Prologue
Ogasawara island. The recent past.
High above the smoke and haze, Ken could see the Markalite beams burning around Godzilla. Power arced from the great beast's form like lightning, dancing along the bony plates that lined the monster's spine. The plates began to spark and glow, heralding another blast.
"Kyo," Ken took hold of his wife's hand, the TimeSpace Sphere now grasped between them, shining. "Focus on San Francisco with me, Kyo. Let's do it."
"Kenji, I..." she began to speak as the beam burst forth, sweeping closer.
"Kyoko, now! We've got to go now!!"
The Atomfire swept the shore, engulfing their position and beyond. It passed, and Kenji and Kyoko Bradley were gone...
***
San Francisco Bay, 2389 A.D.
"Eeyaaah!!" Kenji screamed, gsping desperately for breath as he broke the foul water's surface. "Oh, man, where in blazes am I?" Treading water, he scanned his surroundings, finding only endless ocean.
Slowly, the memories returned. The Aliens, come to avenge the death of Yog. The Starman, sent to protect him. The soldiers, attacked by Godzilla. A wave of fear gripped him as he realized he was now alone. "Kyoko..."
From somewhere far below a pressure wave rose, catching him in a slow but powerful swell. From its crest he could see something moving beneath the surface, something huge. He froze, keeping as still as possible as a great serpentine hump rose from the sea, breaking the surface before him. It began circling his position. It began to hunt.
All at once the creature rose, its snakelike form rearing higher until it towered over eighty feet above him. The beast stared right at Kenji, opened its vast jaws and hissed.
"Uh oh," Ken spoke to himself. "I think I'm in trouble again..."
* * *
War against the Wild Gods
Book Six: Godzilla versus Manda
Part One: The Koshida Wars
Tokyo Harbor. The Present.
"Captain Tanaka!" The voice blared from a bullhorn, somewhere out of sight. "This is General Shinzo speaking. You and your men are hereby ordered to throw down your weapons and surrender, at once!"
Captain Inoshiro Tanaka looked at his remaining troops; Fujiko Yasuda and Kazuki Kato. They were good soldiers, and would follow his lead through the gates of Hell. Indeed, they already had. Around them gathered the rest of their allies. Maki Sato, the once and former H-Man, now returned to human form. Police Chief Komai; Maki's uncle and guardian. Detective Tominaga and his niece Miname Masada who had helped cure Sato's mutant condition. And Anna Bradley, a woman searching for her lost family, accompanied by the strange little dog called Mikki, a creature of great elemental power.
Together they stood huddled amidst the shattered wreckage of what had once been a thriving harbor, taking shelter from the Great Storm that raged ever closer, a storm Mikki herself had somehow summoned. But perhaps strangest of all was the source of their refuge, bracing themselves against the rising winds behind the near-lifeless form of the fallen Godzilla.
"Blast! Shinzo is here," said Kazuki. "That man is notorious for his nasty disposition."
"Hai, as well as his sharpshooting," Fujiko agreed. "Any ideas how to get out of this mess?"
"Let me talk to him, Captain," said Tominaga. "I think we should try to convince him General Iwa's death was not your doing." The old detective rose to his feet, joined by Chief Komai.
"I'm going with him. The two of us will be of far more use as your advocates than in battle. Besides, we are probably the most credible people here in Shinzo's estimation. No offense."
"None taken," said the Captain. "Alright. Good luck."
The men bowed curtly, then Tominaga stopped before his niece and smiled. The young woman hugged him fiercely. "Be careful, Uncle."
"Are you sure this is wise, Komai?" Asked Sato.
"No, but it is necessary," the Chief replied. He joined the detective, and they quickly left.
Again, General Shinzo's voice called for the soldiers to surrender. Tanaka swore to himself, cursing the fool Munabe who was once a part of his Markalite Squad. The man had always resented Tanaka, and found his chance to strike when Old Iwa died while sacrificing himself to help save Sato from the disease that had turned him into a monster. Munabe lied to Shinzo, claiming Tanaka had murdered Iwa instead. Now, tanaka knew he would not suffer for Munabe's lies alone, that his friends would suffer as well. A tight ball of rage grew in the pit of his stomach, and he found himself wishing Munabe was still with them, so he could kill him himself.
"Captain, something strange is happening," said Fujiko. The Markalite harnesses had shut down when the Storm first appeared. Now, the weapons and instruments began to spark slowly back to life.
"The battlesuits are reactivating..." said Kazuki.
"Hai. Weapons systems online, communications, trackers too," Tanaka confirmed.
