"I can't believe he's leaving us," Minnie said watching Matthew disappearing out of view leaving just Kim and Minnie there by themselves. Kim didn't respond as she felt the same disbelief that Minnie had. As much as she wanted Matthew to not go off by himself, Kim couldn't stop him. How could she? This was what he wanted for so long that she wasn't sure how he would react to her getting in the way.

"We should move on."

"What about Matthew," Minnie asked.

"We'll deal with him later," Kim said trying to sound like it was all under control. Which it wasn't. "First we find my sister and the rest of the survivors and then we deal with that jerk later."

"... Understood Captain."

"Ok," Kim said to herself. "The map." Kim took the map that Matthew tossed to her and turned it on. The dot signifying her sister was flashing just a few miles away up the mountain. She was close. "This way," Kim told Minnie as she started to head toward where her sister last communicated with them. Kim and Minnie tracked up the mountain the last few miles until they had to be right on top of the signal they received. Kim looked around he baron mountain side and didn't see a single sign of human life. All there was, were rocks and some very basic plant life all around them.

"Where are they," Minnie asked looking around.

"I don't know," Kim said also looking for something. Kim was about to ask Jack to try and message them, but Jack wasn't with them anymore... nor a radio to contact Lulu.

"But, they contacted us from here, right," Minnie said worried. Kim couldn't miss the note of fear in Minnie's voice.

"That's what the map said. This was where the signal was sent from," Kim told her still trying to find signs of her sister.

"Maybe you read it wrong," Minnie suggested.

Kim turned to Minnie and looked annoyed that she would even suggest that. "Maybe I read it wrong," Kim questioned.

"I don't know," Minnie told her just as equally upset. "There's no one here."

As much as Kim wanted to hate it, Minnie was right. There wasn't a signal sign of Lulu or anyone else anywhere around here. Feeling frantic to find her sister, Kim decided it would be best to call out for her. If she was with in ear shout, Lulu would definitely respond.

Inhaling a deep breath, Kim started to shout out her sister's name.

"Are you part of the rescue team," a male voice asked from behind, stopping Kim from shouting out her sister's name.

Kim turned around to see a man she didn't recognize. "Who are you," Kim asked. It only took her a moment to realize who it had to be, "Are you Richard?"

The mention of the name seemed to relieve the man. "Yeah, that must mean your Professor Carmen's sister. Am I glad to see you."

"What happened," Kim asked still worried, "Where is everyone?"

It took Richard a second to understand what she was asking, "Our camp is over there," Richard pointed toward a cavern a little further away. "We took cover over there."

It wasn't until then did Kim feel stupid for wondering why no one was staying out in the open. Of course, they wouldn't stay in the open exposed to the hazards of this planet. "Right," she told him.

"Is my sister there?"

"Yeah," Richard told Kim. He started to lead the way back. "I just came out to resend another message to Matt, speaking of..." Richard looked at the two of them and his confusing went to worry.

"He's not dead," Kim told him which seemed to take the worry out of him immediately.

Richard laughed, "Better not be, that little prick still owes me money. So, where is he?"

"He went after a Giantess," Minnie answered.

Richard paused. "Giantess?"

"The one that killed his wife," Kim chimed in.

Richard was going to say something about Matthew's actions but stopped, "We should hurry, don't want to get caught out here in the open."

The second Kim walked into the makeshift camp, she heard a high pitch cry as a figure jumped her out of nowhere. "KIMMY!"

Kim knew who it was immediately as her sister hugged the life out of her. Kim would have normally shoved her sister away and said something about her actions being ridiculous for her age, but Kim couldn't help but contribute to the hug. She missed her sister just as much if not more. As they held each other for a few moments longer, Kim finally let go and made sure to check her sister for any injuries. Kim needed to make sure Lulu wasn't hurt, it was her job as the captain of the rescue squad, and as her sister.

"You're not hurt, are you?"

"No, no I'm fine. What about you," Lulu asked with as much concern as Kim had.

"Luckily, I'm ok," Kim told her. Kim was about to say something about the rest of her team but figured now wasn't the time. Kim looked around the cavern and saw only 1 other person left from the research group who looked to have an injured leg. "Are there any other survivors?"

Lulu shook her head, "No... we're it."

Richard than stepped in, "I did my best but," Richard didn't explain more than that.

Kim knew exactly how he was feeling. "I understand."

"What's the extraction plan," Richard asked.

Minnie spoke up as she pulled out the device that Matthew gave her a few days ago, "We send a signal for a pick up."

Richard frowned at the device, "Are you sure it can break through the atmosphere? I've been trying to contact anyone for the past week and haven't gotten anyone, except you guys."

Minnie looked to Kim with a worried look, "We haven't tried it if that's what you're asking."

Kim took the device, "Matthew said it would work, I trust him. How long do you think it will take for the cruiser to send another ship for pick up," Kim asked Richard hoping he might know the answer.

Richard shrugged looking baffled. "I have no idea."

"I hope not too long," said Lulu. "We just ran out of our food supplies this afternoon, and we need more medicine for Adam," Lulu said looking back at the injured researcher.

"Then we better hurry and send the signal," Kim said.

"We best go to a higher elevation, just in case," Richard told Kim. "I'll lead you there."

Kim nodded grateful that he was helping, "Thanks."

"Captain," Minnie called out just as Kim was about to leave. "What about Matthew?" Kim stopped. Minnie continued, "If he's not back when the ship arrives... do we leave him?"

Kim didn't say anything as she exited the cave.

Kim looked at the small device as it gave off a small beeping sound that she prayed meant it was transmitting. Kim wasn't sure how a device so insignificant could do something that their high-tech radios couldn't. "Let's head back," Kim told Richard.

