> Hope and Wrath
>  by Godzilla2020
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"When the seas run red, and the moth's cry may the last hope awaken to appease the flames of wrath." Asagi read aloud.

"Well, that sounds pleasant." Aki said, slurping her ramen down, "Not nightmare inducing at all."

"Say it, don't spray it, Aki!" Asagi said, pulling her tablet away.

"Sorry, but you should know not to bring work on our lunch days." Aki said, pointing a chopstick at her friend. Asagi rolled her eyes with a smile while plopping a dumpling in her mouth. The two sat on the empty benches of the local ramen shop. Aki slurped down another batch before picking the bowel up and drinking it down, much to Asagi's shock. She slammed the blow down with a satisfied sigh, "God I've missed this."

"I'm pretty sure there's ramen in America." Asagi said with a small giggle.

"Yeah, but it's not as good as back home." Aki said, "Speaking of which, where are the others? I'm finally back in town and only one of my best friends greets me. And it's not even one of the cool ones."

"Hey!" Asagi shot her a glare.

"Kidding." Aki said with a snort, "But compared to Akane and Satomi you're a Sheldon."

"Who?"

"Someone from a show I watched in America."

"Well, I'm cooler than Miki that's for sure." Asagi said, "Satomi just has her looks going for her, but people with brains are going to be the ones in charge."

Aki was in the process of rolling her eyes due to her friend starting to lecture her. That's when she noticed the three walking up to their table. One of them had short pink hair and dressed in black a crop top, thigh high high-heeled boots announced each step. Beside her was a woman in white t-shirt with a yellow miniskirt whose earrings danced with each step she took. Finally, the tallest of the bunch, she was dressed in all black with a hat that had the logo for the defense force across the top. She had a wicked smile on her while cracking her knuckles. She moved faster than the others while sneaking up on Asagi.

"And Akane is a meathead who was late to class just about every day." Asagi went on unaware. "Then there were all the fights she---OWWW!" The one in black cracked her across the head swiftly causing Asagi to cry out in pain and shock. She looked at the person who hit her full of rage ready to tell them off only for her eyes to pop out of her head, "A-A-Akane!"

"A meat head huh?" Akane growled, pulling Asagi into a headlock.

"Give her a break, Akane. She is the popular one. Isn't that right Satomi."

"What's that Miki? I couldn't hear you. I was too busy obsessing with my looks."

Satomi and Miki snickered, giving Asagi vengeful glances as her eyes rolled back into her head and she began to foam at the mouth. The two continued to snicker until they noticed Aki. Miki's eyes widened and teared up before she rushed straight into Aki's arms. "Aki, is it really you?"

"If it wasn't would I be hugging you back?" Aki said.

"Almost didn't recognize you." Akane said, dropping Asagi to the ground.

"What's up with the hair?" Satomi said, picking a strand of Aki's autumn colored hair.

"I thought it was cool." Aki said brushing Satomi away, "What's with the goth look."

She pointed to the lip ring change that connected to an earring, she also had tattoos along her shoulders, Aki couldn't take her eyes off the silver ring sitting in Satomi's navel, then there was the black eyeliner around her gold eyes. Her purple lipstick formed a smile, "I thought it was cool."

"Which it is." Akane said, sitting down at the table.

"Don't tell me you talked her into this look." Aki sighed looking at Akane.

Akane snickered, shaking her head. Miki shyly cleared her throat looking at Aki sheepishly, "Actually that was me."

"What?!" Aki's eyes nearly bugged out of her skull.

Satomi snickered and pulled a picture out of her phone. Aki looked at it slacked jawed. Satomi looked how she was now, but Miki was dressed the same, although she was showing off less skin than her friend. The two were at a heavy metal concert with wide smiles and hanging tongues.

"I went through a bit of metal faze." Miki blushed.

"More like obsession." Akane said, plopping a dumpling in her mouth.

Aki slumped down her chair in shock, "You leave to study abroad for a few years and end up missing everything."

"So how was it?" Miki asked, sitting next to Aki.

"And how much did you miss us?" Akane said.

All of her friends leaned in looking to hear her answer. Aki tapped her chin for a moment in thought, "It was." They leaned in closer, "It was." They got closer, "Okay."

They all fell flat. Asagi jumped back to life first and grabbed Aki by the collar and started shaking, "You always have a story, and you choose now to just say one thing."

"I just studied creative writing, it's not as interesting as you think." Aki said brushing away Asagi, "I mean you and Miki are going to be actual doctors in a few months. Akane is in the military and Satomi is building robots in her uncle's factory."

"Technically I'm the receptionist there." Satomi said while pointing a thumb to Akane, "And this one is still in basic training."

"I'll be moving up in rank next week." Akane grumbled.

"Aki you were in another country; you have to have some stories." Miki said.

"Well, I did meet this nice group of girls and we became quick friends. Actually, two of them said they wanted to see Japan. They'll be coming up here in a few days." Aki said.

"Lead with that next time, Aki!" Asagi said face palming, "Two new friends are coming and neither me or Miki will meet them."

"Eh no big deal, I was just going to show them around Tokyo for a bit." Aki said, waving them off, "For now I just want to hear about you girls. I've missed you all. Asagi, you and Miki are going to an undiscovered island. Tell me about that."

"Well, it's more like an atoll." Miki said.

"That suddenly sprung from the ocean overnight." Asagi said with excitement clear on her face, "It also has all of these ancient statues around it. They might be from an undiscovered civilization!"

"Looks like she's letting the geek out." Akane snickered.

"That prophecy I was reading to you was from a carved tablet that was placed there." Asagi said.

"Well that definitely explains all of the doom gloom. Those ancient tribes believed everyday was doomsday." Aki said with a laugh.

The group started to laugh with her and engage in more conversations and stories of the past. Each of them blissfully unaware of the horrors being unleashed in the world.

............
Somewhere in the South Pacific
.............

The storm seemingly came out of nowhere or at least that's what he told himself. The world felt like it was coming to an end all around him. Yet still he ran, his fear pushed away the burning in his lungs. Thunder cracked, shaking the world. It was followed by flashes of lightning. The trees split in two and he could smell smoke.

Harata couldn't think of the right words to say. He kept telling himself that it was a natural occurrence, but deep down he knew none of this was natural. This storm was more like a punishment for setting foot on this island and touching what shouldn't have been touched.

Thunder boomed again only it sounded deeper like the roar of a sleeping beast awakening from its slumber. Harata screamed at the sound of it and ran harder through the forest. When he broke out of the forest and to the beach his heart nearly sank. There was only one person left out of the thirty he came with. The man's clothes were torn, and blood stained them. He held a pistol waving it around madly as his jaws clattered.

"Ishida!" Harata shouted.

Isihda looked at Harata with wide eyes of horror, "They're gone.... all of them."

Harata felt sick but didn't want to deal with the emotions, "We have to radio for help."

Thunder boomed causing Isihda to scream and start firing wildly. Harata ducked trying to avoid the bullets. "We're dead! We're dead! Game over man! Game over!"

“Get a hold of yourself!” Harata shouted over the raging storm and bullets.

Isihda stopped firing but continued to pull on the trigger. The only sound was clicking and his sobs. Harata picked himself and grabbed Ishida by the shoulders before slapping him across the face. 

“We don’t have time for this, and you wasted all our only protection!” 

“I don’t want to die!” 

“Get on the ship.”

“We can’t sail that thing!” 
“No but we can hide there and send a distress signal out." Harata said, looking at the boat.

Ishida nodded, although he was still shaking. The two made their way to the boat quickly pulling themselves on board. They ran to the main deck bursting through the door. 

“Find something to block the door with.” Harata ordered.

Ishida obeyed without a hint of questioning. He quickly slammed the door shut and locked it before looking for anything to put against it. Harata rushed to the radio and began flipping whatever switches he could to make it work. The radio started to crackle to life, making Harata’s heartbeat twice as fast. 

“Hello? Please someone answer! We are from the Japanese Science Expo! We need assistance, I repeat we need….”

“Harata!” Ishida’s screams were overshadowed by the sound of breaking metal.

Harata’s face was illuminated by a chilling blue glow. His teeth chattered as he stared at the source of the light. 

…………
Tokyo, Japan
…………

“You’re pregnant?!” Aki shouted at Akane. 

Akane nearly choked on her dongo as her face became beat red and the others burst out laughing. Aki looked Akane over while poking at her stomach, “But you’re barely showing so how do you know it’s a girl?” 

“I’m not pregnant you moron!” Akane whispered, while covering Aki’s mouth, “And would you keep it down. People are staring.”

“Pretty sure they’re staring at the giant soldier strangling the college student.” Asagi said. 

