Why, hello! I noticed a few of you talking about my choice on portraying Dagon as Godzilla's father. I see no issues with it based on their overlapping timeline, therefore I concluded it as plausible. And even if he wasn't G's biological father, he could have very well been a parental figure. I guess just as an FYI, I'll be taking a few more liberties with the cannon, but I like what I've come up with, so hopefully you will too!
Thanks guys! Mwah!
ゴジラの声
(Gojira no Koe)
...
Something shook Amara's shoulder, waking her from her sleep. The moon had replaced the sun in the sky, surrounding itself with a blanket of stars that spanned across the back void of space.
"We made it back," Mi Sun said. "We're staying with Tao's family tonight."
Amara rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?"
Mi Sun giggled. "Almost twelve, sleepy head."
The last thing she remembered was Whyley complaining about wet clothes and Godzilla's spines sinking into the ocean, swaying as he followed the boat away from the islands.
Amara got out of the chair and stretched her arms above her head, failing to cover her yawn. "Mothra hatch yet?" she asked, cracking her neck.
Mi Sun shook her head as they followed everyone off the boat. "Not much for phone service here. Plus, I have a feeling you and Big G there will be the first to know."
Amara had been avoiding her cell phone all together just to avoid whatever that phone bill that would turn out to be. It made sense that places like this only had limited areas of access, and the ocean side wasn't one of them.
It was a short ride to Tao's small house hidden behind a wall of trees and bushes. His mom had laid out three beds in the living space. Amara got in the middle one after changing into a loaned pair of pajamas.
Mi Sun took her time brushing her hair. At some point when Amara was with Godzilla in the cavern, she had dived in to check on her. She said once she saw the massive entrance on the wall, she knew Amara was fine.
When Amara closed her eyes, Tao's face popped into her mind. He looked at her differently since her spectacular entrance via Godzilla's mouth. Not bad different, just different different.
An odd feeling to have while thinking of another human.
Amara's eyes snapped open to the dark room. Could you mind your own business?
Elevated heart rate, warmth from within. A strange sensation.
Don't you have anything more interesting to do? She turned on her side facing Mi Sun.
No. The whales have nothing new to say.
Can I listen?
Of course.
The chirping of cicadas fell mute to a muffled subaquatic soundscape. Some sounds were familiar like the moans of whales and the clicking of dolphins. Others were more abstract, hard to distinguish with words. Perhaps they were sounds not normally heard by humans.
Sounds of everything.
And nothing.
…
A massive bang sent Amara upright in her bed. Light shined through the windows. Mi Sun was sitting up in her bed as well, rubbing her eyes. Farther back was Tao's family and Whyley sitting at a low table, their legs folded under them. Whyley had Mi Sun's laptop open in front of him, probably still trying to get into Jonah's files.
Looking between Amara and Mi Sun, Misaki chuckled quietly behind her hand. She said something akin to a greeting once she caught her breath. Tao and Takahiro echoed her.
"They're saying good morning in case you haven't guessed," Whyley chimed in.
Another bang. Was that a drum? "Good morning," she said. "Is there something going on?"
Tao was the one to respond, enthusiastic as ever. "A festival!"
"Is there a holiday today?" Mi Sun asked.
Whyley looked between Mi Sun and Tao, eyebrows raised. "There is now."
After breakfast of rice omelettes, Misaki insisted Amara put on an old Kimono of hers that Whyley later corrected was actually a Yukata. It was blue with a subtle wavy pattern that resembled ripples of water. Misaki put on a yukata as well.
They went out to the truck, this time Misaki drove and Takahiro helped Amara into the passenger seat before joining everyone else in the back. It was a short ride the beach.
One glaring thing stood out from the rest. Not the countless fishing boats on the water. Not the beautiful ocean water underneath the warm morning sunshine. Not even the huge gathering of people once again dotted across the beach, many dressed similarly to Amara.
No, it was the wall of spikes protruding from the water like rocky monoliths off a jagged coastline.
Whyley and Mi Sun had similar looks of astonishment.
He wasn't hiding at all. Not even the slightest attempt.
You claim these people are my allies. What reason is there to hide?
