The Bridge: Humanity's Stand (Old Version, Decanonized)
Chapter 15: A King, a Prince, and a God
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13 years before the opening of the Bridge...
Far beneath the unending waves of the ocean surface on an empty plain of jagged rock and quiet sand, the last dying dregs of a volcanic hotspot faded from its place under this thin part of the planetary crust. A lightless haze descended over the forgotten area, the final source of life for this ancient place finally gone.
And in the darkness a presence moved.
The radiation was gone, withdrawn from the surface with the rest of its heated source. Digging down after it would be ineffective. Another source would need to be found. The presence opened its senses and reached outward, questing for that familiar taste of power that fueled it. For hours it searched in silence, barely shifting its bulk.
There. A source. Near the surface and on the move.
The presence felt confusion at the revelation. There should be no more living sources. Not since the Cataclysm many millennia ago. This required investigation.
Its mind made up, the presence lifted itself from its eroded place in the sea floor, shaking off giant sand dunes and walls of rock that had formed around it. Rising upright for the first time in uncounted years, the presence kicked off the surface below it and swam off in the direction of the source, a combination of hunger and curiosity propelling it to the surface.
Salty sea spray hit Nickolaus Tatopoulos in the face as his boat bounced over the shifting ocean waves. He took in the cool temperature and kind wind with a smile, letting his concerns wash away for the moment.
"Another month, another mutant kaiju terrorizing people."
And thus the worries were back. "Thanks for ruining the mood, Elise," he said without turning to acknowledge her.
"Sorry Doc." Elise took up the spot next to him at the prow, leaning on the railing and heaving a sigh of relief. "At least this one was easy to bring down right? Zilla didn't even have trouble with it."
Nick folded his arms over his chest and frowned. "Yes. Another possibly innocent creature driven insane by forces beyond its control was easy to kill. How wonderful."
The redhead grimaced at Nick's tone. "You know that's not what I meant. It's not like we have a choice to let the monsters live if they just keep on attacking endlessly. If we could corral them away on Monster Island and be sure they couldn't escape, I'm sure the UN would love to do that."
"But it's not that simple," Nick finished. "I know. That doesn't make it any easier."
"Look Nick, I get where you're coming from here, but you have to ask yourself this. Which is more important? A single animal that probably isn't intelligent, or a whole lot of humans we most certainly are?"
Nick gave Elise a glare. "You know what my answer would be to that. People will always be more important."
"Exactly. Sometimes animals are a threat to people and need to be put down. Doesn't matter if that animal is a rabid dog, an old lonely lion without a pride, or a kaiju mutation."
"Doesn't make it a good deed," Nick said with a scoff.
Elise nodded and patted her boss's shoulder. "No, but it's a necessary one. Besides, think about it like this. The more Zilla fights mutants like these, the better he can defend himself against the real threats. Guy's probably almost as experienced as the big G himself at this point."
"I rather doubt that," Nick laughed. "Still, you have a point. I just wish for once we could find a new monster that wasn't a rampaging beast with no brains and that can be reasoned with."
"Wouldn't that be nice," Elise agreed, gazing out in the distance, eyes locking onto the waves that marked Zilla's passing a mile ahead of their ship.
"Guys! Guys come here! You have to see this!" A heavy set blonde ran out of the cabin towards them, pausing halfway to cough into his sleeve.
"What is it Craven?"
Craven was about to answer when he reached them but sneezed overboard. "Sorry. Got a cold. We spotted something on the sonar. Looks like a possible kaiju."
Elise threw her arms up in the air. "And another one. They just never stop showing up anymore do they?"
Nick sighed, casting a quick glance out in Zilla's direction before walking off to the cabin. "Let's go see what the deal is with this one."
Walking into the cabin they were greeted by a brown-skinned young man with unkempt dreadlocks. "Hey guys. You aren't gonna believe your eyes when you see this one."
"What's that supposed to mean Randy?" Nick asked. "Isn't it still too far away to notice any details?"
"Details? No, none of those. Size on the other hand…" Randy gestured to the sonar screen. The center depicted their ship of course, with Zilla's large blob barely a finger's width away. On the edge of the scope was another blob, its distance from the center of the screen, and thus their vessel, decreasing rapidly.