"Captain, my G-Tracker is picking something up," said Fujiko.
"We're standing next to the beast, Fujiko. What do you expect?"
"That's not what he means, Tanaka," said Sato, peering over Fujiko's shoulder. "A large object is moving just beyond the stormfront." He pointed toward the horizon, beyond the wall of black and menacing clouds that drew ever closer. "Whatever it is, it's huge, and it's coming this way."
Across the sea, beyond the Great Storm, lay the islands called Ogasawara. On a bleak and desolate shore, the ruins of a vst and ancient temple begin to shift, sliding away into the surrounding magma. If anyone were there to witness the scene, they would hear a ghostly chanting like the soirits of a race long dead still calling to their God. They would see a huge coiling mass emerge from the ruins and enter the burning lava. Reptilian scales patterning its impossible length, a wild mane flowing down its spine. Its clawed and stunted limbs propelling it forward, until finally the great head breaks the surface of the volcanic crater and issues a low, threatening hiss from its fanged jaws. The chanting builds to a crescendo, calling out the Hellsnake's name as it pulls itself from its ancient prison. At last, Manda is free!
***
Kunashirashima, 6000years B.C.
Kyoko Bradley stood shakily among the trees of a verdant jungle, breathing a sigh of relief as she realized she had reached her goal. Kenji was nowhere to be seen, as she expected. She could only pray that he too had reached his chosen destination, safe with his mother Anna back in San Francisco.
Nearby on the jungle floor lay the Sphere, her ticket home. She reached for the alien device, then gasped as the point of a stone-tipped spear is thrust before her. The natives appeared from the brush and surrounded her. They were indeed Koshida, her years of research among their people confirmed it, and she spoke to them in their native tongue; "My house is one of peace. I beg you do not strike!"
The natives looked at each other quizzically. "The stranger knows our words, and the greeting used to profess alliance along the trail," one of them spoke. "What are you called, woman?"
"My name is Kyoko of the House of Iso, recently married into the clan Bradley. I have journeyed many turnings of the Nightstar to come here, and am glad to see the people of Koshida who have welcomed me in the...um, on my other journeys to this land."
"Do not listen, Kalen,"cried one of the others. "She is Mu! Her garb and totems reveal it."
"Quiet, Noga," the one called Kalen replied. "I understand your fear, but do not believe it grounded here. I must ask you, Kyoko, what is it you seek, and where is your ship?"
Kyo knew the Koshida were a people of great intuition. They would surely know it were she to speak anything but the truth, then they would probably kill her. "I seek the one called Matsu, to warn him of a danger I have forseen." Reluctantly, she pointed to the Sphere. "That is my ship."
A smirk spread slowly over Kalen's ruddy face, then he broke into laughter. Kyo smiled as well, then composed herself to attempt an explanation. "I know it sounds impossible, yet you can see I do not lie to the Koshida. Please, allow me to speak with Matsu and I promise I will explain."
Kalen picked up the Sphere. The man sniffed it, shook it, held it to his ear, then dropped it into the pouch that hung about his waist. "Your 'ship' will be safe, stranger, as will you. But there is no one named 'Matsu' among us. Your tongue does move strangely to my ears, perhaps meaning to say the name Mardsoon, though that one is mad and of little use to anyone!" The native held open his pouch and peeked inside, smirking again at Kyoko. "Perhaps you are mad as well, but that is not for me to decide. Join us now, Kyoko. Something tells me we might be able to help each other."
Grimly, Kyoko agreed, and started down the trail. The one called Noga glared suspiciously. "She is Mu," he said. Mu?! Kyoko had intended to arrive in time to prevent her Uncle's death at the hands of the monster Varan. She was beginning to realize, she may have overshot her goal...
***
The future. 2389 A.D.
Kenji cringed as the serpent coiled before him, preparing to strike. Then, something struck the beast instead. Lances of pure power encircling it in a net of plasmic force! The net was drawn tight, snapping the serpent's
neck with a sudden, violent jerk. The monster fell, sinking quickly into the sea.
A spotlight, impossibly bright, pinpointed Kenji's floating form, and an annoying buzz filled his ears. "Yep. He's Human alright," came a strange mechanical voice. "We've got a live one down here, boss!" Instinctively, Ken swatted at the object, obscured by the blinding light. "Hey, lay offa me, tough guy! I'm trying to get you rescued!"
The light dimmed then, revealing the voice's source. It was a robot, insectoid in configuration, flitting about the air above Kenji's hjead. "What in the world are you?" He asked.