"Yeah, I don't think we need to be this exposed any more than we already are," Richard said looking worried. If anything was looking for something to eat, they would have noticed the two of them at the peak of the mountain. As they continued back to their hideout Richard decided to talk to Kim. "He wouldn't want you to," Richard said.

Kim looked confused, "Huh?"

"Matthew," Richard continued. "He wouldn't want you to wait for him. I've known that kid for a while."

"What are you saying, that we just leave him here," Kim asked shocked. "Aren't you his friend?"

"I am. That's why I'm telling you this. As the captain of the rescue squad your job is to save the professor at all cost right. You can't let one man get in the way of that. Matthew knew this." Kim was appalled at what Richard was saying. "Your sister is counting on you to get her home safely, don't let Matthew's vendetta get in your way."

Trying to convince herself, Kim said it out loud, "I have to leave him.

"It's for everyone's sake," Richard finished saying.

It was quite in the cavern as everyone sat there waiting for any sign of a rescue ship. It had been about an hour since Kim and Richard returned after setting up the transponder. Yet they had no idea if it was working or not. They could only pray that it was.

"So," Lulu said out of nowhere breaking the silence. Everyone looked to her as she got everyone attention. "I've been theorizing about this place."

"About what," Kim asked.

"Like why this place has Giant creatures, or why we were attacked."

"Because they are monsters," Richard told her bluntly.

Lulu rolled her eyes at his comment. "See what I've had to deal with?"

Kim smirked at how much Richard's reaction reminded her of Matthew. "Trust me I know what you mean."

"Anyway," Lulu continued. "I've come up with a theory. I think we were attacked because we were after the Alphanium."

Kim frowned at the mention of the rare material. "What do you mean? Like it was being protected?"

"That's impossible," Richard told her.

"Hear me out ok? So, we use Alphanium because it's a powerful source of energy, right? However, because of its high potential for energy it also makes it very unstable. It emits a very low but unique radiation."

"Radiation? Wait are you saying we're going to mutate or turn into one of those things," Minnie asked horrified.

Lulu shook her head no, "It's not like that. This radiation that is immitted can't penetrate through skin." Kim frowned at what she was saying. Lulu continued, "This radiation emitted is unique and has weird properties. It was proven that animal cells can't absorbed the radiation or be penetrated, but I bet that plant cells are different. I think that plant can absorbed this radiation."

"So, your saying," Kim said trying to understand her sisters' train of thought.

"The plants absorb the radiation. Then the herbivores eat the plants, which in turn is consumed by its predators, which goes down the food chain. Each species feeds off of another and absorbs more and more of the radiation. This causes them to grow larger over a long period of time. The Alphanium is in their diet."

"So, what does that have to do with us," Richard asked.

"I'm getting to that," Lulu told him. "I'm not sure if they consciously knew or if it was some built-in instinct but when we messed around with the Alphanium with our research, they viewed it as a direct threat to them."

"I don't know," Richard said skeptical. Kim too was skeptical about it too.

Lulu just shrugged, "That's why I said it was a theory. I don't know for sure. Besides why-"

Suddenly there was static on the radio. Someone was trying to send a message.

"Quick," Richard said to Kim who was next to the device. She quickly handed it to Richard who tried to get a better signal. After a few moments the signal became clear. A robotic voice was heard over the radio.

"Attention rescue team. Emergency beacon detected. Sending support. Rescue ship departing in 3 hours. Repeat. Attention rescue team. Emergency beacon detected. Sending support. Rescue ship departing in 2 hours 59 minutes. Repeat."

The message continued with the count down.

"Thank God," Minnie said. "In three hours we're saved."

"Don't relax just yet, three hours is a long time from now," Richard said. "There hasn't been any activity lately but that doesn't mean that there won't be."

Kim nodded in agreement. "We need to keep our guard up no matter what. How's Adam doing," Kim asked Minnie who inspected him.

"His leg is still pretty bad but should be able to move it. His fever doesn't seem too bad either."

"Ok, keep checking on him every 20 minutes. Richard keep a look out." Kim got up and headed for the exit.

"What are you doing," Lulu asked watching her sister leaving.

Kim let out an annoyed sound at what she was about to do, "Whether he likes it or not, I'm going to find that stupid moron and drag him back here."

Matthew waited in the brush. He had already set up a trap for that bitch when she shows up. The tracks show that she usually made passes through here. Matthew planted plenty of explosions to help take her down. When she shows up, Matthew would trigger the bombs. Matthew put his hand on his blade that he was carrying. If she wasn't dead from the explosion he would finish her with his hands. Up close and personal. All that he needed to do was wait....

Soon, he will have his vengeance and his deceased family could rest at ease knowing that he avenged them.

After that... well Matthew hadn't thought that far ahead, nor did he care. He dreamt of this for way too long and too much to even give a thought of a future after this day. He wouldn't even care if something came by and ate him, as long as he made sure that monster was dead. This was for Rebeca.

Matthew longed for his revenge. It was so close that he could almost reach out grab it.

Suddenly Matthew caught sight of something. It wasn't the Giantess he was looking for, it was something way smaller. Most likely an animal that stumbled into the trap zone. Matthew just shrugged. The stupid thing could leave or stay, he didn't care if it was caught in the blast zone.

Matthew turned his attention elsewhere as he tried to spot any sign of his prey. Just as Matthew started to put the mysterious wandering creature out of his mind he caught a familiar glimpse.

In utter shock and disbelief Matthew watched as the last thing he expected to come out into his line of sight to be, Kim.