The girls had left the restaurant and were enjoying a walk through the city. At least they were, now people were walking past them giving the group strange looks. Miki awkwardly laughed and waved. Satomi continued to burst out laughing.

“Guess I should have worded that better.” She said in between giggles.

“You think?” Akane groaned.

“So, you’re not having a kid?” Aki asked.

“No, she just has a kid.” Satomi said with a laugh.

“Satomi!” Akane growled before sighing, “Sara isn’t my kid and I’m not dating her dad.”

“And yet you three are never far apart.” Miki said in a singing voice.

“Akane as a mom never thought I’d see the day.” Aki said in wonder.

“I’m not a mom!” Akane roared. 

“I give it a year before she moves in with him.” Asagi said.

“I give it a month.” Satomi countered. 

The girls laughed as they continued to walk the streets of the city. Aki had wide eyes as she looked at the city, she once called home. It truly did surprise her how much had changed in the time she’d been gone. She did love her time in America, but this was her true home. Some of her favorite stores were still up and running. Even better, her sense of direction hadn’t dampened as she got closer to her favorite district in Tokyo.

“Akihabara!”

Aki had eyes as the group entered the district. The buildings were covered with various characters from her childhood and stores selling collectibles that made her eyes shine with hunger. She could practically feel her wallet shrinking in size all ready. In all the time she’d been gone this place was still the way she left it. She ran up to the window of a store to look at the models that were on display.

“Guys they’re straight from my favorite show!” She said with a wide smile.

Akane shrugged with a sigh, “What a weeb.”

“You literally said if we didn’t come here today, you’d shoot us.” Asagi pointed out. 

Akane mumbled obscenities, her cheeks red, as they walked through the district. Aki had a wide smile on her face as a flood of memories rushed into her like a waterfall. Her and her friends, just spending a fun day after school walking through various shops and stopping into arcades to play their hearts out. A simple time that she would always play on repeat in her head, and she wanted to relive that moment now.

She grabbed Miki and Akane by the arms and pulled them into various shops. Satomi was busy walking into the various electronic shops. Asagi busied herself by walking into a bookstore. They soon met back up Aki and Miki with wide smiles on their faces as they held bags with several collectibles inside them. Akane, doing her best to hide her smile, had a plushie inside of her bag. Satomi was bobbing her head back listening to music on her new headphones. Asagi smiled while holding a book that had strange characters on it. 

“Check it out. A book on runes.” Asagi said.

“I haven’t heard of those since high school.” Miki said in amazement. 

“So where to next?” Aki asked, still full of energy.

“Akane?” A soft-spoken voice said. 

The group turned and found a thin man in a white button staring at them. At his side was a girl, no older than seven. She smiled when saw Akane, who had a massive blush on her face. 

“Tokumitsu?” Akane stuttered out as her face became redder with each passing moment. The others stared at her then to Tokumitsu. Aki had the biggest smile when the girl let go of Tokumitsu's hand and rushed straight into Akane for a large hug. She nervously laughed, “Nice to see you, Sara.” 

“I didn’t get to say goodbye to this morning, Akane!” Sara said with a smile.

“Sweetie, I told you Akane needs to leave early in the mornings.” Tokumitsu said looking at Akane with an honest smile, but he cleared his throat with a slight blush on his face, “But you did leave some of your um...personal stuff back in the bedroom did you want me to….”

Before he could go on Akane yelled and rushed him. She placed him in a headlock while stretching his body out. “What have I told you about knowing when to shut up Tokumitsu?”

“That I don’t do it enough!” Tokumitsu coughed out as he started to foam at the mouth. 

While Akane continued to strangle Tokumitsu, Aki and the others took advantage of the confusion. They appeared next to Sara with smiles. 

“Hey there kid, I’m one of Akane’s friends, name’s Aki.” 

“Hi, I’m Sara! Your hair is pretty.” Sara said with a smile. 

“Why thank you very much. So are Akane and you’re daddy dating?”

Akane picked up on the conversation and dropped Tokumitsu. Before Sara could answer she put the stuffed plushie she bought in the girl’s face. “Hey Sara, you told me you like this character, right?” 

Sara gasped before grabbing the plushie and pulling it into a tight hug, “You’re awesome Akane!”

She hugged the stuffed toy tightly, forgetting about the conversation she was just in. Akane turned to her friends with blazing eyes. They all stared off to the sky, whistling innocently. She breathed out of nostrils before looking at Tokumitsu.

“Why are you here?” She got to his face close enough to be out of ear shot, “Were you following me again?”

“No, and that was a coincidence.” Tokumitsu said, getting a raised eyebrow from Akane. He then noticed the others were laughing to themselves. His face started to turn red before clearing his throat. He brought his feet together, “Okay let’s start over,” he bowed his head to everyone, “Hello my name is Tokumitsu Yuhara. I’m a biologist and an engineer in robotics.” He felt around his pockets but sighed, ”Sorry I don’t have a business card with me at the moment. Oh, and this is my daughter Sara Yuhara.” 

“Why are we introducing ourselves? We already know Akane’s friends.” Sara asked.

“Not her new friend Sara, now be polite.” Tokumitsu said.

“Nice to meet you, Aki.” Sara said, bowing her head.

“You two as well.” Aki said with an honest smile.

“Tokumitsu.” Akane was tapping her foot impatiently, “Why are you here?”

“I was getting to that.” Tokumitsu stammered sweat dripping off his face, “Sara did very well on her exams, so I was taking her to an arcade as a reward.” 

“Good for you, squirt!” Akane said, kneeling down to pat Sara’s head. Sara giggled at Akane’s complement. 

Tokumitsu had a warm smile when he saw his daughter interacting with Akane. That was until Aki appeared next to him with a snicker, “So what are you and Akane?”

“Oh...um…. well...we...kind...of well.” Tokumitsu stammered as Akane looked at him and then to Aki who got closer to him with a larger and pressing smile. “She and I talk a lot. She’s also really good with Sara and that helps when I can’t get her from school.” 

“Go on.” Aki said her smile growing as Akane started growling at the two.

“Daddy!” Sara suddenly took off. 

“Sara, don't take off like that!” Tokumitsu’s eyes grew wide with worry as his daughter ran off.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got her.” Asagi said quickly, running after the child.

He sighed in relief but still followed after them. Satomi walked behind him snickering, “Saved by the bell Toku.” 

“Why do you poke her like that?” Tokumitsu asked with a groan, feeling Akane’s steely gaze piercing his back, “You know how she gets.” 

“I’ll stop when you two finally stop beating around the bush with each other.”  Satomi said walking with her hands behind her back, “By the way did you look at those blueprints from uncle? He won’t stop pestering me.”

“Yeah, I looked and it’s insane.” Tokumitsu said, “A robot to fight off alien invaders? Is Yun going along with it?”

“That guy’s more of a robot than anything we’ve built.” Satomi said with a laugh, “You up for helping us?”

“Maybe it could at least be a little fun.” Tokumitsu said. 

“Boys and their toys.” Satomi said with a sigh.

The group finally managed to catch up to Asagi and Sara. The pair had stopped inside of a local store with a television hanging on the ceiling. The two stared at the television with wide eyes. Tokumitsu quickly took his daughter’s hand into his own, “Sara you know better than to run off on your own?”

“Daddy look.”

Everyone looked at the television and found that it was turned to the news. The image was striking, and it made them shiver. 

“For those just tuning in, a pod of whales have suddenly died in Tokyo Bay.” The anchor solemnly said. The image showed several dead humpback whales sitting in the middle of the ocean. Their bodies showed various wounds that leaked with blood that turned the ocean into a cold red. 

“When the seas run red.” Asagi whispered. 

“It’s unknown what caused these creatures to suddenly die. We’ve reached out to the defense force if this has anything to do with the nuclear submarine that disappeared in the Japan trench but have not received an answer.” 
“Daddy, do you think it’s Gojira?” Sara asked.

“Of course, not sweetheart.” Tokumitsu said.

“Gojira?” Akane asked.

“A legend from my hometown. Gojira, the dragon of wrath. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard it, but if I remember correctly, he’s supposed to appear when the sea turns red.” Tokumitsu said looking at the disturbing image, “Kind of like that.”

“What happens when he appears?” Miki asked.

“He eats people.” Sara said growling like a monster.

“And I’m never sleeping again.” Aki deadpanned.

“Sara.” Tokumitsu groaned, silencing his daughter, “According to the legends Gojira appeared when the Earth would call out to him. He was meant to bring balance to nature. Eventually mankind did something that angered him, and he never forgave us again. That’s more or less of what I remember. That story was mostly just used as a kid's story back home.”

