The Legend of Korra
The Age of Titans and Spirits
Chapter Two
Encounters
General Iroh's Battleship
The South Seas
A few days have passed, and not a single trace of Godzilla could be found. But Korra knew that he was out there, somewhere in the ocean, biding his time until he would resurface and unleash his vengeful wrath upon the world. She stared out over the railing she was leaning against, her arctic-blue irises watching the cool waves and the dozen or so United Forces battleships that were following close behind. She was so focused on the sights and her own thoughts that she didn't notice the approach of a certain earthbender who came to make sure she was all right.
"Hey, Korra.", Bolin greets as he approached, leaving only a diminutive gap of space between them as he leaned against the railing and looked out towards the ocean before focusing on the female Avatar.
"Hey, Bo.", Korra replied in a small voice, one that he wouldn't expect from someone like her.
"Are you okay? You're very quiet, which isn't like you. Not at all.", Bolin remarked, instantly noticing her conflicted and somewhat downcast tone.
"It's nothing. It's just that... I'm not sure what I'm doing here is right.", Korra said, stating what she was honestly feeling in regards to the situation involving Godzilla.
"What do you mean?", Bolin asks, arching an eyebrow as he began listening intently to his best friend.
"Think about it, Bo. When we were dealing with Amon and the Equalists, I rushed in and it not only nearly cost me my bending but I also put everyone I care about in danger... including you. Then when I returned home and tried to stop the spirits, I was manipulated by Unalaq into freeing Vaatu. I nearly lost my friends, my family, my home, our entire world... All because I rushed in and didn't think anything through. I just don't want to make those same mistakes over again... especially if you or anyone else ends up getting hurt because of me.", Korra explained as she lowered her head, confessing her thoughts to the earthbender in hopes that he'd understand.
"You won't, Korra. I know that it won't happen, just like I know that you'll find a way to stop Godzilla. Whether it'll be fighting him head-on or talking it out. After all, you're not just the Avatar, the bridge between two worlds. You're Korra! The smartest, funniest, toughest, buffest, talentedest, incrediblest girl in the entire world! You can do pretty much anything!", Bolin said in a reassuring, optimistic, understanding tone of voice.
"You have a lot of confidence in me, don't you?", Korra chuckled lightly, looking up into the smiling face of Bolin.
"Why wouldn't I? I mean, you saved me and all of Republic City from Amon & the Equalists; you stopped the war between the Southern & Northern Water Tribes, brought peace amongst the people and spirits, and saved the world from 10,000 years of darkness. If you can't inspire confidence, nobody can.", Bolin countered with a cheerful grin and a playful wink, which had the effect of not only lifting Korra's spirits but also causing her cheeks to blush slightly from the string of compliments.
It was then that Korra leaned in close and affectionately kissed Bolin on the cheek. She didn't know if it was out of impulse or that she really wanted to do it, but she did nonetheless. It certainly caught the charming earthbender by surprise as she noticed his emerald-green eyes widening briefly. It was the least she could have done, and the fact that he looked adorable when flustered was just a bonus.
She honestly didn't know what she would do without Bolin. He gave her confidence, lifting her spirits when she felt disheartened and downcast. He was always there for her when she needed him, regardless of the situation. He truly was one of a kind. It was then at this moment that Korra began to realize how much Bolin meant to her, not just as a best friend... but quite possibly as something more as a genuine warmth entered her heart.
"Thanks, Bo. I really needed that.", Korra said, staring deeply into his jade eyes.
"Uh, you're welcome.", Bolin stuttered, rubbing the back of his neck nervously as his cheeks became flushed with a crimson blush.
It was at this particular time that General Iroh appeared, interrupting the moment that Korra and Bolin were sharing with one another. And despite not actually being there to hear the conversation, the grandson of Zuko could sense that there definitely something developing between the Avatar and the optimistic earthbender. Regardless, there were more pressing matters to contend with involving the return of Godzilla.
"I'm sorry to intrude, but we've got a message from Kyoshi Island. Something's happened there.", General Iroh informed, exchanging glances at his two allies.
Kyoshi Island
The Shoreline
Once it was at the top of the food-chain, the largest and most deadly predator in all of these waters. Now, the dreaded Unagi, a creature that destroyed small ships and devoured anything that dared to trespass in its domain, lay dead on the sandy shores of the small isle of Kyoshi, its body dismembered into several pieces. It was a disturbing and utterly frightening sight, especially to those who discovered its corpse when it washed ashore when the sun began to rise.