WHAT WAS SHE DOING HERE?!

Kim was looking around as if she were looking for something. Matthew ground his teeth together as the unsuspecting person was standing right next to an explosive. If he set the trap off now, she would surely die. Damn her!

Matthew couldn't leave her there, it would ruin his plans.

Luckily Matthew had time. Letting out an aggravated sound, Matthew left his hiding spot and quietly crept toward Kim.

"What are you doing," Matthew angerly whispered to her.

Kim latterly yelped and jumped at Matthew's unexpecting question.

"Good God where were you," Kim asked completely baffled at his sudden appearance behind her.

"Over there," Matthew pointed. "Now, what the hell you are doing here?"

"I've come to get you. The rescue ship should be here in an hour or so."

"Whatever," Matthew told her. He started to head back to his hiding spot.

"Wait," Kim grabbed him.

"What," Matthew asked annoyed.

"I should be asking you that. I said the ship-"

Matthew yanked his arm away from Kim's grasp. "I heard you. I'm not leaving... not yet."

"That's stupid-"

"No, this is stupid," Matthew said cutting her off. Matthew's anger was starting to show, "Searching for me. Do you have any idea what I'm doing? What did you think was going to happen, I would drop everything and decided to leave just because you asked? I'm not going."

"Matt," Kim told him as bluntly as she could. "IF you stay, YOU will die."

"I'm already dead!" Matthew told her. "I've died a long time ago! This is all I've ever dreamed of. There is no tomorrow for me. I'm going to see this through, even if it kills me. Now get out of here."

Kim couldn't stop herself. She hugged Matthew. "Please... don't. I've lost almost everyone on this mission. I can't lose you too. Not if I can save you."

Matthew was frozen from the sudden embrace that he lost all thought. She was hugging him. It was a very foreign feeling. Only his wife ever touched him like this, and that was a long time ago. It took him a moment to realize that she was doing her best not to cry. She really did care.

"Please, Matthew. I... I can't leave you here. Just," Kim didn't know what to say. "Just please. I care too much about you to see you throw your life away," Kim told him.

Matthew gulped at the sudden confession to him.

"Please, Matthew."

"..."

Kim continued to hug Matthew. "I know you don't care for me, I understand, but-"

Matthew cut her off, "Stop."

Kim felt hurt at Matthew's words. She looked up and instead of seeing anger on his face she saw a more concerned look. "You've been nothing but trouble for me, ever since we meet. You have to be the most aggressive and assertive person I know. I've been injured by you more times than anyone else I know of."

Kim couldn't help but feel ashamed by that fact. "Sorry."

Matthew shook his head, "Don't be. It's that fire that I enjoy. A warm ragging fire that I never want to see die out from you."

Kim was shocked at Matthew's words. However, she was more shocked when Matthew went in for a kiss. As unexpected as it was, she didn't find it at all unwelcomed. Never had she been kissed before, and this was a very very welcomed experience. Matthew pulled Kim closer than she thought they could get as he gave her a taste of his feelings for her. Kim melted as she forgot where they were. She just hoped that Matthew wouldn't stop as he showed his affection for her right now. After what felt like an hour or so, Matthew broke the kiss and grinned at her.

That damn grin.

"First time?"

Kim turned red, "Sh-shut up." Kim couldn't help but feel embarrassed. She thumped her head into Matthew's chest to hide her face.

"Oww," Matthew commented at the headbutt.

"So...." Kim asked.

Matthew took a deep breath. He hated that she made him feel like this. Yet the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. There would be another day for his revenge. Letting out a defeated sigh he answered, "Yeah, alright."

"Thank you," Kim told him still hiding her face. She didn't know what else to say as he agreed to leave with her.

"How touching," A large feminine voice said out of nowhere.

Kim froze and felt Matthew react the same from the mysterious voice. Kim rose her head and looked toward the voice to notice a giant purple Giantess smile at them with a devilish grin. From what Matthew told them the other day, this had to be the murder of Rebecca.

"I bet you two will taste that much sweeter."

Matthew felt his rage boil over at that haunting voice. That tone that he could never forget, from the monster that took everything from him.

"You," Matthew growled looking off to his right where that demon stood towering over them. Matthew didn't know how she did it, but she snuck up on them. She was inside his trap, but so were they. Matthew would have blown him and her up without a second thought, but... Kim. Damn it.

As Matthew looked at the Giantess and spotted her face. Looking up at her purple body, Matthew came across her face and felt an agonizing pain. The mark he prayed to see, the missing eye and slash across her eye, weren't there anymore. She had both eyes and a very faint scar over her eye. Any mark or pain Matthew gave the Giantess seemed to have disappeared from the world, just like Rebecca.

The Giantess than spoke, "Two treats just for me-" suddenly she gasped and leaned down to get a better look at the two of them. "I don't believe it. I know you!" She tilted her head puzzled, "Didn't I eat your arm? OH, I didn't know you can regrow your body parts!" She than pouted at the new-found knowledge, "If I knew that, I could have taken my time with you or any of the others." Matthew watched the Giantess moved closer, but not too close to him. She was being careful. She than shrugged, "I'll keep one of you around. Just to nibble parts of you off."

Kim shuddered at the thought. This truly was a monster. Not sure if it would help, Kim slowly went for her gun. She might not be able to hurt the Giantess, but maybe she could distract her long enough to escape. The tension in the air was thick as both parties just looked at each other. Kim and Matthew trying to find an opening, and the Giantess eyeing her next meal.

