Chapter 3: The Runt
A thousand miles Southwest of Honolulu, March 2000
Beneath the sea, off the coast of an isolated, tropical island, a titan lay at rest. The massive creature lay curled on the ocean floor, its jagged dorsal plates jutting out from its back like mountain peaks. The creature was asleep, though it was not restful. Its claws were curled and its face was set into a scowl.
It did not take long for its eyes to snap open, and for the creature to awake.
Gigantis woke up with a start, growling as he returned consciousness and regained a sense of reality. He had just awakened from a nightmare. Another nightmare. A nightmare that had been plaguing Gigantis for the past nineteen moons. It was a dream of the apocalypse. A dream of his traumatic and excruciating transformation to the titanic monster he was today.
It was a dream of his parents' death.
Gigantis would always find himself floating at the surface, the setting star staining the waters to the color of blood. He would always hear his name being called. Gigantis would turn around to find his mother, floating there only a few dozen tail lengths away. Father would be there too, floating there beside her. So close, yet so excruciatingly far away. Behind them, in the distance, the shape of an island would be silhouetted by the setting star. That was the island, his island, which Gigantis had once called home.
But that was when a second star would suddenly erupt from it.
His island home would crumble away as a firestorm swept through Gigantis and his parents. Gigantis would watch, completely frozen still, as his beloved parents would disintegrate into ash.
That was where the dream always ended. Fortunately, it wasn't a dream that hit every night. Sometimes there would be other nightmares, but sometimes there would be more neutral dreams, no dreams, or even good dreams. But, no matter what, this dream would always come back.
Gigantis growled again, sending a burst of bubbles floating up to the surface far above. It was their fault this dream existed. The noclaws; the tiny, two-legged pink creatures that had, despite their small size and physical weakness, somehow took over the world, tainting it with their strange contraptions, structures, and stench. They were the ones that had made Gigantis this way, the ones who turned him into a ginormous monster. They were the ones that had inflected excruciating pain upon him. They were the ones that had destroyed the island he had called home.
They were the ones that had murdered his mother and father.
Nineteen moons ago, when Gigantis had awakened from the slumber caused by his traumatic transformation, Gigantis had sworn to avenge his parents by wiping out those that took them away. Destroying the noclaws and their unnatural creations. He had attacked them and their large communities of strange structures twice before, once when he had awakened and once close to five moons ago.
He would have attacked far more often, he absolutely wanted to. After all, the influence of the noclaws was far-reaching, perhaps even spread across the entire world. However, during that first rampage, he had come across something that had occupied his time for much of the past nineteen moons. A duty that he was just as willing to uphold.
The duty of raising and protecting his adopted young ones.
Getting up from his rested position, Gigantis began to slowly float up to the surface, moving steadily towards the large island that served as his new home. When Gigantis had first awakened, he had come across two creatures of similar size. One was an enemy, possibly a weapon of the noclaws, that had transformed from a flying rock to a hideous beast. The other, however, seemed a lot more similar to Gigantis in its form and had proved to be an ally. Though an enemy at first, Gigantis and this creature had joined forces against the strange enemy.
Unfortunately, this ally would die shortly after the battle, succumbing to her wounds. However, before she passed, Gigantis had taken in her six surviving young ones as his own. Ever since then, Gigantis had protected and raised these young ones on a new island, one large enough for the seven of them to live on comfortably. He had left them there alone a couple of times before, like when he left to attack the noclaws after they had desecrated the same island, destroying it again in an attempt on Gigantis's life. Otherwise, Gigantis had mostly remained on the island with the young ones, keeping close by as they explored the island.
Gigantis sighed as old memories returned to his focus. His parents had been very restrictive of him when he had been a young one. Back then, he had held resentment towards them because of that. Gigantis had been desperate for freedom and had even hated his parents for keeping that from him. However, during the battle with the strange foe, Gigantis had begun to understand why they had been so protective of him. It was because they loved him, and dearly so. They feared the possibility that their young one could be taken from them, and so they tried their very best to keep that from happening.
Now, nineteen moons later and having raised six adopted young ones of his own, Gigantis understood that even more. He tried his best not to restrict them. To allow them to explore the island and the waters around it. Yet, Gigantis would always make sure that all six of them were together, and that Gigantis would be nearby, ready to protect them from any danger that might present itself. Whenever Gigantis left the island to visit his old home, he would often bring them along. On the few occasions that he didn't, such as when the noclaws had attacked him five moons ago, he had given strict instructions, like for them to stay in the lake in which the young ones slept in.
So far, nothing tragic had occurred. All six of Gigantis's adopted young ones were alive and well. In fact, they were far larger than when Gigantis had first adopted them. They were about half of their mother's size, rendering most natural threats void. Gigantis wouldn't want them going up against the noclaws, or any threat like that of the strange foe, but Gigantis felt that they could take care of themselves. They had a pretty strong bond, as far as Gigantis could tell, and they would defend each other even if the noclaws somehow found them.
With that, Gigantis had decided. He would strike out on another campaign against the noclaws, continuing his quest to avenge his parents' death. He wouldn't bring them along. They weren't ready for that just yet. But Gigantis felt that it was finally time for him to launch a planned assault on the noclaws.
But first, he would have to inform his young ones.
10 miles South of Albuquerque, New Mexico
"Godzilla…"
The word seemed to slip gently from Nick's tongue, filling the tent with its foreboding tension. Nick leaned back in his chair, absorbing the word's meaning.
"I'm afraid so," Hicks said, returning his gaze towards the image displayed on the whiteboard. "One of these days, this bastard is going to return, and God help us when he does."
"Well," Randy said, "we know where he is. Let's just hit him with a nuke and be done with it."
"That didn't work the first time," Elsie pointed out. "In fact, it only pissed the damn thing off."
"Even more than usual," Monique added.
"So?" Randy asked. "Let's just use a bigger nuke. Hell, hit him with two or three if you think that'll work."
"Nuclear weapons, no matter the size or number, won't work on Gojira," Serizawa said.
"Godzilla feeds off of radiation," Graham explained. "We'd only be making him stronger."
"Not to mention what he did the last time we blew up his home," Elsie added.
"So if nuking him isn't an option," Randy began, "what's the plan?"
"Simple," Hicks said, turning back to face the collection of scientists and French agents sitting around the table. "If nukes aren't its weakness, we find out what is."
"We're studying him?" Nick asked.
Hicks nodded. "You're studying him."