"One thing's for sure, whatever this guy is he's quick," Elise said.
Nick nodded in agreement. "Craven, have you been able to get its size yet?"
"Uh, yeah kinda, though I'm not sure how accurate the data is. The main body is over 300 feet long, and the tail adds another 200 after that. Displaced mass is… over 90,000 tons at a preliminary figure."
The crew all looked back at the blob, which had moved several inches closer in the last minute alone. Nick straightened up and folded his arms over his chest. "Randy, get Monique. Tell her to bring the ship up to flank speed, then get a message out to the nearest military station."
"You got it boss," Randy said before rushing off.
"Craven," Nick continued, "find out everything you can about this thing before it gets here. Size, weight, shape, species if you can. Anything you can find out." The blonde nodded and got to work on the computers. "Elise, help me set up the remote communicator. I have to have a talk with Zilla."
Zilla calmly swished through the ocean waves, letting himself move on a sort of autopilot while his mind drifted aimlessly. Who knew mutant squid could actually taste good? I mean the normal squids are quite delicious anyway, if a bit slimy, but you'd think the mutation process would make it taste poisonous or something. Eh, I'm not gonna complain. I'm not gonna have to eat for a week anyway. I wonder if G is on the island? I kinda wanna talk to him about-
Zilla? Zilla can you hear me?
Dad? Zilla asked. Yeah I can hear you. What's up? Are you just testing the mind voice thingy, or is there another issue to deal with?
The later, sadly. We spotted a new kaiju signature following our ship and its closing in fast.
Zilla groaned. Another one already? I just got done fighting the last one. Oh well, a kaiju hero's work is never done. What's the skinny on this guy?
Not sure 'skinny' is the best word to describe this one. According to Craven the thing weighs 90,000 tons. That's more than three times your weight. We may need some help dealing with this one.
That… might be necessary yeah, Zilla admitted. Monster island is pretty close by, just a few hours off. I could head there and see if someone's willing to lend a hand, paw, claw, what have you.
Normally I would suggest against bothering the other kaiju with human problems, but in this case we don't really have a choice. We'll set course for the island at full speed then. Hopefully we can make it there before this monster catches up to us.
Roger that, Dad. I'll sit between you and him, make sure he doesn't get any ideas. With that, Zilla altered course to the north-east, following along in the much smaller wake of his family's boat. If this guy wants you, he's gonna have to go through me.
The source was shifting direction. Had the source realized it was being followed? If it had, was it trying to escape, or merely chose a better battleground to face its stalker?
The ancient being rumbled as it pushed its speed higher, its great tail swinging through the water at a faster pace. This source was creating ever more questions that needed answering. And the answers would be had.
One way or another.
Hours passed, and yet Nick and the rest of the Heatseeker crew saw nearly no change in the distance between them and the kaiju chasing them. That said, they were able to determine with a little testing that the kaiju was after Zilla, not them, so that was a slight relief for the crew. All except Nick that was.
"What does he want with Zilla?" Nick asked again.
"We will not know until the two meet," a French accented voice answered. Monique, the provider of the Heatseeker's ship and their funding, was hunched over the sonar panel, trying to eche out every detail she could out of the display. "That said, much about this kaiju seems to be different than the usual mutations Zilla hunts. Its body structure is very smooth and well proportioned in comparison to its size, unlike the mismashed creatures we generally see."
Randy, who was leaned up against a nearby wall, asked, "Do you think it's another natural monster then? Like Mothra?"
Elise shook her head. "I don't think so. The shape and hardness of the skin suggests scales like those Godzilla has, so it's probably another saurian. But its size is a lot greater than the Big G. Closer to Ghidorah almost, if you minus the wings and part of the necks. Plus the radiometer is going nuts every time we so much as stick it in the thing's direction. I don't what this kaiju's deal is, but it's certainly a new kind of beast than what we've seen before."
"But what does it want with Zilla then?" Nick said. "And why haven't we seen this thing before?"
Monique shrugged her shoulders and answered, "Knowing our luck, it probably wants to eat him. I just hope that we can convince the monsters on the island to help."
"We're here!" Craven called from up on the control deck. "Zilla's already on the beach. I think he's catching his breath. Hold on, I think another kaiju is coming. … Oh boy."
