Chapter 2
She could hear the song ringing in her ears and it sounded foreign yet familiar all at the same time. The grass she knelt on felt so soft and comforting she could see herself sleeping on it with little issue. The sea breeze felt great against her skin. When she looked out, she smiled at the calming sea. Something settled on her shoulder. She held her hand up and it moved to her finger. Her eyes widened in surprise when she found it to be a small white moth with a yellow and black pattern on each wing.
Its antenna twitched before taking off several more moths flew around her all with the same pattern. She could hear the song growing louder in her head. The moths flew over the ocean flying low to the water as it started to change from a calm blue to a deep red. A cry rang out and she felt the wind pick up something large flew over her head crying. She looked up with wide eyes and found a large moth flying above her. Her hair blew with the wind, and she looked out at the red sea.
Something was starting to rise from it. The song grew louder as if calling to the great creature that was rising from the sea. Its claws flexed as water fell from its charcoal colored scales. Her mind was telling her to fear this creature, but for some reason she could only feel pity. The beast snarled as it looked at the moths flying over its head the dorsal spines that lined its back flashed blue with the creature's eyes.
She reached out a hand as the giants stared at each other. The earth trembled and she felt an intense heat. The great beast looked at her and snarled rage clear across its face. She opened her mouth, “Gojira wait!”
……
…
..
.
Miki woke up in a cold sweat breathing heavily. She looked around to find her surroundings. It was a dark room. She was lying in her bed, the light of the moon fluttering into her room. She took in breaths trying to calm herself. The knock on the door caused her to jump. Asagi opened the door with a worried look on her face.
“Hey, I thought I heard a scream. You, okay?” Asagi said, stepping in.
Miki looked down at her shaking hands, “Yeah I just had….” She recalled the strange beast that filled her dreams, “A bad dream.”
“Well, we are heading to an unknown atoll tomorrow. It must be nerves.” Asagi said with a cheerful smile, “I’m kind of jittery myself. I’ve packed and unpacked my clothes five times already.”
The two shared a laugh together. Miki felt herself feeling slightly better but still she couldn’t shake this strange feeling in her chest. Asagi patted her back, “Think about it this way you leave later than me so that gives you extra time to calm your nerves. Then when you land on the boat with me, we can have a party.”
Miki smiled at her, “Thanks Asagi. But since you leave earlier than me, shouldn't you be sleeping?”
Asagi's face dropped to one of annoyance, “About that.”
Asagi led Miki to her room and opened it revealing Aki to be sleeping on the floor spread eagle in her room. Her mouth was wide open with a line drool hanging out and a loud snore indicated how deep of a sleep she was in. Miki couldn’t help but giggle at the sight.
“It’s just like our old sleepovers.”
“Actually, I think she got louder.” Asagi sighed, “We should have just let her stay with Satomi.”
“Don’t say that. You were the one who said she could stay with us.” Miki said, nudging Asagi’s ribs. She simply puffed her red cheeks. Miki kept laughing, “So I should assume you want to switch rooms with me?”
Asagi clasped her hands together, “Pretty please?”
“Hmm I don’t know?” Miki said, tapping her chin in thought with a coy smile on her face.
“Miki, I have to get up in five hours.” Asagi pleaded, “How do you expect me to sleep with that?” She pointed to Aki just as she snored louder.
“Let me use the shower first from now on and I’ll do it.” Miki said with a smirk.
“But…. we...had...a.” Asagi’s face grew red as she stammered on her words. She sighed, giving in to her demands, “It’s...it’s all yours.”
“It was a pleasure doing business with you.” Miki said, gesturing to her room.
“You don’t play fair.” Asagi grumbled walking to Miki’s bedroom.
She smiled, waving her friend off before sighing and looking at Aki. Despite their conversation Aki remained in the same position. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight, “Still as hard a sleeper as ever.”
