The caravan joyfully walked along the path in the forest, almost skipping along as Estevan held the bronze shield up in the air.
"Wow, I cant believe we actually pulled through that," said Cody.
"We couldn't have done it without Godzilla," said Sabrina.
Ryu's footsteps slowed a little as he thought about what Sabrina just said.
"Yeah, I... I suppose so," said Ryu, feeling very conflicted.
"Yeah man, it was totally killer that we had Godzilla there to get our backs," said Cody.
"Shouldn't we have waited for him to wake up before we went after the next treasure on the list though?" said Athena.
"Nah, he deserves his sleep after what he went through. And besides, I got a small look at the map. It says that the next destination we have to go to is only two miles from the river. We've walked a mile already. Though the specifics about this next place is very vague. What does it say on that map about the next mission, Ryu?" said Estevan.
But Ryu was still distracted by the internal conflict he was feeling inside.
"Ryu?! The map, what does it say?!"
"Oh, uh- yeah. Sorry, Estevan," said Ryu, having been snapped back to reality.
Ryu looked down at the map.
"It says that we have to look all over this territory for something called the uh... The Manticore."
"The Manticore?" asked Cody in confusion as he looked to Sabrina.
She just shrugged, so everyone looked to Estevan.
"I've never heard of it,' said Estevan as he raised his hands defensively.
"Wow, that's a first," said Sabrina.
"According to the map, he never leaves this area in the red circle drawn here on the map," said Ryu.
"I'm surprised it would stay so close to the river where The Hydra lives," said Athena.
"Well there is a lake within its territory, maybe The Manticore feels that since it isn't obligated to walk down to the river to drink, therefore it's been able to live in harmony with The Hydra because its been given a second option for water that doesn't include conflict," said Ryu.
"Uh huuuuuuh..., so which way are we going?" asked Estevan.
Ryu looked at the map then pointed.
"That way."
Then they walked for a mile more. It was spent mostly in silence. They did stop once to listen to the sound of branches breaking and birds flying away, chirping as they flew.
"How big do you think it is?" asked Athena.
"With how many big bitches we've seen so far on this trip, at this moment, I hope it's only the size of an elephant," said Sabrina.
So they started walking again, unsure of what awaits them. They eventually came to a small clearing with trees surrounding as far as the eye could see.
"Well it says here that we're smack dab in the middle of The Manticore's territory," said Ryu as he pointed at the map.
"So then, where is it?" asked Sabrina.
"Well we heard tree branches snapping on our way here. So maybe he's stalking around in the trees in the surrounding area," said Ryu.
"That's just what I was thinking, Ryu," said Estevan.
"So what are we looking for from this thing again?" asked Cody.
"Uh, the Silver Gauntlet of courage. It says here that The Manticore carries it around with him," said Ryu.
"So then there's no getting around this thing. We'll have to face it head on," said Estevan.
"I'm afraid so," said Ryu.
They started walking again, but this time the mushy and muddy ground seemed like it was trying to suck in the feet of the warriors.
"Wow, this ground isn't exactly solid, is it?" said Cody.
The caravan walked until they were in the middle of open terrain, then they looked around.
"Where should we start?" asked Estevan.
Then Ryu saw something that gave him an idea.
"Hey guys, look over there," Ryu said as he pointed.
"What?" asked everyone as they looked where Ryu was pointing.
"You see that tree?" asked Ryu.
"Yeah," said Sabrina.
"It looks to be taller than the others. I think if I can climb it and look around, I might be able to spot The Manticore," said Ryu.
"Okay, but be careful Ryu. You never know what's out there, especially with this place," said Estevan.
"Don't think nothin' of it Cap'n," said Ryu in a Brooklyn accent before jogging off towards the tree.
Or as close to jogging as he could through the mushy ground. But he managed to get through it and climb the tree, then he started looking around for The Manticore. Meanwhile, Estevan looked to Cody and said, "Hey, Cody, while Ryu's bird watching, you wanna spare a little?"
Cody smiled before he said, "Yeah sure, Man. Let's do it."
Sabrina and Athena found a rock to sit on while they watch the two men engage in mock combat.
"You ready?" asked Estevan as he pulled out his exile blades.
Cody pulled out his Olympus blade before saying, "Ready."
Then they both let out battle cries before running at each other with their weapons raised. Estevan had to bring up his blades to block Cody's enormous sword. Estevan shoved the weapon back then swung his blades at Cody, who dodged the first few swings before using his sword to block the last few. Then Estevan tried to use his right leg to side kick Cody, but he dodged over the kick with a hand to feet somersault. Then Cody started swinging his sword at Estevan, who blocked every blow with his exile blades. Cody tried a roundhouse kick, but Estevan brought up his arm and blocked the kick before jumping up for a spin kick. Cody ducked under the kick, then swung his sword down at Estevan, who blocked the sword with both of his exile blades.
