Part Five: Valor
The Atragon erupted into a growing ball of fire, and with it, there came a sound. A singular tone that grew loud and deep and low. The mournful song called to the sea, and the sea responded. The fireball raced closer, and a wave broke high upon the shore. The note sounded again, and the tide rushed in around the Bradley's feet, filling the narrow trench.
"Kyoko, I love you," Kenji whispered, embracing his bride.
"I love you too, Kenji," she replied, squeezing her husband tighter.
"I'm too young to die!!" Cried the Technoid called Bug, and then the shockwave hit.
Around them the world became a screaming inferno as the blast raced inland, tearing into the streets of Tokyo and burning across the sands. The Bradley's dared a peek, and saw Mardsoon standing toes to the line, his fingers tracing the surface of the raging sheet of flame that hung before him. Somehow, they were safe, the flame would not cross the Runestaff's trench.
Slowly, the firestorm subsided, and the Bradley's joined the old Koshida. "Mardsoon, thank you." Kyoko spoke in the man's native tongue.
"Don't thank me, Kyoko. Thank them," Mardsoon pointed to a pair of figures kneeling in the sand. One of them was Anna Bradley, cradling Mikki, and holding the Selgan Conch as well. Huddled beside her was Miname Masada.
"Mom!"Shouted Kenji, running to join her. "YOU had the conch! But how...?"
"You left it sitting on the coffee table." Anna smiled at her son, still catching her breath. "This is my good friend, Miname. Please meet my son Kenji, and his wife Kyoko."
"Kyoko, that woman," Mardsoon gestured toward Anna. "She is so beautiful, so brave. You must profess my love for her in the words of your people. I must have her!"
Kyo's jaw nearly dropped at the native's plea. Ken stood looking a bit puzzled as well, then Bug came flitting closer. "Uh, Mr.B, I think the old guy's got the hots for your mom."
"I understand Koshida perfectly well," Anna smiled coyly at Mardsoon, speaking in fluent Koshida. "Play your cards right and I may have lunch with you sometime."
"For you I will spear the fattest boar in the jungle!"
"Thanks, but I'll settle for Italian."
"Hey! What are they saying?" Ken looked at his wife.
"I think they have agreed to date," Kyo replied.
"What? Ma, the guy's like...prehistoric!"
"I like him. Not every man offers to kill a boar for a girl."
Kenji looked at the man once called Mad Mardsoon and shrugged in resignation. "Try to have her home before midnight willya?"
"Miki," gasped Kyoko. "She's opened her eyes." Kyo reached down to pet her, and the pooch licked her hand. Though singed, the terrier looked vital and alert again, yet remained in Anna's arms. Kyoko smiled. "Hello, Mikki."
"Hey little girl," Ken joined them.
Anna sobbed with relief. "Kenji, you must thank Dr. Noto for taking care of Mikki and me."
"Definitely. Tanaka, too. But this little girl..."he stroked the dog's chin. "I could never thank enough." Ken looked up to find Commander Tanaka and General Shinzo approaching. Beyond them came Sato, Kalen and Magu. He rose to greet the soldiers, and bowed. "Shiro. General."
The men's faces were set grim. Shiro turned to Miname, giving her his hand, and together they leaned close to Anna. "Anna, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Commander. Thank you. You have been a good friend."
"Yeah, Shiro," Ken agreed. "Thank you, man."
General Shinzo's eyes narrowed at their words. Tanaka. Even the dog liked the man. The General would not hesitate to admit an easiness in relating to him himself. Tanaka was a darn good soldier. Too bad it looked like he was going to have to take the fall. "Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, my thanks for whatever it was you did out there. There were casualties, but there could have been a whole lot more. Including us."
"You're welcom," said Ken. "Always glad to lend a hand." Ken shot a wary glance at his wife, not knowing what to expect from the huge, sumo-like General. Then the other flyer landed nearby, and the rest of the crew emerged.
"Well. Quite an ecclectic bunch," said the General. "A trio of Markalite Men, a pair of troglodytes, future folk, assorted scientists, and of course, the Bradley's. The daikaiju seem to have left, at least."