It was one thing to say it, but another to see it. Sure enough, the villagers weren't displaying the slightest fear towards his presence. Like Tao had said, it was a festival. Booths were being set up, people were chattering and pointing. Kids were running in and out of the water as if to see who would get the closest.
She blinked. I'm just surprised, that's all.
I am as well. It has been a long time since I have felt something more than fear come from your kind.
Why what do you feel?
I feel their wonder; their amazement.
The fishing boats weren't far from him, some more daring than others. They had nets cast and fishing lines out. Distant cheering alerted everyone of their catch.
They're probably thanking you for bringing the fish back.
Takahiro led the group down to the beach. Their presence was immediately noticed by the locals. Like before, they bowed as Amara and the others passed. This time, huge smiles graced their lips as they showered them in thanks in English and their mother tongue.
They are grateful to you. Why?
Amara bowed back to a woman. Probably because I convinced you to come back.
You barely made an effort. I decided on my own.
Yeah well, ether way, you're here.
And either way, your secret is out.
At some point the group was separated in the crowd and Amara ended up with Tao. As the day progressed, even more people showed up. Booths filled half of the sandy beach. Sailors brought in their catch and roasted the fish on a big fire. Dancers showed up, along with more drums and instruments Amara had never seen before.
As Tao led her around, he taught her words like "Matsuri," which meant festival, and "Mizu," meaning water. He said more, but there were way too many to remember in a day.
They passed people praying towards Godzilla and people writing on plaques of wood before hanging them on a lone tree. Their wishes, Tao had said.
At some point, she caught of glimpse of Mi Sun heading towards the docks with Takahiro and Misaki. Occasionally, she spotted Whyley being followed by a couple of girls that giggled and passed him small cups of Sake.
Many stopped to converse with Amara and Tao, the latter interpreting for them. His translations weren't nearly as accurate as Whyley's, but he got the point across eventually. He kept repeating a certain phrase, and the more he did, the more the people began to single her out. The words spread like wild fire.
Next thing she knew, people starting handing her gifts. Necklaces and bracelets, carvings of Godzilla, even precious looking hair accessories made of pearl. She was invited to eat roast fish, dango, and sashimi made from marlin caught not an hour earlier.
The sun started to set when she finally turned to Tao. "What does it mean?"
Tao stopped, an innocent look on his face.
"The thing you keep saying." When he continued to look confused, she attempted to repeat the phrase. "Gojira no ko-ay." Not even close.
Tao's eyes lit up. "Gojira no koe, ne?"
"Yeah, that. What does it mean?" It obviously had to do with Godzilla, but what?
He muttered in Japanese, probably trying to think of the word. From behind, Whyley came up and put an arm around his shoulder.
"It means 'Godzilla's voice'."
Her eyes traveled over to Godzilla. He wasn't making any noise at all.
"As in you, kid." He let go of Tao. "Word around here is you're Godzilla's voice."
How, how could they know? No one other than Whyley and Mi Sun knew about the connection. Did Whyley…
"Don't look so freaked out, its nothing literal." He had a knowing grin on face. "You just happened to be the one that jumped into the water and came back out in Godzilla's mouth." He shrugged. "They think that you can talk to him, and in turn, you can speak on his behalf, if it were needed."
"Sorry, ne?" Tao ran a hand through his hair.
The strike of a bass drum rattled the air. And another, and another.
Was that why they gave her so many gifts? To thank her for bringing Godzilla back?
More drums joined the bass, forming a rhythm.
By bringing Godzilla back, she also brought the fish. But this was more than the fish. To them, he was a guardian, a god.
Another instrument joined in, creating a simple melody between the drum beats.
Perhaps to them, she was a messenger by bringing him here.
Other instruments joined in, whatever they had; brass, stings.
Tao had pointed out symbols written on the plaques of wood. Hope, fortune, peace.
The song sped up. More joined.
Peace. Something the world needed desperately. Godzilla fought to maintain it, while humans simply fought.
Everyone gathered around the shore, facing the water.
She put her trust in these people, and in return they celebrated.
Go-
For once, something was going the right way.