Nick leaned forward, carefully considering Hicks's words. A part of Nick was quite interested, bordering on delighted, in the opportunity of studying perhaps the most miraculous organism on the planet. Godzilla was a biological wonder. Who knows what sort of secrets he could hold?
But, another part of him was cautious. While Godzilla was a fascinating creature, his hatred of humanity was quite apparent. Nick didn't exactly enjoy the prospect of being burned to a crisp. Nick wanted to study Godzilla, not just for its secrets but with their hopes that they could find something that they could defeat him with. However, death was quite detrimental to that goal. They would have to be careful.
At the same time, Craven said, "With all due respect, I don't think we can learn much by keeping our distance."
"Who said you were keeping your distance?" Hicks asked, causing Craven's eyes to grow wide. With a gesture towards the whiteboard, Hicks said, "If I wanted you to keep your distance I would just give you a few more of these pictures."
"So… were getting close to the island?" Craven asked nervously.
"No. You're getting on the island."
Craven's eyes seemed to somehow open even wider, though, to be far, so did Nick and the other members of HEAT.
"Wait," Monique said, "how is this going to work? We can't just sail right up to the island. Godzilla will destroy us the moment he senses we are approaching."
"You will be escorted by the American navy," Hicks replied.
"Right," Elsie muttered sarcastically. "I definitely remember the navy being very effective at New York Harbor."
Hicks rolled his eyes. "You will be escorted until you're a few miles from the island, far enough that Godzilla won't be able to detect us."
"Hopefully," Elsie quipped.
"Then," Hicks continued, "in the middle of the night, when Godzilla is asleep, you will make the rest of the way on your little specialized fishing boat."
"You mean the Heat-Seeker," Randy corrected, "and she ain't a fishing boat. She's the pride and joy of HEAT!"
"I think our definitions of 'pride' differ slightly," Elsie said as she glanced at Randy.
"As long as that ship of yours can get you to the island and quietly, I don't care," Hicks said dismissively.
However, the talk about the Heat-Seeker, the research ship they used to investigate mutant sightings, reminded Nick of a slight problem. "But Major," he said, "the Heat-Seeker is docked at our headquarters near Manhattan. It's going to take at least a week before it gets here."
Despite the issue, Hicks didn't seem all that concerned. "Yes, but you don't have to worry about that. When you guys came down here to deal with Kumonga, I had a few men get a hold of your ship. It's being transported here as we speak. It should arrive in San Francisco within a few days."
"It would only take Godzilla a few hours to reach Honolulu," Roache pointed out.
Hicks sighed as if he had just been thinking the same thing. "I know," he said, "but until that happens, we continue with this plan."
"And if this plan works?" Elsie asked. "If we get to the island safely and Godzilla fails to detect us? What are we going to do?"
"What you do best," Hicks said calmly. "Study him. Find a weakness that we can use to kill the son of a bitch."
"Shouldn't we have some soldiers with us? Someone to guard us?" Craven asked, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
Randy scoffed. "What? You scared Godzilla will eat us?"
Craven glared at the Hispanic hacker. "No, I'm scared that we'll get obliterated by his atomic breath."
"If a nuclear warhead can't kill Godzilla, guns won't even get his attention," Elsie said with a sigh.
"Yes," Craven conceded. However, he then turned and gave Nick a knowing look. "But we might need protection from the Zillas."
Nick sighed and looked down at the table. While the first mutant had appeared two years ago, it actually wasn't Godzilla. Instead, it was a creature that, while sharing similarities with the titan, was of a different species. Zilla - the first Zilla - had been a marine iguana mutated by the French nuclear test of the island Mehetia, the same nuclear test that had created Godzilla. This creature eventually fought Godzilla in downtown Manhattan but was the only combatant to survive his wrath. This wasn't due to an escape, though that certainly could have happened, it was because Godzilla and Zilla had joined forces against an alien creature called the Millennian.
Zilla had been killed in the battle, but she had not been the only one of her kind. Through parthenogenesis, Zilla had spawned a clutch of over two hundred eggs, laid inside of Madison Square Garden. Nick, as well as Roache, Audrey, and Victor, had been in the nest and had witnessed the birth of these baby Zillas. They had even been hunted by the animals, with Roache's team of secret service agents being killed by them. They had escaped the nest, of course, but the baby Zillas hadn't been so lucky. They, along with their nest, had been destroyed by the Millennian, which had been what united Zilla and Godzilla against it in the first place.
However, not all of them had died. Not only was there evidence to suggest that some Zillas had left the nest before its destruction, but Nick had also personally witnessed Godzilla take six of Zilla's children with him when he returned to the sea. But, of these six young Zillas, only one, in particular, was on Nick's mind.
Junior.
A thousand miles Southwest of Honolulu
In the depths of the jungle, a predator was on the hunt. It was only an adolescent, but it was still quite large. At a glance, it looked like a snake that had grown itself a pair of muscular arms. It was with these arms, as well as with its powerful, snake-like tail, that the creature was able to hold its weight up, and could move at a surprising speed. The claws were long, sharp, and tough, perfect for tunneling into solid rock. The head itself was long and pointed, its mouth full of wicked sharp teeth and a long, prehensile tongue. Hardened skin covered the majority of its head, leaving only behind the eye and each nostril exposed. While the rest of the skin was black, except for a few white spines trailing down its back, this hardened skin was white, almost like bone. At a glance, it could even be mistaken for the creature's own skull, protruding from its head as if it were a monster from hell itself.
However, unbeknownst to this creature, the hunter was also the hunted.
Suddenly, from behind, another, far larger creature, lunged forward. The hunter landed onto the smaller creature's back, pushing it into the dirt with a startled screech. But before the creature could screech anymore, or even struggle against its attacker, the hunter quickly slashed the exposed back of the creature's neck with its two powerful, dinosaurian claws. The creature's spine was severed almost instantly, rendering it immobile. The creature was utterly defenseless as the hunter bent down, gripping its prey's head with its large, powerful jaws. With a quick, violent twist, the job was finished, leaving the creature dead in the dirt.
The hunter, with his theropod form and rows of large, triangular dorsal spines, stood over its fallen prey, staring down at it with his blue eyes.
Perilous slowly dragged the dead creature through the jungle, making his way to the lake bit by bit. This had definitely been one of his better hunts. This was possibly the largest Skullcrawler he's ever caught, easily half his size! And to think that, only twelve moons earlier, the roles had been reversed. Perilous and his kind had to stay within the lake or near their father unless they wanted to end up like this very Skullcrawler. But now, even Perilous, the smallest of his pack could hunt and kill a creature such as this without much hassle.
