PART 2!
Strap yourselves in because this one is quite long (about 6000 words compared to my usual 3000)!
Hope you enjoy!
Ch6: Rodan Pt.2
A day had past since Mothra's talk with Rodan, and Godzilla hadn't been in the best of moods ever since she came back to their home. An awkward silence soon followed after her return, neither one wanting to admit to the other about their thoughts on what had happened. Even so, the King didn't have to ask her about what she had talked about with Rodan after he had left; he already knew the answer to that.
Now, in the early warmth of the morning, he was left all alone once again in the cave, resting on his underside with his head sat atop his great claws. After he had woken up, Mothra had gone off by herself to do… actually, she never really did tell him where she was going. She had left quite abruptly in the morning without much explanation, only promising to be back before nightfall. But the King didn't question it, she had every right and reason to do whatever.
However, on the verge of falling back asleep, his peaceful state was soon interrupted by the smell of fire and ash close by, as well as the loud beating of wings approaching the island. Growling in irratation, the King pushed himself off the cave floor and exited the cave, awaiting his 'guest'- a scowl already adorning his angered face.
Soon after, the familiar red-hot colour of fire had landed abruptly in front of him, and bowed respectful. The King was slightly confused as well as annoyed. Just ahead of him, bowed the Fire Demon, his body stern with fear as well as determination. There, swallowing down his fear and nervousness, Rodan mentally (and physically) prepared himself for what was to come- hoping for the best and expecting the worse.
"My King." The Fire Demon said once again, his voice a tiny bit stronger than what it had been yesterday.
Godzilla didn't say anything for a while, but instead stared down the Fire Demon with a burning intensity, the only audible noise within the silence that followed being the calm but irritated breathes of the King. He didn't need to be told why Rodan had come, or rather, who sent the pterosaur Titan to him and gave him enough courage to do so. Knowing she was responsible for this, and sighing gravely, the King finally answered back.
"For what reason have you come here?" Godzilla hadn't meant for it to come out as harsh at it did, if this was Mothra's way of trying to amend things between him and Rodan, then he'd do his best to honour her request. But he had ended up growling through that sentence as he spoke and noticed how Rodan braced himself thereafter.
Rodan hesitated for a moment, unsure if he could continue. Flying away and leaving seemed like such a good option, right now. But as the thought entered his mind, he quickly dismissed it entirely. He was done cowering. He was indebted, and promised to keep it.
Here goes nothing...
"I have come to repent for my past deeds as per the request of Mosura," Rodan spoke formally, making sure- like Mothra had- every word spoke was heard by the other, "And to reconcile with you, personally, my King."
Godzilla could sense his anger reaching his limit already, and scoffed, his eyes looming down on the other Titan. "No amount of repentance can make me ever forgive what you have done." The King said in a commanding voice, "I have no intension of taking back my words, Rodan."
Godzilla lumbered forth, and bared his teeth making Rodan shake with uneasiness. Had Mothra not told the King about his decision to finally gather the bravery he needed to reconcile with him? Was the King unaware of his intentions? Was this something he had to do entirely by himself? Had he known this, maybe he wouldn't have come here in the first place.
"You are a coward and you are a traitor." the King growled in a low tone, mirroring what he said yesterday. When he had said this the previous day, rage and hatred had sparked in every word. But today, his voice was slow and bore no such emotion. It- along with his golden eyes, were cold and unnerving- conveying factuality in his sentence.
"Rodan…" the King said in a cryptic tone, his eyes now flashing a harsh, blinding blue- the first time they had done in six months, "You. Are. Weak."
Godzilla, not wanting to repeat himself yet again- and not wanting to waste any more of his time- turned his great body away from the still Rodan. He had already started to walk away, and yet, as he did so, he caught on his breathe and found himself slightly shaking soon after. Ignoring both of these thing, Godzilla carried forward.
After that, the atmosphere was so still and silent, the only thing that could be heard were the winds that blew against the scales of the King and the Fire Demon's plated wings. And in that silence, the shaking of his body came to a halt, as Rodan clenched his beak and stiffened his wings. As he did so, his talons buried themselves into the sand and deeper into its warmth. But, these weren't the cause of his fear or sadness. No. Soon, Rodan broke the silence and spoke.