“No offense but your home has some weird kid stories.” Aki said she looked at the television and the gruesome images caused her to shudder, “Hey can we get out of here? All this ancient dragon and dead whale talk is starting to give me the creeps.”

“Daddy! Daddy! Can Akane and her friends come play with me at the arcade?!” Sara asked.

“Sweety I’m sure they had plans today. Let’s not intrude.” 

“It’s fine we were planning on spending the rest of the day here and it’s been a while since I’ve gone to the arcade.” Aki said with a cheerful smile before leaning in close to Tokumitsu, “Besides I have a LOT more questions to ask you about Akane.” 

“He said they didn’t want to come.” Akane said.

“Too late!” Aki said pulling Tokumitsu with her, “So where did you two first meet? How long have you been dating? Planning on having kids?” 

She started shooting questions that made Tokumitsu nevrously laugh at and stammer for an answer. Akane groaned, dragging her hand across her face far enough to practically rip it off, “I’m going to strangle that moron.” 

She followed after them, making sure to put herself between Aki and Tokumitsu. Satomi shrugged, walking along after them. Miki was about to join but stopped when she saw Asagi wasn’t moving. She looked like she was lost in thought. 

“Asagi?” She called out to her friend to look at her, “You coming?”

“Oh yeah.” Asagi said.

“Is something wrong?” Miki asked worriedly.

“Yes, it’s…” She became lost in thought, and she sighed before smiling at Miki, “It’s nothing. Let’s go see if we can get Akane's forehead vein to pop out.”

They shared a laugh and sealed the deal with a high-five before walking off with the others. Asagi still couldn’t get a lingering thought out of her head. ‘Gojira appears when the ocean turns red. That sounds just like the legend from the atoll. Could they be the same?’

………
The Japan Trench
………

The darkness was intense, like something out of a nightmare. It felt strange he was just staring at the sun moments ago but now it felt like night had fallen. Ryudo sighed trying to shake off his nerves as he continued to descend. 

“Satsuma squadron, what is your current depth?” A voice crackled over the radio.

“This is Satsuma one. Current depth 2,000 meters. We are approaching the Japan Trench and we have yet to find the target.” Ryudo answered.

“All right, monitor your fuel and oxygen. Sorry to say this but you're looking for a needle in a massive haystack.” The man on the radio said.

Ryudo could hear the sigh coming through the radio. When he looked out of the window, he spotted the other satsumas and the others sitting in their cockpits. From their body language he could tell they were annoyed. He couldn’t blame them. A submarine disappearing without a trace was already hard, but having it disappear near a trench that was close to 8,000 meters deep was close to an impossible task. It truly could be anywhere. It also didn’t help that it was a nuclear submarine. People were going to go crazy knowing something like that was lost somewhere and the government couldn’t find it.

“Commander, my oxygen and fuel are good for another three hours.” 

“Well, that’s how long we’ll be down here for.” Ryudo said, gaining a collective set of groans from his entire squad. 

“The damn thing is probably at the bottom of the trench knowing our luck.”

“Don’t add on to our bad karma. Just keep your eyes out and watch your high beams. No need to blind anyone.”

Ryudo began flipping switches in the advanced minisub. The lights flashed on making the dark seafloor light up, scattering swimming fish. He couldn’t help but snicker watching the fish swim away. “Sorry about that just passing through.” 

He often envied fish. Maybe that was why he joined the navy’s deep-sea unit. The ability to move through the water without a care. Just alone with his own thoughts without worrying about others.

“Maybe in my next life.” He sighed. 

“Commander on our right about 80 feet. I think I see something.”  

Ryudo looked up in surprise. Maybe their luck was starting to change after all. He moved the sub in the given direction. He focused his high beams to reach out further. His eyes became wide when he saw the sign of light hitting metal. As they got closer his eyes grew wider.

“Commander, am I seeing this right?” 

“That can’t be real.” 

Ryudo was in a state of shock. The submarine they were searching was staring them in the face. Only it was torn apart. Three marks lined the open side, the front looked like a bent tin can, the propeller was gone like it was ripped out. There was no point looking for signs of life from the damage alone; there was no way any of the crew were still alive. He looked at the submarine to see if it truly was the one, he was sent to find. It was hard to tell from just how badly it was ripped apart, but he managed to see the name of it. 

“This is our submarine. But what on earth happened to it?” Ryudo said. 

“It looks like an animal attacked it.” 

“But what kind of animal can do that?”

“The kraken?” 

Ryudo turned on the radio, “Base command we’ve found the submarine, but you’re not going to believe the state it’s in.” 

“What’s that?” 

Ryudo looked up and felt a chill running down his spine. He saw something moving in the darkness. It was only for a moment, but he knew something was there. And it was large. 

“Giant squids are common around these parts, maybe it was one of those.” 

He could tell they were looking for any excuse to explain what was going on. They could all feel it. Something was watching them. He felt his heart beating faster. He always wanted to be a fish, but now he couldn’t help but wonder, is this how they feel when being hunted by a predator? 

He gulped when he saw something crossing through his light. It was clearly an animal from the way it moved. But the size was intimidating; it dwarfed the submarine easily. It moved slowly, coming closer he couldn’t see the creature’s face, but the features he was looking at made it clear it was a predator. The creature had three rows of maple leaf spines running down its spine, then there were the scales they were as dark as the ocean itself making it blend in. He could see the creature's tail touching the seafloor. It had to be 20 meters long, maybe longer. 

“Is that a dinosaur?” A shaky voice crackled in his ear.

Ryudo started to feel his body shake. Memories from long ago flooded his mind. Stories from sailors he would see monsters lurking in the depths. However, one brought sat firmly in his head. Just as the ocean floor was cloaked in an eerie blue glow. Allowing him to see the beast face and it was one full of an unholy rage. 

Ryudo felt himself lost staring into the eyes of rage, “Gojira.”

…………
JSDF Headquarters
………. 

“Satsuma squad come in.” The man sitting at the radio said, “Please repeat, have you found the submarine?” 

“Go...zzzzzla...zzzz” the radio crackled. 

“Come again? Please repeat, you are breaking up.”

“God...zzzzzla…” 

“What’s going on here?” 

The man looked over his shoulder and found his commander standing over him. 

“Something is going on with the Satsuma team.” He explained. 

He held his hand out signaling he wanted to speak, “Satsuma team this is commander Tachibana. Please report, have you found the submarine?” 

The radio was silent briefly before crackling to life. The sound caused Tachibana to take a step back. The screams felt like something from a nightmare. 

“Go...zzzza…..God…..zzzzzi….zzzzzla” 

The radio continued to crackle, getting everyone to look at it with shocked and horrified faces. The sound of metal hitting metal could be heard. Finally, it went dead leaving Tachibana looking pale. His subordinate continued to try to make contact with the subsuma unit.

“Commander, they're gone.” His subordinate said with shocked eyes.

Murmurs started to erupt from the room. Tachibana was unable to form the proper words to say. He could feel that something was happening, and no was ready for what was about to happen.

“Did you hear what they were saying?” Someone asked.

“It sounded like Godzilla.” 

“What’s a Godzilla?” 

“Commander, what should we do?” 

Tachibana sat down mentally preparing what should be done. He sighed, “Get me the prime minister’s office and find out what ships we have out there and turn them around immediately. If there are any more satsuma that are launch compatible, get them ready.” Tachibana said and the room quickly moved to life at his command. 

……….
??????
………
 
The temple sat in place untouched or sullied by those unworthy. The only light was the descending magma that lined the walls. At the center sat an unmoving stone form. He was the guardian of this temple built by those who brought him his life.

He wished to see them but knew they were long since gone. But the mission they gave him sat in his heart. He hoped he could sleep and never have to awaken to carry it out. That the world would not need him, and he could stay here with his precious memories. Yet he knew that would never happen as he rarely ever got what he wanted. The rage, he could feel it, even from so far away, and he knew it felt him too. Their meeting was inevitable; he knew that. He only didn’t know how it would end. Would he die? Or would he end this cycle of hatred? Those questions lingered in his head, and he couldn’t help but wonder if they lingered in the mind of his creators as well.

In the end it didn’t matter. For he was the guardian, and it was his destiny to fight. He only needed to wait for the one to call out to him and he would come to protect this world once more.
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. 
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3

Tokumitsu was standing by a street corner near a cafe. He breathed heavily not knowing what to expect. He felt cool last night finally asking Akane on a date and her agreeing without a second thought. But now he couldn’t get his legs to stop shaking. When his phone buzzed, he nearly yelped. 

“H-Hello?” He said with a shaky voice. 

“Are you seriously wussing out already?” Satomi’s snickering voice spoke over the phone.

He sighed, his face turning red, “No of course not.”

“You’re wearing the clothes I picked out right?” She asked. 