Ji-
This was how the world should be.
Ra!
And here, on Yonaguni Island, it was.
Gojira da!
The water, pained vibrant hues of coral, began to ripple. The pillars of living stone shifted. Instruments faltered. Fishing boats brought in their nets.
Like a mountain being pushed up from the earth, he rose.
No one screamed. Only silence and the sound of water parting. Small waves lapped the shore. They knew his movements were deliberately slow and cautious. They knew he wasn't a mindless animal.
Tao gaped. Whyley took a step back.
Amara's shoulder ached from the strain of Godzilla's slow ascent. He stood to his full height, pulling back his chest on his good side, resulting in a slightly crooked posture. With one eye, he looked down at the island, towards its inhabitants.
He stood still. So still, sea birds flew past him, as if unaware of his presence. His wet grey scales reflected the pink and tangerine sky.
Her eyes stung and she blinked her vision back into focus. It was oddly serene.
I had forgotten what it was like. Perhaps the people here are correct. His gaze fell on her. Perhaps there is a chance at peace.
Amara nodded at him. We just have to find out how.
Godzilla moved his head in a slow incline. Gasps echoed across the crowd. Tao turned to Whyley and said something in Japanese.
What were they so shocked by? Just because he moved his head? Mi Sun had mentioned it before, something to do with his expressions being distinguishable by humans.
Oh, that was why. Nodding was one of those human things.
It didn't take long for the people to come back to their senses. Movement resumed, many bowing with their hands together. Chatter was much quieter than before, as if no one dared disturb the tranquility of the moment.
A sound pierced Amara's ears, shrill yet musical. Godzilla's head turned to the west, hearing it as well.
She looked over to Whyley and Tao who were whispering to each other. "What was that?"
"What was what?" Whyley asked. Tao's eyes shifted between them.
Did he seriously not hear it? "That noise?"
Whyley looked around, confused. He was about to speak, but Amara cut him off.
"You didn't hear—"
Mothra. Godzilla glanced down at her, then slowly turned his body away from the island.
Tao reached out and grabbed Amara's forearm for support as the ground shook under his footfall. He quickly let go.
Whyley raised his voice. "What's going on? What did you hear?"
Where are you going?
"Amara, look at me!"
I will go to her. You may follow.
Whyley raised his voice. "Ama—"
Amara turned her head so quickly, her hair nearly whipped him in the face. "Mothra hatched. He's going to meet her."
Godzilla continued to walk out into the water until his legs disappeared under the surface. Villagers retreated from the beach to avoid the waves.
Whyley caught her shoulders and forced her to face him. "Where is he going to meet her?"
"I don't know!" Amara shrugged out of his grip. "He's a little preoccupied to talk right now."
"Why not? Aren't your minds connected or something?"
She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to find the feeling of looking through his eyes. If she could hear Mothra through him, why was it so difficult to focus?
As always, the pain in her temple seared to life, twitching and burning. A hot knife through butter.
Whenever she tried to reach Godzilla without his initial consent, the headache would cripple her. It had to do with the bad feeling; with the nightmares.
No, it wasn't the time to think about that, she had to concentrate on Godzilla to get an idea where he was going.
There was something. Another island not far, towards the west. Mothra would come to him. They would meet.
Amara opened her eyes to meet Whyley's. "What's west of here again?"
His brow furrowed. "Taiwan. Is that where he's going?"
"I think so. But how are we going to get there?" The very thought of being that far from Godzilla was upsetting. Whatever happened, she needed to be there.
"I can try calling Matt." He pulled his cell phone from his pocket.
"Geiru kun, daijoubu ka?" Tao asked while Whyley was tapping at his phone.
Whyley held the phone to his ear. "Yeah, I'm fine Tao. Everything's fine, just give me a minute."
By now, Godzilla was swimming, his dorsal plates barely visible against the violet horizon.
"Shit, no answer." Whyley shoved his phone back into a pocket. "Where's Mi Sun?"
Tao spoke before she could. Whyley answered, his Japanese much slower. Tao then waved them to follow him to the docks where fishing boats were gathering. He continued to talk with Whyley along the way. It almost sounded like they were coming up with a plan.