Quicker than Kim could react a giant purple blur came out of nowhere as she instantly was snatched up by the enormous purple hand. The Giantess was quicker than Kim thought possible for her size. Now captured Kim could do nothing but squirm in the unbreakable grip surrounding her.

"Gotcha," The Giantess said pleased with herself.

Kim would have called out for help if she could, but the fist gripping her was too tight. In fact, she was finding harder and harder to breath from the crushing force pushing in on her.

"LET HER GO!" Matthew yelled at the Giantess.

"Why would I do that," The Giantess teased. "Doesn't this seem familiar? OH," The Giantess said excitedly, "I know, why don't we play that game again?! You know, the one where I bite your arm off," The Giantess mocked.

Rage clouded Mathew's thoughts as all he could think of was killing this beast right here and now. He had the detonator... no. He had to rescue Kim. Matthew watched the Giantess start to lay down, just like before as she continued to hold onto Kim in her hand.

"But this time," The Giantess said. "I would try harder," She continued to tease Matthew. "I'm starving, and this little thing looks so," The Giantess brought Kim to her mouth and gave her a long taste with her tongue before saying, "Delicious."

Matthew didn't waste any time, he quickly ran toward the Giantess.

"No, run away," Kim manage to shout to Matthew. Before Kim could say anything else the Giantess tightened her grip causing Kim to gasp out in pain.

"Shhhh food doesn't talk," The Giantess hissed at her. "I would hurry," The Giantess told Matthew, "I'm not sure if she can take much more of this."

Kim let out a silent scream as the giant hand around her tightened just a little more threating to break her.

Matthew didn't say anything as he sprinted to save Kim. He had no plan. No idea of how to save her. All he knew was he had to try something. Matthew arrived next to the large purple skinned monster as she continued to torment Kim. She would either lick Kim or squeeze her to a point that Matthew thought he heard bones breaking. Matthew grabbed hold of some of the flesh and used it to climb up the Giantess siding. It was difficult for Matthew to climb up, but he managed to get up onto of the Giantess gut. Matthew wasn't sure when he was, as flashbacks of that horrible day came back. It all felt too real and similar.

Suddenly Rebecca... no Kim, shouted out for help.

"Kim," Matthew cried out as he watched her fall from the Giantess hand and toward her gaping mouth. Matthew ran as fast as he could toward Kim who was falling toward her doom. Matthew was barely halfway there when Kim fell past those lips and vanished. The Giantess closed her mouth shut. "NOOOO," Matthew shouted.

The Giantess giggled at Matthew. Suddenly the Giantess's purple lips formed into a kiss. The Giantess lips parted, and Kim's upper half popped out covered in slime as she was spat halfway out of the mouth.

"KIM," Matthew yelled as he ran toward her. Kim was desperately trying to find something to grab as she felt her body being sucked back between the lips and toward her doom. She was being toyed with, and there was nothing she could do. Kim grabbed part of the enormous lips hoping that it would stop the pulling on her lower body, however the lips were just too soft and offered no traction for her hands to get a good hold on. Kim felt her self being sucked back into the mouth. Soon the fleshy lips covered her shoulders and soon crawled up toward her head. It wasn't long before she was sucked back into the humid cavern that wanted to swallow her. Kim frantically flailed her arms around outside the lips feverously trying to find anything to grab. However, she found nothing as her arms were sucked in like noodles. Kim let out a sob of horror as her entire body was now sliding down the wet tongue toward the gigantic throat below her-

Suddenly Kim felt something grab her arm and her decent stopped. The darkness quickly vanished as the lips sealing her away, opened showing Matthew holding onto Kim, threatening to be pulled in too.

Everything vibrated around Kim and Matthew as the Giantess tried to speak with the two of them barely hanging on, "Uh uh, not you."

Kim felt the giant tongue start to move. It slithered up underneath Kim sliding up her stomach and pushed forward straight at Matthew. It jabbed him in the face as it threated to separate him from Kim. Kim watched in horror as Matthew was being poked and smacked around by the tongue trying break his grip on Kim's arm. Kim cried out for it to stop as she watched Matthew get battered around by the enormous muscle.

Matthew fought as best he could but from all the saliva produced by the tongue he could feel Kim starting to slip out of his hand.

"No," Matthew said through gritted teeth. "Not like this. Not again," Matthew tried to pull Kim up but was smacked in the face again by that damn slimy snake of a tongue. Matthew continued to be assaulted as he was losing ground. He couldn't hold on much longer.

Suddenly there was the sound of a gun firing.

Immediately the Giantess let out a muffled cry as she hacked and spat out Kim sending her and Matthew flying through the air. Matthew pulled Kim closer as he shielded her from the inevitable impact that was bound to happen. Matthew struck into one of the Giantess breast with enough force to cause him to loss his breath and deflect off. It wasn't over yet as Matthew tumbled down off the Giantess and smashed into the ground.

"owww," Matthew commented as he tried to make sure Kim was ok. "What happened," Matthew asked over the sounds the enraged Giantess was making. Kim was still holding onto her gun that she had on her. She must have fired off a round and hit something.

"Lucky shot," Kim told Matthew. The coughing and hacking stopped as the Giantess was recovering from the surprise injury she received from Kim.

"Come on," Matthew told Kim as he got up off the ground and pulled her along with her. "We need to get out of here."

"No duh," Kim said as she ran after Matthew.

"Where did you go," The Giantess angerly asked as she looked around for Matthew and Kim who were now free from her menacing grasp.

As Kim ran she felt Matthew stumbled a little. He had a grimace on his face showing that he must have injured something during the fall. "Keep going," he told Kim.

"Shut up," Kim told him, "Come on." Kim helped Matthew get up from his fall. Kim helped Matthew keep pace with her as they tried to get away.