"Ahoy there!" Another voice, more human this time. Ken spun at the sound, and before him loomed the source of his timely rescue. An immense ship hovered just above the surface of the sea. The craft was huge, submarine-like. Something whose arrival he should not have missed, were it not for the fact it was running dead silent.
"Uh, ahoy the ship!" Ken called. "I sure could use a lift out of here!"
"Hang on, I'll throw you a line. Bug! Get your shiny backside back here now!" said the voice.
Ken grabbed hold and pulled himself aboard. Sprawled on the deck, he remembered what little seafaring etiquette he knew and asked; "Permission to come aboard?"
"Aye," said the strange old man standing before him. You and anybody else we find floating like driftweed in the middle of the ocean." He took Kenji's hand, helping him to his feet. "Welcome to the Atragon. I'm Magu, First Mate, Cief cook and bottle washer hereabouts. And you...?"
"Kenji. Kenji Bradley. Thanks for the rescue. I thought I was snake kibble for sure!"
"Don't thank me, youngster. Thank Bug," said the old salt, as the aptly named little robot buzzed back into view. "He was out reconnoitering when he scanned your biosignal. Weren't sure what you were at first, darndest lifesigns I've ever seen! As for the snake, you were lucky it was one of the little ones."
"THAT was a little one?"
"Very," the old man replied. "Come on, Kenji. We've got to get you out of those sopping duds. Seawater's toxic, y'know."
"Um, Magu, this is probably gonna sound really strange, but where the heck is San Francisco?"
"Where? About a mile and a half straight down, son. Submerged, same place it's been for nearly three hundred years."
"Three hundred...oh my Lord..." Ken crumpled slowly to the deck.
"Aw jeez," said Magu. "Bug, better fetch the Rum bucket. Mr.B here looks like he just blew a gasket or somethin'!"
This was all happening way too fast, and Ken took a minute to let the impossible sink in. Kyoko was gone. California had sunk. He was just saved by a mechanical bug and brought aboard a flying submarine. And that was only a LITTLE snake?! The Rum was starting to sound like a good idea.
***
The present. Tokyo harbor.
"Holy...!" A gunshot rang in the storm charged air, sparking off Tanaka's armored battlesuit. The squad dove for cover among the debris, separating themselves from the civilians.
"Something tells me Komai and Tominaga were less than convincing, Captain," said Fuji.
"Can you spot the shooter?" asked Tanaka.
"Not yet. Hold it...there he is." The soldier pointed to the tallest rooftop left standing among the rows of warehouses that lined the port, and a familiar face peered back.
"Ha ta. Munabe," said Kazuki with a tinge of grief in his voice.
Those two had been as close as brothers, thought Shiro. He knew it must be horrible for Kazuki to have to stand against his best friend. "Kazuki, I..." Before the Captain could finish speaking, Kazuki leveled his plasma thrower at Munabe and fired, blasting away any cover the man might have had upon the rooftop. "Kazuki, hold your fire!"
"I'm sorry, Sir. I had to. That idiot up there betrayed us. I guess I'm angry at myself for thinking him a friend for so long. Now I find myself wishing him dead."
"I know the feeling, soldier, but let's not live up to his expectations. That can only help his cause in the long run," said Shiro. "Just stay down, and stay alive. That's an order."
From somewher among the rooftops came another shot, tearing through the pile of wood right next to Shiro's head. The Squad dug in, making themselves as hard to hit as possible.
"Darn it," cried Anna, still huddled with Sato and Masada close to Godzilla's flank. "Soldiers can be such fools! I know, I was married to one for forty years." The old woman rose, and took off toward the little terrier called Mikki.
"Mrs. Bradley! Anna, come back, you'll get shot!" shouted Miname.
"I'm alright, just stay put! Mikki will protect me," she called back. "I hope." The winds whipped fiercely around her as she approached the tiny dog, soaking her with cold ocean spray. Anna braved the wild storm and crouched stiffly by the animal's side. She had already lost her own son, as well as his dear wife, very possibly forever. She swore then that her own life would end before anyone else dear to her suffered.
"Mikki! Mikki!" She called the dog's name. "I know you can hear me. We need your help, girl. We are under attack!" The terrier's only response was a slight tremor as her muscles shook involuntarily. Lightning flashed overhead, and the deafening boom of thunder seemed to shake the very molecules of the air. "The soldiers have come. They mean to kill the Captain, perhaps to kill us all. You've got to help us, Mikki, you've got to do something, please!" Again the lightning flared, sparking even brighter than before. That same elemental brilliance now echoed in the terrier's eyes. Those eyes turned to Anna, and the dog yapped twice in affirmation.
