And here we are: The closing chapter of this story. And yes, Queen of the Monsters, the next story will feature Mothra.

By the by, watching an episode of Godzilla: The Series, I came to the conclusion that the episode's title, "Ring of Fire", might have been more appropriate for this story (what with two fire-breathers fighting in a volcano and all) so I might change it. Should I go for it?

Godzilla is © Toho

AFTERMATH

JSDF Base, North of Tokyo, Japan, Briefing Room

"There's been no sign of Rodan since the eruption," Colonel Gordon announced, "Despite the fact that no remains were found, we can only assume that Godzilla finished it off."

"So what about the G-ster?" Kazama asked.

"The UNXCC was left with no choice other than to leave that situation in your hands," Gordon answered, "But… the way I see it, there's only one thing can be done about the situation."

Colonel Gordon took a deep breath, leaned forward on the desk, and explained what he had in mind.

"No," Osaki stated as soon as he was finished, "No way."

"She's a child," Miyuki insisted, "She's not nearly ready for something like that."

"I actually agree with these two," Akane replied, "We can't entrust a 15-year-old with something so dangerous."

"Actually I think we should try it," Kazama spoke up, earning angry glances from the rest of the room. "As opposed to what? Besides, you all… well Akane doesn't, but the rest of you all know that she can take it."

"I don't like it either," Gordon told them, "But it's the only option we have. I'll tell her."

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She'd locked the door.

She'd locked the door and taken the key out.

Miyuki had been serious about not straining that arm.

Miki gave another frustrated look at the door, supremely annoyed that she wasn't skilled enough with her powers to affect a lock.

Much to her surprise, the door suddenly opened before her, and there was Colonel Gordon.

"Let me guess," She sighed, "You've-got-no-choice-but…"

"No, I don't have a choice," Colonel Gordon answered, "Someone's bound to fire my ass over this one, but your pet lizard got rid of a very credible threat to Japan's national security. So, as of this moment, regarding Godzilla… you're in charge of him."

Miki stood still in total shock, her eyes widening.

"…I'm what?" She checked.

"From here on in, he's your responsibility. I can give him the benefit of the doubt, but…" He sighed, "This is important, Miki: So listen, and listen good. Godzilla is still a powerful and, mainly, dangerous creature. Whether I'll be able to turn a blind eye to him still running around depends entirely on you keeping him under control. As long as he stays in line, fine. But if he ever goes postal… then it'll be out of my hands. You understand?"

Miki nodded.

"So unless that happens…" She asked.

"I'd say I just appointed you as…" Gordon searched for the right word, "Custodian."

Miki pulled him into a tight hug, almost squealing like a schoolgirl.

"Thank you," She squeaked, "I promise, you won't regret this!"

"Just make sure I don't," Gordon warned. As he turned to the door, he finished with: "Good luck, kid."

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In the distance, just past the cliff that divided the JSDF base from the sea, Godzilla skimmed the surface of the water, the top of his head and his spiked back breaking the surface as he sniffed at the air and dived back under the water.

Miki sat on top of the cliff, a concerned frown having long overtaken her pretty face.

She still knew that he was dangerous. He'd attacked the sub, and unless she was careful, he would do something like that.

In the last two weeks, everything had changed for her. Giant monsters, secret organisations, almost getting killed, watching two literally larger-than-life monsters fight on top of a volcano like something from a movie…

Two weeks back suddenly seemed like a long time ago.

Now, she had a responsibility greater than any she'd had before. Deep down, she honestly didn't know if she could handle it.

She sensed the cold, disciplined presence approach from behind her.

"Hey," She greeted Akane coldly, not taking her eyes off Godzilla has he rolled over lazily in the waves. "I didn't think you'd still be around. Godzilla got rid of Rodan."

"I've been ordered to observe the situation regarding Godzilla," Akane replied matter-of-factly, "Indefinitely."

"You still think he should be killed, don't you?" Miki asked.

"However much potential value you might see in him," Akane answered as she watched Godzilla coldly, "That creature is still a greater potential threat than any other living thing on Earth."

"Thought so," Miki shrugged, "So what brings you up here, unless you want to talk to the 'overly-sentimental child'?"

"It's true," Akane admitted, "I think Godzilla's dangerous. And I think that assigning any single person to monitor him, especially someone so young, is a poorly-thought-out idea that could have disastrous consequences."

Miki sat still, looking at Godzilla as Akane sat down next to her.

"I also think," She said more kindly, "That the Colonel couldn't have chosen a better person to do it." This honestly came as a surprise. "Yes, you're a sentimentalist, and I doubt whether you're ready for this. But today, dealing with this crisis… I was honestly amazed."

"…Seriously?"

"Yes. You showed a level of devotion and loyalty that was genuinely impressive."

"Wow," Miki breathed. "Didn't see that coming."

"Well I have a report to fill out," Akane said as she stood up, "And I'll be leaving the link out." She gave a brief smile before leaving the bemused Miki with her thoughts.

Oddly enough, the first thing Miki remembered was Gordon's words to her:

"Good luck, Kid."

The first thing she thought was that, considering what she was being thrown headfirst into, she was going to need it.

The second was that it might not be in as short supply as she thought.

END

And this concludes Episode 3. As is always the case, Episode 4, "Legacy", is now up for your enjoyment.

All reviews welcome!