Happy new year!

Let's do our best for 2023!

Ch 2: Connected Hearts

Quietly, the young woman grasped her cup of coffee tighter as she continued to eye the laptop screen in front of her. Lights she had grown fully accustomed to long ago flashed wistfully around her. The busyness of the day – of where she was – had ebbed away some time ago, leaving only her thoughts and privacy. Awkwardly, she readjusted her laptop, ensuring its base hadn't enveloped anything important on the wide desk she was at. Although it was just her, the lights, imagery, statistics, and information still danced around upon the desk's screen. It didn't distract her one bit, but she did find the rapid motion of her leg fidgeting quite the annoyance as she remained vigilant to what was on the screen. On it, was a man bearing an all too similar expression most would wear when having to defend themselves from an otherwise undefendable situation.

And let me – and all of us who have worked so hard for the sake of protecting those we love – make it absolutely clear to everyone. That the sole purpose of the project, now most commonly known as MechaGodzilla, was and always had been with the intention of a secondary line of defence in the case Godzilla were to fall and allow other Titans to destroy our homes, families and the world.

And even the probable case Godzilla himself decides to bare his fangs on the entirety of humanity.

"Tch. 'Probable.'" the young woman scoffed, rolling her eyes before taking another sip of coffee. She could almost laugh if it wasn't for the fact their incompetence had cost the world many lives and that of an even greater danger than any other Titan that evaded The King of the Monster's check. Quickly, she returned her focus, the screen now changing to a woman sitting behind a news report desk.

Though this is what APEX have and continued to claim, further countless investigations into the company, aided by MONARCH, have revealed a darker side to their history. Illegal use and development of confidential, experimental technology. Records of plans to auction said technology and further research of their advanced bio-engineering to those of the highest bidder across the globe. Ties and scores of interactions with those within the Kaiju Black Market. All made possible by their connections with powerful leaders across the earth united with one, absolute goal.

Eradication of all Titan life.

The young woman flinched, tightly clutching the left side of her white lab coat. Even after all this time – after what everyone has seen – this debate was still going strong. Agitated, she placed her coffee mug on the floor beside her, knowing she'd most likely damage the desk if she left it on top of it. With a deflated sigh, she leant back on her chair, bringing her hands to press against her face, drowning out the sounds of the news report playing on the laptop, and took solace in the familiar sounds around her.

"Is something on your mind? Or are you tired? You can just go home, nearly everyone's already have." a soft voice spoke out from behind her, causing the young woman to spin around, her foot just missing her mug.

A smile quickly grew on the young woman, quickly recognising her friend's face. The woman who stood behind her was significantly older, but still had the same, young face as she did when she first met her all those years ago. She had black, short hair and wore the very same dark grey turtle-neck sweater the young woman sitting down in front of her had. As the head mythologist of MONARACH, she had an air of intrigue, mystery and wisdom. The young woman had grown fond of it the moment the older woman began to divulge into such myths and legends to her many years back.

The young woman laughed slightly, brushing her curled brown hair away, a bit embarrassed. "This might as well be my home, Miss Ilene." she half-joked, unable to not think that that actually wasn't that bad of an idea.

Ilene's smile slightly deflated, something the young woman took notice of fairly easily. "Yes, well, I still recommend you needn't push yourself so much around here. You're still so young." she spoke calmly, but unable to hide that worry the young woman has seen countless times directed to her.

Ilene had often seen the young woman do this. From the moment she was of age to be officially acknowledged as part of MONARCH, the young woman had worked diligently to fulfil the expectations as a sort of successor for the one that came before her. That person, however. She still felt… complicated about that. So many years had past since then, and both MONARCH and the world had changed significantly. And yet, despite knowing the atrocity that were to follow – and the deaths they truly were responsible for – the young woman couldn't deny. That she was still her mother. She was still family.

At the very least, at least she was able to see her mother redeem herself. Before her death.

"I know." the young woman replied, giving a small smile to Ilene. "But thanks. For still worrying about me. Even after all these years."

"And I still will for years to come." Ilene quickly interjected, laughing to herself softly. "I hope you won't get too irritated." To which it elicited a scoff and another laugh from the young woman.

She felt a hand gently rub against her shoulder, and sincerely smiled back at the older mythologist. Yes, it had been years, but they were made enjoyable and worthwhile with Ilene always there to guide and tutor her. Actually, looking after her would have been a better way to describe it. An overexcited – and yes, downright reckless – child, combined with the busy, serious and eventful workplace of MONARCH wasn't the best mix. But Ilene was always there to teach her the ropes as well as ensure she'd mature to the woman she, and the young woman's father, wanted to see. Tutoring her and always being there to ease any fears she had.