Perilous stopped in the middle of a clearing, dropping the head of the Skullcrawler to turn around, trying to judge the remaining distance before he reached the lake. Maybe father will be impressed, Perilous thought to himself. Maybe even my brothers and sisters will be impressed.
Hopefully…
As if summoned by his thoughts, a roar echoed across the jungle, forcing birds to flee their nests and fly in the opposite direction. Perilous quickly recognized the sound, for he had heard it several times before. It was not a call from a Skullcrawler, nor was it from his brothers or sisters. In fact, it wasn't a call at all.
It was a summoning, and it was from his father.
10 miles South of Albuquerque, New Mexico
While Nick had been running from baby Zillas with Roache, Audrey, and Victor, they had found themselves in an elevator. They naturally took this elevator, since it was their only escape from the horde of hungry animals. However, it soon turned out that the elevator provided more than just an escape. It was what brought Nick to discover a single Zilla egg, isolated from the rest of its siblings, and still having yet to be born.
Nick, motivated by his instinct for discovery, investigated the egg, only for it to hatch as soon as he got to it. Nick was splashed with embryonic fluid and found himself cornered by the newly born animal. However, the embryonic fluid turned out to be as much of a savior as it was a horrible stench. In fact, it was this very stench that saved him. Like little ducklings in old children's stories, the baby Zilla, despite both the gender and species differential, had mistaken Nick for his mother and had grown attached to him.
Nick had grown to become attached to the little guy as well, referring to him as Junior and bringing him along as they made their way out of the nest and through the war-torn streets of Manhattan. Junior had even saved them a couple of times, once from his hungry siblings and once from even Godzilla himself.
But Nick couldn't have kept Junior by his side forever. The military or CCI would probably have discovered Junior eventually, and Nick knew that the tests they would conduct on the young Zilla would not be the most ethical. Even if they were, life in containment would not be a good life for Junior. But releasing him into the wild wouldn't be much better. In a world dominated by humans, it was all too likely that Junior would be killed by someone trying to defend themselves or their property. Even if Junior grew to a large size, that would only make him easier to spot, and an easier target for the military.
There was a chance that Junior would find his way to the sea. After all, Nick knew that there were several Zillas that had left the nest before its destruction, Zillas who never went with Godzilla. Zillas that, as of now, haven't been found dead. But even so, Nick knew that Junior's best bet was with Godzilla, not with humanity or living in a human world. So, Nick had reluctantly sent Junior away to live with Godzilla, and he never saw him again.
But, it seemed that Nick might just see Junior again after all. They were going to Godzilla's secret home, where it was likely Junior would be living as well. Nick wondered how much the young Zilla had grown. How he had adapted to living on an isolated island with Godzilla and five other Zillas. Nick even wondered if Junior would remember him if they ever came into contact.
As these thoughts ran through Nick's head, Elsie said, "Tanks and artillery may be able to hurt Zillas but machine guns won't. Unless there happens to be a band of savage humans on that island, machine guns won't be of much use."
"Machine guns, yes," Craven said, "but what about rocket launchers."
"They might work against the Zillas," Monique said, "but they definitely won't work on Godzilla."
"Even so," Hicks interjected, "I'm sending a few soldiers to go with you anyway. They might not be much use against Godzilla, but the more hands, the better."
Elsie shrugged but remained silent.
"Anyway," Hicks continued, "we already have some equipment being shipped over with your vessel, though you can bring whatever you want and ask for whatever you want as long as it's feasible. Until then, you will remain in Albuquerque. You will be given some rooms at a hotel there to stay at until your ship arrives in San Francisco. Any questions?"
"Will we get to study the big-ass spider?" Elsie quipped.
"While you're here, you can if you want," Hicks conceded. "But remember," he said sternly, "none of this leaves this tent onto you safely onboard your ship and en route to the island. Understand?"
The group nodded and muttered their understanding. When the room quieted down, Randy asked. "How long are we going to be on the island? I like tropical vacations as much as the next guy, but my kind of getaway doesn't usually involve giant monsters."
"You will be there for as long as you like," Hicks replied simply. "You will have a radio with you on the island so you can keep in contact with us. In that way, if you make an important discovery, or if Godzilla is hunting you down…" Craven's face paled slightly at that, "...you can call us in for evacuation."
"And if the radio is destroyed?" Monique asked.
"The radio has a beacon that is active day and night," Hicks explained. "It can not be turned off manually. Only if the radio is destroyed can that beacon turn off, and if that happens, we send in the troops."
After a moment of silence, when no more questions were asked, Hicks said, "If that's all, you are dismissed. You will be alerted when it's time to leave for San Francisco. Until then, you can hang out in the hotel, explore the city, or study Mr. Longlegs. But whatever you do, do not speak of this conversation to anyone but the people in this room. Alright?"
Everyone in the tent gave small, silent nods of agreement. Satisfied, Hicks gave a nod of his own, and said, "You're all dismissed."
With that, everyone began to leave, exiting through the tent flap and stepping out into the bright, desert sun. Nick, however, remained seated, his mind deep in contemplation.
Hicks, meanwhile, walked up to the table, leaning over to turn off the projector. The hum of the machine was silenced, and the image it projected vanished. Looking over at Nick, Hicks then said, "Nick? Something wrong?"
Nick got up from his seat and turned to face him. Something was indeed on his mind, an itch at the back of his brain that was giving him troubles. Giving Hicks a concerned look, Nick said, "Major, if a battle does occur on that island, will the Zillas be targeted as well?"
Hicks sighed, shaking his head as he understood the root of Nick's concern. "Godzilla is the main target, but if the Zillas are threatening you guys, they won't be exempt from our attack. Your little pet is no exception."
"But -" Nick protested before being cut off by the Major.
"Look, you can study him all you like, but it's been two years since you last saw him, and you two are completely different species. It probably won't even recognize you. Hell, it will probably try to eat you." Hicks gave Nick a stern look. "And if he does try that - if any of them are a threat to anyone's safety - they will be attacked. No exceptions."
Nick sighed. "Hicks," he said, "I can't speak for his siblings, but Junior won't be a threat to us. He could have fled when the Millennian destroyed the nest, but he didn't. While his mother was fighting, Junior came to us. Came to me. I don't doubt that he's realized that I am not his parent. He realized that as soon as he met his true mother. But Junior still came back for me. I had to force him to leave when Godzilla adopted him. If that's not loyalty I don't know what is."