"Who is it?" Nick asked as he and the others climbed up to the windows.
Randy laughed. "Come on, do you even have to guess?"
They all looked out on the beach and saw Zilla laying down on the sand, a much taller and darker form making its way to him.
"The King has come to defend his home," Monique intoned ominously.
Oh man, Zilla said between panting. Haven't gone that fast in a while. Now I'm starting to regret gorging myself so much. Reeeally shouldn't exercise so much on a full stomach. Zilla fell silent for a moment as he felt the Earth tremor though his jaw, then again another second later. Looking up from his prone position Zilla could see a much larger saurian standing over him. Oh. Hey there G. Long time no see. How you been?
Fine, Godzilla answered in a clipped tone. It's been rather quiet lately. Although that is apparently about to change rather quickly thanks to you.
Sorry. You know I would rather handle it on my own if I could, but… well let's say this guy is a bit outside my weight class, so I could use a partner just in case things go pear shaped.
Godzilla tilted his head down at Zilla, a confused look in his eyes. What do pears have to do with this?
Zilla blinked, then shook his head and stood. Human expression. Just means when the situation gets out of control. Which I really do hope it won't, but in my experience…
It always does, Godzilla finished. The King heaved a great sigh, then turned to face out towards the ocean. Very well. I'll stay and help. You lured it to my home anyways.
Thanks G, Zilla said while giving the bigger kaiju a grateful nuzzle. If the two of us are working together here, I don't think we'll have a problem.
Godzilla grunted, his eyes fixed on a swelling wave on the edge of his sight. The wave was large, bigger than most he made unless he was deliberately attempting to swamp a shoreline. I have thought such things before. I was wrong nearly every time. Be ready for anything.
Zilla wriggled himself in place, pushing away the tiredness from his bones. Yes sir.
And so King and Prince stood on the shore of the island, watching the invader come closer and closer.
There was a second source now. It was big, much larger than the first. Big enough to match that of the old enemies. Exceed them even. What were they doing together? Why did the larger not feed on the former? Was the smaller a juvenile and the larger its parent? Were they of a new type that was never seen before?
Regardless, old instincts were coming to fore once again. Bones and muscles clenched in preparation for combat. It surged forward, pushing the water out of the way more aggressively. Must get there quickly. Need to know. Need to understand. Ancient furnaces deep within burned to life again, energy churning to be unleashed.
The Alpha Predator felt the need to defend its title. To protect the world from this unknown pair. And so it would. Violently if needed.
The God had risen out of the depths to greet the new King.
Um, boss, are you seeing what I'm seeing?
Godzilla's eyes narrowed and his tail twitched, the rest of his body still. I believe so.
Zilla's eyes continued to widen as he backed up a few steps. Right. That's what I thought. Well, I don't know about you, but I feel a distinct need to RUN!
Zilla bolted off of the beach at full speed just as the giant wave crashed down upon the sand. The tsunami was taller even than Godzilla, smashing into him as he braced himself and pushing him back through the ground. The wave expended its energy quickly and moved past the King, washing up for hundreds of feet through the forest behind him, carrying away every tree and exposed rock that stood there. Slowly the water receded, leaving behind a wide swath of empty land, at the center of which stood Godzilla, unhindered. Show off, the saurian mumbled to himself as he turned to face the one who had made the wave in the first place.
The kaiju was huge, standing a head above him at full height. More than that, its body was utterly massive, its torso being thicker than Godzilla's widest part of his chest. Long, sharp spines ran up the creature's back and along the tail, which stretched on behind it even longer than his, though thinner towards the end. Its arms seemed small in comparison to the rest of it but were clearly still strong and endowed with tough claws on their ends.
But none of that struck Godzilla as deeply as the face of the thing did. The skull was heavy and block-shaped, almost square but undeniably hard. Several teeth stuck out of its muzzle, overlapping in even lines with a grim look. Small but clear eyes gazed down at Godzilla searchingly, as if studying him as intently as the King was this monster.
It looked so… familiar, as if the kaiju's shape should be known to him in some forgotten recess of his mind. But more importantly, it was similar. Similar to him.
What… what are you? Godzilla said to himself.