"Kyoko, is that man the Chief?" Asked Kalen.
"Like a Chief, Kalen. Yes." Kyo replied.
"Commander Tanaka has briefed me on what details he knows of this situation, but full statements will be required from each of you. To be blunt, we need to determine If any of you might have to be held responsible.," Shinzo concluded.
Above the crowd, a shimmer appeared in the air. The shimmer swirled, coallescing into a small, shining sphere. The object hovered, then drifted down to settle in Mako's grasp. She looked at those around her and pronounced; "We're going home!"
"It's back," said Ken.
Kyo agreed. "It is going to finish what it started."
"Sweetheart, you came back!" Gug buzzed in elation. "Oh, speak to me, gorgeous. Tell me how much you..." The Sphere pulsed, engulfing the little Technoid in its alien aura. "Ohh, baby..."
"Bug, report." Mako commanded.
"Well excuse me for having a life! Unlike some people I know who haven't had a date in..."
"Bug!"
"I'll shut up now."
"Good. Magu, bring the other flyer in. Right up close to this one." The woman shot the General a wary glance. "And be quick about it, willya?"
"Aye aye," the First Mate saluted then took off running.
The General eyed the Sea Captain back. "Commander Tanaka, that is the Timespace device you spoke of?"
"Hai. It appears our comrades from the future won't be staying long," Shiro replied, his tone tinged with determination.
The General watched the second flyer approaching from the sky. "Yes. So it appears."
"Bug, I want you to do something for me," said Mako.
"For you, Cap'n? Anything!"
"I want you to stay here in the past."
"Uh, did I say 'anything'...?"
"We don't really know what to expect, Bug. What if we go back and nothing's changed? I need you to stay just long enough to get that DSC formula from Kenji."
"Yeah, and how'm I supposed to get back?
"I'm not sure. Any way you can, I suppose."
"Whoa, wait a minute. You want the Technoid to stay here with us?" Asked Ken.
"Give him the formula, then send him back. I've seen you work, Bradley. If anyone can find a way, you can."
"Kenji, we already have a pet," said Kyo.
"I, uh, I kind of owe these people, sweetheart. The alchemical properties of my DSC compound could be exactly what their world needs to start healing itself."
"I don't wanna!" The drone shook vehemently.
"Consider it an order, Bug," said Mako. "I'm sorry."
"Kenji!" Kyoko cried. "We can't...!"
"Please,"Mako implored. "Please, it means a great deal to the future."
Kyoko looked at the woman, and saw a soldier fighting a war. Kyo knew what that was like now. "Something is telling me I am going to regret this." Hesitantly, she nodded agreement.
Wordlessly, the Technoid turned to hover before the Bradley's, then buzzed past them to settle further down the shore. He did not want to watch the carrier nimbus leave without him.
"Thank you, Kenji...Kyoko," said Mako, Magu now waving from his flyer's cockpit. "Farewell!" She climbed aboard the second flyer and held forth the Sphere. Leaning close, she and Magu grasped the device between the ships, and they vanished.
"Wow. So THAT's what that looks like," said Ken.
Again the air seemed to grow luminous, and the Sphere returned, this time directing itself at Kalen. The Koshida grasped the object unafraid. "Kyoko, Mardsoon! I have the ship now!" He shouted. "Come, Mardsoon, let us do as the two who just lkeft us and..."
"No, Kalen," Mardsoon replied. "This time you must go alone."
"Mardsoon, what are you talking about?" Asked Kyoko.
"I mean to stay. You are familiar with Kunashira, are you not, Anna?"
"Well, yes," she replied in Koshida.
"Then please, take me there. My work in the past is done, but I believe there may be a place for me among the Koshida of this age. I would dearly love to thank the Selgans for their magic as well. Will you come with me, dear lady?" The old man blurted out.
"Okay," Anna replied.
"Oh Lord. What now?" Ken asked his wife.
"Mardsoon is staying. He wants to join his modern tribe, and Anna has agreed to go with him."