"Nick," Hicks said, "that was two years ago. Even if he was loyal to you then, he is most likely loyal to Godzilla now." However, under Nick's determined gaze, the Major released another sigh. "But fine. Godzilla is the main target, and I don't think we could spare any forces even if we wanted to. Junior will be left alone."
"Thank you," Nick said gratefully.
"Just remember this," Hicks continued warningly, "my job is to protect innocent lives, whether it be yours or some civilian in LA. I'm not going to let some overgrown lizard get in the way of that just because you're attached to it."
"Fine," Nick said with a nod.
Hicks turned around, scooping the projector up in his arms. "Have a good day, Dr. Tatopoulos."
"Have a good day, Major Hicks," Nick replied. With that, Nick turned around and left the tent through the entrance flap.
A thousand miles Southwest of Honolulu
Perilous dragged the dead Skullcrawler through the jungle as quickly as he could, though this wasn't exactly very fast. He didn't want to be late for whatever Gigantis (the name of his father) wanted to tell them about, but he didn't want to leave a perfectly good meal behind either. In fact, Perilous would rather be late than leaving such a prize behind to be devoured by scavengers. It was far more likely to bring Perilous praise than simply being on time. But even so, limiting his lateness definitely couldn't hurt, especially when considering his relationship with Gigantis.
Gigantis wasn't actually Perilous's true father. They shared a few similarities, such as the rows of spines extending from their backs, but they did not share any blood. They had only come to know each other twelve moons ago when Gigantis had adopted Perilous and his five siblings from their dying mother. Later, when Gigantis had brought them to an island smaller than this one, he had promised to protect them, raise them, and care for them as if they were his own younglings.
Twelve moons later, this promise had mostly been upheld. Gigantis named them, raised them, he certainly protected them, and as for Perilous's five other siblings, Gigantis cared for them as well. But as for Perilous himself, things were slightly different on that last front. That's not to say that Gigantis hadn't cared for him, in the broadest sense. But when compared to his other siblings, Perilous felt a little left out.
Gigantis always seemed to give Perilous's siblings more attention, praising them for successful hunts while only acknowledging Perilous's own. Always seeming to enjoy conversations with the siblings while being subdued or stern in conversations with Perilous alone. Always looking upon them with pride or affection while only looking upon Perilous without any emotion at all.
Unfortunately, this behavior had also passed onto Perilous's siblings as well. They always seemed to stick with each other, playing with each other, exploring with each other, generally having a great time. But when Perilous tried to join in on the fun, they always seemed to become more subdued. They wouldn't exclude him, and they would still go on adventures together, but they would mostly just awkwardly acknowledge Perilous's presence and whatever he said while having fun with each other.
It was quite annoying for Perilous, having been raised along with his siblings by the same parent, and yet feeling so distant from them. Unable to connect with them as they had with each other. Every day, Perilous tried his hardest to feel more like he was a part of the pack, going on as many adventures as he could and hunting for the largest prey. But try as he may, Gigantis and Perilous's siblings have yet to treat Perilous like one of their own.
And Perilous knew exactly why.
Perilous's thoughts were suddenly interrupted when a bunch of trees began to tremor off to his right. Perilous dropped the dead Skullcrawler, turning to face the commotion. The stench of his prey filled Perilous's snout, preventing him to clearly identify what was approaching him. Fortunately, he didn't need to. The cause of the disturbance quickly revealed itself, stepping through the bunch of trees and into Perilous's view. Perilous recognized him quickly.
It was Boulder, Perilous's brother.
Of the six of them, Boulder was the oldest and the largest, standing about a head taller than Perilous himself. He looked at Perilous with reddish-orange eyes, his gaze calm and impassive.
Perilous, standing over his prize, greeted his brother with a nod and a grunt. "Hello, Boulder."
Boulder replied with a small huff. "Hey, Perilous." He then glanced down at the dead Skullcrawler sprawled at Perilous's feet. Perilous looked expectantly at his brother, awaiting his response to the catch. Of his siblings, Boulder had always been the most sympathetic towards Perilous. If any of them were to praise Perilous for this catch, it would be him.
However, all his brother said was, "Nice catch."
"Thanks," Perilous said softly, disappointed by the lackluster acknowledgment. He glanced down at the dead Skullcrawler, wondering how such an impressive prize would receive such little praise.
Of course you know how, Perilous thought to himself begrudgingly. You should have expected this.
"Gigantis is back," Boulder continued. "He's called a meeting."
"I heard," Perilous said, "I was on my way back with this."
Boulder glanced down at the dead creature again, before saying, "I'll help you bring it back. It wouldn't be good to waste it."
Perilous grunted his thanks as he bent down to grab the head of the Skullcrawler. Boulder came up beside him, leaning down to grab the creature's muscular arm. Together they began to drag the carcass through the jungle, its scent filling their nostrils, a trail of blood following in their wake. As they did so, Perilous once more considered his relationship with his brother. Boulder had certainly offered a bit of praise for the catch, but Perilous had been hoping for something more. Maybe just a little more praise or perhaps a few questions about how he caught it. Perilous knew that whenever Boulder or one of the others caught something big, his siblings would celebrate the victory, giving high praise for the catch and clamoring for a story.
All Perilous had gotten so far was an acknowledgment.
To be fair, Boulder was more subdued when compared to some of the others. He had always been the strong, silent, mature type, watching over his siblings when Gigantis was away. Based on past catches made by his siblings, this was just his way of giving praise. But, even so, Perilous guessed that his siblings would have a similar reaction.
Maybe he should have fought the Skullcrawler. Alerting it to his presence instead of just pouncing on it. That way, Perilous may have a compelling story for his siblings to hear. Maybe one that would, at the very least, make them more appreciative of him. Maybe Perilous could have gotten a few scars to show them. Maybe then they would have been impressed.
But it didn't matter now. The Skullcrawler was dead and Perilous wasn't about to claw himself and make up a story, especially when Boulder would know the truth. Instead, Perilous would just have to hope that this would be enough to feel included in the group, no matter how unlikely.
Eventually, after a few, silent moments, Perilous and Boulder finally pushed out of the jungle and out onto the small, grassy plain that sloped down to their home: a large, shimmering lake. Perilous felt his body become wrapped in the comforting warmth of the star as it rose higher and higher in the sky. This was his home. This is where Perilous had spent almost his entire life, where he had been grown and raised over the past twelve moons.
And yet, why did it feel like he didn't belong?
