Ed Mercer vs the Invaders: The Giant Awakening

Chapter Nine: The Capture

Ed Mercer had barely calmed down from his last surge of growth when the sky above darkened. A massive shadow loomed over him and the monsters, blocking out the sun. Ed looked up in terror, and there it was—Gallaxhar's ship, a colossal spacecraft hovering ominously above the group, its alien engines humming in the air.

"He's found me," Ed whispered, fear twisting in his gut.

Before anyone could react, a bright beam of light shot down from the ship, focusing directly on Ed. The moment the beam touched him, he felt his body lift off the ground, his feet dangling in the air as the light pulled him upward. He struggled against the force, his heart racing in panic.

"Insectosaurus, help!" Dr. Cockroach shouted.

With a roar, Insectosaurus sprang into action. The massive creature quickly shot a silk line from his mouth, latching onto Ed's leg to try and anchor him to the ground. The line pulled taut, and for a brief moment, it seemed like Insectosaurus' s strength would be enough to keep Ed from being abducted.

But Gallaxhar's ship wasn't about to give up its prize so easily.

A second beam fired from the ship, this one aimed directly at Insectosaurus. The beam hit with devastating force, sending the enormous creature crashing to the ground. He let out a final screech before collapsing, motionless, his body slumped on the earth.

"No! Insectosaurus!" Ed shouted, helpless as the beam pulled him further and further into the ship. His heart pounded as he saw the life drain from his massive friend. The last thing he saw before the doors of the spaceship closed was the horrified faces of his fellow monsters, and the limp form of Insectosaurus lying on the ground.

When Ed finally regained consciousness, he found himself in a cold, metallic room. His body felt heavy, and when he looked down, he realized he was once again wearing an unfamiliar jumpsuit. He tried to stand, but his movements were restricted.

He was inside a cage.

The bars weren't normal—they were made of energy beams, crackling with electricity, and suspended in mid-air. The cage floated ominously in the center of the room, and Ed had no idea how to get out. He tried to stretch out his arms, but the beams sparked, sending a sharp jolt through his body.

Suddenly, a door at the far end of the room slid open with a hiss.

From the shadows, Galaxhar entered, his tall, ominous figure cutting through the dim light. His expression was one of twisted amusement as he approached Ed's cage, hands clasped behind his back.

"Well, well, well," Galaxhar purred, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "It seems I've finally found my Quantonium."

Ed glared at him, his body tense with rage. "Quantonium? What the hell are you talking about?"

Galaxhar smirked, stepping closer to the glowing bars of the cage. "The substance that made you... this," he gestured to Ed's enormous body. "You are its host. And now, you belong to me."

Ed's hands balled into fists. "I'm not some tool for you to use."

Gallaxhar's smile only widened, as if Ed's resistance was amusing to him. "Oh, but you are. You'll see soon enough." He turned away, casting a glance over his shoulder. "Enjoy your stay, 'Ginormica.' It won't be for long."