For a moment, Ken could only look at his mother in wonder. Then he turned to Mardsoon and spoke; "That is my mother. Know that she is very important to me," the young American spoke emphatically, even though he knew the old man did not understand his words. "You keep her safe."
Anna quickly translated, looking proudly at her son. Mardsoon gave a firm response, and Anna relayed it. "He said he will watch over me always, as the SeaSpirit watches over us all." Anna rose, handing Mikki over to Ken. "Son, I can certainly afford to take a short time to help this man acclimate himself to a new world. You and Kyoko are home and healthy, so my work here is done as well."
"Holy smoke," said Kyo. "Kenji, we forgot to tell her!"
"What?" Said Anna.
"Oh man, you're right," Ken replied. "Well, ma..."
"Anna, I am pregnant," Kyoko pronounced.
"And you forgot to tell me?" Anna gave her daughter-in-law a puzzled look, then smiled. "I am so happy for you, my dears! My family has always been my greatest treasure, and now you shall have your own!"
"Mardsoon, I do not understand..." said Kalen.
"I don't either, good Kalen! I only know that this feels right. That I must stay, and that you must return to teach our people."
"Teach them?" Asked the spearman.
"Tell them of the SeaSpirit, and of the stars that cast patterns in the sky. Tell them not to fear the lake, for the idol will protect them. But most important, tell them never, NEVER pray to the Obake again."
Kalen understood now. Mardsoon was right, it was too important not to return. The Koshida warrior eyed the crowd slowly, his gaze settling upon Kyoko. A sad smile passed between them. "Good luck," he said.
"Good luck," said Kyoko. And then Kalen too disappeared.
It took them all a minute to realize it was really over. The Sphere was not coming back. A mechanical hum rose from nearby, and Bug came flitting into view. "She's gone? She...she's gone."
"For now, Bug," Ken reassured the drone. "Remember this is only temporary."
"I'll try, but it sure doesn't feel temporary."
"Well," began General Shinzo. "I guess the rest of you must belong here. Now what in blazes am I going to do with all of you?"
"Let them go," said Shiro. "I will take responsibility here."
"Commander, you have done nothing wrong," Fujiko interjected.
"I was supposed to protect Tokyo. Look around you, soldier."
"Shiro, my parents can help," said Kyoko. "I'm sure they can find expert legal counsel for you."
"We will fight to keep you free, Commander," said Kazuki.
"Wait. I think there is another way," Shinzo exclaimed. "Sato, Masada, Will you agree to accompany me and rejoin Tominaga and Komai? Kato! Yasuda! Are you men still G-Force?"
The soldiers looked at Shiro, and he gave them the thumbs up. "Yes, Sir!" They replied as one.
"Then escort our friends here back to G-Command. You will be required to file an Official report, then I promise you will be free to go."
Sato and Miname exchanged a glance. They were indeed most concerned about their Uncles. Together, they nodded affirmative to the General.
"And where does that leave us?" Asked Ken.
"I believe your in-laws, the Iso's, have an estate in Hokkaido?" Shinzo began. "Then that would leave you in Hokkaido, Mr. Bradley. Forty eight hours from now, I shall arrive there to pick up your own written statements. By then you will have left Japan. I will leave the arrangements up to Yasuda and Kato."
"I don't want to sound ungrateful, General, but what of Commander Tanaka?" Asked Anna.
"Inoshiro Tanaka will be tried by a military court and most likely sent to prison for a very long time. That is he would be, if he had not disappeared."
"Shiro's eyes grew wide, and Miname clung close to him.
"He could even have slipped away in one of the Sphere's departures. Who knows? Tanaka," Shinzo addressed the man. "I believe in you, but the Brass back at G-Command have tasted blood. Even if you could disprove Munabe's charges, I believe they would find SOME reason to hang you anyway. Officially, you will be held responsible, but you cannot be punished if you cannot be found." Shinzo clasped the man's shoulder, and squeezed. "This one chance is all I can offer you."
Shiro seethed behind a stoic mask. The life he had built had been suddenly snatched away, and cast upon the wind. Beside him stood a woman, beautiful and passionate. A woman he must leave behind along with the rest of his hopes and dreams. He looked deeply into Miname's eyes. "Remember me."