The sea began to churn and foam, like a whirlpool in reverse, giving birth to a spinning, deadly waterspout! The dervish raced inland past the embattled group, striking the port's remaining buildings and smashing them to bits. Onward it raged into the streets of Tokyo, sweeping the Defense Force convoy away in a violent surge of aquatic energy. Then, it died, and the blood red rays of the Sun broke through the clouds. Something else broke through as well...
Across the storm tossed sea, the beast called Manda screamed! It had escaped its prison of mystic stone only to find itself trapped by the great black Storm that raged around it. The serpent knew this power, the Spiritfire that fueled the Storm was part of its own ancient origins, part of its birthright as the Prince of the Wild Gods. A force that it could not withstand.
Then, something happened, a break in the wall of cloud that held it from its goal, a rift through which it could strike! Manda targeted the source of the Storm's raging fury, and surged through...
***
Kunashirashima, 6000 B.C.
Cookfires burn smokily throughout the Koshida village, casting a strong but hazy light over the scene. The smells of the islanders foods were rich and pungent, not unlike those of their modern counterparts, and Kyoko realized she was very hungry.
"I can tell our food appeals to you, stranger. We eat together, soon. First, I will bring you to the one whose name most closely fits the one you seek," said Kalen leading her through the valley. "For I am most curious to hear your tale myself!"
The village was much larger than its modern form, more like a small city, though it's basic construction was much the same. Thatched, conical roofs topped the open framework of the huts. Nearby was a shipyard where the men built their boats. It was an Anthropologist's dream, a chance to observe an ancient Peoples culture in real-time, to watch it unfold. Kyo cursed herself for being so unprepared for the opportunity, and would have given her sword arm for a camera!
Ahead, a strange structure came into view, rising nearly twice the height of the rest of the buildings. This place wsa different, built from the rough igneous rock of the island, the fronds of its roofline hanging low down its unfinished sides. Then it struck jher; This was the spot where stood the Shrine of the Obake, and a chill ran through her at the thought of the dreadful beast.
Within sat an old man clad in Ceremonial robes.He was carving something from a block of stone, and continued his work as they entered, never looking up. Kalen spoke first, greeting the man in the patronizing tone people use when speaking to one nobody takes seriously. "Greetings, Mardsoon! How goes the work today?"
"Slowly, good Kalen, for I work alone. Too slowly I fear. The attack is sure to come soon." Briefly, the old man raised his eyes from the carving and looked at the pair. "The stranger you have brought is with child, Kalen. Please, bid her to sit and bring her a drink."
Kalen motioned to the grass mats lying over the bare earth floor, and Kyoko sat. She gazed hopefully at the old man, looking for some glimpse of recognition. Then she began to cry.
"Kyoko...?"
"She is lost, Kalen. I believe she must have expected to find someone else in my place. Now she begins to see the truth," Mardsoon spoke calmly, continuing his work.
Kyo fought to compose herself, noticing the subject of the old man's carving. There, not yet fully formed, was the idol of Varan. The very same idol she knew from her years spent here in her own time.
"I do not wish to seem unfeeling for your pain, strange one, but my work is critical and I must not stop. The SeaSpirit has warned me, told me to prepare my people for the onslaught of the MU. They shall come in armada, and send the Prince of the Wild Gods against us. I am even now trying to prepare a defense, to summon this land's own ancient spirits to protect us."
"You're going to call upon the Obake, aren't you?" Kyoko asked, choking back her tears.
Mardsoon paused, and looked the young woman in the eye. "It is our only chance. I know the Obake's essence is as vile as that of their own Godbeast, but only it can save my people."
"Mardsoon, I came here to find my uncle. To warn him of the...dream in which he died at that monster's hands. Now I see it was a fools journey, for you are not him, though I feel you too may pay with your life for your dealings with the beast."
Mardsoon watched Kyo rise from her seat and leave the Shrine in silence. "I am sorry, Kalen. You were right about the old man, he is mad."
"Mardsoon swears the Mu will attack soon, with the serpent Manda in the lead. Everyone knows they were destroyed when their land was swallowed by the sea, though there is a small following of idiots who still believe! I wish you could have found what you were seeking, Kyoko, instead of the rantings of an old man. I will return to you your 'ship' now, no questions asked..." Kalen reached into his pouch, deeper, then turned the bag inside-out upon the ground. "I do not understand," he said as Kyoko's eyes went wide with fear. "The shiny ball was right here, but...Kyoko, the ship is gone!"