Like a mother with her child, she gently pulled the blanket over her friend. Aki smiled in her sleep before snoring louder again. She moved quietly around Aki and got into Asagi’s bed. She stared up at the ceiling feeling the temptation of sleep calling. Yet she still couldn’t help but think back to her dream. Perhaps it was their conversation from earlier in the day that made her have that strange dream. Yet at the same time that dream didn’t feel like a dream.
“Gojira.” She softly whispered, “Why does it feel like I’ve met you before.”
In the room over Asagi was settled in the bed and softly sleeping. She breathed softly letting her body settle. A small smile formed on her face as her dreams started to comfort her.
“Gamera.” She softly spoke.
………
Shibuya
………
“This one is pretty cute.” Akane said, looking at a stuffed animal. She smiled while running a hand through Sara’s hair. Sara giggled clutching her newly acquired plushy. The two sat in the girl’s room. It was filled with various stuffed animals, pictures of Sara and Tokumitsu sat on a cabinet next to that was a picture of a smiling woman with gentle eyes. In front of the picture was a pot full of sleeping grass.
“Thanks for buying this for me.” Sara said.
“No problem kiddo.” Akane said.
There was a sudden knock on the door and the two looked to find Tokumitsu leaning against the door. He smiled pointing at the clock, “Sara, it’s past your bedtime.”
“But daddy!” Sara groaned.
Akane patted her head with a laugh, “Tough break kid.”
“Can I at least get a story?” Sara pleaded.
“One but then you’re going to sleep.” Tokumitsu said walking to a book cabinet.
Akane got up from her seat and walked to Tokumitsu to whisper into his ear, “Hey I worked up a sweat today is it okay if I….um.... burrow your shower.”
“It’s fine. I bought some of your conditioner the other day.” Tokumitsu said with a soft smile.
Akane stifled a gasp as her cheeks turned red, “T-thank you.” She stammered while quickly walking out slapping her forehead.
He smiled before finding a book and presenting it to his daughter. The cover was a beautiful picture of a golden pyramid, “How about the legend of Nilai Kanai?”
“Okay!” Sara said with a bright smile.
He sat next to her, opening the story book. She snuggled up to her father looking at the pictures in the book. Smiled brightly looking at the golden kingdom.
“Long ago there was a kingdom that ruled over the sea. Its beauty was unmatched and sought after by all who saw it. It was known as the Nilai Kanai treasure of the sea.”
He flipped the page which had a beautiful woman in a snow-white gown. Her arms raised a neutral expression on her face. Behind her were several dragons, their wings raised.
“And guarding that treasure was Princess Yuna and her guardian dragons.”
“Hey daddy? Do you think the dragons could beat Gojira?” Sara asked.
“Where did this obsession with Gojira come from?” Tokumitsu asked with a laugh.
Sara shrugged with a smile, “I like the story.”
Tokumitsu snorted and chuckled to himself, “You’re a strange kid.”
“Well, I know Akane could beat Gojira.” Sara said confidently, “She’s super strong and nothing scares her either.”
“Well, you’ve got that right.” Tokumitsu said, although a bead of sweat ran down his face. ‘And I'm pretty sure she’s just as angry as him too.’
………...
In the other room Akane was wrapping a towel around herself as she stepped out of the shower. Her face was beat red, and she was grumbling under her breath. The entire day she felt nothing but anger bubbling up inside of her. Yet she didn’t know who to direct it at. She hated how nosy her friends were with her relationship and she was angry with herself for not knowing how to explain it. She sighed, staring around the room. Papers were scattered around drawers showing Tokumitsu’s messy habits without saying it out loud. Not that she minded considering it takes someone finally forcing her to clean up her messes.
Then there was the bed that she was all too familiar with. It was big enough for two and pretty sturdy as well. She shook her head trying to cast certain thoughts out. When she looked around more, she saw the picture that always hurt her more than a punch ever could.