Perilous quickly spotted his adoptive father, standing to the left of the lake. Gigantis had always towered over them. Even now, when they were over twice the size of a Skullcrawler like the one he held in his clutches, he seemed so much larger. The other siblings, who were waiting with Gigantis, seemed so much smaller than him, and they were all larger than Perilous himself. As Perilous and Boulder approached their siblings, dragging the dead Skullcrawler along, Perilous could easily identify who was who.
There was Tempest, the second oldest of the group, who was standing beside Gigantis, head held up high as she watched Perilous and Boulder approach with marine green eyes. Then there was Valiant, who was curled up a few tail lengths behind them, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Though her eyes were closed, Perilous knew that they were emerald green. Shadow sat a few tail lengths to the right of Tempest, looking up at the sky with his reddish-orange eyes, deep in thought. Finally, there was Serenity, the youngest of the five (though still older and slightly larger than Perilous himself). She sat at the very edge of the lake, watching the water ripple and gleam in the sunlight with her own reddish-orange eyes.
Being siblings, they all looked similar to each other. They all had dark-colored scales with a lighter-colored chest and underbelly. They all had three rows of triangular back spines ranging in size trailing down from the back of their head to the tip of their tail. They all had long, muscular arms, long, powerful legs, and long, whip-like tails. However, they each varied slightly in color. Boulder had brown scales, a light grey chest, and stone-colored back spines. Tempest had deep blue scales with a bluish-grey chest and almost sky blue back spines. Valiant's scales were forest green, with a greyish-green chest and fern green back spines. Shadow's scales were midnight black, with both his chest and his back spines being colored grey. Finally, Serenity had scales the color of dark brown sand with her chest colored tan and her back spines colored similarly to Boulder's own.
Perilous, from seeing his reflection in the lake, knew that he had dark grey scales and a lighter grey chest, with his back spines being teal. He also knew that, when they were born, his siblings looked a lot more like him in color. But as they grew older, their current colors began to fade in. For Perilous, however, his scales had remained pretty much the same. The only trait Perilous had that was unique amongst his siblings, besides being the smallest and youngest, was his azure blue eyes.
Gigantis, however, was the most unique of them all. After all, not only was Gigantis not their true father, but he wasn't even the same creature. Perilous and his siblings would not have learned Gigantis's language if it weren't for the two dozen months they spent being raised by him. They shared a few physical characteristics, some beyond fundamentals such as heads, legs, and tails. However, there were still plenty of differences. Gigantis stood far more upright than Perilous or his siblings, and his legs, arms, and tail were thicker. His scales were green, his back spines were sharp, jagged, almost leaf-shaped, and tinged purple. His eyes always seemed to glow fiery orange. But most of all, there was Gigantis's most destructive weapon: his fire beam. Gigantis had the ability to release a ray of fire from his jaws, which could be used to set aflame to anything in the beam's path. Perilous had only seen it a few times before, but he was well aware of its destructive power, and Perilous was well aware that it was an ability that he and his siblings were without.
As Perilous and Boulder approached, the others quickly turned their attention to them, as well as the carcass they brought with them. When Serenity took notice of the dead Skullcrawler, she got up from her spot beside the lake and rushed over to greet them. The others, quickly taking notice of their arrival and of the catch they brought, followed suit.
"Wow, what a nice catch!" Serenity greeted enthusiastically.
"It is impressive," Shadow agreed, walking up beside her.
Tempest huffed. "Sure, but I've caught bigger," she boasted.
Valiant, who was the last to join them, scoffed at Tempest's claim. "Oh really? Well, why don't you tell us about this catch of yours? My memory's a little fuzzy so I can't remember you catching anything larger than your own head."
"My head is QUITE large, thank you very much," Tempest retorted with a huff.
"You don't have to tell me twice."
Tempest flicked Valiant with her tail, though she probably would have tackled her sister if Gigantis weren't standing right behind them. Even so, Perilous felt warmth fill his chest as he watched his siblings admire his kill. Maybe, with this catch, Perilous had finally gained some appreciation from his siblings. In fact, perhaps even Gigantis was proud of Perilous for his prize.
Hope fluttering in his chest, Perilous dropped the carcass and looked up at Gigantis, searching his eyes for any sort of pride. To his delight, Perilous thought he saw a twinkle of it in Gigantis's fiery orange gaze. However, that delight quickly faded when Perilous realized that Gigantis wasn't actually looking at him. In fact, he seemed to be looking at…
"Where'd you catch it, Boulder?" Shadow asked.
The warmth in Perilous's chest turned cold almost instantly. His siblings didn't think Perilous made the kill. That pride in Gigantis's eyes wasn't directed at him. Of course it wasn't. Perilous should have known that a large catch wouldn't be enough to get the appreciation or respect that he wanted. Not after what he had done nineteen moons ago. Not with who he had sided with.
Perilous glanced at Boulder, turning to find that he was looking awkwardly at him. Perilous briefly wondered if Boulder was going to lie, and claim that he had made the kill. It's not like Perilous could prove that it was his kill. It would be his word against Boulder's and Perilous could already guess how that would turn out.
However, to his surprise, when Boulder returned his gaze to the rest of their siblings, he said, "Actually, it's Perilous's catch. I found him dragging it back with him."
Perilous quickly looked back to his siblings, a shred of hope that they would be as enthusiastic for the catch as if it were truly Boulder's own. However, this hope was quickly and swiftly crushed when all Shadow said was, "Oh…"
There was a moment, a brief but terrible moment, when nothing was said and everyone was silent. There was no praise. No celebration. Shadow didn't ask for the location of the kill. Serenity didn't ask for the story of it. Tempest didn't boast of her own catches and Valiant didn't give her a sarcastic response. Perilous looked back up at Gigantis, hoping for just a shred of pride. However, while Gigantis was looking at him, it wasn't with pride. In fact, Gigantis seemed almost wary.
"You can eat it later," Gigantis then said, ending the short but terrible silence. "Right now I need your attention."
Leaving the Skullcrawler dead on the ground, Perilous and his siblings quickly turned their attention to their adoptive father, sitting down in an arc before him. Perilous sat at the left edge of this arc, slightly separated from the others, wishing that he had gotten just a little more appreciation for his catch.
"Okay," Gigantis said when everyone had settled down, "I feel that you have grown old enough to take care of yourselves. You are all at least half your mother's size and -" he glanced at the dead carcass just behind them "- you can clearly defend yourselves. So, I have decided that it would be safe to leave you by yourselves once more."
"You're going away?" Shadow asked nervously.