Ogasawara island. The recent past.
High above the smoke and haze, Ken could see the Markalite beams burning around Godzilla. Power arced from the great beast's form like lightning, dancing along the bony plates that lined the monster's spine. The plates began to spark and glow, heralding another blast.
"Kyo," Ken took hold of his wife's hand, the TimeSpace Sphere now grasped between them, shining. "Focus on San Francisco with me, Kyo. Let's do it."
"Kenji, I..." she began to speak as the beam burst forth, sweeping closer.
"Kyoko, now! We've got to go now!!"
The Atomfire swept the shore, engulfing their position and beyond. It passed, and Kenji and Kyoko Bradley were gone...
***
San Francisco Bay, 2389 A.D.
"Eeyaaah!!" Kenji screamed, gsping desperately for breath as he broke the foul water's surface. "Oh, man, where in blazes am I?" Treading water, he scanned his surroundings, finding only endless ocean.
Slowly, the memories returned. The Aliens, come to avenge the death of Yog. The Starman, sent to protect him. The soldiers, attacked by Godzilla. A wave of fear gripped him as he realized he was now alone. "Kyoko..."
From somewhere far below a pressure wave rose, catching him in a slow but powerful swell. From its crest he could see something moving beneath the surface, something huge. He froze, keeping as still as possible as a great serpentine hump rose from the sea, breaking the surface before him. It began circling his position. It began to hunt.
All at once the creature rose, its snakelike form rearing higher until it towered over eighty feet above him. The beast stared right at Kenji, opened its vast jaws and hissed.
"Uh oh," Ken spoke to himself. "I think I'm in trouble again..."
* * *
War against the Wild Gods
Book Six: Godzilla versus Manda
Part One: The Koshida Wars
Tokyo Harbor. The Present.
"Captain Tanaka!" The voice blared from a bullhorn, somewhere out of sight. "This is General Shinzo speaking. You and your men are hereby ordered to throw down your weapons and surrender, at once!"
Captain Inoshiro Tanaka looked at his remaining troops; Fujiko Yasuda and Kazuki Kato. They were good soldiers, and would follow his lead through the gates of Hell. Indeed, they already had. Around them gathered the rest of their allies. Maki Sato, the once and former H-Man, now returned to human form. Police Chief Komai; Maki's uncle and guardian. Detective Tominaga and his niece Miname Masada who had helped cure Sato's mutant condition. And Anna Bradley, a woman searching for her lost family, accompanied by the strange little dog called Mikki, a creature of great elemental power.
Together they stood huddled amidst the shattered wreckage of what had once been a thriving harbor, taking shelter from the Great Storm that raged ever closer, a storm Mikki herself had somehow summoned. But perhaps strangest of all was the source of their refuge, bracing themselves against the rising winds behind the near-lifeless form of the fallen Godzilla.
"Blast! Shinzo is here," said Kazuki. "That man is notorious for his nasty disposition."
"Hai, as well as his sharpshooting," Fujiko agreed. "Any ideas how to get out of this mess?"
"Let me talk to him, Captain," said Tominaga. "I think we should try to convince him General Iwa's death was not your doing." The old detective rose to his feet, joined by Chief Komai.
"I'm going with him. The two of us will be of far more use as your advocates than in battle. Besides, we are probably the most credible people here in Shinzo's estimation. No offense."
"None taken," said the Captain. "Alright. Good luck."
The men bowed curtly, then Tominaga stopped before his niece and smiled. The young woman hugged him fiercely. "Be careful, Uncle."
"Are you sure this is wise, Komai?" Asked Sato.
"No, but it is necessary," the Chief replied. He joined the detective, and they quickly left.
Again, General Shinzo's voice called for the soldiers to surrender. Tanaka swore to himself, cursing the fool Munabe who was once a part of his Markalite Squad. The man had always resented Tanaka, and found his chance to strike when Old Iwa died while sacrificing himself to help save Sato from the disease that had turned him into a monster. Munabe lied to Shinzo, claiming Tanaka had murdered Iwa instead. Now, tanaka knew he would not suffer for Munabe's lies alone, that his friends would suffer as well. A tight ball of rage grew in the pit of his stomach, and he found himself wishing Munabe was still with them, so he could kill him himself.
"Captain, something strange is happening," said Fujiko. The Markalite harnesses had shut down when the Storm first appeared. Now, the weapons and instruments began to spark slowly back to life.
"The battlesuits are reactivating..." said Kazuki.
"Hai. Weapons systems online, communications, trackers too," Tanaka confirmed.