“I don’t see why I couldn’t pick out my own clothes.” Tokumitsu said looking at the red t-shirt and jeans Satomi had left on his bed. 

“Just don’t mess this up. We’re almost there.” Satomi said with a bored sigh.

“Wait, did you say we?” Tokumitsu said his heart was starting to beat faster.

“Satomi, who are you talking to?” 

He could hear Akane’s voice in the background. He felt his heart starting to beat faster to the point that he was starting to see double. He needed to lean against a wall to keep steady. 

“Hey, I can hear you hyperventilating over the phone. Please keep it together and try not to puke.” Satomi said, “Look I’m pretty sure she loves you too, for whatever reason, so just treat this as a normal day out.”

Tokumitsu took a deep breath putting a hand to his racing heart, “Thanks Satomi.” 

“That’s a good boy. Now when we turn the corner try not to stare too much.” 

“What do you mean stare?” Tokumitsu said with a raised eyebrow. The last thing he heard was a coy laugh from Satomi that made his guts churn. He knew that laugh meant trouble for anyone who heard it. 

A loud whistle suddenly caught his attention and looked to the street corner. Satomi was the first to emerge with a smile on her face. He waved back at her with his own awkward smile. She then moved to the side revealing the person behind her. His eyes nearly popped out of his skull. Akane awkwardly stepped forward, her cheeks red as a cherry. He was so used to seeing her in work out attire or her military garb. So, the bright blue sundress had completely thrown him for a loop. She had a soft touch of eye shadow applied that made her eyes look softer when she looked at him. Her hair was neatly combed and gently rested against her shoulders.  When she looked at him, she started moving as if there were weights on her feet. Her face crinkled as it became redder the closer she got. His heart started beating faster again as he started becoming tongue tied. He always knew she was beautiful, but this was different. She just looked so…“Incredible.”

“What?!” Akane said, wincing, realizing that she spoke too loud. 

“You look incredible, Akane.” Tokumitsu said letting his mind speak for him. 

Akane lost her voice from the complement and her knees became weaker. She tried talking but nothing was coming out. Satomi snickered cupping a hand under Akane’s chin and began moving her lips.

“Gee thanks Toku. I totally didn’t beg Satomi for help because I’ve never been on a date before.” Satomi said in a dopey voice, “You look really cute too. I wanna have all your babies.”

A vein poked out of Akane’s forehead, and she lashed out at Satomi. Though she nimbly moved out of the way of her raging friend. Satomi had a sly smile hiding behind Tokumitsu, “Toku Akane’s being mean to me.” 

“You little…” Akane raised her hand ready to claw at her friend, but Tokumitsu gently clasped it causing her to gasp.

“Akane, I need Satomi alive to babysit.” Tokumitsu said with a smile while holding her hand, “Besides I want to enjoy the day with you.”

“I…I…She.” Akane sighed with a red face, “Fine.”

“Not bad Toku. Just for that I won’t feed Sara ice cream for dinner.” Satomi said, patting Tokumitsu on the shoulder.

“Please just have her in bed by the time I get home.” Tokumitsu said with a sigh. 

“No promises. Now you two have fun, oh and if you rent a hotel, I’m charging extra.” Satomi said leaving the couple red faced and stammering. 

“I’m gonna kill her.” They both grumbled.

At a restaurant nearby Aki held a newspaper to her face. She pulled it down revealing binoculars clinging to her eyes. She snickered as she focused on the couple. Sitting across from her were Miki, Applejack, Fluttershy, all of them looking rather annoyed. 

“So Autumn's like this in her hometown as well.” Fluttershy said. 

“Yes, unfortunately, Aki always was nosey but when it comes to romance, she goes full psycho.” Miki said with a sigh.

“I once caught her hiding out in my barn when my brother started going on dates with his gal.” Applejack said.

“I remember a certain blonde and her little sister joining me.” Aki said not taking her eyes off of Akane and Tokumitsu, “Besides I didn’t spy on that much.” 

“Twilight and Timber, Sunset and Flash, Lyra and Bon Bon, Me and Dash.” Applejack deadpanned. 

Aki turned to the girls and nonchalantly cleared her throat, “I plead the fifth.”

“Baka.” Miki chopped Aki on the head. 

“Hey I just wanted to make sure that…Holy crap we have a kiss!” Aki shouted.

“What!” Miki gasped before grabbing the binoculars from Aki and putting them to her eyes. Unaware that the strap was now clinging to Aki’s neck. She gagged and grasped at the air all while Miki giggled to herself. “I didn’t think Tokumitsu was this bold.” 

“Um Miki I think you’re um oh dear.” Fluttershy was struggling to get Miki’s attention.

“Kind of looks like that cartoon with them yellow folks.” Applejack said with a snicker. 

Back down the road Tokumitsu pulled his lips away from a blushing Akane. Both were in complete shock from their actions. They stumbled on their words trying to come up with the next thing to say. Although Akane was hoping that it would happen again. She started moving closer to him, putting her arms around his necks with a smile. Tokumitsu smiled back, “So I take it you're not angry?”

“Of course….” She trailed off when in her peripheral vision caught the sight of a group by the cafe. She could see Miki with a wide grin holding binoculars closer to her face. “NOT!?” Akane’s eyes flashed with pure anger.

“Oh man, you are angry.” Tokumitsu took a step back. 

Akane saw the fear in Tokumitsu’s eyes causing her to loosen up. She stumbled on her words before laughing shyly and rubbing the back of her head. “No, of course not. I just stubbed my toe.” She nervously laughed before grabbing his arm and pulling him forward, “Now let’s go I wanna see what you planned for us.” 

“Oh…um…of course.” Tokumitsu said being pulled along by Akane.

Back at the cafe Miki continued to watch with a wide grin as steam came out of her nose, “This is so romantic!” 

“Um Applejack…do you think we should tell her that Aki is well um.” Fluttershy was stumbling on her words when she saw Akii.

“Nah I think this is a good lesson for her.” Applejack said with a snicker.

Aki’s eyes had rolled into the back of her skull as foam slushed out of her mouth. Miki was paying little attention to that as she focused on the couple. Suddenly she felt her phone starting to buzz. 

“Who could be calling now?!” She groaned, pulling her phone out.  However, she cocked an eyebrow seeing it was a text message from, “Akane?!”

She felt her spine stiffen when she opened it to read. 

“I CAN SEE YOU IDIOTS!”

Miki gulped looking back into the binoculars. She saw that Tokumitsu was leading Akane away, but she was looking over her shoulder. An angered scowl appeared across her face as she stared directly at her. 

“Time to go!” Miki suddenly shouted, grabbing Applejack and Fluttershy by the arms. Aki was dragged along, still connected to the binocular strap. She left behind a trail of dust as their waiter screamed that they hadn’t paid. 

Akane watched the cloud of dust and snorted, “Good riddance.” She whispered under her breath.

“You say something?” Tokumitsu said with a raised eyebrow. 

“Oh nothing.” Akane said with a smile on her face. 

……….
South Pacific
……….

“So that’s what they look like.” Asagi said looking at pictures on her phone. She giggled looking at the pictures Aki had sent her. She then let out a bored sigh “And here I was hoping to practice my English.”

“Hello, how are you?” Someone spoke over her shoulder. 

Asagi yelped, nearly dropping her phone. She looked over her shoulder and found Mito Asakura standing over her shoulder with a smile. 

“Professor Asakura?!”

“Your English could use some work.” Asakura said with a smile. 

“I’m sorry I thought I was alone.” Asagi said with a small laugh. 

Asakura smiled politely at her while looking at her phone, “Are those the friends I hear you and Miki talking about?”

“Oh yes, well at these three are, the American’s are friends of a friend. But I think that makes them my friends.” Asagi said with an eager smile as she pointed to Aki, “This is my friend Aki, she’s been my best friend since middle school.” 

Asakura smiled like a pleased mother nodding her head along with each word, “My, My, I feel sorry for having to pull you away from your meeting.”

“No, I wouldn't miss a trip like this for the world!” Asagi said.

“Such dedication I love to see it.” Asakura said with tears welling in her eyes, “I have such great students!”

Asakura started crying uncontrollably, making Asagi pat her back, “There, there, professor, no need for another crying fit.” 

“I’m just so…happy.” Asakura sniffled out, “I wish…Miki was here with us.”

“Weren’t you the one who suggested Miki come for the second outing?” Asagi asked.

Asakura’s eyes widened in shock as she hit the palm of her hand, “Oh that’s right.”

“How could you forget?!” Asagi shouted, smacking Asakura over the head. She sighed, dragging a hand across her face, “I swear you’re just as forgetful as Aki.”
 
A thought crossed her mind and she looked to the sulking Asakura, “Professor why did you come to my room?” 