Meanwhile, Ryu was looking around at the surrounding trees to see if he could spot The Manticore. He couldn't have known that The Manticore's head would brake through the trees, right next to the tree Ryu was on. Ryu looked behind him, but nearly let go of the tree when he saw The Manticore open his mouth and let out a loud roar. The others looked up in horror when they saw the lion-like head of The Manticore next to the tree Ryu was hanging onto for dear life.
"Oh my gosh, Ryu!" Sabrina shouted.
"Ryu!" Cody screamed.
The MAnticore tried to grab Ryu in its mouth, but it only got branch as Ryu jumped down to a lower branch.
"It almost got him," said a very worried Cody.
Estevan ran a little bit toward The Manticore before stopping to yell, "Ryu, jump! ...JUMP! Come on, Ryu! Come on, come one!"
As The Manticore tried to snatch Ryu in his mouth again, Ryu jumped down to the ground below. Ryu yelled in pain and grabbed at his legs that were aching from the impact. Ryu ran very clumsily back to his friends.
"Everybody, get back!" said Estevan as he lifted his exile blades, ready for combat.
Then The Manticore revealed a shocking thing about itself as it stood up on its legs, revealing it was much taller then the trees. The Manticore had a lion's head and body along with bear claws and a scorpion tail. To top it all off, it had big dragon wings on its sides.
The Manticore started stomping toward the caravan with hunger in its eyes.
"He isn't gonna try and fight that thing is he?" asked Athena.
"I don't..." Cody couldn't finish from fear of The Manticore and his friend's safety.
Athena called out, "Estevan, wait! It's too big for you!"
But Estevan didn't listen as he swung his exile blades on their chains up into The Manticore's lower jaw. The Monticore briefly stood up on its hind legs and revealed it could use its front legs and paws like arms and hands as he scratched at the spot where Estevan's blades hit. It was then that Estevan saw that when The Manticore stood up straight, it was almost as tall as Godzilla.
"Oh damn!" said Estevan as he started running with the others.
"Back to the river!" Estevan ordered.
The Manticore came back down on his front legs and started chasing after the caravan. The hunger it felt was like no other and it was hoping these morsels while small would help to satisfy its hunger. Ryu tripped while running and felt the pain still surging through his legs. Sabrina heard Ryu's screams and ran back to help him on his feet and continue running. It was rather hard for the caravan to run through the trees and brush, but The Manticore managed by literally running through the trees, either smashing them into several pieces, or knocking them over. The Manticore was going to do everything he could to satisfy his hunger. The caravan ran until they heard something breaking through the trees in front of them. They looked to see Godzilla breaking through the trees. The caravan breathed a collective sigh of relief. But then they were brought back to reality at the sound of The Manticore's roar. They looked back to see the mythical creature breaking through the trees behind them. The Manticore stopped in shock when it saw Godzilla staring at it.
"We best get out of the way. You don't want to be inbetween these two bulls when they charge each other," said Cody.
"Agreed," everyone else said before they ran off into the trees.
The Manticore recovered from its shock and snarled at Godzilla. It's been a long time since The Manticore had seen a beast equal to his size. But now it was considering the meal this beast would make if he could kill it. The Manticore let out a battle roar before he charged at Godzilla. He leaped into the air and at Godzilla. But he was met by Godzilla's swinging tail, sending The Manticore sliding across the ground. Godzilla roared in a way that almost made is seem like Godzilla was laughing at The Manticore. The monster got up on two legs and leaped at Godzilla, digging his claws into Godzilla's arms, while Godzilla grabbed The Manticore's upper legs and then bit into The Manticore's neck. The Manticore stabbed its tail stinger into Godzilla's body several times, expelling poison as he did. Godzilla eventually shoved The Manticore back, then slammed his shoulder into The Manticore's body, knocking him to the ground. The Manticore looked up at Godzilla and roared in defiance, which Godzilla responded to with a roar of his own. Then The Manticore reached up and swung a pair of his claws across Godzilla's face before stabbing his tail stinger into Godzilla's body several more times.
Meanwhile, the caravan watched all this transpire from a safe distance deep in the jungle.
"Estevan we have to do something to help Godzilla," said Sabrina.
"I'm afraid that's quite impossible Sabrina. I took that thing on myself and my weapons didn't even slow it down. I'm afraid with how big that thing is our weapons are useless against it. I'm sorry, but this is a fight Godzilla will have to fight without our help. All we can do is pray for his victory," said Estevan.