"Captain, my G-Tracker is picking something up," said Fujiko.
"We're standing next to the beast, Fujiko. What do you expect?"
"That's not what he means, Tanaka," said Sato, peering over Fujiko's shoulder. "A large object is moving just beyond the stormfront." He pointed toward the horizon, beyond the wall of black and menacing clouds that drew ever closer. "Whatever it is, it's huge, and it's coming this way."
Across the sea, beyond the Great Storm, lay the islands called Ogasawara. On a bleak and desolate shore, the ruins of a vst and ancient temple begin to shift, sliding away into the surrounding magma. If anyone were there to witness the scene, they would hear a ghostly chanting like the soirits of a race long dead still calling to their God. They would see a huge coiling mass emerge from the ruins and enter the burning lava. Reptilian scales patterning its impossible length, a wild mane flowing down its spine. Its clawed and stunted limbs propelling it forward, until finally the great head breaks the surface of the volcanic crater and issues a low, threatening hiss from its fanged jaws. The chanting builds to a crescendo, calling out the Hellsnake's name as it pulls itself from its ancient prison. At last, Manda is free!
***
Kunashirashima, 6000years B.C.
Kyoko Bradley stood shakily among the trees of a verdant jungle, breathing a sigh of relief as she realized she had reached her goal. Kenji was nowhere to be seen, as she expected. She could only pray that he too had reached his chosen destination, safe with his mother Anna back in San Francisco.
Nearby on the jungle floor lay the Sphere, her ticket home. She reached for the alien device, then gasped as the point of a stone-tipped spear is thrust before her. The natives appeared from the brush and surrounded her. They were indeed Koshida, her years of research among their people confirmed it, and she spoke to them in their native tongue; "My house is one of peace. I beg you do not strike!"
The natives looked at each other quizzically. "The stranger knows our words, and the greeting used to profess alliance along the trail," one of them spoke. "What are you called, woman?"
"My name is Kyoko of the House of Iso, recently married into the clan Bradley. I have journeyed many turnings of the Nightstar to come here, and am glad to see the people of Koshida who have welcomed me in the...um, on my other journeys to this land."
"Do not listen, Kalen,"cried one of the others. "She is Mu! Her garb and totems reveal it."
"Quiet, Noga," the one called Kalen replied. "I understand your fear, but do not believe it grounded here. I must ask you, Kyoko, what is it you seek, and where is your ship?"
Kyo knew the Koshida were a people of great intuition. They would surely know it were she to speak anything but the truth, then they would probably kill her. "I seek the one called Matsu, to warn him of a danger I have forseen." Reluctantly, she pointed to the Sphere. "That is my ship."
A smirk spread slowly over Kalen's ruddy face, then he broke into laughter. Kyo smiled as well, then composed herself to attempt an explanation. "I know it sounds impossible, yet you can see I do not lie to the Koshida. Please, allow me to speak with Matsu and I promise I will explain."
Kalen picked up the Sphere. The man sniffed it, shook it, held it to his ear, then dropped it into the pouch that hung about his waist. "Your 'ship' will be safe, stranger, as will you. But there is no one named 'Matsu' among us. Your tongue does move strangely to my ears, perhaps meaning to say the name Mardsoon, though that one is mad and of little use to anyone!" The native held open his pouch and peeked inside, smirking again at Kyoko. "Perhaps you are mad as well, but that is not for me to decide. Join us now, Kyoko. Something tells me we might be able to help each other."
Grimly, Kyoko agreed, and started down the trail. The one called Noga glared suspiciously. "She is Mu," he said. Mu?! Kyoko had intended to arrive in time to prevent her Uncle's death at the hands of the monster Varan. She was beginning to realize, she may have overshot her goal...
***
The future. 2389 A.D.
Kenji cringed as the serpent coiled before him, preparing to strike. Then, something struck the beast instead. Lances of pure power encircling it in a net of plasmic force! The net was drawn tight, snapping the serpent's
neck with a sudden, violent jerk. The monster fell, sinking quickly into the sea.
A spotlight, impossibly bright, pinpointed Kenji's floating form, and an annoying buzz filled his ears. "Yep. He's Human alright," came a strange mechanical voice. "We've got a live one down here, boss!" Instinctively, Ken swatted at the object, obscured by the blinding light. "Hey, lay offa me, tough guy! I'm trying to get you rescued!"
The light dimmed then, revealing the voice's source. It was a robot, insectoid in configuration, flitting about the air above Kenji's hjead. "What in the world are you?" He asked.