Not to say the young woman didn't have others helping her along the way. She had Ilene's sister a couple times, and all three had enjoyed each other's company. The young woman would admit that she had mistaken the two for the other an embarrassing amount of times throughout the years – a joke both sisters found extremely amusing no matter how many times it occurred, much to her embarrassment. But, eventually, she took note of the ever so miniscule details that differentiated the sisters. Like how Ilene's sister had sharper eyes and a sterner voice, complimented by how she didn't talk as much as Ilene, preferring to express herself through action. Like when she suddenly introduced her to her younger sisters – another set of twins, who had the strange ability to be able to talk simultaneously with each other. The young woman met the pair when she was a teen, and she found it both amazing and scary how they were able to pull it off. But, spending the day with them and with Ilene's sister had given rise to a feeling she hadn't felt in a while. A feeling that only got stronger the more she tended to be with them.

And, of course, there was her father. Who was, again, a… complicated matter. Some times they were close; some times distant. She felt he couldn't approach him like she could with the sisters. He was adamant she not follow in the same footsteps he undertook as a MONARCH scientist. But with nothing stopping her resolve, he knew it was pointless to try and convince her otherwise. But the young woman held no resentment for it, she understood it completely. They were all they had, blood-wise. A series of accidents, mistakes and dark choices had torn their family completely. They both had regrets, but both knew it was better to move on. For what it was worth, the young woman always enjoyed the embraces of her father the most.

However, although the debate to preserve or destroy Titan life has still been going strong ever since the first discovery of such creatures in 2014, it would seem the younger generation has encouraged a particular side.

The screen broke the immersion and quick memory. Suddenly, both Ilene and the young woman turned towards the laptop screen, an intrigue flickering within both pairs of eyes. The screen quickly flashed to a video of the young woman in what seemed to be a court room of sorts. The young woman watched herself vividly, remembering that day as if it had occurred mere moments ago.

Twenty year old Madison Russel, daughter of the late Dr Emma Russel, has strongly fought for the sake of preserving Titan life, arguing an attack from the Titans isn't as probable as one – and especially APEX – may think. And with the surprising instances from 2019 as to the most recent incident from 3 years ago finding Godzilla fighting to keep his place as the King of the Monsters against Kong, there may be some truth to Miss Russel's words – no matter how outrageous that may be.

Whichever side you choose to stand by, there is no doubt that a resurgence of understanding and reconsideration of the Titans that live amongst us have come to pass because of the determination of Miss Russel and of MONARCH.

…Maybe even because of the – dare I say – merciful acts of Godzilla.

The two woman took a moment to simply stare at the screen, before an exasperated sigh from Ilene broke the immersion. "Well… it's something." Ilene remarked, a relieved breathe of air escaping her as she looked down to the woman sitting in front of her. "Who would have thought you would become such a figure?" she joked, an odd – but not misplaced – sense of pride filling her as the video of Madison confidently speaking, a spark within her eyes, continued to play on the laptop.

The young MONARCH scientist, Madison Russel, with a hand brushing her curled, brown hair away and the other rubbing her now unshaken leg, gave a cautious chuckle as she too looked away from the laptop and towards the ground.

"What?" Ilene asked.

"Nothing, just…" Madison began, continuing to softly chuckle to herself. "It's a funny thought, don't you think? The giant, scary, radiation-breathing King of the Monsters actually displaying such a soft side. Merciful, as said." Her chuckles simmered down, but the odd nature of her smile wasn't something that couldn't quite be understood. "Funny… but a nice thought."

Slowly, Ilene nodded, pondering, too, the thought. "Do… you think that idea will stick?" she asked.

Ilene eyed Madison carefully, noticing her head drop slightly. The young woman sighed deeply and clasped her hands together tightly. "I wish." she replied, forlorn. Her response was all the answer Ilene needed. And she, too, found herself breathing out a deep sigh as she hung her head.

In any case, APEX have made their closing statements. As of today, the company has been shut down for its illegal – and threatening – use of technology, combined with their relationship with the Kaiju Black Market. Though it will never be clear who they've personally communicated to, we do know many of the companies officials have outright refused to mention who had given them such resources to aid with their research and development of Titan life.

"So, guess that's it, huh?" Madison finally spoke up, her face unreadable.