“You know I don’t remember.” Asakura said, tapping her chin.

“Try harder!” Asagi shouted with a twitching eyebrow. 

“Oh yeah now I remember, I was wondering if you’re prepared to go ashore?” 

“We’re going ashore already?” Asagi said in shock, “But I thought we were going to wait for Professor Harata’s group to join us.”

“Unfortunately, there was a malfunction with his team’s boat. So, they will not be able to join us.” Asakura sadly said. 

“Oh, I see. That’s too bad I was hoping to ask him more about the tablet he sent to us.” Asagi said with a sigh. 

Asakura smiled lightly, running a hand through the girl’s hair, “Don’t worry you’ll see him soon. Now get ready I’ll be waiting for you on the beach with the rest of the team.”

“Yes ma’am.”

As she walked out Asakura stopped at the door and looked over her shoulder, “By the way how did you interpret that tablet?” 

“Um…well I think the part about the flame of wrath was a warning about some type of calamity. The part about the moths and the last hope are throwing me off. Maybe those people were talking about a chosen one.”  Asagi said before groaning, “But what does that have to do with moths?”

“Don’t think about it too hard, young one.” Asakura said, starting to step out.

“Professor one more thing, have you ever heard about Gamera?” 

Asakura stopped in her tracks, looking at Asagi with a neutral expression. She gently touched the magatama around her neck, “Sorry I’m not used to the way young people talk. Is that slang for something?” 

“Sorry I didn’t mean to bring it up. I just had a weird dream last night. I think my friends and I just talked too much about this Gojira legend yesterday. I must have made up my own monster.” Asagi said with a light chuckle.

Asakura held a small smile, “You and your friends have interesting imaginations. Gamera and Gojira sound like interesting creatures. Now hurry, we shouldn't keep the others waiting.”

“Right away ma’am.” Asagi said with a wide smile as Asakura left the room. She hummed to herself making sure she had everything she needed. So caught up in her work she didn’t notice the lingering gaze of Asakura. A green glow cast upon her eyes as she held her magatama. 

………….
Mysterious Atoll
………….

Waves crashed upon the harsh rocky surface that made up the atoll. The rocks were pitch black and jagged. The atoll was larger than any onboard the ship were prepared for. As it stretched for several miles. At least according to those who had come ashore and began taking measurements. To the surprise of those who could see them there were ruins scattered across the large land mass. Asagi had wide eyes with a large smile on her face as she approached the atoll on the small boat. They were broken but still stood in the air like a skyscraper. Asagi strained her neck trying to get a full view of it.

“Woah there.” A soft voice playfully chimed, placing a hand against her back. Asagi turned to find a smiling woman with brown hair staring back at her with a smile. She was in shorts and white t-shirt with the Science Expo logo on the front, similar to what Asagi and the rest of the research team were wearing. 

“Meru! Sorry I was just surprised by everything.” Asagi with a red face, “The architecture here is just so amazing and the fact that it’s still intact.”

“You’re acting like a geek again.” Meru whispered. 

Asagi's face grew redder as she tried to cover it with a notebook. Meru chuckled, patting Asagi on the shoulder, “Hey no worries you’re not the only one.”

Meru pointed to other members of their research team as they walked around the atoll. Some were already writing notes or taking pictures with each other. Meru walked around with Asagi joining her. “By the way, where's Miki? Aren’t you two normally joined at the hip?” 

“She was placed in the second grouping. She’ll be here later in the day.” Asagi said although she was absentminded continuing to look around at the various structures. “Is that Greek or maybe Roman?” she said aloud, taking a pen from her backpack to start writing notes.

Meru chuckled while rolling her eyes. She looked around the atoll in wonder as well although a thought was still plaguing her mind, “I’m still really curious what caused this thing to rise and what’s making it stay afloat and more importantly.” She looked up at the clear blue sky and noticed the silence from it, “Where are the seagulls?”

“Would they really come this far out in the middle of the ocean?” Asagi asked, looking up from her notebook. 

“We’re not far away enough from the mainland.” Meru said before kneeling down and touching the rocky ground. Her eyes widened in shock, “Woah Asagi touch this.” 

Asagi didn’t waste any time and touched the ground, her eyes widening, before quickly pulling her hand away, “It’s so warm!” 

“Yeah, and before you ask this isn’t from the sun.” Meru said, before walking toward the water. Asagi followed her with trouble as she tried to take notes and walk at the same time. When she caught up to her friend, they were both standing on the edge of the atoll. “Take a look, I didn't notice this before but now.”

She pointed to the water and the two watched as the water hitting the stone started to turn to steam. “I think it generates its own heat.” 

“Is that even possible?” Asagi asked. 

“I’m honestly not sure.” Meru said, “Maybe if we were near a…”

“Ladies, is everything alright?” 

The two jumped and turned, finding Asakura standing behind them. She was dressed similarly to the others with the exception of the hunting knife strapped to her hip. 

“Woah there sensei!” Meru said with wide eyes, “I don’t think there’s anything out here that can hurt us.”

“Oh what, this?” Asakura said, pulling the knife from its sheath, “I use it for collecting rock samples.”

She then began balancing the knife on the tip of her finger. She then casually tossed it in the air making the girls tense up as they watched it tumble through the air. The moment it came to her face Asakura caught it by the hilt, twirled it a final time before placing it into the sheath and gave a classy bow. She looked with a smile while Meru and Asagi looked at her slack jawed.   

“You know that took a lot of effort. So much practice and I couldn’t get a single cheer.” She said with a pout. 

“Sorry ma’am it’s just that…well we’ve seen you trip on your feet. So, seeing you do all that is kind of surprising.” Meru said, shrugging her shoulders. Asakura looked as though she had an arrow pierce her heart.

“Where did you learn to do that?” Asagi asked. 

“A woman my age can still have hobbies.” Asakura said with a wink, “Now if I may ask what are you two doing here? We’re about to head further inland.”

“Oh yes about that, Meru discovered something interesting.” Asagi led Asakura to the edge and showed her the steaming water.

“How fascinating.”

“That’s not all, the architecture here seems to be a mixture of Greek and Roman.” 

Asakura laughed slightly, “It’s a lot more than that.”

The girl’s raised their eyebrows making Asakura smile as she gestured for them to follow her. Asagi and Meru followed their teacher further inland. Asagi looked at everything with the wide eyes of a child on Christmas morning. That was until she brought them to a cliff’s edge and her eyes grew larger. At the bottom of a chasm were several crumbling buildings but, in the middle, completely intact was a large stone pagoda tower.

“That’s incredible, a stone pagoda in the middle of the ocean.” Asagi said, “Not only that but some of those buildings there look like they have Egyptian symbols. This place is like a mixing pot of different cultures.”

“I’ll say.” Meru said as she started steadying herself along the edge, “Alright looks safe enough.”

“What are you—Meru!”

Asagi gasped as her friend started sliding down the edge of the cliff. She laughed the entire way down as the wind blew through her hair. Once she reached the bottom, she held her arms up, “You two coming down or what?” 

“She always was the adventurous one.” Asakura said with an amused laugh as she started making her way down.

“Are you serious?!” Asagi said with wide eyes before dragging a hand across her face, “Why am I even asking that? Well shouldn’t we tell the others where we’re going?”

“I told everyone to break into groups and gather information. Besides, this place will be a lot easier to explore in a small group than a large team for now.” Asakura called as she reached the bottom.

“Come on Asagi first come first serve.” Meru said with a smile.

Asagi sighed as she started climbing down and mumbling small curses to herself. Her palms were already sweating as she looked over her shoulder and saw the ground. She gulped and hugged the wall.

“Asagi we’re burning daylight here.” Meru called out, “It’s not that bumpy and it's sloped, just slide down on your butt.” 

“Will you just let me do this my way!” 

“Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance.” Meru said, grabbing a rock, “Oh my God, I think I see a crab crawling on your leg.”

“What?!” Asagi suddenly shouted freezing in place.

Meru tossed the rock, landing a direct hit on Asagi's leg. She let out a loud scream and scrambled down the cliffside leaving a trail of dust behind. When she reached the bottom, she started rolling on the ground looking over herself.

“Where is it?! Where is it?!” Asagi shouted.

“Oh, look I think I found it.” Meru said, she held a pebble in her hands and was trying to hold back her laughs.

Asagi had a red face and shook from anger. Meru held her hands up in defense giving an honest smile, “Hey you made it down here faster.” 

“Meru, that wasn’t funny.” Asakura said in a scolding tone. Asagi walked off with puffed cheeks as Meru hung her head in shame. Although when Asagi was out of ear shot Asakura leaned closer to her student, “But it was very effective.” The two snickered and high-fived following after Asagi. 