"Ahoy there!" Another voice, more human this time. Ken spun at the sound, and before him loomed the source of his timely rescue. An immense ship hovered just above the surface of the sea. The craft was huge, submarine-like. Something whose arrival he should not have missed, were it not for the fact it was running dead silent.
"Uh, ahoy the ship!" Ken called. "I sure could use a lift out of here!"
"Hang on, I'll throw you a line. Bug! Get your shiny backside back here now!" said the voice.
Ken grabbed hold and pulled himself aboard. Sprawled on the deck, he remembered what little seafaring etiquette he knew and asked; "Permission to come aboard?"
"Aye," said the strange old man standing before him. You and anybody else we find floating like driftweed in the middle of the ocean." He took Kenji's hand, helping him to his feet. "Welcome to the Atragon. I'm Magu, First Mate, Cief cook and bottle washer hereabouts. And you...?"
"Kenji. Kenji Bradley. Thanks for the rescue. I thought I was snake kibble for sure!"
"Don't thank me, youngster. Thank Bug," said the old salt, as the aptly named little robot buzzed back into view. "He was out reconnoitering when he scanned your biosignal. Weren't sure what you were at first, darndest lifesigns I've ever seen! As for the snake, you were lucky it was one of the little ones."
"THAT was a little one?"
"Very," the old man replied. "Come on, Kenji. We've got to get you out of those sopping duds. Seawater's toxic, y'know."
"Um, Magu, this is probably gonna sound really strange, but where the heck is San Francisco?"
"Where? About a mile and a half straight down, son. Submerged, same place it's been for nearly three hundred years."
"Three hundred...oh my Lord..." Ken crumpled slowly to the deck.
"Aw jeez," said Magu. "Bug, better fetch the Rum bucket. Mr.B here looks like he just blew a gasket or somethin'!"
This was all happening way too fast, and Ken took a minute to let the impossible sink in. Kyoko was gone. California had sunk. He was just saved by a mechanical bug and brought aboard a flying submarine. And that was only a LITTLE snake?! The Rum was starting to sound like a good idea.
***
The present. Tokyo harbor.
"Holy...!" A gunshot rang in the storm charged air, sparking off Tanaka's armored battlesuit. The squad dove for cover among the debris, separating themselves from the civilians.
"Something tells me Komai and Tominaga were less than convincing, Captain," said Fuji.
"Can you spot the shooter?" asked Tanaka.
"Not yet. Hold it...there he is." The soldier pointed to the tallest rooftop left standing among the rows of warehouses that lined the port, and a familiar face peered back.
"Ha ta. Munabe," said Kazuki with a tinge of grief in his voice.
Those two had been as close as brothers, thought Shiro. He knew it must be horrible for Kazuki to have to stand against his best friend. "Kazuki, I..." Before the Captain could finish speaking, Kazuki leveled his plasma thrower at Munabe and fired, blasting away any cover the man might have had upon the rooftop. "Kazuki, hold your fire!"
"I'm sorry, Sir. I had to. That idiot up there betrayed us. I guess I'm angry at myself for thinking him a friend for so long. Now I find myself wishing him dead."
"I know the feeling, soldier, but let's not live up to his expectations. That can only help his cause in the long run," said Shiro. "Just stay down, and stay alive. That's an order."
From somewher among the rooftops came another shot, tearing through the pile of wood right next to Shiro's head. The Squad dug in, making themselves as hard to hit as possible.
"Darn it," cried Anna, still huddled with Sato and Masada close to Godzilla's flank. "Soldiers can be such fools! I know, I was married to one for forty years." The old woman rose, and took off toward the little terrier called Mikki.
"Mrs. Bradley! Anna, come back, you'll get shot!" shouted Miname.
"I'm alright, just stay put! Mikki will protect me," she called back. "I hope." The winds whipped fiercely around her as she approached the tiny dog, soaking her with cold ocean spray. Anna braved the wild storm and crouched stiffly by the animal's side. She had already lost her own son, as well as his dear wife, very possibly forever. She swore then that her own life would end before anyone else dear to her suffered.
"Mikki! Mikki!" She called the dog's name. "I know you can hear me. We need your help, girl. We are under attack!" The terrier's only response was a slight tremor as her muscles shook involuntarily. Lightning flashed overhead, and the deafening boom of thunder seemed to shake the very molecules of the air. "The soldiers have come. They mean to kill the Captain, perhaps to kill us all. You've got to help us, Mikki, you've got to do something, please!" Again the lightning flared, sparking even brighter than before. That same elemental brilliance now echoed in the terrier's eyes. Those eyes turned to Anna, and the dog yapped twice in affirmation.