It was a family portrait of Tokumitsu and Sara. Standing between them was the same woman in Sara’s picture. Her smile was bright as she stood in between her daughter and husband. Akane couldn’t help but feel guilt whenever she saw it. Standing in the room made her feel like an intruder in someone else's life. Yet at the same time she didn’t want to leave.
“When was the last time I felt this happy?” She asked herself.
There was a knock on the door that caused her to stiffen.
“Akane? Are you still in the shower?” Tokumitsu asked from behind the door.
“Just one minute.” Akane called back as she started looking for something to put on.
“If you need something to wear some of Hina’s old clothes are still in the closet.”
“What happened to the sweats I left here?” Akane asked, feeling a knot forming in her stomach.
“I just loaded them in the washer. They should be done in the morning.” Tokumitsu said with a nervous laugh.
“Toku!” Akane said through grinding teeth before sighing. She walked to the closet and ripped it open. She looked around the various bits of clothing and in the back found a floral nightshirt hanging in the back. It was next to several other clothing items meant for a woman. The knot in her stomach grew tighter.
Outside Tokumitsu was sweating bullets. ‘You should have done laundry this morning idiot!’ He knew full well how an angry Akane was a bad Akane. He rubbed his chest, already feeling the pain of her fist connecting with it.
“You can come in.” Akane said through the door.
He could tell from her voice that she was not in the best mood. He breathed ready to face whatever Akane had in store for him behind the door.
“Akane I’m really sorry I wasn’t sure if you were going to stay the night….” He trailed when he saw that Akane was wearing one of his old t-shirts and shorts, “.... again.”
“Quit staring at me like that.” Akane said with a blush.
Tokumitsu quickly regained his composure, “Oh sorry…. I just wasn’t expecting you to be wearing my old gym uniform.” He looked at her slightly concerned, “Did Hina’s clothes not fit.”
She rubbed her arm downcast, saying, “It just didn’t feel right.”
Tokumitsu sighed sitting down on the bed, “I see...I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I’m not mad at you.” Akane said, sitting next to him.
“If it means anything Hina wouldn’t have been angry.” Tokumitsu said with a sad laugh, “Always help out those in need. That's what she would always say.”
“She sounded like a good person.” Akane said.
“She was.” Tokumitsu said softly.
The two sat on the bed together in a long silence. Both sweating not knowing what to say to the other. Finally, Tokumitsu took a breath and spoke up, “Hey look about today…”
“I’m sorry for how I was acting today.” Akane said before he could finish.
The two looked at each other and blinked, “Why are you apologizing?” They both said at once.
“Well, I mean I kind of embarrassed you today. I should have told Sara to let you enjoy your time with your friends.” Tokumitsu said, rubbing his chin.
“I wasn’t embarrassed by you, stupid.” Akane said with a red face, “I was embarrassed with myself. I knew the girls were going to mess with me, but I still let it bother me.”
“I see.” Tokumitsu said with a smile on his face. He started to laugh, making Akane leer at him. He soon stopped and sighed before looking at Akane with a slightly serious face that caught her off guard, “What are we?”
“What do you mean?” Akane said.
“I mean are we dating? Or are we just two friends who...well...” Tokumitsu started to say.
“Don’t phrase it like that.” Akane said with a red face before looking down, “I...I….I...well...do you...Do you still love Hina?”
Tokumitsu was startled for a moment before answering, “Of course I still love her.”
“Then why are you with me?” She asked softly, “I feel like I’m an intruder in someone else's life.”
Tokumitsu sighed, “I understand.”
“Do you?”
“Yeah, I felt the same way when I decided to start dating again. It felt strange even thinking about being with someone who wasn't her.” He said with a sad laugh, “She told me that we should always mourn a loss but eventually we should look for a new future.”
“She really said that?”
“She said she got it from a fortune cookie. A really long fortune cookie.”
Akane snorted before breaking into a full-blown laughing fit, “You're an idiot.”
“Yeah, but I’m your idiot.” Tokumitsu said with a warm smile, “Sorry about making you feel uncomfortable, I wasn't thinking. I think it’s finally time I get rid of those old clothes.”