They ventured through the crumbling architecture with wide eyes of amazement. Asagi wrote down in detail everything she saw. She stopped when she found a still intact statue. It was a woman in a long gown holding out her hand. Large crown sat on her head. Her face was in a neutral position, but it looked oddly familiar. In her chest was a familiar crescent shaped magatama.    

“Asakura?” She whispered to herself looking closely at it. There was writing on the bottom, and she cocked a head seeing the strange text. It wasn’t any language that she had seen before. “Wait a minute are those?” 

She pulled her backpack around and pulled out the book she bought in Tokyo. She looked at the cover with a small smile on her face. ‘The Mysteries of Atlantis.’ She turned the pages until finding what she was looking for. Her eyes widened, “These are runes!” 

She glided her hand across the carved text of the statue, “Glory to Nailai Kanai?”

Asagi cocked her head in confusion then noticed a painting. It looked like something from Egyptian culture. It depicted people gathering around a large creature. It looked like nothing she had seen before. The creature's head was bulky sitting in the middle of it was a long and curved horn, reminding her of a sword, it had pitch black eyes that reminded her of a shark. Behind the beast stood a pagoda. Asagi looked at the picture then to the pagoda standing in the middle of the ancient city. 

Curiosity was getting the better of her as she continued to look at the ancient painting. She ran her hand across it, finding engravings for her to translate. She looked at her book and matched each symbol but was still confused when she spoke the words aloud. 

“Jyarumu?” 

“Bless you.” Meru said from behind. 

Asagi looked over her shoulder and found her friend standing behind her. Meru looked at the painting with a raised eyebrow, “Well there’s a face only a mother could love.”

“Meru this place or rather these people are like the ones from my book.”  Asagi held up her book to Meru before pointing out the ancient runes on the painting to those in her book. She walked her to the statute next and translated what she had found. Meru took it all in with wide eyes.

“Nailai Kanai? Like from the kid’s book?” Meru said. 

“Kid’s book?”

“Yeah, it was really underrated but has a pretty big cult following. It talks about this beautiful princess and legendary monsters that defend an ancient kingdom made of gold.” Meru explained and looked at the statue, “Is this Princess Yuna?”

The girls looked at the statue starting to feel goosebumps building up. Asagi looked at the pagoda and she felt a lingering need to go to it. Like something was calling for her to come. 

“Let’s go inside.” Asagi said.

“Strange normally I’m the one insisting to go inside strange places.” Meru said with a small laugh, “Should we wait for Asakura?”

Asagi was already walking toward the pagoda leaving Meru behind, “Or not. First, she’s too chicken to come down now she’s a lone wolf.”

Asagi couldn’t fight the urge to go inside this strange place. She felt like any questions she had could be answered here. When she got to the entrance, she could feel a heat coming from inside. It was strange, almost welcoming, she was about to step in until a hand grabbed her shoulder. 

“Are you sure about going in? I’m not normally the skittish type but this place is kind of giving me a real do not enter vide.” Meru said. 

“Yeah…I can’t explain it but…I need to see what’s in here.” Asagi said, “How about you run to get Asakura and meet me inside?”

“And leave you alone in an ancient crumbling temple? Where, knowing your uncoordinated luck, you could end up falling down some hole.” Meru said with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m not that uncoordinated.” Asagi said with puffed cheeks. Meru gave her an unconceived look. “Well, I’ll at least look out for holes. My flashlight is powerful.”

Meru sighed, “I’m going with you but only for five minutes. After that I’m dragging you out of there.”

Asagi nodded with a thankful smile before holding her fist out. Meru bumped it, adding an exploding fireworks sound effect that made them both laugh. With that they both took a breath before entering the building. The sun was high in the sky and yet the room they entered was as dark as night. Meru fished a flashlight from her backpack and tossed it to Asagi. 

“Lead the way.” 

When she turned it on Asagi swung the flashlight along the walls. She immediately caught sight of the strange symbols along the wall. They were followed by a mural depicting what she could only assume to be a battle. She took her phone out along with Meru and immediately began snapping pictures. Although Asagi felt the urge to do more to this find. 

“Meru start filming.” Asagi said as she continued to look at the mural.

“You got it boss.” Meru said with a playful salute. She hit the record button on her phone, “Day one of Meru's mystery island vlog. So far, we’ve discovered remnants of an ancient civilization and my ingenious partner decided to go and explore the creepiest building here. Say hi to your audience, Asagi.”

“Ha, ha, could you take this a little seriously?” Asagi said.

“And with that attitude you get a rainy cloud filter.” Meru teased as she turned to look around the building, “Man I have the night vision on, and I can still barely see anything.” Meru sighed as she continued to look around a shiver lingering down her spine. 

“You know my dad took me to one of these as a kid. It was pretty fun and full of artifacts. He also taught me about Buddhism.” She hummed aloud looking at the dilapidated walls, “But I get the feeling that this place wasn’t for that.” 

“I can’t argue with that.” Asagi said, “Come look at this painting.” 

Meru looked at with a cocked head and raised eyebrows, “And I thought I was bad in art class.”

“Focus Meru.” 

“Sorry I tell jokes when I’m scared.”

“Just look at this.” Asagi ran her hand along the ancient mural. There were human figures that looked to be dressed in white robes. They held their hands over their heads. Some of them looked to be holding spears while charging at another group that were colored turquoise. “It looks like there was a war.”

“So, there wasn’t just one civilization but two?” Meru asked in shock as she zoomed in on the mural. 

“No look closer.” Asagi said, “I think they’re all related. Just look at their clothes other than the colors they’re the same.” 

“So, you’re saying this was a civil war?” Meru looked around, “But over what?”

She looked further down before finding a familiar figure in the mural, “Hey Asagi, recognize this pretty boy.” 

Asagi followed her line of sight and found the mural depicted the same giant creature as the one she saw outside, “Jyarumu again?”

“You named it?” Meru asked, trying to stifle a laugh.

“No, I saw it inscribed on a mural outside. From the way his image is scattered about, maybe he was some kind of God to them.” Asagi hummed looking over the picture. The creature named Jyarumu stood on its hind legs standing next to what she assumed was the pagoda they were currently standing in. Under its legs smaller figures moved in a line toward the building. 

Meru tapped her chin looking at the creature, “I know I’m going off a picture, but I think this thing was some kind of shark.”

“Meru.” Asagi said.

“No, just looking at the position of the snout and mouth reminds me of a bull shark. But then there’s that tail kind of like a thrasher. Although the hands and feet are throwing me off, maybe some kind of early amphibian adaptation?”  She began tapping her chin.

“Meru, listen to me,” Asagi said, looking her friend in the face and pointing her toward the image of the pagoda, “This place isn’t a pagoda, I'm beginning to think that it’s a prison.” 

Meru looked at the mural of Jyarumu standing over the pagoda and the tiny figures under it. They entered the building and standing around them were other figures holding spears. She then looked at the beast again, who stood over the building watching it, “And I think I know who the warden was.” Meru gulped looking around the building more. She felt her skin crawling as though eyes were watching them, “Asagi can we please leave? I seriously don’t want to be here anymore.”

Asagi looked at Meru and noticed her quivering face. Her friend's foot was tapping uncontrollably. She took a breath feeling a creeping sensation all around. “Yeah, let’s go.” 

Meru started to walk away and Asagi was about to follow her until she heard something. It was soft at first like a heartbeat, but then started to grow louder. A rumbling under the stone ground. Her eyes widened, “Earthquake!” 

The stone beneath their feet began to crack and churn. Asagi fell to the ground, unable to keep her footing as the earth continued to shift. She looked at Meru, who was reaching out to grab her, she reached for her friend trying to grab her hand. Their fingers touched each other only for Meru to suddenly rise into the air. Asagi gasped realizing that Meru wasn’t rising into the air, but she was sinking into the earth. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw the ground collapsing inward breaking down and leading to a dark abyss. She screamed when she felt herself sliding down into the darkness.

“Asagi, grab on!” Meru flung her backpack over, angling the strap for Asagi to grab. 

Asagi tried grabbing the strap but missed each time, “I can’t reach it.”

“Asagi, listen to me, you have to climb.” Meru called, stretching her arm out. Asagi’s eyes grew wide with fear as she tried to move but only slid down further. She cried out hugging the ground. “Don’t be afraid I’m right here and I won’t leave you.” Meru put on her best smile to encourage her friend. 

Asagi could barely breathe as she held tightly in an attempt to fall any further. She looked at Meru and took a breath. She reached a hand and tried climbing up. Meru smiled, “That’s it you can do it.”