"Something tells me we shall meet again, you and I." They kissed, then Shiro turned away.
He bowed before Maki Sato. "Try to keep your skin on, Sato, if not your pants."
"Good Luck, Commander," Sato replied.
Then Shiro approached the Bradley's. "Anna, you have taught me so much..."
"You are a true hero, and a true friend, Inoshiro Tanaka. You take good care of yourself."
"Kenji, Kyoko. I would love to see YOUR accounts of this affair! I need to know it is over," Shiro looked, and knew they could not answer. "Can any of you tell me it is over?"
Two low yaps came in response, and Mikki shifted in Ken's arms. "There ya go, Shiro. Right from the source!" Ken smiled.
"My parents, Paul and Shidori Iso, can still help you, Shiro. Do not hesitate to call them," said Kyoko.
"Thank you. Fujiko, Kazuki, you do right by your Commander and you will be doing right by me."
"We will be ther if you need us," Fuji replied.
"Domo, Shinzo-sama," said Tanaka. The General nodded acceptance, then Shiro turned away, and started off down the beach.
"General, you did the right thing," Anna proclaimed.
"And I am glad of it, Mrs. Bradley. I know none of this was the Commander's doing, neither was it your family's. This was war, and in the end, I believe it is the good guys that have won." Shinzo considered the Bradley's grimly. "Tell me now; Is it truly over?"
"Hai, General," Kyoko began. "This family was somehow chosen to carry this battle from the present into the future and the past. The Wild Gods could not war amongst themselves and leave the Human Spirit unscathed. Luckily, we had a weapon, a protector. We had Godzilla."
"Who thankfully has not reappeared," said Kenji. "I'm not sure the beast even realizes we were on the same side in this struggle, and I don't want to be the one to try to enlighten him! Right, Mikki?" The Terrier yapped twice in agreement, and for a second, Ken thought he saw a tiny flash like lightning spark within her eyes. "Let's go home."
The Atragon erupted into a growing ball of fire, and with it, there came a sound. A singular tone that grew loud and deep and low. The mournful song called to the sea, and the sea responded. The fireball raced closer, and a wave broke high upon the shore. The note sounded again, and the tide rushed in around the Bradley's feet, filling the narrow trench.
"Kyoko, I love you," Kenji whispered, embracing his bride.
"I love you too, Kenji," she replied, squeezing her husband tighter.
"I'm too young to die!!" Cried the Technoid called Bug, and then the shockwave hit.
Around them the world became a screaming inferno as the blast raced inland, tearing into the streets of Tokyo and burning across the sands. The Bradley's dared a peek, and saw Mardsoon standing toes to the line, his fingers tracing the surface of the raging sheet of flame that hung before him. Somehow, they were safe, the flame would not cross the Runestaff's trench.
Slowly, the firestorm subsided, and the Bradley's joined the old Koshida. "Mardsoon, thank you." Kyoko spoke in the man's native tongue.
"Don't thank me, Kyoko. Thank them," Mardsoon pointed to a pair of figures kneeling in the sand. One of them was Anna Bradley, cradling Mikki, and holding the Selgan Conch as well. Huddled beside her was Miname Masada.
"Mom!"Shouted Kenji, running to join her. "YOU had the conch! But how...?"
"You left it sitting on the coffee table." Anna smiled at her son, still catching her breath. "This is my good friend, Miname. Please meet my son Kenji, and his wife Kyoko."
"Kyoko, that woman," Mardsoon gestured toward Anna. "She is so beautiful, so brave. You must profess my love for her in the words of your people. I must have her!"
Kyo's jaw nearly dropped at the native's plea. Ken stood looking a bit puzzled as well, then Bug came flitting closer. "Uh, Mr.B, I think the old guy's got the hots for your mom."
"I understand Koshida perfectly well," Anna smiled coyly at Mardsoon, speaking in fluent Koshida. "Play your cards right and I may have lunch with you sometime."