"There you are," a venomous voice called out behind them. Kim didn't bother looking back as she figured the Giantess recovered from her coughing fit. Kim had no idea where they were trying to go, it seemed pointless that at any second the Giantess would be able to catch up to them. Still she wasn't going to give up.

Suddenly Kim felt a tug that stopped her movements and Matthew let out a cry of pain. Kim turned around and noticed that the Giantess had grabbed Matthew's arm stopping them in their tracks.

"Not so fast," The Giantess growled at them holding onto Matthew's arm between her fingers.

"Let go," Kim demanded as she tugged on Matthew trying to break him free from the Giantess hold.

With no effort at all the Giantess slowly dragged both Matthew and Kim backwards toward her. Kim started to panic as she couldn't help but watch the Giantess gleefully play with the two of them. At any seconds she could have yanked them back or ripped Matthew out of her hands. Kim felt frustrated as she dug her heels into the dirt, yet it didn't stop anything.

"Kim, let go," Matthew panted through the pain.

"No," Kim told him.

"KIM," Matthew shouted over his pain. "Please, trust me."

Kim couldn't believe what she was hearing. Let go? But...

However, looking at Matthew's painfilled face, she could see that there was something going on. He had a plan. Deciding to trust Matthew, Kim let go.

Kim watched as Matthew was yanked backwards like an elastic rubber band, he flew toward the surprise Giantess. Matthew quickly used his left hand to reach up toward his right elbow. Matthew touched something and immediately his right arm ejected off his arm. The Giantess pulled the separated limb closer to her face examining the limb in surprise.

"What," the Giantess said confused looking at the dangling arm closer wondering how that happened.

Matthew quickly pulled something free from his belt, it was a detonator. Before Kim could react, he hit a button on it.

Immediately the arm that was in front of the Giantess exploded in a bright flash.

The giantess screamed out in surprise and pain as the explosion was directly in her face. She quickly cupped her face as she roared out in pain and anger.

"What," Kim asked as she quickly rushed to Matthew to help him escape the flaying giantess. "What just happened?"

Matthew gave her one of his famous smirks, "You didn't think I wouldn't have a few back up plans if I got swallowed? There was no way I would go out without a bang."

Kim didn't know whether to be glad or horrified that Matthew had a suicidal exploding arm attached to his body all this time ready to detonate in order to kill him and whatever ate him.

Matthew and Kim made it further than before as they escaped from the Giantess.

The sound of the Giantess letting out an angered hiss, made both of them turn around. Kim could see the damage done to the Giantess face. It didn't look like there was too much damage done. Her eyes were now blood shot from either the explosion or the pure anger she had. Any hair she had on her face like her eyelashes or eyebrows were seared right off. The look on her face was that of pure hate.

"YOU'LL DIE," she screamed as she started toward them.

Kim was terrified that she was still active after taking a blast like that to her face. Yet as she tried to carry Matthew to some kind of safety, he didn't budge.

"Matt," Kim shouted at him not sure what was going on with him. Why wasn't he moving.

Then she saw that he still had the detonator for his arm in his left hand. "For Rebeca," Matthew said to himself. Before Kim could react, Matthew hit the button.

What Kim and the Giantess didn't know, was the trap that Matthew built for the purple beast. The explosives he planted all around the area were designed to send the explosive force in a direction thanks to the shaped charges. Matthew planted multiple bombs directed upward. The direction of the explosion would fire upward toward the sky and anything in the way, for example a pissed off Giantess. When Matthew hit the button for the detonation of the charges, the entire area lite up in a brilliant flash. The air exploded as the force of the explosion knocked everything away. The shockwave sent both Matthew and Kim flying backwards and onto the ground. Anything in the blast area took the full blunt of the force from the explosion. The purple Giantess didn't stand a chance as the section of the forest evaporated from the heat and pressure created by the explosion.

Matthew woke up from Kim shaking him.

"YOU IDOT! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US?!" She was screaming at him.

Matthew couldn't help smiling at the fact that she was ok. "I knew we would be fine," Matthew told her trying to act like it all was according to plan.

"Not funny," She said sounding pissed. "What would you do if you died?"

Matthew tried to shrug but found it hurt too much. "Probably die."

Kim gave him a glare, "Not funny," She told him.

"Did it work," Matthew asked afraid to look and find that his plan failed.

"I think so," Kim told him. "If not, then she ran away."

"She better be dead," Matthew coughed. "Otherwise I'm out of tricks."

"You could have told me about the explosives," Kim said helping Matthew up.

Matthew laughed, "And ruin the surprise?"

Kim just rolled her eyes at him. "You stupid moron." They didn't say much after that as Kim helped Matthew walk. After a few minutes Kim finally asked a question she needed to know, "So, what now?"

Matthew coughed, "Now, we get off this fucking rock."

Lulu heard some movement outside the cave. Just as Lulu thought it was an animal or a Giantess her sister came into view. Only she wasn't alone. She was carrying Matthew, who looked pretty messed up. In fact, Kim wasn't looking so good either. Both of them looked like they went through hell. They were covered in scrapes bruises and their clothes looked soaked.

"What happened," Lulu asked.

"Bomber man here, tried to blow himself up," Kim told her.

Matthew let out a laugh until he realized it still hurt too much.

"Yeah, that's what you get," Kim told him as she gently set him down. "What's the ETA for the rescue ship?"

"Almost 20 minutes," Minnie told them.

"That's not too long," Kim said. She couldn't have been more relieved that their rescue was coming in less than 20 minutes.