Asagi tried to drown out the rest of the world around her as she continued to climb. All the while listening to Meru’s words of encouragement. She reached out for the strap again this time her fingertips were able to graze it. She kept reaching until she finally managed to grab the strap.  

“All right now start using those legs.” Meru said with a smile as she began to pull. 

Asagi started moving up while Meru aided her by pulling. Her mind was still racing but she started to feel herself beginning to relax. Until a new sound caught their attention. It was subtle but present and it caused Meru to freeze in place. Her eyes ventured upward, and she gasped in horror. A screech droned out Meru’s scream as Asagi’s vision was filled with a disturbing blue glow. It was so bright that she had to shield her eyes and at the moment she felt herself slip. The girl's eyes opened in time to the world falling backward she screamed, but it wasn’t from the fact that she was falling. 

Bat-like wings spread open, revealing leathery black skin that let off an eerie blue glow, in its arrow shaped skull sat glowing red eyes. The beast opened its mouth shrieking revealing razor teeth and in its claws was a terrified Meru. The beast screeching drowned out Meru’s screams as she was lifted higher into the air. Asagi watched this in horror as she began to hyperventilate.

“MERU!” 

Asagi screamed before being consumed by darkness.   

………..
Back in Japan
……….

Miki stopped running, taking a huffing breath, “Finally I think we lost her.”

“Um Miki?” Fluttershy nervously pointed at Aki.

Their friend was foaming at the mouth and twitching. Miki looked at her with a passing glance before shrugging. “She’ll be fine. Akane would have done way worse if she got her hands on us.”

“I swear Autumn gets herself into more trouble than a bull in a china shop.” Applejack sighed, shaking her head. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask, why do you call Aki Autumn?” Miki asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well that’s kind of a funny story,” AJ started to explain, “Our professor kept getting her name wrong so to make it easy for him Aki started going by Autumn Blaze.” 

“Well Autumn is what her name translates to, but where did the Blaze come from?” Miki asked.

“That’s actually my gamer tag.” Aki pipped up rubbing the back of her head.

“You are such a moron.” Miki groaned. 

“Hey, Autumn Blaze, wasn’t the weirdest name at that school.” Aki said with a shrug before looking at her watch, “Hey what time is your flight?”

“I have an hour, but it would be best if we get going now.” Miki suggested. 

“All right girls, we're moving out.” Aki called out and began leading the way. 

“Do you even know where it is you’re leadin us?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow. 

Aki froze in place with an awkward smile as she rubbed the back of her head. Miki sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose she turned Aki around. “Of course we’re going this way!” Aki proudly declared. 

“I’m just going to follow you sugar cube.” Applejack said to Miki.

“Everyone usually does.” Miki said. 

Unbeknownst to the girls, a pair watched them from afar. A man with dark hair leaned against the wall he scowled at the girls gripping his arm tightly. A hand rested on his shoulder he looked up seeing a man in white with blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail smiling calmly at him. 

“Easy old friend.” He whispered, “Our time will come soon.” 

“I’m sorry Metphies. It’s just….is our mission finally going to come to an end.” The man asked. 

The man named Metphies chuckled lightly into his palm, “It is Haruo, but we must have patience.” 

Haruo clenched his fist tightly while watching the girls. He slowly hid himself back into the shadows, “Priestess of Wrath, you’ll get what’s coming to you.”

“30,000 years later and you still hold your grudge.” Metphies said with an amused grin as he looked at his phone, “Then again I guess you’re not the only one.”

………..
Beneath the Atoll
……….

Asagi’s face twitched as she lay on the ground. She groaned as her eyes started to flutter open. She suddenly gasped everything coming to her like a bullet and she jolted back to life. “Meru?! Meru?!” She frantically called out searching for her friend. The memory of her friend being taken by a monster replayed in her head, “That couldn’t have been real.” She said to herself as she called out for Meru again. She looked around trying to gain her bearings but was only met by darkness. It was so dark that she couldn’t even see where she fell from. Her voice grew hoarse as she cried calling out once more. 

“Meru?! Can you hear me!” She dropped to her knees, head sinking, “Please just give me a sign that you're okay.”

She let out a sorrowful groan and tried picking herself only to trip over something. She looked down and found Meru’s backpack. She picked it up and her eyes grew wide before tearing up. It was soaking wet smelling of copper. She shook holding the bag closer, “No, please no. Meru, please answer me!” 

Her tearful calls were suddenly answered by a wild screech. She felt a shiver run up her spine before falling silent. The darkness started to illuminate with an eerie blue glow as the sound of scraping stone echoed around her. It escalated to growling as whatever was with her started getting closer. 

She backed up, rising to her feet, her breathing quickened. The glowing started to dissipate; it became quiet to the point that she could hear a pin drop. Asagi’s legs began to shake along with her chattering teeth. There was something in front of her, but she couldn’t see it. She gripped the backpack tighter before throwing it into the darkness. It hit something with a loud THUNK as it landed on the ground only a few feet in front of her. 

A low growl escaped the darkness as red eyes stared back at her. Asagi couldn’t summon a scream as the monster stared at her. A clawed hand reached out and crushed the backpack. The beast let out a screeching roar as its body illuminated revealing the rhinoceros sized monster standing before her. The creature's claws were attached to large wings, patches of its black skin were patterned with glowing bioluminescent patches, and its arrow shaped head cocked like a bird. The beak of the horrifying beast dripped with a dark red liquid and in it was a hand. 

“M-M-Meru.” Asagi whispered as her eyes shook. 

The monster lifted the backpack up with one claw and started sniffing it. The monster reared its head back, swallowing Meru’s remains and backpack in one gulp. It then settled its red eyes on Asagi. The bioluminescent patches on the creature began to flicker as the creature gurgled. It took a step forward and Asagi lost control.

She screamed in horror and turned her back on the beast and started running. The beast screeched and chased after her. The only light she had was the glow of the beast chasing her, but she used whatever she could. She looked around but the area she was in appeared to have no exits causing her heart to sink as she ran into a stone wall. Asagi felt the tears starting to stream from her eyes as she felt the creature inches behind her. 

The monster screeched and leapt clawed hands outstretched. The young scientist yelped and fell to the ground taking the fetal position. She clenched her eyes waiting for the monster to bite into her. Only the monster's roars turned into confused screeching as it rammed into the wall. The ground shook from the impact and the sound of falling rocks filled the air along with dust. 

Asagi lifted her head lightly coughing from the dust in the air. She gasped when she saw the tail of the beast wildly swing in the hole the wall used to be in. The monster roared again and slammed its entire body out of the wall screeching even louder to the point that Asagi had to cover her ears. She felt her teeth rattling as the beast roars became more high pitched. The patches on the creature's skin turned from blue to a sickly green and its chest began to expand.

Asagi felt her instincts screaming at her to duck again. The monster’s screeching stopped, and it dropped to all fours unleashing a green beam from its maw. Asagi jumped out of the way but was still clipped in the ribs causing her to yell in pain. She hit the ground but still managed to watch as the beam coming from the beast mouth cut through stone as if it were made out of butter. The stone wall crumbled to the ground creating more dust to cover the area. The beast cut off its attack before letting out a screeching roar that echoed as it began scanning the dusty ground.

Asagi crawled across the ground making her way to the opening the monster had created. The beast started sniffing the ground causing Asagi’s breath to quicken. It rose its head crawling toward her while sniffing the ground. It sneezed from the amount of dust and growled, shaking its head. As the beast stopped to clear its nostrils Asagi detoured and made her away to a fallen stone. 

She quickly hid behind it and covered her mouth. The monster rose its head again and began looking around kicking away stones as it started to search for her. Asagi held her legs tightly as the beast stomped around. Asagi shook trying to keep her breathing in check. The only way she could tell how close the beast was getting was because of the glowing wall and the clicking of its claws against stone. She flinched each time the beast roared, smashing anything in its way, as it continued to look for her. 

‘I have to get out of here.’ Asagi started thinking to herself desperately. The beast roared, smashing another large rock as if it were nothing. Pieces of the boulder landed next to her signaling that her hiding spot was next. She shook at the thought of the monster finding her. She couldn’t tell if it was desperation or just the fact that she lost what little sanity she had left but she reached out grabbing a small rock and threw it as hard as she could away from herself. 

It scampered across the ground creating an echo. This stopped the monster from approaching and turn its head in the direction of the noise. It hissed before running in the direction and began tearing that area apart. 

Asagi took the opportunity and started running into the opening the monster made with its beam attack. She kept running until something started hitting her face.

‘Air?’ She thought, ‘That means.’

She ran harder when she heard the beast starting to roar again. Hitting a wall again and she felt her heart sink. “No, No, No, please it has to be here I felt it.” She said to herself, feeling the wall. The beast roars continued and sounded like the beast found out it was tricked. “Come on please, where is it?”