"You think I don't know that?"
His voice was firm and quiet, and bore no sign of hesitation despite being in the presence of the King. Shocked by his resilience, Godzilla turned back around and approached him, ready to let loose at his insubordination. But, by now, the brown colour on his body flared a bright red from the blazing fire that coursed throughout his entire body. With sharp eye's bringing about and complimenting his usual, fiery look, Rodan roared out at the King.
"Do you really think I haven't been telling that to myself for the past days that have gone by?!"
He didn't care if Godzilla would kill him at the end of all this. He had to say something now. He needed to say something now.
"I didn't come here for forgiveness," Rodan cried out, raising and extending his wings so that they shone brightly. And rising up against the King, his body as tall as it could be, "but I also didn't come here to be told what I already know!"
"I know I'm a coward and I know I'm a traitor!"
He thought if he kept telling himself he was these things, he would eventually accept them as part of him. But even now, those words stung his fiery heart.
"And I know, no matter how hard I try, no matter how much time has past, I'll always be weak and I'll always be afraid!"
By now, half a year's worth of distress anger and self-hatred was being let out. Lashed out at the King. And there was no way Rodan was going to let it be unheard.
"I'm not like you or Mosura! I'm afraid and I'm alone and I'm not as strong as you!"
His voice started to break at the harsh reality of his words.
"I failed you, I failed Mosura."
Tears had started to sting his eyes and evaporate from the fire he produced. It was extremely rare for Kaiju to get to the point of crying- especially for one like Rodan. No Kaiju was that emotional or sentimental beside from the Goddess.
But, somehow, it happened.
…
"I failed Anguirus."
Mentioning that name had made Godzilla catch on his breathe and clench his claws tighter. The shaking the mighty King had beforehand only increased in its severity- and furthered his anger at Rodan. But the air was still tense and silent between the two, both Titans having barely moved at all. And Rodan's exasperated state had started to fall down to one of despair.
He had failed them once...
"And now, I never have the chance to redeem my failure to him."
It was if the world itself had heard Rodan's words with how still and quiet it was. There had always been four of them. Never the three. Never the two. But four had fought by each others side in the Great Titan War as not only allies- but friends as well. But, like any war ever waged- not matter the time, no matter the species- there has and always will be death.
Godzilla had been left in a stunned silence, being unable to say anything during Rodan's surge of fervour. He had the power to end it all, right there. And yet, he allowed Rodan to continue despite not wanting to hear anything else he had to say. He had been left speechless. But, after the King had collected himself, his maw clenched and his teeth bared, ominous but soft snarls echoing within the air.
"You are not fit to say his name." Godzilla growled in a low tone, trying desperately to keep his composure and not unearth the painful memory he had with that Kaiju. His voice rumbled as he spoke, parts of it from his anger; parts of it not.
"Maybe so," Rodan replied, breathing heavily and staring at the ground. But, his intent gaze soon fell back onto the King as resolve fired-up his spirit, "but maybe not! Because, no matter what, you can't change the past, and the fact can't be changed that he was my- our friend!"
Rodan had expected for Godzilla to say something in response, and so kept his mouth shut. But the tensed up, resentful posture the King had became slumped and still- only raising when he took in a deep, sombre breathe. On the assumption the King was actually allowing him to continue, Rodan carried on.
"WhenHe first came, I really thought, all four of us- together- stood a chance against Him." Rodan, with a dismayed and irritated look, returned his gaze to the warm sand beneath him, shaking his head harshly, "How naive I was back then."
This time, Rodan stayed silent not because he was awaiting Godzilla's response, but because he didn't want to say his next sentence. It would open up deep and painful wounds- for both of them. Wounds that never truly healed themselves.
"After…" Rodan began, hesitating for a moment and breathing quicker than before, only to put away his pain and continue, "...after Anguirus died- was killed by Him, I lost all hope. I fell deeper into my fear. I ran away, despite knowing you both needed me more than ever before."
