground and unconscious.

Seeing him down the attacker moved towards his mask. "Well had to be sure." He muttered removing his mask revealing Jonah. Wes gasped slightly as Jonah's suburbanites. "Take him to the cannery, we'll find out if he knows anything later." Jonah ordered while fiddling with a device.

"We'll come back with the mini-sub later for the rest of the eggs." He said throwing the device into the water causing it to sink. "And unfortunately for the captain his boat was just lost at sea." Jonah smirked as he throw a pack of explosives on Shaw's ship and after their ship got far enough away the explosives were activated and Shaw's ship went up in a ball of fire.

Wes had to dive down to avoid getting hit by the debris and more than once did he have to stop suddenly to avoid  something crashing into him.

Once the rest of the ship had begun to sink Wes reassured as the boat continued to move away. Narrowing his eyes Wes swam towards the part of the haul he pressed himself up against it and went for the watch. "Well new guy let's see what you got." Wes muttered as the dial showed the Xenomorph before pressing it down.

On Jonah's boat's one of his men noticed something quickly approaching. "Hey boss we've got company." He warned causing the villain to look at the water and saw something swimming just beneath the water at rapid speed.  "Man the harpoons." Jonah ordered causing one of his mean to run to the front where the gun was positioned. While he was doing this Jonah turned to his other subordinate. "Turn this ship around. Let's see if this thing likes playing chicken." Jonah ordered geeing a nod as the man rushed to the controls and did a complete 180.

The two were quickly on route for a collusion course and the gunner was firing rapidly at the unknown threat. When they were just few feet from each other the creature dived deeper into the water. When they passed over the spot where the creature had been Jonah turned towards the wheelman. "Release the explosive barrels. It's time to end this nonsense." He ordered and with a few flick of the switches, the explosives were unloaded and detonated sending columns of water shooting into the air.

"Think we got em?" The gunner asked only to scream in fright when something jumped straight out of the water and onto the deck directly infant of the gun.

This was Stalker the DNA form of the Xenomorph and currently he was screeching at the gunner who screamed in absolute horror. Stalker didn't hesitate for a moment as the used his claws to tear through the gun before stabbing his tail towards the gunner sending him hurtling into the window of the ship and directly into the horrified driver. "causing them to slam into each other before crashing into the wall behind them. Jonah was gritting his teeth as he tired to get his fear under control until he finally managed to get it under control.

"What the hell are you waiting for?! Open fire at that thing!" He roared taking out a pistol and began to fire at the alien followed his tow subordinates. Unfortunately the bullets just bounced of Stalker's exoskeleton. It's not working!" The gunner shouted only adding to Jonah's frustration. "I can see that!" She roared back his mood getting worse and worse.

Stalker quickly grew annoyed however and spat out globs of acid spit that was quick to melt the villain's guns. "Fuck!" He hissed as the 3 dropped their weapons on to the floor of the ship that continued to eat their way through the ship. "Well that ain't good." Jonah muttered angrily only to hear something behind them and see the fin of the kraken start to circle. "Neither is that." He growled before turning back to Stalker who closing in on them, jaw opening with acid spit dripping down

Quickly looking around he saw Shaw still unconscious on the ground. Getting an idea he quickly ran over to the unconscious ship captain. "You looking for a snack freak? Well here you go!" He roared as he tossed Shaw into the lake. Stalker gave Jonah a hiss before diving in after the former marine grabbing the man and cutting his binds and bringing him to the surface.

Looking around Stalker saw that the boat was gone causing him to growl before he turned back to normal. "That's just great." Wes muttered before sighing. "Guess for now we should get back to the others."

"Ai that would be best." Wes felt his blood turn cold as he turned to see Shaw fully awake and looking at him in suspicion. "Captain Shaw, how much did you see?" Wes asked. "I game to when I hit the water." Shaw answered honestly and Wes winced. "So you saw?" Wes asked with Shaw nodding. "Can't say I was expecting that to be the first thing when I came too." The old man informed causing Wes to sigh.