The older woman turned to her, already reading her mind. "You're still worried." she declared, getting a small rise out of the young MONARCH scientist.

Madison gave off an irritated breathe, now beginning to tap her feet on the ground rhythmically. "Our stress won't completely vanish until all of that damned market is gone for good." The young woman put her palms against her face and groaned. Bar the incident with APEX, the Kaiju Black Market was troublesome and posed some worry, but never too dangerous. But after MONARCH's fears were confirmed true, that the market were indeed tied with APEX and given them the necessary materials to forge such a weapon, that thinking had changed three years ago, and never really changed back.

"Madison, I'll be honest. Something like the Kaiju Black Market will probably stay for a long time. It's… much bigger and more powerful than the public know. Not to mention how elusive and hard to track down. As a part of MONARCH, you should know how much and how hard." Ilene spoke, watching Madison's hands leave her face. "But their influence needs something else. Something bigger; more powerful, and could operate publicly whilst they worked behind the scenes. Funding. Connections. Status. Power. Something like APEX. But they're gone now – for good. After that incident, that company is as good as dead."

Madison brought her hands to her lap and clutched them together. She stared distantly towards the end of the room, giving a sort of snort in response. Madison reflected on her friend's words for a moment and realised, like usual, Ilene was right. But as the worry and frustration left her face, Madison's eyes went from irritated to somewhat sullen, another thought, so different from all the commotion APEX had caused, came about. Ilene took a step closer, noticing the young woman pout in a way, and saw right through her instantly.

"And… what of Mothra, I assume?" the mythologist asked. Madison was momentarily surprised, but ended up scoffing jokingly. She never knew when Ilene had become so good at reading people's thoughts. But she was really good. Although, her smirk worn down as she continued to stare forward.

"It's probably disrespectful, but I wished we could have tracked down where she rested." Madison grumbled slightly, sitting straighter in her chair. Because of her mother, Madison's life had always revolved around the Titans. Even from a young age, she held no fear for such creatures – even Godzilla, to some degree. But her first proper interaction with one came in the form of Mothra. A Titan heralded as a Goddess. All the Titans were worshipped as one thousands of years ago. But not to the same to degree as Mothra. So to see her so closely, even as a child Madison immediately acknowledged the Titan's majesty, the memory ingrained into her mind forever. So when things began to settle down, Madison's appreciation – even infatuation – for the Titan began to grow. Whether it was coincidence or Mothra's Goddess powers that brought her to become so close to Ilene and her sisters – a family with a strong history of studying Mothra specifically – she never knew.

"Where she is resting," Ilene spoke quietly, turning to look towards the end of the room as well, "no human can reach."

"She's been hibernating for quite some time now. Almost eight years." Madison replied softly, "It's just… throughout all the data we've collected, it's always been shown that millions of years ago, Mothra had always helped Godzilla with foes. Even against Kong's own ancestors. So… why? Why didn't she return against Godzilla's most recent fight? This couldn't have been the first time Mothra went into hibernation only to have Godzilla fight someone."

Ilene rested her fingers against her chin. "Well… I suppose she had aided Godzilla against multiple of Kong's kind." she quickly replied with diligence, "However, during the incident with Kong, it was only him. It was a singular Titan battling an Alpha, after all. Perhaps, in order to truly solidify his place as King, Godzilla had to fight that battle by himself."

It didn't take long for Madison to realise Ilene was correct without any doubt. "Y-Yes. That does make sense." she said, turning to face her. "Godzilla is a prideful creature. Kong wouldn't have respected him as King if he was aided."

"Heh. I guess I just miss Mothra, is all." the young woman admitted genuinely, albeit a bit sadly. She looked down at the little coffee she had left, lost in her own memories.

"Don't we all." Ilene said softly, coming to stand by Madison. "With all that's happened, it would be nice to see the Goddess of Hope again. The Queen of the Monsters."

Madison smiled a genuine smile and enjoyed a moment of reminiscing. Then in a swift motion, grasped the cup that laid patiently on the floor and quickly downed the rest of her coffee. "Well, I'm sure she'll come back soon." she exclaimed abruptly, pushing the chair away from the desk and standing up. "Every King needs his Queen!"

She scoffed at her little joke and turned to the mythologist. "Thanks for keeping me company, Miss Ilene." Madison said, bowing her head slightly.

"Of course, Miss Russel." Ilene replied, bowing her own head in return.