Meanwhile, Godzilla and The Manticore were trying to slash at each others faces with their claws. The Manticore clearly had the better advantage with his bear-like claws that caused even greater bleeding wounds than Godzilla's own claws. The Manticore then batted Godzilla's arms away and bit into Godzilla's chest. Godzilla grabbed The Manticore's neck and started shaking his body and The Manticore's around, trying to shake him loose. Godzilla drove his knee into The Manticore's body, making it release its bite. But then it lunged forward and bit again, this time into Godzilla's neck. Godzilla quickly reacted by slamming his fists into The Manticore's chest several times before turning it into just stabbing his claws into his chest. Then Godzilla flung his arms up, biting away The Manticore, thus making him release his bite. Godzilla kicked his foot into The Manticore's lower jaw, then kicked his foot across the mythical beast's face. The Manticore launched itself forward and bit into Godzilla's right arm. Godzilla shook The Manticore around until his arm slipped out of the Manticore's mouth, then Godzilla delivered an uppercut to The Manticore's lower jaw, making it stumble back a little. But the beast regained its senses and lunged forward at Godzilla, swinging his paw across Godzilla's face as he came at the monster king. The Manticore wrapped its upper lags around Godzilla's neck to try and keep him under control. Godzilla stabbed his left hand claws into The Manticore's side before using his great strength to lift The Manticore up into the air and ran until he lost his footing, falling forward on top of The Manticore. Godzilla struggled back up to his feet and looked down at his fallen foe. He didn't notice The Manticore's scorpion tail spring up and stab its stinger into his chest. Godzilla stumbled away as he screeched in pain. The Manticore got back up and rammed its body into Godzilla's. Then The Manticore stepped back a little so he could leap forward and ram his head into Godzilla's chest. Godzilla spun around, smacking his tail into the side of The Manticore's body. The Manticore responded by stabbing his stinger into Godzilla's ribs several times. Then The Manticore flapped its wings until it was high up above Godzilla's head. Then The Manticore stopped flapping so that it could drop down, paws stretched out in front of him into Godzilla, tackling him to the ground. The two titans wrestled and rolled around on the ground with their upper appendages wrapped around each other as they tried to get the advantage. Then finally, they rolled off in different directions, allowing them both the opportunity to get back to their feet. Then the two monsters stomped towards each other and slammed into each other, knocking them back a few inches. Then The Manticore opened its mouth and lunged for Godzilla's face. But Godzilla brought his hands up and grabbed the top and bottom of The Manticore's mouth and struggled to keep it back away from his face. As Godzilla used his great strength to hold The Manticore back, the mythical monster rapidly stabbed its stinger into the sides of Godzilla's neck, his shoulders and the top of his head. Godzilla kicked his foot into The Manticore's stomach, knocking him away. Godzilla hurried forward and slashed his right hand claws across The Manticore's face. Then Godzilla fired his atomic blast across the front of The Manticore's body. The resulting explosion sent The Manticore crashing onto its back. But it was quick to get back up. It tried to charge at Godzilla, but again The Apex Kaiju fired his atomic blast, sending The Manticore stumbling back. Not knowing what else to do, The Manticore started flapping its wings so that it mat attack Godzilla from the air again. But Godzilla was quick to act as he ran forward and grabbed The Manticore's head with one hand while he used the other to punch into The Manticore's lower jaw. Then Godzilla forced The Manticore back down to the ground. Then Godzilla grabbed The Manticore's left wing and started pulling on it with all his might. The Manticore desperately tried to make Godzilla let go by stabbing his stinger into Godzilla's body repeatedly, draining venomous poison into The Kaiju King's body. But it was all for not as Godzilla eventually tore The Manticore's wing off. The Manticore screeched in pain and agony as it stumbled back. Godzilla didn't let up as he dropped the wing and used his atomic breath to blast the other wing into small crisps. The Manticore was suddenly very afraid, but it dare not let its opponent know this. So despite its pain and fear, The Manticore charged at Godzilla. Godzilla in turn charged forward and ducked down underneath The Manticore's body, then stood up straight, back dropping The Manticore up in the air and letting him fall back down. While it was down, Godzilla ran up and grabbed The Manticore's tail and ripped it off. Godzilla swung it up in the air a few times before throwing it down in font of The Manticore's face. The Manticore charged forward, slashing his claws across Godzilla's face. But Godzilla slammed his right fist up into The Manticore's jaw for an uppercut, stunning the beast for a little bit. Godzilla brought up his foot and kicked it across The Manticore's face. Then Godzilla spun around, slapping his tail across The Manticore's face. Then Godzilla grabbed his upper legs and pulled them down so he could bite deep down into The Manticore's neck. As his bite got deeper and deeper, blood started spurting out in huge globs and streams. The Manticore tried to wrestle out, but Godzilla was so desperate right now due to the poison running through his veins kicking in that he put all the strength he could into the bite until finally after all the struggling, jerking around and blood loss, Godzilla bit through The Manticore's bone and veins. Godzilla stumbled off to the side and let The Manticore's body fall forward to the ground lifeless. Godzilla looked down at the body of his fallen foe as his human companions cheered his victory.