Godzilla began to walk closer to him, but made barely any sound- nor did Rodan care. They both felt the same way about Anguirus's death, and had always felt the same way ever since his death. Maybe, like Anguirus had done in the past, he would be able to stop him and Godzilla from bickering with each other. Rodan had hoped that, anyway.
"And after a millennia had past; after I finally realised that I could apologise for running away and abandoning you, He came right back." Rodan winced at the recent memory of The Golden One. If it hadn't been for him, this confrontation wouldn't have been as severe as it was now. Rodan always questioned and berated himself for allowing himself to be swayed to His kingship, "And I felt… scared. I felt my only option was to follow His strength and join His side so that I may have a chance of living."
"I was afraid and blinded by my fear. And that made me nearly kill her."
Rodan soon gave a soft smile thereafter, but it was one filled with great sadness and misery. He hated this. He hated that False King. And he hated himself most of all. "It would have been better for us all if I wasn't so scared when He came back." Rodan whispered, more to himself than to Godzilla, "Maybe, I could have continued to fight him and he would have killed me right then and there."
"At least then, you would know, how truly sorry I was."
He had finished. He ran out of words to say. In fact, the only thought that was going through his mind, was preparing himself for whenever Godzilla will kill him. Not only did he defy the King, but he made it worse by bringing up something so personal to the King.
"You abandoned us." the King finally said to Rodan, getting close to him and standing tall- compared to the Fire Demon that was now kneeling down on his knees, only supported by his great wings, "You disgraced Anguirus's faith in us and what he died for. You nearly killed her."
Godzilla was mere metres away from Rodan now, his face expressionless but his teeth exposed and clenched. Looming down towards the other Kaiju, the King raised his fierce claw high preparing to strike. Rodan, sensing this action, accepted it entirely and was prepared to finally atone for his sins. Then, the King's claw came down strong and menacing…
But no pain befell the Fire Demon- much to his surprise. When the King had brought his great claw down towards the Titan, it planted itself firmly atop Rodan's horned head with no contempt nor any intention to kill. With his eyes wide open in amazement, as well as his lower beak left hanging loosely, Rodan was left speechless.
"But, the past can never be changed, including my past with you." Looking up to the King, Rodan noticed how his eyes returned to its natural shade of gold, and was strewn with a sense of leadership and familiarity, "As well as the fact that you… were once my friend."
Moving his claw away from Rodan's head, Godzilla allowed his arms to fall by his side and backed away slowly. Anguirus had always done his best to stop the both of them from fighting in the past- it was hypothetical of the King do not honour Anguirus's name by at least attempting to do what he had done.
"Rodan…" the King said in a low and gruff tone, "Rise."
He knew Rodan was finished with his outburst. Now, it was his turn to speak.
Rodan, confident and at ease, did what the King had requested. But this content calmness wouldn't last. As surprising as when the King had rested his claw atop Rodan's head, Godzilla suddenly charged forward and swung his claw at full force at Rodan. Instinctively, Rodan flapped his wings as to avoid the strike and, as if on reflex, rose them high in a battle-stance once he had gotten far enough away. Shocked and slightly dazed, Rodan stared at the King unsure if Godzilla was trying to comfort him, or kill him.
Godzilla's claw had full intention to hit, and wasn't a blow that was holding back his entire strength. But it wasn't one with malicious or angered intent. It was one full of warrior pride as well as one that flourished with a determined fighting spirit.
"If you know you are so weak, why don't you drive yourself to get stronger?!"
Rodan caught on his breathe upon hearing the King's words, but didn't have enough time to comprehend them. Godzilla roared out ferociously, once again charging at Rodan at full speed and force, swinging his claws at the pterosaur Titan. And this time, when Rodan attempted to avoid the attack by flying to the side and behind the King, Godzilla used his powerful tail to land a striking blow behind him, causing Rodan to be pushed back and fall back onto the sand- letting out a shocked cry as he landed harshly on the beach.
"If you're that afraid, why not fight with us?!" Godzilla called out again, his resolve getting stronger and fiercer, "us that have known each other for so long, to better quell your fear- rather than against us!"