She kept trying to feel her way around the wall looking for anything. Her eyes widened when she felt air again. She felt a hole in the wall big enough for her to fit through. She looked over her shoulder and gasped when she saw that the monster was staring at her. It roared and began flapping its wings. Asagi ran into the hole and managed to squeeze herself through. The monster landed in front of the hole and tried to claw its way to her. Asagi moved deeper into the hole as the monster continued to reach for her. 

She could see light at the end of the tunnel, but she could feel the hole starting to get tighter. Even worse the creature's roars became higher pitched, and its blue patches became green. Asagi began moving faster as sweat poured down her face. She panted in desperation as she reached out for the light. The beast roars became higher as its chest began to puff out. 

“Please, please let me make it.” Asagi was close to the edge and could herself starting to get pressed between the walls as they became thinner. She grit her teeth as she stared at freedom. With a yell the young woman reached her arm out through the other side. She quickly began pulling herself through. 

The beast behind her slammed its massive body to the ground and unleashed its beam attack at blinding speed. Asagi cried out as the beam sliced her back. Letting the pain fuel, her need to escape, Asagi broke out of the hole to the other side and fell to the ground. She quickly rose back up huffing from the pain and exhaustion. She looked on the other side and found the beast staring back at her with glowering red eyes. They closed and the blue glow of its body died down leaving only darkness behind. 

Asagi watched the hole in the wall until her body finally gave out. She couldn’t stop her heavy breathing as her eyes shook and felt heavy. Pain rushed from her body as she let out a hoarse scream. She struggled to keep her head steady as she looked at her stomach. There were blood stains on her white shirt that were spreading. Her head fell back and was unable to stop her heavy gasp. Her vision started to get hazy. 

“Are you really going to give up like that, String Bean?” 

“Akane?” She spoke weakly.

“You have to get up, Asagi.”

Asagi gasped back to life rising back up. She looked around the cavern and was shocked to see her friends standing in front of her. Miki had a warm comforting look, while Satomi nodded in approval. Akane was bending down looking Asagi in the eye with an outstretched hand. Aki was behind her with her normal cheerful grin.

“We’re always here for you Asagi.” Aki cheerfully said.

“But that’s only after you pick yourself up.” Akane said, “I thought I taught you that lesson back in middle school?”

Asagi sniffled and started rising back to her feet. She huffed, managing to stand straight. After blinking again, she saw that her friends had disappeared. ‘Was that a dream or a hallucination…. either way.’

“Thanks girls.” She softly said.   
 
 She looked around and found that the new area she was in was dimly lit. It was also incredibly warm and wreaked of sulfur. The rocks were warm to the touch just like above ground. 

“Be amazed after you get out.” She said to herself, “Wait a minute.”

So caught up in everything she forgot about her phone. She started thinking back to everything that had happened. Meru was taking pictures on her phone and was so focused on the mural she never took pictures herself. She felt her pocket and found her phone quickly pulling it out. The screen was cracked and when she tried turning it on the screen remained dark. The only image was her broken reflection. The broken screen matched her disheveled looks. 

Too weak to scream, Asagi simply groaned, letting her head slip down. She raised her hand ready to toss her phone in exasperation but stopped short. “Don’t waste your energy. Just focus on something else.”

She looked at the hole in her shirt poking a finger through it. She ripped it more before tearing the bottom half of her shirt off. With her midriff exposed she managed to get a better look at her wound. The bleeding had stopped. All that was left was a horrible burn that left her ribcage blackened. She touched it with a shaky hand and instantly flinched from the pain. She then touched her back and flinched. It felt the same as her ribs burned with small hints of blood. Although to her surprise it was such a clean cut.

‘Well at least I don’t have to worry about bleeding to death’ She thought to herself, ‘Just have to worry about being eaten by a monster.’

She started looking around, finding that it was lighter ahead. She shrugged, unable to think of a better idea. She made her way to the growing light of the cavern. The more she walked the more her weakness started to disappear. Maybe it was a second round of adrenaline kicking in? 

She spotted something ahead, eyes becoming wide. There were large statues standing on both sides of a large, cavernous door. The statues were massive with human forms holding spears only their heads were not human. They were tusked creatures with fierce eyes that pierced her soul. Asagi back peddled for a moment as she stared at the monstrous statues. The young scientist couldn’t take her eyes away from them. She started walking forward again, unable to look away from the statues.  

She felt something calling out to her urging her to move past the statues and into the room. The warmth wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. It was like walking into an old home. 

‘What is this place?’

She gazed up, finding the ceiling to be endless. She identified the smell and warmth hitting her as the magma oozing from the walls like waterfalls. There were four of the magma falls in total, each branching off and following into a river that led to an even deeper cavern. Asagi gulped, walking toward the cavern needing to know what was below. When she reached the edge, she found that there were steps leading to the bottom. The rivers of magma stopped forming a massive lake and at the center was an island, but her eyes were focused on what sat in the middle of the island. 

“Is that a turtle?”

The creature was massive at least eighty meters tall. The creature's shell was enormous and curved in a way that looked like spikes on a flail. Two massive tusks jutted from the beast mouth. The creature was on its hands and knees, its head hung in a way that made Asagi feel pity for the beast. When she looked closer, she found that the creature was covered in hardened ash.  

Asagi grabbed her chest, feeling it starting to tighten. She felt something compelling her to walk down the stairs and meet this creature. When she saw its slumped head, Asagi could feel the despair of the monster before her. Like it failed at its purpose. She reached a handout taking a step forward as a word started to flow from her mouth, “Gamera.”

“So, you do remember.” A voice spoke behind her. 

Asagi turned quickly and found a familiar sight behind her, “Asakura?!” 

Asakura stood with a solemn expression on her face. Asagi felt tears welling up in her eyes and she rushed straight to her teacher. She wrapped herself around Asakura and cried into her chest. She squeezed Asakura tightly and looked at her with tearful eyes, “I…I…I was so s..s..s..scared! Meru….Meru!” 

Asakura gently rubbed Asagi, “I know I wish that had not happened. The girl had a bright future.” 

“We have to get out of here before that thing comes back!” Asagi said.

“Shh…hush now my child.” Asakura spoke with comforting warmth as held Asagi closer. 

Asagi welcomed the hug and buried her head into her teacher’s chest. However, something in the back of her head was cautioning her about this. It was telling her to get away from Asakura quickly. She instead chose to close her eyes and brush the feeling off. This was Asakura, her loving teacher who treated her like a daughter. This was someone she could trust. 

“You won’t have to worry about Gyaos anymore.” Asakura whispered into her ear.

Asagi’s eyes snapped open, and she looked at Asakura as her mind started to race, “Why are you calling it that? And how do you already know what happened to Meru?” 

Her teary eyes looked at Asakura, who only gave a cold stare. 

“Asakura, please tell me what’s going on. Please I’m so scared I…I just want to go home.”

Asakura placed a finger over Asagi’s lips as she closed her eyes and sighed, “Rest my child.”

Asagi’s eyes widened as pain exploded in her gut. She shook in place as she stared at Asakura then looked down at her stomach with shaky eyes. Plunged in her gut was Asakura’s knife. She tried crying out, but her voice cracked. Asakura held her shoulder and kept her gaze on her student, “Please don’t make this harder than it already is,” She plunged the knife deeper causing Asagi to cry out again. Her breaths became quicker as her eyes started to glaze over. 

“Believe me when I say this isn’t easy for me. Even though it is the second time we’ve done this. My heart won’t stop breaking.”

“A…As…ak..uraaaa….. “ Asagi gasped, she grabbed her teacher, tears falling as she took her last breath.

“This is just a nightmare my sweet child.” Asakura said softly kissing Asagi’s forehead, as the girl's eyes began to slowly close, “When you wake up again this will all be over, and you will be by my side again. In the world we always dreamed of.” 

With that Asagi finally collapsed into Asakura’s arms. The woman’s eyes shook as she took heavy breaths. She breathed in deeply and steeled herself. There was still work she needed to do. She looked at the great beast below her. She scowled at it, “This is your fault, beast, but unfortunately, you’re needed to deal with that wretched dragon.”

She pulled her phone out from her pocket, “It’s me. I’ve done my part now it's your turn. Bring Gojira to the surface….Yes….Yes…The girl is the one. Do not fail me.”

With that she hung up the phone and gently cradled Asagi in her arms. Despite her limp body Asakura held the young woman with ease. She started a slow walk to the monster, “If you truly are hope then fulfill your destiny. Bring this world the peace it so desperately craves. Be the darkness that finally allows it to rest. Gamera be the one to lead my army. So commands your great princess Yuna.”