“Do that and I’ll kick your butt so hard you won’t be able to sit right for a week.” Akane said with a serious tone before her eyes softened. She wrapped him in a hug putting her head to his chest, “You should move on but don’t forget about the past.”
“Where’d you hear that?”
She giggled and kissed his chest, “A fortune cookie.”
The two sat and enjoyed the warmth of each other. Tokumitsu ran a hand down her back pulling her closer. Akane smiled and listened to his heartbeat. Although she could feel it start to quicken as Tokumitsu took a breath.
“Um...Akane, we’ve been together for a while but we’ve never really gone out for real before so, would you like to go on a date?”
Now Akane’s hurt started to beat faster as her face turned red, but she still managed a smile and looked up at him, “Yeah!”
………..
Rando Yaguchi yawned as he looked at the stack of paperwork in front of him. The day had been so long with various meetings. The dead whales appearing out of nowhere was already a headache but figuring out what to do with them was an even bigger headache. The sanitation department complained about not having the proper equipment to tow the creature further out to sea. While various environmental departments wanted to take time to gather samples from the animals before anything was done to them. Then there were the citizens who complained about the smell the rotting flesh was giving off.
“Please someone give me a break.” He groaned, undoing the tie around his neck. There was a sudden knock on his door.
“Come in.” He said with a bit too much eagerness in his voice.
Tachibana entered with a stern expression on his face as he removed his hat. Rando stood from his desk with a serious look on his face. Tachibana stepped in, closing the door behind him. He took off his cap and saluted Rando, “Mr. Secretary.”
Rando saluted back, “Commander.”
The two stood in place neither dropping their hands. Until Rando could no longer hold it in and burst out laughing. Tachibana quickly joined him, wiping a tear from his eye. “You get stiffer every time I see you.”
“I could say the same about you, old friend.” Rando said, embracing Tachibana in a tight hug, “It’s been too long.”
“Yes, it has.” Tachibana said.
“How’s Yuri? It’s been ages since I last saw her.”
“She’s doing well. She’s going to be working as a reporter soon.”
“That’s incredible!”
“I just wish it was for an actual news organization.” Tachibana said with a tired sigh, taking the seat offered to him.
“Wait, what other kind of reporter is there?” Rando asked, sitting next to him.
“Paranormal.” Tachibana sighed, “DH Digital Q. They’re a paranormal investigation team.”
Rando was quick to burst out laughing and clutch his sides. Tachibana simply let out a long and annoyed sigh.
“Sorry, Sorry, I just wasn’t expecting that.” Rando said, wiping a tear from his eye.
“Understandable.” Tachibana said with a sigh, “I support her, but God, I wish it was something else.”
“Be happy that she’s found a career that she’s passionate about.” Rando said before leaning in close, “If you want, I can give her an inside scoop on a medium.”
Tachibana raised an eyebrow at this as Rando leaned in closer.
“Ever since those whales appeared we’ve had a wide variety of individuals coming through here.” Rando said this time letting out his own sigh, “One of them happens to a very persistent biologist. Some people are calling her a medium.”
“I wouldn’t call myself a medium.” A cold voice said, “I simply know things about this world that others choose not to understand.”
Rando turned shocked to find the woman standing at his door. She was in an all-white suit and her eyes were like daggers as she stared at the men. Tachibana looked ready to say something, but Rando held out his hand. He tightened his tie before clearing his throat and looked at the woman with a weary smile.
“Professor Asakura, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Please forgive me I wasn’t speaking ill of you.” Rando said.
“I’m not one to hold a grudge, Secretary Yaguchi and I’m used to others describing me as...let’s just say peculiar.” Asakura looked at Tachibana and greeted him with a smile, “Good evening commander I am Professor Mito Asakura of the Japanese Science Expo. It truly is a pleasure to meet you.”