Well that's just perfect, not even a month in and his secret has already been revealed. 'So much for a secret identity.' Wes thought with a groan. Still this was a problem for later, right now they needed to focus of stopping Jonah. "Well since you already know I guess there's no harm in doing this." Wes said as he activated the watch and in a flash turned into Jetray.

"So that's how you got to shore this afternoon." Shaw muttered recognizing the alien. Wes nodded. "Yeah and I can say more later but we've got bigger things to worry about right now." Wes reminded the older man who nodded in agreement as Jetray scooped him up and flew them through the air.

Within minutes they were back at The Rust Bucket with the others rushing out to greet them. "Captain Shaw and We- the alien from this afternoon!" Gwen was quick to change her tone seeing the alien. "Thanks again for the help this afternoon but we've got a friend out there who..." Gwen trailed off as Jetray raised a hand. "Relax he knows." Jetray sighed as he morphed back to Wes and headed for the RV passing by a gasping Gwen followed by Shaw.

"He Knows?! How did that happen?!" She demanded with Wes sighing. "I'll explain later but for now we've got other business to attend to first." Wes reminded her. Gwen looked like she wanted to argue but Max stoped her. "He's right Gwen. Right now we've got to them what we found out about those Friends of Fish." Max remaindered her causing her to reluctantly nod in agreement as they headed inside.

Once seated Gwen went to work typing away on her laptop. "So the first thing we did is check out the Friends of Fish organization itself. It's not listed on any environmental websites but I did find this." Gwen told the pair as they were shown the laptop. "Turns out Jonah Melville isn't a friend to any kind of wildlife." She explained as she showed various articles and photos of the man.

"He goes around the world packing rare animals, crates them up and sells them to the highest bidder." Gwen spoke in disgust a reaction shared by the rest. "So looks like Jonah here's hunting the kraken this time." Lucy muttered before snorting and waving her hand. "I say let em. Give the beastie a little snack." Lucy suggested and Max frowned. "As much as I would like to agree we've got a job to do." The ex plumber told her.

"Besides it's not the kraken he's after." Shaw corrected a dark look in his eye. "Really? than what is he here for?" Gwen asked trying to think of what else the poachers could be after. "Her eggs." Wes was the one to answer the question leaving Max, Lucy and Gwen gasping. "I'm sorry did you just say eggs?" Lucy asked certain she had just heard that wrong while Wes nodded in confirmation

"Yeah and the way they talked there's more than one." Wes explained going over the conversation he had heard before his eyes widened in realization. "That's what was in the crate that the kraken snagged from their boat and why she went on a rampage. She was trying to get back her eggs!" Wes shouted before remembering something else.

"They mentioned a cannery before, that has to be where they've set up shop." Wes theorized and Shaw nodded. "I know where it is, Meet me by the docks in 10 minutes." He instructed as he made his way to leave.

"Wait a minute Captain." Max called out causing Shaw to stop and turn. "Things are getting complicated not to mention dangerous. Maybe it would be best for you to sit this one out, former marine or not." Max suggested and Shaw's frowned dropped into a scowl.

"I've been on this lake since I was a kid. Grew up here, raised my family here. My life is on this lake and chasing the kraken. And if those poachers think they can take either away from me. They've got another thing coming." Shaw told the elder Tennyson before marching out of the RV.

"Well it sounds like he's made up his mind." Wes muttered already getting up. "Can't argue with that." Max agreed before clapping his hands together. "In that case let's gear up and head out people." Max ordered with the kids grinning.

It was time to show these poachers what happened when they bite off more than they could chew.

LIne break,

"Alright this ladder will take us directly to the cannery." Shaw explained as he killed the engine to his secondary bot. He had a hunting rifle stopped over his shoulder while Max had his standard plumber strapped to his side.