Godzilla tried to lift his head and roar, but instead he felt woozy and started to stumble around. Godzilla turned away and started walking off.
"Where's Godzilla going?" asked Athena.
"The poison must be kicking in," said Estevan.
"Oh gosh, shouldn't we try to help him?" asked Athena.
"Nah, Godzilla will be just fine," said Cody.
" But...," Athena started to say.
But Estevan came in with, "He's right Athena. Godzilla can heal himself from just about anything."
"How is that possible?"
"We don't know. But in 2002, we thought the world had gotten rid of Godzilla by blowing him up from the inside out," said Estevan.
"But a few months later... we don't know how it was possible... a small sample must have survived, because a few months later a new Godzilla was stomping around again," said Cody.
"The Japanese Government took some DNA samples from the new one and compared them to ones taken from the Godzilla of before. They were an absolute perfect match. It was almost like it was the exact same Godzilla. Basically, it's like Godzilla is invincible," said Estevan.
"By the gods!" said a stunned Athena.
"Yeah, yeah listen. The map said the gauntlet was somewhere on The Manticore's body, now let's go scavenging," said Ryu.
"Ryu's right, let's get going and pick this thing up," said Estevan.
They ran over to the monster's body and started examining and prodding around for the silver gauntlet of courage. After searching for a long, long time until finally Sabrina called out from The Manticore's mouth, "I got it!"
They all ran over to the mouth and watched as Sabrina climbed her way out.
"Did you seriously just go into that things mouth?" asked Ryu.
"Yeah, but it was worth it, look," said Sabrina as she held out the gauntlet.
She walked up and handed it to Estevan.
"Way to go my main female homie," said Estevan as he and Sabrina high fived.
"So what do we do now?" asked Ryu.
"Yeah, do we go after the next treasure or wait until tomorrow?" said Cody.
Estevan thought about it for a moment as the others looked to him for his decision.
"Well the sun's going down..." Estevan looks at the map "...and there's only one treasure left and I'm pretty sure Godzilla's gonna need at least a night to dispel the poison in his veins. So I say we head back to Eldimore now and get a good night sleep. Who's with me?"
The others whispered amongst themselves before Cody spoke.
"We're with you Captain Estevan."
Everyone else nodded and talked at the same time, voicing their approval. So they hurried back to Eldimore. When they got there, they went to Telvak's palace and gave him the gauntlet and shield.
"This is magnificent, absolutely magnificent!" said a very happy Telvak.
"We appreciate your approval oh mighty one. I hope you aren't to upset that we lost a few of your weapons today," said Estevan.
"Not at all, dear boy. In fact I'm just happy you got back in as good of shape you did since most of our own warriors never came back," said Telvak.
"Uh huh, well if you'll excuse us great lord of the centaurs, we'll retire for the night," said Estevan.
"As you wish. May I bid you good luck on your mission tomorrow, for it will be your toughest yet," said Telvak.
The caravan bowed respectfully before walking off. Telvak gave a hand signal until to Hector and Gunther to escort the brave warriors. As they group walked, they started to notice a few things.
"Is it just me, or does this place not smell as bad as before?" asked Athena.
"Not only that, it seems like it's not as gloomy as before," said Sabrina.
"Yeah and some of the old buildings look like they're in better shape then what they were before," said Ryu.
"Not only that, but it seems like everyone is actually working and putting in effort to things, which explains the repairs," said Cody.
"Well why not? You've brought so much hope that has been missing from this place for such a long time with your returning our most prized and sacred treasures," said Hector.
"We inspired them to do this?" asked Estevan.
"Absolutely, you've returned some of our symbols of hope and therefore have restored some hope. We may not have as much because of the loss of our females, but this is a step in the right direction," said Gunther.
"Wow," said Estevan at the thought.
Athena came over to Estevan and wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gave him a celebratory kiss, which he returned with a kiss of his own.
"Hey love birds, let's move it please. I wanna go lay down and pass out until tomorrow when we go in for suicide," said Ryu.