Tachibana responded with a nod and smile. Rando quickly stepped back in, “Professor Asakura, I’m no longer taking meetings and I was in the middle of catching up with an old friend so if you don’t mind...”
“I’m sorry Mr. Secretary but I felt as though you should receive this information.” She handed him an envelope.
“I’ve heard your theory, Professor but I don’t think it would be best to spend time chasing your sea monsters.” Rando said with a sigh trying to push the envelope away. Asakura stopped him with a thin smile.
“Please humor me at the very least. I’ll be leaving in the morning for the Atoll, but I have a team on standby one call from your office and they’ll begin a full investigation.” She looked at Tachibana with a knowing smile, “It may answer the questions running through your head Mr. Tachibana about what happened to your soldiers.”
Tachibana’s eyes became wide as she started to walk off, “How did you?”
“Oh, and if your daughter wishes to have an interview with me just have her call my office. I’m always open for conversation.” She smiled before walking out of the room.
“Hey just wait a minute!” Tachibana quickly got up to chase after her. When he got to the door Asakura was already gone. He let out a very audible grumble.
“She’s a mysterious woman.” Rando said, “Tachibana?”
Tachibana took a breath before looking at Rando, “That woman...she might actually be a medium.”
“Are you serious?” Rando said with a small laugh.
“She knew why I was here to talk to you.” Rando raised an eyebrow as Tachibana sat down, “My Satsuma team has gone missing.”
“I see...that’s unfortunate.” Rando said sitting down, “I’ll alert the Prime Minister immediately, we’ll need to tell the Americans as soon as possible.”
“I’m sorry for not leading with this but I’ve felt strange.” Tachibana said with a sigh.
“Taizo, I’m your friend and I can also get you fired with a phone call. So, tell me what’s bothering you.”
Tachibana let out a small laugh at the dry humor before speaking up, “There was a lot of static but the final message we received was...strange to say the least. It sounded like they were saying Godzilla.”
“Godzilla? Is that a code for something?” Rando asked.
“No but it is a strange coincidence. Have you ever heard of the legend of Gojira?” Tachibana asked while looking over his shoulder. He couldn't help but feel a chill go down his spine.
..................
On the steps of the capitol building Asakura walked calmly allowing the night air to blow back her hair. There was a ringing in her purse, and she pulled out her phone. “Hello? Yes, yes, he’s been made aware. No, he’s not going to investigate, politicians are too thick headed, but Tachibana, on the other hand, could prove useful.”
She reached into her shirt pulling out a black magatama. She cupped in her hand delicately.
“The gates are starting to open, and the priestesses will awaken soon. I’ll deal with hope myself.” The magatama started to glow a sickly green, “Wrath will be dealt with soon enough.”
………….
Tokyo Bay
…………
Near the coast a homeless camp roamed around. They drank their cheap beer without a care. Others stood by a burning trash can for warmth.
“How long is this smell going to last? I can't take it.” Someone moaned.
“No one wants to hear you talk.” Another slurred, “So shut up and pass the booze.”
The homeless man groaned and stumbled away his friend following after him. He continued to grumble to himself. He looked out to the water and found the boats circling around the whale carcasses. He leaned across the edge of a railing.
“They're just using those things to drive us out of here. Well, I won’t go. You hear that ya boot lickin lap dogs. I ain’t going anywhere.” He shouted.
“Your drunk and stupid.” His friend said, wrestling the beer from his hand.
They looked at the water and continued to drink. Suddenly a flash in the water caught their attention. The first man tilted his head and looked up, “Something in the sky?”
“Water’s just sparkling.” The other said.
The waves hit harder than normal as an eerie yellow glow took over the waters. The water began to bubble as something started to approach them. The men started to take a step back as the water rose. A large serpentine head rose from the water. The creature let out a gurgling hiss as the men shook in fear.
……..
Tokyo Airport
…….
“When are they going to get here?” Aki yawned.
“Shouldn’t you be the one who knows that?” Satomi asked with a sigh, “They are your friends after all.”