"Let me look at you," Lulu said to Matthew as she tried to patch up the injuries he sustained. "It doesn't look too bad," Lulu told everyone as she checked on him.

"I think I sprained my ankle or something," Matthew said.

"Here," Lulu asked as she touched his swollen ankle.

Matthew hissed in pain.

"Are you ok," Kim asked worried. Everyone looked over to the worried Captain. She quickly cleared her throat. "He can walk right," Kim asked Lulu.

"Uhhh, yeah," She told her still shocked from her sister's outburst. "He should be fine."

"Good then," Kim said trying not to look too embarrassed as she headed for the cave entrance, "I'll keep watch."

Matthew whispered to Lulu, "Watch this." Matthew quickly fain an injury and let out a dramatic sound. Kim hearing the sound, turned around with worry on her face only to spot Matthew grinning at her.

Kim immediately narrowed her eyes at him threateningly. "You jerk."

"Love you too," Matthew said.

Kim left the cave while Matthew did his best not to laugh too hard.

"You better be careful," Lulu warned. "I'm sure she's going to get you back for that."

Matthew leaned his back unable to stop himself from smiling at that adorable look on her face, "Yeah, but it'll be worth it..."

Matthew was quickly woken up by Richard. Thinking that they were in trouble and Matthew attempted to get up but found that he couldn't push himself up without his other arm that was now gone.

"Calm down," Richard told him. "The dropship is here. It's time to get out of here."

"Finally." Richard offered his hand and helped Matthew to his feet.

"Let me help," Kim offered. Richard gladly let Kim help Matthew walk on his injured leg. As Kim helped Matthew out of the cave she looked over to him and saw that smirk that told her he was going to say something. "Don't even."

"What," Matthew said trying to sound innocent.

"I mean it, I'll leave you here."

"I think she means it," Lulu said noticing her sister's annoyed look on her face.

As the small group of survivors headed toward the dropship they noticed there was another aerial attack ship hovering in the air providing protection from whatever that may threatened them.

"Ah, an armored escort. I guess the Admiral really does care about me," Matthew sarcastically commented at the extra firepower that would have made their search that much easier. As soon as they got close to the doors to the ship two guards hopped off the ship and approached the group.

"Which one of you is Professor Carmen?"

"I am," Lulu said to the soldiers.

"This way please," he said leading her first on the ship.

"Oh yeah don't worry about the injured," Kim said sounding annoyed.

"Sorry captain," the other guard said. "Orders. We need to make sure the Professor is safe and secure above all else."

Kim held back from verbally attacking the soldier, but it was his job. Orders were orders. So, without help, Kim got Matthew and Adam on the ship. Minnie and then Richard was next to board the ship. Finally, Kim was the last to jump on before they started their take off. Kim kept thinking something was going to go wrong or maybe something was going to try and stop them, but they luckily made it off the ship. Never had Kim been happier looking out at the shrinking landscape. She would never have to see this place again...

"Admiral, you must reconsider," Lulu desperately pleaded to the high-ranking officer.

The Admiral only looked annoyed, "Professor, you have no evidence on this theory. I am grateful for your research on the Alphanium and locating such a large amount, but we will not postpone the extraction."

Lulu was stunned at how narrow minded he was being. "Admiral if there is even a slight chance that my theory is correct, than you and the rest of the forces you send down there won't stand chance."

"That is enough! Professor, we didn't come all this way just to save a simple research party. I will retrieve the Alphanium."

"So that's it," Lulu said realizing finally the truth to the whole operation. "It wasn't the safety of my team, it was the location of the mineral."

"Exactly," the admiral said. "Now, professor, if you don't mind," The admiral stepped around the professor and headed down the hallway and toward the hanger. Lulu watched as the door opened and gave Lulu enough time to look inside the hanger and see all the commotion and hustle involved in the hanger. Soldiers and equipment were being loaded onto multiple ships as they were starting to depart.

"I have to tell someone," Lulu told herself. Hurrying, Lulu went to the only person she knew that would listen. It took longer than she thought it would to find Kim. She was in the infirmary looking after Matthew while his leg and body were still healing. "There you are."

"Lulu? What's going on," Kim asked noticing how concerned her sister was right now.

"The admiral, he's planning to extract the Alphanium from the planet."

"What," Kim asked not sure what she was talking about. "Why is that bad?"

"I told you," Lulu said sounding annoyed that Kim didn't understand. "If they try I'm 95% sure they will be attacked! If they try to take the Alphanium they will surely not survive."

"You said that was a theory," Kim told Lulu. "How can you be so certain."

"Because, when I told the Admiral about the location and everything else, he revealed how many have tried and failed. He told me how many researchers and survey teams they sent ... it can't be coincidence that so few have made it back."

Kim was skeptical at first. But if her sister was right, then no matter how many soldiers went with the Admiral he was in danger. "Ok," Kim told Lulu.

"Hurry, they were already preparing to leave when I started to look for you."

Kim gave Lulu an annoyed look that her sister took her time finding her. Hurrying out the infirmary she ran toward the bay doors to hopefully change the Admirals mind or at least give him a warning. As Kim ran down the main hallway she nearly ran into the doors that wouldn't' budge. Trying to access the door she found it was locked shut. This would only happen if the bay doors were open and the room was depressurized. "Damn it, they already left." Kim tracked back toward the control room where she hoped she could at least radio the Admiral before he entered the atmosphere and communication would become difficult.

Reaching the control bridge, Kim opened the doors. "Quick I need to send the Admiral a message," She ordered the nearest military personal to take her to their communication station.

Once they arrived at the panel she quickly demanded they patch her through.