"For you I will spear the fattest boar in the jungle!"
"Thanks, but I'll settle for Italian."
"Hey! What are they saying?" Ken looked at his wife.
"I think they have agreed to date," Kyo replied.
"What? Ma, the guy's like...prehistoric!"
"I like him. Not every man offers to kill a boar for a girl."
Kenji looked at the man once called Mad Mardsoon and shrugged in resignation. "Try to have her home before midnight willya?"
"Miki," gasped Kyoko. "She's opened her eyes." Kyo reached down to pet her, and the pooch licked her hand. Though singed, the terrier looked vital and alert again, yet remained in Anna's arms. Kyoko smiled. "Hello, Mikki."
"Hey little girl," Ken joined them.
Anna sobbed with relief. "Kenji, you must thank Dr. Noto for taking care of Mikki and me."
"Definitely. Tanaka, too. But this little girl..."he stroked the dog's chin. "I could never thank enough." Ken looked up to find Commander Tanaka and General Shinzo approaching. Beyond them came Sato, Kalen and Magu. He rose to greet the soldiers, and bowed. "Shiro. General."
The men's faces were set grim. Shiro turned to Miname, giving her his hand, and together they leaned close to Anna. "Anna, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Commander. Thank you. You have been a good friend."
"Yeah, Shiro," Ken agreed. "Thank you, man."
General Shinzo's eyes narrowed at their words. Tanaka. Even the dog liked the man. The General would not hesitate to admit an easiness in relating to him himself. Tanaka was a darn good soldier. Too bad it looked like he was going to have to take the fall. "Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, my thanks for whatever it was you did out there. There were casualties, but there could have been a whole lot more. Including us."
"You're welcom," said Ken. "Always glad to lend a hand." Ken shot a wary glance at his wife, not knowing what to expect from the huge, sumo-like General. Then the other flyer landed nearby, and the rest of the crew emerged.
"Well. Quite an ecclectic bunch," said the General. "A trio of Markalite Men, a pair of troglodytes, future folk, assorted scientists, and of course, the Bradley's. The daikaiju seem to have left, at least."
"Kyoko, is that man the Chief?" Asked Kalen.
"Like a Chief, Kalen. Yes." Kyo replied.
"Commander Tanaka has briefed me on what details he knows of this situation, but full statements will be required from each of you. To be blunt, we need to determine If any of you might have to be held responsible.," Shinzo concluded.
Above the crowd, a shimmer appeared in the air. The shimmer swirled, coallescing into a small, shining sphere. The object hovered, then drifted down to settle in Mako's grasp. She looked at those around her and pronounced; "We're going home!"
"It's back," said Ken.
Kyo agreed. "It is going to finish what it started."
"Sweetheart, you came back!" Gug buzzed in elation. "Oh, speak to me, gorgeous. Tell me how much you..." The Sphere pulsed, engulfing the little Technoid in its alien aura. "Ohh, baby..."
"Bug, report." Mako commanded.
"Well excuse me for having a life! Unlike some people I know who haven't had a date in..."
"Bug!"
"I'll shut up now."
"Good. Magu, bring the other flyer in. Right up close to this one." The woman shot the General a wary glance. "And be quick about it, willya?"
"Aye aye," the First Mate saluted then took off running.
The General eyed the Sea Captain back. "Commander Tanaka, that is the Timespace device you spoke of?"
"Hai. It appears our comrades from the future won't be staying long," Shiro replied, his tone tinged with determination.
The General watched the second flyer approaching from the sky. "Yes. So it appears."
"Bug, I want you to do something for me," said Mako.
"For you, Cap'n? Anything!"
"I want you to stay here in the past."
"Uh, did I say 'anything'...?"
"We don't really know what to expect, Bug. What if we go back and nothing's changed? I need you to stay just long enough to get that DSC formula from Kenji."
"Yeah, and how'm I supposed to get back?
"I'm not sure. Any way you can, I suppose."
"Whoa, wait a minute. You want the Technoid to stay here with us?" Asked Ken.
"Give him the formula, then send him back. I've seen you work, Bradley. If anyone can find a way, you can."