What was this? This creature that stood here? It looked like one of the others. One of the Predators long since dead. How could such a thing be? Could it be?
The Alpha sniffed with both nose and mind, gathering the essence of this other being to himself. The creature had a source within it, pulsing with same power that stirred in the Alpha itself, only the method was changed. Altered. The source was purer and brighter than the Alpha's. Stronger than any Predator.
Something was not right. There were no more Predators, the Alpha knew. All were gone back during the dawning of memory. Removed for the sake of the world, with only the Alpha left as a final example of what had come before. Such was the Great One's ruling when it had first appeared. This creature, this mimic could not be a true Predator. But then where did it come from? Why was it here?
The Alpha needed to know.
What are thou? It spoke. It's first words in an eon.
So it takes the time to talk, Godzilla grunted. Perhaps there is a chance for peace here after all. Godzilla stood as tall as he could and addressed the other kaiju. I am Godzilla, defender of these islands. You are trespassing here, and I will not tolerate any threats to the monsters who live here. State your business or please leave.
The creature rumbled, shifting in place and clenching its paws. What are thou? It repeated. Are thou a Predator? Wherefore dost thou come from?
I don't know what you mean by 'predator', unless you mean the fact that I can eat meat if I wish. As for where I came from, I was born from an egg and raised by humans. Now answer my question. Why are you here?
This time the larger monster grumbled and took a step forward, shaking the beach as its pillar-like foot landed. We must know! Thou has a source. Resembles Our form. What made thou? Was it the Small Ones? Why did they mimic Our form? What end do they seek?
Small ones? Godzilla asked, eyebrow raised. You mean the humans? They didn't make me, only raised me. And what is this 'source' you're talking about?
Thou dost not know? Tis what gives thou life and power. Why? Why dost thou have a source? None should be left alive save for Us.
Godzilla leaned back, waving his tail in agitation. None left alive? Why? Did you kill them?
It shook its head. No. They were destroyed due to their own arrogance, but We would have done the same Ourselves once We realized the damage they had done. The creature snarled. Damage thou art capable of as well. Allow Us this question: art thou a threat?
Only if you strike first, Godzilla said. As I said, I am the Defender of this island and its inhabitants, and I will stand against any who move to harm them. He slammed his tail down into the sand, sending cascades of dirt flying into the air. Even one of my own kind if I must.
Silence passed between the two monsters, each sizing the other up while standing perfectly still. The larger saurian stared down at its counterpart and tilted its head as if in thought. It closed its eyes for a moment, then opened them and snarled, Defend them then.
The Alpha drew in a huge breath and unleashed its roar, the tremendous screech cracking rocks on the mountains lining the beach. Godzilla stood his ground against the challenge and prepared his own roar in return. The King dug his feet into the sand and roared with all his might, causing the larger saurian to flinch back. Both titans looked at one another with a brief moment of respect before rushing forward to attack.
Their arms locked against each other as they threw their weight and strength behind their pushes. At first the two saurians were stuck in place, unable to shift the other's stance. As the seconds passed though it became clear that the Alpha's strength and mass gave him a slight edge. Slowly Godzilla could feel himself being shoved back, the other monster looming over him and snarling.
Just as the King was about to prepare a nuclear pulse to knock the creature away it lurched off of him and tumbled off to the right. Surprised but pleased, Godzilla nodded to the nearby Zilla, who was busy shaking his head back and forth like a wet dog.
Dang, that felt like headbutting a mountain. Don't recommend trying to match this guy for brute strength boss. I think he's got the advantage there.
I realized that Zilla, but thank you. Godzilla turned his focus back on the Alpha, which was standing back on its feet and casting a confused glare at Zilla. I don't think he expected you to intervene. He's more aware now, so be careful trying to attack his sides.
Didn't survive this long by not being careful, Zilla quipped. He threw a smirk at his opponent before loping off down the beach, adding a quick taunting roar as he went.
The Alpha watched Zilla move off before looking to Godzilla and saying, Thou requires aid to engage thine enemies?
I won't ever turn it down, the King answered. If it means the difference between winning or losing, I'll gladly accept help that I can trust.