Not giving Rodan the time to recuperate himself, the King sprinted back to him, again swinging his fearsome tail at the Fire Demon. Unable to move out of the way this time, and unable to shield himself with his wings on time, Rodan took the blow at full strength against the side of his body and let out a pained cry.
"If you really considered me, Mosura and Anguirus your friends," the King exclaimed, his eyes never once being taken off the pterosaur Titan, "then why disgrace the faith we have with each other by hiding away all by yourself?!"
The blue glow on his dorsal plates became harsh once again, almost blinding Rodan with its strong intensity. And with the more blows the King landed on him, the angrier he got. Rodan wasn't fighting back. Why, the King asked himself, wasn't he fighting back? Was his spirit really that broken to just lay down and take it? The King, with furious intent, wouldn't stand for it.
As Rodan flapped his wings erratically to better balance and compose himself after the King's attack, Godzilla came close and clasped his rough claws onto the shoulder's of the Fire Demon. Bringing his head closer to Rodan's, the King put all his weight and strength onto him, causing Rodan to grit his beak and push back with all his might against the arms of the King as to not fall back down.
They stayed that way, neither one backing down nor holding back any of their strength as they tried to topple the other- all while they both growled and snarled at each other. "If…" Godzilla spoke in a grave tone, catching on his breathe and hesitating, "if Anguirus's sacrifice meant anything to you, why not honour his death by fighting for what he fought for?"
When it came to pure strength, the Fire Demon was no match for the King. With a great and loud roar that caused Rodan to flinch, Godzilla overpowered the pterosaur Titan and flung him downwards back onto the warm beach. Landing on his back, pained, exhausted and dazed, Rodan looked up to find the King's presence looming over him.
"To maintain the peace of this world," the King snarled, his breathing quickening from the fight and the memory, "So we can all live together peacefully within it!"
With a final push of his strength, Godzilla raised his foot from the ground and above Rodan. Closing his eyes and preparing himself for the impending doom, Rodan braced his body for the immense pain that would soon follow.
No matter how much time had passed, he could never beat Godzilla.
The King's foot came down strongly and loudly, signalling the end of their battle. But Rodan, surprised and gasping for air, found his body wasn't crushed underneath Godzilla's mighty foot. Instead, it had been planted just short of where Rodan was laying down. Even so, Rodan wasn't able to get back up, as Godzilla aggressively leant down near to the beaten Titan and came close to his head, retaining the harsh blue in his eyes.
"You can keep telling yourself that you are weak, and forever live in the shadow's of suffering and pitifulness," The King roared, his words echoing throughout the earth, "Or you can choose your own path; you can fight for yourself and for others, and find your own strength."
"No one can decide if you are truly weak. No one but himself can choose the path of getting stronger." Godzilla spoke with such Kingly authority, "It is up to you to make that decision and follow your own path. Not Him, not Anguirus, and not me!"
Afterwards, the King clasped his claw against Rodan's wings and harshly pulled him back up so he was no longer lying down. However, Rodan stilled laid down atop his knees on the sand, the King's commanding eye's making sure Rodan wouldn't avoid their gaze.
"So stop feeling sorry for yourself!" Godzilla commanded as his body tensed further, "If you came for pity or sympathy, then you might as well leave. As I have said, I have no intension of forgiving or forgetting what you have done."
Then, the King took a deep breathe and calmed his panting. The adrenaline and spark of fierceness had started to die down, but the seriousness in the tone of his voice was as strong as ever.
"But if you are content as how you are right now." The King spoke in a weighty and slow voice, "If you've only come to tell me your story- your apologies- then go back to isolating yourself once again, and disregard the faith and trust we once had with each other as if it all meant nothing…"
"…then that is something I truly can never forgive!"
Speechless and still, Rodan took the time to comprehend and absorb what had just happened. He actually had gotten a response from him. Yes, it may not have been a typical conversation, but the King had really made an effort to say something back. And- in Rodan's eyes- was a response with the intention to actually help him.
It was advice that a friend- a true friend- would have given.
I understand now.
"Then that's what I have to do."