"Admiral Ronald? Do you copy?"

There was some static on the line before a jumbled up response was heard, "W..a... do..."

"Admiral, I advise you to reconsider this sir," Kim pleaded. "You have no idea what your heading into. I repeat sir, don't underestimate that place."

There was only static coming over the line.

"Captain," one of the soldiers on the bridge called out. "We are getting a feed."

"What," Kim asked confused. A feed? Heading over she looked and found that there were monitors and other instruments that were tracking the 30 plus soldiers that were heading down with the admiral. Along with a few video's being sent by body cameras on some of the soldiers. "Why is the signal fine, yet we can't communicate with them?"

"The video is being sent by SLB, short laser burst. It's easier to receive these signals than to send a radio transmission."

"So, we can see, but not talk," Kim asked wondering what good that would do them.

"Correct Ma'am."

Unable to help, all Kim could do was watch as the Admiral and the rest of the troops landed. Kim couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of anger that the Admiral would spare so many soldiers to protect his operation for the Alphanium, but not for saving her sister. However, her sister was safe, and not the issue. The issue was trying to save as many of those soldiers' lives as she could.

"Keep trying to reach them," Kim commanded the communication officer.

"Yes Ma'am."

"Come on," Kim said to herself as she watched the operation unfold on the screen. She could see the soldiers starting to set up gear and equipment as one large ship that was a mining device to extract the Alphanium start to land. The large drilling device started up quickly as it shot a laser into the ground and started its harvest of the precious mineral. Kim's worry started to dissipate as the minutes ticked by and nothing happened. "Anything," Kim asked the officer trying to reach the Admiral.

"Negative."

"How was it that you could reach us with the rescue transmission and we can't reach the Admiral?"

"I don't know Ma'am, it could be that the atmospheric properties are greater in certain areas or possible elevation or," the officer said continuing his explanation.

Kim just shook her head over the sciences jargon that was being spewed at her. "Ok, ok. Just keep trying."

"Ma'am," the officer next to her said. "Something's happening."

"What," Kim asked concerned.

"It... it might be a defect but number 25's heartline dropped." He pointed to one of the constant heart rate monitors on the screen and noticed it was a solid line.

Kim looked between the few monitors that were projecting images but didn't see anything out of place. "This isn't good..." Kim didn't know why but she knew that it wasn't a defect on the devices end. However, it didn't seem anyone was worried on the screens.

Suddenly Kim noticed some trees moving. Kim spotted the weird sway to a select number of trees. It was like those trees themselves were moving on their own...

"Camo..." Kim said out loud recognizing it from her time on the planet. "It's a trap! Quick," Kim told the Communication's officer.

"I'm trying, but there's no response," he told her.

Kim couldn't warn them as she watched 2 soldiers casually walked near the invisible Giantess. Horrified at what was about to happen, Kim clenched her fist as the two soldiers were right beneath the camouflaged creature. "RUN!" Kim shouted at the screen. It was no use. She watched as both soldiers were snatched up off the ground and into the air. She could hear the silent screams that couldn't be heard through the video. Everyone else seemed panicked at the sudden appearance of the enormous creature that was now appearing out of nowhere. Before anyone could react the camouflaged Giantess quickly dashed into the woods out of view taking her two prizes with her.

Kim watched as the person with the body cam started to turn around frightened at what he just saw. Suddenly there was more commotion as more activity was happening on another screen. Apparently, some Hunters found a small group of soldiers and were already dragging some back into the forest. Everything turned into chaos as people started to run in no general direction and firing at things off the camera. Kim could feel the fear from the video as there were silent screams and running going on, over all the monitors. Suddenly there was a shadow on one of the cameras as it instantly went black and the feed was gone.

"What was that," Kim asked.

The officer backed the video up and Kim could make out just the faint image of a large foot slamming down on the solider with the body cam. Kim quickly looked to the heart rate monitors and noticed a handful of them were already flatlining.

"Captain I got a connection!"

Kim tore herself away from the chaotic images and quickly went to the communication officer.

"Admiral?!"

There was some static and finally she could hear from the Admiral on the other end. However, it was hard to make his voice out over the loud shouts, gunfire, and thumping sounds like thunder. "What the hell is this?!" He shouted

"You got to get out of there," Kim replied, not bothering with saying over. "It's a trap! Admiral," Kim shouted for him.

"Bring in the air support," The Admiral commanded someone before replying to Kim, "We can handle this."

Kim bite her tongue at his arrogance. He was going to get everyone killed. Kim turned around and watched another body cam go dark. This wasn't good. Another handful of heart rate monitors flatlined. Kim spotted 2 aircrafts coming in on one of the monitors. Kim saw them start to fire at a Giantess that looked to be enjoying itself. The aircraft landed some explosions that forced the Giantess to the ground, injured or dead. Kim felt a little relieved to see that they could hurt the enormous beast-

Suddenly a large shadow flew across the sky as a large boulder slammed into one of the ships with an amazing accuracy. The flaming vehicle plummeted out of view. Suddenly another boulder flew nearly hitting the other ship. This was bad.

"ADMIRAL!" Kim shouted over the coms. "GET OUT NOW!"

"Just a few more minutes... get back in formation!" The Admiral was trying to get his soldiers to fight whatever was attacking them, but it didn't sound like it was going good. "... Ok we got it boys! Back to the ships!"