"Right the police are already on their way but it's going to take awhile." Gwen said getting off the phone. "Right the best course of action right now is to secure the eggs until the authorities arrive." Max planned out getting a nod form Shaw and the kids. "How you guys handle that. I'll keep Jonah busy." Wes offered showing raising his arm getting nods from the others as they started to climb the ladder.

With them gone Wes activated the watch with a flash had morphed into Ripjaws before diving into the water just in time to see the kraken rocket up to the cannery. Roars and gunfire could be heard as well as the whirl of machinery. Wes quickly picked up speed before shooting out of the water while doing his best to ignore the burning in his gils due to lack of water as he landed on Jonah's mini-sub, a four appended Mancini with two human arms, a claw and a rifle with jets placed for feet.

"Let's see how you like to be hunted." Ripjaws challenged tearing off the rifle arm with his teeth before grabbing the egg container and diving for the water. Unfortunately Jonah slammed his claw into Ripjaw's back but the Piscciss Volann managed to throw the containment pod into the water which the kraken instantly dived after.

In side are cannary the 4 were quickly rushing towards where they heard Jonah's men rearming themselves. Seeing the first Shaw quickly took aim with his hunting rifle and fired it at his leg causing him to scream as he bent down and clutched his leg. Taking advantage of the distraction Lucy grabbed hold of one of the fishing hooks and while morphing her hand into a club and slamming it into the man's head. Knocking him instantly unconscious.

This drew the attention of the other poacher who quickly fired at Lucy though it did nothing more than pass through her Lenopean physiology. The left the poacher confused and giving Max enough time to fire his blaster towards the poacher stunning the man and allowing Max to knock him out with a solid punch to the face.

"Now that they're taken care of, let's make sure they don't have any other of the kraken's eggs." Max instructed as he and saw tied the two patchers up before the 4 went to search.

Down in the lake the kraken had taken back the containment pod but Jonah slammed into her causing her to screech as he took the eggs from her. Jonah's victory was short lived though due to something slamming into the side of the sub.

"What the hell did I just hit?" He grumbled only to flinch when he heard the sound of metal grinding and tearing and his frustration became fear when he saw Ripjaws glaring directly at him the remains of his claw in between the alien's jaws. Jonah tried to back away but Ripsaws tore the container from the machine's grip before tail whipping the machine away.

Turning around RipJaws now holding the pod containing the eggs came face to face with the kraken who roared and was seconds away from mauling the alien. As quick as he could Rip Jaws ripped the top of the pod off freeing the eggs and presenting them to the Kraken who instantly swiped them back.

The beast seemed to regard him for a moment before retreating with her eggs to a safe distance where she continued to watch Ripjaws carefully. The Piscciss Volann let out a sigh of relief before turning his attention back to Johan who using his sub's boosters were rocketing through the water to retake his prize.

Ripsaws propelled himself forward and collided with a the machine with a headbutt. "Ow." Ripsaws groaned as he rubbed his head. "Note to self, Ripjaws is not made for headbutts." He muttered as he glared back at Jonah though he was forced to Jonah's now wild swings.

The poacher now had a mad grin of his face as he strapped a diving tank on while sitting the sub to autopilot before opening the hatch and swimming towards the eggs while the dive suit distracted Ripjaws. The Piscciss Volann made quick work of the sub. With only autopilot to drive it and missing two of its four limbs the machine's options were limited and predictable.

Dodging a few strikes Ripjaws tore the remaining two arms off before piercing its haul with his claws before ripping piece after piece of the machine out. Leaving nothing but a floating motionless husk.

Jonah couldn't have cared less about the loss of the equipment, his eyes fixated on the eggs just feet in front of him. The kraken roared as it moved to defend its eggs while Jonah dew his knife and swag it at the beast.

SNAP

Only for it to break upon hitting the beast's tooth. Seeing that it finally dawned on Jonah exactly what he was up against and all at one all greed and bravado was replaced with fear. The kraken moved in to devour the human but inches away Ripjaws grabbed and swam him out of the way.