The sea began to churn and foam, like a whirlpool in reverse, giving birth to a spinning, deadly waterspout! The dervish raced inland past the embattled group, striking the port's remaining buildings and smashing them to bits. Onward it raged into the streets of Tokyo, sweeping the Defense Force convoy away in a violent surge of aquatic energy. Then, it died, and the blood red rays of the Sun broke through the clouds. Something else broke through as well...
Across the storm tossed sea, the beast called Manda screamed! It had escaped its prison of mystic stone only to find itself trapped by the great black Storm that raged around it. The serpent knew this power, the Spiritfire that fueled the Storm was part of its own ancient origins, part of its birthright as the Prince of the Wild Gods. A force that it could not withstand.
Then, something happened, a break in the wall of cloud that held it from its goal, a rift through which it could strike! Manda targeted the source of the Storm's raging fury, and surged through...
***
Kunashirashima, 6000 B.C.
Cookfires burn smokily throughout the Koshida village, casting a strong but hazy light over the scene. The smells of the islanders foods were rich and pungent, not unlike those of their modern counterparts, and Kyoko realized she was very hungry.
"I can tell our food appeals to you, stranger. We eat together, soon. First, I will bring you to the one whose name most closely fits the one you seek," said Kalen leading her through the valley. "For I am most curious to hear your tale myself!"
The village was much larger than its modern form, more like a small city, though it's basic construction was much the same. Thatched, conical roofs topped the open framework of the huts. Nearby was a shipyard where the men built their boats. It was an Anthropologist's dream, a chance to observe an ancient Peoples culture in real-time, to watch it unfold. Kyo cursed herself for being so unprepared for the opportunity, and would have given her sword arm for a camera!
Ahead, a strange structure came into view, rising nearly twice the height of the rest of the buildings. This place wsa different, built from the rough igneous rock of the island, the fronds of its roofline hanging low down its unfinished sides. Then it struck jher; This was the spot where stood the Shrine of the Obake, and a chill ran through her at the thought of the dreadful beast.
Within sat an old man clad in Ceremonial robes.He was carving something from a block of stone, and continued his work as they entered, never looking up. Kalen spoke first, greeting the man in the patronizing tone people use when speaking to one nobody takes seriously. "Greetings, Mardsoon! How goes the work today?"
"Slowly, good Kalen, for I work alone. Too slowly I fear. The attack is sure to come soon." Briefly, the old man raised his eyes from the carving and looked at the pair. "The stranger you have brought is with child, Kalen. Please, bid her to sit and bring her a drink."
Kalen motioned to the grass mats lying over the bare earth floor, and Kyoko sat. She gazed hopefully at the old man, looking for some glimpse of recognition. Then she began to cry.
"Kyoko...?"
"She is lost, Kalen. I believe she must have expected to find someone else in my place. Now she begins to see the truth," Mardsoon spoke calmly, continuing his work.
Kyo fought to compose herself, noticing the subject of the old man's carving. There, not yet fully formed, was the idol of Varan. The very same idol she knew from her years spent here in her own time.
"I do not wish to seem unfeeling for your pain, strange one, but my work is critical and I must not stop. The SeaSpirit has warned me, told me to prepare my people for the onslaught of the MU. They shall come in armada, and send the Prince of the Wild Gods against us. I am even now trying to prepare a defense, to summon this land's own ancient spirits to protect us."
"You're going to call upon the Obake, aren't you?" Kyoko asked, choking back her tears.
Mardsoon paused, and looked the young woman in the eye. "It is our only chance. I know the Obake's essence is as vile as that of their own Godbeast, but only it can save my people."
"Mardsoon, I came here to find my uncle. To warn him of the...dream in which he died at that monster's hands. Now I see it was a fools journey, for you are not him, though I feel you too may pay with your life for your dealings with the beast."
Mardsoon watched Kyo rise from her seat and leave the Shrine in silence. "I am sorry, Kalen. You were right about the old man, he is mad."
"Mardsoon swears the Mu will attack soon, with the serpent Manda in the lead. Everyone knows they were destroyed when their land was swallowed by the sea, though there is a small following of idiots who still believe! I wish you could have found what you were seeking, Kyoko, instead of the rantings of an old man. I will return to you your 'ship' now, no questions asked..." Kalen reached into his pouch, deeper, then turned the bag inside-out upon the ground. "I do not understand," he said as Kyoko's eyes went wide with fear. "The shiny ball was right here, but...Kyoko, the ship is gone!"