Mi Sun climbed off one of the boats, Misaki and Takahiro just behind.
"Amara!" she called, "Do you know where he's going?"
Amara jogged up to her, past a small group. "I think he's meeting Mothra in Taiwan. I'm not one hundred percent sure though."
Her eyes widened. "Mothra? Well I think the festival's been cut short."
They both looked over to Tao who was now discussing something with his parents. They were hesitant for a while, then their expressions changed to something more understanding. Tao smiled and bowed to them.
"I will take you!" he said, turning to Amara and Mi Sun.
…
The group made a quick trip back to the house to pick up their belongings. By the time the sun set, they were back on Tao's father's boat, this time Tao was at the wheel.
"Are we sure this boat will make it to Taiwan?" Amara asked Mi Sun. She was back on the same chair while Mi Sun leaned against the railing.
"Didn't you see the map back at the house? Taiwan is closer than the Sashishima Islands. We'll be there in no time."
Amara twisted in her chair towards Whyley who was pacing along the deck. He looked far too nervous for someone on their way to see the queen of the monsters. "Hey Whyley," she called. "What's your name?"
Whyley paused, looking at her as if she were crazy. Mi Sun's head snapped in their direction.
"Uh, it's Gale." His voice was quiet.
Amara raised her chin. "I knew it, that's what Tao's been calling you!"
He looked out to the water. "Just call me Whyley, please."
Tao snickered from the upper deck.
As the ride went on, Amara found herself stargazing. Like Costa Rica, the stars were brighter than ever. A milky wash of color formed a stripe across the sky that only added to its brilliance.
What are they?
The thought entered her mind, quiet and gentle. He was referring to the stars. Was he looking at them through her eyes?
She pictured diagrams of the sun from books and movies. They're balls of fire much larger than this planet, like the sun but farther away.
I have always wondered about the sun. There is much more than this place, isn't there?
This whole planet is just a spec in the universe. Makes it seem so much more insignificant if you think about it that way, though
A spec, you say. Much like you are a spec to me. But size does not make you any more or less significant.
You think I matter?
Everything matters. Would I protect this planet if it did not?
What about now, with whatever's happening?
A tingling pulse. I will see what humans can do, for now.
What if it's like Ghidorah?
It isn't. The thought was firm. If such a creature was active, I would know.
What is it then, the end of the world? It has to be a titan.
It has no call, no feeling. Dark, obscure, unnatural. It cannot be a titan.
It's alive though!
How do you know?
She thought of the nightmares and the strange visions of the whale killer, its malice and apathy towards life, its pain. The memories distorted and faded to nothing, like awaking from a vivid dream.
Can't you see them?
Your thoughts grow hazy, I cannot make sense of them.
She tried again. Why was it so difficult to envision all of a sudden? It was like there was a mental block preventing from seeing the thoughts of whatever it was.
Like she was connected to it and he wasn't.
You are distressed.
"Amara, wake up, we're here." Came Mi Sun's voice from beside her.
She opened her eyes to a rocky peninsula. Despite the low nighttime visibility, she picked out Godzilla standing among the pillars of stone. His still body blended perfectly with the rock. The only thing that stood out was the slightest glint of his amber eye in the moonlight, gazing at her as well. The ability was probably mutual.
The vague directions she'd given to Tao had been correct, even if they were to point the boat in particular direction and to go dead straight. It was strange, her brain was like a compass, but instead of north, her needle pointed towards Godzilla.
Tao and Whyley carefully navigated the boat closer to Godzilla and anchored it near some logs in the water that would cushion the boat from the rocks if the wind picked up.
Whyley had just sat down on the deck when something flew over the tall rocky horizon of the peninsula.
It was bright against the black sky, but not blinding.
Tao put a hand over his eyes, squinting at the bright object coming towards them. "Mosura?"
As it came closer, long wings became distinguishable; turquoise with amber eyes decorating the tips. They shimmered much like the stars, beautiful and angelic. Tao was right, it was Mothra.
A tremor in the earth drew her attention back to Godzilla. He faced the moth titan, looking up at her.