"I'll be back," Gigantis said assuringly. "I've come back before, haven't I?"
"I guess…" Shadow said doubtfully. It was then when Perilous realized what Shadow's concerns were. Gigantis had indeed left them by themselves a few times before, but Shadow seemed to understand the purpose of this trip in particular and was consequently worried for his adoptive father. Perilous, coming to the same realization, looked down at his claws, preparing for the conversation that was to come.
Sure enough, Tempest perked up with understanding and said, "You're going to fight the noclaws, aren't you?"
Gigantis nodded. "Yes. Yes I am."
Perilous felt the eyes of both his siblings and Gigantis suddenly land on him. He felt himself instinctively making himself smaller in an attempt to hide from the stares, but he knew doing so was useless. There was nothing Perilous could do to hide from the shame of his actions from nineteen moons ago.
Perilous's birth was far different from those of his siblings. He was the runt, the smallest of his kind. It wasn't by much - Serenity was only a bit taller - and it wasn't his size that was being shamed. It also wasn't the fact that Perilous's egg had somehow found itself isolated, laid separated from all of the others. However, these peculiarities in his birth would unintentionally lead to the actions that had made Perilous so isolated from his siblings.
When Perilous had hatched, he had been greeted with the sight of two strange, little creatures. They did not have scales, claws, or tails. They stood upright, even more so than Gigantis, but they did not have the back spines he or his siblings shared. They were two-legged, pink creatures with some fur on their heads and a collection of strange fur that could be detached from their bodies.
These, as Perilous would eventually learn, were noclaws.
While Perilous and his siblings were raised on the island, Gigantis told them many horrific stories about the noclaws. How they polluted the world with their strange structures and foul-smelling creations, how they destroyed anything that dared defy them, or that simply got in their way. Gigantis had told, many times over, the story of how the noclaws had destroyed his former home, murdered his parents, and transformed him into the monster he was today.
Perilous's siblings had believed every word Gigantis had said about the noclaws. Perilous couldn't really blame them, since the only prior interaction with the noclaws had been when they tried to eat the noclaws for food. But Perilous had his doubts. When he encountered the noclaws, he hadn't seen them as food, or as some terrible enemy. In fact, he had seen them as family.
When the two noclaws had spotted him, one had run away, presumably to call the other noclaws that were with them. The other though, a noclaw with brown head-fur and covered in a strange, yellowish goo, had stayed. Perilous had, of course, been curious as to what the creature was, so he had moved closer to investigate. When Perilous had smelled the goo that stuck to the noclaw's strange furs, he instinctively interpreted the odor like that of his mother's, and he had mistaken the noclaw as such.
Of course, it was easy to see now that the noclaw wasn't his true mother. Perilous should have seen this instantly, considering how different they were from each other. But while the noclaw wasn't Perilous's true parent, it had treated him kindly all the same. The noclaw hadn't tortured him or killed him like Gigantis said they would. They hadn't shown signs of hating him. The noclaw had cared for him. It, as well as its companions, had been kind and respectful. The noclaws, instead of being the hateful, destructive monsters Gigantis would depict them as, had been compassionate towards Perilous, and Perilous returned their compassion in kind.
But, of course, this hadn't been a secret. There were two instances in which Perilous had come to the defense of the noclaw and its companions: once against his hungry siblings, and once against his vengeful adoptive father. Perilous hadn't known it at the time, but in doing so he had, in their eyes, chosen a side. The enemy side. They didn't consider that Perilous had just been born at the time, and they certainly didn't consider that maybe the noclaw and its companions hadn't done anything wrong. All they saw was that Perilous had defended the enemy, and that was enough to make Perilous a traitor in their eyes. An untrustworthy, traitorous runt, making Perilous an outcast amongst his own siblings, and his own family.
Sometimes, Perilous would wonder that, if he hadn't come to their defense, perhaps he would be accepted amongst his siblings. Maybe Gigantis would look upon Perilous with the same pride he gave to his siblings instead of looking upon him with caution and distrust. Maybe, if he had let the noclaws get killed by his siblings or by Gigantis, Perilous would feel as though he belonged.
But then Perilous would remember the care and compassion the noclaw and its companions had given him. How they hadn't tortured him or killed him. In fact, if the noclaws had just left him down in the nest, Perilous might have been killed when the nest was destroyed. In a way, by taking him with them, the noclaws had saved Perilous's life. The only resentment he felt towards the noclaw was for when it had forced him to leave with Gigantis and Perilous's siblings, and that was because they had made an outcast of him.
But maybe, a small thought at the back Perilous's head muttered, if you were to go with Gigantis on his attack, maybe he would forgive you for defending them. Maybe he would give you the respect that you want. Maybe he would be proud of you.
Coincidentally, at that same moment, Tempest said, "Can I come with you? Please?"
Gigantis gave her a pleased but stern look. "I'm glad you want to join me but no. You may be large enough to take on young Skullcrawlers but you are far from ready to fight the noclaws."
"Come on," Tempest asked, "You could do a lot more damage to them with us to help you."
"With you, you mean," Valiant muttered.
Ignoring her, Tempest continued, "I'm tired of this island. I want to see more of the world. Just take me to one noclaw community. That's all I ask."
Gigantis hesitated, glancing up at the sky with… was that sadness in his eyes? Whatever it was, it disappeared when Gigantis returned his gaze to Tempest. "I'm sorry. I promise I will show you more of the world one day. All of you." Gigantis looked at each of them, one by one, though he only seemed to glance at Perilous. "But, you're still too young. The noclaws are very dangerous. I will take you when you're older, but for now, remember what I always tell you."
"Stay hidden. Stay safe," Tempest said with an annoyed sigh.
"Good," Gigantis said with approval. "I do not want any noclaws anywhere near this island. Do not draw their attention." He then glanced over at Boulder and said, "As usual, Boulder's in charge."
"How long will you be away?" Serenity asked.
Gigantis hesitated for a moment, considering the question, before replying honestly, "I don't know." Gigantis gave Serenity a serious, determined look. "But I will return. I promise." Gigantis widening his gaze to the rest of the group, then said, "Take care of each other. You can leave the island for food, but don't do it alone and don't go beyond sight of it. Most of all, don't let the noclaws find you. Stay hidden. Stay safe. Understand?" When Perilous and his siblings confirmed their understanding with a few short nods, Gigantis said, "Then this is goodbye."
With that, Gigantis turned and began to head away from the lake, marching up the slope of a mountainous ridge. Perilous and his siblings watched in silence as Gigantis got further and further away from them until he finally reached the top of the ridge and disappeared down the other side.