"You know what Ryu, first of all shut up and quit ruining there good time. Second, why do you have to be so negative about our situation tomorrow?" said Cody.
"Why? Oh I'll tell you why. Because I looked at the map and tomorrow... we have to go to the Cyclopes's temple for the golden fleece," said Ryu.
Everyone was quiet for a little bit, thinking about what they may and probably will have to face tomorrow. But Sabrina had a smile on her face.
"I have just one word for you hobos."
Everyone turned their attention to Sabrina.
"Godzilla."
Everyone nodded in agreement and walked back to the inn.
"Good night my friends," said Hector.
"May your mission be a successful one and one watched over by the gods," said Gunther.
The caravan smiled at their centurion friends before going off into their rooms.
"They're a great bunch of people aren't they?" asked Hector.
"Yes they are, I only hope they don't have to endure what all of the other visitors had to," said Gunther.
"I don't think they'll have to. I mean look at how many good things they've done for our people. After all that and what they'll have to endure tomorrow, they wont even be touched," said Hector.
"Maybe, but just in case we must be ready to defend them, agreed?" said Gunther.
"Yes, I already went over it with my son and we will be their to defend them, should it come to that," said Hector.
"Splendid, shall we grab a bite to eat before we turn in for the night?" said Gunther.
"We shall," said Hector.
And with that the two centaurs walked off to enjoy themselves. Meanwhile, Estevan sat in bed with Athena who were discussing a few things.
"Oh Estevan, isn't it fantastic? Soon we'll have completed our final quest and will be able to get off this island and go home. Hopefully we will be able to leave the memories of this place behind when we do sail away."
"Hey it wasn't all bad, Athena. After all, we met here and this is where we learned that Godzilla is a sentient being. Plus I got to do things I couldn't even dream of doing before. Me and our friends. So some good came out of it."
"I suppose, but still it will be great to get off the island and get back to our old lives."
"Yeah but... our old lives didn't have each other in them."
"Oh...oh yeah."
"Look Athena, I need to ask you something very important."
"Okay, I'm listening. What is it, darling?"
"Well...have you thought about what happens after we leave the island?"
"What do you mean, Estevan?"
"Well if we get off and go through the portal, will we end up going through to the same dimension. Will we go through together?"
"Oh... well... I don't know. I mean, we do have our own lives to live. Then again, after I left my village, my mother was my life and she's... gone now."
"So come back with me."
"What? Estevan..."
"Please Athena, look, we love each other. I don't have anyone like you back home. Sure when we started with each other, the guys looked at us weird, but they eventually warmed up to it and I'm sure my family will too. Please, Athena, I can't live without you. I love you."
Athena was taken aback by Estevan's words, so she had a ruff time thinking of what to say.
"I... I love you too, Estevan."
Athena kissed Estevan intimately.
"But...I..."
"But what?"
"It's just that... I don't know. Well... does everybody in your world look like you?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Do all the people in your world look basically like you and your friends?"
Estevan finally understood.
"Oh... well...yeah, but it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is our love. Nobody would have to know about you. It could be a secret. We could get a house in a secluded area and be happy away from everybody else."
"Estevan, I couldn't do that to you. You have a life..." "
I'd gladly give it up for you, Athena."
"But what about your friends?"
"They'll help us, I know they will. Cody is my best friend, his sister is awesome as you know and Ryu is a stand up guy despite his stuck up attitude toward Godzilla. So please, I'm begging you, Athena, come home with me."
"Estevan..."
"Please?"
Athena thought about it for a while, stuttering as she thought.
"I...uh- um... Uh... o-o-o...kay."
Estevan's eyes lit up and a smile crossed his face.
"Okay?"
"Okay!"
Athena smiled back to Estevan.
"You promise?"
"I... I promise."
"Oh thank, God!"
Estevan hugged Athena to him, not seeing the conflict on her face. But when he pulled back from the hug, she did her best to mask it. Estevan gave Athena a quick kiss before saying, "Good night, my beauty queen."
"Good night," Athena responded.
And so the two drifted off to sleep. Estevan felt like he was on cloud 9, while Athena was feeling extremely conflicted deep down in her heart.
Well here it is the next chapter. Sorry if it feels like it took longer then the last few have. I admit I went through a little bit of an emotional breakdown. But you don't wanna hear about that, you wanna hear about the story. First of all, I hope this chapter answered some of your questions Godzillafan1 and I will say this story is 4 or 5 chapters away from being finished. So I'm very excited with the idea of doing the next few chapters. Please remember to leave a review after finishing reading this chapter. I'm The Guy Who likes To Write Stuff, signing off.