“I don’t pay attention to details.” Aki groaned, leaning back against her chair.
“Which is why we rushed to get here.” Satomi said, rolling her eyes, “Seriously how do you confuse a few days with the day after you come back.”
The girls sat around a table at one of the airport’s restaurants. Miki brought over a tray of food that prompted Aki to open her mouth and point. Miki sighed and placed a piece of food in her friend's mouth.
Satomi looked at Miki with a raised brow, “Miki, aren't you leaving this afternoon? You should be at home packing.”
“Oh, it’s fine I’ve already packed everything I need. Besides Aki is my ride so, unfortunately wherever she goes I go.” Miki said.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Aki asked.
“You're so scattered you couldn’t find your way out of a paper bag.” Akane said, gaining nods from everyone.
“Don’t you have a date you should be getting ready for?” Aki shot back with a sly grin, “Planning on doing anything dirty?”
“You told her?!” Akane looked at Satomi with annoyed eyes.
“I was bored.” Satomi said with a shrug, “Miki, I think our coffees are ready.”
“Okay can you please keep Akane from killing Aki.” Miki said.
“No promises.” Satomi said with a smile.
Miki sighed pushing her chair out only to bump into someone. She cringed hearing the distinct sound of someone hitting the floor. She quickly turned her head and found an American girl with bright pink hair and a yellow floral sweater was sitting on the floor rubbing her rear. Her teal eyes flinched in pain.
“Oh no I’m so sorry.” She said, with her best English, holding out a hand to help the girl.
“No it’s my fault I should have been paying attention.” The girl softly spoke, tentatively taking Miki’s hand.
“No, I should have been paying better attention.” Miki said, helping the girl to her feet.
“Oh no I hope I’m not making you feel guilty. I’m so sorry.” The girl softly said, shaking in place.
“I’m the one making you feel guilty, I’m so sorry.” Miki said, waving her arms frantically.
The two began to sweat, each of them apologizing to each other. The others watched in slight amusement while Akane seemed confused. Aki had a look of surprise on her face when she saw the pink haired girl.
“It looks like they’re stuck in a loop.” Satomi said with a laugh.
“Why’s Miki talking so weird?” Akane whispered.
“It’s called English. You failed it in high school.” Satomi said.
“Oh yeah, that class was boring.” Akane said, tapping her chin, “Should we help?”
“Nah I wanna see how long they keep this up.” Satomi said, taking a sip of her coffee, “Yo Aki wanna place bets?”
“Hey I think that’s….”
“Fluttershy there y’ah are.” A tall blonde girl came rushing over. Her boots clicked across the floor of the airport. She wore a green t-shirt with a red apple sitting in the center. Her emerald eyes looked at the group of girls. She tipped her stetson to the group, “Oh howdy y’all.” Her face turned red, and she pulled a book out of her shorts, “Er I mean…uhm.”
She frantically started flipping through the pages before finding what she was looking for. Although when she saw it her eyebrows raised and she started sweating, “Now how in the hay? Uhm cornshipsoup?” she said with a blush only to get titled heads from the Japanese girls. She blushed looking at her book and began struggling to pronounce the words, “Kon…ici…wa? Ah horse apples, how did Autumn say it again?”
“I told you it's konnichiwa.” Aki said standing up with a smile looking at the blonde, “Good to see you're trying Aj.”
“Autumn!” The girl named Aj said with a wide grin.
Aki smiled before walking to the pink haired girl and giving her a big hug, “Good to see you Flutters.”
“Hi Autumn.” The girl named Fluttershy softly spoke with a bright smile.
Aki turned to her friends, putting a hand on Aj and Fluttershy’s shoulders, “Ladies allow me to introduce you to my roommates from America. Fluttershy and Applejack.”
“Oh well it’s nice to meet you, my name is Miki.” Miki bowed her head in greeting.
“Hi I’m Satomi.” Satomi smiled and waved casually without getting up from her seat.