Let Us see if it will be enough. The Alpha moved forward again, this time leaning into its shoulder as it rushed. Godzilla watched the oncoming attack and swiftly moved out of the way. Once he was clear he swiped and clawed at the Alpha's exposed flank, but the attacks could barely bite into the beast's thick scales. He would need to hit hard in order to wound this thing.
The Alpha gave a short roar before swinging his head around as a cudgel and catching Junior on the shoulder, throwing him back. This was swiftly followed up by a clawed punch which Junior blocked on his arm, then an attempted downward swing that Godzilla dodged. Junior could see that, for all this beast's power, it wasn't used to an opponent that could match its strength or move swiftly enough to evade its attacks. But at the same time, I can't harm it easily. I'll have to wait for an opening to charge up a pulse.
Godzilla had just finished dodging another blow when the Alpha roared and turned around. Zilla had snuck up on the huge creature and was currently holding its tail in his jaws, pulling backward with all his might to stop the Alpha from advancing. With a growl the Alpha wrenched its tail out of Zilla's grasp, then swung it back at the smaller saurian's head.
Eep! Zilla ducked under the meteoric tail and leaped back out of its reach. Guess that trick only works with Mothra. You're clear G!
The Alpha wondered at the smaller source's words before it recalled its other opponent and turned back to face them, only to get a nuclear powered punch direct to its stomach. The blow echoed against the Alpha's scales and knocked some of the wind from its lungs, but it refused to falter. Junior was surprised it had taken the blow so well. A similar shot would have knocked most kaiju flat. Godzilla and the Alpha once more stared each other down, waiting for the other to make the first move.
The momentary pause ended as the Alpha stomped forward once again, throwing strike after strike at Godzilla, not stopping even as Godzilla struck back in between blocks and dodges. The titan was determined to get a solid hit on Godzilla and gave the King no opportunity or opening to attack with a full charge again. Instead Godzilla simply weathered the assault, grimacing and growling through the blows while letting his healing factor keep him in the fight. Bruises, scrapes, scratches, all came and went while Godzilla bidded his time.
The Alpha noticed that the wounds its was inflicting on its opponent were disappearing faster than it could make more. Was this a natural part of this creature's improved heart source? Normal attacks would not be enough. It was time to dig deeper.
Godzilla leaned back from another swipe but lost a chance to counter attack as the Alpha retreated backwards. He stared suspiciously at the larger monster as it halted several body lengths away. Is it giving up? Or planning something else? Either way, Godzilla wasn't going to let this chance go. He began to charge up his energy, his spines lighting up along his back as they gathered up power.
To his extreme shock though, the other monster seemed to be doing the exact same, a pale blue igniting across its spiked back as it drew in a huge breath, its chest expanding voluminously.
This is gonna hurt, Junior thought as he directed the gathered power into his throat. Which one of us gets hurt though…
There was no time for any further concern as the Alpha released its energy, a stream of lightning blue flame pouring from his maw like a humongous dragon. Junior fired back with his nuclear breath at the same time, the thick plasmatic beam glowing with radiation. The two attacks met each other between the two combatants, fire struggling against plasma for dominance. Only for a few seconds though. Unlike their physical bout before, Junior's power clearly trumped the Alpha's as it smashed the flame back and advanced towards the ancient Predator.
Unable to believe what was happening, the Alpha cut off his breath and ducked his head to the left, the upward angle of Godzilla's blast sending the attack soaring into the sky harmlessly. Stunned, the Alpha stared at the smaller monster in shock, without even a growl or snarl. Always the Flame had been the Predator's ultimate attack, the method of certain victory against any opponent. To see it matched and bested with such ease…
I will say it one last time, Junior announced, holding a charge in his spines so that the blow glowed as he spoke. Either leave now or I will cease holding back. This is your final warning.
The Alpha narrowed its eyes. Thou hath been striking without thine full power?
Godzilla gave a nod. I don't like to kill if I can help it. I would prefer to solve things without violence. But if I am pressed, I will not hesitate to use my power to its maximum. I will protect the lives of my friends and family, even if it means other lives must be extinguished. The King glared with his full authority and snarled. Will you be such a life? Think carefully.