"Kenji, we already have a pet," said Kyo.
"I, uh, I kind of owe these people, sweetheart. The alchemical properties of my DSC compound could be exactly what their world needs to start healing itself."
"I don't wanna!" The drone shook vehemently.
"Consider it an order, Bug," said Mako. "I'm sorry."
"Kenji!" Kyoko cried. "We can't...!"
"Please,"Mako implored. "Please, it means a great deal to the future."
Kyoko looked at the woman, and saw a soldier fighting a war. Kyo knew what that was like now. "Something is telling me I am going to regret this." Hesitantly, she nodded agreement.
Wordlessly, the Technoid turned to hover before the Bradley's, then buzzed past them to settle further down the shore. He did not want to watch the carrier nimbus leave without him.
"Thank you, Kenji...Kyoko," said Mako, Magu now waving from his flyer's cockpit. "Farewell!" She climbed aboard the second flyer and held forth the Sphere. Leaning close, she and Magu grasped the device between the ships, and they vanished.
"Wow. So THAT's what that looks like," said Ken.
Again the air seemed to grow luminous, and the Sphere returned, this time directing itself at Kalen. The Koshida grasped the object unafraid. "Kyoko, Mardsoon! I have the ship now!" He shouted. "Come, Mardsoon, let us do as the two who just lkeft us and..."
"No, Kalen," Mardsoon replied. "This time you must go alone."
"Mardsoon, what are you talking about?" Asked Kyoko.
"I mean to stay. You are familiar with Kunashira, are you not, Anna?"
"Well, yes," she replied in Koshida.
"Then please, take me there. My work in the past is done, but I believe there may be a place for me among the Koshida of this age. I would dearly love to thank the Selgans for their magic as well. Will you come with me, dear lady?" The old man blurted out.
"Okay," Anna replied.
"Oh Lord. What now?" Ken asked his wife.
"Mardsoon is staying. He wants to join his modern tribe, and Anna has agreed to go with him."
For a moment, Ken could only look at his mother in wonder. Then he turned to Mardsoon and spoke; "That is my mother. Know that she is very important to me," the young American spoke emphatically, even though he knew the old man did not understand his words. "You keep her safe."
Anna quickly translated, looking proudly at her son. Mardsoon gave a firm response, and Anna relayed it. "He said he will watch over me always, as the SeaSpirit watches over us all." Anna rose, handing Mikki over to Ken. "Son, I can certainly afford to take a short time to help this man acclimate himself to a new world. You and Kyoko are home and healthy, so my work here is done as well."
"Holy smoke," said Kyo. "Kenji, we forgot to tell her!"
"What?" Said Anna.
"Oh man, you're right," Ken replied. "Well, ma..."
"Anna, I am pregnant," Kyoko pronounced.
"And you forgot to tell me?" Anna gave her daughter-in-law a puzzled look, then smiled. "I am so happy for you, my dears! My family has always been my greatest treasure, and now you shall have your own!"
"Mardsoon, I do not understand..." said Kalen.
"I don't either, good Kalen! I only know that this feels right. That I must stay, and that you must return to teach our people."
"Teach them?" Asked the spearman.
"Tell them of the SeaSpirit, and of the stars that cast patterns in the sky. Tell them not to fear the lake, for the idol will protect them. But most important, tell them never, NEVER pray to the Obake again."
Kalen understood now. Mardsoon was right, it was too important not to return. The Koshida warrior eyed the crowd slowly, his gaze settling upon Kyoko. A sad smile passed between them. "Good luck," he said.
"Good luck," said Kyoko. And then Kalen too disappeared.
It took them all a minute to realize it was really over. The Sphere was not coming back. A mechanical hum rose from nearby, and Bug came flitting into view. "She's gone? She...she's gone."
"For now, Bug," Ken reassured the drone. "Remember this is only temporary."
"I'll try, but it sure doesn't feel temporary."
"Well," began General Shinzo. "I guess the rest of you must belong here. Now what in blazes am I going to do with all of you?"
"Let them go," said Shiro. "I will take responsibility here."