Kim felt her heart do a flip at the sound of retreat. Kim headed back to the monitors and saw that there were only 10 soldiers left along with the Admiral. One of the monitors showed the solider heading over to the mining device to remove a briefcase sized container glowing with the extracted mineral. He quickly turned around to head back to a ship. Kim could see the absolute massacre that transpired in the wake of a few minutes. There were about 5 or so Giantess attacking the mining site, and Kim could see a few more making their way there, all different shapes and sizes. Lulu was right. They were protecting the Alphanium! Hunters were trying to rush a ship as it was already trying to take off. Just before it could clear the tree lines to start it's accelerating, a large tree was swung at it like at bat, causing an enormous explosion in the air sending bits of shrapnel all over the place.

The other monitor went black showing that the solider died in the explosion. That left only 1 camera solider and 4 other soldiers trying to take off. Kim watched as the silent video showed the soldier carrying the Alphanium trying to reach the safety of the ship. A few soldiers were firing out the open door taking down the smaller creatures trying to stop them from leaving with the Alphanium. The camera solider dived into the ship. They didn't wait any longer as they took off as fast as they could. The solider quickly fastened the container that held the material that cost 25 other soldiers their lives. The cameraman quickly headed to the cockpit and quickly took the copilots seat. He turned to the piolet, who was the admiral. He said something, and the admiral smiled, looking pleased. Whatever he said seemed to be good news to the Admiral. Kim watched the ship bank hard right to dodge a Giantess reaching for them. Then it did a few more maneuvers to dodge some flying rocks being tossed at them. They made a few hard turns and twist for a few more moments until they were finally clear of that hellish death trap. The cameraman turned back to the Admiral and said something again that made the Admiral say something and laugh.

Kim was appalled that the Admiral would look so happy-

Suddenly that happiness turned to pure horror on his face and a horrifying scream left his mouth. The cameraman turned to give Kim a view of an enormous mountain Giantess rising up from her sleep, the mountain Giantess was moving it's hand. It was like it was trying to smack a fly out of the air. The darkening shadow of the hand came rushing toward them at speeds that were undodgeable. Kim could feel the fear coming from the soldiers and Admiral as in a brief millisecond the hand collided with the ship, then darkness. The heart rate monitors for the last soldiers left alive went flat....

"Admiral," The communication officer called over the mic still trying to reach him. "Admiral?"

Kim was shocked... 30 soldiers all dead in less than 10 minutes. How could this have happened. There was a faint sound in the distance that Kim couldn't make out. Finally, she could hear it after a short while.

"Captain, what do we do?"

"What?"

"Captain, you're in charge now... what are your orders?"

"I'm in charge," Kim repeated still dazed.

"Yes, Ma'am. What should we do? Should we try and retrieve the Alph-"

"NO!" Kim quickly said. "No... we," Kim swallowed, "We lost too many for that damn mineral."

"You're orders?"

Kim stood up from her chair and walked toward the center of the room. "Set a course for space station 4, we're going home."

3 weeks later

There was a knocking on Matthew's door. Heading to the door he opened the door.

"Admiral," Matthew greeted the higher up with a military salute.

"Oh, shut up," Kim said pissed he was still calling her by her new title.

"Sorry Admiral," Matthew said still acting very formal.

Kim narrowed her eyes threateningly, "Keep it up."

Matthew laughed as he dropped his hand and let Kim entered his apartment. "So, what brings the Admiral to my place?'

"Oh my god..." Kim groaned rubbing her forehead. "Why are you always so annoying?"

"You know you like it," Matthew teased.

Kim rolled her eyes at his comment. "It's been 3 weeks since we got back. I haven't seen you around in a while."

"Yeah, well kind of happens when you get a promotion," Matthew told Kim. "Hard to talk to you when you're in a bunch of meetings."

Kim agreed. Since she was promoted after the death of the Admiral she had nonstop work thrown at her. She had to take over the Admirals job, which was more work than she thought. She also had a few things she needed to do, like deem B1G off limits, and to release the data on the creatures that lived there. She left out the part of the Alphanium being on the planet. She felt she shouldn't incentivize people to risk their lives for that accursed material.

"Well I got the next few days off," Kim told Matthew.

"Really now? That's interesting, because I got the next couple of months off..."

Kim rolled her eyes at his sense of humor. "Well, come on,"

Matthew looked puzzled, "What's going on?"

"Let's get a drink," Kim offered.

"This is awkward," Matthew said. "... I kind of gave it up."

"Really," Kim asked shocked. She looked behind her and saw that there were still a few fresh bottles on the table. Kim gave him a stern look.

Matthew looked sheepish, "Well, kind of. I still have a few drinks now and then."

"Come on," Kim told him as she grabbed Matthew's right hand and started to pull him toward the door. Kim stopped and turned around.

"What," Matthew asked at her puzzled look.

"Did you," She asked lifting his right arm and poked it. It was fleshy and didn't feel like his old mechanical arm. "Did you get your arm regenerated?"

"I..." Matthew tried not to sound so awkward, "I, figured... now that I avenged Rebeca, I'd ... you know start moving on." It still hurt Matthew to think about it but saying it out loud was a little more reliving then thinking about it.

Kim took his right hand into both her hands. "I know it's hard, but I'm here for you," She said offering a smile.

"Uh, thanks," Matthew nervously said feeling that awkwardness.

"Ok," Kim said going back to pulling Matthew toward the door. "Time to grab some dinner."

"Dinner? I thought you said drinks?"

Kim acted like it was obvious, "Well you can't drink without having dinner first."

"You sure? This almost sounds like a date," Matthew joked.

Kim smiled back at him, "Maybe it is." She gave him a wink. "And if you're lucky, I might show you your new Admiral's bedroom."

Matthew's eyebrows shot up at the invitation that Kim dropped for him. Clearing his throat, "Well than, Admiral Kim, lead the way."