Godzilla raised his head, unsure of what he had heard from Rodan, but he soon got his answer. Roaring fiercely, and allowing strong and bright flames to dance upon his wings, Rodan sprung back into action and flew a distance away from where the King had stood. There, like before, he raised his wings, tightened his body and prepared a fighting stance. But he wasn't preparing to be on the defensive anymore. With sharp eyes, Rodan prepared to attack- and it didn't surprise the King at all.
"If I haven't served penance enough." Rodan roared at the other end of the beach, "If I haven't earned your forgiveness yet. Then I will make it happen by fighting by your side forever more!"
Flapping his wings, Rodan made a mad dash towards the King (who had already prepared and readied a fighting stance of his own). Before Godzilla could strike at the incoming Titan, Rodan turned quickly and changed direction, only narrowly missing the King's sharp claws and causing him to slightly stumble and be pushed back. Godzilla may have had the strength advantage, but Rodan had speed and agility on his side. Not to mention, Rodan was all too familiar with the King's fighting style.
"I will get stronger!" Rodan called from above. Turning to face the sky, Godzilla could see Rodan's fiery wings extend to its fullest, keeping his posture strong and steady, "Stronger than Him; stronger than Anguirus."
Roaring an all too familiar, fired-up roar, Rodan plummeted downwards towards the King. And even at such a speed against the winds, the fire continued to blaze forth and scorch the air around him. Knowing what was to come, Godzilla took a step back and taunted his massive form. Both Titan's eyes were set on the other, not backing down.
And with a resonating clash that caused a shock wave to disperse through the air, Rodan collided with Godzilla, causing a stream of fire and flame to disperse from the impact. Once the dust and ash had all cleared, there the King and the Fire Demon stood, with Godzilla's claws clasping and tightening against Rodan's with unparalleled strength. And Rodan's beak beginning to form a smile as fire welled inside of him, pushing back against Godzilla's power.
"And stronger than you." Rodan finished, struggling against the might of the King.
About time…
"Good." The King huffed with a stern look and rumbling at the back of his throat, still clenching his claws against Rodan's, "See to it you keep to those words."
Both sighing exhaustedly, the King pushed Rodan off of him and harshly let go of his claws. Both were giving audible pants as they realised their bout was finally over. It had been a millennia since they had fought each other. But it was never a battle quite like this had been. There, Rodan was finally able to raise himself in the face of the King, and no longer felt the need to bow back down. Even he could tell that Godzilla had found their fight to be oddly nostalgic.
"I never knew you were able to deliver such a heartfelt speech, my King." Rodan said with a smile after a while of silence. And, as he said this, Rodan couldn't help but be reminded of Mothra's words.
After all, you are his best friend.
Godzilla had already begun to walk back to the cave and was more than ready to fall back asleep. But as he passed Rodan, he stopped by his side and swallowed the remainder of his erratic breathing. "Perhaps your are not the only one who has changed over the past millennia." he spoke slowly, not looking Rodan in the eye as he continued forward.
"Perhaps." Rodan repeated as he turned around to watch the King depart, a growing excitement making his wings shake as well as his smile to widen, "Or perhaps its because your spending so much more time with her."
Slyly, the Fire Demon gave off an audible chuckle at the sight of Godzilla stopping in his tracks and his body tenseing. Although, Rodan was aware not to laugh too loudly, as to make sure the King wouldn't hear and blast him to pieces. Yes, Rodan was thankful Godzilla never had to resort to his atomic breath during their fight.
"Mosura just has that power to do that." Rodan continued, unable to stop himself as he turned his attention to the setting sun, "Powerful and fierce, yet kind and willed enough to see the good in anyone." This time, his blazing fire became warm and friendly, signalling to the world what he had to say was the truth.
"No wonder you love her so much."
"Utter one more word and I'll kill you." Godzilla hastily replied, not wanting to get into that conversation again. Especially if it meant he'd have to open up his emotions right after a hard-fought battle.
The King nor the Fire Demon said anything more in regards to that subject. There, Rodan stood idly as he watched the King continue his path back to his home. He finally made the right choice; the right decision that, at long last, gave him peace and happiness. He was going to keep making the right choice, now. Never, would he fail them again.
