Author's Notes:
Godzilla: the series belongs to Toho and Columbia Tristar. Viper belongs to Pet Fly (the car to Dodge), and this story in that universe takes place in the 1994 season.A Walk In the Park
"Driving along in my automobile..." Frankie Waters hummed, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel of his precious 1971 Plymouth Barracuda.
It seemed like all these misadventures he had with Joe and Julian were constantly leaving his poor baby shop-bound. But not now. Now, he could drive his beauty to work without a care in the world! Nothing could possibly ruin this wonderful moment.
"ROAR!"
Frankie tensed from the ear-shattering sound.
A giant foot came crashing down on the road in front of him.
"Poke out my eyes!" He slammed on the brakes. Screeeeech!
"Phew..." He caught himself in time. The foot was still a good fifty feet away.
Another foot came down.
"Ahhh!!!" He flew the car back in reverse.
The first foot moved and landed where his car had been.
The damn thing was following him!
"Not my 'Cuda!" he screamed, pulling a reverse one-eighty and making a frantic race to the power station, not realizing the lizard had already veered off.
* * *
Joe Astor and Julian Wilkes had been discussing possible new additions to the Viper when the garage door opened and a violet car tore in like it had a swarm of bees on its tail.
The main door shut, and Frankie flew out of the car, running up to Joe and Julian, hair puffier than usual.
Joe tensed. What happened? Did he have police on his tail? Did he have the Outfit?
"It.... It..."
"Frankie, breathe."
He stopped, took a ragged breath. "It nearly stepped on my 'Cuda!"
"What did?" Julian asked.
Wide eyes met him. Frankie raised his arm as high as he could manage, standing on his tiptoes. "Big, big lizard!"
"Big lizard?" Joe repeated, trying to make sure he was hearing Frankie correctly.
"Do I have to paint a sign?! Yes! Big lizard!"
"Some sort of new gang?" Julian wondered.
"No! BIG LIZARD! As in reptile, fork-tongued, sit in the sun to get warm, lizard!"
"Must be some sort of code..." Julian rubbed a thoughtful finger across his chin.
"No, it's not-!" Fists balled at his sides. "Argh!" Frankie faced Joe. "Remote. Now."
Joe handed him the remote for the Viper's probe.
"The TV remote!"
"Oh." He reached over onto the desk and passed it over.
Frankie turned on the TV and switched to Channel 8.
"...From KFLY News. We're here with Audrey Timmonds, on assignment from New York. Miss Timmonds, tell us. Is Godzilla a threat to Metro City?"
"Godzilla?" Julian echoed. "As in-"
"Yes!" Frankie answered, exasperated.
"Guess I'm not taking the Viper out on patrol..." Joe noted aloud.
"An anti-tank weapon is a far cry from a multi-ton toe," Julian warned.
"Now, do you believe me?" Frankie asked.
Joe nodded. "We believe you, Frankie."
"Thank you."
Joe allowed a small smile to cross his face. "So... Who's up for Chinese food?"
A pair of glares met him.
Joe shrugged. "Or a late night of cheep black-and-white movies?"
"Get him!" Julian yelled.
"Yikes!" Joe dived behind the desk. "C'mon, guys. It was just a joke. You know, the thing where you're supposed to go ha-ha?"
Silence.
"Guys?" Joe risked a peek over the desk.
Julian and Frankie looked at him a moment then broke up, laughing. Frankie had to grab a chair to keep steady.
Joe laughed too.
"You should've seen the look on your face, Joe," Julian laughed. "It was hysterical."
"And I thought my desk dives were fast!" Frankie added, falling into the chair.
Joe shook his head slowly. "You scared the hell out of me, you guys."
That just made them laugh harder.
"And we call ourselves a team..." Joe sighed. "Sheesh."