The Alpha remained silent, slowly waving its tail over the churned ground beneath it. Thou hast power, but refuses to use it aggressively. Thou art a Predator, but serves to protect rather than control. Thou gives trust, even to those thine calls enemy. A series of huffs echoed from its throat, which Junior interpreted as laughter. What a peculiar creature thou art. Reminds Us…
Its eyes closed, feeling the sources around it once again. The other's power had not reduced at all, while the Alpha could feel its reserves somewhat depleted and its muscles quietly aching with spent energy. A sigh passed its jaws as it looked once more upon this Godzilla, final judgement waiting just on the edge. A twitch struck on the Alpha's sense as it spotted the smaller monster slowly crawling up behind him, attempting to sneak close while its was speaking with the other. A idea happened upon the Alpha and it focused its gaze intently upon the self proclaimed Defender. We must know one more thing of thee.
Godzilla tilted his head but remained at the ready, waiting to see what the creature had up its sleeve. Intent as he was upon the Alpha, he did not notice what Zilla was doing. What's that?
How much thou values thine allies. Without pausing for an instant the Alpha swept around 180 degrees with its arms stretched out wide, bear hugging the sneaking Zilla to its chest.
Oh come on! Zilla complained, wriggling as much as he could to escape the Predator's grasp. I was totally silent! How the Daiei did you even EEP!
The Alpha grasped Zilla tightly in its claws, lifting the saurian by the neck then easily hefting him around and slamming Zilla down into the beach. Before Zilla could recover and attempt to run, the Alpha brought one of its massive feet down on Zilla's chest. Blue light climbed up the Predator's back again, a whirlwind swirling around its jaws as it drew in air.
Desperate, Zilla launched a stream of burning green flame at the Alpha, but the ancient monster weathered the attack without concern. Zilla continued to struggle as the Alpha prepared to release its breath again, not noticing the heavy stomps sounding through the ground. Just as the Alpha sent forth the Fire again Zilla felt a shadow pass over him. The blue flame struck bare scales and burned, but not the scales of the intended target.
Godzilla grimaced as his shoulder took the brunt of the Alpha's blazing attack, feeling the intense heat bury down through his armor and scald the flesh underneath. After a few seconds the stream of fire halted, giving him the chance to strike back. The King pushed at the giant with his full power, sending his nuclear pulse straight into the Alpha's chest. Despite its great weight the Predator felt its feet leave the sand as it flew backward several hundred feet and collapsed to the ground.
Junior stood between Zilla and the fallen Alpha, breathing heavily and favoring his uninjured side as his healing factor went to work repairing his seared shoulder. Zilla got to his feet slowly, head still woozy from being smashed into the dirt. Th-thanks for the save there G. I actually thought I was a goner for a bit there.
No - pant - problem Zilla. I'm glad you're -pant - alright. Just be more - pant - careful next time.
Don't try to sneak up on the giant superkaiju. Duly noted boss. Zilla watched the Alpha start to move again So… what now?
Junior did not answer, still letting his lungs refill themselves. Slowly the Alpha rose to its full height again, a large blackened area on his chest scales showing where Godzilla had struck it. The creature huffed but stood tall and proud as it looked back at the King and Prince.
Sacrifice of the self, even in the face of much injury and pain. Truly thou art a Predator unlike any We hath met. Stronger, faster, yet respectful of other beings and seeking to aide them rather than dominate. The creature hefted a heavy sigh, its shoulders falling as tension leaked from its body. Were that the others had thine spirit. T'is a hopeless dream, but still… perhaps thou could be what they could not.
Godzilla held back a grumble, curiosity warring with caution as he begged to ask questions. I still have no idea what you're talking about, he said instead, trying to convey how fed up he was at this point.
No, it agreed. Thou does not. Perhaps tis better that way. If thou knew of the past, wouldst thou still be how thou art? Or would the knowledge taint thee? In the end, it matters little. Thou hath proven thine strength of both body and heart, as well as your ally. Our test has been passed.
Test? Zilla snorted. What kind of test would have to do with trying to kill the two of us?
A test of thine skill and power. Of thine willingness to fight. In this, thine both hath proven more able than We had expected. Perhaps enough to take up Our mantle for this world.
What mantle? Godzilla asked.