Akane stood out from the three as she was the one sweating. She leaned over to Satomi and whispered into her ear. Satomi sighed before pointing a thumb at Akane, “This idiot is Akane. She doesn’t speak English so you can say whatever you want about her, and she’ll just smile.”
Akane smiled, waving at the two girls awkwardly. Satomi patted her friend’s head making cooing noises like someone would do to a puppy. Akane grumbled, pushing away Satomi’s hand.
Fluttershy stepped forward with a warm smile and bowed her head. She slightly struggled to speak but her Japanese was surprisingly clear, “H-Hello my name is Fluttershy. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You can speak Japanese?!” Akane said in shock.
“A-A little bit.” Fluttershy said holding up her fingers before looking to Aki with a smile, “Autumn helped teach me.”
“Hey, I thought we worked on that whole modesty act of yours?” Aki said with a smile, “You took to Japanese like a fish to water. Now if we could just work on Aj.”
“Hey I may not be the brightest bulb in the barn, but I know when someone is talking about me.” Aj said holding up her book, “And this fancy book is about as helpful as a fly on a horse's behind.”
Satomi smiled, taking the book from Applejack and looking over, “English to Japanese dictionary huh?” She handed the book over to Akane, “Here it doesn’t have pictures but even you should understand it.”
“Are you trying to make me kill you?” Akane asked with an eye twitch before taking the book.
“Girls, let's not start an incident in front of new people.” Miki said getting in between the two.
“Tell her to stop picking on me.” Akane shouted with a huff.
“Tell her to stop making it so easy.” Satomi said with a shrug.
Sparks flew between Akane and Satomi. Aki smiled, rubbing the back of her head, “I told you my friends were a little intense.”
“You act like our group was any different.” Applejack said with a laugh.
“We're just missing a Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy said giggling to herself.
“I just wish you all were able to meet Asagi before she left.” Aki said with a sigh, “Maybe we can call her later tonight.”
………….
Pacific Ocean
…………
Research vessels sat in the middle of the ocean. Those on board watched the rising sun start to settle in the sky. The crews were preparing themselves for another dive into the ocean. The morale on the ships was extremely low considering the news they had received earlier. The satsuma team had gone missing the day before and their final words were extremely ominous. There were some who were petrified of going back down not wanting to end up the same way. Yet they still prepared for another trip though this time they were trying to be prepared for whatever would happen.
On board the ship Officer Yoshinari stood with the captain looking out into the vast ocean. He sighed, bringing his binoculars up, “You’ll go blind if you're not too careful, Yoshinari.” The ship's captain lightly chuckled.
Yoshinari looked around, finding the rest of the crew looking at him with smiles, “Sorry I guess my nerves are still getting the better of me.”
“Have you slept at all?” Someone else asked him.
“I got a good rest before we set sail.” He responded.
“That was ten hours ago. You should take a break.”
Yoshinari looked ready to protest but the captain put a hand on his shoulder, “I understand that your brother was a member of the missing team, but you won't be much help to him if you can’t stand on your feet. Take a break and rest your mind.”
He looked around, finding that everyone was looking at him in concern. He sighed with a smile, “At least let me take one last look at the ocean.”
“Fine but if you’re here for more than an hour I’m throwing you in the brig for disobedience.” The captain said with a lighthearted chuckle.
Yoshinari smiled at this and began walking around the room looking over the equipment. A sudden ping caught his attention. He walked over to the sonar and his eyes grew wide. “Is that a whale?”
“No, it's too big and too fast.” the Sonar Technician said.
Yoshinari held his binoculars up looking out to the water. That’s when he saw the water splitting as the waves became more violent. Something was approaching at high speed. He handed the binoculars to the captain.
“What in God’s name?”
“Sir whatever that thing is it just sped up to 60 knots. It’s coming straight for us.”
The captain quickly grabbed his radio, “Attention all ships turn starboard now!”