Mothra let out a screech akin to that of a singing insect. She flew overhead, each wing stretching across the entire span of the sky. A gust of wind followed, causing the boat to rock back and forth.
Godzilla watched her make a loop around them, then come to a hover over his head. Slowly, she lowered and delicately clasped her legs on his skull and jaw. Despite her enormous wingspan, her entire body was smaller than his head.
A fine mist shimmered down from her wings as she beat them. It fluttered and fell on Godzilla. His postured relaxed. The deep grooves in his dorsal plates began to glow, each a unique pattern. Haze seeped from them and floated upward to form a mist.
It was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. Relaxation that could put her to sleep at any second, and at the same time, it gave her enough energy to stay awake for an eternity.
The ache in her shoulder faded, and if possible, her eye sight grew clearer. Mothra really was healing him, and in turn, healing her.
"Wow," Mi Sun said breathlessly, her face bathed in ethereal blue. "Do you know what they're doing?"
"She's healing him and he's lending her his radiation."
Mi Sun never looked away from them. "Perfect symbiosis. This must be why she's called the queen of the monsters."
Amara gazed up at Godzilla. Is that true?
Godzilla turned his head ever so slightly. Before she was queen, she was mother. Unlike many of us, she is selfless. She is a mediator, a protector. I rule through power and fear, she, by benevolence and healing. In those ways, she is greater than I will ever be.
I think she's your compliment. No more, no less.
A scratching noise drew her attention towards Whyley who was sitting between her and Tao, on the opposite side of Mi Sun.
His bag was open at his side and a sketchpad was on his lap. He was drawing the scene before them. Even in the dim blue light, it looked beautifully accurate. Had he drawn pictures of Godzilla from encounters before?
Her eye began to burn again, worse than before. No, not her eye, her temple. The pain intensified, pulsing, throbbing.
Mothra let out a cry and took flight as Godzilla gave a violent swing of his head. A roar escaped his jaw before he could clamp his teeth back together. He lurched over, panting.
It was happening again, whatever had transpired in front of the media when she almost touched Godzilla for the first time. Her thoughts of the creature couldn't get through to him, but the pain could.
She put a cool hand on her forehead to ease the pain, but it did nothing. It yanked and pulled.
Hands were placed on her back and shoulders. Mi Sun's voice and Tao's, both asking if she was okay.
"Shit, there's no service out here." Whyley's voice rang above the others. "Dr. Park, does your phone have anything?"
"What do you think?" Came her sharp reply. "Why don't you find something useful to do like getting into those files you conveniently can't seem to."
Amara opened her eyes just enough to see Whyley's frustrated expression. "We need to find out if it has something to do with the earthquake."
Mi Sun let out a huff followed by a shuffling noise. "Nothing," she paused. "Wait, I have an email from Ilene I missed, sent just before we left…"
Amara twisted in her chair to see Mi Sun's phone.
There was a stunned silence as everyone looked at the attached photo.
It was an areal shot looking down at a large body of water. The surface was crystal clear, rippling and calm. But that wasn't what the photo was of, no, it was whatever was under the water. Just below the waves, contrasting with the vibrant blue, was something huge. Something red. It was both long and wide. A body and…
Wings.
Mi Sun broke the silence. "Ilene says it's headed straight for Japan, they're sending bombers, but it's getting too close to land."
"Where is it now?" Whyley asked, his eyes scanning the small screen for anymore detail.
"It's coming from the north-east. Not far from the earthquake off the shore of Russia."
Why would it go to Japan? If it had anything to do with her headaches and visions, it liked being deep underwater. "Do we have a bigger map?"
"Map?" Tao repeated.
"Yeah, like a world map."
Tao nodded and rushed up to the steering wheel. Not a minute later he came back, map in hand.
"What do you need the map for?" Whyley asked as Amara unfolded it.
Mi Sun pointed to the titan's position in the ocean. Much farther to the south-west was Taiwan and Yonaguni.
"It's not headed for Japan," Amara said.
Everyone's eyes followed her finger as she placed directly where they were on the map. If someone made a line between the points, it would pass directly through Tokyo.
"It's coming for me."
…