Chapter 3: Clash of Titans

Pain erupted through Jess skull, the beast pulling roughly away from her own consciousness. A silent scream ripped from her throat as she keeled over. Vaguely, she was aware of the wall of scales and teeth that launched itself above the groups heads to slam into the beast. Rage and protective instincts beat at the edge of her mind, almost dragging her under into the swirling chaos of Godzilla's mind. Jess only just managed to keep her head above the storm.

Nick crouched beside his niece, his body protectively shielding her as burning debris rained down from above. With the help of Randy, the two of them pulled the lethargic child to the concealing shrubbery at the edge of the clearing.

Godzilla was aware to his father's actions. His sister was in pain, and he just knew that this creature was the cause of it. He slashed at it, snapping at it before chasing it. The beast tried to by-pass him, it's long beak snapping to reach his family. That he would not allow. Snarling, Godzilla lunged at the beast, halting it's assault by catching its beak in his own strong jaws.

.: Release me, hatchling! The beast's demands were muffled by the fact that Godzilla had trapped his jaws, but the demand was clear all the same. It didn't seem to make a difference; Godzilla chose to ignore the giant dinosaur either way.

.: No. he growled. .: You tried to hurt my family. You must pay.

.: Foolish youngling. The small female rudely awakened me. I was not going to bring her harm. The beast growled.

.: I don't believe you. Godzilla growled.

The beast managed to free himself, striking out at the giant lizard with his wing claws. The blow landed, and Godzilla roared with pain. For the briefest of moments, Godzilla felt his sister through the link, felt their shared pain. But he couldn't concentrate on her now, he had to protect his family.

Snarling, he lunged forward.

Jess screamed. The pain that assaulted her was almost too overwhelming for her to handle. Her legs gave out from under her. The only way that Jess remained standing was the fact that Nick had his arm wrapped around her waist.

She knew what she was doing wasn't right, taking on this much pain, but it was the only way that she could help. She looked up as Godzilla crashed into the giant.

Please be safe.

.: Leave now, hatchling! the beast demanded.

Godzilla snarled. .: No.

The giant pterosaur screeched and shoved the young mutation away, following him down onto the ground. Determined, he pecked, aiming for Godzilla's face and neck. Snarling, barely holding the giant at bay, Godzilla concentrated. A familiar fire began to accumulate inside him, burning hotter and hotter. Finally, he unleashed it.

Toxic green flames burst from his mouth, the intense heat searing through the pterosaur scales. The huge beast screeched, throwing himself off of Godzilla. The young mutant rolled to his feet, once again putting himself in between the beast and his family. Snarling, he narrowed his gaze as he watched the giant try and shake the flames free from his body.

The pterosaur growled, leaning heavily on his wing claws. .: Leave. Take you… 'family' and leave my territory.

.: You won't follow us? Attack us when we leave? Godzilla asked, shifting wearily from one foot to another.

.: No, I won't. it promised.

Godzilla nodded. A truce, if nothing else.

Jess could barely stay on upright. She stumbled, watching through blurred eyes as Godzilla started to bumped the side of his head against her and Nick. The rest of the team was standing back watched in stunned silence as the giant shepherded them away from the clearing.

'Ah... boss? What's going on?' Randy asked, looking up at the golden eye observing all of them.

Nick looked up at his 'adoptive son'. 'He wants us to leave,' he simply stated.

.: Go. Home. Beast leave us alone if we go. Godzilla stated, watching the pterosaur as he tried to coax the team to move faster. .: Now.

.: It won't hurt us? Nick asked, keeping a supportive arm about Jess.

Godzilla rumbled. .: It promised.

Nick nodded, hoisting Jess's arm a little higher on his shoulder. The poor girl was almost completely knocked out. Her eyes were practically falling out of her head. Nick realized that the teenager had been absorbing all the pain from the fight, letting Godzilla keep on fighting. Her body would have been worn out by now.

Godzilla leaned down and snuffled at Jess. .: Is Jess all right? he asked.

Nick smiled, looking up at the giant. He was so much like a teenager himself. .: She'll be alright, Godzilla. Tired, but okay.

Godzilla rumbled. .: Good.

Okay. Never get between Godzilla and his family. Even I'm scared of him now. And who knew that the other mutations could talk.

Oh, well. My mind's twisted.

R & R