Since discovering the remains of the Unagi, the Kyoshi Warriors made sure to send out an urgent message to the United Forces. It was safe to assume that whatever destroyed the small fleet of battleships was equally responsible for slaughtering the largest oceanic carnivore within a thousand miles. A supernatural tension seemed to envelope everyone who came to look upon the dead sea leviathan, even those of the Kyoshi Warriors who awaited the arrival of General Iroh and Avatar Korra.
It wasn't long before the large fleet of battleships appeared, heralding the arrival of General Iroh, Avatar Korra and Bolin who came ashore on one of the small lifeboats. They were immediately greeted and escorted to the site in which the corpse of the Unagi was found. It was a horrifying sight; the blood of the beast staining the sand as a foul odor of rotting flesh permeated the air. It was almost enough to make Bolin upchuck his entire breakfast. It was there that they meet a close personal friend of General Iroh, a beautiful dark-haired young woman whose strong personality and skill made her a feminine warrior who could quite possibly rival Avatar Kyoshi in battle.
"Something ripped it to pieces, made prey of it.", One of the Kyoshi Warriors stated.
"But that isn't possible. The Unagi is prey to none. So what could have possibly done this to it?", Another responds, voicing an inquiry that all of her fellow warriors wished to know.
"Do you know what did this, General?", Emiko, leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, questioned her close friend and former lover as she stepped forward.
"Well, Emiko, to be honest, even if I were to tell you the truth... you may not believe it.", General Iroh answered, not certain if it would be best to tell her the truth.
"Why is that?", Emiko inquired, placing her hands on her hips as she stared at the son of the current reigning Fire Lord.
"Because the thing that killed the Unagi, the thing that destroyed the fleet of battleships was...", General Iroh began to speak only to be interrupted by none other than the Avatar herself.
"Godzilla.", Korra interjected, her proclamation causing the other Kyoshi Warriors to stare at her as if she'd lost her mind.
"You're not serious, are you?", Emiko demanded, stepping forward to look the Avatar right in the eyes.
"Uh, yeah, we are. Godzilla is the real culprit in all of this!", Bolin replied, backing up Korra one-hundred percent.
"But that's non...", Emiko began to say only for her to be silenced by the devastating force that made the entire island tremble.
SHAKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
A titanic wave, a virtual tsunami that appeared from out of nowhere, smashes against the tall hillside. Its impact shaking the small island and sending water exploding high into the skies, which proceeds to rain down upon Avatar Korra, Bolin, General Iroh, Emiko and the Kyoshi Warriors who were standing on the beach. The entire island began to quake again, causing all those on the beach to struggle to keep a firm foothold on the loose sand. Little did they know that these quakes were caused by the footsteps of a creature who was considered to be nothing more than a myth and a legend.
THOOM!
THOOM!
THOOM!
THOOM!
Then Godzilla appeared for all to see, looming over the hillside, his two fiery ember-hued eyes gazing down and around the landscape of the diminutive isle. His dark charcoal body was heavily muscular, his stance bipedal as he stood on two large legs that ended with massive clawed feet. He supported two solid arms which ended with four dexterous, clawed digits; his chest was thick and solid with muscle, much like his neck. When his lips curled back in a snarl, it revealed two rows of sharp teeth on his upper and lower jaws. On his back were three rows of jagged silver-white dorsal spikes that jutted out of his spine that became more diminutive as they progressed down his very long, segmented tail. Slamming his clawed fists on the hillside, Godzilla rears his head back and unleashes a thunderous roar of such power and volume that it could be heard for hundreds of miles away.
SKREEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNGK!
It was so intense that Korra and the others were forced to cover their ears with their hands, attempting to shut out the spirit piercing roar of the saurian titan. Through it all Korra couldn't tear her gaze away from Godzilla, terrified and in awe of not only Godzilla's size and power, but of his majestic presence and regal appearance that seemed to balance his savage ferocity and fearsome wrath. She never encountered anything that made her experience such a rush of emotions as she did when her arctic-blue irises looked upon Godzilla.