When Gigantis had gone, Boulder glanced back at the dead Skullcrawler and said, "Well, let's eat." The others gave small nods in agreement, and the five of them walked over to the carcass before settling down to eat.
Perilous, however, stayed, watching where Gigantis had disappeared. His mind was still churning, trying to decide on what to do. Perilous didn't believe that all noclaws were bad. Maybe some out there were as bad as Gigantis said, but Perilous doubted that all of them were. The noclaw that had cared for him was proof of that. Perilous didn't like the idea of attacking and killing innocent noclaws that had no part in the murder of Gigantis's parents, especially when they could be as kind as the noclaw Perilous had befriended.
However, Perilous's desire for acceptance and inclusion from his siblings and Gigantis had a strong presence in his mind. Perilous often imagined himself in a different, better world. A world in which he was an active and welcomed participant in his siblings' conversations and adventures, instead of having to force himself into them. A world in which his siblings and Gigantis celebrated and even took pride in Perilous's successes while supporting and helping him through his failures.
A world in which they were simply glad to see him.
Perilous believed he could make this world a reality, but not while his siblings and Gigantis viewed him as being sympathetic towards their enemy. Perilous had to dispel this view, and killing Skullcrawlers wasn't going to do it. Perilous would need to join Gigantis in his attack on the noclaws. He would need to abandon his sympathy for them, and join Gigantis in the senseless destruction of their nests and their lives.
Maybe then Gigantis would care for him as he did for his siblings.
Trying his best to push away any hesitation or thoughts of remorse, Perilous got up and ran in the direction of Gigantis.
Gigantis marched towards the open water gleaming ahead of him, the island's trees brushing against his legs and snapping beneath the weight of his feet. His mind was, of course, full of thoughts on his family. Learning to raise the young ones had been tough, especially since, in a way, he was one himself. Physically, Gigantis knew had grown into an adult. He wasn't sure exactly how long he had been unconscious after his painful transformation, but he hadn't grown much, if at all, over the past nineteen moons. Maybe he couldn't grow at all, forever stuck in this body at this size. Either way, while Gigantis was large in body, he was still young in mind. Much of his innocence had been destroyed by the apocalypse, but Gigantis had little knowledge of the world. He hadn't even known how to hunt, let alone how to parent.
There were certainly plenty of rough patches, plenty of fights to break up, and plenty of punishments to deal out. Gigantis often wondered if he would ever get the handle on parenting. After all, he had to take care of six young ones, each with their own behavior and temperaments, when his parents only had to take care of him. But if Gigantis had to do it all again, he would do so in a heartbeat.
There may have been plenty of rough patches, but there were plenty of good times as well, perhaps even more of them. Like when Gigantis took the young ones on an exploration of the island, or when he had taken them into the open water for the first time. Learning and teaching how to hunt was certainly no easy task, but Gigantis found himself fond of those lessons. Even those rough patches were worth remembering. All those arguments, all of those fights and punishments, Gigantis would remember them as well. He would go through them again if he had to. Because even though those times were bad, at least Gigantis had a family to share them with.
When the noclaws had murdered his parents, they had also murdered the only beings in Gigantis's life. When his family was killed, they were only replaced with loneliness. But when Gigantis came into the custody of the young ones, he suddenly found himself with a family again. A new family. A family that he could spend time with even despite his new, monstrous form. Now, nineteen moons later, the loneliness was long gone, and Gigantis would give his life for his young ones.
Even Perilous? A dark thought at the back of his mind muttered.
Gigantis considered the thought for a moment. Of the six young ones, Perilous was the one Gigantis was conflicted with. Gigantis cared for him, he truly did. He had defended him from Skullcrawlers before, and he would do so again if he had to. But would he die for him? A part of Gigantis desperately wanted him to say yes. Perilous was one of his adopted young ones after all. He was family. But another, darker part of him wasn't so sure.
Gigantis wanted to look upon Perilous like he was his young one, which he was, but every time Gigantis laid eyes upon the azure-eyed young one, he couldn't help but see him back in that large noclaw community, standing defiantly before him, head held high, a group of noclaws at his back. He had defended the noclaws from him, and from his siblings as well. But most of all, Gigantis would never forget how one noclaw, in particular, had treated Perilous. Not with anger or hatred. He hadn't hurt Perilous in any physical way. The noclaw had been gentle with him.
To this day, Gigantis was still taken aback by what had happened. Gigantis hadn't forced Perilous to come with him. It was the noclaw that had coerced Perilous into going, and it had done so in a seemingly kind and gentle manner. Of all the things Gigantis had seen, that was perhaps the most shocking.
Watching a noclaw be kind to a creature that was not of its kind was unbelievable. Noclaws were cruel, evil creatures with no regard for life and who destroyed anything that got in their way. They didn't care for creatures other than themselves. They certainly didn't give those creatures away when they could have kept them for themselves. Perhaps the noclaw was scared and had given Perilous away with the hopes of surviving the encounter, but then why did it seem so calm?
Either way, Gigantis couldn't disregard that Perilous cared for the noclaws. Even after explaining numerous times, both to Perilous alone and the whole group together, about the evil of the noclaws, Perilous still hadn't seemed convinced. He never fully agreed with Gigantis like the rest of his siblings, he never openly talked out against them. All Perilous ever did was nod and quietly but unconvincingly mumble his understanding. Gigantis cared for Perilous, and he wanted to view him the same way he viewed Perilous's siblings; as family. However, every time Gigantis saw Perilous, he couldn't help but wonder: if Perilous was ever given the choice, who would he choose? Would Perilous stay with Gigantis and his siblings, or would he return to the noclaws?
Gigantis had finally reached the beach and was only a few steps away from the surf when suddenly he heard his name be called out from somewhere behind him.
"Gigantis."
Gigantis turned around, and his eyes widened slightly in surprise when he spotted who had called his name. As though summoned by his thoughts, Perilous stood at the edge of the jungle, looking at Gigantis with a look of determination.
Gigantis couldn't help but feel his eyes narrow slightly, wondering as to why Perilous had followed him. "What is it, Perilous?" he asked with a slight hint of suspicion in his tone.
Perilous looked at him, his head held high, mirroring when he had defied Gigantis nineteen moons ago. Then, Perilous opened his jaws and said, "I want to come with you."
Gigantis was taken off guard by that response. He tilted his head and gave Perilous a surprised look. "Really? Why?"