All three of them.
"Thank you, my King." Rodan whispered, still comprehending the reality he now lived in. A peaceful reality where he could do better- be better, "I promise, as your friend, I will do good on my words and will never be controlled by my fear again."
"I will forever fight by your side, Goji."
"Don't push your luck." Godzilla called from the other side of the beach, not turning around nor stopping, "We are definitely not on that level."
His heart jumped to his mouth and was physically blown back slightly. He was sure, if it wasn't for his confidence to be at an all time high right now, he would have fainted and collapsed on the sand… again. Actually, he had to make sure the King wasn't charging up an atomic breathe.
"Ah- Right. Yes. I firmly apologise, my King." Rodan stammered, trying and failing to collect himself, "Um… I'll just- uh- head… bye!"
As quickly as he could, Rodan soared through the air and left the King's island, planning to return to his home within the volcano. Knowing Rodan wasn't looking back, just before entering the cave, Godzilla stopped and turned his head to watch the Fire Demon fly past the setting sun. He really didn't want to admit, but he was the tiniest bit happy he was able to help Rodan out of such a weak state. He was the King, after all. And a King protects his people- even from themselves.
Scoffing, Godzilla entered the cave, a minuscule smile starting to form on his face.
"I'm proud of you." Mothra said softly as she nuzzled against the side of Godzilla's head.
By now, it was nightfall once again, and Mothra had returned from her outing and back to the King. There the two cuddled against one another in their usual resting positions. And after the King had told her of what had happened, Mothra was overjoyed to hear Godzilla and Rodan had (somewhat) resolved their differences.
"You really shouldn't be," Godzilla replied in a strangely embarrassed tone, "It's not like I've forgiven him like you have."
Mothra, stopping her nuzzling and resting her furred head against the King's, only continued to smile. "Even so, you managed to come to an understanding with Rodan," Mothra whispered within the darkness, "And even taught him the values of self-importance as well as strength for yourself and for others. Like that of a true King and friend."
Godzilla slightly grumbled at the mention of him being Rodan's friend but didn't think much of it. He had said that himself, after all. But to be his friend again wasn't a decision he was ready to make. "It would have been a lot easier if you were there with me." Godzilla spoke, trying to change the subject, "Where did you even go, anyway?"
Upon being questioned, Mothra refrained from looking at the King's eyes and had started to rub her front limbs against each other in a guilt-like manner. "Actually, I never really went anywhere." The Goddess admitted shamefully, "I had known Rodan would come to speak with you, so I decided it would have been best if I left you two on your own to resolve your issues by yourselves."
Upon hearing her revelation, the stunned King then gave out a heavy sigh and rested his eyes. He should have known she would do something like this. "I guess it was for the best." Godzilla spoke absent-mindedly, "Although maybe I could have convinced Rodan without having to fight him if you were there."
"Please, forgive me, Goji." Mothra replied, stifling a laugh, "Had I known you were that unprepared, I would have stayed."
"Please Mosu," Godzilla grumbled lowly, "there's already been enough forgiveness as it is."
"Oh? And I thought you hadn't forgiven Rodan." Mothra replied playfully as she returned to gaze at the King's eyes, "In any case, there can never be 'enough' forgiveness for this world."
Godzilla was quiet after that, not wanting to retort back to her truthful words. But, accompanied by the clashing waves and dripping water, Godzilla had realised that he never told Mothra all of what Rodan had said. Rodan opened up old wounds, so was it right to open Mothra's old wounds as well? Taking in a deep breathe, Godzilla remembered he could console with the Goddess about anything, and so, he reluctantly spoke.
"He brought up Anguirus during our fight." Godzilla said softly.
He noticed- much like he and Rodan- when Anguirus's name was spoke, Mothra flinched and her body became tight. Truly, his death affected all of them. Even Mothra fell victim to it, despite being the most composed and accepting of them all. Already regretting his decision, Godzilla moved closer to the Goddess.
"I had imagined he would do so," Mothra replied quietly, looking down towards the cave floor and giving a sad smile, "he was always the one to stop you two from fighting whenever I wasn't around."