Seconds later, Godzilla rips through the hillside as if it were nothing but air, sending chunks of earth exploding and crumbling in all directions. Marching onward, possibly ignoring or not even noticing the humans gathered on the beach, Godzilla lets out a rumbling growl as his thundering footsteps made the island quiver with each step. He cared not of the insignificant humans or their island home. He only sought to quell his rage and sorrow, to unleash his fury upon any and all who dared to stand in his way.
He took no pleasure from this nor did he display any malice in any of his actions. He is simply a force of nature, a wrathful titan who was awakened from his eons long slumber. What did he care of the mortals and spirits that shared the world with him and his fellow titans? Why should he care if some of them would perish?
"He's heading towards the village!", Emiko proclaimed, feeling utterly helpless as any of them were given the current situation.
"That's definitely not good!", Bolin exclaimed, taking a stance beside Korra as she looked on.
"Spirits... help us all.", Korra whispered, watching on as Godzilla continued to advance into the interior of Kyoshi Island without hesitation.
"It's up to you now, Avatar Korra.", General Iroh stated, his eyes and those of the individuals around him solely focused on the only being who could possibly end this before lives were lost.
But could she end this? Was there any way to stop Godzilla? Would force even succeed against a titan of such massive size and immense power? Could he be reasoned with? What could Avatar Korra possibly do against Godzilla? These questions and more coursed through the minds of all the individuals on the beach... including Korra herself.
The Mountain Forests Bordering the Sea
Resting against the trunk of a towering tree, Jinora peacefully reads a particularly very old and very large book that she acquired from Wan Shi Tong's Library during her time in the Spirit World. Her family and siblings were invested in their own various activities, which she didn't mind as it gave her some peace to enjoy her novel. When Jinora glanced up from her book she noticed that Meelo was playing with his pet lemur, Ikki was picking flowers with Kya while Bumi kept ranting on about all the places he had been while serving in the United Forces, and her parents Tenzin & Pema were comforting her infant brother Rohan as they rested on the ground.
"What are you reading, sweetheart?", Pema asks in a gentle, motherly tone of voice.
"Mom, do you know anything about the Ancient Titans?", Jinora responds with an inquiry, setting the book down in her lap before looking at her mother.
"No, I'm afraid not.", Pema admits.
"Well, this book has everything about them. There's several sections, each with multiple chapters that are dedicated to every one of them. I've read a couple so far. It's really interesting.", Jinora stated with a smile, turning a page in order to continue reading.
"Which one are you reading now?", Ikki questions, her curiosity intrigued for the moment.
"I'm reading about a titan named Godzilla. He was the fiercest of all the ancient titans, and apparently one of the most powerful. He was described as the embodiment of wrath, fire, rage, death, and destruction. One day, that all changed when he fell in love with a beautiful spirit.", Jinora answered, examining the artistic rendition of the spirit... which looked familiar.
"Hey, I recall hearing that story before! It was from the native elders of Odo Island. Long ago, they used to sacrifice beautiful maidens to appease Godzilla, hoping that they would be spared of his wrath if they gave him a lovely offering. You know, she'd only be a few years older than you, Jinora, when the people would offer her up as a sacrifice. They'd dress her up in lovely clothes and flowers, tie her to a small raft, and push her out to sea where she'd meet her fate. It is then said that Godzilla would rise from the depths of the ocean to claim his sacrifice... and they're never seen or heard from again.", Bumi responds, telling the children one of the many factual stories that he heard from the native elders.
"Ooh, scary!", Ikki said, completely invested in her Uncle's story.
"Rawr! I'm Godzilla! I'm gonna eat you!", Meelo shouts as he leaped at Ikki who squealed in response as they began playing amongst the flowers.
"Brother, please refrain from trying to frighten Jinora with your outlandish stories. It's all merely native superstition. Nothing more.", Tenzin urged with an irritated tone of voice.
"For your information, little brother, the natives of Odo Island truly believe that Godzilla exists. Besides, if spirits exist, who is to say that Godzilla doesn't?", Bumi argued, crossing his arms over his chest as if he were daring Tenzin to challenge him.
"I hate to admit it, Tenzin, but Bumi's got a valid point. All myths and legends do have their basis in truth.", Kya added, knowing all too well from experience that the line between fantasy and reality was extraordinarily thin.