Suddenly, Perilous lost his confidence and seemed more unsure. "I…" he said hesitantly, "I want to fight the noclaws."
Gigantis looked at him doubtfully. He had just been thinking about how Perilous cared for the noclaws, and how that had never seemed to be truly dispelled. So why would he want to fight the noclaws now?
Suspicion began to creep up on Gigantis's mind. There was no way Perilous could just suddenly change his opinion on the noclaws. Surely Gigantis would have seen some sort of sign of this change. But as Gigantis looked into Perilous's azure eyes, he could tell that he wasn't being entirely truthful. Perilous wanted to come with Gigantis, but it wasn't to help him destroy the noclaws.
Could it be that Perilous doesn't want to attack the noclaws, but to join them? Gigantis tried to dispel this thought, (surely Perilous could just leave in the middle of the night if he wanted to join the noclaws, right?) but even so, the thought stuck to the back of his mind, and Gigantis narrowed his eyes slightly in suspicion.
"No," Gigantis said, and Perilous dipped his head slightly in disappointment. This caused Gigantis to feel a pang of guilt, but he quickly shook it off. He couldn't let Perilous come into contact with the noclaws, no matter if they would welcome him or hurt him.
"The noclaws are very dangerous, Perilous," Gigantis continued. "Even Skullcrawlers aren't as bad as them. You must stay here."
Perilous looked back up at him, determination in his azure eyes. "Please, I want to come with you. I want to…" Perilous faltered again, "I want to fight the noclaws. I really do."
Gigantis looked at Perilous skeptically, knowing full well that he truly didn't. "No, Perilous," he said scornfully, "you are not to leave this island. You are to stay here with your siblings. I don't want you anywhere near the noclaws. Do you understand?"
Perilous sighed and nodded. "I understand."
Gigantis nodded, mostly satisfied (Gigantis still wasn't sure that Perilous wouldn't leave in the middle of the night, but he would just have to take his word for it), and said, "Good."
Gigantis began to turn away, but before he could, Perilous suddenly asked, "Are you happy?"
Gigantis looked back at Perilous with surprise. Was he really going to question his vendetta against the noclaws? "What?" he asked.
However, Gigantis was surprised even further when Perilous continued, "Are you happy that I asked? That I want to come with you?"
Gigantis thought about the question for a moment. When Tempest had asked to come with him, Gigantis had been genuinely happy. It was comforting to know that she supported him in his attacks on the noclaws. However, Tempest had always been the most outspoken against them. Perilous, however, was by far the least. Gigantis doubted that Perilous even wanted to attack the noclaws.
This thought prompted Gigantis to ask, "Do you? Do you really want to fight the noclaws with me?"
Perilous briefly hesitated, glancing away at the ground for a moment, but he then quickly returned his focus to Gigantis. "I don't want to fight the noclaws," he admitted, affirming Gigantis's suspicions. But before Gigantis could scorn him, Perilous said, "I want to go with you."
Gigantis felt a pang of guilt in his chest. Perhaps he had been too quick to distrust Perilous. He was far more hesitant to attack the noclaws, a belief that Gigantis wanted to dispel, but the noclaws didn't seem to matter to Perilous. Perhaps all he wanted was to spend some time with his father. After all, while Gigantis would make sure Perilous was safe, he spent more time alone with each of his siblings than with Perilous himself. Most of the time he did spend with Perilous alone was usually time spent lecturing to them about the noclaws and why they should be destroyed. Perhaps Gigantis should start spending more time with Perilous, just between the two of them. After all, despite being different in both nature and belief, he was still his young, and Gigantis should spend as much time with him as he does with the others.
But that would have to be after his attack on the noclaws. Gigantis had vowed to avenge his parents long ago, and he wasn't about to let the noclaws get away with their crime without punishment. Gigantis promised himself that he would spend more time with Perilous, but only after he got back.
"If you really want to go," Gigantis said with a sigh, "I will take you..." For a moment, excitement flashed in Perilous's eyes, but it quickly dulled when Gigantis continued, "... but only when you're older. If Tempest is too young to come with me, you are too. I promise to take you one day, but for now, stay on the island with your siblings where it's safe."
Perilous sighed and looked at the sandy beach, disappointment once more filling his gaze. "Fine…" he said quietly.
Gigantis looked at Perilous for a brief moment before, with a satisfied nod, he turned back to the open water and stepped into the surf. He could feel Perilous's gaze on him, but he didn't look back. Gigantis would spend more time with Perilous, and perhaps doing so may eventually sway him into at least disliking the noclaws. But that would have to happen later. This was far too important.
Having reached the appropriate depth, Gigantis dove beneath the surface and began swimming, calmly but quickly, towards his first target.
A/N - And that was chapter 3! Writing this chapter took a lot longer than originally anticipated, partly because of school and other personal matters, but mostly because of how cautious I was when writing this chapter. As you've just read, this chapter is very kaiju-centric, but not in the typical kind of way. This chapter focuses more on the characters and drama of the kaiju. This, especially when they "talk", I feel, becomes a very fine line between cringe and quality. I hope that I was able to achieve the latter, but if not, I would appreciate any suggestions on how to, at the very least, limit how much cheese covers those scenes in this chapter and future ones like them. However, removing these scenes entirely is not an option. Assuming you've read the first story, you know that a good portion of it was spent establishing the backstory and motivations of the kaiju. I feel that not doing so in this story would be inconsistent and a missed opportunity. I feel that there is a lot of opportunity for character drama and development in this story. Just because a lot of that drama and development is for the kaiju doesn't mean it shouldn't happen, especially when those kaiju are sentient. Unfortunately, this does mean that I will need the kaiju (or, specifically, Godzilla and the Zillas) to "talk." Don't worry, I won't be having any of the kaiju talk to any of the humans, at least not verbally. Godzilla has his own language, which he taught to the Zillas, and which is different from both human languages and those of other kaiju. The kaiju language is simply translated into English for the reader's comprehension of the story. Godzilla's language consists of growls, roars, huffs, grunts, and other dinosaurian noises, and I tried to portray the difference between human speech and kaiju speech by bolding the latter. Hopefully, I was able to keep the kaiju scenes from being cheesy or cringy, but again, if I failed, I would appreciate helpful criticism and suggestions. By the way, for clarification, Godzilla's name in kaiju scenes is Gigantis, and Zilla Jr's name is Perilous. Also, if you have any questions, send them to me in a PM and I'll try to answer them. But anyway, that's all for now, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and that you have a good day.