The mantle of the Alpha. The maintainer of balance for this planet and its inhabitants. For time uncountable We have held this role, removing dangers or threats from Our territory so that the rest may live in peace. Godzilla, thou hath accepted this responsibility on thine own will and drive. Thou hath proven capable and willing. Will you accept this role? Will thou become the new Alpha?
Godzilla glared the larger monster, but took the time to consider its words. It's constant mention of 'predators' was bizarre, but the rest seemed to suggest that the monster acted at a protector of their own sort, though against what Junior wasn't sure. And to be perfectly honest, he didn't care. I don't understand exactly what it is you're offering, but if it means you won't try to harm any of my allies, then fine. I'll be this 'Alpha' if you want. Doesn't make any difference to me.
Same, Zilla announced, causing both larger saurians to glance at him. Um, just saying you know. It's mostly up to the boss here.
So is that all then? Godzilla asked, ignoring Zilla. Do you have any other business here? Any more kaiju you want to test?
No, the former Alpha answered with what appeared to be a smile. We are satisfied. We shall leave thou both here. We trust that Our planet will be safe in under thine control. For now, We must find a new source to feed on. The Predator turned and trotted down the beach. Hopefully one that dost not speak so strangely.
Oh we're the ones who talk weird? Zilla grumbled. Talk about pot calling the kettle black. I can hear the capitalization whenever he refers to himself. Come to think of it I don't think he ever said his name.
Godzilla watched the Predator go while Zilla talked, but perked up at the last word. Old one, he called out. Tell us, what are you called?
The huge monster paused, turning its head to view them over its shoulder. Predators did not use names, but We hath been given many in the past. Before the Cataclysm, the Small Ones called us 'Gojira'. Thou may use that title for Us. Farewell, young Alpha. And with that Gojira walked out into the waves and flopped into the water, throwing up a huge spray. The giant's spines slowly slipped beneath the surface, leaving Prince and King alone on the beach as small waves lapped at their feet from Gojira's passing.
Okay, is it just me, or does 'Gojira' sound a lot like Godzilla to you? Zilla said. Pretty weird considering the guy looks like a bigger, meatier version of you.
Godzilla sighed. At this point Zilla, almost nothing surprises me anymore. I'm just going to let him go and pretend this whole fight never happened. So long as he doesn't cause trouble, I'm not gonna worry about him.
Not even if he's, like, a super ancient ancestor of yours or something?
As far as I'm concerned, the only family of mine that matters is my mother and father. You want to wonder about evolution or all that human science stuff, be my guest.
Both kaiju stood on the beach for a minute in silence, letting the time pass in comradery.
So… do you think he was actually gonna eat us?
Possibly. Though I imagine he'd stop biting you pretty quick once he tastes how fishy you are.
Zilla huffed and shouldered Junior. Low blow, G. Low. Blow.
Godzilla laughed, patting Zilla on the head comfortingly.
Gojira flew through the water with practised ease, casting His radiation sense outward in search of a good source. This truly had been one of the stranger days He'd had in recent memory. Not only had living sources reemerged from the devastation of the Cataclysm, but they were friendly with each other and willing to stand together against danger. Both had born odd similarities with His own self but were clearly of a different origin. Strange the coincidences that can occur in the world.
Whatever the case, the two beings had shown that they were able to handle themselves. He just hoped that when the Great One returned, as Gojira knew it one day would, these new living sources would be able to stand against it. Gojira shook those thoughts away, willing itself to ignore depressing thoughts of His former friend. Better to focus on the now, rather than dwell in the past.
Gojira continued His solitary journey, drifting off to the northeast towards a large and powerful hotspot. It had been a long time since He had visited that particular chain of islands. He wondered how much they might have changed in the last hundred thousand years.
Hello again everyone. Sorry for leaving the next update until basically the last minute of the month. To be honest, this chapter was made due to me developing writer's block on the actual chapter that was supposed to come next. Then I developed writer's block on this too. Not a fun few weeks for my creative side, I'll tell you that. Still, I managed to get it done, and the next chapter is... eh, I'd say about 65% finished. Shouldn't take too long to get that one done. And before anyone says anything, I had talked with Tarb about doing a chapter like this long before he did the short for the Mirror!verse version of Gojira. I just thought this was a good place to put it, and it helped get my creative juices (mostly) flowing again. See you again next month! (Which is literally tomorrow but still...)