"You tell him, sis! Speaking of ancient titans, did I ever tell you of a forgotten, hidden village where the people worship and live in fear of Varan, the Demon God of their sacred lake? Or how about a Fire Nation village filled with people who practically pee in their pants at the mentioning of Rodan, the Sky Titan? Ha Ha Ha! I'll never forget the look on that old lady's face when I ran into her bar screaming "Rodan is coming! Run for your lives!". Never seen a bunch of people move so fast in all of my life!", Bumi remarked, bursting forth and nearly dropping to his knees in laughter.
"Very mature, Bumi.", Kya deadpanned, her expression taking on one that was akin to a parent scolding their child.
"What? It was all in good fun!", Bumi declared, throwing his hands in the air.
"Bah! Nothing but utter nonsense as usual!", Tenzin scoffed, handing over the baby Rohan to his wife Pema.
"I'm going to take a walk.", Jinora informed her parents and family members, rising up from the ground and handing her father the novel in order to ensure that it would remain safe.
"Go ahead, dear. Just remember to be careful, and don't stray too far from the camp.", Kya said, making sure that her niece understood what she was suggesting.
"I will.", Jinora assured her Aunt.
"And be sure to be back in time for supper. The last thing any of us want is you getting lost.", Pema stated, still not completely over the trauma of nearly losing her oldest child in the Spirit World.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll be back in no time.", Jinora reassured with a smile.
And with that Jinora sets about on her adventure through the mountain forest alone. Traversing through the foliage, Jinora makes sure to leave marks along the paths that she traveled just in case if she needed to find her way back to the camp. She eventually came to the edge of a cliff, one that provided her a stunning view of the ocean and a vast, sand covered beach. It was a truly beautiful sight; she could probably spend all day sitting on the grassy earth, watching the cool waters of the sea and feel their cool, gentle breeze.
But she couldn't, especially given that her desire for exploration of this land had yet to be satisfied. Turning away from the, Jinora set about exploring the forest once again. If she had bothered to she might lingered there a few moments longer she might have noticed the gigantic footprints that were embedded into the sands of the beach. These were the telltale signs that a giant had risen from the depths of the ocean and stalked its way towards the mountain forests.
Racing through the pathways by using her airbending skills to create an air-scooter, Jinora comes across a massive geothermal lake. Kneeling down she places her hands in the warm water, releasing a content sigh as the liquid soothed flesh and bone. She'd have to make a mental note to show this place to her family, as it would be a great spot to go swimming in. Not only was the waters warm, soothing, and comfortable but the lake was definitely deep enough to go diving. It was the perfect place to have fun.
Suddenly, just as she stood up to her feet, a monstrous form bursts from the geothermal lake. Eyes wide with horror, Jinora stood paralyzed at the sight of the towering Gargantua. The humanoid beast was humongous, a living mountain of green flesh and shaggy hair. The monster possessed a stocky build like that of an muscle-bound earthbender; two dexterous, five-digit hands with sharp talon-like claws; a mouth full of dagger-like teeth, including a bizarre underbite with two enlarged tusk-like canine teeth that protrude above the beast's upper lip; two feral eyes where the sclera was blood-shot red and the pupils were of an eerie green in color.
The fearsome green Gargantua is Gaira, the Ocean Giant. Legends told of his savage nature, his great hunger for sustenance, and his tendency to sink ships in order to devour their crews. For it was known in the legends of old that Gaira considered humans to be a rare delicacy. Unfortunately for Jinora, she had accidently stumbled upon the geothermal lake that Gaira dwelled in when he sought to venture out from the sea that he ruled over. The giant's terrible eyes focused on Jinora, a terrifying roar thundering forth from his toothy maw.
GREEEOOONNGRR!
Screaming at the top of her lungs, her throat almost becoming raw from the strain, Jinora takes off running at full speed. Clawing himself out of the lake, Gaira pursues the agile young airbender. She could hear the vicious monster's thundering footsteps behind her, which had the effect of making her run faster. If she were to have any chance to escape death, Jinora would have to run like she's never ran before. There was no other way, no one around to save her from Gaira... or so she believed.
Author's Notes
Run, Jinora! RUN!
From this point on, the story will only continue to grow and escalate. There will be revelations, epic monster battles, intriguing human & kaiju drama, some humor, and a bit of romance. Oh, and did I mention that there will be some cool surprises? In our next chapter, Korra will confront and have her first interaction/altercation with Godzilla; Jinora will encounter two more giants within the mountain forests.
Don't miss it! And keep those reviews coming!