He turned the wheel quickly causing the ship to jerk. The others followed suit.
“Captain whatever this thing is it turned with us! Speed increased another 10 knots!”
Alarms began blaring warning of an incoming collision. Yoshinari no longer needed the binoculars as the strange object was starting to become more visible as it raced toward the ships. Still, what he saw felt unreal as the water was spilt by jagged spikes that shined in a haunting azure blue. They were split into three rows and just one was the size of the entire ship. A tail rose from behind and crashed into the water creating a massive tidal wave.
“Is that an animal?!”
“It’s enormous, it has to be at least 50 meters long.” The sonar tech said as sweat poured from his face, “Sir it just sped up again and it’s on a direct course for us. We’re going to be hit.”
“No wait, look!” Yoshinari pointed out the window holding the binoculars. He tried to keep them steady in his shaking hands. He prayed that it wasn’t a figment of his imagination. The spikes were starting to sink deeper into the water, “It’s starting to dive!”
The sonar tech watched carefully trying to contain his breathing, “The creature is diving but still on a direct path.”
The spikes started to sink deeper into the water. Yoshinari kept watching as they sank deeper and deeper. Finally, the creature's tail rose again swinging wildly before crashing back into the sea. The wall of water rose creating a cover for the creature. Yoshinari cursed as he lost sight of it. He rushed to the sonar finding the giant beast still moving toward them.
“It’s getting lower.” The sonar tech spoke just above a whisper. The room grew deathly quiet. The only sound was the beeping of the sonar. Everyone felt a lump building in their throats. “It’s coming in 10...9..8..7..6..5…4..3..2..it’s right below us.”
It grew eerily quiet, and some tried to quell their breathing. The sonar suddenly began beeping wildly. “It’s rising!”
The ship was suddenly rocked and before anyone could scream, they were thrown into the air. Yoshinari could hear his heart beating in his ears as he felt the ship being lifted by an unseen force. He felt himself leaving the floor and hitting the hard walls with several of his crewmates. Their screams were overshadowed by the sound of twisting metal. He suddenly found himself being thrown again as it felt like the gravity on the ship was gone.
“Oh God no!” he shouted just before being slammed through the window.
The air was hot and coming fast as he fell through the air. HIs body ached from the shards of glass cutting his face. He reached out desperately trying to find something to anchor himself. He cried out from hitting the railing. Something was broken he knew that, but he ignored the pain and grabbed the railing desperately clinging to it for dear life as he watched others fall over his head. He looked in horror at how high he was. He couldn’t even make out his friends as they fell to their doom. Yoshinari breathed heavily, clinging tightly as the ship was brutally thrashed about. The metal of the boat screeched again followed by a deep snarl.
His eyes shook at what he saw as a deep chill ran down his spine. He wanted to come on this expedition because his brother was one of the missing but now, he knew what happened. The giant eyes that stared at him were full of such rage. The creature's jaws were wrapped tightly around the ship, crushing it at a slow pace. This was most likely the last thing his brother saw.
“The legends were true…. Gojiar.” He whispered.
As if he heard his name called, the beast snarled and finally snapped the ship in half. The rushing wind was overpowered by the mighty screams of the wrathful beast. Yoshinari closed his eyes, taking a soft breath.
“I’ll see you soon, Ryudo.”
The ship hit the water creating a tidal wave that tipped the others. Gojiar crashed his tail into the other vessels before him. He could smell them on board. The scent of those who turned their backs and left him to suffer. This was a justice that was long overdue. Yet his rage didn’t feel satisfied.
He roared out in anger before diving back into the cold waters. He slammed his tail as he dived, crushing the ships below. As he swam, he looked at the small ones that sank into the darkness that was once his prison. Gojiar snarled, wanting to send more of them down into the dark, but that could wait. He swam on sensing the one who could help ease the pain of rage and the danger she was in. His eyes narrowed, she wouldn’t be taken from him again and any who tried to take her would feel his wrath.