Alien and Cryptid made eye contact as neither made a move before the Kraken finally turned, eggs secured safely as she swam back to her nest. With her gone Ripjaws turned back to Jonah who was struggling to get out of the alien's grasp. With a flat look the Piscciss Volann delivered a final right hook knocking the poacher out and allowing the alien to take the poacher up to the surface.

Once Ripjaws surfaced he headed for shore and saw Max waving him over. "Great work Wes." Max praised once Wes was close enough allowing to walk instead of swim. "Thanks Mr.Max." Ripjaws told the man followed by a flash as Wes was back to human and handed Jonah to the retired plumber. "Though I think I should be saying that to you." Wes admitted seeing the other two poachers.

"It doesn't matter who caught 'em, just so long as they aren't able to pull their nonsense ever again." Shaw muttered looking towards the 3 men in disgust. "Yeah and I'm sure you'll put the reward money to good use." Max added on with Shaw quirking an eyebrow. "Reward money?" He asked with Gwen nodding. "Yeah these guys each have a price on their head. We figured you could use the money to get a new boat. you know for your fishing business." She explained while Shaw hummed.

"Not the worst plan I suppose." He admitted thinking it over before giving a nod of thanks. "Much obliged. I'll put it to get use, I promise ya." He told the 4.

"Glad to hear it." Max chuckled as the revving of the police boats appeared in the distance. Jonah choose this moment to regain consciousness. "Wha-what's going on?" He asked and Wes grinned as he leaned in close. "We've got an exciting opportunity for you guys. You guys get to experience what you put all those animals through and spend the next several years in a metal cage, isn't that great?" He asked causing Jonah to groan as the police got closer and closer.

Line break.

The next morning our heroes were set to head out with Shaw there to see them off. "Well I can't say I expected any of this to happen but I gotta say everything worked out the best it could." Shaw said with a small smirk on his face. "I'll say. Though I hope your boat gets in soon." Wes told the fisherman who waved the concern away. "It'll get here when it gets here." Shaw said with a shrug. "Thanks again for the money. Been meaning to trade up for a while now." He admitted.

"It's no problem captain Shaw." Max told him though then quirked an eyebrow. "So what's your plan now anyway. Do you plan to still go after the kraken?" He asked with Shaw shaking his head. "No I wanted to get proof that the kraken was real but if it means it could lead to attract more of those types I'm content with this." Shaw explained his reasoning as Wes perked up.

"You never did tell us why you wanted to catch the kraken in the first place." Wes remembered their talk on the boat from earlier. "Ay true enough." Shaw agreed before smirking and adjusting his hat. "Well best of luck on your travels." He said as he turned to leave only to stop. "Oh yeah I almost forgot." He said as he brought out a notebook and tossed it to Max. "That has some of the training I went through when I was in the marines. Figured it could help if you ever find yourselves in another situation like this one."

Max flipped through it before returning his gaze back to Shaw with a smile. "Appreciate it. We'll put it good use." Max promised with Shaw giving a final nod as he turned and began walking away.

While underneath the water the kraken slept peacefully her eggs securely in her grasp.

To be continued.

And with that episode 3 comes to an end. I hope everyone liked. Wes makes contact and a deal with Female Zs.skayr and gets a new alien out of it. Goes on a fishing trip with a grumpy but well meaning fisherman.

Sorry again if the fight seemed lack luster but again once we get past the bounty hunters the quality of villains does increase tremendously as everyone knows. And speaking of getting pass. I know I said I would start going back and forth between this and DFO but hostly I just want to write this for a while. So sorry but that's what's going on.

And heads up I'll be cutting some stores and replacing them if I find them to be unneeded. Game over and Ben 4 good buddy being prime examples.

Also there won't be any mis transformations. I know some people find them funny but I don't and with Wes being able to quick change I just don't see the point of it.

That's all for now.

till next time,

bye.