Madison raised her arm as she walked away, leaving Ilene with her own thoughts by her lonesome and with her own deliberating mind. Madison's raised hand dropped and slumped into her coat pocket, clutching the fabric. On her other hand, her fingers rubbed and wrapped around the cold handle of the empty cup, damping it with her growing sweat. She bit her lip, still tasting the coffee. Neither action helped her one bit. Yes, she believed her friend whole heartedly. But Madison regarded herself as more of a pessimistic type. No doubt about it. There's more to Mothra – Ilene had strengthened this belief through her frequent discussions about her over the years. As the young woman left, only one thought was all she had in her mind as she went back home.

If Kong and APEX wasn't the fight she was preparing for. Just what is?

Within the murky depths of the sea embedded within the earth itself, the great creature continued to swim forth. From side to side his mighty tail swung as his black body swayed rhythmically, swaying the very ocean in turn. His eyes always remained forward but it was mostly his body that guided him through the depths. Many times he had used these to travel, quickly and efficiently. Through subterranean tunnels deep within the hollowed-out earth, the creature made haste. Echoing off the walls of rock and earth, his own voice of growls and grumbles bellowed back at him. Colossal and stretched throughout the entire world, they had the power to dwarf something as large as him. But dark and decrepit were their insides, the only light source the illumination of a certain blue glow upon his back.

Deep within the ocean, where all seemed still and silent, the powerful Titan released a breathe, vibrating the water around him. It was shaky, rumbling the current as he continued to swim forward with a certain desperation. His dorsal plates as well as his eyes glowed a deep and alluring blue, but he knew it came from some other force – the power she provided him. As if embracing his mind warmly, a presence – familiar, tender, and melancholic – grew stronger, and so did the pulsating of the light he emitted. Almost as soon as such a gift was bestowed upon him, did he find he had grown used to it – lived off it, really. But when it grew, stronger and more profound, did he know it was time. And with it, many thoughts and emotions clouded his great head.

Just… what would she think of him after what had happened? What would she say? She had left him when he had finally been at true peace – knowing she was alive and well – for the first time in millennia. And now, they would have to reunite. Knowing of the chaos they would have to face soon. And knowing the chaos of the war he had to fight whilst she was gone. A war with beings she had always loved and cherished.

Now they would reunite, but she would have to face the innate wrath and bitterness that his last fight had left him.

Shamed, the Titan shook his head violently, focusing on her presence to calm him. He didn't want that. He didn't want what they had made him feel be the thing she sensed within him. He knew he couldn't hide it from her – it really was impossible now. They both knew, in their hearts, this reunion ultimately wouldn't be a happy one.

Surrounded by the dark black of the sea, his mind began to wonder all of a sudden. From the precious time they had first spent together in the new world, to the future. A life he could live with her, after what they would have to do. To have put it behind them, for good. Just the two of them. And maybe… something else. Even with his mind fantasising, he knew not what that was. Just… her. At peace, happy, and grateful. Resting on an island they had chosen as their home, undisturbed. That it was all over. That the cycle that had haunted them for millions of years had finally been broken. He knew she wanted a life like that. Wanted him to be in that life, most of all.

Unknowing to the Titan, his heart beat quickened. Then, a warmth grew within his chest. This time, he knew it wasn't from the deep and great power he wielded. Still sad, uncertain and afraid. But, the pain alleviated. Only a small bit. And when he thought of her, still oblivious, the blue of his plates ebbed. And then a mystifying, unexplainable white.

Then, at last, the Titan finally breach the opening and made it to open water. And, as soon as he did so, he recoiled. The vibrations around him changed, and he found his body – from the tip of his snout to the end of his tail – lost some of its rigidness. Still, he continued forward, knowing he was so close. But, it wasn't just that fact. The feeling of the water around him, even down to the very taste, was different from before. It was subtle, but unexplainable to the Titan. It tickled across the Titan's impenetrable scales that decorated his hide, grasping his entire body.

His head perked up, and bubbles rose from his mouth that opened suddenly. Sensing he had finally reached it, his body began to rise out of the water. He was met with green foliage, untouched by human hands. He turned behind him, seeing a veil of mist surrounding the island, protecting it; keeping it hidden. He released another breathe, relieved the island remained an undisturbed solace. He sniffed the air, tasting it too. Soon, his instinctual senses and mental presence all lined up, guiding him the way. He snorted, a cloud of smoke escaping, a way to push himself ready. Already, a single step of his mighty feet embedded itself into the sand. Steadily, respecting every bit of the island, the King of the Monsters, Godzilla, was ready to continue forward. His stomach tightened as he looked forward, the warmth in his stern face increasing. He craned his neck to look upwards to the mountain, a rushing veil of water that spiralled to a gushing waterfall near its midsection. Knowing of the temple concealed behind it, and the great being it housed.