"He was good and strong," Godzilla continued as both of them began to reminisce on the memory of the deceased Titan, "and he had a strong sense of justice as well as companionship."
"Hence why, its up to all three of us to continue to live and strive for this sense of justice and companionship to honour Anguirus's name." Mothra spoke strongly, now beginning to comfort the King by pressing her head closer and firmer to the side of his, "If we do so, then he will never truly die."
After hearing her words, Godzilla moved quite quickly so that he was now lying on his back against the cave wall and floor- his dorsal plates slightly digging into them. In doing so, much to the surprise of Mothra, he picked her up in his claws and laid her softly against his chest. It was an… unnatural… way of sleeping for Titan's- especially for non-mates- but the King sought further comfort from his partner. And when the initial shock had died down, Mothra was happy to oblige.
"Thank you, Mosu." Godzilla whispered as he wrapped his arms around her small frame that rested atop of him, "I needed that."
Smiling back at him, the Goddess's blue eyes sparkled as she returned to rest. However, the King wasn't done just yet. He was able to console Rodan of his problems. But, in doing so, brought out his own major flaw as well. And he had to get that of his chest, as well.
"You weren't scared of me, were you?" Godzilla questioned with great uncertainty and shamefulness, struggling to even say the full sentence to her.
"Whatever do you mean?" Mothra spoke, perking up her head and tilting it to the side in a confused manner. She truly didn't know what the King was talking about. Scared? How could she ever be, given how long they lived together.
"The other day, at Rodan's island," the King responded, clenching his teeth tighter and tensing at the memory, "When I lost my temper, I was reminded of how hard it was to control myself of my wrath."
Mothra stayed silent but gestured to Godzilla to continue after he initially remained quiet for a moment, "I have a lot more in common with Rodan than I would like to admit," the King carried on softly, "And much like how he fell victim to his fear and hurt you…"
The King returned his gaze to Mothra, so close to her face but his eyes littered with uneasiness and irritation.
"….What if I fall victim to my rage and end up hurting you too?"
Instantly, the moment he finished, Mothra relaxed her body atop of him and buried her head into the crook of Godzilla's neck. There, she used her limbs to hug the King tightly, causing him to tighten his arms around her, as well.
"If that's the case," she spoke, raising her head slightly too whisper into his ear, "then it's all the more reason for me to stay by your side."
Gently and lovingly, she brought her claw to rest against the side of the King's face and brought her face close to his. "I know you, Gojira." Mothra declared, combining her blue light with his, "I know that no matter how fierce or wrathful you perceive yourself to be, the true you is kind and caring and selfless- you proved that much today."
Softly, she rested the top her head against his and closed her eyes, brushing her furred antennae against the rough scales of his crown.
"And that's something," she whispered, "I love about you."
He stumbled on his breathe after her statement and started to caress her wings that lay behind her back. He, a monster that was bred to survive and win a great war so long ago. He, the King who was raised to block off any emotions or attachments to anything. He, who has killed and destroyed countless others and places. Had somehow been related to the feeling of love by her.
"So please," she commanded, backing away slightly so he could look her in the eye again, "don't dwell on such negative thoughts any longer."
Soon after, she collapsed back onto his underside and rested comfortably on his chest. There, she closed her eyes and smiled warmly as she went back to resting her head near his. "And smile," she said as she started to tire, "for the achievement you have been able to accomplish today."
"And continue do Anguirus proud as you have continued to do for me."
Soon, content with her advice and words of comfort, the King feel asleep with the Goddess resting atop of him. It seemed everything was falling into place- falling as to maintain the peace not just for the world, but for the Titans personally. And like how the two shared their warmth with each other, as the Fire Demon Rodan slept within his volcano, he finally felt the fire give him ease and comfort. He was finally warm.
Hoped you liked my rendition of Rodan. The movie didn't really give him much, if not any, sympathetic moments so I thought I'd do my best and give some for him.
And a small detail for my head-cannon, I like to think Goji and Rodan were once sparring partners during the Great Titan War hence why Rodan was so familiar with Goji's attacks, and why it felt 'nostalgic' for both of them.
Anyway, thanks for reading!