"Commander, you have done nothing wrong," Fujiko interjected.
"I was supposed to protect Tokyo. Look around you, soldier."
"Shiro, my parents can help," said Kyoko. "I'm sure they can find expert legal counsel for you."
"We will fight to keep you free, Commander," said Kazuki.
"Wait. I think there is another way," Shinzo exclaimed. "Sato, Masada, Will you agree to accompany me and rejoin Tominaga and Komai? Kato! Yasuda! Are you men still G-Force?"
The soldiers looked at Shiro, and he gave them the thumbs up. "Yes, Sir!" They replied as one.
"Then escort our friends here back to G-Command. You will be required to file an Official report, then I promise you will be free to go."
Sato and Miname exchanged a glance. They were indeed most concerned about their Uncles. Together, they nodded affirmative to the General.
"And where does that leave us?" Asked Ken.
"I believe your in-laws, the Iso's, have an estate in Hokkaido?" Shinzo began. "Then that would leave you in Hokkaido, Mr. Bradley. Forty eight hours from now, I shall arrive there to pick up your own written statements. By then you will have left Japan. I will leave the arrangements up to Yasuda and Kato."
"I don't want to sound ungrateful, General, but what of Commander Tanaka?" Asked Anna.
"Inoshiro Tanaka will be tried by a military court and most likely sent to prison for a very long time. That is he would be, if he had not disappeared."
"Shiro's eyes grew wide, and Miname clung close to him.
"He could even have slipped away in one of the Sphere's departures. Who knows? Tanaka," Shinzo addressed the man. "I believe in you, but the Brass back at G-Command have tasted blood. Even if you could disprove Munabe's charges, I believe they would find SOME reason to hang you anyway. Officially, you will be held responsible, but you cannot be punished if you cannot be found." Shinzo clasped the man's shoulder, and squeezed. "This one chance is all I can offer you."
Shiro seethed behind a stoic mask. The life he had built had been suddenly snatched away, and cast upon the wind. Beside him stood a woman, beautiful and passionate. A woman he must leave behind along with the rest of his hopes and dreams. He looked deeply into Miname's eyes. "Remember me."
"Something tells me we shall meet again, you and I." They kissed, then Shiro turned away.
He bowed before Maki Sato. "Try to keep your skin on, Sato, if not your pants."
"Good Luck, Commander," Sato replied.
Then Shiro approached the Bradley's. "Anna, you have taught me so much..."
"You are a true hero, and a true friend, Inoshiro Tanaka. You take good care of yourself."
"Kenji, Kyoko. I would love to see YOUR accounts of this affair! I need to know it is over," Shiro looked, and knew they could not answer. "Can any of you tell me it is over?"
Two low yaps came in response, and Mikki shifted in Ken's arms. "There ya go, Shiro. Right from the source!" Ken smiled.
"My parents, Paul and Shidori Iso, can still help you, Shiro. Do not hesitate to call them," said Kyoko.
"Thank you. Fujiko, Kazuki, you do right by your Commander and you will be doing right by me."
"We will be ther if you need us," Fuji replied.
"Domo, Shinzo-sama," said Tanaka. The General nodded acceptance, then Shiro turned away, and started off down the beach.
"General, you did the right thing," Anna proclaimed.
"And I am glad of it, Mrs. Bradley. I know none of this was the Commander's doing, neither was it your family's. This was war, and in the end, I believe it is the good guys that have won." Shinzo considered the Bradley's grimly. "Tell me now; Is it truly over?"
"Hai, General," Kyoko began. "This family was somehow chosen to carry this battle from the present into the future and the past. The Wild Gods could not war amongst themselves and leave the Human Spirit unscathed. Luckily, we had a weapon, a protector. We had Godzilla."
"Who thankfully has not reappeared," said Kenji. "I'm not sure the beast even realizes we were on the same side in this struggle, and I don't want to be the one to try to enlighten him! Right, Mikki?" The Terrier yapped twice in agreement, and for a second, Ken thought he saw a tiny flash like lightning spark within her eyes. "Let's go home."