Instinctively, she stretched her claw out, hoping to breach her confines. But she was surprised to find no wall encompassed her. Startled at first, with her beak, she nipped upwards slightly, trying to pry herself open. Again, she found no barrier. Her heart began to beat faster, confused with this unfamiliarity. A soothing gust of wind came forth and blew comfortably against her white fur. Her recollection was slow, but gradually came forth to her. On impulse, her body began to move, pushing her to an upright, sitting position. Her limbs wobbled as she did and her fur tingled slightly, but the tiredness she felt allowed her to pay no mind. Still, she was surrounded by darkness, and tried to relieve herself from it. As she raised a claw towards her head, she felt her limb stiffen. Regardless, she persevered, finally reaching her beak. Gracefully, she let out her tongue and licked her claw, the sudden spike of warmth hitting her – confirming reality. Quickly, she brushed her claw against her head, rubbing past the fur and onto her eyes.

Like newly lit torches, when she opened them, the light encompassed her dark surroundings. She blinked a few times, alleviating the odd tiredness from her mind and body. The crystal sapphire of her eyes shimmered, now fully opened and wide. She looked down, and found her massive wings draped tightly around her entire body, her head peaking up from the top of the blue blanket of alluring patterns she wrapped herself in.

Her breathing slowed as her gaze began to fix on something. The internal warmth of her body and the cold winds of the world were a soothing contradiction, aiding her to wake herself up. Her wings loosened their grip on her as she began to relax more, opening herself, allowing her chest and legs to taste the fresh night's wind. Then, they stretched themselves slightly, before coming to fall and rest beside her. Tightly, she grasped beneath her, the feeling of the tip of her wings now fully readable to her. Finally, she took a proper breathe, and exhaled, filling herself with the cold air; clearing her mind of dreariness. As if on cue, her eyes fixated and softened. She looked downwards, and grasped her wings tighter.

A contrast to the blue was a sudden gold. Familiar and intimate. In the form of an eye. One she knew too well. She felt the tip of her wing she grasped suddenly get wet. Realising why, she pulled her head towards it, softly continuing to shed gentle tears as she elegantly nuzzled that part of her wing. She took another breathe in, trembling. She smiled. Sad, but genuine.

Sounds of faint, small life accompanied her. The insects that hid among the foliage that grew out of the cracks of the massive staircase that led down from where she rested. The rushing yet ominously quiet flow of the water veil in front of her. And the pin drops of water falling from the ancient pillars around her. A part of her wished her Shobijin could have been there to greet her awake. She imagined them standing there on the last step, like many had done before, draped in unrecognisable clothes lost to time. But she knew that was impossible.

Her mind began to wander, imaging he would just be outside, waiting for her. And as the thought of him grew, a spark like a flame lit from her wings. Taken aback, her eyes widened. She caught up with what her mind had been begging her to sense. And as if he was there, she felt as if he was picking up her wings, urging her to come. Her heart skipped as his presence sent a shiver down her spine. It was time. She had awoken. He was coming. They were still connected. And both felt the pain of the recent chaos that had been brought forth. The flame of energy spiralled softly around her wings, making them glow white. She couldn't afford to waste anymore time. She just had to see him. This pain he felt; she felt within her slumber.

She had to see him.

She stretched out her wings, small blue sparkles dripping from the edges. They embedded themselves into her resting place; into the cracks within the stairs. The blue energy flared once again, and rising from within the cracks, vines and flowers grew, untroubled and blooming to their fullest. She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to greater feel the connection she had made with him long ago. She felt him get closer, the desperation and pensiveness within his heart fading in and out of his mind. She allowed its familiarity, all of his excitement and emotion as well as his uncertainty and agitation, to reflect in her heart. She clutched her chest, readied herself and looked forward.

Elegantly, she glided to the ground, seeing her own crystal eyes reflect off the waterfall in front of her. With every step she took, the blue energy spiralled around her claws. Again, with a stern breathe, she collected herself, commanding the light to return to her wings. The wisps of her power ceased their dance and embedded themselves back into her majestic wings of blue, black and orange, pulsating strongly and erratic. As she walked closer, she ignored the droplets of water hitting her furred antennae, focusing all her effort on the connection. The erratic pulsating of light soon became rhythmic, confirming its melodic luminosity of her wings was in time with the glow from his plated back.

Slowly, she raised her wings, and whispered gratitude to her resting place for the haven it had granted her. Without a moment too soon, she leapt and flew straight through the water. The night sky blanketed her body whilst her wings formed a mystic silhouette of glowing blue. Like when she had first come here, his presence had uplifted her mind and heart. But stronger did it grow, and her soul ached in desperation. Faster and faster she flew, the greenery and navy night blending. Closer and closer. It was as if her heart would burst at any moment.

Then she cleared the opening, and found herself on the beach of the island. And instead of bursting, both of their hearts froze for the slightest of moments. As if on purpose, the light of the moon shone down, engulfing the two, showing a clear view to the other. She remained in the air, but almost struggled to keep balance. She noticed he had only taken one step onto this new land, before being rendered motionless. His travel was long, but not tiresome. And yet he stood there, breathless. She had plenty of time to collect herself, yet she remained stunned and still. He recognised instantly she hadn't changed and remained as beautiful as ever. But she soon noticed the new scars that adorned his thick hide. Neck. Chest. Cracked dorsal spines. Bruised claws and maw. She wanted the flow of memories to cease their torture, to not detail that battle to them again. Already, she began to feel that harrowing wetness sting and glisten the sapphire within her eyes. Seemingly, the paced beats of her wings and the gentle splashes against his scales were the only noise. Yet the two remained captivated by the others sight for a moment longer. She was the first to break out of her trance, and her quick movements towards the ground caused him to snort gruffly, ridding himself of his own captivation. He eyed her keenly as she got close.

"Gojira…" Mothra spoke, the name pleasuring and paining her heart.

"I… am…"

…So sorry…

Her words died out as the chilling breeze blew on. Her wings shook, dusting off the blue shine onto the sand beneath them. She clutched the ground beneath her, trembling, part of it from her saddened spirit, and the other from her restrain. How she craved meeting his eyes, so warm and nostalgic. How she wanted to blanket him with her wings, reminiscing on the days of past. How she wanted to make him smile.

But she couldn't, and she knew the situation they both were now in denied her King to smile, as well. So, she restrained, her connection with him dim and trickle.

His sharpened expression seemed indifferent, but the glow of his golden eyes betrayed it. His whole body flared with tension, even for just a moment. He had thought about this moment many times, imagined different scenarios and emotions. And he knew, no matter what could have been, this was always the outcome. But… why? Why? Why did it have to be so much worse? Why did they have to make it so much worse.

…No. That's enough.

This wasn't the moment to think about such things. There she sat, waiting. Always waiting. For him.

Gently, he came to her, now on his knees, also looking towards the ground. Her words beat against his mind, but he only focused on her echoing voice. The effect it had on him was the same, as it always was. He reached out his claws, flinched for a moment, before clasping them around her. A familiar act. That warm blue shone from her wings he touched. She didn't act surprised and instantly began to ease, rubbing against his grip. Naturally, she opened up more of her still waking mind to him. He accepted, and with great control, he embraced her with his arms as well as his mind – both acts equally as pleasant and comforting to her. He opened his golden eyes, not yet ready to face her, but knew that, for the moment, it was enough.

Alas, she finally began to let go of her restrain. Whether it be through the familiar sense of unity they shared, or of her own volition, she found the courage to raise her claws and embrace him back. Leaning forward, with shaking breathe, she rested her furred head against his scaled neck, sinking deeper still, taking in its sent – taking in reality. He leaned back against her, taking in the scent of her fur, his throat rumbling contently. He opened his mouth slightly, and she heard his soothing vibration of voice. Her soft tears continued to pass silently, but their embrace only strengthened.

Neither thought about the chaos of the past nor the chaos of the future. The betrayal of before and the doom that was to come became overshadowed by that mental warmth they shared with one another.

At last, the King had found his partner. And she had found her King.

Feels good to start getting back to the rhythm of writing longer pieces.

I do have a note on the certain human aspect/character interpretations to this story, but I think I'll cover that in the next chapter's notes. Really, I think the most noticeable thing is how Madison is going to 'feel' different from the character we got in Godzilla vs Kong. It probably doesn't matter, but I can't seem to shake that thought after rewatching GvK. But maybe chalk it up to her being a bit more grown up.

Hope you enjoyed!